Chapter 101: Fire Meow Meow's Hesitation

Take that certain rabbit, for instance. So full of herself. After finally taking human form, she could've just focused on studying and assimilating into human society.

Even unintelligent wild beasts know to keep a low profile—but her?

Not a chance. She constantly drew attention to herself, despite knowing how easily her identity could be exposed.

It was as if her one hundred thousand years of soul beast survival instinct had vanished the moment she transformed—like she was afraid no one would notice her.

At this moment, Fire Meow Meow sat upright, a storm of emotions swirling in its heart.

One second it had been locked in combat with wild beasts in the forest, and the next, it was suddenly in the human world—being treated like an honored guest. It was overwhelming.

Having only just reached the hundred-thousand-year mark, it no longer defaulted to beastlike instincts, which made her mindset oddly pure and simple now.

It vaguely remembered promising the little mistress it will find its own food… so now that food was in front of her, should it eat or not?

Would they think less of it if it did?

While Fire Meow Meow was stuck in that dilemma, Shui Xinrou was happily chatting with Paimon.

As Paimon casually shared snippets from her travels—stories that seemed mundane to her—the three girls from Skywater Academy listened with wide eyes and dropped jaws.

"Grrrggh…"

Everyone was so engrossed that even Fire Meow Meow had forgotten her internal struggle. But just as Paimon was about to continue, a sound interrupted—Yu Keke's stomach growled.

Embarrassed, she looked like she wanted to bury her head in her developing mountain range.

Almost in sync, Paimon's own tummy grumbled in response.

"Hehe~ Kinda hungry now."

Paimon scratched her head and looked over at Aether.

"I'm so sorry—I'll go check on the food right away!"

Shui Xinrou jumped up in apology. The food had been prepared long ago, but Paimon's tales had been so captivating that she'd completely forgotten why they were here in the first place.

She returned shortly, and attendants followed, quickly filling the large table with dish after dazzling dish.

"Waaah! Dean, you're the best! You're giving us so much good food!"

Paimon was already rubbing her hands in anticipation, eyes locked onto the table full of deliciousness.

"Haha, Skywater's hospitality is simple and humble. I hope it's to the liking of Your Excellency, Paimon, Keke, and… Lord Fire."

Shui Xinrou offered a gentle, apologetic smile, paying particular attention to Fire Meow Meow, who still sat motionless like a stone statue.

Even though it was all so sudden, Wang Wan had mentioned briefly in her letter that the adorable-looking little lion Paimon referred to as "Fire Meow Meow" was, in fact, a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast!

Not that she had any hostile intentions—just a deep curiosity about the godlike figure who could actually tame such a beast.

Even as a Soul Sage herself, she knew this cuddly-looking lion could easily flatten her.

And the figure known as "Your Excellency"? Rumored to have surpassed the limits of a Titled Douluo—a being so powerful that even Sword Douluo himself had reportedly been defeated with ease.

Anyone harboring thoughts about this soul beast probably also believed drooling counted as a superpower…

"Thank you, Dean! We won't be shy then~"

First to dig in, as always, was the glutton queen herself—Paimon the Great.

Spotting a dish that resembled crispy Sticky Honey Roast, Paimon gave a quick thanks, then gleefully tore off a giant drumstick and chomped away.

After some polite back-and-forth, everyone else picked up their chopsticks and began to eat.

"Sluuurp…"

Fire Meow Meow stared blankly at its two little mistresses, both eating with gusto, their mouths slick with oil. Its mouth watered uncontrollably.

"Hm? Lord Fire, why aren't you eating? Are the dishes not to your taste?"

Shui Xinrou asked softly when she noticed Fire Meow Meow sitting stiffly, untouched plate before her.

"…"

Now aware of the gazes pointed at it, Fire Meow Meow sat up even straighter, eyes locked forward with the intensity of a soldier marching to war.

"…"

With no reply, Shui Xinrou gave a somewhat awkward smile.

So this is what a hundred-thousand-year soul beast is like—even their dining posture is this aloof…

Your Grace truly was extraordinary, to have tamed such a proud creature.

But inside, Fire Meow Meow was screaming:

It's over. The important people noticed me…

It's over. Both little mistresses are watching me too…

Did I mess up? Am I doomed? Am I gonna get thrown out?!

The Shui sisters, watching the stone-faced Fire Meow Meow, were equally confused.

Wasn't this soul beast basically a clingy puppy before? Why's it acting so cold now?

They'd seen how fierce and bold it was when dealing with others.

But now, in front of His Excellency, it was so obedient it was almost scary. Could It have been… trained?

Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er seemed to reach the same conclusion at once. Their eyes flicked to Aether…

Then they turned to look at each other.

A faint blush bloomed on both their cheeks.

Noticing the change, they quickly looked away and buried themselves in their food—though their minds wandered to places best left unspoken.

"Eh? Fire Meow Meow, what's up with you?"

Unlike the inner chaos around her, Paimon simply floated over to Fire Meow Meow and asked directly.

"Roarrr…"

With her little mistress approaching, Fire Meow Meow lowered her head and let out a pitiful sound.

"It's okay, we're all friends here—you can talk."

Paimon reassured her.

On the way here, Aether and the others had learned the basics about Fire Meow Meow: she'd reached a hundred thousand years by consuming pyro elemental essence, which gave her speech—but she still couldn't take human form.

They'd agreed that until she could, and especially in front of outsiders, it was best for her to remain silent to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Fire Meow Meow had taken that to heart. So now, even when questioned, she only let out a cute noise instead of talking.

But under Paimon's coaxing, she finally opened her mouth and whispered,

"Lady Paimon… I can find my own food…"

"…?"

Aether, midway through picking up food, dropped it right back onto his plate.

Yep… just like I remembered. Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts really are this dumb.

"Ehhh?! You actually believed that?!"

Paimon crossed her arms and gave her best smug face.

Then, seeing how lost and silly Fire Meow Meow looked, she plucked a big drumstick off the table and plopped it onto her plate.

Her starlit eyes sparkled as she mimicked Aether's tone and declared:

"Since you're with me, I won't let you go hungry!"

"From now on—if I get a bite to eat, you get a bowl to scrub! Got it?!"

_

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