Of All
Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #102
Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain
*Rainelle’s POV
I had to soothe my
startled heart by stroking Karmeut.
Huu, for a moment, I thought he was going to
bite my neck.
A cold sweat ran down my
back as I remembered Karmeut's growling and when
my neck was in his mouth.
Um, this... maybe this is a wolf’s way of trying to warm up
their mate when it's cold, but... it was not supposed to be targeting the neck
like that!
When I remembered the long, sticky tongue licking my neck, my body trembled in a
different sense than fear.
I looked into the wolf's
eyes, recalling the feeling of the large, slimy tongue licking the nape of my
neck as if tasting it.
The pupils of the wolf,
who blinked his eyes as if he knew nothing, were different from those of
humans. However, she embraced the wolf's neck under this gaze of persistence.
The word 'scary' lingered
on the tip of my tongue. However, I did not utter that word. Because I can
vaguely feel that Karmeut's action was an expression of dissatisfaction of me
going to Aria's house without saying a word.
"I'm sorry, I won't
do that in the future."
The wolf's body flinched when
I buried my face in the thick and fluffy mane while saying that.
I faintly heard the sound
of his tail brushing against the sofa. Tightening my squeeze, my face slowly sunk
more into his arms while feeling an unusually thick, feral body odor at the tip
of my nose.
"Hey, um... are we
going to sleep like this today?"
When I removed his head
and asked that, the wolf nodded politely.
"You don't think it's
uncomfortable? If it's uncomfortable, you can turn into a human."
At that, the wolf bent his
eyes. Then he shook his head and got up from his seat.
The wolf then jumped onto
the bed, lay there, and waved his tail softly.
His behavior seemed to
say, “Come here-“, and I approached the bed.
When I lay down on the
bed, I felt like I was getting tired. Feeling drowsy, I let out a long yawn and
put my cheek on a pillow.
...I didn't think of it before, but coming to
see Aria seemed more tiring than I expected.
Slowly blinking my drowsy
eyelids which became heavy due to sleepiness, I stretched out my hand.
I closed my eyes as I felt
the silky, soft fur on my fingertips, then I fell asleep as I felt the
sensation of a large, bushy tail covering my waist.
*Karmeut’s POV
The wolf's eyes were gleaming
brightly as they watched Rainelle fall asleep with an even breathing sound.
The wolf, which had been
sniffing and watching Rainelle, returned to his original form. Then he grabbed
the quilt, pulled it up, and carefully covered Rainelle with it while
muttering,
"...Haa1, you sleep so
comfortably."
Karmeut's expression
wasn't bad although he mumbled dissatisfiedly. Rather, he was looking at Rainelle,
who was in a deep sleep, with a wide smile on his lips.
"What do you mean 'If
you feel uncomfortable, you can change into a human form'? Did you really not
know why I turned into a wolf?"
Karmeut kissed her
forehead.
"Umh..."
Rainelle, who mumbled
softly and frowned slightly, turned her body. Seeing that, Karmeut hugged Rainelle
and gently patted her on the back. She then dug into his arms familiarly.
Feeling a sense of
fullness at her behavior, Karmeut purred a little. He stroked her black, smooth
hair and pressed his lips to her cheek gently.
The softness and sweet scent stimulated him.
"This is why I changed form
earlier."
I couldn't stand this allure because I had already held her
in my arms once. I realized how sweet, addictive, and
delicious it was once I taste it. That was why I change into a wolf...
"But being a wolf is
actually more difficult, since their sense of smell is more sensitive..."
That was the reason why he
clamped her neck with his maw. He didn't mean to scare her, and he didn't even
mean to bite.
Only, the scent of her
body caught by the wolf's keen sense of smell was dangerous.
He almost couldn't resist
the urge to mark her. It was Rainelle’s terrified purple eyes that suppressed his
thrill.
As Karmeut recalled those
eyes, he felt his body was cooling down.
I can’t believe she made that look not because
of someone else, but me.
“Haa…”
He let out a long sigh and
regained his composure. Then he put Rainelle deeper in his arms and closed his
eyes.
