Chapter 833: Lan Qi's Big Gray Cat

Chapter 833: Lan Qi's Big Gray Cat

As the sun set and the evening lights illuminated the bustling crowd, the solemn and majestic Saint Kreithian Monastery gradually regained its pious tranquility.

The night's ceremony began.

Priests lined up and marched towards the altar, holding freshly picked moon branches and standing solemnly before the flawless white statue of the goddess, softly chanting the millennium-old holy hymn.

Candles flickered in the wind, illuminating every expectant face awaiting the festival's fireworks. On this day, Saint Kreithian Monastery was undoubtedly the place in Creedentia Empire closest to the Moon Goddess.

When the sky turned completely dark, there would be the release of moon lanterns, fireworks soaring into the sky, and the High Priestess's prayer dance.

In Elliot Square.

"It's getting colder," said Ifatiya, rubbing her palms together and exhaling a puff of white mist.

As night deepened, the temperature dropped significantly, and snow seemed to fall again in the sky.

Earlier, they had followed her sister and daughter to the Main Hall to eat some snacks from Saint Kreithian Monastery, and now they were strolling through the square and streets in front of Elliot Building, which was filled with temporary food stalls.

Initially, they had decided to take her sister to a place without queues to fill their stomachs first because the lines at the popular shops were too long.

Now, everyone was focused on finding a good spot to watch the festival, and there weren't as many people buying snacks.

"Mom, wrap your scarf properly," said Houbailian as she untied Ifatiya's scarf, which was about to come loose, and rewrapped it around her neck several times.

Ever since being criticized by Tamisha in the Shadow World for not knowing how to take care of children, she had sought guidance from the Ice Witch on how to care for younger generations. It seemed that her efforts had paid off.

The only strange thing was that the person being cared for was her beloved mother, Ifatiya.

"Oh dear, it's a bit embarrassing to be taken care of by you, but I truly feel blessed to be your mother," said Ifatiya, squinting contentedly and allowing Houbailian to fuss over her, finding a new host to parasitize.

Not only could Houbailian hold her hand to prevent her from getting lost and feed her, but she could even call upon Houbailian to carry her when she got tired.

Thinking about it, giving birth to Houbailian after ten months of pregnancy seemed like a great deal.

"I feel relieved, as if you've both grown up," said Talia, chewing on a grilled fish skewer while holding a paper food container filled with more skewers, addressing the two of them.

It seemed more like Houbailian and Ifatiya were taking care of each other, and she no longer needed to hold their hands.

In the past, when the weather turned cooler in Ikelite, she would help Houbailian wrap her scarf, and now Houbailian was doing the same for Ifatiya.

Today, the three of them had a great time in Brillada, and she didn't have to worry about anything. Wherever they went, she could focus on eating, and neither Houbailian nor Ifatiya caused her any concern.

"Sister, you're not allowed to retire! You still need to take care of us, mother and daughter," said Ifatiya, pouncing on Talia's side again after having her scarf tied, hugging her tightly.

She signaled to Houbailian.

Houbailian immediately understood and ran to the other side, clinging to Talia.

"Talia, you still have a lot to teach me," Houbailian told Talia.

"I understand, I understand... Just let go of me first, I don't want to get sauce on my clothes," Talia replied, trying to keep the grilled fish skewers away from them.

She couldn't just ignore Houbailian and Ifatiya.

"Sister, you're so warm, I'm so envious of that boy," said Ifatiya, feeling sleepy after hugging Talia.

"..."

Houbailian hesitated for a moment.

She acknowledged that Ifatiya was right, as she also admitted that hugging Talia was a very happy thing.

But it always sounded a bit odd to her.

"No, no, hugging my daughter is also very happy. Just thinking about that boy being able to hug my daughter in the future makes me so angry," said Ifatiya, as if realizing something, quickly trying to correct herself. She needed to strike a balance.

With Lan Qi's urging, she had successfully changed her way of addressing him, replacing "brother" with "that boy."

However, after saying this, Ifatiya felt even more awkward, as no matter how she phrased it, it seemed inappropriate for a mother to talk about her daughter like this.

