Volume 6 Chapter 62 A Carefree Escape
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The edge of Klock’s vision blurred with streaks of dark-green trees.
Cool, damp air brushed against his skin as he forced his way through a pathless forest.
He still hadn’t grown used to these gloomy woods. Dodging roots thick enough to trip a man at every step, he couldn’t help glancing enviously at the girl who drifted along in midair, making things easy for herself. Clinging to the collar of his coat and swaying like a cape in the wind was the snow-white cat princess, Elna.
”So then—who exactly is this girl?”
Her sharp voice cut through the air, tinged with a faint edge of displeasure. Elna’s eyes glared daggers at the other girl running alongside them, as if daring her to come closer.
It was Meina, the golden-haired catgirl. She darted a glance toward Elna, then quickly looked away. Clearly cowed by the white princess’s presence, she turned pleading eyes toward Klock, as if begging him for help. For someone who was supposed to be prepared to fight Elna if it came to that, her skittishness was hardly reassuring.
”She’s my ally. Her name’s Meina.”
”…Meina?”
Elna’s lips pressed into a frown as she fell silent, suspicion still written all over her face. Meina flinched and instinctively put some distance between them.
Yes, these three needed to sort things out. Meina’s original goal had been to rescue Klock. From Elna’s point of view, that made her an enemy who had infiltrated the Cat Tower to steal him away. By rights they ought to be at each other’s throats. If they were to flee together, the balance of interests needed to be acknowledged, at least once, in words.
”Elna. This country is going to collapse—soon. Once they crossed swords with the Hero, that was the end. When Il Rasiella falls, there’ll be no place left on this continent for you.”
He considered where to begin and decided her situation came first.
”The Rebel Army will hunt for the Empress and her bloodline like wolves on a scent. If they find you, you’ll die. Doesn’t matter how strong you are—fight dozens, then hundreds, and in the end you’ll be overwhelmed and skewered. If you want to survive this crisis, right now the only choice is to run.”
Whether she could rebuild later was another matter. For now, survival was all that mattered. Yet Elna showed little sign of alarm.
”I see. Then, Kuro—where exactly are you taking me?”
”Priority one is keeping you safe. We could try begging the Hero’s pardon, but that should wait until things settle down. First, we put as much distance between ourselves and here as possible.”
When in trouble, just run—that had solved everything from debt collectors, to soldiers of the watch, to kitchen-knife-wielding women. He had briefly considered making for Slomvanilla to meet with Cianie. If she chose to forgive them, that would be as good as a guarantee of safety. Under the Hero’s umbrella, they wouldn’t need to scurry about like fugitives. And above all, reuniting with Klock might offer some way to sort out the mess.
But the risks were too high. Sneaking into a battlefield without hero-party level ability was courting death. Worse, if Cianie was angrier than he imagined, Elna herself might be in mortal danger.
”Hm. Reckless, but with no other options, not a bad choice. I’ll give you a passing grade on your escort.”
So this counted as an “escort,” apparently. She could have flown away alone if she wished, but she was deliberately letting him take her hand, as though she recognized it as his role. Even now, in this dire situation, Elna radiated a calm that seemed utterly devoid of fear.
”Kuro, you really are a male. To steal Elna away and insist on protecting her—playing at being a knight, are you? But…I don’t dislike it. Very well. Elna will leave the battlefield with you. She will allow you to protect her.”
With that she squeezed herself tight against his neck.
Knights existed only among Humans; this was hardly the same thing. He wanted to tell her not to get carried away—but now wasn’t the time. He ignored it.
From the side, Meina looked at him with wide, anxious eyes, as though she couldn’t believe what she was seeing—a lover’s embrace, perhaps.
”Well, that’s how it is. I think the three of us should work together.”
With that, he closed the matter. A moment later, Elna and Meina locked gazes again. They had been enemies. But given their situation, there was no choice now but to cooperate and get through it together.
Elna raised her tail high, taking on a combative stance.
It looked for all the world like a pose for domination—forcing a disobedient girl to recognize who stood above her.
She pinned the teary-eyed Meina to the ground, holding her fast with sheer physical strength despite being a magic-user—and then, with a flick of her tongue, she licked her cheek.
Elna’s tongue trailed slowly across her face, lap after lap. The white princess began to groom her, licking away the tears at her eyes. Meina grimaced, ears flattening as she endured the affection. When Elna nipped at her ears with gentle teeth, the golden cat seemed to give in at last, darting out her tongue for a small lick in return.
”Elna isn’t angry. If you hate it, then just quit. Cats should be free, after all. Do as you like.”
”…All right.”
With that, Elna released her.
The two girls stood, brushing dirt from their clothes. Elna patted Meina down, and when her hand stroked the golden cat’s hair, Meina’s face softened, no longer quite so displeased.
