Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: The Charm Test
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"Try it."
"...Pardon?"
"Charm. Give it a try."
"Really?"
"You never know. The kitty might spill everything she's dying to know."
"What are you blabbering about, lynx? What if I actually fall under some real charm magic?"
Sir Evan lightly tugged at Nihil's cheeks as he spoke.
"It's not actual magic. Catfolk are born with one innate ability each. Honestly, charming a few kids? Using your looks would be way more efficient."
Nihil tossed that out casually, then glanced up at Evan. And as if to make a point, he grabbed Evan's hand tight.
Evan narrowed his eyes, figuring the lynx was just showing off his pretty face. But then Nihil rubbed his cheek against Evan's palm and flashed a beaming smile.
"......!"
Caught off guard by the sudden barrage of cuteness, Evan froze solid, his thoughts grinding to a halt.
Lianus, watching from right beside them, freaked out and grabbed Nihil's cheeks, forcing his head to turn.
"Nil! Don't charm Sir Evan!"
"Okay."
Nihil's face went blank again in an instant. He lifted his teacup to his lips like nothing had happened.
Lianus sighed beside him and muttered,
"Good thing Nil's usually expressionless."
"...My lord, I'm scared that young master might teach me his charming ways."
Bella hung her head in total defeat.
Meanwhile, Evan snapped out of it and, in a panic, grabbed Nihil by the scruff of the neck, hoisted him up, and plopped him on the floor.
"You! Don't you dare pull that anywhere else!"
"What did I even do?"
"Out!"
Thinking he'd truly been charmed, Evan waved his hands frantically to shoo Nihil away. But Lianus looked disappointed instead, while Nihil snorted and headed over to Karus.
Karus, who'd been holding the two little ones and feeling envious of Evan, welcomed Nihil with open arms, scooping him up and plopping him on his own lap.
"Haha, my friend here is surprisingly generous with physical contact, despite appearances."
"I rather like the warmth of people."
With that, Nihil leaned comfortably against Karus and closed his eyes.
Everyone's eyes widened at the unexpected words, staring at Nihil. But he didn't so much as twitch, looking for all the world like a finely crafted doll.
A strange tension filled the air as they all held their breath, watching him. Then, out of nowhere, a breeze stirred, gently ruffling his snow-white hair.
Karus, growing uneasy, called out softly.
"My friend...?"
At his voice, Nihil's pale eyelids slowly lifted. Karus, who'd been fretting that he might stiffen and lose his warmth right then and there, let out a relieved breath.
"No progress, huh. Well, it's only been a day, so maybe that's to be expected."
"...Pardon?"
Karus tilted his head, puzzled by the cryptic remark—then his eyes went wide in shock.
"Wait, don't tell me you were peeking again? What if you get hurt! Do you know how freaked out I was last time?"
Karus sat Nihil facing him and carefully checked his cheeks for new scratches. Unable to hold back, he started kneading them gleefully. Nihil just tilted his head, not resisting the touch.
"This is why you came, right?"
"I-I was worried after sending Bella, and... I started wondering if yesterday was all just a dream..."
"What dream is that noisy?"
From Nihil's perspective, it had been plenty chaotic. Tea dumped on him, coal-flavored cookies, some marquis yanking at his pants, nearly blinded by a spirit's attack.
Karus didn't say it was because he couldn't quite remember his friend's face, making him anxious. Now, face-to-face, it was crystal clear—how could he ever forget?
"Still, my friend, how should I put it? You have this presence that draws every eye, but there's also this elusive aura, like you could vanish into thin air any moment..."
Lianus and Evan nodded unconsciously. Seeing that, Nihil's playful side kicked in, and he let out a sly chuckle.
"Hmmm, good instincts?"
"Y-Yes?"
"...Huh?"
"What?"
Nihil shrugged at their dumbfounded reactions, then went back to his blank expression.
"Just kidding."
But Lianus didn't buy it as a joke. His face drained of color, and he hugged Nihil tight, clutching him like the bear doll.
"Nil, you're not going anywhere, right?"
"Yeah."
"Promise?"
"Don't worry. Unless you start hating me and kick me out, I'll stick around."
"No, even if I kick you out, stay anyway."
Nihil paused at that, then murmured softly.
"...You'll regret it."
Lianus shook his head firmly. No way he'd regret it. If anything, kicking Nihil out would be the regret.
"I won't."
Nihil hesitated at the resolute answer, then nodded. But Lianus wasn't satisfied with just a nod. He stared straight into Nihil's eyes, urging him on.
"Nil, promise properly!"