"Stop talking, Ifatiya, the more you say, the more confused I get," said Talia, focusing on eating her grilled fish.

After clarifying things with Houbailian previously, there was no longer any lingering awkwardness between them. Regardless of how their relationship with Lan Qi developed, they wouldn't play mind games with each other and would always be the best of family.

"Yes, Mom, as long as you don't mention 'that boy,' we won't feel embarrassed. It's actually quite easy for me and Talia to sort out our relationship with him. It's only you whose relationship with him is unclear," recalled Houbailian that when they were in South Vantine and the royal capital Ikelite, the three of them spent every day together without worrying too much about generational issues. However, since Ifatiya's appearance, they had also become confused.

"I understand, I just won't mention 'brother' then," agreed Ifatiya seriously.

"Brother?"

Houbailian couldn't understand Creedentian language anymore, even with the use of translation magic, it seemed broken.

"No, no, let's just call him Lan Lan," said Ifatiya, covering her mouth.

She had thought for a long time but couldn't find a suitable title, and in the end, she realized that calling him by his name was the most normal thing to do.

So, she even addressed Lan Qi as an elder.

Outside, they used aliases to refer to Lan Qi. Talia started calling him that, and gradually, they all remembered it.

"Lan Lan is fine," said Houbailian, feeling that her mother had developed a bit of an auntie vibe.

Earlier, she wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but every time she saw her mother interacting with Lan Qi, she felt as if her mother had become Lan Qi's junior, almost wanting to act coquettish towards him. This was obviously very wrong.

This sense of disharmony was as if her mother had been modified by Lan Qi's instructions, and even if she were to fall on the battlefield, she couldn't be used normally by others.

"Why are you both copying the way I call him? I don't usually call him like that," said Talia, her ears twitching slightly, and her eyebrows furrowing as her words and the grilled fish in her hand paused.

She seemed to have heard a familiar voice.

It was a voice from afar—

"Yes, she's very beautiful, 168 centimeters tall, looks to be between 20 and 25 years old, with long gray hair. She has an ideal healthy figure, hasn't given birth, talks very little, rarely smiles, and has definitely bought a lot of food from various shops nearby. Yes, if she bought grilled food from your shop, you'd definitely remember her..."

Someone was inquiring about her at various shops.

The veins on the back of Talia's hand twitched slightly.

"Lan Lan, get over here!"

She turned around and shouted angrily into the distance.

"Oh!"

At the sound of Talia's angry voice, Lan Qi immediately straightened up and turned to report to her.

The shop owner had just raised a finger, about to speak, when the girl who had bought a lot of grilled food appeared.

As the owner pointed, it turned out that Talia had indeed bought food nearby just now.

Lan Qi hurried towards Talia, Houbailian, and Ifatiya, as if looking for them.

"Great! After leaving the Main Hall, I asked around and quickly found you."

Lan Qi smiled and greeted them.

"You're here! Do you want to watch the fireworks together?"

Ifatiya clapped her hands excitedly.

Lan Qi's work was finally over, and she had been waiting for a long time.

"..."

Houbailian glanced at Ifatiya again.

Everything seemed right, yet something felt off.

"Sorry, I have more work later, so I need to prepare now. I have to go see Principal Violet."

Lan Qi apologized to them with a bow,

"Can I borrow Talia for a moment?"

He then turned to Talia, who had just finished eating grilled fish and burped, and asked Houbailian and Ifatiya.

With the help of Secretary Nera, the Sixth Divine General, Violet, agreed to give Professor Landry a private meeting time amid her busy schedule. The meeting was set for after the prayer dance on the day of the Moon Goddess Festival, and it seemed to be approaching soon.

"Of course."

Both Ifatiya and Houbailian nodded quickly upon hearing this.

They understood why Lan Qi wanted to borrow Talia before meeting the Sixth Divine General, Violet.

Lan Qi needed a lie detection expert, and Talia had a unique ability to detect lies and read minds.

"You can take your sister."

Ifatiya said generously.

Houbailian glanced at Ifatiya again.

"Then let's go, and come back quickly."

Talia threw the paper food container into a nearby trash can and spoke to Lan Qi straightforwardly.

