Chapter 11 Part 2

Naturally, animals that scare easily did not get along well with House Laté, who wielded terrifying demonic powers.

Therefore, it was rare to see them willingly approach members of House Laté.

Even street cats that were sleeping would get up and move away when I passed by, so this feeling was truly strange.

This courier bird seemed to be wary of me too… but still, to approach me like this. It was truly a remarkable experience.

Something… tickled a corner of my heart.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a real ‘bird’—not a demon beast—up close for so long.”

“Rosiel, it’s your bird now.”

Hyle spoke again as he watched me.

At those unexpected words, I quickly raised my head, and he smiled gently as if to confirm it was true.

“What? But… this child is your courier bird.”

“Not anymore. I’m giving it to you as a gift. I have other courier birds, so it’s fine.”

Hyle shrugged lightly as if it truly was fine.

I hadn’t asked about his courier bird specifically… but this was fortuitous nonetheless.

A courier bird raised by his meticulous hands wouldn’t need additional training, so I wouldn’t have to waste unnecessary time.

Yes, it was all good, but… there was a problem. A rather significant one.

“Thank you. But… what do birds eat?”

Unfortunately, I had absolutely no knowledge about birds.

I might be well-versed in demon beasts, but my information about creatures called animals in this world was far below that of an average person.

As luck would have it, I wasn’t particularly interested in animals before my possession either, so I couldn’t rely on past-life memories.

I finally had a bird that would approach me, but I knew nothing about them! It was truly troubling.

Moreover, there’s no internet here, so I can’t search on Google!

While I was asking quite seriously, Hyle looked at me with amused eyes and chuckled.

“Just give it what you usually feed Raphla. Though they look different, birds have similar diets.”

“…Hyle, Raphla is a demon beast. It eats my magical power.”

“…Oh.”

After my somewhat embarrassed answer, a heavy silence fell between us.

In truth, not all demon beasts ate their master’s magical power.

However, high-level demon beasts were particularly dependent on magic, as they were creatures that submitted to their master’s magical power.

Raphla was among the highest tier.

When Raphla’s cry was at full output, it could easily put everyone in the capital to sleep.

…Of course, afterward, I would be bedridden for at least a month due to the enormous magical backlash, but in terms of ability, it was that powerful.

“First, give it a name. It’s not comparable to a demon beast, but despite appearances, it has enough intelligence to recognize its own name.”

Hyle slowly stroked the wing of the bird that was quietly perched on my arm.

I could see the soft white feathers gently falling back into place.

“What’s its original name?”

Since it was already a raised bird, it must have a name, right? There’s no need to change names just because the owner changed.

“Entrie.”

Entrie, a word meaning “happiness” in the Imperial language.

The naming was so typically boring for Hyle that a small laugh escaped me.

But I didn’t dislike it. Both the bird named happiness and the owner who gave such a simple name. It all felt familiar because it was so like Hyle.

“Then I’ll call it Entrie too.”

“Is that really okay?”

Hyle’s cautious question suggested he hoped I would give Entrie a new name.

He probably thought it would help me bond with Entrie more easily… but I had already given my heart to Entrie.

It was enough that Entrie had the courage to approach me.

Strictly speaking, it could probably approach me because my demonic power had weakened considerably, but regardless of the reason.

“Yes, because that’s what you called it.”

“…That’s nice. That reason too.”

Pleased with my answer, Hyle soon cleared the worry from his face.

I also liked his calm face as he smiled brightly.

“Hello, Entrie.”

“Chirp!”

When I gently stroked Entrie’s neck, its snow-white wings fluttered.

The small bird sound escaping from its yellow beak was more pleasant than I’d expected.

“Rosiel, it seems to like you.”

“Really? That’s good. So… what should I feed Entrie?”

“Nothing fancy—just some grains like oats or barley will do. But don’t give too much. If it gets fat, it won’t be able to fly.”

How much could a bird eat, and how fat could it get? It’s so small and cute.

I nodded vaguely at Hyle’s words and carefully held Entrie close to my chest.

“Thank you, Hyle. I mean it.”

I couldn’t help but express my gratitude for such a precious gift.

“Don’t worry about it. I have plenty of courier birds.”

At Hyle’s quick response, I slowly shook my head.

“…Of course I’m grateful for Entrie, but for other things too. And I’m sorry about some things.”

I felt the words I’d been swallowing rising up.

The words that had been lingering on the tip of my tongue finally spilled out when Hyle tilted his head in question.

“I recently found out that those with spiritual power feel discomfort when touching someone who uses magic. I’ll be careful not to touch you unnecessarily from now on.”

I hadn’t intended to say this. Since learning the truth, I thought it was simply something I needed to be careful about on my own.

But… after seeing Hyle’s questioning gaze in the carriage earlier, my thinking changed.

At this rate, I would be the only strange one. So it seemed better to just speak plainly and discuss keeping a proper distance if Hyle found me uncomfortable.

I had been trying to avoid saying this directly because I didn’t want to hear him confirm that he found me unpleasant… but I couldn’t help feeling doubtful.

At this rate, only I would be anxious, constantly worrying about accidentally touching him like before—while Hyle remained completely unconcerned.

“…What? Rosiel, what are you talking about?”

But Hyle’s reaction was strange.

I had expected him to say something like, “You figured it out even though I never mentioned it,” or, “Now that you know, please be careful.” Something like that…

Did I speak too indirectly? Hmm, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure I was clear…

“To put it simply, I know that you feel discomfort when you touch me. So now I’ll—mph.”

As I was earnestly trying to explain, Hyle’s finger suddenly landed on my lips.

The words I was about to say were swallowed back down as his straight finger pressed against my parted lips.

Now I noticed Hyle’s straight eyebrows were uncomfortably twisted.

“I have no idea where you heard such a thing.”

The green eyes looking directly at me were intensely beautiful.

Like sparkling emeralds.

“It’s not unpleasant.”

Having drawn close before I realized it, Hyle bent down to meet my eye level. His finger against my lips was hot. Almost burning.

I couldn’t move easily with Hyle’s finger pressing firmly on my lips.

His words, his hand, his gaze were binding me firmly.

Completely, so I couldn’t escape his embrace.

“But…”

That weak protest was all I could manage.

Hearing my mumbling, Hyle exhaled briefly, then removed his hand.

“It’s not unpleasant, Rosiel.”

His decisive voice settled once more in my ears.

The unusually heavy weight of his words seemed to pull me down.

But Lynn’s friend who works at the temple said… Someone who’s worked at the temple for a long time and is Lynn’s friend wouldn’t lie.

Could Hyle be lying for my sake? He’s quite soft-hearted compared to others, so it’s possible. Considering others too much is both his strength and weakness.

I gripped Hyle’s shoulders and slowly pushed him away.

Whatever the truth, I didn’t want to be a source of discomfort to him. His consideration wasn’t necessary for this fact.

“You don’t have to lie, Hyle. This is something I need to be mindful of.”

At that, Hyle somewhat roughly grabbed my wrist on his shoulder, as if frustrated.

Then he began tracing me with an intensely intimate touch.

He slowly moved his hand up from my wrist. As he continued upward, his hand grew large enough to completely envelop mine.