[55.7] A Fluffy Reunion

Before I could comment, I heard a small tiger growl come from a bush. A young tiger cub suddenly lunged at me with his claws out. His shiny silver-blue fur reflected in the sun. Caldwell intervened to grab him before he could sink his claws into me.

My eyes lit up as I recognized the little cub. I reached my hand out, "Do you remember your savior?!"

He snapped at my hand, ready to bite it off. Luckily, after years of owning a volatile cat and then a moody fox demon, I was able to pull my hand back in time before getting bit.

"Sanc!" A woman ran from where he had jumped out from, panting for air. She stood in front of the tiger cub protectively, but spoke apologetically, "I am so SO sorry! Please don't be upset with him! Demon tiger cubs are known to bite without warning!"

I smiled at her, "It's okay. It's just how he shows his love."

She gave me a curious look, her eyes glistening with the sun. The woman had tiger ears and a tail present, and her skin was covered in runes as tattoos. She didn't look as if she belonged to the village as her way of dressing was very different from Caldwell and others.

Caldwell grinned, "Lele. This is Reika."

Her eyes widened and she stared at me as if I was an idol. Tears glistened in her eyes, "You… You were the one who saved my Sanc?"

I pretended to be bashful, but my lips were twitching into a prideful smile, "That's right. I saved him out of the goodness of my heart. He was far too cute not to help."

…Although Felix was the one who made sure we won the auction.

I was nearly knocked over by her sudden hug. She rubbed her cheek against mine, "Thank you! Thank you for saving my baby! I-I don't know how I can thank you enough!"

Close! Too close!

She finally pulled away, allowing me to gasp for air. She turned in the direction she came, "Darling! This woman saved our child!"

From behind a tree, another tiger demon flinched. I hadn't noticed him earlier since he was hiding, but now he peeked out more as if encouraged by the woman.

He had a large scar spanning his face that covered an eye sealed shut. He only had one working eye and it was the same color as his wife and child.

Lele motioned to him, "This is my husband. His name is Lee."

Lee stepped out from behind the tree and stood behind his wife. He held onto her, still staring at me pensively.

Lele spoke, "Please forgive my husband. He's a bit shy, but I assure you he is very grateful for what you've done for our son."

He gave a nervous nod as if trying to express his gratitude, but was also too scared to look away from me.

Lele took her son into her arms and rubbed her cheeks against his fur, "Sanc is our only child. It took us over 900 years to finally have a child so we are a bit protective of him. One day we were both so exhausted and fell asleep, leaving only him awake. I can't believe this naughty boy slipped out of our village without anyone knowing and then got kidnapped! I can't tell you how relieved we were when Caldwell brought him home and explained that you had saved him."

My eyes nearly fell out of my head, "9-900 years?! It took you 900 years?!"

Caldwell spoke with a smile, "Lele and Lee are ancient demons."

"So an ancient demon is anyone who lived nearly a century ago?"

"Not exactly." She laughed lightly, "Any demon who lived during the Great Fairy's time is called an ancient demon. It's our way of showing respect to the Great Fairy. My husband and I were both children when we were saved by her and arrived to this village. We've been together ever since."

She passed the tiger cub to her husband and reached out to hold my hands, "If you ever need anything, you can call on my family. Tiger demons like us are skilled at curses and the removal of curses."

My face lit up, "Curses?! Then Cyrus's curse-"

Caldwell shook his head with a dark expression, "That curse is unique."

Lele sighed, "Ah yes. Sy's boy. A curse of resentment is difficult to break as you must remove the resentment of the one who cast it… If that isn't hard enough, it was also Moni who cast it. I can't remove anything he casts. He's far too strong."

I was surprised, "You know Moni?"

Her eyes darkened, "Ah. Moni. I remember him too well. I was a little girl when the Great Fairy saved my family and sent us here. He always followed her like a duckling to its mom. Whenever he looked at me, my legs would shake uncontrollably and I felt as though he would eat me alive. I could see the darkness he stored inside of his heart and I always knew one day he would use his strength for evil. The Great Fairy tried her best to turn him into a good person, but everyone knew it was impossible. He was evil the moment he was born."

Caldwell clicked his tongue, "I know what you mean. The moment his eyes fell upon me, it felt like all my secrets were out in the open for all to see. Truly an uncomfortable feeling, it's obvious he's a terrible person."

I pursed my lips as a strange feeling traveled through my body.

I know better than anyone that Moni is evil….

So why do I feel like someone is squeezing my heart?

Why do I pity that man after everything he has done?

I reached up to place a hand over my heart as I tried to recognize the feeling in my chest.

Lele spoke, "Oh yeah! The Elder is preparing a banquet to welcome you. The whole village will be there."

Caldwell peered into my face with a slight smile, "Shall we go, Young Miss?"

I licked my lips, "I've never turned down an offer for free food, and I won't start now!"