The wind had become considerably bitter. Therefore, the rabbit-only residence with an open roof had been moved into Madam Valence’s office.
Inside the residence, I entered a warmly heated cup and stared blankly at the ceiling as I succumbed to its warmth.
Perhaps Madam Valence was an inventor. A warmed cup for days when bathing was impossible—this was a gift she had given me, apologizing for some misdirected letter.
‘…A letter, what letter was it?’
Had the message announcing that I had followed Ahin gotten mixed up?
It was something that had already happened, and I thought it did not matter. I simply entrusted my body to the warm cup.
“Child.”
Through the open roof, Madam Valence’s beautiful face was cast down.
“Come to think of it, you have developed spots that were not there before.”
She pointed to the ink stains that mottled my body.
Recalling once again the unsightly blotches, I boiled over with rage. So that was why it had seemed strange that he suddenly turned off the lamp. Ahin’s claim that he had cleaned me thoroughly was a complete mess.
Even though Meimi tried to remove it, she said it would take several more days to fade completely.
“You look so grimy, but quite adorable.”
Murmuring words that I could not tell whether were insults or compliments, Madam Valence rubbed at the ink stain. Then she grasped the cup’s handle and lifted me up.
“I have something I would like to suggest to you.”
Smiling softly, Madam Valence seated herself properly on the sofa.
“What would you think of assigning you a tutor, for the future?”
‘A tutor?’
“You could learn how to control your pheromones and acquire basic etiquette. It would be problematic if you suddenly turned human again, like last time. Well, the stable boy was fine, but still.”
Having climbed out of the cup, I slightly opened my mouth.
I never thought Madam Valence, said to be stronger than Ahin, would be unaware that I was a beastfolk.
Still, I had wanted to meet her in a better form when I was human. It seemed she had witnessed me wearing the loose clothes borrowed from Lil somewhere.
‘Ah….’
At some point, Madam Valence, who possessed a gentle strength, had become someone I admired.
Thinking that my first impression before such a person was disheveled hair and boots, I felt indescribably upset. My complicated feelings were expressed through my drooping ears.
“Oh dear, what part of my words made you sad?”
With a perplexed expression, she quickly lifted me out of the cup.
“If a tutor is difficult for you, I shall withdraw the suggestion. Since it is just a proposal, if you dislike it, you do not have to force yourself.”
Her warm and affectionate voice came from right nearby. I was merely disappointed that my hopes had been dashed, and having quickly regained my spirit, I shook my head.
“Well, I cannot understand. It would be nice if there were someone who could interpret the rabbit’s language.”
“…I beg your pardon for speaking out of turn, but it seems the lady rabbit wished to only show you her best side, my lady.”
Meimi, who had been waiting at the entrance, added cautiously. Whoosh, both Madam Valence and I turned our heads simultaneously.
“Is what Meimi said the truth?”
‘Not a single doubt about it.’
Unable to hide my amazement, I clapped my front paws together.
She had once worried about not understanding my gestures, and now she understood them so readily. Once again, I realized how capable a maid Ahin had assigned to me.
“Goodness, you were concerned about such things? I do not care what you look like.”
I felt a soft breath over my head.
“You have been my friend who filled my lonely teatime during the passing of many seasons.”
After playfully tickling my chin for quite a while as if finding me endearing, she got to the main point.
“I will hire the tutor you want. Personally, I would recommend Lady Layla, a giraffe beastfolk, but… hmm.”
Placing me back into the cup, Madam Valence trailed off.
“Upon hearing the news, Lord Lilion said that while he stays at the mansion, he would like to conduct your lessons himself.”
‘…grandfather?’
I immediately recalled piercing eyes and a long beard, and my pupils trembled.
“He currently serves as the director of the academy, so he will offer you much guidance. But I think he may be difficult for you. That’s why I’ve put it on hold. What do you think?”
Wasn’t he the most formidable person in Grace Manor? Hooking my chin over the edge of the cup, I pondered seriously.
‘Perhaps that grandson of mine will need you every moment.’
‘Go ask Lilion, that old codger. He’ll probably give a better answer than this old woman.’
There weren’t many options. Though I was indeed afraid, perhaps he was the one who could tell me the truth I wanted most. It did not take too long to make a decision.
* * *
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