Chapter 20

It was a beautiful day to be outside. The sun was shining in the cloudless sky and a light breeze was blowing through the town.

Kryll sat on a bench by the canal and watched the hustle and bustle of the farmers. In addition to the large agricultural fields outside the city to the west, there were a few smaller fields along the eastern city wall of Minthral. These were originally laid out to have emergency supplies in the event of a siege. Originally.

Kryll frowned.

He may be a village boy, but growing sugar melons and orange trees didn't seem very suitable for emergency supplies. When asked about this, the farmers had replied that the fields belonged to the rich and powerful of the city. They would certainly know how best to cultivate them. "For the good of all, of course," they had said with a wink and returned to their work.

Of course, Kryll thought, and was astonished to discover that village life sometimes had its advantages. At home, all the inhabitants made all the decisions together, for the good of all. Without a wink.

Oh oh, someone must be homesick, teased the adventure-loving part of him.

Absolutely not! Kryll disagreed vehemently.

The adventure has only just begun! And I, Kryll —, he clenched his fists and wrenched them into the air as he stood up, will bring it to a successful conclusion, come what may!

In the distance, a farmer shook his head at the sight of him.

"Hm."

Embarrassed, Kryll lowered his arms again. He crossed them in front of his chest and studied the water intensely while the blood rose in his cheeks. His enthusiasm had probably gotten the better of him. Once again, as his mother would say. In his imagination, he saw her laughing heartily at him while she rolled the bread dough. His nose twitched at the thought of the deliciously fragrant bread at home when it came fresh out of the oven.

Weeeeeellll? Homesick? it whispered again.

Kryll shook his head resolutely and shooed away the thoughts of the home oven.

"No way!" he shouted firmly.

The farmer looked at him again and shook his head.

Kryll's cheeks flushed again.

"Ahem," someone suddenly cleared his throat next to him.

"Aaah!" Startled, Kryll jumped to the side and looked at the ground.

Golden cat eyes stared into dark brown human eyes.

"You really are an interesting creature. Very interesting to watch," his employer commented dryly.

"You're here!" The shock quickly gave way to great joy and relief spread through Kryll. At last he no longer had to count the dwindling coins every morning in the hope that they had magically multiplied. Beaming with joy, he walked towards Lord Mitten,

HALT!

only to stop abruptly at the last moment.

He smiled nervously at the cat.

Fortunately, a bit of sanity had stopped him just in time from lifting the cat up and hugging it with joy.

Horror spread through Kryll. He hadn't had too much contact with monsters in his young life. Still, he was pretty sure they didn't like being touched and - Kryll's mind raced at the thought - hugged without being asked.

He would almost have given his life for an absolute trifle! An image of a gravestone with an inscription appeared in his mind's eye: Kryll the adventurer, died a terribly stupid death.

He quickly banished the image from his mind.

Kryll exhaled the breath he had been holding.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

What a terribly misleading form the mighty creature had! He would have to remind himself regularly of what slumbered beneath the fur if he didn't want to accidentally see the afterlife one day, he decided.

This is not a cat, but a dangerous monster.

Not a cat, but a monster.

Monster. Monster. Monster, Kryll repeated inwardly, hoping the realization would dig deep into his consciousness.

He looked at Lord Mitten with narrowed eyes.

Monster.

Monster.

Monster.

Monster.

"A really interesting creature. I'd love to know what's going on in your head right now, Kryll." The dark brown tom tilted his head to the side and fixed Kryll with his eyes.

"Are you stupid after all?" he asked suddenly.

Kryll stared back, interrupted in his train of thought by the question.

"Not that I know of, no?"

"Sure?"

"Pretty sure."

"Hmm."

"Then let's assume that for now. Until you prove me wrong," Lord Mitten finally said. He stood up leisurely and stretched extensively.

"And Kryll? Do you have any good news for me?" he asked him.

Kryll was no expert in feline mimicry, but he thought he detected a hint of curiosity and anticipation.