"I'll be back later. After I see Principal Violet, Secretary Nera will drive me home directly."

Lan Qi bid farewell to Houbailian and Ifatiya.

"Come back early, it's getting cold."

Houbailian said to them.

Lan Qi's gray coat was actually not warm, and she didn't know why Lan Qi insisted on this outfit every winter since returning from the North Continent.

"Don't worry, Houbao. I've updated the Westa Treaty to the Huesta Treaty, and when we get back, we'll explain it to you. Also, the three of us need to discuss how to share a room."

Talia waved to Houbailian.

The situation was special a few days ago, and she stayed with Houbailian, while Sigrid slept alone yesterday.

Now that Houbailian has recovered and can move freely, Talia should go back to sleep with Sigrid. Additionally, they need to have a small meeting to discuss where Houbailian will stay, as they are all pretending to be Lan Qi's fiancee and should have equal rights as a real fiancee.

Currently, Talia and Sigrid's intention is that even if they compromise and let Houbailian sleep closer to Lan Qi, they don't want to sleep with Houbailian, otherwise they will both suffer.

...

A few minutes later.

The two strolled to the edge of the Main Hall.

The twinkling stars, the swaying river, and the faint yet warm moon lanterns adorned this special night.

Initially, there were only a few, but gradually, the number of moon lanterns began to increase.

In groups of three or five, and then tens, they eventually multiplied to the point where they couldn't be counted one by one.

Like fireflies, they danced in the night sky, rising lightly and transforming into a feast of stars.

"Moon lanterns."

Talia murmured, with a hint of emotion in her voice.

The moon lanterns glowed dimly, echoing the falling snow from the sky.

The orange lantern light illuminated the ancient streets of Saint Kreithian Monastery, and the stone buildings were draped in a golden veil.

Despite the calmness of the moment, the final battle that would bring everything to a close was approaching, yet she felt a trace of indescribable happiness in her heart.

"Yes, it's truly beautiful from here."

Lan Qi, standing beside her, agreed, as if the beautiful scenery was all his creation.

"Your aura really makes you seem domineering."

Talia commented, not in a critical tone.

She had discovered Lan Qi's talent for being a domineering governor during the temporary performance at Brillada Opera House, and this talent, in her opinion, was unexpectedly not bad. Now, she even missed his limited-edition disciple when he pretended to be the domineering governor.

"Is that so."

Lan Qi nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the street below the steps of the Main Hall.

The evening glow had already arrived, but the monastery, illuminated by the lanterns, was no less splendid than the colorful daytime.

Students held bamboo lanterns, some in pairs, some alone, with genuine smiles on their faces.

When the bamboo lanterns were lit, the thin outer shells expanded like dragonfly wings, carrying the fire and beautiful wishes, slowly rising into the night sky.

Lan Qi gazed at the ascending lanterns, and his previously lowered gaze slowly moved upward.

He knew that the reason the moon lanterns could float in the air was entirely due to the buoyancy of hot air, and it had nothing to do with magical miracles.

He also understood that when the fuel was exhausted and the flames extinguished, the moon lanterns would eventually fall back to the ground.

But in this brief and beautiful moment, no one would think of such things.

"Just like the Creedentia Empire, no one ever thought that perhaps two weeks later, a change would occur that would overturn the entire world."

Talia seemed to have read Lan Qi's thoughts and spoke.

"..."

Lan Qi looked at Talia in surprise.

He unexpectedly felt that Talia this time was not using magic to read his thoughts.

Before he could ask further.

A pleasant bell sound broke the night's tranquility, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

The bell sounded like flowing water, repeatedly striking everyone's heartstrings at a steady rhythm.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang..."

Following the sound, a high platform in the distance was already filled with festival-goers, and the bell sound was coming from there.

People sat around a circular stage, with a sacred fire burning in the center.

Today was a time for gratitude, a day to build a bridge of communication with the gods, and a good day to pray for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.

The people of Brillada praised the blessings brought by the Silver Moon and the Goddess of Healing, praying for her continued protection.

The festival was about to begin.

In the square, where bonfires had been lit at some point, the person performing the actual ceremony emerged.

