After Becoming Pregnant With The Empress Cat's Cub - Chapter 41

The next morning, Lan Ye woke up at her usual time.

She started with a long stretch, gave her fuzzy head a rub, and finally rolled left and right while kicking her legs. Feeling like her body had successfully “booted up,” she hugged the duvet and sat up.

With a yawn, her gaze swept across the room. It took a few seconds to recall where she was, once she confirmed she was safe and hadn’t “transmigrated” back, Lan Ye flopped back onto the pillow with a sigh of relief.

She began to recall the dream she had right before waking.

She hadn’t dreamed in a long time, but last night’s dream was magical.

She dreamed she was kissing Rin. As they kissed, Rin sprouted a massive cat paw and began “making biscuits” on her chest, one press at a time, just like a kitten kneading milk…

At the thought, Lan Ye pulled back the duvet to check her chest. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Thank goodness it was a dream, she thought. If that were real, with a paw that big, I’d be crushed!

Lan Ye pulled the covers back up and closed her eyes, remembering the rest. In the dream, she eventually couldn’t take it anymore and tried to stop the kneading, but Rin insisted she kiss the pink, squishy paw pads on the beastly paw.

The moment she kissed them. Poof! a cloud of white smoke appeared, and a transformation occurred. The person on top of her turned into a chubby little ginger cat!

Shocked, Lan Ye had woken up.

Thinking about it now, the dream was hilarious. Remembering that giant paw, the pink pads, and the final transformation, Lan Ye chuckled. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, her eyes snapped open.

Wait, where was the person?

Lan Ye looked at the pillow beside her. It was empty. Where was Rin?

She remembered Rin saying she would stay the night. Why was she the only one in bed?

Lan Ye was fully awake now. She remembered what happened last night, she had fallen asleep while waiting for Rin to finish her shower!

A flicker of regret crossed her eyes. Hugging the duvet, she sat up again, her gaze scanning every corner of the room. She even called out toward the closed bathroom door a few times.

There was no response. Lan Ye thought of her phone; she remembered falling asleep while looking at it. It wasn’t on the bed.

Finally, she found it in the nightstand drawer.

Checking the time, it was five minutes to eight. So early, where did that woman go?

Lan Ye unlocked her phone and called Rin, but no one picked up.

Hanging up, Lan Ye squinted at the empty half of the bed. Did she wake up early and get out of bed, or did she not sleep here at all last night?

If it was the former, fine. If it was the latter… a dangerous glint appeared in Lan Ye’s narrowing eyes.

She got up, changed, and did a quick wash-up, intending to go find her.

But the moment she opened the palace doors, she was startled by the “uninvited guests” at the entrance.

“Meow~ Meow meow~~”

A little ginger cat dropped a nameless wild flower from its mouth and sprang up from a sitting position, letting out a barrage of meows at Lan Ye.

Looking at the cat, Lan Ye wasn’t entirely sure if it was the one she saw yesterday. Rin’s sister, Princess Ju Zhun.

After all, ginger kittens all looked somewhat similar, unless they were like Ju Rin with paws so huge they were unmistakable.

She tested the waters: “Princess Ju Zhun Meow?”

The ginger kitten lifted its front paws and hooked onto Lan Ye’s skirt: “Meow meow meow~”

The excited tone seemed to say, “That’s me!”

Lan Ye laughed and scooped the cat up, then looked down at the other cat sitting there.

When she first opened the door, seeing two cats sitting neatly as if waiting for her had surprised her, but the sheer cuteness was overwhelming.

The other was a dark brown tabby, significantly larger than the ginger one.

“And who are you?”

After asking, Lan Ye felt silly. Why was she asking a cat for its name? Unless the cat spoke human tongue, she wouldn’t understand the answer even if it gave one.

She looked at the excited Ju Zhun in her arms. “Is this your friend? Did you bring her?”

“Meow meow~”

As expected, she couldn’t understand. Lan Ye looked back at the tabby on the ground.

The tabby was also watching her. Lan Ye felt its gaze was quite peculiar, it looked like it was sizing her up.

It looked a bit like a person…

The little ginger cat in her arms let out a string of meows at the tabby on the ground, and the tabby seemed to respond with a few meows of its own.

Are they communicating?

Lan Ye couldn’t understand a word. Seeing the ginger cat’s urgency to get down, she lowered herself to a crouch.

The moment she squatted, the ginger cat leaped from her arms and ran to the tabby’s side.

The two cats stood before her, meowing back and forth as if having a full conversation.

Lan Ye remained clueless. She picked up the small blue wildflower from the ground. It smelled quite fragrant. Was this a gift from the little ginger cat?

While she was lost in thought, the ginger cat ran back to her side and rubbed its head against her hand. Lan Ye smiled and reached out to pet its small head.

It seemed delighted, sticking its tail high in the air while rubbing against her hand and meowing at the tabby.

A moment later, Lan Ye saw the seated tabby lift its hindquarters. With a somewhat reluctant expression, it walked toward her.

