Chapter Nine: The Confidante and the Fiancée

“....” The black cat remained silent, uncertain how to begin, perhaps simply waiting for the other to offer an explanation.

“....” Qi, after the thrill had passed, began to regret his actions. Immersed so deeply in his experiment, he had forgotten the black cat’s presence and accidentally revealed his secret. Now, several paths lay before him.

The first: eliminate the witness. Simple, direct—yet Qi could never choose such a heartless option. It was utterly contrary to his principles, beliefs, and temperament. The thought flashed by and was instantly discarded.

The second: say nothing or turn away. Both would breed distrust, making friendship impossible. Even if the black cat spread rumors, by then he might have left the country, out of sight and out of mind.

The third: confess, treat sincerely, and see if honesty could be met in kind. Though this meant exposing his unique abilities, if he could gain true acceptance, they might become genuine friends—perhaps even confidants in the truest sense. If the other harbored doubts, they would simply go their separate ways.

Qi had not yet decided when the black cat spoke first. “If this concerns your personal secret, I won’t pry further.” Her gaze was deep, watching Qi to see how he would reply.

Having already resolved his choice, Qi answered calmly, “There’s nothing I cannot share. Simply put, I control my body. From my back, I can grow a pair of featherless wings, and after landing, I can retract them at will.”

The black cat’s mouth twitched, her brows furrowed, just about to speak before Qi interrupted. He gathered his words. “I know ordinary people can’t do such things. Only I can. Would you like to hear my story? Though it’s not particularly entertaining.”

The black cat nodded. She wanted to know more about him, to understand him better.

“I don’t know my own origins—I’ve never seen my parents. I don’t know my age. When I first opened my eyes, I had the body of a five-year-old, but the mind of a newborn, unable to walk or think. I don’t know if I’m truly human. On the first day I could see, I learned to walk, sent several grown men flying with a swipe, was feared as a monster. In a month, my mind grew from infantile to reading and writing. Severed limbs could be restored as good as new. Now, whenever I wish, I can grow wings.

In short, I am not like ordinary people. So, what do you think of someone like me—someone who may not even be human?” Qi gazed at the black cat with a calm expression, though in the depths of his eyes, worry and hope crossed like shadows.

The black cat smiled—a gentle, warm smile that made Qi feel as if he were soaking in a hot spring, relaxed and happy. He understood her answer.

“Have you misunderstood? As the Queen of Night Demons in the Shadow World, I despise the hypocrisy of mortals and cherish your honesty. As my newly chosen mount, your performance these days has been admirable. Now that you’ve awakened the power to soar through the skies, you truly prove yourself worthy as my Night Demon Queen’s steed, and do not shame my majesty. Complete the task I’ve given you in a few days, and I shall reward you as you deserve.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Qi smiled helplessly, reaching out to pat the black cat’s head. ‘Daring to treat me as a mount—though you did “ride” me for several days.’

“Hey, you’ve messed up my hair! Hmph, I’ll curse you!” The black cat slapped Qi’s hand away, speaking with mock ferocity.

“Would you like to try what it feels like to fly through the sky?” Qi grinned radiantly. He felt more relaxed than ever, eager to truly soar.

The black cat’s eyes sparkled. She put down her hands, nodding enthusiastically. “I do. Should I ride on your back?”

“Dream on. Pack up quickly. We’ll fly to my place, then look for clues to get you home.” Qi said, not very pleasantly, and turned to gather his things.

After packing up—

“Takeoff.” Qi said helplessly to the black cat sprawled between his wings. She stubbornly refused to be dangled in the air, insisting on the spot she’d claimed these past days. Qi had no choice but to let her be.

He expertly flapped his wings, rising smoothly. Once he reached a certain altitude, he sped off in the right direction. “Ugh, the wind’s strong—it’s chilly.” After a while, the black cat on Qi’s back, gazing at the scenery below, felt the cold wind pierce through her clothes.

She sighed, ‘Am I truly destined to be a mount?’ Manipulating his bones, Qi formed a wind-shielding wall, then raised his back’s temperature slightly to warm the girl clinging to him. Even he couldn’t help but mock himself.

The black cat nuzzled against him happily and continued to enjoy the scenery, unaware that they themselves were a picturesque sight.

“How much longer until we arrive?” After admiring the view for an hour, the black cat asked, bored.

