They eventually reached the man-eating tree, and Athanasia watched as Cale fed the tree with bread. To her surprise, the tree started talking, expressing its delight in the delicious bread, especially the third bag. Athanasia found it amusing to witness Cale's bewildered and dumbfounded reaction.
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As the tree continued talking, it thanked Cale for understanding its taste preferences and called him a good guy. The tree's color gradually changed during the conversation, and a light show ensued. Cale felt a connection with the tree's words, touching his heart as if he had activated an ancient power.
Athanasia congratulated Cale on the experience, and he smiled at her in response. However, Cale couldn't help but think that the shield, which had appeared before him, looked too divine for his liking.
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He reminded himself that he wouldn't be involved in too many fights, so he wouldn't have many occasions to use it.
As they returned to the town, they encountered the two cat-kids again, now in cat form. Athanasia knew that Cale had noticed that they were the same kids from earlier in the morning. The playful kittens meowed at them and snuggled up to both Cale and Athanasia. Cale touched his forehead in response, seemingly trying to process the situation.
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Athanasia laughed and remarked that she had told him earlier in the morning that the kids would follow them. She found it amusing that even though she had read about it in a novel, seeing Cale's reaction made it even more realistic and enjoyable to experience
As they arrived home, Athanasia carried Hong, the red kitten, while Cale held On, the silver one. Upon entering, the servants seemed to be looking at Athanasia again, which Athanasia sigh her as the misunderstandings about her relationship with Cale were still prevalent. She sighed, wishing she could just be Cale's personal maid.
Hans noticed the cute and lovely kittens and commented on their adorableness. Athanasia couldn't help but think that he didn't know they were from the cat tribe. She called out to Cale and informed him about going to her room and to call her if he needed anything. Cale acknowledged her request, and she left for her guest room to take a shower.
During the shower, one of the maids accidentally caused Athanasia to kneel against the bathtub, and another almost made her slip while putting on her shoes, but luckily, she was caught in time. Athanasia sighed at her unfortunate luck.
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After the shower, there was a knock on her door, and Cale appeared. Seeing her struggle to stand up, he noticed the strain in her legs and informed her that his father and mother were calling them for dinner. Athanasia thanked him and agreed to join. Cale offered to help her walk and held her waist as they made their way to the dining room.
When they arrived, the Henituse family was already there. Athanasia felt a bit nervous due to the strange looks she was receiving, especially from Lily and Countess Violan. Cale seemed to sense her discomfort and subtly nudged her leg with his foot, silently reassuring her to relax. Athanasia felt relieved by his gesture and smiled sweetly.
During the dinner, misunderstandings about Cale and Athanasia's relationship arose again, particularly in the eyes of Basen and Lily, Cale's half-sister. The Henituse couple, however, remained silent, seemingly not minding the situation.
Later, in Cale's room, he mentioned that he would go to the Fragrance of Tea with Poetry, presumably to speak with Billo about something. Athanasia knew about this arrangement but wanted to go with him. However, Cale refused, concerned about her leg sprain, and she reluctantly nodded.
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Returning to her room, Athanasia settled in and drifted off to sleep. The events of the day had been eventful, and she hoped that the misunderstandings about her and Cale would eventually be resolved.
As she slept, her mind wandered back to the moments with Cale, his reassuring smile, and the small gestures that made her feel more at ease. Athanasia couldn't help but smile in her sleep, content with the bond they were developing
(I apologize, but this chapter is shorter than the others.)
