Meow Meow Meow Meow

Luna held Allen’s hand as they walked downstairs.

Down below, the magic-stone-powered clock was nearing three in the afternoon.

Outside, the chirping of kingfishers rang through the summer sunlight—

Like a song.

They were the spirits of this world,

Singing as much as they could.

Before long,

Autumn would arrive.

And they would migrate north to rest.

The winters in the Bordeaux region were harsh.

Even in ancient language,

“Bordeaux” meant cold.

Yet in summer—

It was warm and gentle.

Never unbearably hot.

Those migrating kingfishers…

Were just like two travelers on a journey.

Luna led Allen downstairs.

Allen seemed to have regained a bit of autonomy.

She could move now—

And follow simple instructions.

Though her mind had not recovered,

At least she could perform basic actions.

For example—

When Luna told her to eat earlier,

She obediently did so.

Like a well-behaved little kitten.

It made things much easier for Luna.

At least now,

She could walk when guided.

Luna no longer had to carry her like a puppet.

That alone saved a lot of trouble.

To be honest—

Luna had always wanted a small animal to keep.

But she never found the right one.

After all—

She was one of the Four Death Guards.

A Cerberus.

Lilith’s pet.

A pet keeping a pet?

That would be absurd.

And yet—

Allen now truly resembled a kitten.

If one had to describe her—

She was like a pure white cat.

Beautiful.

Soft.

And obedient.

If told to stay still—

She might remain there all day without question.

Not like a cat that merely coexisted—

But one that obeyed completely.

Truly—

Absolute obedience.

Luna couldn’t help but pat her head.

Allen—

Unconsciously—

Closed her eyes.

Like a real cat.

At that moment—

Luna felt her heart melt.

Like butter under a hot knife.

…This feeling was nice.

A bold idea crossed her mind.

“Al… len…”

She pointed at Allen.

“Al… yen…”

Allen imitated her.

Like a babbling parrot.

“Pfft—haha…”

Luna laughed.

Just as she thought—

Allen could still speak.

Her mind was withdrawn,

But not broken.

Like teaching a baby—

She could understand.

That meant—

She was still normal.

“Al! Len!”

Luna tried again.

“At least remember your name…”

“Al… yen!”

Allen replied,

A hint of urgency in her unfocused eyes.

“Pfft…”

Luna burst out laughing.

It had been a long time

Since she felt this relaxed.

Since leaving the Demon Castle,

She had been constantly tense.

Eugene’s death

Only deepened that pressure.

Now—

She felt numb.

But also…

Relieved.

Maybe—

This version of Allen

Was better.

Protected.

Free from burdens.

Luna crouched down—

Meeting Allen’s empty gaze.

A pang of sadness struck her.

If Allen were truly just a cat—

Would she suffer less?

She gently stroked her head again.

Allen closed her eyes—

Enjoying it.

“Allen.”

This time—

Allen spoke clearly.

As if asking for praise.

She smiled.

But those hollow eyes…

Still carried an indescribable sorrow.

Even Luna couldn’t fully understand it.

She was Cerberus.

She wasn’t meant to grasp such feelings.

“Allen, meow.”

Luna pointed at her.

“Allen, meow!”

Allen repeated perfectly.

She smiled proudly—

Like a child seeking approval.

Luna patted her head again.

“Allen is a kitty. Meow meow meow.”

Luna teased playfully.

“Meow meow meow meow…?”

Allen struggled to follow.

“Pfft—haha!”

Luna laughed again.

Passersby glanced at the strange pair.

Some puzzled.

But most moved on quickly.

Everyone had their own lives.

Even a beautiful scene

Could not stop time.

Noticing the odd stares,

Luna quickly grabbed Allen

And headed toward the station.

“Allen is a kitty, meow meow meow…”

Allen continued practicing.

She had always been eager to learn.

It was her nature.

Inherited—from Duke Mana.

That same trait

Had elevated the Leonardo family

From obscurity

To nobility.

Yet now—

It felt almost tragic.

“You two must be the ladies the mayor mentioned?”

The coachman asked,

Adjusting his postal cap.

“Yes,”

Luna replied.

“Yes, meow meow meow.”

Allen echoed.

She had said “meow” too many times.

Now it slipped into everything.

“Ah… this is my younger sister.

Please don’t mind her—

She’s a bit… slow.”

Luna said awkwardly.

“This is my mama, meow meow meow.

Her intelligence is low, meow meow meow.”

Allen said proudly.

Her empty eyes turned to Luna—

Seeking praise.

Like a puppy wagging its tail.

“…Mama?”

The coachman blinked.

“….”

Luna said nothing.

Karma.

She teased Allen—

Now she paid for it.

“Wait! Let me explain—I’m not—!”

Luna tried.

“No need. I understand.”

The coachman cut her off.

“Please take a seat.

We’ll depart for the capital shortly.”

Time was short.

They needed to leave now

To arrive within a week.

“Meow meow meow meow meow…”

Allen gave up on words entirely.

The coachman sighed.

Nobles on the Austan continent

Were… troublesome.

Arrogant.

Lazy.

The mayor’s attitude said it all.

He simply wanted them gone.

The coachman felt the same.

Deliver them safely—

Avoid trouble.

That was enough.

As for the “mama” comment—

It startled him.

Luna looked about nineteen.

Allen—barely thirteen.

Impossible.

So he chose not to ask.

“All right, ladies.

Place your luggage in the cart.

Find a seat.

We must reach the capital in seven days.”

“Thank you,”

Luna said politely.

“…?”

The coachman froze.

Nobles… saying thank you?

Unbelievable.

“Oh… right…”

He didn’t know how to respond.

Maybe—

They weren’t like the others.

“Meow!”

Allen sat atop the luggage,

Acting cute.

Luna felt both embarrassed

And responsible.

After all—

She taught her that.

Karma indeed.

“You’re so mischievous…”

Luna muttered,

Pinching her cheeks.

“Waaah…”

Allen teared up instantly.

“…Ah.”

Luna sighed deeply.