The moment Leo said, “Now that’s a problem,” both of us slowly turned our heads toward Miss Ashley at the exact same time.She blinked once.“…Why are you both looking at me like that?”Leo immediately pointed at her. “You’re an adult.”“That is not how responsibility works.”“Please,” Leo said pleading. “You’re our only hope.”Miss Ashley stared at us for several seconds before letting out a tired sigh.“I suddenly understand why your mothers are always exhausted.”Honestly, fair enough.About twenty minutes later, we somehow ended up standing outside my house while Miss Ashley calmly explained the situation to my mother like this was a completely normal conversation.“Don’t worry,” she said politely. “The boys are simply helping me deal with a small pest problem near my shop.”My mother didn’t look convinced at all.“What kind of pest?”Before I could stop him, Leo answered proudly. “A giant fish-stealing demon cat.”I closed my eyes. Miss Ashley visibly died inside.My mother slowly looked toward me. “…Cid.”“We’re just going to catch a cat,” I said instantly.“A suspicious cat,” Leo corrected.“Shut up.”Miss Ashley rubbed her forehead before speaking again.“There's honestly nothing dangerous involved.” She got close to Mother and whispered in her ear, “The kids really want to catch that cat. If not for that, I would’ve said no. I’m afraid that if you refuse, it might hurt their feelings.”Both Leo and I were dumbfounded. She lied through her teeth without even blinking.My mother still looked hesitant, but then Leo somehow managed to make things even worse.“But that cat scratches people’s faces.”Silence.I genuinely considered strangling him. Miss Ashley immediately stepped on his foot.Leo nearly screamed.“ANYWAY,” she continued with a strained smile, “they’ll stay inside (...)