ALL NOVEL Chapter 28 – The Fox’s Punishmeownt
On the way back to the “Paws & Beans” tavern, I was busily playing through various scenarios in my head about how I would handle Felice and their “disappointmeownt” with me. I was only on variation #57 of my apology when the building finally came into view at the bottom of the hill. Excited I was finally, almost home, I picked up my pace, breaking into a light run towards the tavern! To my left, Ko was also keeping up, racing me towards the entrance!
Not wanting to disappoint Ko too much, I tried my best to lower his expectations before meeting Felice. While it’s true they are a powerful user of magics, they can be a bit... Weird at times in their mannerisms!
While I was doing my best to prepare Ko for the introduction, I was taken completely off guard by a famous flying Felice tackle!
“WAAAAAA!!! INARI NAYN!!!! I WAS SOOOOO MEOWIED ABOUT YOU MEOWN!!!!!”
Gah!!! I... I can’t breathe!!!!! Damnit Felice!!!! I know I worried you, but there is a time and place for everything!!! You’re getting your tears all over me!!!! And just after my fur was all nice and cleaned too!!!!
I struggled with all my might, but was unable to remove the flailing cat from on top of me! I even attempted to cast a bolster strength, but Felice countered my spell the instant he noticed me gathering mana!!! Geez! This isn’t fair!!!! Desperately, I asked my new friend if they could help me, but he was merely standing there, watching me suffer!!! How could you be so mean Ko!!!
“Sorry Inari, but I think this is an appropriate punishment for ignoring Felice’s advice! I mean, you did admit to sneaking out against their wishes you know?”
...
Eventually, Felice started to calm down once I reassured them I was sorry for my actions.
Then, once Felice had wiped the tears from their face, Ko gave his introduction and briefly explained what had happened to us. Looking at Felice, I could tell they were already using their “Absolute Appraisal” on him. If anything, this was the spell that could provide the most insight to Ko’s other world situation! Absolute Appraisal was impossible to negate and revealed everything about the target! It even had the added benefit of not alerting the individual they had been appraised as well! If anything, Felice’s version of appraisal HAD to tell us the truth!
“Nyan! That would be a puuurfect meowpertunity to acquaint meowselves. Kotato nyan, please follow nyan. I meowself have plenty of questions to nyask you and Inari nayn as meow!”
Good! It looks like they were interested after viewing his status screen!! Finally, we were going to learn the truth about this other world Ko was from! But seriously?!? Did they really have to do their “Nayn!” pose here?
Finally, once Felice had trotted off to his “headmeowster’s room” Ko decided to be useful and help me up! Grabbing my paws, he helped me onto my feet as we both followed Felice to their interrogation room. While Ko wasn’t convinced that Felice was truly a gifted user of magic, I did my best to reassure them about their talent! I also waved to Yarn as we went through the doors. Although she was acting shyer than usual and I wasn’t quite sure why...
---
Once we were seated on the couch, I made sure to sit next to the comfiest pile of pillows I could find! While I really enjoyed the soft, fluffy texture they offered, I also had an ulterior motive they would come in handy for! Knowing how Felice was, there was a high probability they would want to talk with the mysterious person alone. So, I had already begun planning various ways to listen in on the conversation! Carefully, I imbedded two mana listening particles into the pillow, and floated another underneath the couch. However, I made sure to use 3 different versions of my illusion spell when doing so!
The first particle on the pillow, would be “sloppily hidden”, and the one under the couch would be using what Felice knew as my “best” illusion spell! However, I haven’t told them I figured out a new way to mask the mana signatures of this spell with illusion!! That, would be for the third particle on the pillow! I was already expecting Felice to notice the first 2 concealment attempts, but was hoping they would fail to notice the third, intended spell! Come on Inari! Show them you’ve really learned how to weave magic effectively!!!
However, I began to feel nervous as Felice was glaring at me! I could tell they were not happy at the situation! My ears started to droop and I couldn’t wag my tail anymore from their uncomfortable stares.
