"Another one, boss!" — Meilin

After a long journey on the carriage, we had arrived at Becher, the land of fine wine, and the famous phrase of "Another one, boss!”

Despite the villagers’ warnings, Becher unfolded before us in European-style buildings, kaleidoscopic roads and picturesque flower fields; it seemed like a peaceful country, in contrast to how the villagers described the Becherians: violent and aggressive.

As Himari was busy exploring the flower fields, Haruki cheekily sneaked up behind me.

“Boo!” he mewed, spreading his claws.

What does he think I am? A mere kitten to be startled so easily? I scoffed. “As if you thought you could scare me like that.”

Haruki grumbled, “You’re no fun. Madame Cecilia should’ve sent you here when you were younger. I can still recall the times she got spooked out by me as a kid, hehe.”

I shook my head and sighed. I would much prefer a quiet and unfeeling cat than a mischievous one.

“So, what were you doing out at night?” Haruki’s eyes gleamed with a hint of curiosity. “You know, I was quite worried for you. But it seemed like you found a friend to escort you back.”

Not this again…

“I just went out for a walk. Then I met this lady, who was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get back by myself, so she accompanied me back.”

Haruki grumbled. “You better tell me about the details, nya, because I can’t ask Himari for this one.”

I knew he wouldn’t let me off so easily, and there was no harm in telling him. So I tried my best to tell him everything: from the dance to the mention of Tian Cheng, and finally, when she brought me back.

“I knew you were leaving a huge part out,” he huffed, “I would’ve loved to see the dance as well. Tian Cheng style dances are the best! Nya! The dancers dance so gracefully, and the outfits are spectacular."

I nodded. The dance was extraordinary.

“But I have a question,” Haruki purred, “Why did you go out for a walk in the first place?”

I recalled the events that happened yesterday. Oh, right, the vision. “I had a vision. Then I couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh, visions, I loathe those things! They always have weird hidden meanings, and it’s the exact contrary of a good dream. Though Madame Cecilia rarely had them, when she did, she would become a completely different person the next day.” He shivered, “Like she was possessed, nya…Are you okay, Madame Meilin? Next time you have a vision, you should tell me first.”

I picked up a white flower that resembled the white chrysanthemums Yulan danced around. “I will. And it’s okay, I didn’t remember it until you mentioned it.” I was too mesmerised by the performance.

“Also, the lady mentioned that I shouldn’t wear witch clothing, since Becherians are more impulsive and unkind, compared to the people of Kazemura. She said they might try to attack me.”

“No,” Haruki said firmly; his playful tone vanished immediately.

I should’ve known he’d say that.

“You wouldn’t change yourself just because of others’ opinions, would you?” Haruki mewed, playing with the ribbons on my dress, “You shouldn’t hide your identity just because the people dislike witches. Even if they do pick a fight, remember that you’re strong. Very strong. So be proud of your power, you don’t have to be so tense.”

I sighed, uncertainty knotting my stomach. What if I misjudged my strength?

We arrived at a tavern with a sign: Becher Tavern. What a straightforward name. I expected something more distinctive.

Himari pushed open the door, and a bell rang, signalling our arrival. “We can book a room here. I asked some of the Becherians, and they said that this was one of the best places to stay for the night.” She grinned, proud of herself for being helpful.

“Table for three, please!” We were seated near the far edge of the room, close to the window. The tavern smelled of roasted meat and aged oak, a comforting contrast to the crisp mountain air outside.

Chatter and laughter spread around the room; there were Becherians, folk, travellers, and warriors, all chatting merrily. They didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence, which is reassuring.

Himari returned from booking a room and took a seat next to me. She handed me the menu. “Here, Meilin, eat all you want!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

I was pretty hungry from the trip, so I ordered quite a lot. Fortunately, Haruki had brought a lot of money with us, so we didn’t have to start washing dishes immediately.

“You do have quite an appetite,” Haruki remarked, looking at me gobbling the food up.

“Yah,” I said, with my mouth full.

“And despite all that, you’re still so skinny. I’m jealous.” Himari beamed.

Watching me eat was so entertaining that she hasn't even touched her food. “You must exercise a lot.”

I shook my head. I hated exercising. I hated sweating. I don’t understand how some people can be thrilled by the idea of doing sports. Just a short run and I’ll be gasping for air.

Out of nowhere, a drunk Becherian approached us and banged his drink on our table. “You witch, how dare you step on our turf!” He growled, “You monsters don’t belong here! What a disgrace for you to even show your face.”

I froze. The worst has happened.

The man’s glare swept across the tavern, silencing the chatter.

“What has Madame Meilin done to you, huh?” Haruki mewed angrily, “Get this drunkard away from our table nya!”

I noticed his eyes narrow as he goggled at Haruki, fingers twitching near his mug. Something about him unsettled me.

The man grabbed Haruki by the scruff, “Hah? You wanna fight? What a disgusting cat, the witch even cast a spell to let it speak.”

The chatter of the tavern has given way to nervous murmurs. A young girl tugged at the sleeve of her father’s shirt, “Why is that uncle being so harsh with the kitty, Daddy?” “Shh…don’t look over there, honey, just focus on eating your food.”

A woman stepped in, blocking the man from us, with her back facing me. “That’s quite enough. You’re scaring the people and hurting the poor cat. Isn’t this a disgusting action?” Noises and nods of agreement echoed through the crowd.

“Ms Yulan.” The drunkard let go of Haruki, who fell to the floor with an “Ack–” The man shot me a look of disgust, “I’ll let you off the hook this time. But I don’t want to see your face around here ever again!”

The man stomped away, and the noise of the tavern rose again.

“Are you okay?”

This voice…

This long, luxurious hair…

Could it really be her?