Although he was slightly
resentful of Rainelle, who slept peacefully, he didn’t force her.
And there is no need to rush. Rainelle is in my
arms, and always will be.
***
*Rainelle’s POV
As soon as I woke up, I was
greeted by Karmeut who licked my cheek and urged me to get up.
"Aww, it's
wet..."
As I tried to gather my
consciousness while rubbing my cheek, a
handkerchief appeared in front of my face.
"I'm sorry, but when I’m a wolf,
I want to do it."
"---Huh? Why?"
At that, Karmeut smirked.
"Um, the scent from
your body makes me feel good. To the point where I can't resist licking."
"...ha? Did you lick
me when I slept?"
"Well, what do you
think?"
Seeing that meaningful
smile makes me feel a bit anxious
?! Huh?!
"Now, now. Let's eat since
you’re up."
I couldn't refuse his reached-out
hand while he used such a soft voice. So, I pretend to lose, grabbing his
outstretched hand and standing up.
"I'll try to come back
early today too."
While eating the food that
the servants brought in, Karmeut said so. I swallowed the food in my mouth and
replied,
"...You're not
overdoing it, are you?"
"That’s definitely
not the case, so it’s okay. -Are you planning to Young Lady Gwynell’s place
today?"
"Not today. We
promised to meet in three days."
"...Really?"
"Yeah. We'll meet
then, have tea, and chat.
Don’t worry. I'm not going
to do anything that will make you worry,"
I said that while looking
straight into his eyes. Then Karmeut nodded his head as he put on his clothes.
"Okay, I see. So
you're only going to be inside the Imperial Palace today?"
"I'm going to relax
by flying around the Imperial Palace."
"Some gardens have
poisonous plants, so be careful."
"Don't worry. I've
never touched it."
With me saying those
words, Karmeut had finished putting on his clothes and then he kissed lightly
around my eyes.
He said that he had to
leave. After looking at me for a long time with eyes full of regret, he managed
to leave the room.
...and when he left, I was
able to let out the sigh that I had been holding back.
My mood went down as I recalled
yesterday's incidents which I had forgotten due to Karmeut’s attempt to bite my
neck as a wolf.
I had mustered much effort
to hide it. Anyway, I couldn’t make Karmeut worry, so I will try to clear my
mind and smile as usual.
It seemed like it took a
long time for me to calm down a little, and the memories of yesterday flashed
for a moment.
It was not the first time I'd been treated so maliciously
for no reason. That’s how they treat crows. The fact that I almost got hit in
the head could be regarded as the expression of the humans’ dislike of crows.
Of course, that doesn’t justify their actions.
But that conversation of the nobles is different. Who they despise
and dislike... it was different from simply throwing stones.
How can I compare the words that reveal
my situation and worth in such a blatant way with a simple stone-throwing?
The words of those nobles, I could not respond
to a single one of them. And it was only after hearing such bold talk that I
realized how much Karmeut had protected me.
“Because I've never
received such a harsh gaze or words.”
The worst I’ve received was the gazes at the
coronation ceremony and the banquet hall. The eyes of the noble girls… I think
it's only natural. This could have been their seat, but one day it was suddenly
taken by someone they didn’t know about.
If I think about it more, it’s only natural for
me to receive comments and gazes of contempt and despise.
But, the words of the nobles...
Of course, it could be because they are fathers
of daughters. Yes, that is quite understandable. How annoying must I have been
for them.
Still, it was a completely different feeling to
hear it in person than to speculate with 'probably'.
Was I so helpless?
Even when I was a zookeeper, the people around
me opposed it, but I was stubborn and chose that profession.
Isn’t that right? No matter what people around me
say, they won't live my life for me. You only live once, and even if you regret
it, only you will regret it. There is no way someone else will regret it for
you.
So it was my choice of job. The job was hard,
but I was satisfied... ---but I ended up being bitten to death while cleaning
the tiger cage. Did the news come out?
What about now that I'm a crow? Is there
anything I can do? Like when I chose to be a zookeeper, is there anything I can
do?
