CH 102

*Rainelle’s POV

I had to soothe my startled heart by stroking Karmeut.

Huu, for a moment, I thought he was going to bite my neck.

A cold sweat ran down my back as I remembered Karmeut's growling and when my neck was in his mouth.

Um, this... maybe this is a wolf’s way of trying to warm up their mate when it's cold, but... it was not supposed to be targeting the neck like that!

When I remembered the long, sticky tongue licking my neck, my body trembled in a different sense than fear.

I looked into the wolf's eyes, recalling the feeling of the large, slimy tongue licking the nape of my neck as if tasting it.

The pupils of the wolf, who blinked his eyes as if he knew nothing, were different from those of humans. However, she embraced the wolf's neck under this gaze of persistence.

The word 'scary' lingered on the tip of my tongue. However, I did not utter that word. Because I can vaguely feel that Karmeut's action was an expression of dissatisfaction of me going to Aria's house without saying a word.

"I'm sorry, I won't do that in the future."

The wolf's body flinched when I buried my face in the thick and fluffy mane while saying that.

I faintly heard the sound of his tail brushing against the sofa. Tightening my squeeze, my face slowly sunk more into his arms while feeling an unusually thick, feral body odor at the tip of my nose.

"Hey, um... are we going to sleep like this today?"

When I removed his head and asked that, the wolf nodded politely.

"You don't think it's uncomfortable? If it's uncomfortable, you can turn into a human."

At that, the wolf bent his eyes. Then he shook his head and got up from his seat.

The wolf then jumped onto the bed, lay there, and waved his tail softly.

His behavior seemed to say, “Come here-“, and I approached the bed.

When I lay down on the bed, I felt like I was getting tired. Feeling drowsy, I let out a long yawn and put my cheek on a pillow.

...I didn't think of it before, but coming to see Aria seemed more tiring than I expected.

Slowly blinking my drowsy eyelids which became heavy due to sleepiness, I stretched out my hand.

I closed my eyes as I felt the silky, soft fur on my fingertips, then I fell asleep as I felt the sensation of a large, bushy tail covering my waist.

*Karmeut’s POV

The wolf's eyes were gleaming brightly as they watched Rainelle fall asleep with an even breathing sound.

The wolf, which had been sniffing and watching Rainelle, returned to his original form. Then he grabbed the quilt, pulled it up, and carefully covered Rainelle with it while muttering,

"...Haa1, you sleep so comfortably."

Karmeut's expression wasn't bad although he mumbled dissatisfiedly. Rather, he was looking at Rainelle, who was in a deep sleep, with a wide smile on his lips.

"What do you mean 'If you feel uncomfortable, you can change into a human form'? Did you really not know why I turned into a wolf?"

Karmeut kissed her forehead.

"Umh..."

Rainelle, who mumbled softly and frowned slightly, turned her body. Seeing that, Karmeut hugged Rainelle and gently patted her on the back. She then dug into his arms familiarly.

Feeling a sense of fullness at her behavior, Karmeut purred a little. He stroked her black, smooth hair and pressed his lips to her cheek gently. The softness and sweet scent stimulated him.

"This is why I changed form earlier."

I couldn't stand this allure because I had already held her in my arms once. I realized how sweet, addictive, and delicious it was once I taste it. That was why I change into a wolf...

"But being a wolf is actually more difficult, since their sense of smell is more sensitive..."

That was the reason why he clamped her neck with his maw. He didn't mean to scare her, and he didn't even mean to bite.

Only, the scent of her body caught by the wolf's keen sense of smell was dangerous.

He almost couldn't resist the urge to mark her. It was Rainelle’s terrified purple eyes that suppressed his thrill.

As Karmeut recalled those eyes, he felt his body was cooling down.

I can’t believe she made that look not because of someone else, but me.

“Haa…”

He let out a long sigh and regained his composure. Then he put Rainelle deeper in his arms and closed his eyes.

Although he was slightly resentful of Rainelle, who slept peacefully, he didn’t force her.

And there is no need to rush. Rainelle is in my arms, and always will be.

***

*Rainelle’s POV

As soon as I woke up, I was greeted by Karmeut who licked my cheek and urged me to get up.

