“That’s a very plausible story. But…… Yellian, I hope you won’t misunderstand.”
“Yes, it’s fine, so please go ahead and speak.”
At Larissa’s cautious words, Yellian nodded. Though he felt both nervous and worried about what she might say, he deliberately acted as if nothing was wrong.
He felt relieved that he was currently in the form of a cat. If he were human, his anxious expression would have been completely exposed.
“Let’s say someone deliberately spread the rumors. If so, what could that person want?”
“……That’s…….”
At Larissa’s piercing words, Yellian trailed off.
This was also the point that puzzled him the most. If someone intentionally spread the rumor that cats carry diseases, there must be a purpose behind it. Yet, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t understand what they hoped to gain by doing something so troublesome and annoying.
Moreover, according to Elton and Larissa, the rumors were growing and becoming more specific every day. There was no reason to go to such lengths just to spread rumors for mere amusement.
Thinking about it again, the person spreading the rumors must have something to gain by creating such sensational stories.
“Don’t look so gloomy, Yellian. The culprit will be caught, and I’ll make sure there are no more victims, whether human or feline.”
Perhaps because Larissa had helped the master Abigail in the original story, Yellian felt an odd sense of reassurance. He was genuinely relieved that Larissa was on his side.
“So, what do you plan to do?”
Elton, who had been listening quietly, asked cautiously. He was grateful for Larissa’s efforts, but in the current situation, he couldn’t see a clear solution.
“Rumors are best countered with rumors. There’s no rumor in the capital that hasn’t passed through me. You probably don’t know, Elton, just how well-informed my clients who come for fortune-telling are.”
Seeing Larissa’s confident demeanor, Yellian looked at her with eyes full of boundless trust. Even in this hopeless situation, her beauty seemed to shine even brighter, offering him comfort.
“Just wait and see. In exactly one week, the tide of these rumors will completely turn.”
At Larissa’s triumphant words, Yellian clapped with his two front paws. The jelly-like pads touched and parted repeatedly. Seeing this, an uncontrollable smile spread across Elton’s face.
“Really…… Yellian. I don’t know if I should say this, but you’re so adorable that I just want to hug you.”
“I’ll pass.”
“I know, I know. I wouldn’t dare hug Yellian without permission and risk getting scolded by my lord. I won’t do it.”
Even after hearing Elton’s exasperated words, Yellian remained suspicious and didn’t let his guard down. Only after some time passed and he was convinced that Elton wouldn’t do something as rude as hugging him did Yellian clear his throat with a cough.
“Rumors aside, if you find out what’s going on with Leonard, you must tell me. Both of you.”
“Got it. Just trust me, Yellian.”
“Yes, understood.”
The two responded without hesitation. Even after hearing their answers, Yellian still couldn’t fully relax and remained uneasy.
But for now, there was nothing he could do, so he tried hard to hide his anxious feelings.
* * *
“……Are you really going to do this?”
Abigail looked at Leonard with a resentful expression. Normally, Abigail seemed so cheerful that he appeared thoughtless, but at this moment, his face was unusually dark. Even so, Leonard had no intention of backing down.
“There’s no problem with it. I’ve done my part. Not only did I take down the noble families that were a hindrance to the imperial family, but I also accomplished ‘that task.’ So, the imperial family can no longer refuse my request.”
“Yeah, ‘that task’ huh…….”
Repeating Leonard’s words, Abigail’s expression remained gloomy.
As he said, Leonard had completely dealt with the noble families that were a thorn in the side of the imperial family-himself-under the pretext of them being animal abusers. If you receive something, you must give something in return.
Even if Leonard was a childhood friend, it was impossible to defy the immutable truth. Even if it put him in a very difficult position.
“Since I accomplished ‘that task,’ no other noble family will be able to interfere anymore. This isn’t a request; it’s a formal proposal to give me what I rightfully deserve.”
“And if I refuse this deal?”
“Then you and I are done here.”
“Leonard!”
At his calm words, Abigail raised his voice. However, Leonard’s expression didn’t change at all as he stared at Abigail with emotionless eyes.
“How can you say something like that? After all the time we’ve spent together! Is it because of Yellian? All this over a single feline humanoid…….”
“I’d like to throw those words right back at you. Are you saying you’ll abandon a friend who has stained his hands with blood on your behalf for the sake of the imperial family’s superficial image?”
“……You really know how to hit where it hurts.”
Abigail muttered, deflated. Seeing the change in his tone and expression, Leonard felt relieved. He knew that ultimately, Abigail would do as he wanted.
“Fine, fine. I’ll do as you say. I might get some criticism, but as someone said, what does it matter if the imperial family is just for show anyway?”
“Thanks, Abigail.”
Though his words carried a hint of resentment, Leonard felt a sense of relief as the weight on his chest seemed to lift. He sincerely thanked his old friend as he looked at him.
“Alright. Since we’re doing this, let’s get it over with as quickly as possible!”
At Abigail’s words, Leonard nodded instead of replying. The sooner, the better. Leonard let out a heavy breath he had been holding.
* * *
That evening, on his way back, Leonard stopped by Lena’s Pie Shop and bought several kinds of pies.
Not only that, but on the coachman’s recommendation, he also stopped by a place selling spicy curry puffs, buying so much food that his hands were full as he returned to the duke’s estate.
“Food, food!”
Excited by the delicious smell wafting around, Yellian stood his tail straight up, trembling as he rubbed his face against the pie and puff boxes.
“You like it that much? I don’t recall ever letting you go hungry.”
“You did try to feed me cat food once.”
“That was all for the sake of your health.”
“It wasn’t exactly good for my mental health, though.”
Seeing Yellian not backing down even a bit, Leonard shook his head in exasperation. Still, he placed the pie on a pretty plate brought by the servant.
As if he had been waiting, Yellian jumped onto the table and started devouring the curry puff first.
“It’s spicy. Ugh, so good.”
Yellian munched on the curry puff, making little noises. Despite the spiciness, he didn’t forget to sip water in between bites.
Leonard couldn’t help but look at Yellian with a fond smile. It was pleasing to see him eat so heartily.
“The curry sauce is really tasty. The spiciness is perfect for a Korean palate. I bet it’d be even better mixed with rice.”
“I’ll have some brought over.”
“Huh, really?”
“Sure, it’s not a big deal.”
“Awesome, Leonard, you’re the best.”
Though it seemed he was only the best in moments like this, Leonard decided to enjoy the present rather than complain. He called for the servant waiting outside to bring some rice. Not long after, rice with no sheen whatsoever arrived.
“Oh, the grains are just flying around.”
Though the rice was completely dry with no stickiness, it seemed like it would make a decent meal when mixed with curry. Yellian excitedly scooped out the curry sauce from the puff and mixed it with the rice.
After finishing his meal with gusto, Yellian ate a blueberry crumble pie for dessert, then lay flat on the floor, revealing his round, full belly.
Leonard, who had been quietly watching him, seemed lost in thought before finally opening his mouth.
Comment