~Chapter 7~
Even though Linus’s promise was all words with no guarantee, I didn’t think he’d lie.
And if he did, there was nothing I could do—kill him to shut him up? No way.
Since I decided to trust him, I just had to.
“Thanks, Linus.”
“A secret between you and me—it’s thrilling.”
With a smile like that, I was the one who felt thrilled.
I matched his grin and then suggested, “Let’s take another walk sometime. Next time I’ll show you the Titanoa gardens.”
“I’d like that—tomorrow, if possible, Airevet .”
He answered so fast I burst out laughing.
It’s not just because he’s exactly my type—it’s because I really think I’m going to like this guy.
Linus Pictian—first time hearing that name, so he’s definitely a side character.
That means he won’t get tangled up in whatever craziness happens next. And seriously, someone this sweet makes me want to get closer!
Sweet times two—that’s goal number two in my life.
After a lovely walk, we returned home and found Ruby in the exact same spot, same posture.
Her face still looked worried, so I joked, “Ruby, you didn’t wait here the whole time, did you?”
Normally she’d be all indignant—but today she looked tense and said,
“The Duke is asking for you, milady.”
“My father?”
“Yes. He seems upset.”
“What? Why?”
I widened my eyes. Lowering her voice, Ruby whispered, “He was displeased to hear you visited the Pictean palace.”
That was unexpected. I could understand concern, but displeasure?
I wasn’t out alone with a stranger—I was visiting a close friend’s son’s home. Still, I must’ve messed up somehow.
Not knowing the local etiquette, maybe I made a big mistake without realizing.
Expecting a scolding, I trudged to Dad’s office.
I knocked, entered, and Dad stood from behind his large desk, motioning to the sofa.
I sat and stole a glance at his unreadable expression.
Finally he spoke—a totally surprising sentence:
“I’m thinking of adopting the man you’ll marry as my son-in-law.”
“…What?”
“How can you manage alone in a strange place with that body? Stay under my protection while I’m alive.”
I expected a scolding, but this was a tear-jerking denial instead.
He was basically saying he wouldn’t let his sick daughter endure married life away from him.
His tender words clashed with his usual stoic face. I looked up and saw genuine affection in his purple eyes—same color as mine.
I may be Titanoa’s Lady Airevet , but I’ve already grown to love my Titanoa family.
I vowed to live happily here for a long time—and to build a close bond with Dad too.
Just as I was about to reply with heartfelt gratitude, he added,
“But don’t get too attached to the Pictian Duke.”
Another twist I didn’t expect.
I’d been planning to include Linus in my grand beekeeping venture…
Turns out Dad was upset because it was Linus I’d been with.
“Is it because the Duke can’t be an adopted son-in-law?”
“That’s part of it, but…” Dad trailed off—uncharacteristically unclear.
He clearly had more reason than just social rank, but what could it be? Linus seems absolutely perfect!
Honestly, I think Dad—and everyone at the Pictian house—must have some misunderstanding about him.
He’s handsome, kind, sweet—a total sweet guy…
I didn’t want to defend Linus at that moment, so I just rolled my eyes.
Fortunately, Dad didn’t press more and changed the subject.
“The engagement announcement that was postponed yesterday will be next week.”
“I see.”
I quickly agreed, grateful to dodge awkwardness.
Apparently, after two days of meetings, they couldn’t figure out the black hole’s origin.
No wonder—it was a Gate, after all.
The Emperor probably thought the imperial marriage was more urgent than a mysterious hole.
Unlike an unknown creepy abyss, the brewing civil war was a clear and present danger.
“He plans to hold a banquet for the announcement—let’s attend together.”
“Yes, Father.”
Everything seems to be back on the original track, Gate aside.
Whatever happens, the real protagonists of this world will sort it out.
My job’s to find the fat cat making mischief and stop it from wreaking any more havoc.
Once I’m back at the palace, I’ll search the Butterfly Garden top to bottom—and maybe set a trap.
I headed back to my room, pondering whether to make a snare… and night had already fallen.
After Ruby left me with a mountain of worry, I lay down, eyes closing… when the window slid open.
A fluffy white bundle tumbled inside.
It was the fat cat with the perfect 5–5 parting stripes—its face peered right at me.
“Hey there.”
It’s him. The troublemaker fat cat itself.
“You!”
I leapt up, grabbed his scruff—well, the fluffy nape, anyway.
“Meow! Put me down, geez! This hurts, meow!”
The cat’s tiny white paws flailed.
Even if this creature is a nightmare bent on ruining my sweet second life, I can’t abuse it.
I released him, closed the window, sealing off any escape.
With a hawk’s glare, I demanded, “You! Did you do it?”
“Do what, meow?”
“The Gate. That dungeon yesterday—you created it, didn’t you?”
“What? No way! It wasn’t Himong’s doing!”
“Don’t lie! If not you, why would a dungeon even appear in this world?”
“That’d be something you should ask me about, meow!”
The cat—who insisted its name was Himong—stamped a paw angrily.
Today I learned cats really do have expressions.
He raised his voice, looking profoundly wronged.
“Do you know how much I got chewed out by the Bureau? Everyone thinks Himong’s a pushover! I gotta quit this dirty job—can’t stand it anymore, meow!”
A cat talking about job stress? I was stunned silent—until he held up a bald patch on his head.
“I got stress-induced alopecia, meow!”
I huffed, calmed the workplace-cat drama, and tried to soothe him.
“Who said you’re a pushover? You can ask questions—why’re you so mad?”
“You don’t get it, meow. Put yourself in Himong’s paws.”
“What is your ‘pawsition’ anyway? Wait, what are you? And what’s the Bureau?”
After ranting, he finally caught his breath and answered softly.
“I’m Himong, an agent with the Dimensional Management Bureau, meow. I detected dimensional anomalies and got dispatched here.”
He seemed to be answering sincerely… but I understood even less.
What is the Dimensional Management Bureau?
What do they do to have cats working for them?
And seriously, with all this, is now really the time to debate animal labor rights?
