Chapter 37 Are you leaving? Rapid movements…
The rapid movement stirred up a gust of wind, blowing your hat off and revealing your full face.
The long, golden fingernails were only a few centimeters away from the tip of your nose.
When the demigod of the black hood saw you, his pupils contracted, revealing an expression of fright like that of a real cat.
Her hair was also gray, with a small braid peeking out from under her hood. Whenever she made a big movement like running or jumping, her long tail would sway in the air along with the braid, making it impossible for you to look away.
“…Oh ho.” She laughed as if she found it strange, revealing a sharp canine tooth in her mouth.
"What? So you snuck in too."
She withdrew her hand, glanced at the doll lying on the ground, and without getting angry, said with great interest, "Your skills in this area are not bad. I've never seen such a move before. Teach me sometime, okay?"
Saifei'er's information network is clearly very efficient. Even though you've never seen her in the city, she knows you very well and doesn't seem like a stranger at all.
You recall the complex expression on Aglaia's face when she mentioned her. She always said that Sephalia was unwilling to shoulder the responsibilities of a demigod. She was clearly a cute and innocent child when she was young, but for some reason, she didn't want to go home as she grew up. Was there something wrong with her parenting style?
Whenever Aglaia speaks of her, though her words seem to be scolding, her eyes are filled with longing and heartache. Aside from Ohma, you rarely see her so emotionally volatile; it seems that Saifeel holds a significant place in her heart.
But speaking of irresponsibility… You glanced up at Saifei, who was tossing a coin with one hand on her hip. Her azure eyes shone like precious gems, more dazzling than any wealth she could ever seek. You didn't know their past, but judging from the fact that this seemingly carefree demigod had risked her life to rescue you after seeing you attacked at the city gate, she shouldn't be a cold-hearted or rebellious person…?
You opened your mouth, but before you could speak, Sai Fei'er pouted and complained, "These bastards are really annoying. I saw them trying to harm you right outside the city gate, so I followed them all the way here. They really went to any lengths to avoid the seamstress's gold thread."
"Your vigilance is quite good." She said, patting your shoulder and laughing, "I like that you're so easy to take care of."
But soon, she frowned in thought. "Logically speaking, they shouldn't have acted on you so quickly... Kidnapping someone at the city gate in such a rush isn't their usual style. Let me tell you, those people in the Senate are wicked; they even dared to do it to Aya—"
Seemingly realizing she had misspoke and uttered an inappropriate term, she quickly shut her mouth in annoyance.
You blinked, secretly thinking that Katniss had finally figured out the meaning behind your veiled insults and was waiting to get revenge.
After you discussed it, Saifeier told you some secrets about how the Cleansers relied on spinal replacement. She leaned against you and chattered away for a while, cursing all the Cleansers' ancestors for eighteen generations before finally stopping, satisfied.
Before long, you reached an agreement to steal a few copies of their confidential documents from other places. Even if it might not be of much use, it would be enough to give them a headache.
When you turn around, you see a mischievous glint in Saifei's eyes, as if she's looking forward to what's to come.
Is this why cats always like to make a mess of the house? It must feel so good to cause chaos everywhere and not have to clean up after them...
But as soon as she stretched and took a step forward, her nose twitched, blocking your way.
“Don’t you think it’s…too quiet?” Saifei asked.
As if in response to her words, a loud "bang!" came from the doorway.
"Run! Run! What kind of monster is that?!"
"We...we have the Senate backing us! Be careful—ah! Help!!!"
"Madman...! Go find the guards!"
In an instant, dust billowed up. Accompanied by panicked screams and the sound of things falling to the ground, chaos was clearly visible outside.
Sai Fei'er's expression hardened. Without saying a word, she scooped you up as if you were weightless, hoisted you onto her shoulder, and jumped back onto the roof beam, hiding back in the shadows.
The door was violently pushed open.
A familiar black figure floated in.
How could this be? How could he be here?
Dark memories of Shuting flooded your mind. If it weren't for Aha's intervention, even if you weren't in trouble, Tian would likely be dead. You were shaken and subconsciously glanced at the healed scar on your arm.
A man in black, bearing the same sun mark as Bai E, walked in, scanned the room, and paused for a moment at the doll lying askew in the center.
He walked over and first tested it with his fingertip. He quickly saw through the clumsy disguise—his strength had become even more terrifying. Now, even with Sai Feier by your side, you can't guarantee that you can escape unscathed.
Besides, Sambo mentioned to you last time that Aha's power can't save your life at all times. After all, the [Joy] Star God isn't a philanthropist. He usually only appears at important, predetermined (you don't know what "predetermined" means) moments to help things deviate from their original course, bringing the journey to a faster end and leading the drama down a path with fewer sacrifices.
The phone remained silent, completely still. It seems this wasn't the "pre-ordained" scenario.
The man in black's previously gentle movements suddenly changed; he became agitated and flung the doll aside, tearing the poor doll to shreds in a cloud of black mist.
