A talking cat?
Is this little guy negotiating with himself?
Ronald blinked his gray bean-shaped eyes, which were a different color to Patricia's, stunned for a few seconds before he grasped the situation.
—This was perfectly reasonable.
In those fantastical storybook worlds, not only cats and dogs but even rocks and rivers could anthropomorphize and engage in logical conversations with humans.
Ronald turned his head for one last look at the innkeeper who was still repeating his line "I'm at work," then turned and squatted down in front of the talking black kitten:
"Little guy, I think we can strike a deal."
"You're not a common sight, a human as smart as you, come with me!"
After their brief negotiation, the black kitten stretched out on the ground before lightly leaping to perch on Ronald's shoulder.
Then, using its fluffy paws, it scratched Ronald's hair to make it as comfortable as possible, while the other paw pointed directly to the side: