Catgirls And Dungeons-Chapter 167: Apologies

The next morning, I wake with a jolt, my heart already racing before my feet even touch the creaky wooden floor. The weight of what I have to do sinks in like a dungeon boulder in my gut. I roll out of bed, my fluffy catgirl ears twitching nervously, and tug on my clothes with shaky hands. Today's the day I face Chef Gordon and apologize for bailing on my vegetable-chopping job. My tail flicks in jittery little jerks as I tiptoe down the narrow stairs of The Gilded Horns, the familiar scent of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafting up from the bustling kitchen below.

I pause at the doorway, peeking into the steamy, clattering heart of the tavern. Pots clang, knives flash, and Gordon looms like a mountain behind the counter, his massive frame dwarfing the chopping board as he dices onions with terrifying precision. Beside him, Eris is already there. Apparently, he's up before me and went down to talk to Gordon.

Still, even with Eris' presence, my stomach twists into a knot of butterflies, each one flapping harder than the last.

Oh gods, he's gonna be so mad…

Badump!

Badump!

My heart is beating like a drum right now.

I swallow hard, my ears drooping, and force my legs to carry me forward, my tail tucked tightly between them.

And then, standing before the towering chef, I feel smaller than a mouse in a dragon's lair.

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"Chef Gordon, I-I'm sorry!" I blurt, bowing so deeply my hair tickling my nose. My hands fidget, twisting the hem of my shirt.

The more I try to stay calm, the more my voice shakes.

Still, high and wobbly, I pour out my heart. "I really, really wanted to work in your kitchen, but… I have to become an adventurer now!" My tail curls even tighter, and I keep my eyes glued to the scuffed floorboards, too scared to meet his gaze.

Please don't yell, please don't yell…

"Hmmmm…" Gordon rumbles, his deep voice rolling through the kitchen like distant thunder. The sound vibrates in my chest, and I flinch, my ears flattening against my head.

Oh no, he seems furious!

My heart pounds so loud I'm sure everyone in the tavern can hear it.

BADUMP, BADUMP!

I brace myself for a lecture, picturing his big, bearded face scowling down at me, his eyes blazing with disappointment. My tail curls into a pathetic little knot, and I bite my lip, waiting for the storm to break.

"Are you serious?" Gordon asks, his voice low and gruff, like gravel crunching underfoot.

Oh no, oh no! He's definitely furious!

My whole body tenses, and I stammer, "I-I'm sorry!" The words tumble out in a frantic rush, tripping over each other. "I didn't mean to apply for the job and then quit, b-but… I have to do this! I have to! I have to become an adventurer!" My voice cracks, and I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing for the worst.

But then, a heavy hand lands gently on my shoulder, warm and steady, stopping my panic dead in its tracks. I freeze, my ears twitching in confusion, my tail giving a tiny, hesitant flick. Slowly, I crack one eye open, barely daring to breathe.

"No, I mean, have you really thought hard about this adventurer thing?" Gordon says, his voice softer now, almost kind, like a warm hearth after a cold night. "Don't worry about the kitchen—I can find another chopper easily. Besides, I always thought it wasn't quite the right place for a girl like you." He pauses, his hand still resting on my shoulder, and adds, "But being an adventurer? That's a life full of hardship and danger, Felicia. You sure about this?"

I blink, my head snapping up so fast my ears bounce. "Eh? Y-you… you're not mad at me?" My voice is tiny, barely a squeak, as I finally dare to meet his eyes.

And oh god… how wrong was I…

Not only is Gordon not mad, he's smiling—a warm, crinkly smile that softens his rugged face, his eyes twinkling with concern like a big, protective bear. My jaw drops, my tail flicking in a confused little dance, and I stand there, stunned, my brain struggling to catch up.

Meanwhile, Eris, leaning casually against a counter beside Gordon, lets out a cheeky chuckle, her tail swishing as her eyes glint with mischief. She catches my baffled expression and winks, all smug and knowing.

Aha!

I get it now!

"ERISSS!" I hiss under my breath, puffing out my cheeks so hard they might pop. That sneaky cat knew Gordon wouldn't be mad! She played me like a lute, letting me stew in my own panic just for fun!

Hmph!

"Of course not," Gordon says, his voice warm and steady. "I see you and Eris as my own daughters now. We're family—how could I be mad at you?"

That word—family—hits me like a fireball spell, warm and bright and overwhelming. A choking sensation wells up in my chest, squeezing my heart, and my eyes sting with sudden tears

"Chef Gordon…" I choke out, sniffling, my tail drooping as I try to hold it together.

"But like I said," Gordon continues, his tone turning serious, "I'm worried about you being an adventurer. Sure, with Eris here, you'll probably be fine. But… it's not a job for everyone, Felicia." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

Sniffle.

My throat tightens, and I swipe at the lingering tears on my cheeks with the back of my hand. His words sting, but they're not cruel—they're heavy with care, like a father fretting over a reckless child.

"Yes, I know that…" I say, my voice shaky but determined.

And then, I take a deep breath, clenching my fists, and let my resolve pour out. "But I have a burning wish, a burning dream! I wanna stand side by side with Eris, to protect her one day! And to do that, I'll train hard! No matter how tough the adventurer life is, I'll push through and become stronger!"

The words pour out, raw and fierce, each one a vow etched into my heart. My ears stand tall, and my chest heaves, my heart pounding

"Hmmm…" Gordon narrows his eyes, his bushy brows furrowing as he studies me, deep in thought. "That's a strong conviction. I can tell you're serious. But—"

"Please, trust her," Eris interrupts, stepping forward and placing a hand on Gordon's shoulder, her voice firm but gentle. She shoots me a quick, encouraging smile, her tail flicking playfully.

And after that…

"Haiz…"

Gordon lets out a long sigh, shaking his head with a reluctant grin. "Alright, it's not like I can change your mind with anything I say, can I?"

He reaches out, his big hand descending like a gentle giant's, and pats my head, his touch surprisingly soft for such a towering man. My ears twitch under his palm, and I lean into it, a giggle bubbling up despite myself. "Then I wish you good luck, Adventurer Felicia," he says, his smile wide and proud, his eyes gleaming like polished copper in the morning light.

My chest swells with gratitude, so full it feels like my heart might burst right out of me.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Chef Gordon!" I squeal, bouncing on my toes, my tail swishing happily.

"Haha, and you know what?" Gordon chuckles, gesturing toward Eris, who's smirking like the sneaky fox she is. "We're like family now. You can call me Uncle, or just Old Man Gordon, like this lady here does."

"Yes, Uncle Gordon!" I beam, my voice bright and bubbly.

"Good, now that I like!" Gordon roars, his laugh filling the kitchen like a warm fire.