41 Fluttering Hear (2/2)

”You sure have a lot of time,” Mina commented. ”Those humans are involved in something secretive. You should not trust him so easily.”

After a short pause, the cat gave him another firm warning.

”He might sacrifice you. Before you know it, you will be a dead mouse.”

Tarou looked at Boss who had a serious look on its face.

'Isn't that supposed to be my dialog?' Tarou thought. Since he decided to be under the cat's wing, he knew that this particular animal was more intelligent than others. He always doubted humans, he was a mouse after all! But Boss told him it will be useful for them to associate with the two-legged creatures. Now, Boss appears to have a change of heart.

Tarou glanced at the black cat and realized that Boss thought more like a human than an animal. He knew it was dangerous to get too close to humans even to Barca who has been nothing but kind. After all, he had firsthand experience on how it was like to be hunted by humans. Feeling the need to start a conversation, Tarou called out with a hesitant squeak.

”Boss? The rat earlier, it disappeared.”

The cat didn't look surprised when he voiced his thoughts. Instead, the animal looked at him as if he was an idiot.

”The rat wasn't dead. Of course, it will escape, it's not stupid.”

Tarou was not convinced but he did not dare to question the cat's logic. He was afraid that Boss is still in the mood to smash unsightly things or rodents. Seeing an approaching figure, Tarou shelved all his suspicions aside. Barca bent down to give him more food and there was also a bowl of meat for Boss.

”Human, you are the best human in this world!” Tarou couldn't help but squeak. ”If you could just help us rally Nightmare to our cause, you will be better than the best!” he added, sucking up to the human who was now preparing water for him and the cat.

Tarou sensed that the human crouched down lower, closer to him as he placed the bowl of water in front of him. He found the gesture funny because it seems like Barca was paying attention to his squeaks.

Receiving water in a bowl was so unusual Tarou couldn't help but remember drinking water right from the source be it a small spring or pond or the shallow part of the river. Shortly after, Tarou felt a warm but gentle touch on top of his head.

”It will get better when you get used to this place. Although there are more plants in the forest, this place isn't too bad either.”

Tarou couldn't help but marvel at the man's words before squeaking, ”But I would love to visit the forest to find something important.”

Tarou heard the man take a deep breath and felt another gentle pat on his head before Barca walked away.