Chapter 67

Let's try to sort out what happened.

Originally, Cordelia was supposed to have a guest from Eltria visit today.

However, due to the commotion caused by Leonhardt's animal ears, she no longer had the leisure to entertain the guest.

She sent a servant with a letter that read, "I am terribly sorry, but I would like to reschedule your visit to another day."

However, it seems there was a mix-up.

(And it turns out that the guest was an acquaintance of Lord Bernardo, who visited my mansion while escorting his acquaintance.)

This should not have been a problem.

But when the guest arrived at the entrance, it seems they encountered a young lion cub that had been drawn by Cordelia's scent.

The guest, who is afraid of cats, screamed and immediately returned to the carriage.

This scream was what Cordelia heard in her study.

(And His Highness realized that Lord Bernardo was at my mansion. When he was trying to protect me, I came running over, and that’s when he transformed back into a human from the cub form…)

The moment Leonhardt, in his cub form, touched Cordelia and turned back into a human must be due to the same effect that prevents him from freely changing his form, just like the sword with the animal ears.

Although I have a general understanding of how this happened, the situation is far from good.

Lord Bernardo saw the entire transformation from cub to human.

Even if I tried to claim it was an optical illusion or a misunderstanding, the animal ears still on Leonhardt’s head completely eliminated any chance of escape.

The only fortunate thing, if it can be called that, is that only Lord Bernardo and his adjutant witnessed the critical moment.

I must somehow negotiate with Lord Bernardo and his adjutant to keep the entire incident a secret.

After seeing the guest off, Cordelia invited Lord Bernardo, his adjutant, and Leonhardt into the parlor.

As the host, Cordelia took the initiative to start the conversation.

"Lord Bernardo, I am very sorry for involving you in our situation."

"There is no need to apologize. Will you explain this interesting situation to me?"

"I intend to… but…"

Cordelia felt uneasy.

Lord Bernardo sat in the chair with good posture, not even cracking a smile.

It was difficult to gauge his feelings, as he had a nature that made it hard to read his emotions.

Dealing with a noble who was well-versed in social smiles added another layer of complexity.

While observing the movements of Lord Bernardo’s amethyst eyes, Cordelia began to speak.

"First, I would like to ask, Lord Bernardo, what did you think when you saw His Highness Leonhardt in his current form?"

It was not uncommon for people to look down on those who appeared to be beastmen.

Especially in Lord Bernardo’s homeland, the Kingdom of Eltria, which has a strong nationalistic and exclusive nature, it was highly likely that the citizens did not have a good impression of beastmen in general.

"About His Highness Leonhardt’s animal-like ears?"

"Yes. What did you think of them?"

"Nothing in particular."

Lord Bernardo answered without changing his expression.

Cordelia was at a loss for how to respond to such a blunt answer.

"…Did I not explain myself clearly? Well, if I must say, I think my sister, Leti, would be delighted to see them."

"My sister…?"

Cordelia was puzzled by the sudden mention of a new character.

"My sister loves animals like cats and dogs. If she saw His Highness Leonhardt’s ears, she would be thrilled by their beautiful fur."

"Thank you…?"

Since it seemed to be a compliment, Cordelia decided to thank him.

"…Do you, Lord Bernardo, have no other thoughts on the matter?"

"No. Whether he has animal ears or not, it doesn’t change what I do."

His response was as straightforward and unadorned as a single blade.

"I see…"

Although she still couldn’t quite grasp his character, it seemed he wouldn’t automatically view Leonhardt as an enemy just because of the animal ears.

As Cordelia felt a sense of relief, Leonhardt spoke up next.

"I apologize for showing you such an unsightly form earlier. …I have a question first. Why did you come to this mansion today, Lord Bernardo?"

"I was asked by an acquaintance, a civil servant from my hometown, to come as an escort. Is there a problem with that?"

The capital’s security is generally good, but for the civil servant, this was still a foreign country.

It would not be unnatural to ask for the protection of a highly esteemed hero from the same country, just in case.

"Because you were asked? I don’t believe that’s the only reason. Were you not looking for an opportunity to visit Cordelia and took this escort job as a chance?"

Leonhardt was smiling, but his emerald eyes were not.

"…So you see through me."

Lord Bernardo nodded frankly without trying to hide it.

"That’s right. Since the welcoming ceremony, I have wanted to meet Lord Cordelia and His Highness Leonhardt again."

Hearing her name, Cordelia felt her tension rise.

(What is his purpose? Is he trying to involve us in some conspiracy?)

As she remained on guard, Leonhardt pressed further.

"Why did you try to get close to me and Cordelia?"