Warmth
Once I’d made up my mind, I got fired up and immediately walked over to the edge of the bed where the blanket had slipped down.
This was the opposite side from the part I’d pulled up earlier. I grabbed the edge of the blanket with my mouth and, just like before, put my whole body into it and pulled.
But even then, it only moved little by little.
“Miiiii~~… miya!?”
The moment I put in a burst of strength, my body wobbled.
I’d overdone it and lost my balance, and with a pathetic cry, I tumbled right off the bed.
“Migya!?”
Luckily, thanks to my amazing athletic ability and core strength, I stuck the landing perfectly even on the hard floor.
… Okay, sorry, that’s a lie!
I tried to sound cool, but I actually landed headfirst!
“Nyaaa~~~!!”
Enduring the pain, I jumped back up onto the bed.
Pulling myself together, I grabbed the blanket again, ready to try once more…
… and then.
Heh… a faint chuckle reached my ears.
Startled, I looked toward the sound.
“Heh… what are you doing?”
Carion said that, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Despite his words, his expression was gentle. Soft.
I couldn’t help staring.
That’s the first time I’ve seen Carion smile…!
When he was talking with Valdo earlier, he came off as cold and logical, but… when he smiles like this, it’s like a flower blooming.
I’d been so focused on his injuries before, but looking closer, Carion originally had long golden hair, ice-blue eyes, and a straight, well-defined nose.
Like a prince out of a fairy tale, he had perfectly refined features.
Which is exactly why, when he smiles so gently, it’s… kind of breathtaking.
… Yeah, this guy is definitely popular.
Growing even more curious about him, I edged a little closer to his head.
Then Carion slowly reached out with his left hand.
“… To think the day would come when I’d be looked after by a tiny creature like a ball of fluff. I must have really fallen low…”
Even though he said that in a self-deprecating way, his fingers gently touched me.
Those ice-blue eyes that had been like blades of frost now looked… softer somehow.
Just like that, I let him pet me.
Each time his fingers slowly combed through my fur, a ticklish, comfortable feeling spread through me.
In the quiet room, the only sounds were Carion’s breathing and the wind outside.
I stayed there for a while, leaning into the warmth of his hand, but eventually, footsteps echoed from the hallway.
They were slowly approaching this room.
… Looks like that member from earlier came back.
Well, then my nursing duties are done.
It’s a little sad, and I did want to help mend things between Carion and Valdo, but…
after hearing all that earlier, now really isn’t the time.
Right now, Carion just needs to rest.
So for today, I’ll take my leave like this.
Thinking that, I started to get off the bed.
But before I could, the hand that had been gently petting me suddenly grabbed my body.
The next moment, I was pushed under the blanket, and everything went pitch black.
“Meow?”
Huh? What’s going on?
As I squirmed, Carion’s hand lightly held me down through the blanket.
Right after that, there was a knock on the door, and without waiting, it opened.
Then a hesitant voice spoke.
“Vice-Commander Carion, how are your wounds?”
“Yeah, no problem.”
“Shall I change your bandages? The Commander and the others brought some painkillers as well…”
After a brief silence, Carion answered in a calm voice.
“No… I’m fine. More than that, I want to sleep now. Stay away from the room for a while.”
“… Understood.”
“If I need anything, I’ll call. You don’t need to worry.”
“… Yes.”
Then, with the sound of footsteps, the door closed again.
The footsteps slowly faded away.
Once their presence was completely gone, I poked my head out from under the blanket.
“Meow?”
Why did he hide me under there?
I honestly thought he’d just hand me over and say, “Take this dustball back to Valdo.”
When I stared at him, Carion averted his gaze as he spoke.
His cheeks were faintly red.
“… If you were found, you’d be thrown out.”
After saying that, he gave a small cough.
A quiet ahem echoed in the still room.
“Nyaa.”
I let out a small cry, then moved closer to his face and curled up against his neck.
Hesitantly, Carion’s hand reached out again.
He gently stroked my back with the back of his hand.
Each time he touched me, I could feel his breathing gradually calm.
Before long, his eyelids slowly lowered, and his expression softened.
“… Stay with me a little longer.”
His voice was low and gentle, melting into drowsiness.
I softly nuzzled my head against his hand.
What do you think about this chapter?
