Episode 1. The Cat They Picked Up
“Are you sure it’s really dead?”
Two priests whispered as they threw a wounded kitten under a tree. Their pure white robes were stained with red.
“No beast survives the sword of Achenta.”
One priest kicked the kitten as if it were a pebble. The small body rolled across the dirt without moving.
He spat on it.
“A filthy animal, trying to imitate humans. How foolish.”
“…Are we really allowed to do this?”
The cruel priest sneered.
“For hundreds of years we’ve done this. If it were wrong, wouldn’t God have punished us by now?”
“…”
“Don’t be afraid. If God stays silent, it means He permits it. He values humans more than beasts.”
Laughing loudly, he kicked the kitten once more. Dirt scattered over its messy fur.
Satisfied at last, the priests turned away.
“Let’s go.”
They pulled on their black cloaks and took their horses.
“Hurry. We must not be late on such an important day.”
“Yes, understood.”
Clip-clop, clip-clop!
The sound of hooves faded into the distance.
When the silence returned, the small body twitched.
Its eyelids trembled, and finally, the kitten opened its eyes. Bright blue eyes scanned the forest.
No sound of birds. No footsteps. It was finally alone.
‘I must run…’
The little creature forced its shaky legs to move. Each step was heavy with pain and wounds.
Its belly burned from a deep cut. Its chest filled with blood and every breath tasted like iron.
‘Don’t fall… Don’t stop…!’
With trembling legs, it pushed forward. Maybe the priests would come back. It had to escape.
On and on it ran, until the edge of the forest appeared.
‘Finally…’
Sunlight filled its vision.
But relief didn’t last. Its paw caught on a stone. With no strength left, the kitten collapsed into the grass.
The world spun, blood flowed endlessly, and the sight of a dew-covered blade of grass blurred…
Darkness swallowed everything.
* * *
“Today is already the day we leave.”
Twelve-year-old Lady Mamela of House Kadellarot crouched on the field, gazing around the villa.
The scenery was still beautiful—just as it had been when she came here with her parents and older brother, the Duke.
To the right, a glittering lake. To the left, a lush green forest. And beyond that, the tall pillars of the Grand Temple.
It was perfect.
Mamela sighed.
“I wish I could stay longer…”
“You know you cannot. The Duke is waiting,” said a voice behind her.
She didn’t need to turn to know it was her nurse, Yona.
“I do miss my brother too,” Mamela admitted.
“Of course. And I’m sure the Duke misses you even more. He probably couldn’t even sleep worrying about you.”
“Yona, you exaggerate!”
Mamela laughed, her clear laughter brightening the air. Yona chuckled too, though she meant every word.
Everyone knew how much the Duke adored his younger sister—even other nobles outside their house. Mamela herself didn’t seem aware.
“Come now, my lady. It’s time to go.”
“Yes, I know.”
She dusted off her dress and walked toward the carriage. But before climbing in, she stopped.
“Wait, Yona.”
“What is it?”
Mamela narrowed her eyes toward the forest. Something seemed to be moving in the bushes.
She stepped forward, drawn by curiosity.
“I’ll just go check that quickly.”
“My lady, wait!”
But Mamela had already run off. Yona hurried after her, nearly out of breath.
“My lady, please—we must go…”
But she froze. Mamela stood stiff, her face pale.
“My lady?”
“Yo… Yona…”
Mamela pointed with a trembling hand. Yona followed her gaze.
There, in the grass, lay a dying kitten—covered in blood from a deep wound.
* * *
“The treatment is finished,” said the doctor, wiping his sweat.
He handed a bundle wrapped in cloth to Mamela. Inside was the kitten. She carefully cradled it.
After thanking the doctor, she carried the bundle to the carriage. Yona followed nervously.
“My lady…”
“Yes?”
“What will you do with that kitten? Surely you don’t mean to take it home?”
But Mamela smiled brightly.
“I’ll raise it.”
Yona was shocked.
The Duke hated animals. Not just disliked them—he despised them. Mamela knew this.
“My lady… are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Her golden eyes shone as she looked down at the small creature.
Yona panicked. If the Duke discovered it, there would be trouble.
She tried to warn her.
“My lady, the Duke will surely throw it out.”
“Then I’ll hide it for now.”
“And if he finds out?”
“Then I’ll beg him. He always listens to me.”
Mamela stepped into the carriage with a cheerful smile.
“Don’t worry, Yona. My brother always grants my wishes.”
* * *
My body felt heavy, like wet cotton. I opened my eyes slowly.
Pain seared through my belly.
‘It hurts…!’
I whimpered. A face appeared suddenly, making me jump.
“You’re awake, kitty!”
My heart pounded. I tried to meow weakly.
“Meow…”
‘Who is this girl?’
Golden hair, bright yellow eyes. I sniffed nervously. Her scent was unfamiliar.
She stood up suddenly. I flinched. But she only smiled.
“Wait here. I’ll bring you food.”
She left the room. I looked around.
‘Where am I? Why does my body hurt so much?’
The pain in my belly was unbearable. For a moment I thought I might die.
‘Did she hurt me? Is she planning to eat me?’
I struggled to move, but my body was wrapped in cloth. I couldn’t escape.
Exhausted, I lay still, staring at the ceiling.
‘Am I going to die here…?’
Then—footsteps. She was coming back. I quickly shut my eyes, pretending to sleep.
The door opened.
“Hm? Asleep already?”
I held still. But then a delicious smell drifted into the air.
Sniff, sniff.
My stomach growled loudly. I couldn’t resist—I opened my eyes.
She smiled in relief.
“Good. You’re awake.”
She held a small bottle. I hissed, baring my teeth, but she quickly slipped the bottle into my mouth.
Warm, creamy milk flowed down my throat.
‘…Delicious!’
Without thinking, I drank eagerly until it was empty.
She picked me up, patting my back gently. I burped softly.
She laughed.
“Good job. Clever kitty.”
Her warmth felt strange… and safe. I blinked at her in confusion.
‘Maybe… she’s not bad? She feeds me, and she feels kind.’
She held out her hand. I sniffed it, then looked up into her eyes.
“My name is Mamela,” she said softly. “And I’ve thought of a name for you… Aril.”
“…”
“Your name is Aril.”
I blinked at her serious face.
‘She seems to be saying something important… but I don’t understand a word.’
