Nobody Puts Ciel in the Corner!

Meooow.

Oh, you have a cat?

Yup. It's Shannon's kitty.

There you are, you little explorer!

What do you think of my cat, Aldo? Isn't he adorable?

He is. I see he likes you a lot.

He's my sweetie-paw. You've got to meet the others, too!

The others?

Come here, everyone!

That...is a lot of cats!

Hello, cuties! Long time no see! That's more than I remember. Did you pick up more again?

Whenever I find a stray, I think of how hungry it must be, how it may get sick... and I end up taking it home with me.

In other words, you're the local cat lady. I wouldn't have guessed.

I never knew it'd turn out that way. I didn't even have a pet cat as a kid.

But when I got to hold one for the first time, I fell in love. There was no going back.

All right, kitties! Let's go outside. I'll play with every single one of you!

Meow!

It's like they understand what she's saying.

Amazing, isn't it? They're very clever cats.

Let's go with them to the garden. I like watching Shannon play with the cats. It's very therapeutic!

Huh? Where have they gone? They normally wait here for me.

*whoosh*

Did something scare them off?

Oh no! Run!

It's after the cats!

We can't let them get hurt! Let's find them and make sure they're okay!

Of course!

I heard you shouting. What's going on?

Shannon was taking her cats out for a walk when a monster appeared and chased them off. We're on our way to find them and bring them back.

Since you're here, mind giving us a hand?

No problem. Incidentally, I was just about to take a stroll through the garden.

Umm... First, there's something you need to know about our garden...

The paths get automatically rerouted at certain times.

What? I'm not sure I understand.

Whenever something unusual happens, like what we had just now, the paths change on their own.

Is it a security measure to confuse intruders?

Never thought of it like that. It's just for variety. Walking the same path every day would get boring.

......

So keep in mind that the way through the garden will be a little different this time.

Okay, let's go in and find all of my poor kitties!

I think one of my kitties is nearby!

Here, kitty kitty! Come out, it's me!

The monster gave you a nasty scare? Aww, you poor thing. It's all right now!

Meow!

What have we got here?

Is this your friend? Or family?

Meeeow?

Why, hello! It's not safe here right now, so come home with us, okay?

Mrrrow♪

Look at that! She's a cat charmer!

Hehehe! You could call it her special skill.

It's good you have a big house, seeing as she can't resist any stray she comes across.

Okay guys, let's go!

How many more cats are missing, Sis?

Let me see... We found Fluff, Spot, Wigglins, and Clawrence...

Oh, shoot. My favorite kitty is still missing!

Don't worry. We'll find her.

I think one of my kitties is nearby!

Meeeooow!

Did you just speak Cat, Shannon?

Hehe. They come out if I meow at them.

Come on, try it!

You want us to meow...

Yes, it's the best way to show a cat that you're friendly and they have nothing to fear.

Makes sense! Okay, I'll give it a go!

Thanks, Ciel! You're so good at this♪

Your turn, Aldo!

O-Okay...

Meeeow! Meeeow!

That was surprisingly convincing! You haven't been practicing in secret, have you?

Well, I'm not doing this.

Don't be like that, Renri. Do it for my kitty!

Are you absolutely positive that there's one nearby?

One hundred percent sure.

How can you tell?

I feel it in my heart when my kitties are near!

Ugh...okay. Just...don't laugh.

Meee...ooow.

Louder, Renri!

Meeeooow!

Let's see if you're not hurt... Good, you seem all right!

How many more cats are missing, Sis?

Let me see... We found Fluff, Spot, Wigglins, and Clawrence...

Oh, shoot. My favorite kitty is still missing!

Don't worry. We'll find her.

I think one of my kitties is nearby!

You okay there, Sis?

Ciel, can you do something for me? Do a cute pose. Please!

Um... Something like this?

Aww, that's adorable♪ Another one!

Okay...how about...this?

Teehee! Perfect! Loving it!

Bonus pose, just for you!

That's too cute, I'm melting♪

Sorry Shannon, but how is this helping us find the cats?

Cats? Oh! That's what we were doing! My train of thought got derailed somehow. I meant to ask Ciel to sing. My cats love singing!

No problem, I can do that!

Aah! How dreamy! My cute little brother singing to a kitty.

How many more cats are missing, Sis?

Let me see... We found Fluff, Spot, Wigglins, and Clawrence...

Oh, shoot. My favorite kitty is still missing!

Don't worry. We'll find her.

The changing layout of the paths throws me off. Isn't that going too far just for the sake of variety? I mean, really.

The only justification I see for it is defense against intruders.

You're terribly mistrustful. The previous agent was enchanted with our garden.

He was an old man long overdue for retirement!

So you knew him! He was such a kind person. Liked to help us with gardening.

Hold on, you're trying to deflect my original question!

Yoooooowl!

Ciel!

Yes?

No, not you, Ciel.

Meow?

My lovely Ciel!

That's wonderful!

Shannon, what are you...

Save your questions for later. That cat is in danger!

I'm on it!

I won't forgive you for pestering my favorite kitty!

You're a guard dog! You're here to protect the house, not chase after cats. Don't get carried away!

You got sort of carried away earlier too, Shannon...

Look at how many people you've inconvenienced just because you're crazy about cats!

I could say the same to you...

Do you understand? Are you sorry about what you've done? I'll forgive you if...

Argh, why won't he listen to me?

Deep breath...

You should feel sorry!

Were you scared? Come for a cuddle!

Meow!

Shannon, about this cat's name... Did you name it after...

What does it matter! I can call my cats anything I like.

But it's a little strange, you have to admit.

Yeah, you've been strange, Shannon! Why were you calling my name earlier?

......

Okay, let me introduce you to... Ciel the cat.

Meow!

I knew it.

Sis, why did you give my name to a cat?

It's um...it's because I... I was so used to spending time with you, and then you left and I couldn't see you...

I was terribly lonely without you around!

Having a cat called Ciel to keep me company made me feel a bit better.

Besides, doesn't she remind you of Ciel? She has the same eyes, and fur!

It's called "hair" on humans...

Oh my gosh, you're right, Shannon!

What?!

I knew you'd see it too! Ciel, say hello to Ciel!

Meow!

Ngh! They're both utterly adorable!

What's wrong with these people... Holding a party to celebrate finding lost cats? While they're busy fussing over furry animals, I better prepare my next report.

Starting recording... Report number zero two.

I have discovered that the private garden is designed with a mechanism which randomizes paths. The residents claim it to be an entertainment feature, however, it can't be ruled out as a security measure. The oldest sister loves her youngest sibling to the point of obsession. It is as of yet uncertain whether this may impede my investigations. End of report.

Being forced to spend so much time among these people will eventually drive me crazy too... This is a dead-end job!

Brrr... The breeze is chilly at night.