by misacchi
While Senyar, who had barely managed to utter those words, was drinking water, he looked around the hospital room. It wasn't as spacious as the VIP rooms that the Löwe Family often used, but it was a comfortable private room with no inconveniences. Noticing his gaze, she said quietly.
"When I first came in, it was a six-person room. It was very distracting and noisy, so I often had trouble sleeping…."
"..."
"Madam Löwe heard about it and had it changed to a private room. I don't know how to repay this kindness; I don't know what to do."
"Your grandparents must have treated Grandmother that well."
Discover moreChild Care
Relationship advice book
Drama genre films
"I heard that Madam even took care of the funeral. I don't have the face to see Grandpa and Grandma even in the afterlife…."
Tears welled up in Senyar's eyes, as if she had already heard about her grandparents' death. Eduard quickly changed the subject.
"Save those thoughts for later and focus on recovering first. Is there anything you want to eat?"
"They said it will take some time before I can eat regular food because my body isn't in good condition yet."
Eduard stared silently at the IV line connected to Senyar's arm. There was only one needle inserted into her wrist, but several unidentified plastic bags were dangling above it.
"To acknowledge your effort in coming all this way, I'll answer only three things you're most curious about."
Senyar said in a playful voice, as if she was doing him a favor. How much he had loved her for not losing her cheerfulness even in the most difficult situations. Eduard was relieved that Senyar hadn't changed much, even though she was sick and quite a bit of time had passed.
"Who's the father of the child?"
He knew very well that this question would sound petty. But he couldn't help but ask. What kind of shameless bastard could drive her life into such a pit? He wouldn't feel satisfied even if he exposed everything and sent that son of a bitch's life into hell as well.
As if she knew he would ask that first, Senyar sighed deeply and coughed again. Eduard, worried, said.
Discover morechild
Novel subscription box
Romantic fiction books
"It's okay if it's hard for you to talk about it later."
"No, it's always like this. It sounds loud, but it's not that hard."
There was no way that was true. She probably sensed that Eduard didn't believe her at all. Senyar, who hesitated for a moment, moving her lips, finally looked at Eduard.
"Before I tell you, promise me one thing. Promise me you won't do 'anything' after hearing it."
What kind of son of a bitch was he that she had to say something like this? Eduard's insides were boiling, but he nodded for now. Whether he would do 'anything' or not was something he could decide after hearing the story.
"The father of the child is…, Geoffrey Josef Alstadt."
Eduard was stunned as if he had been hit in the back of the head with a hammer. Senyar gave a bitter smile.
"It's the person you're thinking of. It's hard to believe, but it's true. No one knows that fact. You're the first and last person I'm telling."
Who could easily believe it? It was a name that no one in Feladia, from children to the elderly, could possibly not know.
Discover moreMarriage
Movies
Forbidden love stories
He was the vice president of Alstadt Electronics, and at the time he first met Senyar six years ago, he was the executive director. He was around fifty years old, but he had a noble appearance and a well-maintained, handsome physique that surpassed most celebrities, and as the eldest son who would inherit the Alstadt enterprise, he was a man who possessed both power and wealth.
"H, he's twenty years older, isn't he?"
His lips trembled, and his words faltered. Senyar burst into a light laugh at his dumbfounded expression.
"I never imagined that the first thing you'd say would be that it's 'the Alstadt,' of all people."
Even if it wasn't 'the Alstadt,' but the son of the creator who made the world, to Eduard, he was just a son of a bitch who ruined the life of a young woman who was almost young enough to be his child. Senyar put her hand to her mouth and thought for a moment, then said with a serious expression.
"Not quite twenty years, maybe eighteen or nineteen…."
"That's the same thing."
"I guess so. Is the age difference your second question?"
"No!"
Calming his chest, which was seething with anger, Eduard pondered what to ask for the remaining two questions.
How on earth did she end up having a child with that man, why did she run away, where and how did she live after running away, what was all this talk about pneumoconiosis, what made her suddenly come back, where is the child now and who is with them, what does she plan to do in the future….
Discover moreBoys Love merchandise
Roleplaying Games
E-Books
Even just thinking about it roughly, there were so many things, but Senyar had only allowed him two questions. Was it a manifestation of her will not to say much? To draw out as long a story as possible from her, who kept trying to hide and conceal things, it was necessary to ask the questions vaguely.
"From the day you first met that person until now, what on earth happened?"
Even he thought it was a terribly unfocused and mean way to ask, but it was the best he could do. It was a gamble that Senyar wasn't the type to play word games by answering in a roundabout way, like 'various things happened.'
She would definitely tell him at least some of the truth he wanted to know. No, the more details she told him, the more uneasy Eduard would become.
Because the more that happened, the more it would mean that there were not many days left for her to stay in this world.
"So, you're saying I should spill everything?"
Senyar laughed weakly, dumbfounded. As she said, Eduard had to know 'everything.' Before the maddening anxiety that there might not be many days left for him to face her like this and talk to her became a reality.
"I first met that person in the cafeteria of Alstadt Electronics headquarters."
Discover moreStory writing software
Book club membership
Anime & Manga
Geoffrey Alstadt would eat with ordinary employees in the cafeteria once a month as a monthly event. He saw Senyar eating at the next table at that time, and he asked her name, age, and affiliation.
"The very next day, I suddenly received a message from the executive director's secretariat. I was selected as the next target for 'Meeting with the Executive Director.'"
"What's that?"
"It's a kind of event where a person randomly selected from the employees has a one-on-one meal with the executive director and talks about their company life."
'Meeting with the Executive Director' was an innovative system in which company executives met with ordinary employees from various departments, had candid conversations, and listened to their grievances. Because it was a random lottery system, the target was not limited to specific departments, ages, or genders.
However, as much as it claimed to be 'random,' in reality, even if the executive director designated the person he wanted, there was no way that fact would be revealed.
"There was someone who participated in that event among the employees of the in-house daycare center where I worked, so I went to the meeting without any particular suspicion."
Discover moremarried
Novel writing tips
romantic comedy
At the first meeting, the executive director showed a very gentlemanly and considerate demeanor. As they had a healthy conversation about work life while eating delicious food in a neat restaurant, she developed respect and liking for the executive director.
"I thought that I would no longer have the chance to see that person directly after that meeting. But…."
A few days later, the executive director offered Senyar a position in the secretariat through the chief of staff. He said that he had made a special offer because Senyar was intelligent and a good conversationalist, but she felt a sense of unease.
"I refused without a second thought. It's strange to offer a position that even superior species who graduated from prestigious universities with degrees in public administration or international affairs have difficulty getting to a Pussycat from a local university with a degree in early childhood education. I was also worried about how people would look at me if I accepted."
Eduard didn't say anything. It was all he could do to maintain a calm expression. He didn't want to sadden Senyar with a gloomy and angry face that revealed his emotions.
"Besides, I'm a Snicat. The person was the executive director, so he would naturally have the right to check my personnel information. I was even more uneasy thinking that he might have been interested in me because I'm a Snicat."