Eventually, they spoke to Ko, giving them a proper introduction and offered to prepare some tea for us! While I was excited at the prospect of some of Felice’s tea, I was still quite sad from their condescending stares my direction. Finally, after the tea was poured, Felice clapped their hands to close the door.
“That’s ameowsing Felice! Apologies if my pronunciation was off, but that was a very entertaining use of magic! Is casting something like that easy to learn?”
Did... Did they really just try to respond in beastkin to Felice? Hehe! That was kind of cute of them to attempt doing that! Most humans seem to be annoyed at how Felice refuses to communicate in Solarian! I even caught them smiling at Ko! Maybe this interrogation won’t go as badly as I was expecting?
After finishing retelling our encounter with the bandits, Felice proceeded to cast their appraisal spell on him! Well, they used the verbal incantation, but that still shouldn’t affect the potency of the spell!
However, even though it was Felice who cast their absolute appraisal, I was shocked to see that the status window was still all jumbled and messed up! Well, I mean, it was slightly less jumbled compared to when I cast it, but still! This was absolute appraisal we were talking about! Nothing was supposed to be left out!!! Based on their reaction as well, they were also surprised at the circumstances! Was... Was Ko actually from another world, and Terra didn’t know how to interpret his values?!?! This was truly a mystery!!!
“Oh, also, while I remember Felice, I didn’t exactly mention it during the bandit encounter, but incantationless casting of magic is possible right? Or is that something impossible for magic users? There were several times during the fight I would imagine what I wanted to achieve with a spell and say the words in my mind to produce the effect.”
Wait, what are you doing Ko!!!!! I already mentioned that incantationless casting was impossible!!! Oh no!!! Felice is looking very angry at me now!!
Without realizing it, I found myself slowly sinking into the comfy couch in an effort to hide my presence from the uncomfortable situation! Felice was staring at me with an incredible amount of disappointment! Desperately, I did my best to try and clear the confusion and avoid Felice’s wrath!
“Hehe, Ko, I already told you tha... That incantationless casting is im-impossible! Remember? Surely you wouldn’t need to bother Felice with something as outrageous as casting spells without speaking right? I mean... You clearly heard Felice speak to cast their own Appraisal spell! And since they are incredible at appraisal magics, surely, it’s a silly thing to think we can cast spells without talking! All spells require speaking to be cast!”
There! Hopefully that was enough to—
Wait! Why are you now accusing Felice of incantationless casting! I mean, yes, they were doing incantationless casting, but you’re not suppose to know about this!!! Felice did a much better job at trying to convince them, but cantrips aren’t even a thing Felice! I... I just want out of this situation!!!! Pillows, save me!!!!
Giving up all hope in the situation, I threw myself behind the pillow I was holding and covered my ears! I... I didn’t want to know what Felice was going to do next!!! It was really obvious based on how Ko was describing everything that I didn’t hide my incantationless casting well enough!!!! I... I just want this to be over!!!
“It’s alright Inari nayn, you can stop trying to burry meowself in the pillows meown.”
I.... I messed up... Didn’t I? — Felice didn’t sound happy at all with me... I... I just didn’t know what to do!!!! We could have died if I didn’t cast spells like that Felice!!! I— I don’t get what the problem is!!! Why do I have to keep this a secret...!
“Inari nayn, while I’m glad you managed to survive, I’ll still have to pawnish you for disobeying meown orders as your mewtor meown. Please return to your lodgings for the nynt, I wish to speak with Kotato nayn a little longer... – Privmeowtly.
And don’t bother with meown listening meowgics, I’ve almeowdy detected them and neutralized their meowfects.”
But how!?!? I... I didn’t even notice you dispel the one underneath the couch!!!
I felt really disappointed. When I checked the two listening particle clusters, they were indeed dispelled. Felice had also applied their own version of an illusion to them so I didn’t even notice when it happened! They really were good at magic...
Hehe!
Got you Felice! Everything is proceeding according to my plan! My new illusion technique was successful in hiding the third particle on the pillow! They... They didn’t notice!!!! Great job Inari!!!! Now, I just have to act sad while I leave the room to not draw any suspicion to my excitement!!!
