Since that time, the kitten fairy, Cait Sith, had fallen into a deep sleep.
Although the injuries should have been completely healed by recovery magic, the little creature was so weakened that it likely needed rest to regain its strength.
I had learned from the Creator God that fairies are beings that absorb magical energy for sustenance. So, I diligently cast recovery spells and made sure to feed it honey milk every three hours.
Thanks to my round-the-clock care, by the third day, the kitten finally opened its eyes.
“Oh, your eyes are open? You’ve got such beautiful eyes.”
This was the first time I got a good look at the kitten’s eyes since they had remained closed until now.
I’d heard that ordinary kittens usually have blue eyes, known as kitten blue, but this fairy kitten, Cait Sith, blinked its bright emerald-green eyes at me.
The small kitten seemed confused about its situation, anxiously glancing around. It was likely searching for its mother and siblings.
“Yeah, I get it. You were attacked and probably unconscious the whole time… Hey, kitty, do you understand what I’m saying?”
I gently picked up the kitten and looked into its eyes.
I’d heard that you shouldn’t make direct eye contact with real cats, but this one was a fairy. It felt like being honest and facing it directly was the right thing to do.
The kitten seemed to sense my intentions. Instead of struggling, it quietly gazed back into my eyes.
“Your family… or companions? Unfortunately, they’re no longer here. You were the only one left, and I took you in.”
With its big eyes fixed on me, the kitten perked its ears, attentively listening.
“I healed your wounds, but your strength hasn’t returned yet. And you’re still a tiny kitten—a fragile being that needs a guardian. I’ll take responsibility and raise you. From today, we’re family. Got it?”
I gently pressed my forehead against its small one and cast another recovery spell. The faint glow that surrounded us seemed to fascinate the kitten, which watched curiously.
As warmth spread through it, the kitten narrowed its emerald eyes in satisfaction and let out a small, soft mew.
Feeling as though I’d been granted its approval, I let out a sigh of relief and sank to the floor, still holding the kitten in my arms.
The kitten didn’t seem afraid of me at all. It simply curled up in my arms, but after a while, it raised its head and stared straight at my face.
“What? What’s up?”
Suddenly, it let out a sharp, high-pitched cry, “Pyaaah!”
Startled, I jumped slightly, unsure of what to do, but then noticed the kitten kneading my chest with its tiny front paws.
“Oh, you’re hungry! Got it. Wait just a second.”
I wrapped the kitten in a blanket and placed it back in its cardboard house before preparing some honey milk.
Since it was now conscious, I didn’t need to use a dropper. Akimi, who’s a cat enthusiast, had advised me that kittens about three weeks old should be able to drink on their own.
I poured the warmed milk into a small dish and carefully offered it to the kitten. It sniffed at the milk before quickly plunging its tiny face into the dish.
Slurp, slurp—it lapped it up eagerly.
The dish was emptied in no time, and the kitten meowed insistently for more, so I quickly refilled it.
I was glad I had prepared extra in advance. The honey milk seemed to suit its taste, and it licked its lips contentedly.
“Hey, you’re all messy now.”
The kitten had not only dirtied its face and mouth but also its chest. I used a cleansing spell to clean it up.
The kitten, clearly enjoying the sensation, closed its eyes blissfully. It seemed quite fond of cleanliness and appeared very satisfied.
“Wait a second… Are you feeding on my magic?”
The Creator God had told me that fairies naturally feed on the magic that leaks out of their surroundings. Apparently, even basic utility spells were being “tasted” by this little one.
“Well, it doesn’t hurt or anything. If it speeds up your recovery, I guess it’s fine.”
Having indulged in plenty of honey milk and magical energy, the kitten flopped over on the rug, its tiny belly round and full.
With its plump little ears twitching and its gaze directed up at me, it was almost unbearably adorable.
“Pyaa?”
“You’re so cheeky… but I don’t dislike that.”
“Pyaaaan!”
When I wiggled my fingers in front of it, the kitten started playfully batting at them.
Even though I’d suddenly declared myself its family and guardian, the kitten showed no hesitation. In fact, it had already rolled over to expose its belly.
(Is it surprisingly bold? Well, it’s cute, and it might actually be easier to care for than a timid, scared kitten.)
As I moved to pick up the kitten again, I noticed something.
“Oh, you’re a boy. I didn’t know fairies had genders.”
Calling him “kitty” or “you” forever didn’t feel right, so I decided to give him a name.
Using my appraisal skill, I confirmed that he didn’t have one. It seemed fairies might not name themselves, but it would be inconvenient without one.
“Hm. A tabby boy, huh? You’re still growing, but your legs and arms are pretty thick. You’re going to get big and strong, so I’ll call you Ketsue!”
I named the kitten with a prayer that he would grow strong, like a tiger, and be able to take on any beast.
“…Ketsue?”
“Pyaa!”
“Oh, have you already learned your name? You’re smart, Ketsue.”
My face relaxed into a silly, blissful smile—please forgive me. After all, kittens are adorable.
I checked Ketsue’s status with my appraisal skill to see if his name had been properly reflected, and I froze.
“Huh? I’m… taming Ketsue?”
“Pyaa?”
“Seriously!? Is it because of the name? Was giving him a name a bad idea? Wait, was that a template thing?”
I’d made a mistake.
I had meant to treat him as family, but I had inadvertently tamed him. Can you even tame a fairy? Normally, you tame animals or magical beasts, right?
“First off, when did I even get the taming ability? This feels suspicious… I think the Creator God Kesaran Pasaran might be involved…”
I pulled out my phone to check.
A new message from the Hero. It was from the Creator God.
‘The taming-related abilities make it easier for you to feed your magic, so I’ve added this skill for you! That little one will grow into something amazing, so take good care of him! Creator God.’
“Ugh, fine! If that’s how it is, I can’t help it. But once he’s grown up, I’ll undo it!”
Ketsue, the kitten fairy, seemed to enjoy the high elf’s powerful magic, and after being connected through taming, I could see him recovering visibly.
He woke up from his nap, and by the next day, he was already running around the tent like he owned the place.
“Whoa! Don’t climb the tent! Hey, now you can’t get down!”
Ketsue’s claws got caught, and he’d let out a sharp cry, then climb to a high spot only to cry out in fear when he couldn’t get down.
He absolutely loved honey milk and would beg for it every three hours. Even if he was asleep, he’d wake up when his cheek was gently tapped to demand more milk.
By the next day, the cardboard bed was completely trashed, and Ketsue refused to leave my side. Now, we were sleeping together.
Ketsue, trembling and clinging to me, was simply too cute for me to push away.
If a kitten purring and snuggling up against me was nearby, there was no chance I could get insomnia.
He’d sleep around my neck like a scarf, or curl up on my face and fall into a deep sleep. He was truly acting like a little king, doing whatever he wanted. As expected of a Cait Sith!
At night, if it was a little chilly, he’d crawl under the blanket with me.
He even used my shoulder as a pillow to sleep, and I couldn’t help but marvel at his intelligence.
My phone’s album was filled with pictures and videos of Ketsue, and I regularly showed them off to my cousins.
Haruto and Natsuki seemed a bit exasperated, but Akimi genuinely looked envious.