With a rustling stride, a tall woman, dressed in pristine white, gradually revealed herself to the crowd.

Unlike her usual attire, the High Priestess of the Moon Goddess, Violet of Water Jade, was now clad in a priestess robe, exposing her shoulders, chest, and lower legs, resembling translucent mutton fat jade. The firelight cast a blush across her exposed skin.

But this was far from a sight that could be tainted by worldly eyes.

It was only natural for the High Priestess, serving the Goddess, to perform the divine dance in such attire.

Violet of Water Jade raised her staff high, her ivory arm tracing a graceful arc in the air.

As the bells on the staff chimed, a white trail sliced through the sky, creating the illusion of a chilling gust of wind.

"In the name of compassion, courage, and wisdom,"

"In the Moonlight Sanctuary, where stars shine,"

"The Silver Moon Goddess descends, renewing all creation."

"Here and now, I,"

"Devoutly sing the hymn of the Moon Goddess,"

"May your sacred light shine upon the land—"

Her voice, clear and ethereal, reverberated through the square, each word carrying a powerful weight.

This was a sacred hymn dedicated to the divine, expressing the purest faith and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon humanity.

The song seemed to transcend time and space, reaching the ears of the gods from thousands of years ago.

"We're about to meet the Wolf Clan's priestess... Come to think of it, she's like the chosen one, and the only one today."

Talia watched Violet's graceful dance, her heart fluttering as she muttered to herself.

Although, technically, the War Deities should be their enemies, Talia couldn't bring herself to dislike the Wolf Clan anymore.

Just seeing Violet reminded Talia of her beloved daughter from the Shadow World, and it also made her think of Miss Sid, the benefactor of her and her sister.

"Yes," Lan Qi agreed.

"Hey, you already have three fiancees, and you're still staring at her," Talia teased, nudging Lan Qi with her elbow.

"I'm thinking Violet probably isn't an enemy," Lan Qi said, his gaze fixed on Violet's graceful figure as he spoke his thoughts aloud.

His tone was low and resolute, but with a hint of bitterness.

"You don't want to face the same situation as with Inoan again, nor do you want to be in a position where you have to rely on divine intervention when threatened by Beelzebub," Talia quickly understood Lan Qi's thoughts.

She knew Lan Qi couldn't forget the lessons from the Flower Capital.

After spending so much time in the Creedentia Empire, they had also received considerable help from the Saint Kreithian Monastery's teachers and students. If they were to become enemies one day, Lan Qi would be more decisive than anyone, but that didn't mean he didn't have feelings.

Talia wasn't soul-linked with Lan Qi at the moment, but she was more certain than ever that Lan Qi hadn't been able to truly relax lately, always remaining tense and vigilant.

Returning to the topic from before the prayer dance, with a battle looming, he, as the commander, was more invested than anyone.

"No matter how much we do, no matter how hard we try, all we can grasp is a chance of victory. So, I've done my best, and I can only hope the gods will grant their blessings as prayed for, and that the Moon Goddess will protect her beloved High Priestess, blessing Miss Violet."

Lan Qi spoke slowly.

"Yes, a chance of victory doesn't guarantee success," Talia agreed with Lan Qi's viewpoint.

Even with the support and encouragement of many companions and friends, fighting alongside them couldn't ensure the final outcome.

The shadow of failure loomed, chasing after the Black Sun Duke, refusing to leave.

This was the realization Lan Qi had gained from his eternal dream in the Shadow World.

"So, I didn't make a moon lantern."

Lan Qi admitted.

All his time and energy had to be devoted to preparing for the battle against the vampires and the final confrontation.

Even with a 99.99% chance of victory, he was determined to do everything in his power to prevent the 0.01% chance of defeat.

In the face of this belief, other matters had to take a back seat.

Without the reflection of the Tiberius Mirror, sometimes a 99% chance of victory could feel deceptively low, as people often only saw one side of things, while the other side of the truth remained hidden beneath the surface. These were the insights he had gained from the Eternal Punishment Unending Ending.

As they chatted, the night sky suddenly fell silent.

The festival had ended, the celebration was over, and the crowd dispersed from Elliot Square as the bonfire died down, leaving only the flickering lights in the night sky to illuminate the Saint Kreithian Monastery.