Snicats, regardless of gender, had cute and pretty appearances, but there were no distinct differences that outwardly distinguished them from ordinary Pussycats. Therefore, it was entirely possible to infer that the executive director, who felt attracted to Senyar in the cafeteria, had designated her as the target for the next meeting, and after meeting her once, he became even more interested and tried to scout her to the secretariat.
Discover moreBooks & Literature
Family Law
Library access pass
"Then this time, I received a message to have 'Meeting with the Executive Director' unofficially just one more time. He told me not to worry because we would only have a healthy conversation like last time. I was afraid that if I refused even that, I would somehow incur his wrath and suffer disadvantages, so I had a meal with that person one more time."
Wine was added to the second meal, which hadn't been there before. However, he only recommended a small amount that she could enjoy moderately, so it wasn't a big burden.
He led the conversation in a comfortable atmosphere, being considerate so that she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. It was undeniable that the executive director was a charming man in many ways.
"Still, I thought that person was very busy and even famous, so he would attract people's attention wherever he went, so he wouldn't force strange things on me. There would be people lined up everywhere who wanted to have a special relationship with that person."
There were plenty of people who dreamed of becoming Geoffrey Alstadt's mistress, not caring at all that he was a middle-aged married man with four children. Senyar may have been the only person who refused Geoffrey's seduction.
"So, nothing happened until the third meal…."
On the day she was called for the fourth time, she honestly said that she was uncomfortable with these meetings.
He hadn't demanded a physical relationship, but it was very burdensome to keep meeting separately with a married superior in a VIP room of a high-end restaurant. In response to her words, the executive director said that he truly regretted that he wanted to continue to be close with her, who was a good conversationalist.
Discover moreDrama series streaming
Science Fiction & Fantasy
marriage
"Seeing that, my heart softened. It was the last meeting, and the next day was the weekend, so he asked me to play with him a little more. So, I ended up drinking all the wine and cocktails he gave me."
When she woke up the next morning, she was lying naked in a suite bed in a 6-star hotel… a story like a third-rate drama.
"It was just that one night."
The executive director made several proposals, saying that since things had turned out this way, they should continue the relationship. An apartment worth billions in Cairn, a luxury car, a credit card with unlimited credit, subsidies to open a kindergarten, and so on.
"He was going to give it all as compensation for sex. It was humiliating. I poured out all the bad words I knew and shouted that if he contacted me one more time, I would expose all his misdeeds on a CatTube live broadcast."
Whether Senyar's resistance worked, or whether he had enjoyed himself enough that night, he didn't look for her for a while.
However, Senyar had a worry left. Her heat cycle, which had always been a bit irregular, started a few days later.
She tried to handle the situation alone, even taking emergency contraception. But she ended up getting pregnant. She had always wondered how conception had occurred even though it was clearly not her heat cycle, but she only learned the secret after time had passed.
In the case of White Tigercats with the best genes among Tigercats, the sperm that entered the mother's body survived for up to two weeks. Once fertilization occurred, it exhibited such strong vitality that it could not be compared to other species and was not affected by over-the-counter emergency contraception, so surgery was the only method of abortion.
Senyar, a Pussycat, had no way of knowing about White Tigercats, a rare lineage among Tigercats. Thus, the baby settled in Senyar's womb and grew day by day.
How hard it must have been. The more Eduard heard the story, the more he felt like his heart was burning white and turning to ashes.
To not tell her grandparents, her friend, or even Eduard himself, whom she talked to almost every day, and to handle it all alone. Senyar, who had grown up with the same personality as when she was a child, was overly upright, strong, and foolish.
"The first thing I thought after confirming that I was pregnant was that I should never let that man know."
Whether he had forced her while she was drunk, or whether she had agreed and enjoyed it together, she was clearly responsible as well. What was clear was that if she had an abortion, Senyar, a Snicat, would never be able to conceive again.
The conceived child was not only Alstadt's but also her child. Of course, considering that he was a Tigercat with a long-standing lineage and she was a Snicat, the child to be born would be almost his clone, but even so, as long as it was in her womb, it was clearly her child.
If Geoffrey Alstadt knew this fact, he would force Senyar to have an abortion or have the child and then take it away. Regardless of gender, he would never let Senyar raise a child who had inherited his genes so extremely on her own.
Thinking about the child's future, she had even considered whether it would be better to send it to him as a newborn who knew nothing.
If she raised it alone, it would have to grow up as the child of a single mother and would not be financially well-off, so it might have to grow up struggling in poverty despite being a Tigercat of the highest species. On the other hand, if it was sent to the Alstadt Family, it could grow up in a wealthy environment like royalty.
by misacchi
But… could she really forget the baby she had carried in her womb and raised with her own hands? If the baby had never existed in the first place, it might have been different, but after losing the baby who had gurgled and smiled in her arms, drinking her milk, could she really say she had done the right thing and live peacefully for the rest of her life, with a body that could never conceive again?
Senyar said that the more she thought about it, the less confident she became.
"And I wasn't sure that a child born out of wedlock would be happy in the Alstadt Family."
Geoffrey already had three sons and one daughter. According to rumors, he was not a family-oriented father at all. Just thinking about the proposal he had made to Senyar on the day she woke up in the hotel, it was clear what his usual behavior and values were like.
He would never give warm love to a baby labeled as a troublesome illegitimate child. The baby, neglected by his indifference, would grow up with half-siblings who were much older than him, under a stepmother who looked at him as if he were dirty garbage.
It was obvious how they would treat the baby. Perhaps he would even be insulted as 'the child of a vulgar Snicat who deliberately seduced her superior during her heat cycle in order to extort money.'
So she had to hide. She had to disappear completely to a place where no one could find her or contact her. She had to go into hiding of her own volition, not through kidnapping or disappearance, in order to avoid unnecessary pursuit.
Senyar took advantage of Geoffrey's long business trip to submit her resignation and quickly organized her surroundings.
He didn't know she was pregnant, so even if he found out about her resignation, he would think she had run away because she was afraid he would do something like that again. Geoffrey, who was fond of women, had plenty of people to enjoy, so he probably wouldn't be obsessed with Senyar, with whom he had only spent one night.
After completing all the preparations and finishing her last call with Eduard and her grandparents, Senyar took a smuggling ship and came to Aviria. This very country where they were now.
Eduard asked, not hiding his displeasure.
"Why Aviria of all places? It's dangerous."
"I thought it would be easier to hide because it's a place where many races live mixed together."
At first glance, it might seem less conspicuous to be in Feladia, but in this country, where racial discrimination still remained, it was virtually unheard of for a Pussycat mother, the lowest species, to raise a Tigercat child, the highest species, alone. Moreover, if the child inherited nearly 90 percent of the Alstadt bloodline, it was obvious that everyone would know at a glance that he was no ordinary child.
"Even so, it's dangerous to be alone…."
"That's why I always carried a gun with me. It's easy to buy guns here. Even if you shoot a few people to death, they don't investigate properly unless you're caught on the spot."