Lan Ye didn’t know what the tabby wanted. Seeing the cat reach her, she tentatively reached out her hand.

Seeing that the tabby didn’t dodge or try to bite, Lan Ye gave it a gentle stroke.

Then, she saw the tabby’s pupils instantly turn round, and its tail shot up high.

The ginger cat circled the tabby with another round of “meow meow meow.”

After finishing its “speech,” it returned to Lan Ye’s hand and flopped over, exposing its belly. It even batted at Lan Ye with its paws, clearly wanting its tummy rubbed.

Lan Ye naturally couldn’t refuse. She gave the kitten a thorough “rua” (rubdown). The ginger cat purred loudly, while not forgetting to give a “meow” to the tabby.

It felt like it was telling the tabby how comfortable this was.

Lan Ye looked at the tabby sitting nearby. Seeing the hopeful look in the cat’s eyes, Lan Ye arched an eyebrow, forming a guess.

“You want me to rua you too?”

“Meow~”

Hearing that “meow” which sounded like a direct response, Lan Ye’s eyebrows climbed higher. She tested further: “Then lie down and show me your belly.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she saw the tabby lie down, revealing its grey, fluffy belly.

Lan Ye laughed. It really did understand human speech!

And that look earlier, it really did want her to rua it, yet it acted so tsundere.

Fortunately, she specialized in curing tsundere cats.

With one hand for each, Lan Ye began to rua the cats.

When Laura arrived, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her…

It wasn’t until she got closer that she confirmed she wasn’t mistaken!

Princess Ju Zhun Meow and County Princess Li Hai Meow were actually lying on the ground with their bellies exposed, letting Miss Lan Ye pet them…

Seeing Laura, Lan Ye greeted her with a smile: “Morning, Laura.”

Laura snapped out of it. She was about to bow, but Lan Ye was faster, standing up and catching her.

“Have you seen Rin?”

Laura: “The Princess left for the Military Affairs Council Hall early this morning.”

Lan Ye narrowed her eyes. So, she went to “work.”

“Do you know where she slept last night?”

Laura found the question odd. “Wasn’t Her Highness with Miss Lan Ye?”

Last night, the Princess had her deliver the sleepwear to Miss Lan Ye’s quarters, and this morning, she had seen the Princess come out from these very chambers.

Hearing this, Lan Ye “acquitted” Rin in her heart. The woman hadn’t run away last night.

“No reason, just asking.”

Laura felt it was a bit strange. Looking at Lan Ye, who appeared well-rested and energetic, she thought of the Princess’s appearance this morning.

When she received the news before five o’clock, she had rushed to find the Princess. The situation was urgent, she was about to ring the bell, but the door opened first.

The Princess had walked out fully dressed, not looking like she had just woken up at all. In fact, it looked as if she hadn’t slept at all…

Upon hearing that something had happened, she gave a few instructions and hurried to the Council Hall.

Recalling her orders, Laura spoke with a smile.

“Miss Lan Ye, breakfast is ready. Would you like to have it now?”

Lan Ye nodded immediately: “Yes, right now.”

She was genuinely hungry.

Laura smilingly invited Lan Ye to follow her.

Lan Ye stepped forward, and the two cats followed, one on each side like bodyguards.

Lan Ye was struck by the cuteness again.

“Laura, do you know this cat? Is she a Princess Meow too?”

Since they were in the palace and Ju Rin had mentioned having many cat sisters and since this cat had arrived with Princess Ju Zhun. Lan Ye reasonably guessed the tabby was also a princess.

“No, this is County Princess Li Hai Meow.”

Laura briefly introduced her noble status.

“The ancestor of County Princess Li Hai Meow was the younger sister of the Founding Great Emperor Cat, Li Qiang. General Cat Li Second Strong.”

Laura glanced at the cat on the ground. County Princess Li Hai Meow was over a year old and had yet to transform into human form.

Due to her mother’s health issues, she couldn’t have more children. If she didn’t transform, the beastman bloodline of General Cat Li Second Strong would end with this generation.

Consequently, the County Princess’s mother was extremely protective and rarely let her out. Li Hai Meow was usually very aloof, it was a surprise to see her at the Princess’s palace, let alone exposing her belly for Lan Ye to rub…

The tabby on the ground, hearing Laura mention its ancestor, seemed to puff up with pride. It tilted its head back and let out a vigorous “Meow” at Lan Ye.

Lan Ye couldn’t hold it in; a laugh burst out: “Hahahahaha!”

She tried her best to restrain herself, but the name was just too funny.

If there were a younger sister, she could already guess the name. Cat Li Third Strong!

Laura was confused by Lan Ye’s reaction: “What’s wrong?”

Lan Ye waved her hand repeatedly: “Nothing, I’m just happy.”

Turning to the proud tabby, she said, “Very glad to meet you, County Princess Li Hai Meow.”

“Meow~”

The tabby responded with a flick of its tail, as if saying it was also glad to meet her.

Laura’s eyes were full of surprise and confusion, wondering why these two had come to find Lan Ye so early and why they seemed to like her so much.

