#035
Unfortunately, Chezare was dragged back to the ducal residence by Gren, who had come looking for him on the way to the port.
'Let's meet in front of the Lilith Ship. Don't move a single step from the pier until I find Miss Catherine.'
'How about we go in separately and meet up?'
'Sorry, but I don't trust the combination of you and Demian.'
That sullen expression on his face as he switched carriages was etched vividly in her mind. As expected of a grand archmage and duke—no time to rest, she thought. Though he did make time to visit Catherine often enough.
Left alone like that, Catherine returned to the mansion to pack her few simple belongings: a modest bag of odds and ends and a money pouch that was like her lifeline. Plus Demian and Yaong.
"Do we have to bring it?" Demian grumbled, plopping down beside her with a deeply dissatisfied look.
"Bringing a monster into an isolated space for a week is pretty dangerous, you know."
"You think this one's dangerous?"
「Yup. This body's the ruler of the night—totally dangerous.」
Yaong mumbled from inside the suspicious bundle of cloth wrapped around it.
"Of course, I don't think that for a second. But as an Imperial Knight, I'm giving you fair warning. That way, if something happens later, I won't feel guilty."
If guilt that flimsy even exists in the first place, she thought.
「Don't worry. No human with a monster allergy will come near, so no one's catching me.」
"Monster allergy? Hey, cat—is there even such a thing?"
「Dumber than this three-year-old body, that's Demian for ya. Obviously just an example.」
The port was too chaotic for carriages, so they had to take the light rail into the harbor. And wouldn't you know it, the moment they boarded, a priest sitting across from them spotted Yaong.
"Gasp! A c-cat...!"
Demian pretended not to notice, casually tucking the tail poking out from the bundle back inside.
"You must be passengers for the Lilith Ship. Sorry about that, I... Achoo!"
The priest sneezed dramatically, pinched his nose, and continued.
"Cats give me a-allergies... Achoo!"
"Sounds like allergies," Catherine said, unable to bear it anymore.
The priest replied sheepishly. "Y-yeah, but it's not that bad usually. If it's acting up this much... maybe there's a monster nearby? Haha! I've got a monster allergy too. My nose itches like crazy, but it can't be this cat, so something must be around here."
What do you do when it's obvious the monster is Yaong?
Demian, who'd been sitting silently, folded the bundle more carefully and whispered to her.
"I'm not dumber than a three-year-old cat now, right?"
Ignoring him, Catherine put on her most pitiful face and explained to the priest.
"This cat's my pet. Maybe some fur got loose—if that's it, I'll keep it hidden better."
"Oh, really? But it looks too young to be traveling."
"I did worry about that, but I have no one to leave it with. It's so little, it might die without me looking after it."
Yaong's tail swished irritably inside the bundle at the harsh words.
"Hmm, that must be tough. If you keep it in your cabin, it should be fine for the cat too."
Thankfully, the train pulled into the station in under five minutes. As they stepped off, a massive white hull, elegant and half-obscuring the sky, filled their view. Even from this distance, its ends weren't fully visible at once. Catherine had never visited the Imperial Palace for comparison, but this sheer overwhelming size left even her stoic self gaping.
"Damn, it's ridiculously huge."
"Don't get intimidated, Demian. I'll buy you a passenger ship bigger than the Lilith Ship someday."
"Thanks for the thought. If I live that long."
She regretted not being able to explain why she meant it seriously for Demian.
The priest who'd followed them smiled warmly.
"Well, I'll be off then... Achoo! If we meet up top, maybe a cup of tea? A... Achoo!"
"Have a nice trip."
"You too. Enjoy your final voyage."
Final? The priest's back vanishing into the crowd felt oddly unsettling.
"Hear that? Said this trip's their last."
Demian shrugged indifferently. "They probably think we're poor folks hitching a free ride on a lucky draw."
For once, his logic made perfect sense. They joined the long line of passengers waiting to board, keeping an eye out for Chezare.
「Sniff sniff. Smells dangerous everywhere.」
Yaong poked its nose out from the bundle.
"Crowded places are always risky."
「Not what I mean. Demons, monsters, and holy folk scents all mixed up, stinging my nose. Blech!」
A furball tumbled from Yaong's retching mouth.