What the hell. Did they just make up?
Cats. Figures.
If they’d been Humans, the scene would have been nothing short of hellish. Suppressing that thought, Klock returned with the kindling he had gathered—mostly twigs, since prying planks off ruined houses was more trouble than it was worth. Moments later, Meina appeared hauling armfuls of wooden boards, evidently ripped from some collapsed structure by force.
”—Fire Style: Nyan-pot!”
A roar of flames burst forth. For an instant, Klock glimpsed a bizarre, cat-shaped blaze before it collapsed into a steady fire. So this was one of those so-called Original Nyan Techniques. A ridiculous kind of magic. He found himself reluctant to use his own pitiful spark in front of them; it would only feel depressing.
”So what now? Hiding in some forest hermitage?” Elna asked.
”This isn’t the Stone Age. We’re heading for a town.”
Surviving for days in the wild without preparation was madness. They had no magic stones, no scrolls—only the barest equipment. Without tools of civilization, there was no way to live off unknown land.
”Our destination is Fwavlotz, the cats’ town. We’ll blend in and lie low. If it looks bad, we’ll grab a ship and vanish.”
At his words, Elna lifted her hair with a delicate hand and smiled. Meina nodded vigorously beside her. One gesture from each, and the contrast between noble upbringing and common roots was plain.
”A ship, hm? To the Human Continent?”
”Heading back to Rushelora?”
”Don’t know yet. Depends how things play out.”
Their next stop was the western port town, Fwavlotz.
Part of him wanted to bolt straight there without pause—but he had learned months ago that running at full speed wasn’t always the best way. With both the Hero and the Beast Country pursuing them, the only effective strategy was to wait for the right timing.
”So let’s confirm. We’re evading both the Beast Country and the Rebel Army. That’s the plan, right?”
”Yes. And you’ll do your best to protect Elna.”
”Mm. Meina too. Meina will try.”
Truth be told, if it came to a fight, it would be Klock who needed protecting. Elna’s vision of him standing gallantly in front wasn’t likely to come true. His only hope was to avoid combat altogether, so she wouldn’t end up disappointed.
”By the way, Kuro,” Elna said suddenly, “I’ve been meaning to ask. How is it you can speak?”
The fire popped cheerfully. Its glow lit the three of them clearly, their shadows swaying. Both girls crouched with knees bent, tails swishing lazily as they warmed themselves. With their mirrored poses, they looked so much like sisters that Lona herself might have been overlooked.
”No idea. One day I just…could.”
He delivered the line he’d prepared in advance. He couldn’t betray the court sorceress’s kindness by naming her.
At his answer, Elna tilted her head. She circled the fire, coming close.
”Show me your mouth. Stick out your tongue.”
If their genders had been reversed, this would’ve been a whole different kind of scene. Grumbling inwardly, he obeyed, though baring the inside of his mouth filled him with an odd embarrassment.
”…It’s broken. Did I fail, then? I worked so hard for three days and nights to make it.”
Apparently she’d put quite some effort into a rather ridiculous thing. The paw-shaped slave mark—logically, some magical circle whose inner and outer arrays had been disguised. But writing something that looked like a cat’s paw-print inside someone’s mouth? He wanted to tell her to stop.
”Really. Now I’ll just have to reapply the collar. Kuro, you’re nothing but trouble.”
”…Wait. Let’s talk about this.”
As she leaned in, he raised his hands to stop her. She meant to mark him again. She drew close, her scent tickling his nose.
”Forget the slave mark. We should be equals.”
The moment he said it, Elna’s expression turned grave.
”…What do you mean? Kuro—you aren’t saying you dislike it, are you?”
Her voice chilled, the air itself seeming to drop in temperature.
”N-no, it’s not that, it’s just…”
”What? Then what? Kuro is Elna’s exclusive slave, isn’t he? Are you trying to run away from Elna?”
The light seemed to vanish from her eyes. Dangerous. The same kind of danger Cianie gave off when she was truly angry. While Meina blinked in confusion, Klock’s mind raced.
”No, that’s not it! We said we’d escape together, right? I’m doing it of my own will. Not because of some slave mark!”
The words tumbled out hastily, clumsy and half-formed. Elna’s suspicious gaze bore into him. Cold sweat prickled his back as he tried to keep the explanation afloat.
”See…if the slave mark’s there, it makes it seem like everything I do is just your command. But I—” He forced the words out. “I’m taking you away because I choose to. That’s my will.”
”…Taking me…away? W-wait, does that mean…”
What had begun as an excuse was veering into something dangerously like a confession. Sitting cross-legged on the straw, he pulled her close.