“We’re almost there. The city ahead is our destination. We’ll land outside to avoid being shot down as monsters.” Qi replied with a smile. Ahead lay a vast city bustling with people.

“If we’re discovered, I’ll just say, ‘This demon has been tamed by me—stand aside!’ Do you think they’ll believe it?” The black cat laughed slyly.

“Then I’ll toss you off my back and you can see how that feels.” Qi rolled his eyes, then found a secluded spot to land.

“Hey, we’ve landed. Aren’t you going to get off?” Qi said, exasperated.

“As your mount, I’ll carry on. There’s still a long way to go, and the ground’s dusty. My clothes will get dirty. I only have this outfit, you know.” The black cat clung tightly to Qi’s neck, refusing to let go. Her gothic lolita dress was a favorite, and in this world, the only one she owned, so she was careful not to soil it.

Since the morning’s events, their relationship had grown much closer. The black cat occasionally acted spoiled, and Qi indulged her, despite only knowing each other for a few days. Having faced life and death and passed several tests, their bond had already surpassed friendship—almost approaching romance.

“If people point and stare, don’t regret it later.” Qi strode toward the city gate.

“The awe and reverence of mere mortals—I’ve been used to it for tens of thousands of years.” The black cat glanced curiously around, her first time in a city of this strange world, quite interested.

After paying the entry fee, they entered the city without incident. The local governance was excellent, with capable officials and happy citizens. The streets were lined with dazzling goods—food, wares, amusements, everything imaginable.

The black cat dismounted, exploring here and there with eager curiosity. Money meant little to Qi, so he handed her a generous sum for spending.

Then the black cat returned, crestfallen. “I can’t communicate—language barrier. I can’t buy anything.” Treasures like the glass bead, her only clue home, were not to be used here. So, with a translator in tow, she finally bought a pile of things to her satisfaction. Strolling and shopping took another half hour before they arrived at the gate of a large mansion.

“What a huge estate—I never guessed you were so wealthy.” The black cat looked at Qi in astonishment.

“Though I don’t know what ‘wealthy’ means, with my skills I never lack for money. The main reason for the large estate is to keep certain secrets hidden. Let’s go inside.” Qi took out a key, unlocked the gate, and entered.

“I’ll tidy up; feel free to look around.” Qi said, heading to the bedroom. When he came out, the black cat was still wandering curiously. “Should I buy you some new clothes? You’ve only got that outfit—even if you haven’t sweated, it’s been days without a change.” Qi smiled.

The black cat sniffed her clothes as if confirming something. “Indeed, after so much travel, why not rest here a few days? I’d like to custom-make several outfits identical to this one. And aren’t your throwing knives almost worn out? You should buy some new ones these days.” she suggested.

“Agreed. Let’s stay here for now. I’ll take you to order some clothes, then we’ll have a proper meal, and I’ll visit the blacksmith for gear.” Qi nodded, having a new idea for equipment.

They spent over an hour at the tailor’s, but no one could figure out how her dress was made. In frustration, Qi slapped down some money for fabric and accessories, so she could make it herself. At her request, he also bought two sets of refined, understated, luxurious dresses—after all, she couldn’t go days without changing clothes just because her own weren’t finished.

Then they headed to the finest restaurant. Qi was one to enjoy life; at least, when circumstances allowed, he wouldn’t shortchange himself. With no private room available, Qi ordered a lavish spread in the main hall. At that moment, a conversation from a nearby table caught his attention.

“Did you hear? Her Highness the Princess has been chosen by an immortal, and will be taken to cultivate as a disciple.”

“I heard too, but the Princess said she won’t leave until the—Miraculous General—returns. Why do you think the Miraculous General is avoiding marriage?”

“Who knows! The Princess is so beautiful, and yet he’s willing to give up even the rank of general. I can’t fathom his thoughts.”

Qi’s brows furrowed and he sighed softly. He had some affection for this country, yet all feasts must end, and his resolve had long been made. So the Princess was leaving to study with the immortals? Next time they met, she might not be his equal—or perhaps… they would never meet again.

He laughed at himself, and then noticed the black cat regarding him with a sly, meaningful gaze.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

The black cat withdrew her gaze and smiled. “Nothing. I just overheard some amusing news, and saw some interesting expressions.”

Qi smiled calmly. “I… don’t belong here.”

“Hmph, no need to explain to me. Eat, eat—the food’s getting cold.” The black cat muttered softly.