Wanted: Purrfect Cat Guy 70 Clearly The Winner

Sensing Serket's territorial stance, Mina stared back at her. Everyone exchanged meaningful glances across the table and Mina couldn't help but antic.i.p.ate what the bird would do next.  

"Are you done?"

The general's booming voice echoed in the room and Mina felt a bit guilty when she heard the question.

Alarmed, the first thing she thought of doing was licking the paw resting on the table.

Curious on how the aggressive parrot is faring, Mina sneaked a peek and saw that the majestic display of feathers was no longer visible. Serket was leaning back and her wings were shut tight as she stretched her neck.

So, this bird fears the general too?

She felt delighted with the realization.

She was not the only one who cowers before this man, he must really be someone scary.

"Barca"

Without saying anything else, Mina knew that it was a command. She had no idea what happened to Tarou after the ruckus but her little underling was back to his docile and gluttonous state.

The mouse was eating out of Barca's hands greedily as if it was the most important thing in the world.

How could this creature shift priorities in a split second?

Mina still had no idea how her little underling's mood can change in a split second but who was she to judge?

Looking at Tarou's state and Serket's current mood, it was clear to see who won between the mouse and the bird.

One was eating all his worries away and the other one had a sour look on its face.

Unable to hide her satisfaction, Mina purred.

Serket was eyeing the general but when the bird heard the sound, it gave her the evil eye. Mina shrugged and licked another paw with a satisfied smirk, annoying the bird further with her actions.

With the collar still trying to restrain her, Mina didn't want to commit a mistake. The electric shock was quite uncomfortable after all.

She had to take it easy and concentrate on what she should be doing. 

From her position on the general's lap, Mina could only see the table by standing on two paws. While she struggled to see what was going on, she rolled her imaginary human eyes at the man.

This person was not one to carry a poor cat like her in his arms like a baby.  

This man! Argh! He is not helpful at all.

Moreover, she didn't like this position.  

Argh! Annoying!

While doing her internal monologue, Mina happened to glance at Serket who glared at everyone.

This bird must be angry with the world.

"Now, let the cat speak and we will reserve judgment."

The old man's voice stopped Mina from all her internal struggles and she straightened up at the mere mention of the word cat.

It wasn't much of an ident.i.ty, but she was the only cat around there.

Should she talk now?

The old made nodded towards her and Mina sighed in relief.

 Grandpa! You should give me cues you know.

Mina cleared her throat. She placed two paws on the table to anchor her in place while the other two were struggling to stand firmly.

She surveyed everyone sitting on the table, but it was too hard to see how the general looked like. If she shifted and looked him in the eye before talking, it would be too much work. Despite her hesitations, Mina addressed the people around her.

"I have instructions from Devin. He agrees with uhm this a.s.sessment. We need to investigate the anomaly in Covin. Since my personal a.s.sessment corroborates the general's, we believe that this investigation is crucial in restoring the balance in this world."

"I see," the old man replied thoughtfully. "We are on the same page then. Now, what would you like to say Serket?"

Grandfather spoke as if he was addressing a preschooler who just threw a tantrum. His tone was gentle and patient.

Serket was crouching with her head down and her tail feathers flared as she hissed her reply. 

"How could you even listen to this cat. Why would we trust… it?"

"There is nothing wrong with this decision and I see no harm in an investigation. We had our suspicions that Devin had a hand in this."

This time the reply did not come from the old man but from the general. As usually, he retained his usual composure.

"So, what do you propose?"

Serket challenged Jadon openly, the bird's eyes shot fiery looks at the man. Mina could only see Serket who was clearly holding back.

Mina couldn't sense any change in the man's heartbeat.

He appeared to be totally calm.

"I will be in charge of this investigation," the general spoke with finality.

Mina tried to resist the urge to hug him when she saw Serket's expression turn so sour. The bird's face appeared to have changed its color. 

This human!

Of course, he should be in charge! He is my human after all.

Mina's smile became even wider when another thought occurred to her.

In case she gets caught inside that cold place, he would know how to fish her out too!