The conclusion of the ceremony also signaled the approaching end of the Moon Goddess Festival and the festivities.

It was time for them to get back to their duties.

After meeting Violet, their day was almost over.

As the night enveloped the Main Hall, the corridor seemed darker than it had been in the afternoon.

"I'm the most useful, right?"

Talia walked alongside Lan Qi, her chin held high with pride.

She wanted to appear cheerful and encourage Lan Qi.

Lan Qi had once said she was a 'starting gift,' but now, with the version change, she had truly become his 'Human Rights Card.'

"But you're too strong. If I introduce you as my fiancee and take you to meet Violet, she might discover your strength."

Lan Qi seemed to have thought of a problem and shared it with Talia.

Earlier, with the crowd outside and their focus on the festival, he hadn't had the chance to talk to Talia.

Now, with fewer people around and as they walked almost alone in the corridor, they could have a proper conversation.

"Indeed," Talia casually created a portable soundproof barrier.

She was aware that she was weaker than Violet, and even if she tried her best to conceal her mana, Violet might still detect her Eighth Rank power if they spent enough time together.

Logically, a fiancee from the borderlands shouldn't possess such formidable power.

"I'll transform back into the Mad Love Demon and return to your body."

Talia suggested to Lan Qi.

The last time they had come to the Saint Kreithian Monastery, when Lan Qi visited the Main Hall to meet Principal Violet, Talia had been in her Mad Love Demon form, hiding in Lan Qi's soul space, listening to Violet's words.

"Then my work efficiency will decrease significantly over the next two weeks, and what if Sigried and Houbailian misunderstand when you disappear every night and rest in my room?"

Lan Qi asked her, puzzled.

Maintaining the Mad Love Summoning state for an extended period would make Lan Qi more fatigued, and he would need to spend more time sleeping to recover his mana.

"That's true..."

Talia hesitated.

She couldn't transform into Lan Qi's signature summon yet; the best time for that would be right before the final battle.

Over the past two weeks, Talia and the other high-ranking demons had been busy with their own tasks. They were researching the blood clan modification potion formula left behind by True Night Duke Esmod in the Shadow World, and with the help of the Ice Witch, an expert in magical engineering, and Planay, a scholar with extensive knowledge, their research was progressing smoothly.

"So, what should I do?" Talia finally looked up at Lan Qi.

The fact that Lan Qi had brought her here meant that there was a better solution than turning into the Mad Love Demon.

"Can you bear with it for a while and temporarily turn into a cat? Let me take you to see the principal. Everyone in the school knows that I have a cat-type contract beast, and it's not unusual for a contract beast to be stronger than a human. I'm already at the seventh rank, so she won't suspect anything. Even if we're discovered, as long as you suppress your mana to the seventh-rank level, there won't be a problem..."

Before Lan Qi could finish, Talia covered his mouth with her face flushed red.

"Is there any other way?" Talia asked anxiously, staring at Lan Qi.

Aside from her strong resistance to turning into a cat, even if she did transform, she wouldn't allow Lan Qi to carry her like a pet! She had no intention of using the 【Transformation Spell: Cat】 card she obtained from the Shadow World.

"Then we'll have to merge into the Mad Love Demon like before. It's foolproof, but I might be exhausted for the next two weeks."

Lan Qi compromised, bowing his head slightly.

He wasn't forcing Talia, and if she didn't want to, they could just transform into the Mad Love Demon early as a solution. He had also prepared to explain to his friends about Talia's special state after merging with the Great Love Poet.

Talia fell silent for a long time.

Looking at Lan Qi's tired appearance, she felt a pang of sympathy.

Everyone was enjoying the festival, but he was working overtime, and she had witnessed it all.

Lan Qi hadn't rested since coming to the empire, and Talia knew it better than anyone.

Talia clenched her fists, struggling with her decision for a while.

"Okay, I'll transform, but just this once, and you're not allowed to touch me inappropriately."

She agreed, gritting her teeth.

"Thank you, Master." Lan Qi bowed slightly in gratitude.

For the time being, it seemed he wouldn't have to worry about Talia draining his mana.

