The bustling sounds of the market slowly roused me from sleep. The lively chatter and bursts of laughter created a warm, unfamiliar ambiance. I gently opened my eyes, still wrapped in the soft comfort of the merchant’s cart.

Kumo was curled up next to me, his belly rising and falling steadily. Even in his peaceful slumber, the commotion seemed to disturb him. Suddenly, his ears perked up, and his eyes snapped open.

“I’ve never been to a market before. Is this what it’s like?” I murmured, mesmerized by what I could glimpse through the cart’s sides.

“Nya! You’ve never been to a market? Catnip-tastic!” Kumo exclaimed, clearly astonished.

We stepped out of the cart, drawn to the lively atmosphere filling the air. Before us, the market stretched out like a colorful sea of stalls, where floating fabrics, overflowing stands of exotic goods, and dazzling lights created a scene both animated and captivating. It was as though the entire world had gathered here to trade, laugh, and live together. My heart raced with excitement.

I glanced over at the merchant, who had already begun setting up his clothing stall a few steps away. Yet, contrary to the cheerful ambiance, he appeared gloomy, his head bowed and shoulders slumped.

“Good morning, sir!” I called out with a smile.

“Ah, you’re awake, little ones. Did you sleep well?” he asked in a soft voice, forcing a smile.

“Yes, thanks to you. I can’t thank you enough!” I replied enthusiastically.

Kumo, however, had a more immediate concern on his mind.

“Say, mister, do you have anything to nibble on? I’m starving, nya!” he joked, rubbing his belly.

The merchant chuckled lightly and handed us a small plate of treats—strange yet appetizing, with a shiny purple glaze and flecks of gold.

I took a bite, and my eyes widened in surprise.

“This is simply paw-licious!” Kumo exclaimed.

“The taste is incredible! Where does this recipe come from?” I asked, impressed.

“Glad you like it, kids,” the merchant replied with a slightly more genuine smile. However, his gaze drifted for a moment, betraying a hint of sadness that unsettled me.

“Sir, is something wrong? You seemed troubled earlier…” I asked gently, my concern growing.

“Oh, it’s nothing… It’s just that… like in other villages, I can’t seem to sell anything here either. My clothes don’t appeal to anyone…” he admitted, looking dejected.

I glanced at the clothes on his stall. They were well-made, with silky materials and vibrant colors, but they lacked something—a touch that would capture attention in a market full of wonders. An idea struck me.

“Sir, may I make some modifications? I think I know how to draw the crowd’s interest,” I offered timidly.

He looked surprised but nodded.

“Well, if you have an idea, it’s worth a try.”

I picked up a few pieces: lightweight dresses, capes with simple patterns. With a bit of imagination, I began adding embroidery, golden details here and there, more unique buttons, and matching accessories to give each piece a distinctive, modern touch.

“Do you know what she’s doing?” the merchant asked Kumo, intrigued.

“Nyan, but whatever she does always turns out great. Trust her,” Kumo said, finishing the last bite of his treat.

Gradually, curious passersby began to approach, drawn by the enhanced clothing I was working on.

“Excuse me, may I try on this magnificent hat?” one lady asked, pointing to one of my creations.

“Oh my goodness, it’s splendid! Do you have more like it?” another exclaimed.

In no time, the once-overlooked stall became swarmed with customers. The merchant, initially incredulous, quickly got to work, selling his clothes at an incredible pace. Kumo helped package the items while I continued refining the remaining pieces, trying to keep up with the demand.

Within a few hours, the merchant’s entire stock was sold out. Usually sitting and waiting, he now found himself overwhelmed but radiating joy.

“I don’t know what to say… It’s the first time I’ve ever sold everything, and in so little time,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion, almost on the verge of tears.

“It was fun, I must admit. I really enjoyed improving your clothes,” I said with a smile.

“I’m exhausted, nya!” Kumo groaned, collapsing onto the ground, eliciting a burst of laughter from both the merchant and me.

Our laughter was suddenly interrupted by a piercing, deep, and terrifying cry from the skies. Kumo and I froze.

“Catnip-tastic! It’s the Guardian!” Kumo exclaimed.

“The dragon finally decided to wake up, it seems…” I murmured, my heart racing.

I knew what it meant. We had to leave—fast.

“I suppose asking you to work with me is out of the question?” the merchant asked with a bittersweet smile, understanding the situation.

“Yes… I’m sorry, sir.”

“No problem, young lady. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve done today.”

The merchant, with a mysterious smile, approached us and pulled something from a canvas bag. It was a small wooden cat figurine, no bigger than my hand, intricately carved.

I held it in my hands, marveling at the delicate details. The cat, sitting elegantly, seemed almost alive. Its eyes, two bright blue crystals, emitted a soft, hypnotic glow. Fine engravings on its body mimicked fur, and a series of shimmering feathers adorned its back, forming a folded fan.

“Oh, a Neko-vent, nya!” Kumo exclaimed with admiration, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.

“A Neko-vent?” I asked, intrigued. “What is it exactly?”

The merchant nodded and explained with pride:

“It’s a rare artifact. Turn the dial under its belly, and you’ll see.”

Following his instructions, I gently turned the small golden dial hidden under the figurine’s belly. Immediately, a light breeze swirled around us. The feathers on the cat’s back unfolded into a majestic fan, and a crystalline blue platform appeared beneath our feet, as if conjured by magic. It was large enough for Kumo and me to sit comfortably.

The golden light emanating from the object’s base enveloped the platform in a protective aura, filling the air with a soft melody carried by the wind.

“Incredible…” I whispered, admiring the Neko-vent’s perfection. “It really floats…”

“Yes, and you can fly with it,” the merchant said with a smile. “It’s controlled by your thoughts, so don’t worry—it will take you wherever you need to go.”

Kumo, his eyes wide with wonder, leapt onto the platform.

“Nyahoo! We’ll escape the Guardian faster with this!” he shouted, ecstatic.

I smiled as I watched him. The Neko-vent was more than just an object; it embodied the ingenuity and magic of this world. Its iridescent feathers gleamed under the market’s sunlight, creating an enchanting spectacle.

“I don’t know who you’re running from…” the merchant added, calmly packing his bag, “but this should help. Be careful, kids.”

I bowed my head, moved by his unexpected gift.

“Thank you so much, sir. You’re helping us once again,” I murmured gratefully, gently stroking the figurine that had made our escape possible.

We began to rise into the air.

“Thank you again, sir!” I shouted from above.

“It was a pleasure meeting you! Now go!” he replied, waving.

---

We began to ascend, following the blue butterfly once more as it guided us, just as it had from the beginning.

“By the way, where is this butterfly taking us? Since we started following it, we’ve ended up in the strangest situations, nya,” Kumo said, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“I have no idea, but as long as it keeps us away from the Guardian, I’m fine with it,” I replied, glancing behind me at where the Guardian’s menacing shadow must still be lurking.

My gaze suddenly fell on a distant, deformed black mass. Something strange and unsettling...

“Kumo, that black mass in the distance—what could it be?” I asked, worried.

“Nye? No idea, but it’s definitely not the Guardian. Still, since he can fly, he’ll find us more easily in the air. We need to find shelter on the ground.”

We began scanning the landscape for a place to land, taking in the scenery passing below. Verdant forests, sunlit meadows, and shimmering rivers… Everything seemed peaceful and beautiful after what we had just endured.

As we admired the serene landscape, a small crying kitten caught our attention, sitting alone in the middle of a clearing.

“Could it be lost, nya?” Kumo asked, concerned.

“I don’t know, but let’s go check!” I replied as we descended to help.