Calmly, I began rearranging the pillows I had evidently scattered around myself and said my goodbyes to Ko. I smiled towards them while telling Felice not to be too difficult on them. They... They were actually the first human I wanted to spend more time with!
I... I felt like I could be myself around them!! Not some “illusion” of Inari... But just– Inari!
After leaving the room, I could feel Felice activate their “Magic Nullification Zone”. Standard procedure for keeping conversations confidential. However, my listening particle was stil—
Oh...
They disabled it...
With my depression finally setting in, I slowly made my way back towards the counter Yarn was standing at. After all, even though my injuries had been healed, my robe still needed to be repaired, and she was the best at fixing anything! Once I got near the counter, I was able to see Yarn, as usual, hiding behind it. So, I did my best to be energetic as I spoke to her.
“Hi Yarn! I’m finally back from my adventure! Umm, I can’t stay too long to talk with you since your brother asked me to head back to my room for the night. But... My robe. I’m really sorry Yarn! But I damaged it while I was on the goblin subjugation quest!!! Would... Would you be able to fix it for me?”
Yarn looked at me with her usual, curious eyes, then happily beamed her response back to me!
“Hi Inari nayn! I’m super glad you made it back safely *meow!* I... I can definitely make the repairs for you!!!”
“Thanks Yarn! I’ll be sure to bring them down tomorrow morning. I still don’t know what my punishment is going to be from Felice, but I probably need to be well rested for whatever it is they throw at me!”
“Okey Inari nayn, have a good night *meow*!”
Hehe! Talking with Yarn always cheered me up a little bit! They were always super friendly to talk with!
Filled with energy, I quickly bound up the stairs to my lodgings on the 3rd floor! Once inside my room, I activated my “luminous” spell to brighten the area while I finished getting ready for bed! All of my gear went to its respective spots, while I sat down at my desk, ready to read through my journal again!
Remembering the day, I made sure to write down all of the events that transpired in as much detail as possible! Today had been absolutely incredible, and was something I would make sure to always remember! Finally, satisfied I had included everything I wanted; I titled my lengthy entry:
“Inari’s First Real Adventurer! – Meeting Someone From Another World!”
A smile grew across my face as I read through the contents again. My stomach was giving me a slightly uneasy feeling, almost like something horrible was about to happen, but I figured it was just my nerves still acting up!
Heading to bed and snuggling myself underneath the blankets, my body finally felt relaxed as I sank into the soft bedframe. Surrounded by pillows, I closed my eyes to fall asleep. Before drifting off to the world of dreams, I mumbled to myself:
“Inari, you will become the best adventurer!”
---
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---
Eventually, I woke up early in the morning ready for another day filled with fun and adventure! Looking out the windows of my lodging, the suns hadn’t even started to break above the horizon yet! All along the rolling grassy planes, was the tranquil setting of an early morning’s dawn! I always liked viewing the mornings like this before getting ready for another day of adventuring!
Sitting up in my bed and reorganizing some of the pillows I had “tossed” while sleeping, I started to gently brush my fur, getting out some of the knots and stray strands that were sticking up! While I was proud of my well-kept red and golden fur coat, it really was a pain to take care of, especially in the morning!
Satisfied that my morning routine was complete, I energetically grabbed my spare adventuring gear, journal, and trusty staff! My mind had already been thinking about all of the potential punishments I would receive today from Felice. I already had 40 different thoughts last night, and an additional 20 this morning alone as to what it may be!!!
“It’s alright Inari, no matter what Felice sends your way. You. Can. Do this!”
After feeling reassured from my own words of encouragement, I finally left my room to grab some breakfast before heading out. I also made a mental note to drop-off my torn robes with Yarn so she could fix them!
Walking down the winding hallways of the tavern, I could already hear the sounds of some of the other patrons energetically talking away! I could also smell a whole assortment of aromas and flavours wafting up throughout the building! Freshly cooked beef and eggs were a popular item at the tavern, but my mouth was already thinking about my preferred dish.
