Chapter 35

"Good morning."

"..."

"Good morning."

"..." Naya drowsily opened her eyes.

"Meow! Meow! Meow! Meow! Meow—!"

Huh? Huh? Huh??? A cat was stepping on her, calling her awake!? Naya instantly arched her back. Anya, now in cat form, leaped aside.

"D-Did I oversleep? Where’s Leon?"

"The Hero and Ruri went to find water."

"With… Ruri…" Naya rubbed her sleepy eyes. "Am I the last to wake? What about Aile?"

Anya extended a cat paw toward a corner—"She knelt there praying after waking. Hasn’t moved since."

Naya watched Aile’s devout prayer. As Aio’s Holy Knight, did Aile need morning prayers to gain divine power? Unlike her—Naya only prayed when healing.

"You stayed up late last night, didn’t you?" Anya asked.

"No way—" Naya tensed. Had she… not slept soundly?

"It’s normal not to be used to sleeping outdoors."

Naya sighed in relief.

"But—I saw it this morning. You were hugging the Hero while sleeping."

Naya’s face flushed crimson instantly.

"I-I’m Leon’s lover! Hugging him in sleep isn’t wrong, no matter how!"

"Well, that’s true," Anya said, stretching her feline body. "Something’s been on my mind, Naya. How many abs does the Hero have?"

"How many abs…? Th-This…" Naya looked utterly bewildered.

"I see. It hasn’t reached that stage yet."

"Wh-What stage???" Naya’s face burned scarlet.

"Well—" Anya began, but Aile, finished praying, walked over.

"Talking about Leon?" Aile sat face-to-face with Naya, serious. "Marry Leon as soon as possible."

"Are you joking!?" Naya jolted. Was this moving too fast?

"I’m serious," Aile stated solemnly. "Leon is the Hero. Traditional stories end with him marrying a princess. You must act first."

"N-No, impossible…" Naya murmured. "The king’s daughter is only ten."

"Ten isn’t too young. In two years—you know when girls can marry."

"Mm, I know…" Naya said, blushing.

"Political marriages are routine among nobles. The king will use a marriage alliance to control the Hero." Aile crossed her arms meaningfully. "Naya, secure your position now! Your generosity lets us gather around Leon. If he marries the princess, he’ll be alone."

"So impressive," Anya murmured. "Being with you guys really teaches me things."

Naya nodded. Leon marrying a princess—No… she really, really cared!!! Though closer to Leon now, marriage felt far off. What to do?

"Thank you, Aile. I believe Leon won’t let me down."

To be continued.