Catherine lacked Yaong's knack for sensing presences, so she felt nothing special.
"Quit poking your head out slyly, cat. You'll get dragged off by the bald priests."
「S fine. Gonna play doll from now on. Boop!」
Yaong widened its eyes and went rigid. Demian, peering down, unwrapped the bundle and plopped Yaong onto Catherine's shoulder—like he was done dealing with it.
Soon, murmurs swelled around them. Heads turned in unison toward one spot. At the center stood a silver-haired beauty radiating immense presence. No need to look closer—it had to be Chezare.
"...What if we pretend not to know him and bolt, miss?"
"You know we can't."
Chezare strode over with his long legs, arriving in moments. With a leisurely smile, he clapped Demian on the shoulder.
"Your face is priceless. Dying to run, eh, Sir Demian?"
"Hahaha! Not at all. Why would I?"
"Catherine, this way. Follow me."
He veered away from the long boarding line. Admiring and awed gazes trailed him persistently, but not a soul dared block his path.
No surprise—who would?
The path cleared automatically, but following felt burdensome. Demian hung back at a distance like he belonged to someone else. Still, Catherine had important business.
"I've got a favor to ask, Chezare."
"Go ahead."
"Could you change my appearance just while we're on the Lilith Ship?"
Chezare looked puzzled. "Expecting an enemy aboard?"
"Not enemies exactly, but people I'd rather not meet."
Salon ladies or ties to her stepsister's past. They were the root reason she'd hesitated to board. Catherine herself found it a hassle but nothing major. She worried about Demian and Chezare, though.
"I'm disowned now, so there'll probably be all sorts of wild rumors. Might put you in an awkward spot too."
Chezare halted, gazing at her intently. Then he chuckled, as if hearing something amusing.
"No one in this world can make me uncomfortable, Catherine."
A long staircase led up to the hull. Chezare took her hand lightly and ascended first.
"But... if you want it, sure. I'll help once we're aboard."
"Thanks. It'll be easier for everyone."
"That cat on your shoulder looks comfy too."
「Heh.」
Chezare handed two golden tickets to the crewman at the top. They bore the names of Chezare, Catherine, and Demian.
"An honor to sail with you, Your Grace Chezare Christopher and Lady Catherine Panya. A crew member will escort you to your cabins. Wishing you a pleasant voyage."
A duke like him wouldn't wait in the common line. With so few people around, this must be the VIP entrance. Her demon was exceptional in every way, inside and out.
"Ah! Sorry, Lady Catherine Panya. To ensure the utmost safety and comfort for all passengers, our ship strictly prohibits all animals aboard. If it's all right, the cat could..."
There's a rule like that? Catherine hurriedly scooped Yaong from her shoulder to hide her flustered eyes.
"It's a doll."
The crewman's eyes filled with natural suspicion.
"It looks so real, people mistake it all the time. If you don't believe me, feel free to touch it."
「Hngh!」
Yaong, who'd been training for this moment for ten straight minutes, went completely stiff. Chezare tsked right beside them.
The crewman prodded the kitten's paws, head, back, and belly, his face gradually relaxing.
"Then, enjoy your trip."
He never dreamed it was a monster acting.
As they passed through the opulent VIP corridor, Chezare let out a hollow laugh.
"We've only known each other days, and you're already in sync. But one slip inside, and you're caught. Especially if it's someone from the Papal Court."
「Hmph. This body's a pureblood gargoyle! If I try, no Great Demon short of you could sniff me out!」
Chezare's brow twitched in surprise.
"Strutting solo despite being a juvenile, huh... You've picked up all sorts, Catherine."
The VIP deck the crew led them to had few cabins. Catherine sighed in relief seeing hers near Chezare's.
"There's a shipboard party tonight. Before you go, wash your hair and body with water mixed with this powder. It'll change your hair, eyes, skin—everything."
She took the small glass vial from Chezare. Iridescent powder danced busily inside.
How does he whip this up minutes after I ask?
"Can I make stuff like this if I learn magic?"
"Magic requires both talent and effort just to take the first steps. Your affinity isn't bad. With effort, you might see results."
Demian eyed him skeptically. "They say 'effort' from geniuses means something else entirely..."
"Speaking from experience, Sir Demian? Truth is, Catherine doesn't need to bother. I've got her back."