Luckily he had found a possible property! He really didn't want to experience up close and personal how monsters dealt with disappointment. Although, the matter of the location and condition was still a small obstacle to overcome.

Kryll swallowed briefly. Anonymity, he wanted anonymity, he encouraged himself before answering.

"Of course. You give me a job and I'll do it! I've met someone who's offering to sell you a building. Including commercial premises on the first floor, in a fantastic corner location and with incredible potential! And best of all: in an inconspicuous location, so you have peace and quiet. No walk-in customers, just selected clients."

Lord Mitten looked at him in silence.

Kryll swallowed again. Should he have exaggerated less?

"I am surprised. Pleasantly surprised, Kryll. You really put a lot of thought into your search. I recognize that and will reward it in time," the cat said and smiled. He seemed pleased?

A load was taken off Kryll’s mind.

"Thank you!" he replied, beaming with joy, and once again resisted the impulse to hug the cat.

Monster.

Monster.

Monster, he reminded himself.

"I don't have the keys to the building, but if you'd like, I'd be happy to show you the outside," Kryll offered his employer. The cat seemed to be in a good mood, so why not tackle the last hurdle, the state of the building.

Close your eyes and go for it! the adventurous part of him cheered him on.

You just want to see me burn, Kryll replied, rolling his eyes inwardly.

Fireballs!!! it shouted enthusiastically.

“Great,” Lord Mitten replied and followed Kryll.

Fireballs!!!

*****

Minthral was a pretty little town, Lord Mitten decided as they walked along the canal towards the town center. Behind them, the city wall of light gray stone rose mightily into the air, protecting the orange trees with its thick wall against the cold east wind. A few meters further on, the residential area began and narrow house facades lined up closely together. Human women sat in front of the plain houses, washing their clothes in large tubs while gossiping with each other.

"Have you heard yet? Myrtle's girl has run away! With the baker's son!"

"No!"

"Yes, I've always said it: she'll cause her mother grief one day. Didn't I tell you, Trine?"

"Yes, yes. You said that," someone replied from a doorway.

"With the baker's boy! He hadn't even finished his training yet and now —"

Lord Mitten decided to temporarily restrict his hearing and the gossip blurred into a pleasant background noise.

The closer they got to the city center, the more magnificent the houses and ornate the gables became. Finally, they entered a wide street with light-colored cobblestones, lined with ornate buildings with large shop windows. Elegant carriages stopped at the many stores and servants hurried to escort the wealthy customers safely into the stores. This was obviously the commercial center of the city.

"Is my store near here?" asked Lord Mitten.

Kryll seemed nervous.

"Not exactly," he replied hesitantly. "We'll have to walk a while before we get there."

Lord Mitten nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. And as you promised: In an inconspicuous location."

The perfect place to live a life of inconspicuous mediocrity, he thought with pleasure.

Kryll had really turned into a helpful assistant. Lord Mitten congratulated himself on this great catch. He knew how difficult it was to get proper staff, not least thanks to Glacial Doom's complaints. And he had found him in the middle of the forest! What a wonderful chance find!

He congratulated himself again as they left the bustling center and the magnificent stores and grand buildings gave way to more and more normal residential buildings.

The street became narrower and finally they stopped in front of a corner house.

"That's it," Kryll said, pointing at the dilapidated building.

Somehow he seemed a little paler than he had an hour ago, Lord Mitten noted. Not that he's getting sick, he thought and frowned. He'll need all his strength for the next few days, the way the building looks.

It will probably be best if we finish the appointment here quickly so he can get some rest, Lord Mitten decided.

He nodded to Kryll.

"Wonderful basic structure! A few decorative repairs are necessary, but that shouldn't be a problem,” he said.

“My mind is made up: I want to buy this building! Please get in touch with the seller and get everything underway. Preferably as soon as possible."

Kryll looked at him open-mouthed.

"But—"

"Yes?"

"But, you haven't even seen the inside yet?!"