chapter 91
“This morning, the Duke gave me a little heads-up.”
The ones involved were Yelois and Ferdinand, whom I often met, and the Viper twins.
“What did he say…?”
“Ah, he told me to be careful not to surprise Cherry.”
Of course, that wasn’t the end of it.
“If you don’t—”
Ria’s voice emitted a constant beep-beep, rapid and incessant.
‘My ears might start bleeding.’
Though a bit extreme, I could feel that Kenigh’s concern for me was genuine.
I tapped my toes nervously against the floor.
“Oh my…”
Ria, who had just helped adjust my hairpiece, stomped her feet in exclamation.
“What? Should I remove it if it looks strange?”
I hesitated briefly, then reached up to my head.
Even when I was a squirrel, I had been satisfied with my reflection in the spring water—small and white, honestly cute even by my own standards.
But in human form now…
“Don’t let me see that ridiculous look!”
“Oh, Marquis, don’t be too harsh on Muriel. She didn’t choose to be born like this. For her, being albino isn’t a blessing—it’s a disease, a disease.”
“Tch, you should feel ashamed!”
My father, Marquis Aymond, had called my lack of ability a disease. He forbade me from leaving the house unless for the academy, treating me like a plague victim.
Perhaps that was why…
‘I feel so embarrassed….’
At the masked ball, it felt as though I alone had my mask removed—completely exposed.
My shoulders hunched, every action became careful.
‘Maybe this is a bit too much for me.’
I touched the hairpin adorned with a pink sapphire.
Ria jumped in alarm.
“Strange? Not at all! Perfect, absolutely perfect!”
She said I just needed to go down as I was. But worry was inevitable. Compared to the flashy and radiant residents of Black Dragon Castle, I was just a skinny, insignificant squirrel demi-human.
Reading my thoughts, Ria spoke firmly:
“I swear, when people see you, Cherry, there will be chaos.”
“Really…?”
“Yes, I’m telling the truth!”
After that, Ria helped support my still-unsteady legs as we made our way to the first-floor dining hall.
“It smells delicious.”
As we descended the spiral staircase, I secretly licked my lips. Delicious aromas had been wafting up to my room on the third floor.
The reason was obvious—
“Child, now that you’ve become human, is there anything you wish for? Whatever you want, this old man will make it happen.”
“Yes, Cherry Cherry, anything you desire or want to do?”
Ferdinand and Yelois asked eagerly.
After a moment’s thought, I cautiously spoke:
“Food…”
“Huh?”
“I want to eat! Delicious food!”
Suppressing my embarrassment, I raised my voice slightly.
For three years since leaving the Marquis’ estate, I had survived on nuts and fruit.
At Black Dragon Castle, thanks to the chefs, I could occasionally eat butter safe for pets… but I longed for salty, spicy, and sweet dishes.
Naturally, Ferdinand’s reaction was—
“Hahaha! Very well! I shall procure the finest delicacies! Marty, tell the chef to prepare the most delicious meal in the world!”
An impromptu banquet was held.
When Ria and I arrived at the dining hall, I swallowed nervously. Although I ate here daily, why did I feel so tense?
“Come, Cherry.”
Encouraged by Ria, I passed through the door held open by the staff.
Then…
“Oh my, our Cherry Cherry, as radiant as the Moon Goddess herself!”
“My lady, eech… sneeze! It’s… sneeze!”
“Child, you’re the embodiment of a fairy!”
Yelois, Gerard, and Ferdinand surrounded me, showering me with praise.
“…”
I didn’t know what to say, just fidgeting with my fingers.
This reaction felt unfamiliar.
I nodded lightly in greeting and subtly glanced at Kenigh.
‘Kenigh…?’
Did he have nothing to say?
Biting my lips nervously, he stepped through the crowd and gently held my fingertip.
It felt like asking me to be his partner at a ball.
“Cherry, you’re beautiful. Maybe I should’ve been the only one to see you.”
“…Thank you.”
I mumbled, looking down at my toes.
For some reason, just those few words made it feel as if the world sank underwater.
It seemed as if only Kenigh and I existed here.
Yet the delicate atmosphere didn’t last long.
“Now that the child is here, let’s eat!”
Ferdinand led me to the banquet table.
Chateaubriand that melted in my mouth.
Beef Wellington with juices spilling as the golden pie was cut.
Roast duck with glistening sauce that made you sigh with delight.
I couldn’t hide my joy at the feast, dishes I hadn’t even had at the Marquis’ estate.
‘Today must really be my birthday!’
After the meal, we gathered in the central garden for tea time.
“Cherry Cherry, is there anything else you want to do?”
Yelois spoke first, sipping her tea and resting her chin on her hand.
I hesitated, then opened my lips.
“Actually…”
Not knowing when I might turn back into a squirrel, I had already thought about things I wanted to do.
Of the dozens of desires, the first one I chose was—
“I want to go to the city square.”
I said cautiously.
When I lived at the Marquis’ estate, Rania would travel with her father and his mistress during academy vacations. Upon returning, she would brag about the city square in the heart of the Kreuz territory, describing it for days.
“Even the arched windows of the buildings were in perfect harmony. I had never seen such classical beauty in a street.”
She had said it was rude to even compare it to small marquisates or the dazzling capital.
At the time, I dismissed it, thinking “streets are all the same.” But in truth, I had been curious.
Even while at Black Dragon Castle, I sometimes thought of that street.
Then a slightly awkward silence fell at the table.
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned it.’
My face flushed against my will.
“I didn’t mean I absolutely had to go. I’ve been stuck in the mountains or at Black Dragon Castle… It’s not that I’m frustrated!”
I spread my hands, folded on my lap, waving them.
For just one day, I wanted to freely wander like normal people.
‘Like the other academy kids, going to dessert cafes, chatting with friends, walking through streets…’
It felt like too much to ask.
Living at Black Dragon Castle, I had completely forgotten who I was.
‘I am Muriel Aymond, whom the royal family is desperately searching for.’
At that moment, looking down under the table,
“Well, actually, there will be a hunting festival in the estate in a few days.”
Ferdinand explained, slightly awkwardly.
In this mid-autumn season, a festival for hunting dangerous wildlife was held in the northern Kreuz territory.
There were substantial prizes, attracting hunters and freelance knights from all over the empire.
“Some can be quite violent.”
He was concerned about my safety. More people meant more knowing my identity.
I understood completely.
“It’s fine. There will be another opportunity.”
I forced a brave smile.
“Hmm, I suppose it’s not impossible.”
Yelois set her teacup down.
“You should hide in a crowded city rather than a remote countryside. The busier the street, the more people ignore each other.”
“It’s still dangerous.”
Kenigh objected firmly, but it didn’t last long.
“Kenigh…”
Before I could continue, our eyes met.
“I suppose it can’t be helped?”
“….”
“It’s fine. I was just saying. Another opportunity will come.”
I didn’t know when that would be.
I whispered under my breath. Kenigh’s smooth brow furrowed deeply.
“…Ha, fine.”
“Really?!”
“I have other duties, so I can only join in the evening. Go with the Black Dragon Castle knights.”
“Yes!”
Out of habit, I pressed my cheek to Kenigh’s hand.
“Oh my…”
“Haha, look at her face turning red!”
Yelois and Ferdinand’s laughter echoed through the garden, but it didn’t matter to me.
The only thing that mattered was that I would go to the city square.
I had no idea what events would unfold in a few hours.
