How to Greet a Cat
...
*Sigh*
That look practically says, "You again?"
You've been showing up without a reason for days now.
How many times have I told you not to come? Do my words mean nothing to you?
I'd been visiting Gille's room more often lately.
For the sake of the Journey ahead, I figured it would be best to spend as much time with her as possible.
...So what is it today?
If you say you're bored or asking me out on a date like last time, I won't let you off so easily.
Ugh... You caught me.
Don't mistake all this training and flower business for friendship.
I'll never be close enough to someone like you to even speak of friendship.
...But very well.
I had something to say to you anyway, so I'll overlook it this once.
You wanted to tell me something?
So you really mean to see this training through to the end.
Frankly, I hate it. I don't want to follow your orders, and it's horribly inefficient.
...
But if you insist on training throughout the Journey...
I don't mind doing it during the day instead of at night.
Huh? Really?
Wasn't your overprotectiveness the only reason we started training at night?
As I've said from the start, I don't care about those people.
Besides... you visit me practically every day now. If we train at night too, I'll have to see your face several times a day.
I don't like that.
So that was the real reason...?
So stop fussing over me and making special accommodations. Put things back the way they were.
If anything, I'd much rather go to bed comfortably without exhausting myself at night...
...What?
What do you mean you have to register me for training again?
Why is the organization running the Journey so utterly inefficient?
*Sigh* Never mind. Thinking about it gives me a headache. Do as you please.
How long had it been since I'd visited the training grounds during the day?
Maybe it was the bright sunlight, but Gille looked better than ever.
Hmph. Training is child's play now.
Even my master would be pleased to see this, wouldn't she? I've grown this much without her.
At this rate, I'll soon have the power we agreed upon.
You haven't forgotten, have you? You promised not to regret it, even if I use that power in ways you wouldn't want.
We're about halfway through the Journey now. You'd better start preparing yourself.
Of course, you boasted that you wouldn't let me do as I please... But who knows what will happen?
Gille seemed quite confident.
She looked happy for once... I decided to leave her be today.
...Well then, I'll be leaving.
I hope I won't have to see you more than once a day from now—
...Hmm?
...?
Where did that sound come from?
A cat?
When I looked toward the noise, I saw a small figure slowly approaching from afar.
A cat had wandered into the training grounds... Where could it have come from?
...It's circling around the two of us.
Is even this worthless creature here to annoy me?
Every living thing in this place is a nuisance.
What did the cat ever do to you?
And... well, how should I put this?
It reminded me of Gille in a lot of ways.
What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Stop looking back and forth between me and that insignificant creature.
...Don't tell me you think I look like it.
The cat stopped and sat adorably in front of me.
I'd heard that when meeting a cat for the first time, you should look it in the eyes, blink slowly, and then let it sniff your outstretched hand.
...You hold out your hand so it can sniff you?
What a primitive greeting, fitting for such insignificant creatures.
Want to try petting it, Gille?
Hmph. Why would I touch something like—
...
It's... rubbing its head against your hand.
Just because you let it sniff you?
The cat soon grew used to my scent and touch, and began rubbing against me affectionately.
And as Gille watched... I saw a slight wavering in her eyes.
Why should I greet a worthless creature like this...?
...
Slowly close my eyes and open them again?
And then hold out my hand...
Ngh!
...It ran away.
...
That insolent little... Once I regain my power, it'll be the first thing I torment.
Hmph. Not that I ever wanted to touch it in the first place.
That settled it for me.
Gille really was a lot like a cat.
...You're making that unpleasant face again.
Every moment I've spent with you has been unpleasant, but today there's absolutely nothing I like.
I'm in a bad mood now. Handle the training or whatever else yourself.
So prickly...
...
Has my meal arrived?
...Tch. Guess I won't be eating today, either.
How am I supposed to eat moldy bread and soup full of pebbles?
They must've thought this was a good way to torment me.
Hmph. It's too childish to even laugh at.
...Must be nice to be you, living without a care.
You never have to suffer such humiliation or deal with those inferior creatures.
...
*Sigh* Now I'm talking to a flower. Has living here made me strange too?
...This is all that man's fault.
So you're saying you'll find a goal for me?
How unbearably arrogant.
Who are you to find a goal for me?
...So this small goal... is a potted flower?
You expect me to tend it and make it grow?
Hah. Ridiculous. You made such grand promises that I wondered what you had in mind, and this is all you came up with?
What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Stop looking back and forth between me and that insignificant creature.
...Don't tell me you think I look like it.
...
...Hmph. It's all so foolish.
You, and me too.