”Whatever. The point is, I’ll protect you. So stop overthinking and just listen to me.”
The words came out rough. Was this really the right move? Surely this would spark her anger instead—yet he had no time to second-guess. He dared a glance at her.
”…I-I see. Of course. Kuro is a male, after all. In times like this, it’s only natural for a man to want to take the lead. I’m sorry, Kuro. Elna should honor that.”
She squeezed him tight, her weight leaning into him, her expression melting with a smile. Her tail curled around to encircle his side.
Somehow, it had worked. Or perhaps…worked too well.
Damn it. Why am I flirting now, of all times?
Perhaps her ideal male was a slightly forceful one. Whatever poise she had maintained was gone—now she nestled against him, rubbing like a contented cat.
Then he noticed the other pair of eyes. Across the fire, Meina stared, aghast, mouth open in speechless despair.
”…Right. Time to sleep. We’re leaving early tomorrow.”
When in trouble, retreat. That rule applied as much to conversations as to fights.
He lay down on the straw. Scratchy, uncomfortable, but better than rotting planks or bare dirt. The sweet scent beside him was almost stressful—but he endured.
”…Mmhf ♡”
A delighted murmur brushed his ear. If they’d been back in the Cat Tower, it would already have gone further—thankfully Meina’s presence kept it from escalating.
He pretended not to hear and forced himself toward sleep. Elna curled close on one side, Meina keeping a wary distance on the other. In his mind’s eye, he saw Cianie glaring at him with a gaze from hell itself.
No way. Getting involved with a princess? That was suicide. Three months ago had been an accident—Suzette could testify. If it happened now, though, guilty without a doubt.
Already guilty, maybe—but excuses still mattered. Claiming helplessness might earn Cianie’s mercy. If she found out he’d been dallying with a cat princess while she fought a war for his sake…how in the world could he explain?
The fire crackled to ash. Elna’s soft breaths fell into sleep. Klock’s own consciousness drifted. Tomorrow they would march all day. As he sank toward slumber—his body was jostled.
”…Meina? What is it?”
The golden-haired catgirl crept close from the other side of Elna. Her hair shimmered in the firelight like ripened grain, and her lips curved faintly.
”Sir Klock…you’re far too much of a playboy. Meina’s the one who came to save you.”
His throat caught. In her short words, everything was packed—resentment, hurt, accusation. She was right. She had infiltrated Slomvanilla, braved countless dangers, and fought her way to him. He should have lavished her with gratitude.
”…Sorry. I just didn’t have the chance. Really, I wanted to spoil you, Meina, but…not with Elna watching.”
”Meina was sad. Seeing you so close to Lady Elna…my chest hurt.”
Her words carried the full weight of a wounded heart. He looked away, guilty.
”…I was wrong. Can I make it up to you somehow?”
He rose, hands lifted in surrender.
”Then let’s do it.”
She grinned wickedly. A sudden proposition. Surely not here, not now—? His reflex glance flicked to the side. Elna was fast asleep. Still, one sound and she’d wake. This was insane.
When he looked back, Meina’s eyes gleamed with playful challenge.
She’s doing this on purpose. To corner him.
But it’s too late. Women were born to twist men around their fingers. This was her revenge.
”Meina wants to feel Sir Klock’s love.”
She slipped closer, untying her sash, straddling his waist.
The firelight haloed her, her half-bared form swallowed by the shadows.
Of course she deserved praise. Of course he owed her affection. When she began to shift her hips over him, soft curves pressing against him, there was no choice left to make.
Notes:
• Elna – Female. A young apprentice mage. Her appearance is that of a child with white hair reaching her shoulders. She wears a black hooded mantle with strange patterns. Her relationship is as an apprentice to Hermine, the Great Mage. Her power involves advanced magic, including spatial teleportation. Her combat style is magical, and she is described as childish and easily provoked.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Clea – younger dog beastkin sister who also serviced Klock previously.
• Il Rasiella – A region within the Beast Country, divided into areas each ruled by a local lord.
• Slomvanilla – The white fortress, also known as the empress’s residence; a gigantic bedroom on the scale of a fortress.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Fwavlotz – A town beyond a mountain north of Rizan Village, it is an alternative location for Klock to verify his humanity.
• Rushelora – A port where demons are allowed to stay at embassies under special circumstances. It is a location where humans and demons have trade relations.
• Lona – Female. A young apprentice mage. Her appearance is that of a child with black hair reaching her shoulders. She wears a black hooded mantle with strange patterns. Her relationship is as an apprentice to Hermine, the Great Mage. Her power involves advanced magic, including spatial teleportation. Her combat style is magical, and she is described as childish and easily provoked. Elna’s sister; a black cat Beastkin who’s relatively normally developed physically compared to Elna.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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