Eduard had never dreamed that she would go abroad, especially to Aviria, this lawless and dangerous place. It was no wonder that there was no trace of her no matter how hard he looked, and that there were no hospital records.
"I gave birth to Cale here…, my son."
Senyar smiled faintly, looking into the distance as if she were thinking of Cale.
"It was an unfamiliar place, but no matter how hard it was, when I saw my child smiling brightly, I couldn't regret my choice. I was going to secretly contact my grandparents and you when life became a little more stable…."
For two full years after the baby was born, Senyar was unable to engage in any external activities. She could not receive low-income support as she had in her home country, Feladia. She spent all the money she had saved from part-time jobs and working her whole life on living expenses and childcare, and she constantly did small side jobs that she could do at home.
Fortunately, the cost of living in Aviria was about 1/3 of that in Feladia, so it wasn't plentiful, but it was enough to make ends meet for her and the baby.
Tigercats, the superior species, developed faster than other species, so they could be fully humanized after only two years. Before that, they lacked control, so tiger ears and tails would pop out from time to time, or they would suddenly turn back into tigers even while playing.
Of course, it was her first time raising a tiger beastman from infancy, so Senyar proudly watched her son grow up day by day.
When Cale turned two and no longer showed any signs of being a tiger, Senyar hired a white-eye beastman, the gentlest and kindest species in Aviria, as a nanny.
In Aviria, there were many foreigners living there, including mammalian, reptilian, and amphibian beastmen, in addition to avian beastmen, who were citizens of the country, so it was difficult to identify the specific species of each beastman. The white-eye nanny had no suspicion that Senyar and Cale were of different species.
When Cale became close to the white-eye nanny and she was finally able to start looking for a job with peace of mind, Senyar's only criterion was salary. The more difficult and dangerous the job, the higher the salary, so she didn't consider easy and comfortable jobs from the beginning. If a young woman wanted to earn a lot of money without going into the entertainment industry, she couldn't be picky about her work.
So Senyar went to work in a factory that made pottery and ceramics. Among the raw materials she handled was a dangerous substance called silica. If invisible silica particles accumulated in the lungs like dust, fibrosis would occur, hardening the lung tissue and causing serious lung damage.
Senyar thought that other people were working fine, so if she wore an industrial mask and was careful enough, she would be fine. In fact, she was fine for about two years. She worked for 10 hours a day for three consecutive days and then rested for two days, so she could spend enough time with Cale on her days off.
"I don't know if it was a wise choice, but I thought it was the best thing to do in that situation. My child and I were happy in our own way back then."
On her days off, Senyar took Cale to amusement parks, theme parks, and resorts in Aviria. She fed Cale fresh and nutritious food, dressed him in high-quality clothes, and bought and read picture books from various countries.
Senyar used her experience assisting in the education of superior species children at the Alstadt Electronics in-house daycare center to directly teach Cale the manners and virtues that upper-class children should possess. She communicated with the nanny, the white-eye beastmen, in Avirian, so the intelligent Cale gradually became fluent in two languages.
Senyar often missed Feladia and wanted to see her grandparents and friends, but she was able to gain the strength to live by watching Cale grow up day by day.
However, the happiness that she had barely managed to create did not last long.
Senyar began to show symptoms of silicosis five years after she had smuggled herself into Aviria, three years after she had started working at the factory. She often had difficulty breathing, felt tightness in her chest, and had a constant cough. Because she was not feeling well, she became nervous, anxious, and had difficulty digesting food.
Even in that state, she thought it was just a temporary phenomenon caused by overwork until she collapsed at the factory and was taken to the emergency room.
"The factory claimed that other employees didn't have such symptoms, so it was my carelessness that exposed me to silica dust. Maybe I'm a Snicat, so I'm naturally weak, and that's why this only happened to me."
Aviria's lax laws did not properly protect workers' rights. Senyar's health deteriorated, so she eventually quit her job and took a break to take care of Cale herself. She thought that if she took medicine and rested for a while, she would recover.
Even after quitting the factory, Senyar's health did not improve easily. If she had been in Feladia, where medical technology was excellent and welfare benefits were good, she might have used better medicine and received proper treatment. But unfortunately, it was difficult to do so in Aviria.
As her condition gradually worsened, a tragic event occurred that would completely change her life.
"One day, Cale…. had a very big accident."
Cale, who had gone out to play because he was bored of being at home, was hit by a dump truck. He was immediately taken to the emergency room, but he fell into a coma due to excessive bleeding, severe fractures, and ruptured internal organs. Delicate surgery requiring advanced skills was urgently needed, but it was impossible to receive such surgery in Aviria.
"I really know what it feels like to have the sky fall. I didn't care about anything, I just…, I had to save my child…."
Senyar bit her lip, her bony shoulders shaking, as if she was still struggling when she thought about that time. Eduard silently pulled out a tissue and handed it to her.
After shedding a torrent of tears, she revealed the last story.
Senyar heard from the hospital that 'surgery was impossible in Aviria, and even if the world's best medical team was deployed immediately, the survival rate would be less than 50%.'
In the end, she found her old cell phone, which she had not taken out since leaving Feladia, and turned it on. The phone number of the executive director's secretary was left in the call history. Without delay, she called him, identified herself, and said without preamble.
'My son, whom I gave birth to, the executive director's son, has been in a traffic accident. Please save my child…!'
The experienced chief secretary, who had a superior whose private life was not clean, had experienced this more than once or twice. Until then, not a single one of the numerous claims that Geoffrey Alstadt had a child or had given birth had been proven to be true.
However, when the chief secretary saw the picture of Cale that Senyar had sent, he was speechless for a while. It was not just that he resembled him, but it was no exaggeration to say that his superior had been reborn. He was so similar that he even wondered if the picture had been manipulated.
The chief secretary quickly searched the records he had meticulously organized years ago. He searched Geoffrey Alstadt's schedule and compared the date he met and slept with Senyar Merhendes with Cale's date of birth, and the pregnancy period matched exactly.
In addition, it seemed impossible to manipulate all the pictures of Cale growing up from infancy and the pictures he took with Senyar.
At Senyar's desperate words that the child's life was at stake, the chief secretary immediately reported the matter to Geoffrey Alstadt. He narrowed his brows and searched his memory after looking at a few pictures of Cale and Senyar that had been sent to the chief secretary's cell phone.
It was only after a long time that he finally remembered Senyar and nodded to the chief secretary. The chief secretary immediately contacted Senyar and presented her with several conditions.
「A genetic test will be conducted at the same time as the child's surgery. If he is not Alstadt's biological child, she will be subject to strong legal action, and all transportation and surgery costs and huge compensation for lying will be charged to Senyar, and she will also be subject to criminal punishment.
If it is confirmed that he is a biological child, from that moment on, the child will belong to the Alstadt Family forever. She will never be able to see the child again, and all rights to the child, including parental rights and custody, will be forfeited.
It is strictly forbidden to personally keep pictures of the child or to tell anyone about the child. However, a certain amount of compensation will be secretly given by the vice president.
