CHAPTER 50: A STARRY NIGHT

That evening, Mimi and her master stepped out onto the balcony of the mansion.

Emilia leaned gently against the railing, her eyes wandering toward the faraway horizon.

Meanwhile, Mimi perched comfortably on her shoulder, her small eyes fixed on the endless starry sky above.

It was... breathtakingly beautiful.

With no light pollution in this world, Mimi could see the heavens in their purest form. The moon hung round and full, glowing like a great silver plate, while countless stars sparkled across the velvet darkness—scattered like diamonds on black silk. Some shimmered faintly, others blazed brighter, creating a living tapestry that stretched endlessly above them.

For Mimi, stargazing had always been something special.

It stirred so many memories within her. She remembered climbing mountains as a child, hand in hand with her parents. Back then, there had been laughter, warmth, and peace—before the family troubles, before everything grew complicated. Life had felt simple and whole.

She also remembered her gaming days in Arventia Online. How she would sometimes leave her avatar seated beneath the digital night sky, just staring at the glowing pixels of stars while the game’s calm background music played, resting and waiting for bosses to respawn.

Ahhh... this is the best...

Nothing could beat gazing at the real starry sky, really, with the cool night breeze brushing softly against her fur, and most of all... having a friend beside her to share it with.

Wait... does Master count as a friend?

She’s my master... by she’s also considered a friend, right?

Well... I guess so.

Mimi’s lips curled into a soft, content smile.

Emilia had been so kind and caring—without a doubt, she was a good friend. A precious one.

And of course... what’s stargazing without snacks?

But speaking of snacks... urghhhhhh.

While Emilia happily crunched on golden, crispy potato chips fresh out of the oven, their savory aroma drifting temptingly through the air, and popped juicy fresh berries into her mouth, Mimi was stuck with... jerky bits.

As a cat, potato chips were a big no-no—too salty, too oily, and stuffed with bad carbs! Mimi had tried sneaking a bite earlier, but her feline body rebelled against it. Her tongue curled, her throat locked up, and her instincts screamed: absolutely not.

And the berries... oh, the betrayal.

Blueberries and strawberries had once been her favorite fruits as a human. Sweet, juicy, refreshing—little bursts of happiness. But now? Now they were nothing but sour, mouth-puckering lumps. She had tried one and instantly regretted it, her face scrunching up so hard she nearly sneezed.

So jerky bits it was.

Chewy, a little tough, but meaty enough to be tolerable. Palatable, at least.

Not exactly a feast fit for stargazing, but hey... she’d take what she could get!

And so, the two of them sat together under the vast night sky. Emilia with her chips and berries, Mimi with her jerky. Different snacks, but the same moment shared.

If anything, Mimi was grateful—grateful that Emilia had finally made peace with her parents. Grateful, too, that Draco and Lady Ariana had proven to be such genuinely good people. For once, everything felt... right.

*********

As they continued to stargaze, the night sky suddenly shifted.

Something... was falling.

"My god! Mimi! Look! Shooting stars!" Emilia cried, pointing upward.

"Oooooh!!!"

Mimi’s eyes went wide, her little mouth dropping open.

Because it was true—dozens... no, hundreds of shooting stars were streaking across the heavens! They blazed in trails of silver and gold, cutting through the darkness like divine arrows. Some burned bright in fiery red, while others shimmered in icy blue or faint violet, together weaving a river of light that poured endlessly across the vast sky.

It was like watching the stars themselves come alive and dance. It was so breathtaking. And majestic, almost unreal.

Wait! A wish! I have to make a wish!

Mimi shut her eyes tight, pressing her tiny paws together, her heart thumping.

Please... let me grow stronger. Strong enough to protect Master Emilia. Strong enough to conquer the Tower of Light. And when that day comes... let me bring Marshmallow back!

When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Emilia wishing too.

Oooh! So people here in Arventia also have a tradition of making wishes beneath the shooting-star sky!

Emilia’s lips moved softly, her hands clasped so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her shoulders trembled, her whole body heavy with emotion.

Curious, Mimi leaned in, ears perked, straining to catch her words.

The girl’s voice quivered in reverence as she whispered a solemn prayer:

"O Guardians of this world... please protect our lands from the forces of Abyssia. Keep the shadows at bay. Keep our people safe..."

Wait... a prayer?

That was... quite different from what Mimi had expected.

Emilia slowly opened her eyes. Then, hugging Mimi gently to her chest, she spoke in a low, wistful voice.

"You know... my mom and dad once told me that shooting stars aren’t just falling lights. They’re heavenly angels—the forces of the gods, descending to aid humans in their fight against the darkness... I just hope... everything is okay on the battlefield."

Oh...

Mimi finally understood. Or rather, she remembered the lore of Arventia.

So that was the meaning of shooting stars in this world.

And come to think of it, Draco and Ariana would soon have to march to the front lines themselves, joining the war. That must have been why Emilia looked so emotional just now—why her voice trembled with worry.

Because sometimes... a rain of shooting stars was not just a pretty sight. It could be a sign. A warning that somewhere on the borders, great evil had awakened. After all, the forces of heaven only descended when great darkness stirred.

Draco and Ariana would need to be very careful.

If that was the case...

Mimi lowered her gaze, closed her eyes, and pressed her paws together. She whispered her own silent prayer—for the safety of her master’s parents, and for all the heroes standing guard against the abyss at the edge of the world.

May the light of Arventia endure forever.