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Chapter 342: Lanchi's Favorability was Rising Just a Second Ago
Chapter 342: Lanchi's Favorability was Rising Just a Second Ago
The tinkling of a wind chime by the inn's entrance heralded the arrival of a small black cat, its meows echoing, "Brr, so cold!"
As the ancient wooden door of the inn creaked open, a chill breeze swept in, yet the one who opened it remained unseen.
Only by lowering one's gaze could you spot the tiny black cat that had entered. Floating behind it were several paper bags filled with groceries, seemingly held by an invisible hand, perfectly synchronized with the cat's movements.
A dusting of crystalline snow adorned the cat's back, and as it shook its body, the unmelted snowflakes fluttered to the floor.
Stepping into the spacious lobby, the cat found only a handful of guests huddled close to the fireplace, seeking warmth from the biting cold.
Though the patrons noticed the magical sprite of a cat, none found it amiss. In the Protoss Empire, it was commonplace to have a familiar by your side.
The chill in the air penetrated to the bones, prompting even the hardy northerners to seek the cozy embrace of a warm hearth.
Technically, spring had arrived in the Protoss Empire, but the cold still lingered, refusing to relinquish its hold.
Who could be certain that spring had truly arrived? If war broke out in the north soon, these snowy plains would never know peace.
Snippets of such conversations wafted through the spacious sofa lounge on the inn's first floor, reaching the ears of the little cat.
The soft glow from the fireplace lent a warm hue to its fur, and it twitched its ears in response.
As it passed the front desk, the receptionist, chin propped on her hand, watched the adorable cat and murmured, "I wish I had a familiar like that too."
"Meow," the little cat replied with a soft hum.
It was no mere familiar or pet.
Technically, if it obtained Lanchi's 'Transformation Magic: Human' spell, it could assume a human form, which would be far more convenient for errands in this country. However, according to the laws of the Protoss Empire, any shape-shifting or disguising magic that altered one's race was forbidden. The cat had no desire to become a capital offender!
With agile movements, the little black cat navigated the inn's ancient staircase, each step full of vitality, its body nimble and swift. The shopping bags floated like planets orbiting the cat, sometimes moving forward, sometimes retreating, expertly avoiding collisions with the stairs and walls.
Passing the first and second floors, the cat finally reached the third.
It paused, and the bags gently settled to the floor.
Using telekinetic magic to manipulate the key, it swiftly unlocked the door, revealing a cozy space filled with warmth.
The room's wooden decor exuded a natural, soft ambiance, and the natural light streaming through the windows blended beautifully with the simple floors and walls, creating an enclave of comfort.
Deeper within, at the heart of the bedroom, lay a large bed. Under the pure white duvet, Sigrid slept peacefully, her breath long and steady, her hair spilling across the pillow just as it had when the cat left.
On the other side of the room, by the wall, a young man sat in a chair beside a tall wooden table, his gaze calmly fixed on the book in his hands.
The cat and Lanchi shared a glance, acknowledging its return, before it deftly slipped out of the room, its tail swaying gently, as if dancing with the wind. It made its way to the small dining area on the other side.
This space offered more privacy and could be separated from the rest of the room by a soundproof barrier created with a wooden frame and curtains. As the cat unwrapped the shopping parcels, a subtle aroma of food filled the air.
In the center stood a marble table bearing various portable cooking utensils the cat had brought along. Without delay, it commenced its culinary performance with practiced ease.
One hour later...
In the bedroom, a gentle paw was tapping on Sigrid's blanket, prompting her to stir and reluctantly open her eyes. But the aroma that filled the room gave her the motivation to break free from the confines of her warm blanket.
A little black cat had thoughtfully brought lunch right to her bedroom. Today's main course was a hearty coq au vin, a French classic of chicken braised in wine, with a rich sauce accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes. There was also pan-fried beef steak with a red wine reduction, topped with either truffle or pepper sauce. Lastly, a vegetable salad with bacon and eggs, built upon a foundation of fresh lettuce, and drizzled with a tangy salad dressing.
The culinary options in this snowy city were limited, and Cat Boss could only whip up something simple. Yet, it seemed to be exactly what Sigrid wanted.
Cooking for a cardinal of the Resurrection Church was indeed a memorable feat in a chef's career, but Cat Boss hoped that once they returned to the Southern Continent, no one would ever find out about this little secret!
As Sigrid sat up on the bed, she felt exceptionally cold and was tempted to crawl back under the covers. Her gaze fell on the little cat, and she saw it as a warm and cozy pillow.
"Meow," the cat responded softly.
The cat hesitated for a moment, its steps tentative as it jumped onto Sigrid's hand. It didn't want Sigrid to fall back asleep, as lunch would get cold.
Sigrid hugged the little black cat close to her.
"Did you just laugh, Xiao De?" Sigrid asked, stroking the cat's soft fur.
The cat, nestled in Sigrid's arms, craned its neck to look up at her, its confusion evident. "Did I? No, I didn't."
"Really?" Sigrid asked, her tone serious.
The cat felt that this female Lanchi was a bit hard to trust. Nevertheless, the current Sigrid was no longer the terrifying figure she had been before. The cat no longer feared being swatted or accidentally crushed by her, and it relaxed in her embrace.
Thinking of the wounds she had sustained in the fierce battles at the Northern Border Province, the cat's heart softened despite its wariness and apprehension. It decided to treat her as someone in need of care, at least until she regained her true form.
As Sigrid indulged in the delicious meal, Lanchi glanced at the clock hanging on the wall beside him. "In an hour, we must leave this city. We need to cross the mountains and return to the snowfields before nightfall."
His voice was calm as always.
"Yes, you should put down that book and get some rest too," Sigrid said. She recalled that when she had woken up briefly in the middle of her sleep, Lanchi had been reading.
Although he looked elegant and composed while reading, providing her with a sense of security, she knew he probably hadn't slept in a long time. She intended to let him rest while she drove on their journey.
"Mhm," Lanchi nodded, setting down the book titled 'A Snow Domain Map That Even a 3-Year-Old Can Understand'.
"...What?" Sigrid's spoon froze in mid-air as she processed what she had just heard. Her eyes narrowed, and she felt that this guy's serious reading demeanor from earlier was now utterly ridiculous!
(End of Chapter)
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