Cipher slowly sat up in bed, her gray hair cascading over her smooth shoulders. She stretched languidly, her cat ears twitching slightly atop her head.
"Myaow~"
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her curvaceous, alluring figure. Even her shadow cast on the floor clearly formed a pronounced S-shape.
After stretching, Cipher leisurely strolled to the edge of the bed and began to dress. She no longer lived with Aglaea, preferring to live alone.
This residence had originally been arranged for Aria, Douglas, and Feidric, but they had all gone off for further studies. Only Feidric, who lived nearby, occasionally returned for visits. As for Aria and Douglas, Cipher hadn't seen them in quite some time.
With the three humans away, one mustn't forget the two adorable creatures still in the team: the Little Owlbear, Rice, and the Little Husky, Half.
Cipher's daily routine was now remarkably simple, like that of a nanny, caring for these two little ones.
Cipher had just finished dressing when she glanced at the two little ones' nest beside the bed. She saw the Little Owlbear, sound asleep, roll over and, with a casual elbow, knock Half out of the nest. The still-sleeping Half tumbled several times on the floor before waking up with a start, lifting his head with a thoroughly 'wise' yet utterly bewildered expression.
Seeing this, Cipher couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated. Over the past year, the Little Owlbear had grown several times larger, while Half remained exactly the same, still retaining the adorable, dim-witted charm of his puppyhood.
Cipher sat on the edge of the bed, motionless. Her tail, however, reached down and curled around Half on the floor, pulling him up to her side. She poked his damp nose with her index finger and teased, "Honestly, you're supposed to be a majestic and handsome Ancient God. How can you let an Owlbear bully you like this?"
Half tilted his head slightly, utterly uncomprehending of what Cipher was saying. He whimpered softly twice and paddled his paws like he was swimming, as if trying to burrow into her arms.
Cipher continued her futile efforts, like talking to a brick wall. "You're the Wolf God of the Northern Territory! How can you make such adorable sounds? Come on, learn from me! You should be howling like this!"
She clenched her hands into tiny fists and held them in front of her cheeks, tilting her head slightly, winking one eye shut, and adopting a deliberately cute, high-pitched voice. "Meow~"
Half froze momentarily, a bewildered expression spreading across its face. But what came next was even more absurd: it actually opened its mouth and, after a few awkward attempts, let out a low, slightly off-key meow. "Meow?"
Now it was Cipher's turn to stare in disbelief. Is this even possible? How can a dog make a cat sound? That defies all logic of vocal anatomy!
Perhaps still clumsy from his first attempt, Half tried again a few more times, growing increasingly proficient: "Meow meow meow~?"
Cipher: "..."
Finally, she gave up trying to understand. Reaching out, she ruffled Half's head and tucked this wolf-like-a-dog, cat-meowing deity back into his den.
Of course, Cipher couldn't resist petting the Little Owlbear nestled in its nest. Its fur felt just as soft and comforting as stroking an owl.
After washing up and tidying her tail fur, she even reapplied nail polish to her fingers and toes before heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast—for herself, the Little Owlbear, and Half.
Once everyone was full and satisfied, Cipher led the Little Owlbear and Half out of the house and straight toward Okhema's city center.
Normally, one should leash pets when taking them out for a walk; it's the civilized thing to do. But the problem was, while leashing dogs and cats made sense, what about birds? Should they be leashed too?
Moreover, the Little Owlbear didn't even have a neck! There was nowhere to put a collar. You couldn't exactly tie a leash to its arm, could you?
Fortunately, the little creature was exceptionally obedient, and Cipher had the ability to instantly subdue it if necessary, so she decided against using a leash.
Along the way, many people greeted Cipher. After living in the area for some time, the local residents had grown accustomed to the presence of the beautiful Little Catgirl. Cipher nodded in response to each greeting.
Soon, she arrived at Okhema's administrative office building in the city center. Ascending to Tribios's office, she opened the door, and a golden-haired girl immediately leaped into her arms.
"Sister Cipher! It's been so long!"
Without a doubt, it was Aria, whom Cipher hadn't seen in ages. Cipher ruffled her hair like petting a dog and replied, "It's been too long."
Her gaze swept the room. Douglas and Feidric were also present. Douglas looked several shades darker and noticeably more muscular, his soldierly aura now even more pronounced—unsurprising, given his extended training with Okhema's forces.
Feidric seemed to have grown taller, radiating a newfound maturity and confidence. As for Aria, Cipher glanced down... but her view was blocked.
Cipher gently pushed Aria away, placing her hands on the girl's shoulders for a closer look. Aria tilted her head slightly, a puzzled expression on her face. "What's wrong?"
Cipher gently shook her head. "It's nothing."
Compared to a year ago, Aria's appearance remained virtually unchanged.
Though the four hadn't seen each other in ages, the familiar warmth between them persisted, showing no sign of awkwardness. They quickly fell into familiar banter.
After showering Cipher with affection, Aria began petting the Little Owlbear and Half. Douglas regaled them with amusing anecdotes from his time in the military, while Feidric stood quietly listening, occasionally interjecting with a dry remark.
About ten minutes later, a Century Gate materialized in the office. Tribios emerged, having just finished her conversation with Heinrich. She offered the group a slightly apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so long."
"No worries at all!" Aria waved her hand excitedly. "So, the reason you specifically called us here is because you finally have a mission for us?"