“Um… I’m so sorry! Seria-dono!”

Marieira hurried over to me as she shakily crawled out from beneath the now-tamed cat. She helped me sit up and began briskly dusting off the dirt clinging to me.

Though the cat had calmed down, it still stared at me with its throat rumbling. Its size only amplified the sound, making it a deep, resonant grrrrr.

…Does it think I’m food…? No way, right?

“…Phew… That was intense…”

I staggered over to where Seriana was seated, laughing amusedly.

She had called me out to the mansion’s courtyard, to a terrace-like area overlooking the town. We didn’t use it often, but Liesel sometimes entertained visitors there over tea.

As I floated down toward the terrace, I noticed the massive cat. When I landed and was introduced to Seriana’s acquaintances, the cat approached me and bumped into my chest.

Well… cats do tend to headbutt and rub against people, so I didn’t think much of it.

Then, things escalated in an instant.
It pounced, pinned me down, and began licking me.

Even though Akame and the others didn’t react, indicating it wasn’t an attack, the sheer intensity left me stunned.

“Hey, is my cheek still there…?”

I could feel it was, but I asked anyway. That tongue felt like sandpaper…

“…It’s red, but it’s still attached. You’ll be fine.”

Seriana’s response was hardly comforting. I considered using 【Prayer】 just in case.

“Now that the introductions are done, both of you, take a seat.”

Seriana gestured for us to sit and raised her hand toward the mansion, likely to summon tea.

The sudden encounter with the oversized feline had thrown me for a loop, but I still hadn’t been told why I’d been summoned. Finally, it seemed we were getting to the main topic.

◇

Shortly after we sat, tea was served.

The cat had moved behind Marieira and sat quietly, though its throat continued to rumble.

“What’s it so fond of about you, I wonder?”

Seriana regarded me curiously. I wanted to know the same thing.

“Perhaps it’s drawn to Seria-dono’s magic. The creature is attuned to nocturnal beings, so it might find your power attractive.”

Marieira, glancing back at the cat, offered an explanation.

That made sense. It could also be the influence of 【Shadow Sword】. Akame had reacted similarly at first, likely due to compatibility with its attributes.

It was a logical and satisfying explanation. I’d need to be cautious around magical beasts in the future. My habit of wearing so many magical trinkets didn’t help.

“Anyway… Seriana-sama? You didn’t call me here just for introductions, did you?”

There had to be another reason. Seriana wasn’t the type to summon me frivolously. She carefully chose who she introduced me to.

“Oh? But introducing her was the reason.”

“…Gnnngh…”

Seriana answered with an infuriatingly serene smile.

“Um, Seriana-sama…”

Marieira interjected hesitantly. Seriana sighed lightly before continuing.

“You’re aware that Grandfather and the others plan to leave the royal capital in a few years, correct? Her husband is one of the candidates to take their place.”

“…I see.”

Grandfather had mentioned something like that last spring before departing for the royal capital. The mansion there served as both a residence and a kind of embassy for our territory. While I wasn’t deeply invested, the notion seemed fine.

At first glance, her husband seemed earnest… wait.

“Candidates? So there are others?”

“Yes. The royal capital’s mansion was initially managed by a branch family member, but Grandfather took over to strengthen ties between the capital and our territory. Many are eager to assume the role now.”

Strengthen ties… Was this about the marriage proposal with Liesel?

Grandfather, as the former head of the house and a prominent figure in the royal capital, had been an ideal choice for the role.

“Her husband is currently one of the strongest candidates, largely thanks to her being a tamer.”

“I see.”

I didn’t know much about their duties in the royal capital, but having such a prominent familiar would definitely help build connections.

Still, why introduce her to me? Even though I was the eldest daughter, Seriana had already married into another house. Her influence on Zelkis’ internal affairs should’ve been minimal…

“…Ah!”

A thought struck me.

“Oh, how rare. Did you figure it out?”

“Well, I was informed just yesterday.”

Right—soon, I’d be marrying into the Müller family. So, that was the connection.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Seria: 【Hideout】 +1, 【Prayer】, 【Mira’s Blessing】, 【Wind’s Garment】, 【Floating Orb】 +1, 【Shadow Sword】, 【Scarlet Bee Needle】, 【Fairy Eye】, 【Dragon Lung】, 【Amber Sword】, 【Danrem’s Thread】, 【Snake Tail】, 【Ankle Bracelet】, 【Amber Shield】, 【Purple Wings】 ・ 7 cards

Seriana: 【Area Identification】, 【】 ・ 28 cards

Elena: 【】, 【Green Fang】, 【Amber Sword】 ・ 3 cards

Alec: 【Strong Strike】, 【Red Shield】, 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】 ・ 7 cards