-25-
“Nyaa~”
A beautiful white cat slowly stepped out from behind a tree and approached me. Its sleek, glossy white fur, red ribbon and bead around its neck, and those pink eyes—
I recognized the cat at a glance. It was Rosemary II, one of the emperor’s weaknesses and a beloved pet—also the mascot cat from the original story.
I can’t believe I’m actually seeing this cat! In the original work, Rosemary played a vital role in connecting Angelica and Rayel, earning the love of all the readers.
With its striking looks, jewel-like pink eyes, and soft, fluffy paws, she was affectionately called “Rose.” She used to stick close to Angelica, clinging to her leg and acting all sweet.
Whenever an illustration of Rose appeared in the chapters, readers would become virtual pet owners. Myself included, of course.
Seeing her walk right up to me with her tail raised sent a wave of joy and awe through me. I’m seeing my second-favorite character—up close and personal!
“Nyaa!”
“So… so cute…!”
Rose swayed her tail and circled around me before sitting down in one spot. Gazing up at me with those sparkling eyes, I found myself covering my mouth in awe.
She looked even more vivid than in the illustrations—far more beautiful and lovable than any description could portray. I couldn’t help but reach out a little.
Ugh… I really want to touch her! But what if Rayel shows up any minute…
Torn between desires and caution, I watched Rose, who tilted her head and twitched her nose at me—striking my heart like an arrow.
Let’s just act like her butler for a moment. Once a butler, always a butler, right? How can I pretend I didn’t see this adorable creature? I can’t.
Still, just in case, I looked around and carefully lowered myself to a squat so I wouldn’t startle her. As I sat, Rose flinched slightly and backed away a little. Without thinking, I called out,
“Ah, wait…!”
“Nyaa~”
Surprised by my own reflexively outstretched hand, I paused. Rose, who had backed away two steps, looked at me for a moment—then slowly came closer again.
“R-Rose…?”
“Nyaa~”
As she sniffed at my awkwardly outstretched hand, I softly called her name. Then she happily rubbed her face against the back of my hand.
“Wha…!”
Overwhelmed by her cuteness, I covered my mouth with one hand and surrendered the other to her. And when she began to nuzzle my leg affectionately, I had no choice but to give in completely.
Rose, do whatever you want…
I was so absorbed in petting and playing with this lovely creature that I lost all sense of time. Though she was the emperor’s cat, she must have been used to people from wandering around the palace—she accepted my touch naturally.
I had completely relaxed, lost in the delight of touching her adorable paws, when someone slowly walked out from behind the tree.
As the sunlight above me dimmed, casting a shadow, I looked up—startled—to see a man standing there, expressionless, watching Rose and me.
“…!”
He looked like Lucious, but with darker black hair and deep red eyes. Dressed in a splendid golden robe, this was none other than Rayel—
The Emperor of the Empire and Lucious’s one and only older brother.
Startled by his sudden appearance, I quickly fixed my posture and bowed in greeting.
“Y-Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you. I am Tiana Quinn Celeste, Your Majesty.”
“…”
“…”
“Nyaa~”
Even with Rayel present, Rose clung to my leg and meowed. Cold sweat ran down my back. The intense gaze he gave me pierced through me.
Rose… this is great and all, but your dad is here. Could you go to him, please? His gaze is burning a hole in me…
I couldn’t exactly push away such a sweet creature, and Rayel—saying nothing, just staring with those dark, unreadable eyes—was making the situation even worse. I honestly felt like crying.
This wasn’t how I expected to meet him! Of all times, why did it have to be when I was playing with Rose?
Rose, despite her sweet appearance, was a proud and picky cat. She didn’t approach just anyone.
She only allowed people she deemed worthy to touch her. Aside from Rayel, barely anyone passed her standards. Not even Lucious.
And yet here she was, snuggling up to me and acting all sweet—no wonder Rayel was giving me that look. But seriously, I don’t know why she’s doing this either!
After observing us for a long moment, Rayel crossed his arms and asked in the same stoic tone,
“The cat seems to like you.”
“Pardon? Oh, um… this is the first time a cat’s been this friendly with me, actually…”
“Do you like cats?”
“Pardon? Y-yes, I do…”
“What’s your favorite animal?”
“Huh?”
His questions came out of nowhere, but I managed to answer. The last one felt especially random. Still, in this situation, there was only one correct answer.
“Cats… they’re my favorite.”
Almost pushed into saying it by his intense gaze, I finally answered. A moment later, he gave a slight nod.
“Then that’s fine.”
I stared blankly as he continued watching Rose’s playful antics.