"Aww, it's wet..."

As I tried to gather my consciousness while rubbing my cheek, a handkerchief appeared in front of my face.

"I'm sorry, but when I’m a wolf, I want to do it."

"---Huh? Why?"

At that, Karmeut smirked.

"Um, the scent from your body makes me feel good. To the point where I can't resist licking."

"...ha? Did you lick me when I slept?"

"Well, what do you think?"

Seeing that meaningful smile makes me feel a bit anxious

?! Huh?!

"Now, now. Let's eat since you’re up."

I couldn't refuse his reached-out hand while he used such a soft voice. So, I pretend to lose, grabbing his outstretched hand and standing up.

"I'll try to come back early today too."

While eating the food that the servants brought in, Karmeut said so. I swallowed the food in my mouth and replied,

"...You're not overdoing it, are you?"

"That’s definitely not the case, so it’s okay. -Are you planning to Young Lady Gwynell’s place today?"

"Not today. We promised to meet in three days."

"...Really?"

"Yeah. We'll meet then, have tea, and chat.

Don’t worry. I'm not going to do anything that will make you worry,"

I said that while looking straight into his eyes. Then Karmeut nodded his head as he put on his clothes.

"Okay, I see. So you're only going to be inside the Imperial Palace today?"

"I'm going to relax by flying around the Imperial Palace."

"Some gardens have poisonous plants, so be careful."

"Don't worry. I've never touched it."

With me saying those words, Karmeut had finished putting on his clothes and then he kissed lightly around my eyes.

He said that he had to leave. After looking at me for a long time with eyes full of regret, he managed to leave the room.

...and when he left, I was able to let out the sigh that I had been holding back.

My mood went down as I recalled yesterday's incidents which I had forgotten due to Karmeut’s attempt to bite my neck as a wolf.

I had mustered much effort to hide it. Anyway, I couldn’t make Karmeut worry, so I will try to clear my mind and smile as usual.

It seemed like it took a long time for me to calm down a little, and the memories of yesterday flashed for a moment.

It was not the first time I'd been treated so maliciously for no reason. That’s how they treat crows. The fact that I almost got hit in the head could be regarded as the expression of the humans’ dislike of crows. Of course, that doesn’t justify their actions.

But that conversation of the nobles is different. Who they despise and dislike... it was different from simply throwing stones.

How can I compare the words that reveal my situation and worth in such a blatant way with a simple stone-throwing?

The words of those nobles, I could not respond to a single one of them. And it was only after hearing such bold talk that I realized how much Karmeut had protected me.

“Because I've never received such a harsh gaze or words.”

The worst I’ve received was the gazes at the coronation ceremony and the banquet hall. The eyes of the noble girls… I think it's only natural. This could have been their seat, but one day it was suddenly taken by someone they didn’t know about.

If I think about it more, it’s only natural for me to receive comments and gazes of contempt and despise.

But, the words of the nobles...

Of course, it could be because they are fathers of daughters. Yes, that is quite understandable. How annoying must I have been for them.

Still, it was a completely different feeling to hear it in person than to speculate with 'probably'.

Was I so helpless?

Even when I was a zookeeper, the people around me opposed it, but I was stubborn and chose that profession.

Isn’t that right? No matter what people around me say, they won't live my life for me. You only live once, and even if you regret it, only you will regret it. There is no way someone else will regret it for you.

So it was my choice of job. The job was hard, but I was satisfied... ---but I ended up being bitten to death while cleaning the tiger cage. Did the news come out?

What about now that I'm a crow? Is there anything I can do? Like when I chose to be a zookeeper, is there anything I can do?

...I don’t know. This is a hierarchical society. I can't create a lineage that doesn't exist here, and I have minimum skills. I’m not smart. What I have is an appearance that will wither over time.

A sigh of frustration came out. I shook my head slowly and turned into a crow.

...for now, I need to change my mood by going around the Imperial Palace.

Even though I wasn't in a cage, I felt helpless enough to feel like my breathing was stuffy.

I flapped my wings.

Flying under the blue sky will make me feel better.

It was when I was flying around the Imperial Palace with such dim hopes,

"Caw? (Huh?)"

