And with a blink, Isaac’s image vanished as if it had never been there. It was likely the effect of the pocket watch. I hadn’t expected it to have such an effect.
I stood there in a daze, processing what had just unfolded before my eyes. To think that all of this happened after my death…
Isaac seemed more deeply affected than I had imagined. I couldn’t begin to fathom the feelings of a child desperately clinging to the body of a dead cat. It didn’t feel right…
I tried to search the area, but I just couldn’t focus. Well, there’s nothing I can do about it.
“Meow.”
I called out to Lian and then quickly left the room. When Lian started to follow, I shook my head.
“You don’t want me to follow?”
“Meow.”
When I nodded, Lian understood and nodded as well. He gently patted my head as he spoke. “Then I’ll see you later.”
“Meow.”
After bidding Lian goodbye, I returned to the room where Isaac was. When I peeked inside, I saw Isaac sitting there dejectedly. His eyes were hollow and empty. Why did he look so sad and empty? I quietly slipped into the room.
“Meow.”
“Mia?”
He seemed surprised when I approached him.
Isaac, out of habit, picked me up. I purred softly and rubbed my head against his chest. I heard Isaac chuckle quietly. At moments like this, he seemed like nothing more than a child.
“You’ll stay with me?”
I gave him a small kiss on the chin.
Alright. I’ll stay with you a little longer today. But from now on, it really will only be three hours.
Isaac smiled and hugged me tightly. His arms, now those of a man rather than a child, were broad and warm. He murmured happily, “I love you, Mia.”
* * *
The sound of pages turning softly filled the room. I glanced over and saw Isaac quietly reading a book. We were sitting in the library, Isaac on a large sofa, and I was within a small distance from him. This had become a regular routine. Even though I was his personal maid, there wasn’t much for me to do, so we often ended up reading together like this.
But today, I just couldn’t concentrate. The image of Isaac sitting alone in the library yesterday lingered in my mind. His voice, whispering, ‘I love you, Mia,’ seemed to echo in my ears. He had looked so fragile that it looked like he might shatter if touched.
Sigh, my emotions are all tangled up. He’s the one who killed me, yet at the same time, I find myself caring for him in many ways…
“Hey.”
Isaac’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. When I looked over at him, he was watching me calmly.
“Let’s go for a walk.”
Why does he want to go for a walk with me? He could go alone… As I was thinking that, a system message popped up.
[Special reward for walking: +10 silver]
“Yes, Master.”
Alright, if it means earning money, I’ll go for a walk a hundred times over!
I got up from my seat and followed Isaac out to the garden. As we walked downstairs, I could feel the eyes of the servants on us. Why are they looking at us like that? Are they jealous because I have an easy job? Well, I guess I am taking it easy…
There was nothing I could do about being the target of others’ jealousy and resentment. I sighed quietly as we headed into the garden.
The garden was bathed in warm sunlight, with various flowers blooming beautifully. The gardener must have taken good care of it. Among the many flowers, the white lilies stood out, reminding me of the Dias mansion where I used to live.
The lilies there were red. I used to think they were unusual, but now, in hindsight, they seem perfectly suited as the background of a horror game. The white lilies almost looked as if they had been stained with blood…
“Meow.”
Just then, a small meow came from somewhere. When I turned around, I saw a small cat peeking out from the bushes. It was a tabby cat with white spots.
Wow, it’s so cute…! I wanted to pet it, but I stood still since Isaac was watching. The cat approached me and rubbed its face against my ankle.
“The cat seems to like you,” Isaac said, watching curiously.
I smiled sheepishly and replied, “Yes, animals tend to like me.”
Even in the past, stray cats often followed me around. Maybe that’s why I ended up possessing a cat?
As I was lost in thought, Isaac spoke again.
“Hmm… Why don’t you pet it? It seems to want that.”
With Isaac’s permission, I picked up the cat and gently stroked its head. Though it had just met me, the cat closed its eyes contentedly and started purring.
So cute… As I enjoyed petting the cat, I noticed Isaac’s gaze on me.
[Isaac’s affection has increased by 3.]
[Current Isaac’s affection: -64]
W-What? Why did his affection go up just because I petted a cat?
Isaac was watching me intently—or rather, he was watching the cat. Does he want to pet it too…?
“I used to have a cat.” Isaac began to speak.
I knew well who that cat was.
“It was a very small, pretty, and lovely cat.”
“I see. And now…?”
“It left first. After saving me.”
Isaac’s eyes were filled with sadness as he said this. It seemed that the memory of Mia would never fade from his heart. Maybe the best way to heal from loss is to find a new connection.
I hesitated, then mustered up the courage to speak. “Um, how about adopting this cat, then?” I suggested, trying to hand the cat to Isaac. But just as I did, the cat, which had been purring contentedly, suddenly opened its eyes wide.
“Hiss!”
It hissed at Isaac with hostility, then quickly jumped out of my arms and ran away.
What? Why did it do that? As I stood there, stunned, Isaac watched the cat disappear with a knowing look.
“It can’t be helped. Cats don’t like me.”
“I see…”
“That cat was the only one that ever liked me. Of course, even if another cat liked me, I wouldn’t take it in. There’s only one cat for me.”
He said this and then began walking again. For some reason, I found myself watching his retreating figure.
“There will only ever be one cat for me until the day I die.”
I didn’t know whether to feel happy or worried about that statement. It left me with a strange feeling.
During the time when I lived as a cat, everyone in the world hated me, despised me, and wanted to kill me. In such a world, Isaac was the only one who loved me. How could I not be moved by the fact that even after 15 years, Isaac still cherished me? If he hadn’t killed me as a human, I would have simply liked him. But why did he kill me? Why…
As these thoughts occupied my mind, time passed, and it became night. After checking on Isaac as he settled in for the night, I bowed my head.
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“You’ve done well.”
I dragged my tired body back to my room. Was there about two hours left until midnight? I was starting to feel a little hungry. It would be a good idea to eat something substantial in case I get pulled into the night world… And if I don’t get pulled in? I’d just be someone who ate too much.
I headed to the kitchen, which was empty. It was late, so everyone had probably gone to bed. I should eat a little and then head to bed myself.
I looked around the kitchen for something to eat, but there wasn’t much to choose from. Hmm, I shouldn’t eat the meat in the storage room… Maybe I’ll have some cheese or bread. But the basket where the bread was usually kept was empty. Maybe there’s something in the cupboard.
When I opened the cupboard, I saw some cheese on the highest shelf. I’ll need a step stool to reach that. Just as I was about to turn around, someone approached me from behind.
“Oh, Mia. What are you doing?”
“Hello, Toby.”
Toby smiled shyly at me. He was in his mid-twenties and one of the most handsome servants, making him popular with the maids. I hadn’t talked to him much, but I knew he was diligent in his work, so I thought well of him.
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