If you spread rumors that you gave birth to an Alstadt Family's child out of wedlock and defame their reputation, you will be held legally responsible for it. You must keep in mind that there has never been a case in Feladian history where a dirty legal battle has been fought against the Alstadt Family and won.」
Compensation. If it meant paying money for a mother giving birth to her child, she didn't need a single penny. Senyar felt a heart-wrenching pain at the words 'she will never be able to see the child again and all rights to the child will be forfeited.'
However, it could never be a greater sorrow than the death of her child. She had to quickly admit that she could not save Cale with her own abilities.
'I…, I know this is a really shameless thing to say, but even if it takes a long time, I'll pay back all the surgery costs, so after the surgery, can I take him back and raise him again….'
Senyar closed her eyes tightly and recited her desperate wish. However, all that came back was a cold voice mixed with ridicule.
'You're being too greedy. Just tell me whether you'll accept the conditions I've stated or not.'
Even as she said this, Cale's flame of life was fading away every moment. Senyar felt difficulty breathing and barely answered.
'…I will. I don't need any compensation, so please save my child right now.'
An hour after finishing the call with the chief secretary, a high-speed helicopter for rescue operations flew in. There was no logo of the Alstadt Corporation printed on the aircraft, so she couldn't even properly identify its nationality.
Whether the story had already been conveyed to the hospital, the nurses moved Cale's bed to the rooftop emergency landing pad without asking Senyar. Senyar could only helplessly watch the rescue workers transfer Cale to the emergency rescue cart.
Cale was still unconscious. When he woke up, he would be left alone in a situation where people he didn't know, whose faces and names he didn't know, were claiming to be his family.
The cold reality that she would never be able to see Cale's smiling face again, hold him, or kiss his cheek again seemed to tear her heart to pieces.
She collapsed and leaned over the cart, grabbing Cale's hand and rubbing her cheek against it for the last time. But the rescue workers ruthlessly pulled her away, boarded the helicopter, and left without delay. Senyar looked up at the helicopter taking off with a loud roar until her neck broke, and cried and cried.
It's okay if you forget your mother. No, it might be better to forget completely so that no painful memories remain.
All I want is for you to survive.
I hope that you will have surgery and live without any aftereffects in a wealthy family without any shortcomings, that you will grow up to be a wonderful member of Alstadt. I hope that one day I can see you from afar, even on TV or a billboard, looking happier than ever.
That's how Senyar sent Cale away.
In the midst of the confusion, she returned home in tears, only to find strangers breaking into her house indiscriminately. On the spot, she was robbed of her cell phone containing pictures of Cale.
Not only her laptop and photo album in the house, but also her clothes, toys, and even the sketchbook where Cale drew and played were all confiscated, even a single colored pencil. The house was almost empty.
She regretted to death that she had not saved even a single picture of Cale in her email or cloud storage, fearing that Geoffrey would catch her tail. Now, Cale's childhood would only remain in her memory.
Discover moreGay romance novels
Drama genre films
child
In addition, she had to sign a written oath stating that she would not claim any parental rights over Cale. She read the long document in detail, but nowhere did she see words like 'visitation rights.'
A few days later, the chief secretary came to her house in person. He told her that Cale's surgery had been successfully completed and that he was recovering. He conveyed to her several compensations that the vice president had proposed, but she refused them all. Nothing in the world except Cale could bring her joy.
Meanwhile, Senyar's health deteriorated rapidly as soon as she was deprived of Cale.
Senyar, who had been lying at home for a couple of months with a battered body and an empty heart, came to Schmeier General Hospital for treatment and fainted.
She was in the emergency room before being transferred to a general ward. After that, rumors reached Mrs. Schmeier that a very pretty cat lady from Feladia had been hospitalized, leading to her meeting with Eduard now.
"That's all."
"..."
"Since all the stories ended in the second question, I don't think the third one is necessary."
Even Senyar's smile now looked like a forced smile. Eduard, who adjusted the angle of the bed so that she could lie down more comfortably, shook his head.
"No. It's necessary."
"Is there anything else to ask?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
Senyar looked puzzled. Eduard quietly took her thin, pale hand and said.
"The proposal you didn't accept 6 years ago, would it be okay to make it again now?"
Discover moreE-Books
Anime & Manga
Ebook reader device
The tears that had barely subsided welled up again, blurring Senyar's vision.
The wine glass was empty.
Waking from his long reverie, Professor Eduard Neuer Löwe recalled the single jewel Senyar had left behind, before departing to a place from which she could never return, less than half a year after their reunion.
When Löwe first heard the rumor that the youngest son of the Alstadt Family was entering the Fashion Design Department through a donation-based admission, he felt a chill run down his spine. He was probably the only outsider who knew that he was not the biological child of Charlotte Emma Alstadt, the current chairman's wife.
When the world gossiped about the sudden appearance of the family's fifth child, claiming he was undoubtedly born out of wedlock, Charlotte Alstadt held an official press conference.
She immediately put an end to the controversy by revealing the results of genetic testing involving her husband, herself, and Calevik.
She appealed, "Our youngest son, born overseas, has been inherently weak, which is why we have minimized his exposure. Is it really right to wound such a young child with dirty rumors for the sake of public amusement?" as she dabbed at her tears with a lace-trimmed handkerchief.
Discover moreDrama series streaming
children
Acting & Theater
The people of Feladia, watching the live broadcast, declared that they had always trusted the prestigious Alstadt Family, and they criticized the media for spreading rumors about them.
Following that press conference, the stock prices of all companies belonging to the Alstadt Group soared. Charlotte's donation of a large sum of money to organizations supporting single mothers and fathers, apologizing for unintentionally hurting them through this incident, also contributed to the stock increase.
Only Löwe sneered at the hypocritical display.
He worried about the unspoken wounds in Cale's heart, growing up in such a family after losing his mother. However, he became bitterly disappointed after Cale's admission when he learned that Cale had grown up to be a twisted delinquent beyond imagination.
His unrequited first love, who had even rejected Löwe's second proposal, left him with a final wish before she died.
"Please meet a good person, build a happy family, and live well. Watch Cale grow up from afar, even if it's only through the media. And even if you happen to meet Cale someday, please never let him know about our relationship," she had said.
Thus, the precious son whom Senyar had loved so dearly, even at the cost of her life, had clearly lost his radiant light upon entering the Alstadt Family.
Discover moreNovel subscription box
Novel writing tips
Family Law
Contrary to Senyar's wish that he be healthy and happy, Löwe was deeply saddened by the look in Cale's eyes, devoid of any desire for life or hope.
You can't live like that. You are a life that your biological mother gave birth to, raised, and saved at the cost of her own life. You must live more meaningfully, more diligently, for her sake….
Words that he could not say, even if a knife were at his throat, rose to the tip of Löwe's tongue, only to dissipate.
Aside from Senyar's last wish, he couldn't recklessly mention her, claiming to be her friend, without knowing how much Cale knew about his biological mother's death. It was impossible to gauge how much of a shock the truth would be to Cale.
