CHAPTER 61: RETURNING!

Even though Mimi had bumped into those jerks on her way home, she still managed to make it back safely!

She crept along the cobblestone path, ears twitching at every sound. The mansion loomed ahead, its tall iron fence casting long shadows. Mimi tiptoed closer, praying no one would notice.

The gap between the bars was so narrow that a water bottle might barely fit through. Yet somehow, Mimi managed to squeeze her tiny body inside as if she were only a black blob made of liquid. Amazing!

Almost there. Just a few more steps and she would be in the safety of the house—

"AAAA! Found her! She’s here!!!"

The sharp cry nearly made her fur stand on end. A maid had spotted her the very instant she padded across the threshold!

"WHERE?"

"AAA! Catch her!!!"

Mimi jumped in surprise. She tried to run, but then—

HUP!

Someone was faster. They scooped her up and pulled her into a tight hug.

"MREOWWW!" Mimi yowled, thrashing about like a caught fish. Her little body twisted and wiggled desperately, but the hold was firm. She craned her head around—

Oh! It was Lina!

"Waaaahh! Mimi!" Lina’s voice broke with relief, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Where have you been? We searched the whole mansion for you! Everyone was so worried!"

Seeing the girl on the verge of crying, Mimi felt her heart soften. Guilt pricked at her chest. She hadn’t meant to make Lina worry...

"Wait," Lina sniffled, holding Mimi out at arm’s length, "why is your fur all wet? Did you fall into a puddle?"

"Meow!" Mimi replied.

Well, excuse me, I was just trying to wash my dirty ass!

Lina sighed, shoulders slumping in relief now that Mimi was back in her arms. "Alright then... guess we’ll just give you a proper bath."

Oh?

Bath?

Mimi froze, ears perking up.

She had just cleaned herself, so it wasn’t like she was really dirty anymore.

But still... a bath is a bath!

And it’s always welcome!

***

Moments later, Mimi was enjoying a wonderful bath while Lina washed her.

The bath was set in true medieval style—a small wooden tub filled with warm water, scented soap, rose petals, and herbal oils. Steam curled softly into the air, carrying a sweet, calming fragrance.

Lina knelt beside the tub, her touch gentle as she worked. She poured water over Mimi’s silky fur, scrubbing her back, tail, and legs, even between her tiny toes and paw pads. She didn’t forget Mimi’s ears either, massaging and cleaning them with the utmost care.

It was heavenly.

And now...

"Nyaaaaaaaaa~~~..." Mimi let out a blissful sigh, stretching her little body as if she were floating in paradise.

She turned, kicked her legs, and began paddling around inside the mini bathtub, splashing water in the most adorable way.

"Hihi." Lina snickered at the sight. "Mimi, you’re literally the chillest cat I’ve ever seen when it comes to bathing! I thought it would take so much more effort to get you in here!"

"Mew~!" Mimi replied with a cute meow.

Well, cats usually hate baths.

But Mimi was different! Perhaps because she had a human soul wrapped in a cat’s fur, bathing wasn’t something to be feared at all.

In fact, thinking back, this was probably the most exquisite bath she had ever taken. Back when she was still a gamer, her baths had always been rushed—just quick rinses before diving back into dungeon grinds to save time. Sometimes she even went two whole days without showering. But now... she could finally relax, let the warmth seep into her body, wash all the dirt away, and just keep swimming.

A little more swimming, then it was done.

Lina finally lifted Mimi out of the tub.

Mimi felt a bit reluctant to leave, since the warm water was so comforting. But well, she couldn’t take up Lina’s time forever!

Lina wrapped her in a fluffy towel, drying her gently until her fur puffed out like a soft ball of fluff.

To finish everything off, a maid carried Mimi back to Emilia’s room, where Lina brought out a big brush and began combing through her fur.

And just like that, Mimi lay curled up in Lina’s lap, purring happily as the brush worked its magic.

Soon, her fur returned to its silky shine and softness.

"Alright, Mimi," Lina whispered, lifting her up and pressing their noses together before planting a tiny kiss on her cheek.

"Muaaah! You look so adorable now!"

Nyehehe! I know!

Mimi meowed proudly.

"Well, next time, if you want to go somewhere, please don’t go alone! What if there’s a monster wanting to hurt you? And what if Miss Emilia comes home and doesn’t see you? She would be so worried!"

"Meow..." Mimi let out an apologetic sound.

Alright, alright...

Guess next time I’ll just take you with me so you can watch me rinse my ass!

Mimi thought, her tail curling mischievously.

Still, anyways... Mimi wanted to thank Lina for the awesome bath!

"Meow!" she chirped, then leaned in and licked Lina’s nose.

Lina giggled, smiling so happily.

Meanwhile...

Well, this is quite embarrassing! Mimi’s heart suddenly beat faster.

It still felt really weird to lick another person like this. But, well, that was the only thing she could think of to show her gratitude!

***

A few minutes later, Emilia finally returned home from her morning training.

The moment she stepped inside, Mimi noticed her right away! Her ears twitched, her tail perked up, and she trotted across the floor as fast as her little paws could carry her. She let out a bright, cheerful meow to welcome her master home.

"Waaah! Mimi! How are you? Good morning!!!"

Emilia bent down with open arms and scooped Mimi up, hugging her close before planting a big kiss on her soft fur.

"Oooh! You smell amazing too! Did you take a bath?" she giggled, her nose brushing against Mimi’s head.

"Meow!" Mimi answered proudly, puffing out her chest a little.

"Milady." Lina rose gracefully and bowed to greet the young mistress.

Emilia gave Mimi’s head a few more affectionate pats, then turned to Lina.

"Lina, can you please prepare us breakfast right away? We’ll be going to my father’s place in one hour."

"Yes, certainly, milady." Lina bowed again, then slipped out of the room with quiet, quick steps to prepare the meal.

Emilia sat down on the edge of the bed, letting Mimi curl up on her lap. Her fingers brushed gently through the cat’s fur as she spoke in a softer tone.

"Well, Father said you can come to our clan’s treasury today to claim your promised treasure. Aren’t you excited?"

Oooh!

New treasure?

So soon?

Mimi’s ears shot straight up, her tail flicking with energy.

"Meow!" Mimi chirped, her eyes sparkling with joy as she looked up at Emilia.

What could her new awesome item be?

Legendary items? Legendary skills?

Honestly, she couldn’t wait!