Water-colored hair...? It's Miel! It feels like it's been a while since I've seen him!

I lowered the altitude and flew near Miel. Then I turned into a human and greeted him,

"It's been a while, Marquis Albion."

"---! Rainelle-nim!"

Miel, who had his eyes wide open in surprise, hurriedly knelt on one of his knees and returned my greeting politely. I then waved my hand in a hurry to stop him.

The pink eyes were shining brightly. I scratched my cheek slightly and opened her mouth at the sight of him who stared at me with a slightly burdensome enthusiasm.

"Uh... how are you?"

"I’m doing fine. Thank you for your concern, Rainelle-nim."

He said so with a faint smile on his face.

I was a little relieved by that. The beginning for Miel was different from the original game in many ways, but I'm glad to hear that he was doing well.

"I'm glad you're doing well. Did His Majesty the Emperor call you?"

"Yes. I am inexperienced in many ways... but I will do my best not to disappoint your and His Majesty's expectations."

"I believe you, Marquis Albion."

Miel's face brightened at those words.

"I will repay Rainelle-nim’s trust."

---No, don't act like you're just going to give your life! I'm feeling pressured all of a sudden!!

"Oh, my. It seems I’m taking your time. Then I'll be on my way."

After saying that, I was going to return to being a raven. I came down because I saw Miel by chance, but I was originally going to fly a little more.

"Um, Rainelle-nim."

However, I had no choice but to put it on hold for a while because Miel called out to me.

Huh? Why are you calling me?

"Do you have anything to say? Marquis of Albion."

"---Yes, there is something."

Gulping as he was hesitating of what he was going to say, he finally opened his mouth with a determined look.

"...Please, please take care of yourself."

"...Yes?"

"Of course, I know that Rainelle-nim is friendly with Young Lady Gwynell. However, there is a limit to the abilities of the low-level wind spirits, and Rainelle-nim’s true form is..."

I think I could understand his meaning with no further words.

"Because I’m a crow, do you mean I’m less capable of self-protection?"

"...I'm sorry for being rude."

"No, it's something I understand enough."

Especially since crows aren't birds of prey. Moreover, I'm not part of a flock2.

I signed a contract with a low-level wind spirit, but so what? In any case, a lower level is a lower level. It is an accurate assessment that spirits that can be used properly in combat are from the intermediate level above, while the low-level ones are useful in terms of daily life.

I actually borrowed Mui's power to get away from a male crow, but I still couldn't shake it off and was attacked, right?

"And, Rainelle-nim is the one who will become the next Empress."

Referring to what Karmeut spoke publicly at his coronation, Miel continued,

"The appearance of His Majesty the Emperor together with Rainelle-nim at the coronation ceremony and the banquet made it difficult for the nobles to touch Rainelle-nim... But that doesn't mean they will be quiet. Because you didn't become the Empress yet."

I blinked my eyes at that.

---Was Miel originally a character like this? No, since he was a slave to a nobleman, he had no choice but to learn their psychology.

"...that... you mean there are nobles who don't like me?"

Miel was silent. But I already knew the answer. ----Because I heard the conversations of the two nobles.

---I was living my life without much thinking, but when I realized that I was at the eye of the storm, my heart became heavy.

"Am I in danger?"

"That will never happen."

Miel's eyes as he deny that immediately were shining firmly.

"Never. Even if there is someone who doesn’t like you, no one will ever touch a single hair on Rainelle-nim. So rest assured."

I was silent as I stared at Miel.

---Is it because of Karmeut?

"Thank you for saying that, Marquis Albion."

"I’m just saying the truth."

No, I don’t think that is fine.

Was it a coincidence that Miel seemed to slowly lift off his head when I said that inside?

...is that it? Is it because of Karmeut? Or are you just saying this because I saved you in the market?

Um, but I couldn't help but save you back then!

Looking at Miel, who had an excellent ability that I would never have, I was filled with mixed emotions.

It would be nice if I will be protected, but is it really all right? Am I supposed to be protected like this all the time without having any ability myself? Until when?

***

Notes:

1  A sigh↩

2  Fun fact: a group of crows is called a “murder.” There are several different explanations for the origin of this term, mostly based on old folk tales and superstitions. ↩