Fried tofu!
Images of plates, filled with fried tofu and veggies, all lovingly made by Yarn, flooded into my mind! Everything about the dish they made was truly incredible! The crunchy, crispy texture, soft, juicy interior, and mind-blowing flavours, all combined to create a perfect dish for anyone!!! I caught myself starting to drool just thinking about the meal!
Hold it!!! Control yourself Inari! I know it’s only the most amazing meal in the universe, but you need to show some restraint!
With my tastebuds, somewhat under my control again, I finished my descent down the staircase to triumphantly land at the bottom in spectacular Inari fashion! Ta dah!
With no one seemingly paying much attention to my grand entrance, I confidently skipped over to the bar counter to order myself a well-deserved breakfast! I could see Yarn was in her usual spot, already taking the orders for a few customers ahead of me! Lots of the other beastkin staying at the tavern were early risers like myself, so the morning rush was usually crazy! I really had respect for Yarn, I had no idea how she could singlehandedly keep on top of all the food orders around here!
Eventually, after the wolf beastkin in front of me placed their order for a beef bowl and egg combo, it was finally my turn to order Yarn’s famous fried tofu!!! Noticing I was next in line, Yarn’s facial expression beamed in excitement! Her tail had already started to wag back and forth as I got closer with its usual, beautiful silken red ribbon neatly tied at the tip! Excited as well, I happily greeted her!
“Good morning Yarn!!! Your ribbon looks absolutely amazing today! Is that a different fabric? How are you managing with all of the hungry patrons this morning?”
“Good morning Inari nayn!!! I’m super excited to see you as well! Yes!! *meow!* It is a new fabric for my ribbon! Tha– Thank you for noticing!!! Ummm, I’m somehow managing to help everyone today! Everyone has been ordering the beef bowl with egg this morning! Wou– Would you like me to prepare you a dish of fried tofu nayn? *meow*”
“Yes Yarn, that would be absolutely fantastic!!!”
While I was happily talking with Yarn and eagerly looking forward to my plate of fried tofu, my enemy detection started to warn–
“INARI NAYN!!!!”
Gah!!
I had been violently tackled from behind by a super energetic Felice! They were hugging me from behind my back while covering my eyes with their soft, delicate hands! Yarn had also already left to start preparing my meal, so I was left all alone with my assailant!
“Hehehe! Guess who nayn?”
This... This was their usual game in the morning time... Each and everyday they would “pounce” on me and cover my eyesight. Then, they would ask me to guess who it was!
I mean, obviously it was Felice, but I had learned through my many times going through this morning behaviour with them, that I had to say it a special way... So, with my best beastkin accent, I released myself from their torment.
“The Fabmeowlus Felice Nayn!”
“Meown! You’re no fun Inari nayn! You’re suppose to at least guess incorrectly one time meow!”
“Sorry Felice, but I couldn’t stop thinking about last night! I still have so many questions about everything an–”
“Meown, well those question can wait nayn! After all, meows the purrrfect time for me to handout your punishmeownt nayn!”
Slowly, with a flick of their wrist, Felice opened a portal to their spatial storage and retrieved a stack of papers. Then, they handed them towards me.
“Here you go Inari nayn! This should be meow than enough to keep you busy nayn!”
With a sigh, I grabbed the parchments with my paws and began flipping through them... As I read each request, it became clear that this was very similar to Felice’s Punishmeownt #12. Each guild request said the following:
Rank G ---URGENT--- Medicinal Herb gathering in the forests of: Eldermyst, Great Pine, and Willows Retrieve. Please deliver 10 “Adventurer’s Sage” to the Paws & Beans Tavern. Minimum herb quality of C or above.
*Sigh*
Really Felice? You even went and marked these requests as URGENT?!?! This... This is ridiculous! Even though “Adventurer’s Sage” is used for common healing potions, there is no way you would need THIS many!?!?
And 20 of these requests?!?!? You seriously wanted me to gather 200–
“And I will need them for tonight meown.”
TONIGHT?!?!?! This.... This is going to take me all day!!!!