"...Fine, Rian. But... let's set a term. If you kick me out, give me exactly one year. If you don't change your mind in that year, I'll leave."
Lianus's eyes widened at the surprisingly specific terms. It felt more trustworthy than vague assurances. At least it meant Nihil would stay unless kicked out.
And even then, a whole year of grace? A year was long enough for enemies to become friends! His friend must be a true gentleman.
"Even if I bully you, you'll stay for a full year, right?"
"Rian, already plotting to bully me?"
"N-No! I'd never bully you!"
Lianus startled and shook his head wildly. Still glued to Nihil, his dark green hair tickled Nihil's face, but Nihil just chuckled low and stroked his head.
"I promise, Rian. Even if you chase me away, hit me, curse me—I'll cling like a burr for a full year. Might be a real ordeal for you."
At Nihil's firm vow, Lianus lifted his head, planted his hands on Nihil's shoulders, and declared brightly and resolutely,
"Nonsense! You'd be the one suffering, stuck to someone who hates you for a year. Nil, even if it's tough, endure for one year, okay?"
Nihil's eyes went wide at that, then he smiled so beautifully it hurt to look at.
"Sure."
Evan watched that smile and thought the ephemeral presence, which could fade like a dream anytime, now felt solidly real—here to stay by the prince's side.
Playfulness sparking again, Nihil gently covered Lianus's hands and tilted his head with a beaming smile, just like he'd done to Evan.
"Kyaa!"
Lianus let out a weird squeak, yanked his hands free, and threw himself into Evan's arms. Nihil started chuckling lowly at the sight of Lianus's ears, neck, and collar all flushed red.
"Don't charm the prince, lynx."
Evan, who'd nearly fallen for it first, eyed Nihil warily with narrowed eyes.
"Wouldn't it be a waste to use this face just for kidnappings?"
Nihil composed himself and walked over to Bella.
"Ah, pretty young master, gonna charm me too? I'm ready!"
Bella spread her arms wide with a big grin.
"Charm's for the kitty to use, not me. I'll check it, so go ahead."
Bella deflated, having hoped for a face-rub and smile. Still, eager to test her own charm, she poofed into cat form.
"Myaaaaow~"
Nihil scooped up the cat Bella. He'd figured there might be a contact condition, since she'd kept trying to snuggle.
The cat rubbed her face against him furiously. Nihil petted her and said,
"...It's cute, but..."
Feeling no change, Nihil tilted his head.
"Myaaaaow~"
As if saying "done," the cat pressed her muzzle firmly to Nihil's lips, then hopped down from his arms.
At that instant, a potent scent hit Nihil. He staggered, clamping his mouth and nose.
"My friend!"
Karus, sitting closest, caught the wobbling Nihil. Lianus and Evan shot to their feet. Bella, back in human form, watched Nihil expectantly.
"No need to panic, everyone! My charm doesn't harm people, and it doesn't last long! Pretty young master, how was it? That's my max power—do you like me now? If you do, feel free to snuggle up!"
Nihil didn't answer, clutching Karus's clothes and shaking his head vigorously.
Bella, thrilled that it seemed to have worked, bounced around.
"Come on, young master! Let big sis hug you!"
"...No."
"Huh?"
Muffled words came from where Nihil buried himself in Karus's chest. Karus patted his back worriedly.
"My friend, you okay?"
"...Stop... patting."
"Pardon? Couldn't hear you."
"I'm... sleepy, so... stop patting..."
"Eh?"
Question marks popped up on everyone's faces. Three pairs of eyes turned to Bella. She backed away instinctively.
Nihil drove the nail in.
"Not... charm... sleep... scent..."
"Oh dear...?"
Bella's eyes darted around nervously, then fled the stares by turning cat and diving under the sofa.
"...She lived her whole life without knowing her own ability."
Evan laughed in disbelief. Worried for his friend, Lianus approached Nihil cautiously.
"Nil, you alright?"
Nihil finally slipped free from Karus's hold and turned, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"I'm fine. The scent doesn't linger long. Probably weakens if used on multiple people at once. The kitty mistook half-asleep kids for charm victims. Tricky activation, short duration—you can tough it out if you try. Useful for insomniacs, maybe."
"Myaaow~"
A somewhat pitiful mew echoed from under the sofa. Evan snorted.
"Better than just luring kids, anyway—sleep scent has actual uses."
"Catfolk fully awaken their abilities upon reaching adulthood. Duration'll lengthen, potency grow. Or it might evolve into something else."
"Myaaaaaaooow~"
The cat crawled out from under the sofa, meowing even more mournfully.