Chapter 19: Turnaround

“Return with me, alright? Don’t you miss your home? Your family is waiting for you.” Lan Yi used an amicable tone as she tried to methodically persuade her.

“I… I…Nyau… I want to stay with you mister~” Traces of red-orange that were reminiscent of the clouds at dawn appeared on the petite face of the cat-eared girl, her face was so cute that Ji-Bai wanted to take a bite of it.

‘What the F**k?! I’m not running a pet shop! Why would I trouble myself to raise a cat when I have no obligation to do so AT ALL? What’s more, I can’t even support myself right now, let alone another person!’

“Mhm! You shouldn’t keep your family waiting for you Little cat—Little Miss, I think you should let them send you home, alright? Other than that bespectacled guy, I believe that this big sister won’t harm you.” Ji Bai hurriedly said.

“Oi! What’s that supposed to mean, youngster?!”

“Listen to me. No matter who is with you, human society is far more dangerous to you than anywhere else. How could following me be as pleasing as returning to your homeland? You have to understand that you have been here for quite some time now. Even if you don’t think of yourself, you still need to put yourself in your parents’ shoes, no? They are probably worried sick about you right now.” Ji Bai bent down as he spoke earnestly. He completely ignored Lin Tuo beside him, who had leaped up in protest.

“Nyaa~…I don’t have a daddy or mommy…” The small ears of the catgirl drooped down helplessly while dejection filled her small face.

“…Sorry.” Upon seeing the downcast expression of the catgirl, Ji Bai realized he had misspoken, a trace of darkness appeared in his eyes.

“What is your name, little one?” Lan Yi gently stroked the head of the catgirl.

“Ke-er…”

“Ke-er, is it? Alright Ke-er, since you are unwilling to return to your homeland, do you want to follow me back to our headquarters?” Lan Yi expressed her motherly tenderness towards her.

Ke-er blinked her large watery eyes. She looked at Lan Yi, and then at Ji Bai by the corner before lowering her head silently.

“Seems like this little girl really has taken a deep liking to you…” Lan Yi sighed, she unhurriedly stood up and kneaded her temples in a dilemma.

“Well, permit me to verify once more. Youngster, do you really not intend to join the Chivalric Order of the Moon? You have both mercy and courage within your soul. Perhaps, you may find your beliefs as a result of this.” Lan Yi didn’t seem to be the type of person who loved pestering; Yet, perhaps on the account of how Ke-er was unsociable with strangers, she extended an olive branch towards Ji Bai once more.

“Although this is a very tempting offer, I will still have to decline.” Ji Bai said in his normal expression.

In reality, the element behind his refusal wasn’t just limited to his difficult identity. It had partly to do with the creed he had previously undertaken too.

Other than a bit of difference between the essential chivalric spirits required of their knights, the official chivalric groups had all adopted a zero-tolerance attitude towards demons. Rather than help an injured and helpless demon, they were far happier with stabbing them from above.

From this pair’s introductions, Ji Bai was able to ascertain that the Chivalric of the Moon treated everyone equally. This also signified that there was a high possibility that they would be helping demons just like today, it might be possible that they would even clash against other chivalric groups in some situations.

So what if they followed the path of the knight just as Lan Yi said? Just their ideology alone was at conflict with the rest of the chivalric groups, let alone his personal creed. Furthermore, he wasn’t broad-minded enough that he would fight against humans for the sake of demons. With this being said, however, he didn’t believe that the creed of the Chivalric Order of the Moon was wrong in his heart.

Ji Bai was momentarily at a loss as a result of rejecting their invitation twice in this short amount of time.

“Very well then. We will think of something. You can leave first, youngster.” Lan Yi wasn’t surprised in the least. She merely nodded her head before finally returning her focus and attention towards Ke-er.

“Nyaa… Nyaa… Nyaa~” Ke-er didn’t want to put Ji Bai in a spot either. Because of this, she no longer said a word, however, the disappointment in her petite face was clear and obvious. Ji Bai gave a deep look at Ke-er, who was sitting in a loli-like manner1 on a broken cotton jacket. He then averted his gaze onto Yi Lan. “…I will… count on you.”

“There’s no need to worry, you can be at ease. This is our responsibility.” Lan Yi faintly said.

Ji Bai nodded his head before finally turning his body to walk towards the direction of the alley entrance. He was clueless as to what he should say, his thoughts were in disarray as a complicated emotion loomed over him.

“The previous sentence?” Lan Yi was dazed; The expression on Ji Bai’s face was worlds apart from what it was previously. To describe it aptly, he seemed like a pug begging for food.

“A fixed allowance every month, we also have the five insurances and funds…”

“Yes! That’s the sentence! Why didn’t you say it earlier?! …Uhm, how much is the allowance approximately?” Ji Bai had an ingratiating expression as he moved towards them. When compared to what happened previously, it was almost as if he had completely become another person.

“It’s an amount that should be more than enough to cover the monthly living expenses of two adults.” Lin Tuo butted in to explain.

“Deal! It’s decided! Say, do you sign or use a seal stamp on the enrollment contract?” Ji Bai patted his chest, his demeanor and motivation was similar to a vanguard soldier in battle.

“…? But… you already rejected us two times earlier.” Lan Yi was extremely flabbergasted towards the sudden change in Ji Bai’s attitude.

“Haaah… Isn’t that because you didn’t explain it properly?! I still thought you were one of those evil cults that brainwashed impoverished commoners into doing your work for free! Haven’t you already clarified it clearly for me? In fact, the misunderstanding is cleared up now! Oh, that’s right, where’s the contract? Hurry up and let me sign it!” Ji Bai had an impatient look on his face.

“…” For some unknown reason, Yi Lan suddenly had an urge to renege on her offer.