Volume 16 Chapter 17: A Cat Meeting Another Cat

“Let’s head inside,” Keith suggested, but the little ones did not answer. He could only sigh as he waddled in. Leon and Laura held onto his leg while they stared at Eri. Carolyn chuckled while holding Mir and the others as they followed; the entire family was inside.

William nodded, “Welcome home, Keith.”

“I’m back, Father, Mother. I’m home, everyone.”

Derek laughed, “Little brother, you’re the first of us to get a daughter. Way to go!” He slapped Keith on the back; Keith coughed before glaring at him.

“Hey!”

“I thought Eric would be the one to have a child since he’s the oldest, but our little brother beat him to it.”

“Shut up!” It was not only Keith who spoke; Eric spoke at the same time as him. He was prepared to smack him in the head with his fist clenched tightly.

Sophia smiled as she walked up to Eri, “Eri, do you remember me?” William and Sophia had met the child before. At the beginning, they were taken aback by the child calling Keith Papa. Their child now had a child! Carolyn took a long time explaining to the two parents what happened.

“Grandma,” Eri spoke before nestling into the gap of Keith’s arm; she was still shy about meeting new people.

“!” Sophia’s eyes widened, but the smile was even wider and warmer, “That’s right, I’m your grandma. Come to Grandma’s arms.” She opened her hands, wanting to take her out of Keith’s arms. But the fox had no intention of moving as she glanced at her; her eyes soon turned to Keith, who gave her a nod. She opened her arms, and Sophia gently took her. Fluffy. That was the first thought to come to her mind as she snuggled Eri. While she did so, Keith glanced at Leon and Laura.

The three did not greet one another; pure silence from the little ones, which was surprising. The three locked eyes a few times, but that was it.

Keith sweated as he asked, “Leon, Laura, did you two like the gifts I brought back?”

“Mmhmm! It was so delicious!” “Yummy!” Their bright smiles returned to the two faces.

Keith then added, “Eri was the one who helped make it.”

“…” Silence had returned again!

Dammit! Me and my big mouth! He spoke too soon! William came in, “Leon, Laura, it is your bedtime.” The group returned late at night; it was past the two’s bedtime.

May smiled, “Young master, young miss, please come with me.”

“Okay.” The two nodded as they held her hand and walked with her out. Keith glanced at Mir and Fira, who followed the two.

Carolyn picked up Eri from Sophia’s hand, “Eri, I’ll bring you to Keith’s room to sleep.” Eri’s eyes were slightly droopy despite sleeping in the carriage; she opened her arms and allowed Carolyn to carry her. Sophia didn’t want to let her go, but seeing how serene she was, she let go.

Go with her. Now Lei and Aria headed off with Carolyn this time. With the little ones leaving, Keith let out a deep sigh. All the energy he had before was gone; he was only maintaining composure so as not to scare them. He sat down beside Sophia and grumbled, “What am I going to do, Mother?” A bell was ringing through his mind; this was the worst outcome between them.

“Son, it is not as bad as you think.” Sophia interjected, “Leon and Laura do not hate Eri.” Hatred between races was prevalent; she had seen how they hated one another. Leon and Laura were not the type.

“It’s more like they are wary of someone they do not know living with them now.” William chimed in. A cat meeting another cat in their territory: naturally, they would be wary of one another.

“Give them some time to acclimate to one another; it should be fine.” Adjustments were needed for the two; the same could be said about Eri. She was cautious of William and the rest of his family; her clinging to Keith and Carolyn showed her unease.

“I hope so,” Keith could only pray before asking, “By the way, where is Alvin?” The only brother not here was him.

“He is working on a project at the moment; you will see him in the morning.”

“Mmhmm.”

“But I’m so happy! I have a granddaughter now!” Sophia clapped her hands with excitement. She did not expect this; well, she did, but that notion was far in the future. Either way, she was happy about this situation!

“…She’s about the same age as Leon and Laura?” William muttered.

“So? It is my son’s child, which means she is my grandchild!” Sophia smirked.

“…”The others did not know how to respond to this sound argument. William held his head before asking, “Is the incident with the demon kingdom finished?”

“Mmhmm, Dad. The matter is done.” He wouldn’t be back if there were.

“…Also about the marriage.”

“Please do not ask about it.” Keith held his head, “Ahh, thinking about it makes my head hurt.”

“Come on, you’re getting engaged to the princess of the Demon Kingdom,” Derek nudged him back and forth, “You have to say something.”

“…”

“Don’t annoy him, Derek,” Eric spoke up, “But are you married?” Even he was stunned to find the youngest being engaged.

“No, you don’t have to worry about it. Please do not talk about it in front of Carolyn.” He already got her off his back, but if she heard it again, then the spark would burn again! Keith got up, “I’m going to check on Eri.” He headed out before they could ask more. Entering his bedroom, he saw Eri hugging Lei while snuggling into Carolyn.

“How is she?”

“Tuckered out. I guess being in a new and cold environment has affected her.”

“I see.” Keith sighed in relief as he stroked her head. As long as she wasn’t afraid, that was what mattered.