As she slept, Elina seemed to be dreaming about something delicious. A sweet smile spread across her adorable little face, and a glistening drop appeared at the corner of her mouth. With every breath, the cat ears atop her head gave a tiny twitch, practically begging to be petted.

But in the faint moonlight, a shadow fell across Elina’s face. It was Alaya, wearing an evil grin.

She leaned close to Elina’s cat ears and whispered like a demon, “Even a five-year-old cat-eared girl can stop herself from pouncing on mosquitoes, you know~”

And so the smile on Elina’s sleeping face slowly froze.....

......

Morning.

Elina’s little nose rubbed against the blanket. It was already filled with the scent of sunshine, so it seemed morning had arrived.

But Elina hadn’t slept especially well last night. She’d heard a voice coming from somewhere, and what it said had made her really mad. What did it mean, even a five-year-old cat-eared girl could stop herself from pouncing on mosquitoes, meow?!

I don’t believe a five-year-old cat-eared girl can stop herself from pouncing on mosquitoes. Pouncing on them is so much fun—how could anyone resist?.......

After reassuring herself, Elina sat up. Just then, Eve opened the door, picked a white dress similar to yesterday’s from the wardrobe, and handed it to Elina. “Elina, today’s the elemental awakening ceremony. It’s really important, so you have to dress properly. You can’t dress as casually as you do at home.”

“Mm, all right.” Elina nodded reluctantly.

After all, she knew this was one of the few grand occasions of the year. As a princess, she couldn’t exactly opt out. Dressing nicely would also help uphold the image of the Sacred Rite Clan. Besides, she’d built herself up as the perfect princess in the eyes of the people of the Frank Empire. She couldn’t just ruin that image so easily.

“Pitter-patter.”

Caro’s footsteps sounded outside. Wearing little leather shoes, she walked in with a cheerful smile. Today she had on a black Gothic dress, and an air of mystery and elegance seemed to surround her. Add her intellectual-looking black-rimmed glasses, and she was simply captivating.

Of course, that was if you overlooked the fact that she was stronger than most boys.

“Little Elina~ I’m back! Hurry up and get changed~” Caro said with a smile.

“That’s right, sweetheart. Hurry and get changed. We have to go sit at the central square first.” Alaya smiled in her luxurious silver robe. For once, she wore a regal silver crown atop her head, set with a deep blue gem—the symbol of the Snow Cat Clan.

With Ailante away, she was in charge of hosting the elemental awakening ceremony today, so she had no choice but to leave early. After all, lazing in bed was a defining trait of all cat-eared girls. Of course, she was an adult cat, so she could resist the feline side of her nature. Unlike her silly daughter.

Elina pouted helplessly. She’d wanted to stay snuggled under the covers a little longer, but it looked like she’d have to get up early after all.

“All right.” Elina quickly changed and said, looking sweet and charming.

“Mm, let’s go.” Alaya looked at her daughter’s adorable little face and nodded with satisfaction, then led the three of them to a spot below the castle.

A carriage was waiting there. Its sides were wrapped in exquisite silk, and its silver frame was elegant and finely crafted. A curtain of blue gauze covered the windows, keeping people outside from seeing in while letting those inside enjoy the view.

.......