"Follow me."

Talia sensed the lifeforms around her and, grabbing Lan Qi's sleeve, led him to the empty Main Hall corridor.

She took a deep breath and took out the semi-transparent natural magic card engraved with a cat's paw print.

Talia looked at Lan Qi with a complicated expression, as if she wanted to cover his eyes but knew it would be futile.

She then triggered the transformation spell, and her body was enveloped in silver radiance, shrinking in size as the spell took effect.

In a moment, the silver light dissipated, leaving only a gray cat with a fluffy appearance on the ground.

"I actually turned into a cat."

Talia, now in cat form, raised her paw to examine her fluffy body.

After transforming into a cat, she instinctively wanted to adopt Xiao Hei Mao's speech pattern, realizing it wasn't just a quirk of the cat boss.

"You're truly amazing."

Lan Qi sincerely praised her, squatting down to pick up the gray cat.

The gray cat initially struggled a bit, seemingly unaccustomed to the loss of balance, but soon calmed down once Lan Qi held her securely, quietly resting in his arms.

"Don't move, Master."

Lan Qi whispered, holding the large gray cat.

The sensation was incredibly soft and fluffy, like a blanket, both warm and cozy.

"Then you better hold me tight and don't let me fall," Talia cat said, using her paw to nudge Lan Qi.

She felt Lan Qi's touch without reservation, even though this body didn't seem like hers. His warmth was transmitted to her without any barriers, and she had to remind herself not to panic.

"Don't worry."

Lan Qi soothed the gray cat, who was gradually calming down, and assured her.

He sensed that Talia was even more nervous than he was, as she was trying her best to adjust to being a cat and having physical contact with him.

"From now on, I won't say anything, but know that only you, the heavens, and I know about this," Talia cat agreed, her voice filled with embarrassment.

Perhaps the only way to interact normally with Lan Qi in this state was to truly consider herself a cat and not a woman.

Otherwise, just the thought of being carried by Lan Qi made her feel like dying.

Lan Qi's lips twitched when Talia adopted Xiao Hei Mao's speech pattern.

"What are you laughing at, meow?"

Talia cat noticed Lan Qi's micro-expression.

He seemed to be clenching his teeth tightly.

"Nothing, I just remembered a legendary voice actor."

Lan Qi couldn't help but stifle a smile whenever he recalled Talia's imitation of Xiao Hei Mao's voice.

Hearing Talia do it again, he couldn't control his memories.

"I've always been cute, meow."

These words seemed to echo in his ears, and he might never forget them for the rest of his life.

"I'll scratch you to death, meow!"

Talia cat understood Lan Qi's thoughts and immediately started squirming, making it difficult for him to hold her.

"Haha, stop it!"

Lan Qi tried his best to hold the gray cat and prevent it from causing a fuss.

A few students passing by at the end of the distant corridor were attracted by the commotion and took a quick glance before continuing on their way.

"How can Professor Lander flirt with a cat?"

"You know, that cat might be a contract beast, and it could even become his unmarried wife."

"Damn, that's too harsh, even going after a cat."

"His cat can't turn into a human, right? If there's an underage one, I'm calling the police."

"To be honest, even if we take a step back, a female cat is still better than a male cat, which is just too much..."

They spoke in hushed tones, barely audible.

Lan Qi was fully focused on handling the large gray cat and didn't notice the students' fleeting presence.

It wasn't until Talia cat stumbled and almost fell to the ground that Lan Qi's arm quickly caught her.

"Meow!"

Talia cat exclaimed in surprise.

Fortunately, Lan Qi caught her in time.

"Master, you really are... Since you're only transforming once, let's cooperate well and finish the work. After that, you won't transform again, right?" Lan Qi said to the gray cat in his arms.

"Meow, meow..."

Talia cat nodded obediently, pretending to be a cat.

This stable sensation made her heart race.

She was relieved that she had transformed into a cat, as Lan Qi couldn't see her expression.

She didn't know why she felt so flustered after turning into a cat, but one thing was certain: she couldn't transform into a cat and have such intimate contact with Lan Qi again.

Her pride as a princess wouldn't allow it!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end