“Nyaa~”
…Wait. Does that mean I passed?
In this whirlwind of confusion, Rose’s sweet meow sounded almost like congratulations.
“Rose, come here.”
“Nyaa~”
“Rose.”
Though Rayel called her gently, Rose refused to leave my side and just meowed sweetly. His eyebrow twitched, and he called again, but she ignored him and pawed at my dress.
“Nyaa!”
“….”
Oh, Rose. You’re truly adorable, but you’re putting me in a tough spot. Can’t you go to your dad when he calls? His gaze is really starting to sting.
From the way she tugged at my skirt and whined softly, it seemed like she wanted me to hold her—but there was no way I could do that right now.
As I looked down at her tearfully pleading eyes, I was torn. What do I do with you…
“…How fascinating. Truly…”
Rayel muttered, resting his hand on his chin as he uncrossed his arms. His eyes, still locked onto me and Rose, sparkled with curiosity.
“Rose really likes you, it seems.”
“Ah… I…”
“She’s not usually like this. She’s very particular about who she approaches…”
“Nyaa~”
“…”
…I’m going to lose it. She’s begging to be held, he’s watching in silence, and now the tugging on my skirt is getting strong enough to rip it. But I can’t just pick her up in front of the emperor.
Caught in this impossible situation, I froze—until Rayel finally spoke again.
“She wasn’t like this the last time you met. Something’s different now.”
“…”
“But also… not different. Her reaction is the same.”
“Nyaa~”
As if responding to his words, Rose gently pawed at me and meowed toward him. Then she resumed rubbing against my leg, making Rayel chuckle softly.
“You’re saying it’s her, aren’t you? That she’s the same girl from before.”
“Nyaa!”
“Alright, I get it. I don’t know how or why, but there are things in this world that defy explanation. Just like you.”
“Nyaaang~”
Rose purred contentedly in reply. I was utterly confused by their mysterious exchange.
Was he referring to the previous soul who possessed this body? And saying my reactions are the same as the original Tiana’s?
That means both the emperor and Rose have met two different Tianas… The original and the possessed one. Sounds like the last one stirred up quite a mess before leaving.
If she hated this world, couldn’t she have quietly stayed under the radar? Instead, she seemed to have caused havoc wherever she went.
Still, it’s a relief that the emperor seems to believe I’m the original Tiana. But are we really that similar? Even if we share some traits, how can he accept me so easily?
Same favorite foods, similar personalities, similar habits—can all that really be just coincidence?
Thanks to those coincidences, I’ve managed to settle in without much trouble. But something about it still feels… off.
“Nyaa~!”
“Ah…!”
Finally unable to resist, Rose leapt up into my arms. Caught off guard, I instinctively bent slightly to catch her and held her close.
Her soft fur wrapped around my hand, and a sweet scent tickled my nose. Rose, clearly pleased to have achieved her goal, settled comfortably in my arms.
“Nyaa~”
“…Rose.”
“Nyaaang~”
As I calmed myself and softly called her name, she rubbed her head against my chest with a delighted cry. Overcome with adoration, I couldn’t help but smile and hug her tightly.
Yes, Rose says it’s me—says I’m Tiana. And that’s enough. She has no reason to lie, and this does me no harm. No need to worry.
When coincidences repeat, they become facts. So if I keep going like this and turn coincidence into truth, everyone wins.
Smiling happily, I gently stroked Rose. From her head to her neck to her back, she snuggled deeper into my arms, rubbing her face against me.
I was melting from her affectionate purring… until I locked eyes with Rayel.
“Ah…”
“…”
Oops—I completely forgot he was there. Rose was just too cute… I couldn’t bring myself to push her away.
Please, Your Majesty, forgive me. Surely you wouldn’t imprison someone for hugging your cat without permission, right? You’re not that petty…
As I watched nervously, he finally opened his mouth.
“She won’t break just from being petted. Hold her however you like.”
“Ah… Is that really okay?”
“It doesn’t matter. You don’t seem like someone who’d harm her. And she rarely shows this much affection. It’s amusing to watch.”
“Ah… Thank you, then.”
“But your dress might get covered in fur.”
“That’s fine. It’s not too much, and I can just brush it off.”
A bit of fur is nothing. Rose isn’t even long-haired—her shedding is minimal. Plus, the dress is white, so it barely shows. I can clean it later.
Now that I have permission, I can cuddle her all I want, right? Feeling elated, I held Rose tightly and rubbed my cheek against hers. Her soft fur felt so nice… and something warm brushed against my cheek.