Come to think of it, it wasn't just Senyar who had lost Cale. For a child of that age to suddenly lose their primary caregiver, whom they had never been separated from, was perhaps a fear greater than death.
Without knowing the environment in which Cale had spent over 15 years, it would be presumptuous for Löwe to suddenly bring up his biological mother and lecture him like an old man.
Therefore, all he could do was obsessively harass Cale, in the guise of a terrifying professor who was fanatically fixated on student attendance, to somehow get him to come to school.
Discover moreLGBTQ+ book recommendations
Library access pass
Romantic fiction books
After another two years passed in such helplessness, Löwe saw a newly hired cleaning staff member.
Someone with a deep interest in design, possessing both innate talent and passion. And above all, a faint, peculiar scent… The smell was different, but it was a sweetness that gave him a sense of déjà vu, similar to what he had occasionally felt from Senyar.
If that was Snicat's unique pheromone…
Could Calevik, who had lost his Snicat mother and been deprived of the light of the world, receive some positive influence from that Snicat, whose will to live shone so brightly?
Frankly speaking, it was an idea without any objective basis. However, Löwe trusted his 'instinct,' which had been exceptionally good since he was young.
As he intended, Rudin Greenwood successfully transferred to the Fashion Design Department. He even managed to naturally pair them up in his class. He even sent them together on an overseas volunteer program, so that they could rely on each other in an unfamiliar environment.
In fact, Löwe even received a call from Charlotte, who was furious about the matter.
Discover moreStory writing software
Movies
Books & Literature
He wasn't at all curious about how she had obtained his personal number. She was from a family that could directly call even the president of the country if necessary.
"Is this Professor Eduard Neuer Löwe?"
The call came on the afternoon of the day Cale left for Aviria. It was a middle-aged woman's voice that Löwe had never heard before.
"Yes, it is. May I ask who is calling?"
"This is Charlotte Emma Alstadt. I am the mother of Calevik Roshaff Alstadt."
Her tone was refined and her voice gentle, but beneath the surface lurked an arrogance that she couldn't hide.
"So, you're the mother of Alstadt, a third-year student in our department. But what brings you to call my personal number on a holiday?"
Charlotte spoke in a stiff voice, unfazed by Löwe's calm response.
"I heard that you sent my child on an overseas volunteer program."
Discover moreRelationship advice book
Web novel platform
Marriage
Löwe chuckled silently, so that the other person wouldn't hear.
"There's a slight inaccuracy in that statement. While it is true that I made the suggestion, it was Alstadt himself who decided to participate and applied directly."
"Since the esteemed professor personally told him to go, he couldn't possibly refuse."
"I'm sorry, but your son is not the type to be so obedient. If it's something he doesn't want to do, he wouldn't obey even if the university president, not just the department head, ordered him to."
Löwe spoke frankly. There was no reason not to. Shouldn't parents know their own child's personality and behavior to some extent?
"Even so, shouldn't you have at least notified the parents in advance? It's not just a domestic trip, but overseas."
What kind of elementary school parent was she acting like? Löwe was dumbfounded.
"Your son is not a minor. At the university, we do not contact parents about student matters one by one."
"No, you should have. Especially when it comes to going to a terrible country like Aviria."
Discover moreForbidden love stories
Book review service
married
There was contempt in Charlotte's voice. She was saying this because she knew exactly where Cale was born and raised.
"I don't think it's appropriate for a lady from such a prestigious family to make disparaging remarks about another country."
"Who do you think you're lecturing? I'm not an FDS student."
Löwe suppressed the bubbling anger and spoke politely.
"I apologize if I have offended you."
"You should. You are the head of the FDS Fashion Design Department and the director of the Future Design Research Institute, aren't you?"
"That is correct."
"If you want to keep those positions, this kind of thing should never happen again."
It was a clear threat, though couched in polite language. It was an easily understood warning that he would lose his job and end up on the streets if he incurred her displeasure.
"I'm not fully aware of the situation, so let me ask one thing. What specifically are you concerned about regarding Calevik's volunteer work in Aviria?"
Löwe tried to make his tone sound like a pure question from a professor concerned about his student. A moment of silence passed.
"To think I have to explain this one by one, it seems you don't even watch the news or read the newspapers. Everyone knows that if you associate with the dark, you become dark yourself. Aviria is a poor and backward place, and its people are of low character. In short, it's like a lawless zone. The hygiene and security conditions are also the worst."
"...."
"Calevik is still naive and doesn't know the ways of the world. Even if he goes to volunteer, he should go to a safe and wholesome place that I, his mother, have chosen for him."
"…I see."
"So, please refrain from such presumptuous actions in the future. I'm telling you this because I believe you're someone who can understand with just words. You shouldn't expect me to call you directly and be so kind next time."
The call ended without warning.
Löwe burst into a hollow laugh. It was admirable that Calevik hadn't gone crazy or turned completely insane while growing up under the thumb of such a woman, and that his rebellion was limited to wearing strange clothes.
After receiving Charlotte's call, he wanted to help Calevik escape from that family even more.
However, he was merely a third party, and he couldn't reveal his relationship with Senyar to Cale. He also didn't know how much freedom Cale desired. Therefore, it was right to remain silent until Cale himself showed some kind of movement, no matter how frustrating it was.
And perhaps, Rudin might ignite a small spark of change in his heart.
What would Senyar have said if she were alive? Would she have scolded him for meddling by trying to bring them together? Or would she have watched them with him, her beautiful amber eyes shining?
Today, he missed Senyar's smile even more.
Löwe still hadn't fulfilled her last wish to 'meet a good person, build a happy family, and live well.'
by misacchi
Confetti scattering on the wind, children's laughter bursting like popcorn, flamboyant headbands and balloons of every color, small, cute trucks selling cotton candy and ice cream….
This place is the grandly named 'Fantastic Magic Land.'
Fantastic Magic Land was a theme park located in Bird City, the capital of Aviria. It offered various rides, festivals, and attractions, as well as a large zoo and botanical garden. Many foreigners visited Aviria specifically to come here, making it a prominent tourist destination for Aviria.
Naturally, it was far from Cale's taste, but it wasn't his first time here. Although there wasn't a single photo, he vaguely remembered coming here with his mother when he was young. He even wore a large model of bird wings, given to children upon entry, on his shoulders.
I never thought I'd come here again.
Today's visit was Calevik's way of showing gratitude to Rudin for answering Aunt Matilda's call and taking care of his mother's photo. He thought Rudin would surely like it since there were many dolls.
Cale's prediction was correct; Rudin's face had been lit up with smiles ever since they entered. They enjoyed several rides that wouldn't strain Rudin's heart, such as the Viking ship, jungle exploration, and bumper cars, before moving on to another location.
Rudin was holding a large white long-tailed tit doll in his arms. It was the prize for achieving the highest level in the 'Hammer Strike Game,' where you hit the target with a heavy hammer to light up the scoreboard.
