I swear she talks!

Wednesday.

Two local farmers are engaged in a heated debate at the table in the corner about whether a black or brown cow gives more milk.

Poker is being played at another table. In the pot are 20 gold coins, a liter of milk, five eggs, and a chicken.

Actually, a good evening. At least you have customers, and right now you need them more than ever.

And yet you're bored.

The glasses are clean, as are the tables, all the candles are burning, and the barrels are full. The chamber also, your supplier was here just recently. Is there still enough firewood? Actually yes, but can you really have enough firewood? Surely not, better you go out and get some more from the shed. At least you have something to do before getting bored to ****.

Outside it is pleasantly fresh. A beautiful summer evening under the starry sky. You grab a couple of logs and tuck them under your arm when...

"Meow."

It was that cat from back then again.

"Oh hey, little one. Hungry again?"

"Meow. Meow."

"Well come on in, we'll find you something," you say, knowing full well that the cat can't understand you anyway.

Or did she? The cat jumped off its crate right after you said it and walked towards the door. Arrived in front of it, it sits down in front of the door and looks at you with anticipation.

"Ladies first," you say as you open the door for the cat.

"So... what will it be this time?" you ask the cat jokingly.

"Fish Meow, but I'll also take meat of any kind Meow".

"All right then, I'll see what I can... what?"

Did the cat just talk to you?

"Fish or meat. Please. Meow."

No shit. She's talking.

"You can talk?!"

"Sure, meow. Why wouldn't I?" says the cat, looking at you like you're the crazy one here.

"Wait here!" you say, sprinting to the side rooms.

"Mira " you shout loudly "You gotta see this!"

"Gunther? What's wrong? Why are you shouting?" asked Mira in concern.

"The cat! She's talking! Come and see!"

Mira looks at you in disbelief. "A talking cat? Are you okay Gunther ?"

You reach out and grab her hand, and zeal her into the main hall, straight to the cat.

"Here, look! Cat, say what you said to me earlier."

"Meow."

"No, the other thing."

"Meeeow."

"Gunther . Is this what you brought me here for?"

"She spoke, she really did!"

"Instead of avoiding work and talking to cats, feel free to help me clean the guest rooms..."

"But she did..."

Mira's gaze darkened, and you shut up.

"...I'll be right there," you say defeatedly.

"Good, and don't talk to the cat any more. The guests are already looking over at us."

With that, Mira leaves, leaving you alone with the cat.

"Meow."

"I know you can talk. So what was that about?"

"Meow I trusted you and the first thing you do is betray me to your peers? How could you? *sniff"

Oh man, now you actually feel bad.

"Um, sorry. I didn't think of it that way before."

Apparently, the cat just had a bright idea.

"If you're so sorry Meow, then show me your remorse with that double portion of food meow."

You laugh.

"All right."

You go to the pantry and get two slightly smaller fish. It'll cost you about 30 gold coins, but whatever.

You toss both fish to her, which she deftly snatches up both in mid-air. With her mouth full, she runs towards the door, which you open for her again.

"Honor us again soon" you call after the cat.

"No one will believe me," you think to yourself as you go upstairs to the guest rooms to clean up.