My head felt dizzy as I was still trying to contemplate why they had decided on this as my punishment! Even if I got started now, this would take me at least 12 hours!! That’s not even considering the travel time between the different forests around here!!!
This... This really was a punishment...
Saddened at knowing how my day would now be spent, I lay my head onto the counter in anguish. At... At least I would have some tofu before I had to head out....
Oh! That’s right! Since Felice is here, I should take the opportunity to ask them about their chat with Ko last night! Maybe they would be willing to share some information with me!!! So, gathering what enthusiasm I could, I asked them some of my questions!
“So, Felice! What did you and Ko talk about last night!!! I know you wanted it to be a private conversation, but I’m really curious abo–”
It was weird, for some reason as I was looking at Felice, they looked really startled about my comment. What was even more strange, was how they responded to me!
“Nay-nay-nayn! What do you me-me-mean Ko nayn? Meowthing happened pawtween us last night meown!”
Between us?
“Ummm, Felice? I wasn’t asking about that, I was asking abou–”
“Oh! Ou-our-our conmeowsation nayn! Yes! Of course, meown! N–n–n–No Inari nayn, what happmeowned was...”
Okey... Why was Felice acting so weird answering my question? Of all the years I’ve been staying here, I don’t think I’ve ever heard them stutter like this before! Their cheeks were also a lot redder for some reason?
“I said it’s a privmeowt conversation Inari nyan! S–s– So I can’t meowntion meownything to you nayn!
I– I ha-have some things to do meown… So I– I hav– Have to... – Later nayn!!!”
And just like that, Felice hurriedly vanished behind the counter, into his office, slamming the wooden door shut. They had closed the door with such force, the sound echoed throughout the tavern, briefly interrupting some of the dining patrons.
*SLAM*
I…. I would have to make a point to ask them about this later. Maybe if I spoke with Ko, I could figure out what happened?
…
I don’t know…
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As I was contemplating how to handle the seemingly impossible herb gathering requests from Felice, my nostrils picked up the scent of something I was desperately in need of; freshly fried tofu! Yarn was seemingly able to save me from my misery by bringing out a nice warm plate of the heavenly dish! Oh my goodness!!!! It also looks like she gave me some extra tofu as well!!!
My mouth had already started to drool, as I was already imagining myself digging into the succulent meal! The crispy, crunchy texture, combined with the soft, juicy interior, made for the most amazing flavour combination!!! Anyone looking at me right now would probably see stars for my eyes! I could only imagine how much they were glistening in happiness as Yarn placed the plate before me. Then, in her soft, delicate voice, she spoke to me before I could start digging in.
“Here you go Inari nayn! I… I hope you like it!! Felice told me… You were going to have a very busy day today *meow* so I… I made sure to give you some extra tofu and veggies! I… I also tr– Tried using a different sauce!! I… I…. How is it *meown*?”
Without pause, I messily started devouring the tofu before me! My teeth ravenously ripped and teared into the delicate, crispy skin. Heavenly, breathtaking flavours assaulted my tastebuds as the sauce and juices covered every part of my tongue!!
This
Was
AMAZING!!!!!
GAH!!!!
How was Yarn so incredible at cooking!?!? I would seriously have to ask her to teach me sometime!!! I had attempted to make tofu like this at least 789 times, and all of them ended in complete, burnt tofu failure!!! That’s not even counting all of the battle and assault plans I had devised beforehand!!!
With each and every bite, my worries and sadness were washed away and replaced with new feelings of excitement and satisfaction! Alright Inari, for sure you’ll have to do something nice for Yarn when you get the chance!!!
Eventually, I remembered that Yarn had asked me to critique their fried tofu dish!! Thinking about it, the flavours seemed a lot richer this time compared to previous dishes!!! While the sauce was familiar, I was able to taste deeper, richer tones in the salty and sweetness profiles! Yarn had somehow, made an already incredible dish that much better!!
Wa— Wait a minute! I’m… I’m picking up some small mana signatures in the meal!! Did Yarn infuse magic into the tofu?
