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“I would have given it a cool name, fitting of its looks.”
“Uh, t-that…” Tenon hurriedly looked towards Rashid for approval. But all he could see was Rashid leaning against the pavilion’s pillar with his arms crossed over his chest, watching the interesting sight before him.
“Catherine, you mean that you would give the dog a name?”
“I’m saying that I would want to, but I don’t have the right to do that.”
“What if I allow you to?”
“…What?” I looked at him with eyes widened, as if taken by surprise.
Rashid’s smile grew at my reaction, but the first rule to fishing was to throw out a bait.
“I apologize. It’s definitely an honor for me, but names aren’t something that I can come up with immediately.”
“Well, how long would it take anyway?”
“…If I took it with me back home just for a night, I might have some inspiration.”
Hesitating, Rashid looked up and then shook his head. I replied saying that I wouldn’t dare to do that, then stood up from my seat regrettably, and the dog moved slightly. It seemed to want to follow me, but couldn’t since Rashid didn’t give his order.
“Hmm, I’ll bring it back, brother. I’ll have the Viscount give it the best snacks and look after it.”
Grrr. Tenon pulled firmly on the leash as it was time to leave, but the dog put all its strength on its limbs, staying rooted to its current spot.
Rashid looked up finally as the dog showed a strong will to wait for its master’s orders.
“Mmm….”
“It’s a pity, Your Highness.” I reached out backward furtively and touched the dog’s nose with the handkerchief once more.
“I’ve got loads of this over at my house.”
—
Rashid’s expression stiffened as they walked along the lake leading up to the Duchess’s residence. He had given his approval earlier since he didn’t have many choices, but now that he thought about it, it didn’t seem quite right.
“Are you really sure you want to keep him tonight?”
“Why? Can’t I do that?”
“It’s not that…” Rashid hesitated and brushed his hair back. He seemed to be conflicted about sending the ferocious dog to their house.
“It’ll be alright, Your Highness. I love animals a lot.”
“Of course, but this is an ancient magical beast’s descendant. There’s no knowing when it’ll reveal its true nature.”
“Oh…” And why would he bring along a newborn around with him?
I looked at the man who instilled such a strong trauma to our poor Haniel.
The magical beast’s description in the novel was mainly about it looking as if ‘it would bite and destroy everything’.
It was written that it gave fear to the young one by either circling the crib like a wolf, barking louder when the child cries, or even rush up and place its paws on the crib to the child when hiccupping.
Because of this, Haniel grew up to be afraid of dogs and even faint a couple times before the male lead, sparking his anger.
“Don’t worry. Your Highness, too, saw how well it listened to me. I’m embarrassed to say this, but I’m quite popular amongst animals.”
“Not just animals….”
“Pardon?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Rashid hadn’t been finishing his sentences more recently as of late. But he wouldn’t get angry if I asked him about it like before, so I was quite satisfied with that.
“Anyway, it’s quite fascinating. This dog isn’t one to follow others so easily.”
“How could Your Highness say that? Where else could you find such a handsome looking and dignified puppy?”
I patted the dog’s neck once more, as if waiting for his reply. It was already preoccupied with licking and sucking the handkerchief that I had given it, so it didn’t care whether I was touching it or not.
But instead, a reaction came from somewhere else.
“Hmm, if you say so, let’s head in first and monitor the situation for a while…”
“That won’t be ideal. What kind of rumors would spread if I allowed Your Highness into my residence? I couldn’t bear the guilt as a loyal nobleman of Rohan….”
“…You’ve memorised that, right?” Rashid smirked as he looked down at me. Those usually sharp looking eyes but not as frightening as before.
My heart pounded as I admired his eyes that were reflecting the early evening sunset.
There wasn’t much time left. I had to send him back as it was almost time for my body to transform.
“Umm, Your Highness. My residence is…”
“Forget it. I understand if you want me to stop.”
His abrupt change in tone had a tinge of an indescribable feeling. It could be similar to my current emotions.
That rustling feeling deep in my heart like unmelted sugar.
“…”
Well, anyone would love to treat their friends to a cup of tea, right?
I wouldn’t dare to address him as my friend, but something has to be exchanged here. I’ve enjoyed so much tea and snacks at his place, and felt more uncomfortable since I’ve yet to give anything in return.
Right, it must be all there was to that uncomfortable feeling. There’s no way other feelings would develop between us.