Chapter 50

In the carriage on the way back, the puppy was sitting quietly in my arms.

I had originally planned to put it in the basket it came in, but it refused so strongly that I couldn’t help but give in.

Well, it must have been unpleasant to be confined in a small space for so long.

I was worried about how it would handle being out in public with so many people, but it turned out to be fine. It did growl lowly as if on guard, but that was all.

Actually, Michelle offered to take it from me at one point, but the puppy didn’t like that.

Yeah, it’s nice that it’s attached to me.

When I stroked its head to reassure it, its tail wagged slightly, looking content.

Michelle seemed unconvinced, apparently disapproving of men who cheat on their cats.

"Should we wash it a bit when we get back?"

"It’s a bit dirty... We should ask if anyone in your family keeps pets."

"Does Lill have any pets at home?"

"Not particularly, but Leina, who comes from a dairy farming family, might have had sheepdogs."

A big dog and a small dog. Despite the difference in size, they’re still dogs.

There shouldn’t be much difference in how to raise them.

Thinking about all the things I need to prepare, I realized how long it’s been since I’ve planned something so enthusiastically.

"You seem excited, Lady Reisha."

Michelle was looking at me, sitting with her legs crossed and her elbow on the seat. She wasn’t really looking at me, though.

"Is it really a dog?"

"What do you mean?"

"It seems too smart to be a dog... and its canines look impressive. I asked the store people, and apparently, all the puppies there were specially bred to be kept indoors."

"So?"

"They have instincts, but they’re different from wild animals. Maybe their instincts have degenerated? I can’t be sure without a closer look, but I feel like there’s some wolf... blood in it... though wolves and dogs are similar."

Michelle reached out hesitantly again.

The puppy growled and bared its teeth, but I calmed it down, and it didn’t reject Michelle’s hand. Michelle stroked its head a few times, widened her eyes, and looked at her hand in surprise.

I understood her surprise.

Hehe! Isn’t this kid amazing!?

I smiled proudly at Michelle, but she looked stunned, as if she couldn’t believe it.

It wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for.

"Eh, Lady Reisha... this—..."

"What?"

"Eh, well... I don’t have any proof, but... is it... dangerous?"

"Huh? It does feel a bit dangerous, but..."

I want to keep touching it. I want to bury my face in its fluffy fur. I wish I could do it forever!

I know it has such wonderful fur that it makes me want to do all these things.

"Hmm... We should ask Lord Claude, I guess."

Eh? What for?

After that, Michelle fell silent.

Even when Lill was talking to her, she didn’t join in.

Usually, she would be the first to join a conversation, even starting one herself.

When we arrived at the mansion, Ragnar was waiting for us.

I hadn’t told him our return time, but it turned out Michelle had. It was unusual for him to come out to greet us.

"Lord is waiting in the study."

"Eh? Lord is?"

Why? Maybe he wants to know how today’s outing went?

"He wants you to bring the puppy too."

"Me too?"

I was to bring the puppy, who was looking at the mansion with interest in my arms. This was getting more confusing. Would he oppose it? Maybe I should have talked to him first...

"Michelle, you’ve been worried about this puppy. Is it that special?"

I asked Michelle quietly, and she seemed confused, prefacing her answer with a lack of certainty.

"It might be a very rare animal... I’ve never seen one before, and I’ve only touched its fur once, so I’m not really sure."

I don’t understand, but apparently, there’s something special about this puppy’s smooth, velvety fur that even Michelle can’t judge.

Eh? Could this be a problem?

Well, I have no intention of giving it up!

Following Ragnar, I headed to Lord’s study.

He gave a short nod to let us in. Inside, the door was closed tightly, and only Lord, Michelle, Ragnar, and Diego were present.

We were invited to sit on the sofa, and I placed the puppy on my lap, where it curled up after a bit of wriggling. The movement was so cute that I couldn’t help but smile.

Lord and Michelle were discussing something, and Ragnar was preparing tea.

Diego was looking at the puppy on my lap with shining eyes, so he must like it.

After the tea was served, Lord turned his attention to the puppy curled up on my lap.

"Hmm..."

"Yeah, I can’t tell. Have you seen one, Lord Claude?"

"I’ve only seen one once, and it was by chance... But I do have a fur coat."

"Wow! As expected of a Duke! You have different things!"

I always wonder why they get along so well. Neither Diego nor I understand.

I glared at them, wanting a proper explanation.

"Um, what’s the problem with this puppy? Can you explain it clearly?"

"Michelle?"

"I can’t say for sure. I wanted Lord Claude to confirm it."

Not sure, real or not...

I’m completely lost.

Lord sighed at Michelle’s reaction, stood up from the sofa, and sat next to me.

This proximity.

We haven’t been this close recently, so I’m a bit nervous.

"I’m going to touch it."

"Go ahead."

As his hand reached out to touch the puppy, its ears perked up, and it lifted its head.

It didn’t growl, but it showed signs of disapproval. I stroked its back to calm it, and it reluctantly accepted Lord’s hand.

"How is it, Lord Claude?"

He stroked the fur a few times, seemingly satisfied, and then pulled his hand away. He nodded, looking serious.

"Most likely, it’s the real thing—..."

Lord sighed, looking at the puppy on his lap, as if this was a troublesome situation.

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