Chapter 6

“Why do I have to go with you…” Astill groaned. When they pulled their tasks yesterday, Astill got shopping duty. Before dinner, they had already decided that Kakashi would go with whoever got shopping duty, hence why the two of them were walking together in the town’s market.

“Sorry.”

“Your apologies are useless.”

Unsure if Astill even wanted to hear another one of his words, he remained silent. He followed Astill shopping. She brought all sorts of supplies, putting them into one of Neila’s magic bags. Had this been Syorin or Neila, he would have asked about all the things that they purchased, but since it was Astill, he kept his curiosity at bay.

The other two had gone on their own jobs. Syorin was tasked with collecting intel, while Neila took some easy, single-person quests to maintain their level within the guild and get some extra money. Admittedly, he couldn’t imagine Astill doing intel work. She would scare off any potential targets.

“You’re thinking something rude about me.”

Kakashi averted his gaze. “No.”

The shopping took a while, not because it’s difficult, but because of the number of items she bought. Based on what Neila said, this town had relatively cheap goods. So, they could save money by stocking up here.

“... It’s lunch time.”

“... Yes.”

Astill was sternly against providing Kakashi with any money, so the other two transferred it to her for him. He didn’t have an adventurers’ card, or any magic card for that matter, so Astill held the money for him. She didn’t ask what he wanted to eat; instead took him straight to a food stall. She brought rice with fried egg, and got Kakashi the same dish.

“Thank you for the food.”

“Don’t thank me. I’m not the one buying it for you.”

“Yeah…”

As they were eating in silence, a cat came around and approached them. It had a collar on it and looked quite well-fed. It didn’t seem to be asking for food, either.

“Cute…” Kakashi murmured.

“Meow-.”

Kakashi turned to Astill, who covered his mouth. Upon hearing her, the cat ran away, hiding underneath a nearby chair.

“Did you just-”

“No,” Astill cut her off, her eyes insisting that he hadn’t heard anything.

“Okay.” Kakashi nodded. He finished his meal and set down the wooden bowl beside him. He went to the food stall owner and asked for water to wash his hands. The owner kindly created water with magic for him.

“Thank you.”

He then went to the cat, who was still staring at them from underneath the chair.

“It’s alright, kitty kitty.” Kakashi kneeled and reached out his hand. The cat’s eyes went to his hand, then to his face, then went back to his hand. Slowly, it stepped out, running its fur on Kakashi’s palm.

“Good kitty.” Kakashi lightly patted the cat’s head. It let out a purr, enjoying the pats.

“Let’s go,” Astill said curtly.

“Bye-bye, kitty.” Kakashi waved to the cat. The cat meowed and disappeared somewhere else.

They walked toward their next destination.

“Do you like cats?” Kakashi asked.

“No.”

“Really?”

Astill turned to glare at him, shutting him up. He didn’t say another word for the rest of the trip.

•••

By the time they finished their rounds, the sun had begun to set. Some of the supplies stayed in the magic bag, while others went to their carriage. After loading the supply, Kakashi headed to the stables to check up on the horse. The horse seemed delighted to see him.

“Are you doing well?”

“Neigh.”

“Are you close with animals?” Astill asked.

“Maybe?”

“Hmm…”

“You like animals as well, right?”

Astill shook her head. “You, Syorin, and Neila are three sails on a boat. Being curious about something isn’t the same as liking it.”

“Three sails…?”

“Guess you’re also an idiot.” Astill turned around and walked away. Kakashi followed after her. Seeing her clothes reminded him of the testing they did yesterday.

Why dark magic?

On Earth, dark magic was often associated with evil, but that may not be the case here. That said, something’s compelling her to hide it from her own party members, despite how important those spells are.

Could it really be that she doesn't know?

Prying into her secrets would only make her hate him more, so he didn’t do that.

Right before they entered the inn, a cat appeared. It was a different one from before. Like the other cat, this one also looked at Astill warily.

Astill winced, and her expression seemed to scare the cat.

“Here kitty kitty.” Kakashi came closer and patted its head. The cat purred, enjoying his touch. Kakashi carefully picked it up, then brought it to Astill.

“Don't be scared, she's nice,” Kakakshi said, whispering to the cat. It meowed, seemingly not believing him.

“You know that's a lie.”

“You don't see yourself as a nice person?”

“There's no need to be a nice person.”

“Well, regardless of that, you still want to pat it, right?”

Astill stared at the cat, uncertainty in her eyes.

“Don't stare.”

“Do- don't?”

“I don't know if the cats of this world are the same as mine or not, but in my world, cats take staring as a sign of aggression.”

“Aggression?” Astill averted her gaze.

The cat looked more relaxed now, and Kakashi took it closer to Astill. Astill glanced at it.

“Try blinking slowly, then pat it, but move your hands slowly.”

Astill did as instructed, and this time, the cat didn't run away.

“Meow…”

For a split second, Kakashi saw what looked like a smile coming out from Astill's expression for the first time. He was so surprised that he nearly let go of the cat.

“Ah, sorry.”

“Meow?” The cat tried looking back at him. Luckily, Astill's hand distracted it once again.

“Ah, a kitty!”

Astill jumped back, and Neila came running. The cat was shocked, but was quickly calmed down with a few pats.

“Such a cute cat!” Neila cuddled it. Kakashi handed it over and stepped away. He noticed Astill turning around and rushing into the inn, disappearing behind its doors.

“Hey Kakashi, how's the shopping trip?” Syorin asked, arriving after Neila.

“It's fine, I guess? How about you?”

“We're changing destinations, but it's not too far from our previous one.”

“A white dragon?”

Syorin nodded. “Rumors, at least. It's a path closer to our final destination, so a welcome diversion. By the way, what happened to her?”

“Neila? Didn't she arrive with you?”

Syorin shook her head. “The one that just went running inside.”

“... Astill? You saw her.”

Syorin snickered. “I've been watching you two for a while, before Neila arrived.”

“I see… Does she not usually act like that?”

“Nope. She rarely gets along with animals. She rarely gets along with anyone, for that matter.”

Kakashi really couldn't imagine Astill being the one talking to people for intel.

“Usually, she could detect me or Neila approaching. Guess she relaxed somewhat. Maybe you're going to be a good addition to our team.” Syorin flashed him a bright smile.

“I'll try my best.”

Syorin and Kakashi went to play with the cat until its owner came to pick it up.