Chapter 64

Cordelia, who had been pushed by Leonhardt, began to wear the holy sword every day.

The holy sword is short in both hilt and blade, about the size of a dagger.

It is almost weightless, making it easy to hide in her dress and carry around.

"It's warm..."

When she placed her hand on the dagger, she felt a slight warmth.

She didn't feel the heat when holding it, but when it was sheathed and placed on the desk, it radiated a gentle warmth.

Is the power to control fire slowly leaking out?

Holding the hilt, Cordelia tilted her head.

As a holy sword, it is indeed a rather mysterious existence.

It had been five days since Leonhardt entrusted it to her.

She had grown accustomed to wearing it constantly, but there were still many things she didn't understand.

"His Highness said he can control fire even without the holy sword, but then what is the purpose of the holy sword...?"

While it is a national treasure that carries the founding legend, its practical use is a mystery.

As she examined the blade, Cordelia was filled with questions.

Today, Leonhardt was scheduled to visit this mansion during a break from his official duties.

She planned to ask him various questions about the holy sword.

As she organized her concerns and waited, the window of her room was tapped.

"Meow!"

A lion cub was tapping on the window.

Its paws were pressed against the glass, looking very cute.

"Your Highness, welcome. You've even brought a souvenir today."

The lion cub had a handkerchief-wrapped package on its back.

It must contain the sweets Cordelia likes.

When she removed the handkerchief, the now-lightened lion cub purred and rubbed against her.

"Meow! Meow!"

It rubbed its fluffy head against Cordelia's hand.

When she stroked it, it closed its eyes in bliss.

It purred like a cat that adores its owner.

Its tail tip flicked, and it seemed very happy.

"Meow..."

Nini slid between Cordelia and the lion cub.

It seemed jealous of Cordelia stroking the lion cub.

"Unfortunately, that's it for today."

A light was emitted, and Leonhardt in human form appeared.

When Nini came, Leonhardt's time as a lion cub ended.

Cordelia respected her pet cat Nini and gave way to it.

"My favorite cat is Nini."

"Favorite cat..."

If he is number one, that means there is a number two.

"I don't think Your Highness is my favorite cat number two."

"Huh...?!"

Leonhardt muttered in shock.

It was unusual for him, who is usually so composed.

"Am I not good enough to be Cordelia's favorite cat...?"

"Treating Your Highness as a cat is something I could never do."

There was a sense of reverence, but more importantly, a pressing reason for Cordelia.

"Even in the form of a lion cub, Your Highness is still Your Highness. The feeling of stroking you as a lion cub is very soothing and healing, but... after a while, my heart starts to race intensely."

The image of human Leonhardt overlapped with the lion cub.

When she imagined stroking his beautiful golden hair with her own hands, it was very unsettling.

"When I stroke Your Highness as a lion cub, a mix of healing and embarrassment alternates, and my mind can't rest..."

"In other words, you are very aware of me, right?"

"Wh-What?!"

Cordelia froze.

Leonhardt was stroking her head.

"How about this? I'm stroking you the way you stroke me. This way, we're even, and maybe the embarrassment will lessen a bit."

"...Your Highness is a bit mischievous."

Cordelia blushed and muttered.

The feeling of his gentle hand on her head made her heart race more than it soothed her.

Leonhardt must have known her reaction and reached out his hand.

"Hehe, Cordelia is so cute. You are much more adorable now than when I'm a lion cub. As a thank you, would you like to stroke my head in human form?"

"...I'll pass."

Cordelia shook her head hurriedly.

If she stroked Leonhardt's head in human form...

The next time she stroked the lion cub's head, she would be even more aware of it.

Holding her throbbing head, Nini came to her side.

Cordelia sought solace and calm by stroking Nini's fur.

"Meow? Meow!"

Nini stood between Cordelia and Leonhardt, as if to protect her owner's peace.

Leonhardt chuckled lightly and moved away from Cordelia.

"I see, that's a shame. It's a bit unsatisfying, but it can't be helped. Let's have some tea and then train together with the holy sword."