Rewarding the good cat!

"Meow…"

The cat meowed at Ophelia, whose focus had now shifted from Oliver to the cat instead.

She narrowed her eyes as she calmly observed the cat, who was waving her tiny paws at her and then at Oliver, as if indicating something.

"…."

Oliver looked at the clan guardian and felt speechless. What was she trying to say?

Ophelia observed the cat. She was naturally aware of her identity.

She glanced back at him, her eyes flickering briefly as if she were contemplating many things.

A look of comprehension spread across her face, as if she had just pieced together a hidden puzzle.

A sinister glint flickered in her eyes, unnoticed by anyone except the clan guardian.

What could Ophelia be plotting now? Her mind raced with possibilities, each more chilling than the last.

The cat knew that gaze. Ophelia was scheming something terrible.

Her heart could not help but sink. She knew now Ophelia was already developing plans involving Oliver.

The clan guardian had seen countless schemers and politicians, but none could even compete with this emotionless woman.

Even she herself could never understand her actions. But one thing the cat knew was that every action of Ophelia brought cruelty.

One crueler than the other.

She was that dangerous, but unfortunately, as the clan guardian, she did not have the power or authority to oppose her.

Ophelia was way stronger than her, after all.

Was protecting Oliver worth the potential backlash? The clan guardian pondered, weighing her loyalty against the situation.

She was already going beyond her bounds by shielding Oliver here. It might even risk her dearly in the future too.

Whatever it was, now that she has decided, she cannot back off.

But she had no choice. Oliver's case was just that special and sensitive. She could not allow Ophelia's shadow to fall on him.

Otherwise, with his powers, he might become the worst threat to this world under Ophelia's influence.

"Meow—"

The cat meowed and looked at Ophelia in her eyes.

Her actions conveyed a simple message to her.

'He's under my protection. Leave now.'

Of course, Ophelia was not obligated to follow the clan guardian's words, but in that moment, she did something unexpected.

She looked over at Nadia and called out, "Follow me."

After throwing a glance in her son's direction, she left the chamber.

What did that final glance mean? Oliver couldn't shake off the feeling that it was a silent warning.

The clan guardian had expected Ophelia to ignore her and use force, but, as always, Ophelia was unpredictable. 

Ophelia knew that since the clan guardian had so, this meant that his abnormal growth and the mysterious incident was all being watched by the clan guardian. 

'She's definitely going to plan something. It seems that I need to rush my plan before something happens.'

Zippy sighed as she thought of the risky plan in her mind.

'It cannot be delayed now.'

Just as she was in her thoughts, Oliver picked her up from behind.

"Zippy, why did you come here? Didn't I ask you to go home and wait for food?" he asked with a smile.

The clan guardian had proven herself to be quite useful today.

He had always thought that she was there for his rations, but unexpectedly, she had helped him not once but twice today.

The head judge looked at him, his eyes popping out of his sockets as he saw this kid casually pick up the esteemed clan guardian and pet her.

This level of disrespect…

But he seemed to know the cat, and the clan guardian also did not seem to mind. More like, she did not even reveal her identity here.

A thought crossed his mind as he wondered if the clan guardian did not wish for her identity to be exposed.

He was quite confused.

First, it was Mistress Ophelia who was pressuring this kid for some reason, but then the clan guardian arrived, and for some reason, Mistress Ophelia left directly.

What was up with this kid?

Things were definitely not simple.

For two of the clan's supreme existences to arrive at a single place and meet a single kid, and that too right after that earlier phenomenon in the sky.

'Was that related to him…?'

He remembered how Oliver had disappeared just before the incident and how he returned just after the phenomenon was over.

Could Oliver be linked to the mysterious event? The head judge's curiosity grew more.

He secretly made a note to investigate more later.

_______________

After everyone left, Oliver said to the cat, "Today, I will make something delicious. I remember purchasing meat."

The worried cat's ears perked up when she heard this, and her eyes started to twinkle.

She pounced on him, and Oliver caught her and left the chambers as well.

He needed some time to familiarize himself with his newfound powers and the things he was now able to do.

He was relieved that he saved himself from getting his cover blown fully in front of her.

She would have one hundred percent brainwashed him into an emotionless, lifeless, colorless killing machine had she realized his true potential now.

He knew that if that happened, there would be no point in living a life.

Upon arriving at his courtyard, he directly headed to the kitchen. The cat deserved a treat!

Setting aside training for a while, he was quite hungry as all he ate in the forest was some fruits and seeds. It did not satisfy him at all.

He used the meat available on the shelves. The world had different sorts of meats that he was initially not familiar with, but after some time, he started to like the taste of the fantasy meat.

Each cut of meat seemed to hold its own elegance, flavors waiting to be discovered. Oliver's knife moved with practiced ease, slicing through the interesting textures.

But since he was hungry, he focused on preparing a small meal first for himself and the cat.

Over the months, his cooking skills had improved significantly as he cooked for himself rather than relying on the maids.

Soon, a small meat-based meal suitable for two was prepared. It was an afternoon meal.

It was stewed rump eaten with bland bread. The rump was naturally strong in flavor, it was just barely seasoned with strong oils, and eaten with fish.

The fish was properly seasoned with herbs and salts. It was just the right amount.

"Meow!"

The cat jumped up and down as the aroma filled the room. This was the best time.

Due to Oliver's participation in the demon hunt, she had not tasted this cooking for a long time. Now she was ready to devour it all!

Good treat!