That afternoon, the sky was a pale orange. The sun slid slowly, leaving soft colors over rooftops and tree branches. A cool breeze blew, carrying the scent of earth and fresh flowers filling Hana's old bicycle basket.
Mathien sat in the front basket, his round body sinking among bouquets of chrysanthemums and lavender. He balanced himself with his tail curled around, while his ears twitched nervously every time the wheels hit a small stone.
"I told you not to go so fast!" he grumbled as the bike jolted slightly.
"Relax, Chubby Prince. We're almost there," Hana laughed softly from the saddle.
Mathien snorted.
When they reached the small green-painted shop, Hana dismounted and gently guided the bike.
The shop owner, a middle-aged woman in a floral apron with a warm smile, came out to greet them.
"Hana! Oh, you're always so punctual. And—oh! Your orange cat is coming too?" she exclaimed cheerfully, approaching.
Mathien lifted his chin arrogantly, adjusting his position atop the flowers.
But the owner chuckled, pinching Mathien's round cheek that puffed at the side of his face.
"You're so chubby! What do you eat every day? Hehe… like an orange ball."
Mathien froze.
His eyes narrowed slowly, gaze piercing, as if saying: You want war, lowly human?
But all that came from his mouth was a dignified huff.
Hana, watching, could barely hold back laughter.
"Mom, he's offended," Hana whispered, placing the bouquets on the wooden counter.
"Oh, really? Oh my, sorry, round little cat…"
Mathien turned his face away. His large tail flicked gently behind him, showing he was really holding his pride.
Hana gently patted Mathien's head. "I'll buy you salmon later, okay? To mend your wounded honor."
Mathien just glanced once, then sat upright in the basket again, this time with a more dramatic posture, as if displaying his regal dignity.
As they continued their journey, Hana could only chuckle softly—while the sun slowly sank among laughter, flowers, and a prince-cat reassembling his dignity.
After delivering the last flower order, the sky began to change colors. The evening hung low, painting the sidewalk with golden gleam. The soft evening breeze carried the scent of warm asphalt and lingering fragrance from the bicycle basket.
Hana yawned softly. "Okay, one last mission today."
She stopped in front of a small supermarket at the end of the street. Her left hand pulled the bike to the parking side, while her right hand carried Mathien like a baby.
The cat was wrapped in a thin blanket with blue stripes. Only his head was visible—and from his expression, it was clear Mathien was thoroughly not enjoying the situation.
"I can't believe I let this happen," he hissed softly, full of fury.
"You wanted salmon," Hana whispered quickly as she ducked through the automatic door.
Mathien let out a small growl. But being held tightly, he could only resign himself like a living fluffy pillow.
The warm lights inside the store greeted them. Rows of neatly arranged shelves filled the space, and Hana headed straight to the frozen food section. Her steps were light, though sweat still lingered on her temples.
"Hope the salmon is on discount," she murmured.
Mathien looked up. "Salmon doesn't deserve a discount. It's royal food."
"Royal food? Whose kingdom? Cat kingdom?" Hana chuckled.
They stopped in front of the refrigerator. There—behind the glass—laid neatly packed pieces of pink salmon in vacuum packaging.
"Ah, here it is!"
Hana opened the door and grabbed a pack. But Mathien's tiny paw… was faster.
His front claws swiped for the plastic, his expression utterly serious.
"You haven't even paid yet," Hana whispered quickly, pulling the salmon out of reach.
"I'm a prince. All of this belongs to me."
"In this world, you're just a cat," Hana smiled broadly. "And cats must be patient."
Mathien huffed long, then buried his face into Hana's neck, hiding his sulking expression behind her hair. He stayed still. But Hana knew… it was a firm code saying she should head to the register immediately.
When they left the supermarket, a small plastic bag with the single salmon pack dangled from the bike handle. Mathien lifted his head again, arrogantly.
Hana could only laugh softly at him.
Though tired, the world felt a little lighter—because of salmon, because of being carried, and because of a prince-cat constantly debating his dignity among humans.
They pedaled through the village streets. The sky turned purplish, thin clouds drifting like cotton swept by the wind. In the front basket, Mathien sat calmly, his front paws touching the bag of salmon. His gaze was serious, as if ensuring his treasure wouldn't fall all the way home.
Hana pedaled slowly, letting the wind brush her slightly sweat-damp face. She glanced ahead now and then, smiling at Mathien's focused expression.
"You see, just salmon can make you obedient," she murmured.
Mathien glanced slightly. "Not obedient. This is peaceful diplomacy to maintain kingdom stability."
"Uh-huh." Hana bit her smile. "But if you were human again and ate like before, my money would be gone in a day, you know."
Mathien didn't answer. But the way he hugged the bag tightly, as if safeguarding the future, made the answer perfectly clear: it was a risk worth taking.
After a few minutes, they arrived at Hana's little house. The porch light was on. The bike leaned against the wall, and Hana opened the door slowly.
Once inside, Mathien immediately jumped from the basket and carried the bag himself. He dragged it slowly into the kitchen with a cute but determined gait, like a supermarket cat who just won the grand prize.
Hana removed her shoes, laughing softly. "Don't drag it! Eh! The bag might tear!"
But Mathien didn't care. He was busy with his mission: ensuring the pieces of salmon moved safely from the human world to the stomach of a noble.
Soon, the smell of cooked salmon filled the kitchen. Hana cut a small piece for Mathien and placed it on a small ceramic plate. But what surprised her wasn't how quickly Mathien ate, but when he looked at Hana—and placed a small piece of salmon beside her.
"Huh?" Hana blinked. "For me?"
Mathien didn't answer. He just raised his chin with regal flair, as if saying: I am generous, consider this a royal gift.
Hana chuckled softly. "Oh my, thank you, Your Highness, Chubby Prince."
Mathien huffed but didn't argue.
Night fell with soft quiet. In that small room, two beings from different worlds sat side by side. One with a tail swaying gently, the other with a small smile at the corner of her lips. And between them, there was a piece of salmon and a little warmth no kingdom—no matter how grand—could ever buy.
🌸🌸🌸