CHAPTER 97: CARING FOR A CAT-KIN

The tall brass doors of the Alchemy Guild hissed shut behind Vuvi as she stepped out into the bright, bustling streets of Nettlehusk.

She exhaled, satisfied with her productive meeting. Her satchel was packed with parts, rune-forged alloys, and enough crystal filaments to soup up Pip’s cooling systems two-fold. She was already mentally designing his new modules when...

Thud.

"Oof!"

Vuvi collided with something short and solid.

She stumbled back, blinking down in surprise to find a petite dwarven woman glaring up at her. Blonde braids framed her angular face, and a massive mechanical hammer twice her size was slung over her back. Her eyes, a vivid steel-blue, burned with defiance.

Vuvi raised a brow. "Whoa. Sorry, kid. Didn’t see you there."

The dwarf’s eye twitched.

"Kid? You clumsy clank! I oughta hammer your knees in for that!"

Vuvi blinked. "Wow. Relax, it was an accident."

The woman huffed and squared her stance. "You watch where you’re going next time."

"I said it was an accident. You’re like... three feet tall."

The dwarf scowled. "Three and a half."

They stared at each other in simmering silence before the dwarf’s expression shifted.

She tilted her head, giving Vuvi a long, appraising look from boots to crown.

"You... you wouldn’t happen to be Vuvela Blackthorn, would you?"

Vuvi narrowed her eyes. "Who’s asking?"

The dwarf’s eyes went wide. "Oh, Mother’s mercy, it is you!"

She suddenly bowed deeply. "My apologies for the attitude. I didn’t realize who I was running into!"

Vuvi blinked again, caught off guard by the sudden shift.

The dwarf beamed. "I’m the First Apprentice to Goril Locksurge, Royal Head Engineer of the Dwarven Kingdom. We’ve been searching for you."

Vuvi’s posture straightened. "Really? Why?"

The dwarf clapped her hands together excitedly. "To invite you to the Dwarven Capital! Goril’s been obsessed with you since rumors about you and your construct started spreading. When he heard you were headed east, he assembled a scouting team to find and invite you personally."

Vuvi smirked. "Well, you can tell him the invite wasn’t necessary. We’re already planning to head to the kingdom... after we wrap up our business here in Nettlehusk."

The dwarf squealed in delight. "Will you be bringing your construct? The Pleasure Prince, right?"

Vuvi’s smile widened with pride. "Of course. I don’t go anywhere without him."

The dwarf nearly trembled. "Oh, I cannot wait to see him in action!"

She stepped closer, eyes scanning Vuvi again, this time softer. A strange, thoughtful look crossed her face.

"...You really do look like him," she mumbled under her breath.

Vuvi squinted. "What was that?"

The dwarf blinked and smiled quickly. "Nothing! Nothing at all."

She folded her arms and added, "So... have you ever met Goril Locksurge before?"

Vuvi shook her head. "No. Never been to the Dwarven Kingdom."

The dwarf’s eyes glinted with something unreadable. "Hmm. What about your mother? Ever mention visiting?"

Vuvi tensed slightly. "...Why do you care about my mother?"

The dwarf quickly shrugged it off. "Nevermind! Just curious. I’ll see you at the capital, Lady Blackthorn."

And with that, she slipped back inside the guild house, whistling innocently.

Vuvi stood there for a moment, lips tight, her thoughts spinning. That conversation had stirred something deep in her mind... but she shoved it down.

Not now.

She had a pleasure house to run.

Back at the Blackthorn House of Pleasure, the line outside stretched down the block. Soft music floated through enchanted chimes at the entrance. Two women sighed with dreamy expressions as they exited, clinging to each other like they’d just seen the face of divinity.

Vuvi marched up to the gate, offered a small smile to a few waiting patrons, then stepped inside.

"Morning, boss!" Veena called from the reception desk, waving a clipboard. "Next client’s just about to head in!"

Vuvi nodded, pulling off her coat. "Perfect timing."

A cloaked figure stood in the hallway, hood pulled low, hands hidden in long sleeves. The woman said a soft, curt, "Hello," and turned toward the stairs.

Vuvi’s brow furrowed.

She took one step forward and tilted her head. "M-Mysa?"

The figure froze mid-step.

"...ah, crap!," came the muffled whisper.

Vuvi stormed forward as the cat-kin woman let out a long groan and reluctantly tossed off her hood, revealing familiar violet eyes and twitching cat ears.

Vuvi scowled. "You have got to be kidding me."

Mysa smiled sheepishly. "Hi... Blackthorn."

"You’re not laying a single claw on Pip," Vuvi said firmly.

Mysa groaned, clasping her hands. "Come on! Just five minutes!"

"Sera!"

Sera appeared with swords crossed behind her back and a smug grin on her face. She eyed Mysa up and down like a wolf eyeing a noisy squirrel.

"Trouble?" she asked sweetly.

"She’s got ten seconds to leave before you launch her through a window," Vuvi replied.

Mysa dropped to her knees, grabbing Vuvi’s leg dramatically.

"Please! I’ve been following you for weeks! I’m not here for scheming or sabotage, promise! I just want a taste of Pip! My brother is the one obsessed with stealing designs! I’m just a woman in dire need of a little love!"

Vuvi scoffed and turned away.

But Sera’s grin faltered. She watched the cat-kin woman’s drooped ears and trembling tail with growing pity.

"Poor thing," Sera said quietly.

"What?" Vuvi snapped.

"She’s a pain, but... she’s just..." Sera shrugged, "...thirsty."

Veena popped up from behind the desk, arms folded. "I hate to admit it, but Sera’s got a point. Helping women in need is kind of our whole thing."

Vuvi groaned. "This team is impossible! I swear..."

She jabbed a finger at Sera’s chest. "She’s your responsibility! Five minutes. And you keep your eyes on both of them the entire time."

Sera gave a salute.

"Supervised session it is."

Mysa bounced to her feet, eyes sparkling. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

She grabbed Sera’s arm and practically dragged her upstairs, tail twitching wildly.

In the upstairs chamber, the scent of mint oils and jasmine filled the air.

Penelo and Lula were busy rubbing Pip down, his metal plates glistening with enchanted polish. The moment Mysa stepped in, both women froze.

Penelo hissed, claws half-drawn. "What is she doing here?"

Lula’s eyes narrowed. "Oh no, no no. Isn’t she the cat-woman you told me about.."

Sera raised a calming hand. "She’s got clearance. Vuvi approved it. I’m here to supervise."

Mysa bowed dramatically. "Ladies, I come in peace... and desperation."

Pip blinked slowly. A wave of complex emotions rippled from him. Disappointment, confusion, and... reluctant forgiveness.

He stepped forward.

Mysa gasped, tail swishing. "You forgive me? Oh, Pip, you glorious golden marvel!"

She pounced on him, pressing her face to his chest plate. "You can punish me any way you want."

Pip beeped sheepishly, then raised a hand and delivered a firm, mechanical smack to her rear.

Mysa squealed with joy.

While Sera chuckled from the doorway.