Chapter 303: Rice Cake (2)

    Rumors began to spread from the Kingdom of Ters, rumors about Xenon’s identity that spread like wildfire.

    A nobleman, not anonymously but one of high rank, that of a count of great influence in that country, risked his name to provide this information. It was a gamble that could severely damage his reputation or cause him to be vilified for deceit.

    Yet, Count Kamar had ample reason to make such revelations. He maintained neutrality during the trial, and although he was cautious, he did not disparage me. Compared to other nobles, he holds a minimal degree of favor, and he has an escape route: he can shift the blame onto me.

    The idea that the kingdom might be shaken? Perhaps he has plans to secretly replace the royal power or commit acts of similar magnitude based on that instability.

    Of course, this is akin to a coup d’e?tat, so it’s purely speculative and not something I need to ponder. Frankly, whether it’s a coup or not, if the state is on the brink of turmoil, any wise leader should address that first.

    In any case, the news that Count Kamar revealed through the newspaper is roughly as follows:

    [Xenon is from the Minerva Empire.]

    [Xenon is not a sage, but possesses wisdom comparable to a sage.]

    [Xenon is a man with red hair and golden eyes.]

    Although these three clues seem scant, there are very few people in this world with red hair. Moreover, mentioning golden eyes and his origin narrows it down significantly. However, I don’t know where the claim about wisdom comparable to a sage came from. Perhaps it’s to imply that he has met me in person.

    Nevertheless, it’s not a complete lie, so I just need to wait until the bait fully takes hold.

    “Hmm...”

    “... ...”

    “Hmmmmm...”

    “...Why?”

    Three days have passed since the rumors spread to the Minerva Empire and Halo Academy.

    I had gotten used to others staring at me, but it was still unsettling when Leona stared at me intensely. Leona and I were scheduled to work together as assistants, which meant we met more frequently than before.

    Today was no different. I had met her to treat her to her favorite steak and have a chat, but she just kept staring at me like now.

    She would look at me while taking a bite of steak, chew on the bones while looking at me, and lick the remaining sauce with her tongue while looking at me.

    “Red hair... golden eyes... hmm...”

    “... ...”

    “Wisdom comparable to a sage... that seems to fit too...”

    If you’re that curious, why don’t you just ask directly? I realized what Leona was suspicious about and let out a dry laugh. She is known as a studious person who only focuses on her studies, but in reality, she is quite interested in worldly affairs.

    I heard that she reads the same newspaper I subscribe to. Even though she is the third wife’s daughter, it would be odd if she had no interest in politics.

    Despite Leona’s suspicious gaze, I leisurely opened my mouth to speak.

    “Why? Are you curious if I’m Xenon?”

    “Yeah. The description in the newspaper fits you perfectly.”

    Leona answered while chewing on her steak. With her animal ears and tail fully visible, she looked truly adorable. I couldn’t help but smile weakly at Leona, who looked just like a pet. As I rested my chin on my hand, Leona swallowed her steak and spoke.

    “Why are you looking at me like that? You should finish your steak too.”

    “You look so cute eating so heartily.”

    “... ...”

    Everyone knows that Leona is particularly weak to compliments about her appearance. Even now, as I complimented her cuteness, her face turned red, and her ears perked up and twitched. Her tail wagged back and forth, openly expressing her happiness.

    ‘Come to think of it, she is really bad at hiding her emotions.’

    Although Leona presents a cynical personality on the outside, she becomes very honest the moment her ears and tail are visible.

    Perhaps the pressure to hide her true identity has made her personality harsher. Unlike me, Leona has to suppress her actual personality, so in a way, she has it worse than I do.

    People need to express their desires or show their true selves to maintain mental health. For Leona, eating steak with me is her way of relieving stress.

    “By the way, what would you do if I were Xenon?”

    “Huh?”

    “I asked, what would you do if I were Xenon?”Visitt  for the latest updates

    Typical of beastfolk, her simple and direct solution left me feeling dizzy. At the same time, I was puzzled. Why did she choose me over any other man?

    Despite the cultural differences, I had indirectly signaled my struggles multiple times, yet she never gave up. Even her mother disapproved, making it all the more perplexing.

    “Does it really have to be me? There are other better men...”

    “You’re Xenon, right? Is there anyone better than you, man or person?”

    “... ...”

    “I knew you would say that. Just watch. I’ll follow you to the end, even if I have to bite your balls.”

    Leona declared boldly, grinning so widely that her fangs showed. Why did I suddenly picture a lioness biting a lion’s testicles? I let out a dry laugh and shook my head. It seemed she was not one to give up easily.

    “So, what will you do to make me feel possessive? I’m curious.”

    “I’ll think about that slowly.”

    “Um... Can I ask one favor?”

    “What is it?”

    I wanted to see it at least once. I hesitated a little, then cautiously asked Leona.

    “Stand up for a moment.”

    With a puzzled expression, Leona obediently stood up, her tail swaying, reflecting her emotions. I looked at her unique and beautiful features and then cleared my throat.

    It was embarrassing to say it out loud, but since Leona had already declared her intentions, it should be fine. After a moment of hesitation, I stood up as well. Facing her directly, I voiced my request.

    “First, raise your hands...”

    “Raise my hands.”

    “And act like you’re showing your claws.”

    “Like this?”

    Leona followed my words, making a threatening gesture like a beast showing its claws. I added the final touch.

    “And roar like ‘Raaawr!’ showing your fangs.”

    “Raaawr!”

    The impact of her actions couldn’t be ignored. She took it seriously, but to me, it looked like a big cat trying to be cute. If she was this adorable and lovable ‘pet,’ maybe it was acceptable.

    She already viewed herself as my possession. I suppressed the growing possessiveness inside me and cleared my throat again. Any more and I might start making strange requests.

    “...That’s enough. This will do.”

    “Really? Do you feel possessive?”

    “A little.”

    “Raaawr!!”

    Pleased with my honest answer, Leona repeated the same action without me asking.

    Seeing my reluctant expression, Leona also seemed a bit embarrassed. She stuck out her tongue and scratched her head.

    “Hehe, maybe that wasn’t the best idea?”

    “... ...”

    I suppressed the urge to pull on her protruding tongue. After revealing my identity to Leona, a few days passed.

    [Isaac. Return to the estate immediately upon seeing this letter.]

    A message came from my father.

    [Everyone is mistaking me for Xenon. Forget about your studies and come back quickly.]

    I couldn’t help but laugh at the contents of the letter.

    Translators note: