Chapter 601
Chapter 601
By the time Mia finished her afternoon discussion with Ludwig and the others, it was already getting dark.
Mia returned to the Clan Chief’s house, which she had borrowed for her stay. The house, where Aima currently lived alone, was much larger than the other villagers’ homes.
Aima had a simple and straightforward personality, which explained why the room held few things and was neatly organised. However, the house gave off a slight air of loneliness.
Bel and Anne were absent as they had gone for a bath. That made Mia feel the loneliness even more acutely.
“It must have been lonely for her, especially since she used to live here with her brother…”
Mia let out an involuntary sigh.
‘The Wolf Master, Ka Maku. It would be great if we could bring him back… but… hmm. If he won’t even listen to Aima-san, how am I supposed to convince him?’
If they could bring back the warriors that could handle the wolves, the only one left to contend with would be the Serpent Priestess, Valentina. Even with a few other guards, they wouldn’t pose much of a threat. Thinking about how much easier things would be, Mia glanced around and noticed something unexpected: A huge wolf fur cloak proudly displayed on the wall!
“Hmm… perhaps it is the pelt of the parents or ancestors of the wolf we encountered the other day?”
Intrigued by the rare fur, Mia couldn’t resist reaching out to stroke it gently.
“Oh my, this is…”
The exquisite feel of the fur made Mia gasp in delight.
‘The fluffy texture and incredibly soft sensation against my hands… It feels so good!’
As a side note, Mia was, after all, the princess of the Empire. As unbelievable as it might sound, this was indeed a true story.
Mia generally tried to live modestly. However, she was surrounded by a plethora of high-quality goods. Naturally, these items tended to be soft and fluffy. Rugs, blankets, and other luxuriously soft things were common, and Mia was accustomed to their comfort. Thus, she had developed a particular fondness for all things soft and fluffy.
“Hmm…”
Mia looked around restlessly.
“This might be Aima-san’s family heirloom. Normally, I wouldn’t touch something like that so carelessly, but still… Well, no one has actually warned me against touching it. So I don’t think I’ll get in trouble if I just wrap it around a little… yeah.”
Muttering to herself, Mia quickly picked up the cloak.
“Hehe, this is so comfortable! Somehow, it makes me feel like I’ve turned into a wolf, which is kind of fun.”
‘If I lie down like this, I will probably be able to sleep really well.’
Just as Mia was about to lie down, something interrupted her.
Tap, Tap… The sound of knocking on the door of the hut echoed.
“Oh? That was quick, Anne.”
‘Won’t they be surprised if I come out dressed like this?’
With that mischievous thought, Mia cheerfully opened the door without a hint of caution.
That was a careless mistake. Before her stood a formation of guards, led by the Empire’s Strongest, Dion Alaia, and the true brains behind the Wisdom of the Empire, Ludwig Hewitt, presenting an impressive lineup.
But more importantly, Mia’s mind was simply exhausted from all the rapid changes in the situation. She had assumed she was safe here.
In fact, Mia’s perception was totally correct in one way… but completely wrong in another!
“Hey Mia, sorry to bother you so late.”
Standing in the doorway was Abel.
He tilted his head in confusion as Mia came out to greet him, wearing the fluffy wolf pelt and a big smile on her face.
“Um…”
“Ah, uh, Abel? W-what’s wrong? Why are you here at this time of night?”
Mia spoke in a high-pitched voice, surprised by the unexpected visit. She quickly checked what she was wearing. Earlier, she had been enraptured by the fluffy fur, but now she felt slightly embarrassed by her appearance!
She had been caught wearing something she never wanted anyone to see her in.
“Are you perhaps cold?”
“Um, that’s not it! It wasn’t a sudden impulse. Well, you know, I thought it might be useful to mask my scent from the Wolf Master’s wolf. It’s not like I thought it would be nice to take a nap wrapped in fur or anything like that!”
“Ah, I see…”
Abel smiled wryly, a troubled look on his face.
“Well, actually, it does get a bit chilly at night, so it might be perfect. Mia, could you accompany me for a bit?”
“Eh?”
“I wanted to talk a little…”
“Yes… I don’t mind, but… what’s the matter?”
As Mia looked at him curiously, Abel gave her a playful smile.
“There’s no particular reason. It’s just that the moon is beautiful tonight, and I thought we could talk while enjoying the view.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
‘Could this be an invitation for a date?’
Realising this, Mia felt a little excited!
“Hehe, it’s wonderful to take a walk while looking at the moon! It sounds amazing!”
“Well, since the guards will be around, I don’t think I can whisper sweet nothings to you.”
Abel joked with a shrug.
In response Mia said, “Hmm…”
She folded her arms thoughtfully, as if contemplating something.