Of course, it wasn't Rudin who swung the hammer, but Cale. He had simply participated because he thought hitting something with a sledgehammer would be good for stress relief, but as soon as he saw that the first prize was a doll, he immediately handed it over to Rudin. Rudin, naturally, grinned from ear to ear.
"Cale, look at that! It's a magic fountain!"
An excited voice rang in Cale's ear. Rudin read aloud the words on the sign written in various languages.
"It says, 'If you have magical powers, you won't get wet when you pass through the magic fountain. Test the magical power hidden within you!'"
Before them were dozens of holes arranged in a puzzle-like pattern, with fountains rising from them. Colorful lights randomly turned on and off in each hole.
Many people tried to test their 'magic power' by walking over the fountain holes, only to be soaked by the unexpectedly rising water.
"Is it even possible to pass through without getting wet when water suddenly shoots out from anywhere?"
Cale nonchalantly replied to Rudin, who tilted his head in doubt.
"It operates on a pattern, so you just have to walk avoiding the water."
"There's a pattern? It looks like it's coming up randomly to me…."
Rudin pouted as Cale snorted derisively.
"Then you try it."
"Why should I?"
"You said there's a pattern. If you know it, you can avoid getting wet."
Was he daring to doubt his words? Cale haughtily looked down at Rudin.
"Fine. Then you do it after me."
Rudin had no confidence in not getting wet. But if he could laugh at Calevik for showing off and then getting completely soaked, getting wet once wouldn't be so bad. He reluctantly nodded.
"Umm… okay."
Cale stood at the starting point. He watched the colorful water columns rising and falling from the holes in the ground for a moment. He took a deep breath and strode forward with his long legs.
[Wow, what? Is that possible?]
[Who is that person? He's not getting wet at all?]
[How is he doing that? Is the fountain not turning on because he's handsome?]
As if by magic, the water columns didn't rise at all in the path Cale was taking. When he reached the end point without a drop of water on his hair, the onlookers exclaimed and applauded.
Cale cocked his chin towards Rudin, who was standing bewildered on the other side, as if to say it was his turn. After confirming that the long-tailed tit doll, the prize from the hammer strike game, was securely wrapped in plastic, Rudin stroked his chest once with his palm and took his first step with ambition.
If Cale succeeded, there was no reason he couldn't. Rudin steeled himself.
"Uwaaah!!!"
As soon as Rudin stepped on the second square, a fountain shot up from below. He was like a cat that had fallen into water. Leaving the place with the sound of people laughing in the background, Rudin wrung the water from his cat ears with a sullen face.
"I told you to use your head."
Cale approached with an obnoxious expression and said casually. Rudin drooped his shoulders and dripped water on the floor, lost in his own suspicions.
How could such an absurd thing happen? Could the wealthy Calevik have bribed the person operating the fountain in advance? But it didn't seem likely that Cale, who hated doing anything troublesome, would go to such lengths.
"Don't just stand there blankly, go change your clothes."
Rudin pouted at Cale's nonchalant words.
"Where am I going to get clothes to change into? I'll just have to walk around and let them dry."
Rudin grabbed the end of his t-shirt and twisted it, causing water to fall in clumps. Aviria had a higher temperature than Feladia, so Rudin was wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt and shorts. Fortunately, his shoes were sandals, so it didn't matter if they got wet. Cale, who had been staring at the soaked Rudin for a moment, turned his body away.
"Wait here."
"Huh? Cale! Where are you going!"
Cale left Rudin next to the cotton candy truck and disappeared without answering. He returned a few minutes later with a shopping bag. Rudin blinked at Cale, who handed him the shopping bag without a word.
"What's this?"
"Clothes."
"You sell clothes too? How much did it cost? I'll pay you back…
"It's fine. Just go change."
It seemed he felt responsible because Rudin, who was physically weak, might catch a cold because he had provoked him. Rudin thanked him obediently and went to the nearby restroom. But the moment he took out the clothes from the shopping bag, his grateful feelings vanished.
"What is this! Wings!"
The front of the white t-shirt he had bought had two gaudy yellow parrots, the mascots of Fantastic Magic Land, painted on it, and there were large bird wings on the back. The wings were made of thick, plump fabric, so they spread out to the sides like real wings.
"Wow, what terrible taste!"
There must have been plain t-shirts, but he must have bought this on purpose to make fun of Rudin. At least the black shorts and underwear didn't have strange patterns like the clothes Cale usually wore, and it was fortunate that they even had a hole for his tail.
He couldn't wear his wet clothes, nor could he go out shirtless, so Rudin reluctantly put on the winged shirt. He wrung out the water from his changed clothes, put them in a plastic bag, and put them in the shopping bag along with the long-tailed tit doll. He trudged out of the restroom.
"Hmph…"
As soon as Cale saw him, he tried to suppress a smile. Rudin deliberately flapped his arms more wildly so that the wings fluttered, and approached him with an annoyed face.
"I know you bought these clothes on purpose to make fun of me, but wouldn't it be embarrassing for you to walk around with me like this?"
Cale replied with an utterly brazen look.
"Do you think I'd be embarrassed by something as trivial as clothing design?"
Rudin's expression became distant. He had forgotten for a moment, but Cale was the biggest fashion terrorist in Feladia, wearing the most bizarre clothes, and the tracksuit he was wearing now was also extremely flashy in pattern and color. Cale's tracksuit looked more like a punishment than Rudin's winged shirt.
"Haa…. People will think we're gag CaTubers."
Rudin, in despair, hung his head. Cale snatched the shopping bag from his hand.
"There are a lot of people who come here specifically to buy this winged shirt."
"Huh? Really?"
"See for yourself."
Rudin raised his head and carefully observed the people passing by. There were indeed quite a few people wearing winged t-shirts. It seemed he hadn't seen them in the front because the stores selling winged shirts were located deep inside where they were standing. Rudin smiled sheepishly as if he couldn't help it.
"Well, fine. I'll think of it as an Avirian souvenir and take it home to wear. The fabric is pretty good for a souvenir. It's soft and feels cool to the touch, so is it 60% cotton and 40% lyocell? I'll have to check the tag later."
Analyzing the fabric even in this situation, he was truly Rudin Greenwood. Cale shook his head to himself.
After watching the lively parade crossing the main road, they ate hamburgers, french fries, and a Kanakana shake set at an outdoor table. Cale only started eating after staring at Rudin eating deliciously for more than three minutes.
After the meal, they looked around the zoo. As befitting the land of birds, there were many species of birds that Rudin had never seen in Feladia. Rare animals sent from neighboring countries were also living well in clean and comfortable environments.
"I don't know when the last time I had so much fun at an amusement park was."
Rudin, who was sitting on a bench for a rest, licked the soft ice cream he had bought from a snack truck. Cale, as always, chose bottled water.
"It's already been ten years since I last went to Puring Land with my family."
Rudin was again telling a story that Cale hadn't asked about. Puring Land was the largest amusement park in Feladia, created by the Alstadt Foundation, and was even larger than this 'Fantastic Magic Land,' with a water park and resort.
