Translator/editor: ruby

She was still sometimes surprised by the amount of power contained in the tiny body. The warm sun laid gently onto Aymons fur as she looked down at him with an unfaltering smile.

As beautiful as the forest was, Aymons cuteness and prettiness made up for it.

When Belinda finally stopped trying to escape, he loosened his grip and sleepily rubbed his face. The soft fur touched the back of her foot.

That tickles.

Belinda giggled at the touch. It wasnt just a ticklish feeling physically her heart fluttered along with it.

After all his rolling around, Aymon started to slowly lick her ankle. He was careful not to hurt her with his fangs.

Ack.

Belinda flinched. Her heart was pounding so fast it could have jumped out of her chest. It was a very strange feeling.

Aymon opened his eyes at the sound.

The purple orbs shone innocently in the sunlight. He didnt look like someone who had just woken up.

Belinda flushed but soon regained her composure.

That tickles, Aymon.

I dont feel it, though.

Of course, you dont. Youre the one licking.

Belinda looked at him incredulously. He kept smiling.

Human flesh is so soft. I dont think Id need to bite hard at all for blood to seep out.

Aymon nibbled on her ankle painlessly, slowly following its curve with his tongue.

Belinda flinched again.

Leopards can easily bite through animal hide, even without getting hurt.

He murmured with an unfamiliar warmth.

Aymons power overwhelmed her. She couldnt control the strange sounds she made whenever she opened her mouth. It was too ticklish.

Sometimes I want to sink my teeth into your skin. Just touching it makes them itch.

Ill let you, just a little bit. I hope it wont hurt, though.

She just barely managed to keep her voice steady. She meant it, though if he wanted it that much, shed let him. If only it didnt hurt.

No. The sight of blood excites beasts too much.

Aymon flatly refused in a self-pitying voice and sighed. Seeming to have made up his mind, he pulled away.

Breedee, lets go to your hometown. How about we leave today?

Belinda recalled the village, looking at the tree outside the window.

It was a beautiful place with blooming flowers and children swimming in the clear lake.

It was also the painful place where her mother died, spiraling her into that miserable life.

As if he could sense her hesitation, Aymon sat down next to her.

Its really nothing. Youll realize it isnt a big deal once you see it for yourself.

But

And then Ill be able to do what I want.

Huh? Whats stopping you from doing that now?

Aymon was really the most unpredictable person in the world.

Just say what you want to say and do what you want to do. Without that burden on your mind, you should live a long time. Even for a Shinsu.

Instead of answering, he twisted around a strand of her hair.

Lets go. Hmm? Lets do it, Breedee.

He still had about three months until Halla and Shanti grew up, and the chief would have been appointed by then. Belinda had a good excuse to be away from the palace. It was the perfect opportunity.

Belinda soon nodded.

She had to face it one day. Although she ignored it, she couldnt hang on to that broken shell of herself forever. It would have to be ripped off like a band-aid someday. That time was now.

And Aymons coming with me anyways

There was nothing to be afraid of. She had the strongest beast in the world with her.

Okay, lets go. Lets go and get it over with.

Agreeing to go put her at ease.

What should you pack? Clothes? We can buy some on the way. Dont you need an escort?

She couldnt believe that Aymon, the Shinsu, wanted a human to protect her. It would be really funny if someone found out.

Then all we have to do is leave.

Belinda, whose thoughts had already trailed off, smiled as she recalled her memories with Aymon.

You know what? Im looking forward to this a little.

To what?

Its my first time traveling with a friend.

She hadnt ever been out since coming to the palace, except for the occasional birthday party. It always felt like she was being trapped in a fancy storybook. Of course, it was a good life compared to rolling around in a back alley, but it was still a little frustrating.

I want to try laying in bed with a friend and talking all night.

.Huh?

It was in a book I read. The heroine, Anne, was so excited for her first trip that she couldnt sleep and talked to her friend all night. Cant we do that too?

..

And observe those constellations that you can only see right before sunrise!

There were many things she wanted to do, but Aymon didnt have any answers. He just blinked.

I didnt think of that.

Think of what?

She asked, puzzled.

Well I mean Sleeping together

Aymon muttered to himself. He slowly shook his head before finally looking at her.

How about bringing Lucy too?

Lucy?

What does Lucy have to do with this all of sudden?

Her excited mood died down. She felt like all her expectations had dried up and crumbled.

She liked Lucy. She was a precious friend that she wouldnt give up for the world.

But when Aymon came into the picture, things changed a bit.

He was her own cute cat. They were both precious to her, but strangely, she felt possessive over Aymon.

I cant stop myself from feeling like this. Im sorry, Lucy.

She swept her guilty conscience aside and spoke.

Aymon, do you really like her that much?

He seemed to mull over the answer for a bit and nodded.

Sure, what about it?

But Lucy didnt participate in the ceremony She doesnt even have an excuse to leave Shed find it difficult to travel without an attendant

She was making it up. It was a lie. Why would a maid need a maid for herself?

Belinda wasnt even sure why she was thinking of all this. She was acting like she was desperate to exclude Lucy. Aymon didnt seem to notice that, though. He nodded.

Why do you want her to come so badly?

I dont think I can take it anymore.

What?

Im a beast after all.

Huh? What?

Aymon sighed deeply and scratched away at the rug. Belinda looked down at him nervously, not knowing how to interpret his cryptic answer.

After a while, he looked up as if hed made a big decision.

Okay! Just us two! Ill hold it in! Ill hold it in

His tone was almost solemn.

Belinda nodded happily.

Good! Im looking forward to it.

At the words, Aymon crumpled and started murmuring to himself again.

Im worried Ill go crazy. I must be going crazy

***

Well, this is a bit embarrassing.

Belinda looked at the giant creature standing proudly in front of her. Shimmering white fur, strong legs, bulging muscles. The horse looked three times her size.

You want me to get on this.?

She asked, taking a step back. The horse turned around and stared at her.

Mazetto shouted from her left shoulder.

Her names Daisy! Shes asking for yours!

I think shes angry. Her expression is really scary

Just Daisy! She doesnt have a last name! Cause, shes a horse!

She carefully stretched out a hand and stroked the animal, trying to build some intimacy. Her fur was stiff and rough to Belinda, who was familiar with Aymons softness.

Hi, Daisy. You have a pretty name. Im Belinda.

Daisy glanced at her for a second before lowering her gaze back to the ground. As Belinda kept stroking her, Aymon tapped her on the shoulder.

Stop. Im the only male you can love.

What? Male?

Daisy was male?

Mazetto replied from the other shoulder.

Im a male too! The princess is touching me right now!

He wasnt sure if he meant to tease Aymon or boast.

The leopard growled and leaped into the air.

Yes, you are. Do you want to die?

Ah! What did I do? You started it!

Belinda shook her head at the sight of them. Itd been a long time since they routinely fought like this.

Oh my God, youre killing me!! The sparrow will die!

Ignoring them, Belinda turned back to Daisy. Her whispers were met with a loud neigh.

Mazetto hid in Belindas hair and shouted again.

I heard him! Aymon just called the horse Daisy!

Belindas hair was, so to say, Mazettos unique sanctuary where he could escape Aymons claws and fangs. It allowed him to keep on chirping wildly.