His head moved mechanically twice, then emitted that hoarse sound that seemed to resonate with a thousand voices, and the mask turned straight toward your hiding place.
You hear Saifei click her tongue next to you.
The next second, a whooshing sound came, and you were carried forward by Sai Feier.
She was moving so fast that everything around her seemed to be rushing backward, and all that appeared on her retina was a blurry mass of colors.
A slight stinging sensation deep in your ear, followed by a sharp, piercing siren. You have tinnitus.
The man in black missed his target, then quickly changed direction and charged straight at you.
Who exactly is he—no, I should say, what exactly is he? A monster? Why can he easily catch up with a demigod known for his speed and [trickery]?
The thick black fog seemed to be about to swallow you little ones whole.
Saifeier had never encountered such a formidable opponent, but she showed no fear whatsoever. She said something like, "You've really put me in a terrible situation this time. You'll have to repay me with some good gems later," but her body instinctively protected you, and she held you tightly on her shoulder even during the battle.
"Damn it, do you owe him money? Why is he chasing you like this?" she gritted her teeth. "Hey, Masked Guy, talk this out, don't act like a madman and ask for a beating—"
...[Spark]. At first, you thought he came for Sai Fei'er, but as you watched his every move being aimed at you, you belatedly realized something was wrong.
...This doesn't make sense, why are there people everywhere trying to catch you? Are you really that charming?
[Fire Seed] has always been the top priority in front of this irrational monster, as if it were a program etched into his bones, but now it has given way to capture you.
Why? You must have something unique about you that sets you apart from others. Think of it quickly, you're so dense!
"Hey, Sister Saifei! Over here!"
A sullen voice rang out from the corner.
Without hesitation, Sai Fei'er stepped into the wide-open purple hole.
Because it's being carried on her shoulder, when she only shows her back, you can make eye contact with the man in black.
"..."
Are you leaving?
Although it's a question, it doesn't sound like he's asking you.
...
Aglaia and Baier stood at the gates of Ohma.
As Bai E kept circling around her, almost making everyone around her dizzy, Aglaia closed her eyes.
"...Calm down, Bai'er."
Bai E stared blankly at the message that he had sent out several tens of minutes ago but which had disappeared without a trace.
“Something must have happened,” he said. “My partner wouldn’t ignore me unless he was sleeping…besides, I felt a chill run down my spine just now…”
Aglaia paused, "Golden Thread sent word from afar that she is currently accompanied by two notorious thieves. Don't worry."
Before the words were even finished, a large hole suddenly appeared in front of them, and two girls with similar gray hair rolled out of it.
"Ouch!" Sai Fei'er immediately cried out, clutching her bottom. "Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch—that masked man really hit hard—Grey, are you alright—"
Bai'er immediately stepped forward and reached out to catch you.
Saifeier wanted to peek at you, but saw Bai'e holding you tightly. She could only see his cloak and heavy armor behind him.
Bai Er nuzzled his head into your neck. This tall, strong young man, in a high-pitched voice, kept asking, "Partner, where did you go? I was so worried!" "Partner, you have to call me next time. Are you hurt anywhere?" "What? You really get tired of being with me? Really? I don't believe it! You must be lying to me—"
Saifeier: ...
Her face was full of "Who's comforting whom here?" She silently turned her head back, dusted herself off, and stood up.
"Alright," she said, "you should comfort... uh, comfort the savior boy first, then I'll be going."
As she said this, pretending not to see Aglaia's gaze fixed on her, she tossed the coin high into the air—
“...Sefaria.”
"...Why did you suddenly call me?"
"You saved her. You didn't actually want to shirk responsibility, did you?"
"Oh, so you're starting to play the emotional card? I don't think things through like you guys. I just do whatever comes to mind, regardless of whether it saves anyone or not. Don't take me too seriously. Instead of wasting your time, give me some of your savings. I know you have a lot of shiny, good stuff..."
"What will it take for you to go home?"
“…” Sai Fei’er paused in her steps.
She snorted, "...What's with all this talk about going home or not? I'm perfectly happy being free and independent on my own."
—Perhaps it will be when the world is free of calamities, and she no longer needs to maintain this colossal lie.
Sai Fei'er disappeared without a trace.
You pinched Bai E's ear. "Stop whining. And don't bombard me with so many messages next time, or I'll put you on Do Not Disturb mode—"
Quietly lying in the pocket was a folded document titled "Chronicle of Major Events of the Cleaners (Internal Circulation)" and a note.
[You're pretty good, here you go~ Meow~]
Signed: The Cat Thief. (And her most loyal henchman!)
...
"Clang."
A glittering gold gem rolled out of Saifei's pocket.
She picked it up and examined it; it didn't seem to be a gemstone native to Onphalus, but rather appeared to come from a far, far away outer space.
The cat smiled contentedly.
"Looks like we're pretty in sync. How about you consider becoming a phantom thief too? Be my little brother, I'll protect you—hehe, just kidding."
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Author's Note: I love cats... absolutely adorable cats...
The Golden Clan agrees...! You two are destined to be lifelong partners...!
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