Both sides

Noah returned to cat paradise before they became suspicious.

Luckily, Karla and the cat knight don't ask too much about the gap of time Noah went missing in the great forest.

We could say that the cat knights are very busy looking after the other cat knights. Especially, the cat knights who could cast barriers because they were the ones who were most exhausted. Because of that the cats don't pay too much attention toward Noah.

The battle wasn't ending yet. There are small dragons called wyverns flying in the great forest. They are not entirely small compared to cats. Wyverns are still at height around 12 feet tall in standard. Compared to cat people whose height was around 5'0 foot to 5'7 foot at best. Not just height, the dragon's body was wide and strong. They aren't called the strongest tribe for nothing.

Currently, dealing with them are the other Cat Knight commanders.

I forgot to say this before, but there are four commanders in total including Karla. The other three are someone Noah hasn't been able to meet yet. But soon he'll come to confront them. As a friend or as an enemy…

Hours of battle ended swiftly. Time flies when everyone has their hands full they say. The sun sets down and the cat's responsible for protecting the cat's paradise at night lined in the border as watch-outs. (For this night it was Karla's troop. Karla is depressed that she'll not be able to enjoy her favorite mug of beer tonight.)

They're not letting their guard down. Because an attack from the dragon could occur anytime.

They don't look serious at first, but truly they are quite serious all the time.

Meanwhile, at the cat paradise mainland. The cats started their all-night party.

Exciting and cheerful sounds from the band covered the entire tribe. The cats eat their food delightfully. Thanking the great forest first for the blessing they got.

The girls dance together with the kids.

Cats have the best time of their life as if they are not in a dire situation right now.

…

Back to Noah.

Noah came to visit Lumine in her chamber. However instead of looking at her with worry. Noah has his eyes looking down toward the girl with scorn.

While on the battlefield fighting dragons.

The girl is currently happily having her tea time with the other cats.

The scene doesn't tell that Lumine is in danger. And What is with this chamber? This looks like a VIP room or something.

It was located inside the palace so it looks very luxurious.

"So sure is having the best time of your life Lumine."

Noah said.

"What's with that face, Noah? If you hade such expression you'll grow old fast."

Lumine said and took a sip of her tea.

The maid nods in agreement to Lumine.

"Lumine tell me what it's like to be a shitty royalty," Mia asked.

"Well… I just told you that I'm nothing but a prisoner. Also, I have a cousin who acts high and mighty. In reality his nothing but a pig. Hahahahaha…"

"You're engaged, right? Is he handsome?"

"Of course, he is a charming young man. Intelligent, strong, and tall. Perfect for myself who's the prettiest girl in the whole universe."

Noah at this moment does confirm that Lumine is indeed a narcissist.

Seeing everyone having a friendly conversation placed Noah's heart at ease.

I'm happy that things are going pretty well here.

Noah is deeply worried after all. When Lumine is captured unpleasant things like torture occur on his head. Thank god none of that has happened.

Lumine and the two catmaid continue their conversation ignoring the young man at the side of the room. He's basically at the corner looking pathetic right now.

Exhausted at the battle, Noah sat down on the chair and closed his eyes for rest.

♦♦♦♦♦

One night a long time ago.

"Why are you sulking alone here Noah? The others are worried about you."

A fine young man walked next to Noah who was sitting at the staircase looking high up to the starry night sky.

"Brother…"

Noah averted his face away embarrassed by his problem. As a man of his age, he should not be relying on his big brother for problems. He thought.

"... Nothing, I just want to have some fresh air."

"Don't lie to me. I know when you have a problem. Noah is the kind of man who helps others problem, but don't want other to help him out."

Noah's brother knocks his head with his fist gently.

"... Noah you're still young. You should rely on others more."

"I know that… However, a man is someone who can stand up alone. Master said that there is time we're going to be alone. Everyone is not going to be at our side."

"That's true, cosmic war that's happening right now is dangerous. And probably this is the last time we'll be seeing each other. Tomorrow things could turn south and you'll never see me again."

"Don't say depressing things like that. I don't want to see you in a coffin."

"That is why you should talk to me more… Because you will not know when I stop staying at your side. Your big brother will happily listen to your problems."

That night Noah told him that his having difficulty understanding the war.

The war occurs because other parties think that they are all on the right side. They believe that they are both doing what is right for the world. But is there any truth to it?

Both promised peace.

Is peace can be obtained by war?

Is peace a product of violence?

It was weird to ask. But for a kid like Noah, this is a question he must ask.

He looks at his fist thinking if his truly using his strength for the right people.

As a cosmic weapon that has a very important role in a cosmic war. Noah wants to know more instead of only taking action.

"That's a very deep question. Your big brother is dumb. I can't say anything."

"Well, I'm also dumb… I can't think of anything as an answer. But seeing our enemy suffer. Seeing the kids on our opponent's side cry because their loved one dies… It hurt my feelings. They don't deserve this war… I can't pinpoint an answer, but I know this is wrong. What is the answer?"

"Then, let's simply do what we can do for now. We'll simply destroy what seems to be a threat to our lives. People we deemed innocent. We will never drag them into this violence. That way we can at least lower the suffering they all feel."

Noah's big brother stood up and reached out to the night star.

"... After this war, a new world. A peaceful world where everyone can smile. Let's do our best, Noah."

He offers a fist bump.

"Yeah… Sure, big brother."

Noah energetically bumps his fist. His anxious feeling is still in his heart, but it has slightly gotten lighter thanks to his big brother.

After this dream that happened in the past.

Noah once again finds himself wandering in a similar situation. Both parties believe to are on the right path. What should he choose?

♦♦♦♦♦

"Oh, you're awake Noah."

Said Lumine.

Lumine was still in her seat. The two catmaids were gone. Oah turned his head to the clock and found out that it was already two o'clock in the morning.

Outside of Cat Paradise is silent.

The party they're doing every night seems to be over.

"Did I fall asleep for so long?"

"You did and I'm waiting here for you to wake up."

"You can just wake me up."

"There is no way I will do that. You're exhausted, right? I heard that you fight dragons in the daytime. I don't want to break your rest… Anyways, did you get any information outside?"

Noah looks around the room. He even stood up and peeked his head at the cell bars. Searching for people who might be spying on them.

"No worry, I don't sense any presence around us."

Lumine said.

"How can you do that?"

"Did you forget that I can sense photon energy? Photon and life energy are like the same thing… Right now, I think it's fine for us to have a meeting."

"Isn't this a good time for us to run away?" Noah suggested. "Using my gravity powers I can break this palace wall. We can go straight to Dragon Ravine."

Noah decided to skip the investigation and go straight to Dragon Ravine. That way they won't be dealing with the wars between the cats and the dragons.

His running away.

"That's a decent plan, but I can't just leave them alone."

"Why?"

"Because I'm the princess of peace."

"I also feel bad about what's happening here, but…"

*Slap!*

Lumine slaps Noah back to sense.

"My decision is final… We're staying here. We're not running away. My initial plan was to get your friend in Dragon Ravine. But things change. Our arrival in Cat Paradise must've been fate. I must save them from this unnecessary quarrel."

"What's your plan Lumine?"

"Hmm… I don't have a plan at all as for now…"

"Are you taking this seriously? There are innocent people who are suffering on both sides!"

Noah flipped.

"I know that. That is the reason we're going to save them from this useless war. The cat paradise belief and the dragon belief always oppose each other. But still, the possibility of living in harmony is not far from impossible. As for right now, we'll gather information first. When we gather enough information we can make our plan. We'll resolve this in the most peaceful way possible. Please have faith in your lovely princess of peace."

Lumine said in confidence.