"What about you? When was the last time?"
Cale, who was nonchalantly drinking water, searched his memory at Rudin's question.
When was it?
He had no memory of going with the Alstadt people at all. When Cale entered his father's main house after the major surgery, his eldest brother was already twenty-one, an adult, and his youngest third brother was fifteen, so they were not of an age to go to an amusement park with five-year-old Cale. Nor did they want to.
When he was preschool age, his father and stepmother would take their only daughter, Cheisa, their third son, Ertian, and their youngest, Calevik, to villas or luxurious private resorts overseas. Even so, Cale only remembered quietly staying in his room or a corner of the garden like a spare.
What about his school days? Cale never participated in group field trips from school. He was absent on those days as a matter of course. By then, his current dark and gloomy personality had already hardened, and he only went to school to meet the minimum attendance days required for graduation, so he was often absent.
So, in the end, this 'Fantastic Magic Land,' which he had come to with his birth mother when he was around four years old, was the last amusement park he had been to. It was quite surprising, perhaps because he hadn't been particularly aware of it until now.
"I don't remember."
Cale didn't feel the need to tell Rudin the details, so he glossed over it again. Since he rarely answered any questions sincerely anyway, Rudin nodded obediently.
"I think we can ride one more ride before we leave, is there anything you want to ride?"
Cale shook his head at Rudin's question after checking the time on his phone. He rarely had the kind of desire to 'want to do something' in the first place. Besides, the amusement park itself was a place chosen for Rudin, not him, so there was no way he would have a ride he particularly wanted to ride.
"You?"
Rudin pointed to a distant place at Cale's short question, which he cut off.
"I really want to ride that once."
Cale's gaze turned to where Rudin was pointing. There was a huge Ferris wheel. It was famous as a place where couples often rode, but considering the simple attitude Rudin had shown Cale so far, it was clear that he simply wanted to ride it.
Rudin took it as a sign of agreement when Cale silently got up from his seat and started walking, and quickly followed him.
by misacchi
Unlike other popular rides, the Ferris wheel was very quiet, so there was no need to wait. As soon as they arrived at the boarding area, they were immediately guided by an employee.
[Are you two together? Please ride the sky blue Ferris wheel that's coming down now. Be careful of your step.]
The cabins of the Ferris wheel continued to rotate without stopping, so they had to quickly get on while it was moving. Cale stepped in with his long legs, following Rudin, who jumped inside. He wouldn't have cared what Rudin wanted to ride, but he liked that he didn't have to ride with strangers.
Discover morechildren
Marriage
married
A brief awkward silence flowed as the door closed and they sat facing each other. They naturally turned their eyes to the scenery outside the window. As the altitude gradually increased, everything on the ground looked as small as toys.
"Um…, thank you for asking me to come here with you. I had a lot of fun today."
Rudin said with an embarrassed face. Cale was just looking outside without answering.
"When we go back to Feladia, I'm going to speed up the production of the menswear project. I have to do a fitting before I finish it, so can you spare some time then?"
After a slight delay, Cale nonchalantly cocked his chin. If he ignored Rudin's calls like an octopus leg after returning home, he wouldn't even be able to get that kind of answer, so Rudin felt fortunate to have received such a positive response.
Since Cale had closed his mouth, the conversation didn't continue, so Rudin looked out the window again.
"Wow…."
Rudin's expression brightened as the cabin they were in reached the top. His cat ears stood up straight, his mouth opened, and the pupils of his large eyes naturally dilated.
Cale fixed his gaze on Rudin for a moment. The sight of Rudin, who was glued to the window with his palms pressed against it, was superimposed with the image of his young self in the photo he had received from Aunt Matilda.
Discover morechild
marriage
romantic comedy
When he was young, he had a bright face like Rudin now. In those days, the real world was full of bright and joyful things, like the world inside Fantastic Magic Land. Every day was always enjoyable because of a single being with soft cat ears and a long, swaying tail, just like Rudin.
Will such a day when he feels happy to live ever come again? Will the day when he finds the meaning of the rest of his life really come? Will something that makes him determined to survive desperately be waiting for him in some day in the future?
Cale couldn't be sure at all. All that was clear was that this Snicat in front of him was the least unpleasant of all those who had hovered around him so far. Enough that he wouldn't be particularly bothered by sleeping in the same room for five nights, enough that spending a day together at a childish amusement park didn't feel so pathetic and uncomfortable.
That's all.
"I'm really worried."
Rudin muttered softly as the cabin they were in approached the ground. Cale, who had suddenly woken up from his solitary thoughts, retorted in a sulky voice.
"About what."
Rudin turned his head to him and said seriously with a grave expression.
"What to eat for dinner."
Cale suddenly wondered what a bite of Snicat would taste like. Unwilling to acknowledge the impure premonition that a sweet juice would fill his mouth, he simply frowned.
"Cale…, are you really going in?"
Rudin's hesitant voice stopped Cale's steps. The look of excitement he had shown when he said he wanted to eat beef was nowhere to be seen, and he was revealing his anxiety without reservation, even flattening his cat ears. Cale looked down at Rudin with indifferent eyes.
"Why."
"Well…. This place is a bit…."
They were now standing in front of the top-floor restaurant of the Fantastic Magic Hotel, located at the entrance of Fantastic Magic Land. Unlike 'Magic Land,' which had an atmosphere that anyone could enjoy comfortably, the 5-star 'Magic Hotel' was a luxurious facility mainly used by the upper class.
As befitting its five-star authority, the interior of the restaurant was very elegant and luxurious. However, it was only burdensome for Rudin, who originally had difficulty adapting to new places. He felt as shabby as a peddler, revealing his cat ears and tail while wearing a winged t-shirt and shorts.
"I ate a hamburger on the street for lunch."
Cale said in an arrogant voice. His non sequitur meant, "Since I, who never eats food prepared by others, ate junk food like 'hamburgers' with Rudin on the 'street,' I have the right to insist on eating at a restaurant of my choice this time."
Rudin, knowing he couldn't argue with that, pouted and slowly nodded. Cale walked naturally to the counter at the entrance. The employee, dressed in a white shirt with a black vest and pants uniform, seemed surprised by their attire but quickly put on a businesslike smile and greeted Cale.
Discover moreChild
marriage
married
[Welcome. What is the name of the reservation holder?]
This restaurant, 'Invisible,' operated entirely on a reservation-only basis. Cale replied in a pleasant baritone voice.
[Rudin Greenwood.]
Rudin, who had been fidgeting behind him, was startled by his name and made a strange 'Hyak' sound. The employee, having confirmed the reservation, hesitated for a moment because their attire didn't match the level of the reserved room and menu. However, as a skilled service worker, he quickly regained his composure.
[Thank you for confirming. I will guide you to the VIP room you reserved. Please come this way.]
As they moved to the inner room following the employee, sharp gazes clung to them like glue. They weren't stopped from entering because of their tracksuit and winged clothes, but the other diners were all dressed formally and elegantly, making Rudin feel self-conscious.