Lan Ye finally finished laughing by the time they reached the dining room.

Looking at the cats that had followed her, Lan Ye asked, “Do you two want a bite?”

“Meow~” Two meows rang out in unison.

Lan Ye asked Laura, “Is there food for them?”

Laura: “There is.”

Not only was there food, but there were also specialized cat chairs.

Seeing this, Lan Ye stopped worrying and focused on her own meal, sending a message to Rin while she ate.

[Find me when you’re done with work.]

Laura had said Rin left in a hurry before dawn.

Laura didn’t know the specifics, but she said the Military Affairs Council wouldn’t meet unless it was a major issue.

And usually, such meetings lasted all day.

It sounded serious. Lan Ye temporarily set her own matters aside. Not receiving a reply, she didn’t send another message.

Once the person was free and saw the message, she would naturally reply.

After finishing her meal, Lan Ye saw a message notification. She thought it was Rin.

Unlocking it, she found a voice message from Hakimi.

“Lan Ye… what should I do… I’m so nervous, my beast paws won’t turn back into hands…”

The fragmented voice was punctuated by sobbing.

Tears fell onto the phone screen, and Hakimi used the fur on the back of her beast paw to wipe them away.

Soon, the tears increased, and the fur on the back of her paw became clumped and damp.

Seeing a video call request, Hakimi’s tears fell even faster, and her whole body shook with anxiety.

She had one hand that was still normal earlier, allowing her to send the message. Now, both were paws. Just trying to press the “Accept” button was difficult.

She tried several times and finally managed to connect right before it automatically disconnected.

Seeing a face crying hysterically on the screen, Lan Ye frowned instinctively.

“Hakimi, where are you?”

Looking at the background in the video, Lan Ye felt something was wrong.

“I… I’m in the restroom, waaaah, Lan Ye, my hands won’t turn back from paws…”

In her distress, Hakimi was becoming incoherent.

“Which restroom?”

Lan Ye felt she needed to train the girl on how to relay vital information using the simplest words.

“The rehearsal… the place for rehearsal. I came to the palace today for the rehearsal… and then, I accidentally, waaaah…”

Lan Ye extracted the key information: ‘Palace rehearsal.’ “You’re at the palace? The Vinatta Golden Hall?”

Lan Ye knew the Cat Meow Good Voice competition’s finals were being held in the palace.

Hakimi cried even harder: “Yes, in the palace… what do I do, it’s almost my turn…”

She could hear the singing outside, there was only one person left before her, but she couldn’t stabilize her spiritual power.

If she didn’t perform the rehearsal, she would be disqualified.

Looking at Hakimi’s swollen eyes, Lan Ye felt this wasn’t normal.

Though Hakimi was prone to nerves and would sprout paws when anxious, under Lan Ye’s “brainwashing” throughout the competition, she had become much more stable.

Besides, it was just a rehearsal. How could she be so nervous that her paws came out and wouldn’t retract?

“Wait for me, don’t worry. I’m coming right now.”

Hakimi’s tears stopped for a second: “What?”

Lan Ye: “I said, wipe away those tears. This is a small scene. Wait for me!”

Previously, Lan Ye had only said she would support her at the grand finals, she hadn’t mentioned she was already in the palace.

Looking at the disconnected video, Hakimi’s tear-streaked face was full of disbelief. Realizing Lan Ye was coming to find her, she let out a loud sob, no longer caring if the people outside the restroom could hear her.

After hanging up, Lan Ye looked at Laura.

“Where is the Vinatta Golden Hall? Can I go there?”

She asked politely. If the answer was no, she would force her way in anyway.

Laura had been standing nearby and heard the conversation.

“Of course you can. It’s not far from here. If you wish to go, I will have someone take you.”

Before leaving, the Princess had instructed that except for a few dangerous areas, Miss Lan Ye could go wherever she pleased.

Her Highness even said that if Miss Lan Ye wanted to see her, she could be taken to the Council Hall, but if she didn’t ask, there was no need to mention it.

Hearing she could go, Lan Ye felt relieved. “No need for a guide, I can go myself.”

Laura looked troubled: “Her Highness instructed that if you go out, you must take a guard. This is for your safety.”

In that case, Lan Ye wouldn’t stand on ceremony: “Alright then, I want to take…”

“Number 2 won’t do,” Laura blurted out, repeating the Princess’s exact words.

“Number 2?” Lan Ye was puzzled.

Realizing her slip of the tongue, Laura quickly corrected: “Lei Xing. That new guard. She won’t do.”

Lei Xing? Lan Ye raised an eyebrow, remembering this was Little Landmine’s formal name.

“I can’t take Little Landmine?” A look of realization flashed in Lan Ye’s eyes. “Did Rin say that?”

Laura waved her hands in explanation: “Guard Lei has gone for training.”

“Training?” Lan Ye narrowed her eyes. “What kind of training?”

Lan Ye had a bad feeling. Surely Rin isn’t being jealous and pulling strings behind the scenes?

She took out her phone and sent a greeting to Little Landmine. The other side replied happily with a voice message.