Xenon's ears flicked sharply, her tail swishing with irritation as she stepped in between Michi and the arrogant woman. "Meow… any fights are strictly prohibited inside this café." Her golden eyes narrowed. "But… this lady insulted my men, humiliated Josh, and spat on my pride as the owner. So—"
She turned to Michi, her whiskers twitching.
"Michi… it's up to you. If you want revenge, do it yourself. Do not involve us, meow."
The café grew still. All eyes shifted to Michi. He clenched his fists, chest tight, then nodded once. "Understood."
The arrogant lady smirked, adjusting her jeweled gloves. She pointed toward the door. "Then come. Let's not dirty this charming little place. My bodyguard will make quick work of you."
The street outside buzzed with anticipation. Café staff spilled out to the sidewalk, lining the entrance. Agnes clutched Josh's shoulders protectively, while Bill and Winston leaned forward anxiously. Airi stood with her children, her hands gripping Aztor and Aeriel to keep them close.
And Michi… stood in the middle of the road, still wearing his frilled maid outfit. The ribbons fluttered as the evening wind picked up.
His opponent, the towering bodyguard, stepped forward. In his massive hands gleamed a cruel black scythe, its blade catching the light ominously. He sneered. "A maid with a sword? Pathetic."
Michi's breathing steadied. Then, in one swift movement, he reached beneath his skirt and pulled free his blade. The steel shimmered, reflecting determination in his eyes.
The lady tilted her head, lips curling mockingly. "Ufufu… how many more weapons are in your hidden cupboard?"
Michi ignored her taunts, lowering into stance.
The fight began.
The bodyguard charged, swinging the scythe in a deadly arc. Michi darted sideways, skirts brushing the cobblestones. The blade slammed into the ground with a metallic shriek, shattering stone.
Michi slashed upward, his sword clashing against the scythe's handle. Sparks scattered into the night. The force nearly knocked him off balance, but Michi dug his feet into the ground, pushing back.
The crowd gasped.
The bodyguard snarled, twisting his scythe, swinging again and again. Michi ducked, rolled, deflected, his maid apron tearing from the sheer wind pressure of the blows. His arms ached, but his focus sharpened with each strike.
I can't lose. Not in front of them.
Michi countered with quick thrusts, aiming for the bodyguard's exposed ribs. The man blocked, retaliating with brutal kicks. One caught Michi in the stomach, sending him staggering back. His skirt fluttered embarrassingly as he barely regained his balance.
"Don't falter, Michi!" Agnes shouted from the doorway, hands cupped around her mouth.
Bill grinned. "Yeah, maid boy, show them your skill!"
Michi gritted his teeth. Heat rose to his cheeks, but their voices gave him strength.
The bodyguard raised his scythe high for a finishing blow. Michi's eyes narrowed. He waited—just one moment—then sidestepped. The scythe buried into the ground.
Now!
Michi lunged, his sword slashing across the man's shoulder, tearing cloth and drawing blood. The bodyguard roared in pain, swinging wildly.
But Michi pressed forward, weaving through the arcs of the blade, each step faster, sharper. His sword clashed against the scythe again—then slid down its shaft—before piercing into the man's leg.
The bodyguard fell to one knee, snarling.
With one final strike, Michi disarmed him, sending the scythe clattering to the stones. Michi's sword pressed against the man's neck, his maid skirt fluttering as silence fell over the crowd.
The fight was over.
"Well, well…" The lady's mocking voice broke the silence. "First time a maid has done this." Her eyes blazed with humiliation, though her lips still curved in a twisted smile. "I will not leave this unpunished."
But before she could say more, a laugh rang out.
Aztor and Aeriel stood in front of their mother, each holding half-eaten cakes.
"Take this!" Aztor shouted.
"Yeah!" Aeriel giggled.
They hurled the cakes with perfect aim. SPLAT.
Cream and sponge smeared across the lady's pristine face and gown.
Gasps turned to laughter.
The woman shrieked, clawing at her ruined dress. "HOW DARE YOU!? How dare all of you do this to me! I have never—NEVER—been treated like this!"
Her furious eyes snapped to her bodyguard, who still knelt defeated. "And you! You stupid oaf! For all the money I pay you, THIS is how you guard me!?"
Agnes stormed forward, pointing toward the road. "Leave. Please leave and never come back here, you PIG!"
Humiliation burned the woman's face. She screamed in rage, then turned on her heels and stormed off, dragging her wounded bodyguard behind her.
For a moment, silence lingered. Then cheers erupted.
"Woohoo!" Polo shouted.
"Nice job, Michi!" Almer whistled.
Josh, still trembling, clasped Michi's hands. "Thank you… thank you so much."
Michi, panting, lowered his sword. His face flushed red, half from exhaustion, half from embarrassment.
Airi smiled warmly at him. "Wow. First time I've ever seen someone fight in a maid outfit. It was… honestly great."
Aztor and Aeriel rushed him, eyes sparkling. "You're awesome!" they said in unison. Then, giggling, they scooped cream from their cakes and smeared it all over Michi's cheeks.
"Wha—hey!!" Michi sputtered, face covered in cream. Everyone roared with laughter.
Michi, shy but smiling, bowed. "Th-thank you, Miss Airi… everyone…"
Later that night, when the café lights dimmed and most had gone, Xenon found Michi standing outside alone. Her tail curled gently as she approached.
"Meow… so, you're going, aren't you, Michi?"
Michi looked down, sighing. "Yes. I can't stay here any longer. I have to continue my journey."
Xenon nodded slowly. "I understand. But don't worry. We will take care of Miss Airi and your kids for you, meow. No need to hide from me. A cat knows everything. It'll be our little secret."
Michi's eyes widened. Then, softly, "Thank you… Miss Xenon."
She smiled, pressing a bundle into his hands. "Here. Take this maid outfit with you. It's your reward for today's bravery. Meow."
Michi's face burned scarlet. "Ahhhh… okay…"
Xenon's eyes softened. "Airi's parents, Miss Velina and Mr. Jigenshi, helped me open this café. And today, you saved it. Have a great journey, Michi."
Michi's throat tightened as memories of Velina and Jigenshi rushed back. He nodded deeply, then whispered, "Goodbye."
With one last look, he turned and left.
At the town's edge, Lior, Kael, Junia, and Tieu waited beneath the lantern glow.
Lior crossed his arms, smirking. "So now… where to, Maid Michi?"
Michi groaned, covering his face with one hand. "Q-Qanbarash…"
The group laughed together as they set off into the night.