Arriving in front of the VIP room, Rudin secretly sighed in relief. Although it was still a bit burdensome, he was grateful that it was a private room, so he didn't have to worry about choking from people's stares.
"Wow…"
Stepping inside, he was genuinely impressed. A single table was placed in the spacious and comfortable room. The night view of Fantastic Magic Land unfolded at a glance through the glass window right next to it.
The scenery of the luminaries, illuminated by countless light bulbs, was incomparably more splendid than the quiet night view from the 20th floor of the youth hostel.
Discover moreChild
Marriage
romantic comedy
[The menu you reserved is the 'Invisible Chef's Special Dinner Course.' We will start with tomato bruschetta for the hors d'oeuvre.]
Rudin, understanding nothing but the word 'tomato,' froze completely. He wasn't even sure if he would have understood if the employee had spoken in Feladian.
Soon, a round plate with a tiny dish was placed in front of Rudin. Toasted bread was beautifully topped with red tomatoes and some vegetables.
Cale skillfully cut the bruschetta with a knife and fork. Rudin, who had only been blinking, imitated him and carefully cut a bite-sized piece and put it in his mouth.
"Hmm…?"
Rudin's cat ears perked up. His mouth, which had been dry from being tense, suddenly filled with saliva, and his appetite surged. He was amazed at how such a taste could come from just bread and vegetables. His excited tail wagged happily.
[This is porcini mushroom soup.]
[This is Avirian-style beef tartare with avocado mousse, herb leaves, and herb oil essence.]
The food was all delicious and refined, but each portion was only a handful. Just when he was about to feel sad about finishing it, a new menu arrived. Rudin, who had only seen such courses on TV, was constantly wide-eyed.
[This is a special strawberry sherbet.]
The sherbet, boasting intricate and beautiful patterns that made it hard to distinguish whether it was food or a mini sculpture, was placed on the table. Rudin carefully scooped up the sherbet with a small teaspoon and whispered.
"I guess this is dessert."
"..."
"Avirian people seem to eat small portions. Maybe it's because they need to be light when they transform into their animal forms… Wow, this is really good!"
Rudin, impressed by the refreshing and sweet flavor spreading in his mouth, quickly tried to take another spoonful, but he heard a small snickering sound from the front.
"Uh… what's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"
Rudin looked at Cale with anxious eyes. He was covering his small face with his large hand, as if trying to suppress the laughter that was about to burst out. The corners of his lips were unusually raised, slightly revealing his white and even teeth between his red lips.
Rudin was very nervous, wondering if his table manners were barbaric, or if his comment about the small portions sounded greedy. Only after a long time did Cale finally manage to control his expression and take his hand off his face.
"It hasn't come out yet."
"Huh? What?"
"The main dish."
"Oh? Really…?"
Rudin looked down at the strawberry milk-colored sherbet. No matter how he looked at it, it didn't seem like a dish to eat in the middle of a meal, so he tilted his head. Cale added to him.
"It's for refreshing your mouth before moving on to the next menu."
Discover morechild
children
romantic comedy
"Ah… I didn't know at all. It's my first time eating in a place like this."
Rudin smiled sheepishly. He was not only unfamiliar with course meals, but he also had no idea how much this meal for two, including the VIP room fee, would cost.
Cale, who had been staring at Rudin, blurted out.
"It could be."
Rudin was inwardly surprised by the uncharacteristic kindness, but he didn't show it. He was grateful that the sherbet was so delicious that it was enough to distract him. Otherwise, he would have found it difficult to endure the awkward atmosphere.
[As requested, we will serve the salad and main dish together. Seasonal salad with bocconcini, tomatoes, nuts, olives, and lavash with olive oil vinaigrette. The main dish is the finest tenderloin steak with port wine sauce, and the garnish is grilled whole garlic and abalone, mushroom duxelles, kanakana, and broccoli.]
After a long explanation that he couldn't understand, the salad and steak were placed in front of Rudin. Rudin first checked how Cale ate it, then carefully cut the meat as if he were cutting expensive fabric. He picked up a piece with a fork and put it in his mouth, and the warm meat melted softly as if dissolving.
"Delicious…"
Only after unconsciously saying it did he realize that he had said this word about fifteen times today. He had said it when he drank the black tea that came out as breakfast at the youth hostel in the morning, when he ate the hamburger and kanakana shake inside Magic Land, and when he licked the cold and sweet soft ice cream.
But it was all really delicious. Rudin recited an excuse that no one had asked for in his mind and diligently carried the steak to his mouth. Then, he suddenly raised his head and saw Cale staring at him without eating.
"Haha… the meat is really delicious, right…"
Rudin despaired inwardly because he blurted out 'delicious' again out of embarrassment. What am I, an idiot?
"Hey."
Rudin, frightened by Cale's cold voice, slightly laid back his cat ears. Cale, who was staring at him with fierce eyes, spoke in a low voice.
"What's more delicious?"
Rudin didn't know what he meant by which was more delicious, so he widened his eyes and fell into thought. Was he supposed to evaluate the superiority of the courses? Or was he supposed to compare the hamburger set he had chosen for lunch with the meal at this restaurant? Rudin couldn't guess at all, so he asked Cale back.
"What are you comparing it to?"
Then Cale's brow narrowed, and Rudin's heartbeat quickened a little. It was uncomfortable and difficult to keep looking at him, but it was partly due to an instinct engraved in his genes, so there was nothing he could do. How many people in Feladia could be comfortable in front of a grumpy tiger?
"The food made by my… our house chef."
Rudin almost laughed at the unexpected words. He seemed to have remembered the day he had eaten deliciously at Cale's house when he had transformed into a cat. Rudin felt that Cale, who was making a grumpy expression, was very cute, even if only a little.
"Hmm… can I be honest?"
At Rudin's question, Cale stiffened his face as if he was nervous and nodded his chin. Rudin smiled.
"I don't know if it's because I have a dull palate, but the food I ate at your house back then was much more delicious than the food at this expensive restaurant."
Discover moremarried
marriage
Child
Cale twitched his lips a few times and distorted his eyes. He looked incredulous.
"You're saying that the food made by a regular person without a license is better than a 5-star hotel restaurant chef?"
Perhaps he should have said that the expensive food that Cale had taken him to eat after making a reservation was more delicious. But Rudin didn't want to lie.
"I guess so. Maybe it's because I'm too much of a commoner. The dishes I ate back then felt warmer and more sincere to me. Maybe it's because I'm a Feladian, so I'm more familiar with the food made by a Feladian chef than an Avirian one."
Or maybe it was because he had just returned from being a cat and was very hungry, but he didn't think he needed to say that. Rudin quickly added.
"But that doesn't mean the food here isn't delicious. Both are really the best, but since you're forcing me to choose…"
"Okay. Just keep eating."
Cale said it bluntly, but he didn't seem upset at all. He slightly raised the corners of his lips and called someone to order red wine.