Translator/editor: ruby

Aymon threatened Daisy with his claws out! To choose between Almond, Chandelier, Croissant and Daisy! I heard it all!

Belinda turned around to scold Aymon.

Aymon. Why did you just pick a random name?

Daisy was a pretty name, but could you really choose just any pretty name? Naming a horse like this Daisy

If she decided to just start calling Aymon Rose, hed probably respond with scratches.

He grumbled, pawing at the grass.

I didnt.

How did you choose this one, then?

It was just what came to mind.

So she was right. Belinda stroked Daisys mane, smiling at the ridiculous situation.

You can just live your life without knowing what it means.

Whatever the name, the beautiful wild horse in front of her was grateful to pick her up. Aymon had brought him that morning, along with a shiny saddle to ride on.

Belinda hated carriages, but they couldnt walk all the way to her village, so they had to think of something else.

Aymon I dont know how to ride a horse, though.

That was the only problem.

Princess Adelai rode horses often, but Belinda lived in a separate palace spending her days with Aymon.

Its okay. Just sit down.

Aymon leaped onto the horse and walked to their neck.

If you drop Breedee, youre going to die. Ill make sure of it.

He whispered the concise threat. Daisy pretentiously neighed in response, but his legs were shaking a little.

Mazetto started to shout, flying over their head.

A Shinsu is threatening me! A Shinsu, who should be protecting animals, bites sparrows and threatens horses!

That son of a bitch bird!

Aymon jumped after him, but Mazetto had already settled on a tall branch. The fact was, he could easily climb up and catch the bird, but he never did.

Knowing this, Belinda took the small leopard into her arms and whispered to him affectionately.

Good job holding it in. Youre really sweet.

Aymon waved his tail slowly, happy to be praised.

***

Fortunately, Aymons threat worked. Daisy was trying his hardest to keep Belinda in the saddle. Belinda was the one that felt uncomfortable as this was a new experience and all, not the horse. Daisy was more scared than uncomfortable if he dropped the human woman, the leopard would turn him into horse sausages.

Youre good at this, Breedee. You look cool.

Aymon followed the flattering statement with a satisfied chuckle.

The sharp-witted horse, quickly understanding the intentions of his words, was itching to throw the little beast off, but had no choice except to keep going. Wasnt it obvious how he would react?

Daisy was born a wonderful white horse in a field with nothing scary in it well, that was, until he got tangled up with a certain little leopard.

Daisy resolved to move to another area as soon as the trip was over, and went back to trotting ahead diligently.

***

Birdsong drifted over from the trees, accompanied by a fickle wind that tickled the tip of Belindas nose. She happily hummed as the breeze swept through her hair.

Aymon, Daisy and Belinda were traveling through a lush forest. Mazetto refused their offer to join them, saying he couldnt spend that much time apart from his girlfriend.

Smile, Aymon. It looks good on you. Whats wrong?

.

Contrary to what his aggressive mood would suggest, he was submissively tucked away in Belindas arms.

He didnt have a very substantial reason to be upset the cute wool hat tied under his chin with a ribbon was the culprit. Even though he now wore it every day, it still annoyed him. It couldnt be helped though as he couldnt pass for a pet cat with the spirit stone on his forehead showing.

Im already eighteen too, you know.

He groaned.

Belinda scratched his chin as consolation, then put her hands back on the reins.

I know, but youre still this cute. The hat looks good on you.

Now that hed had his ceremony, hed grow soon. Belinda was a little disappointed. She couldnt believe shed never see him this cute again.

Aymon, did you say youd grow up in three months?

Well, maybe.

He quickly blurted out the vague answer, as he usually did when he didnt want to explain something.

What else is there bothering him?

Belinda continued with a smile.

Im a little sad that soon I wont be able to see this cuteness.

You will.

How?

If someone bears my child.(Note: I know this sounds strange af but it needs to be phrased in a way that can be put into her next thought)

Huh?

Aymon stared up at her.

Theyd look like me, obviously.

Belinda blinked.

What do you mean, a child?

If someone bears my child So to put it, her heart dropped as she heard the words. She didnt think he was referring to her bearing his child but still didnt expect to hear that from the cute little beast in her lap.

The breeze disappeared. Belinda smiled awkwardly.

Yeah, I can look at your child

Aymon lowered his head again, and Belinda tightened her grip on the reins even more. The sound of Daisys hooves striking the dirt road filled the silence.

Belindas expression turned serious. Why had they touched on something so unexpected all of a sudden?

Well, it was already Aymons time to grow up. Hed be a big adult leopard. Surely they mated and had children like other animals. That was natures order.

Then why do I feel so horrible?

Uneasiness settled in.

Aymon was still a child in her eyes. It felt immensely odd to imagine him pairing up with someone, having babies, living happily in that magnificent house in the forest.

She soon snapped out of the thought.

What kind of thoughts are you having about this little meow?

He was even coming with her to her village. What could such a thoughtful and kind

She attempted to strike up another conversation.

If you really hate the hat so much, why dont you just turn human?

Aymon looked up, still nervously nibbling on the ribbon strap.

Come to think of it, wouldnt it be much more natural to see a woman traveling with her younger brother than with a cat.

Younger brother!?

He mustve been offended again. He nervously hit the back of her hand, which she ignored.

Im an adult, and youre still a 12-year old boy.

No.

Why not?

Aymons eyes trailed off in thought for a second.

Then Daisy would have to carry two people.

It was an unexpected answer. Belinda yanked the ribbon from his mouth.

Since when did Daisy interest you that much? You just told him in the field that he was going too fast.

Isnt there supposed to be two people on a horse? Ive seen the royal twins do it.

It must have been a very strong horse. Daisy is actually very weak. It may not look like it, but with two people, he might fall in less than a day.

As soon as Aymon finished the sentence, Daisy stopped and turned around with a death glare. He was furious at the remarks. Why would the little leopard say that hes weak? He was a wonderful, strong, athletic horse.

Belinda sensed a strange wittiness in that expression. Shed seen it before when she annoyed Aymon.

Hey, go on.

Daisy didnt budge.

You really want to be weak after all, huh?

This, in turn, garnered a strong reaction. Daisy continued to walk up the path. If Aymon was just any leopard, hed have thrown him off a thousand times.

But he was a Shinsu, so Daisy was doomed. Thank god he wasnt born a human, or he wouldnt have survived with that personality.

He mustve had many enemies he was lucky the emperor didnt find out about him snooping around.

Belinda looked down at the leopard in her arms. He seemed to be trying to sleep.

Youre so pretty You almost look like a gangster.