Curious, I cheerfully asked Yarn about my observation.
“This taste even better than the last time Yarn!!! The flavours are so much richer and deeper!!! I– I want to continue eating more and more!!!! But… I did notice something different compared to your previous fried tofu dishes… Did– Did you infuse magic into th–”
“Yes! Yes I did Inari nayn!!!! I’m super glad you noticed it *meow!*. I– I’m still trying to figure out what to call this technique, but I… I weave some small mana particles into the cores of the tofu’s signature, kind of like when you sprinkle salt over a dish! *meown!*
I’m– I’m not sure what to call it just yet *meow* but I was thinking something like Magical Seasoning Garnish!”
“That’s a really interesting idea Yarn! I think that’s a very creative use of magic by infusing some into the dish! It really makes the whole meal taste better! I… I really appreciate you making this for me Yarn!!!”
After hearing my praise, Yarns ears cutely folded back to hide behind her white maid’s bonnet. Her face was also blushing from my positive comments, now filled with a bright, vibrant, rosy red colour!!! Then, she spoke to me in her delicate, soft voice.
“Tha– Thank you Inari nayn!!! It… It really means a lot to me your compliments *meow!*. I... I always do my best when making meals for everyone, but... But not everyone says thank you after so I don’t always know if I did a good job... Maybe you’re the only one that likes my–”
Their expression slowly turned to sadness as their voice drifted off into a faint whisper, until they finally stopped talking altogether. With their head hung, they were tightly gripping their maid’s uniform.
Yarn...
I felt bad for them. Yarn was a talented and gifted demi-human in magics, just like their brother Felice, yet they suffered from a severe lack of confidence in themselves. In a way, Yarn kind of reminded me of myself. I was all too familiar with the feelings of inadequacy from back home. Come on Inari, you need to help your friend! There must be something you can say to cheer them up!
“Yarn, you need to have some more confidence in yourself! Just look at all of the happy beastkin eating the food you made them this morning! All throughout the tavern, adventurers are smiling while devouring their breakfast! While not everyone will say thank you, you only have to look at their behaviour to see how much your cooking impacts them!”
I could see Yarn looking a little better, but still disappointed. Eventually, they spoke to me again after loosening their grip around their dress.
“Tha– Thank you Inari nayn.
---
Oh! That’s right *meow*! You– You still need me to repair your robes, right Inari nayn? I... I could do that now... That way you won’t have to wait too long before starting the herb gathering requests *meow*.”
“That’s ok Yarn, I have my spare adventuring gear with me, but if you could finish the repairs by the end of today, that would be fantastic!”
“Of course Inari nayn!!! Yarn... Yarn will do their best!!!”
“Awesome! Thank you Yarn!!!”
I was glad to see they were feeling at least a little more energetic again!
Finishing off the last remaining bits of my fried tofu plate while handing Yarn the 2/5th bronze Solara to cover the dish’s cost, I collected my thoughts about how I would tackle the seemingly impossible herb gathering request. This was the perfect time for Inari’s Punishment Contingency Plan #77! Efficient Herb Gathering With Experimental Filter Magic!
Feeling, somewhat energetic again, I finally stood up, ready to leave the tavern to begin my “punishmeowant”. After handing Yarn my tattered robes, I waved goodbye, then proceeded towards the old, scratched, wooden doors. As I was leaving, I remembered that I hadn’t even had the chance to say goodbye to Ko yet!!!
...
It’s alright Inari, I’m sure you’ll see them again after you finish these “urgent” herb gathering requests!!! I mean, they are probably still sleeping after everything that happened yesterday! Then, we can talk about all the differences between our worlds! I’m sure Ko is quite curious about Terra, so I’m positive he would want to talk with me! I would also be able to learn a whole lot about his world as well!!!! It’s perfect!!!
And so, with determination and energy, I prepared myself for the “impossible” struggle ahead of gathering 200 Adventurer’s Sage. Mumbling to myself, I said in defiance of my mentor’s plan:
“Hehe! Challenge accepted Felice! I’ll show you just how much I’ve learned studying magic under you!”