18 Human Affairs (2/2)
”There's actual food here, underling. Something tastier than paper.” Mina teased.
Tarou's ears perked up at the mention of food. His eyes lit up, melting away any signs of anger.
”I smell...is that rabbit?”
”Boss, where's your human? Let's bring him this letter quickly. It might contain something important,” the mouse asked eagerly.
'I can't believe this mouse. Food is everything to him.'
***
Carrying the letter using her mouth, Mina searched for her human. She scanned the surroundings and saw him with one of his men. The two men blended perfectly with the shadows, and it would be easy to miss them given their position.
After making her way towards the general, Mina nudged his leg. The man ignored her and continued to give instructions to his man.
”Stay alert. We have no idea who the enemies are.”
Impatient, Mina continued to get him to pay attention. She stood on two legs and scratched the man's leg. This finally prompted the general to look at her.
Worrying that it's too dark to see, Mina went to an illuminated area and waved the letter Tarou found. After placing it on the ground, she called out to her human with a drawn-out meow.
Soon after, the two men emerged from the shadows.
The general's subordinate crouched down to take a closer look at the item on the ground and picked it up for a closer look.
”General, it's a letter. I have never seen the markings before.”
The general reached for the letter and opened it with ease. He scanned the contents quickly. With an impatient meow, Mina tried to coax him to share the contents. The general looked at her but said nothing.
Studying him closely, Mina saw his jaw clench while staring at the small piece of paper for the second time.
”Luca,” the general called out to his underling in a tone devoid of any emotion, ”see to the animals.”
'This man clearly wants me out of his sight. Did he just dismiss me? That letter must be useless.'
'So disappointing. I thought my gift would seal the deal.'
Mina mindlessly walked towards the cooking rabbit as the general's man trailed behind. After finding a comfortable position, Mina looked back at Luca. The man's brow furrowed and one hand cupped his mouth while making his way towards the fire.
Mina chirped to make him pay attention and it worked perfectly. He looked at the cat, the food, and the other man before relaying an order.
”Barca, see to the animals.”
Luca delivered the directive in a tone similar to the general. The man called Barca nodded and paused to check the meat cooking over the fire. The black cat's eagerness for mealtime drew his attention, and he spoke to the cat with a hint of amusement.
”Food is almost ready.”
Mina meowed with approval and stretched.
”Barca, you are a runner up for being my human.”