The meeting showed no signs of ending soon, so Yulia had a servant relay a message, telling #79 to come again tomorrow.
She left on her own, preparing to return to Inev and Cathy.
Destroying this base outright wouldn’t achieve much. At most, they’d only catch a few small fries. It was better to leave it under surveillance for now; there might be more gains later.
But they couldn’t leave it for too long. Once others investigated and discovered that Eleven had been here, problems could arise.
In any case, they’d have to take care of them eventually, including #79.
‘Taking care’ wasn’t wrong, whether recruiting into their ranks or leaving them in a prison cell. Or just taking their lives.
That’s how it went—disposing of the tool once its use was over.
Rewinding the time slightly.
After Yulia left, Inev and Cathy bickered for a while.
Suddenly, Cathy noticed something and immediately changed her demeanor, pressing close affectionately. “Inev, try this! It’s really good.”
As she leaned in, she whispered, “Play along for now. It’s important.”
Inev stiffened.
This little cat’s mood swings are too sudden!
She had prepared her next sarcastic remark, and now it was stuck in her throat.
It’s so frustrating!
Fortunately, her usual expression in public was cold and icy, so her current stiffness didn’t stand out.
Inev pushed Cathy away, pausing before replying, “You can have it. I don’t like sweets.”
“What a shame. It’s really delicious.” Cathy sat back down.
As she turned around, she caught sight of someone standing on the street below.
Inev saw it too. It was the catfolk student Cathy had met before.
The other party had also noticed them.
The barrier Yulia had set up didn’t block perception. Unless triggered, it was unnoticeable.
“Ah, I’ll be right back.”
“Mm.” Inev gave only a faint nod.
Although she didn’t understand Cathy’s actions, she’d cooperate.
Her relationship with Cathy wasn’t actually bad. Silence and indifference were the real signs of a poor relationship.
Cathy went downstairs and naturally followed Muka into a secluded alley.
Muka turned around, smirking. “You get along well with your friends, huh?”
“How I handle things is none of your concern. Just worry about yourself.”
“Hah, it’s not like I’ve interfered much with you, have I?”
Cathy shot him a glance and cut straight to the point. “Why’d you look for me this time?”
“Just happened to run into you. But since you’re here, I might as well save myself a trip.”
“Get to it.”
Muka wasn’t pleased with Cathy’s impatient tone, but it didn’t matter. Soon, he wouldn’t have to deal with her anyway.
“The operation’s about to begin. Just confirming—anything to add to the intel you provided?”
Cathy thought for a moment. “One thing.”
“What?”
“Lia probably has some kind of connection with the Headmaster.”
Muka stared at her for a long while before chuckling. “Got it. You won’t be involved with this operation, and don’t interfere. Otherwise…”
“I’ve only ever acted for Kestes’ sake.”
“Right, I know. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t be involved. That’s all—I’m leaving.”
Muka knew that Cathy had never truly intended to help him. The information she provided was always vague, with little practical use.
Not that it mattered. He had never relied on her assistance anyway.
Her presence as a catfolk was helpful enough.
Watching Muka leave, Cathy thought of the barrier Lia had recently set up and sighed softly.
“How amusing.”
His target is Inev.
But is that even possible?
The only chance he’d have was if he forcibly dragged Inev out right now.
From Muka’s perspective, Inev being out alone was obviously a trap.
She hadn’t left the academy in ages, and it made no sense to leave now.
This sudden situation left him unprepared. Since he’d genuinely stumbled upon them by chance, he wouldn’t take the risk. He had a safer plan.
In fact, it was indeed a trap. Step in, and it would trigger.
Cathy returned to Inev’s side.
Inev asked, “Did something happen?”
“My… friend reminded me it’s dangerous outside. You should be careful too.”
The abruptness of Cathy’s words left Inev puzzled, but the gist seemed to be a warning.
So she nodded. “Right. Thanks. Once Lia’s back, we’ll go back to the academy.”
After a short wait, a familiar voice rang out.
“Wah! You two! You ate my dessert!”
They turned around and saw Lia.
“Lia! You’re back!”
“Lady Lia! Long time no see!”
“Hmph! You went too far!”
“Ah, it’s fine. I’ll order another one for you. But I have to say…” Inev licked her lips. “Lia’s portion was especially sweet. Right, Cathy?”
“Mhm! It’s more delicious!”
“Eek! You two…” Yulia looked at them with disgust.
“Relax, we’re just teasing you.”
“Hehe, I’d like to do it, but I’d never act without Lady Lia’s permission!”
They ended up packing another serving for Yulia to eat on the way back.
The three returned to the academy without further incident.
After a day out, everyone was tired and headed straight to the dorm to rest.
Suddenly, Cathy stood up. “Oh! I just remembered—Professor Euphyllia wanted to see me. It’s almost time, so I’ll head over now.”
With that, she left.
Yulia tilted her head.
When did I ask for her? Euphyllia is still sleeping!
So it must be the opposite.
She wants to talk to me about something she can’t say in front of others. That earlier line was meant for me.
Yulia didn’t react further, but Euphyllia woke up at the same time.
Soon, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
As expected, it was Cathy.
“What do you need?”
Cathy pressed a finger to her lips, hesitating before speaking. “Lady L—Professor Euphyllia, I… can I use you?”
“Oh?” Euphyllia’s brows rose. “Use me?”
Now that’s an interesting way to phrase it.
“There are things I… can’t explain directly.”
“Heh. Interesting.” Euphyllia interlaced her fingers as she studied Cathy. “Since you’ve warned me upfront, I won’t take it as ‘using’ me. Consider it a challenge set by a student.”
“And when it comes to challenges, I’m confident that I can handle them.”
“Yes! I believe that Professor Euphyllia will definitely succeed!”