...I don’t know. This is a hierarchical society. I can't create
a lineage that doesn't exist here, and I have minimum
skills. I’m not smart. What I have is an appearance that will wither over time.
A sigh of frustration came
out. I shook my head slowly and turned into a crow.
...for now, I need to change my mood by going
around the Imperial Palace.
Even though I wasn't in a
cage, I felt helpless enough to feel like my breathing was stuffy.
I flapped my wings.
Flying under the blue sky will make me feel
better.
It was when I was flying around
the Imperial Palace with such dim hopes,
"Caw? (Huh?)"
Water-colored hair...? It's Miel! It feels like
it's been a while since I've seen him!
I lowered the altitude and
flew near Miel. Then I turned into a human and greeted him,
"It's been a while,
Marquis Albion."
"---! Rainelle-nim!"
Miel, who had his eyes
wide open in surprise, hurriedly knelt on one of his knees and returned my
greeting politely. I then waved my hand in a hurry to stop him.
The pink eyes were shining
brightly. I scratched my cheek slightly and opened her mouth at the sight of
him who stared at me with a slightly burdensome enthusiasm.
"Uh... how are
you?"
"I’m doing fine.
Thank you for your concern, Rainelle-nim."
He said so with a faint
smile on his face.
I was a little relieved by
that. The beginning for Miel was different from the original game in many ways,
but I'm glad to hear that he was doing well.
"I'm glad you're
doing well. Did His Majesty the Emperor call you?"
"Yes. I am inexperienced
in many ways... but I will do my best not to disappoint your and His Majesty's
expectations."
"I believe you,
Marquis Albion."
Miel's face brightened at
those words.
"I will repay Rainelle-nim’s
trust."
---No, don't act like you're just going to give
your life! I'm feeling pressured all of a sudden!!
"Oh, my. It seems I’m
taking your time. Then I'll be on my way."
After saying that, I was
going to return to being a raven. I came down because I saw Miel by chance, but
I was originally going to fly a little more.
"Um, Rainelle-nim."
However, I had no choice
but to put it on hold for a while because Miel called out to me.
Huh? Why are you calling me?
"Do you have anything
to say? Marquis of Albion."
"---Yes, there is
something."
Gulping as he was hesitating
of what he was going to say, he finally opened his mouth with a determined look.
"...Please, please
take care of yourself."
"...Yes?"
"Of course, I know
that Rainelle-nim is friendly with Young Lady Gwynell. However, there is a
limit to the abilities of the low-level wind spirits, and Rainelle-nim’s true
form is..."
I think I could understand
his meaning with no further words.
"Because I’m a crow,
do you mean I’m less capable of self-protection?"
"...I'm sorry for
being rude."
"No, it's something I
understand enough."
Especially since crows aren't birds of prey. Moreover,
I'm not part of a flock2.
I signed a contract with a low-level wind
spirit, but so what? In any case, a lower level is a lower level. It is an
accurate assessment that spirits that can be used properly in combat are from
the intermediate level above, while the low-level ones are useful in terms of
daily life.
I actually borrowed Mui's power to get away
from a male crow, but I still couldn't shake it off and was attacked, right?
"And, Rainelle-nim is
the one who will become the next Empress."
Referring to what Karmeut
spoke publicly at his coronation, Miel continued,
"The appearance of His
Majesty the Emperor together with Rainelle-nim at the coronation ceremony and the
banquet made it difficult for the nobles to touch
Rainelle-nim... But that doesn't mean they will be quiet. Because you didn't
become the Empress yet."
I blinked my eyes at that.
---Was Miel originally a character like this?
No, since he was a slave to a nobleman, he had no choice but to learn
their psychology.
"...that... you mean there are
nobles who don't like me?"
Miel was silent. But I
already knew the answer. ----Because I
heard the conversations of the two nobles.
---I was living my life
without much thinking, but when I realized that I was at the eye of the storm,
my heart became heavy.
"Am I in danger?"
"That will never
happen."
Miel's eyes as he deny
that immediately were shining firmly.
"Never. Even if there
is someone who doesn’t like you, no one will ever touch a single hair on Rainelle-nim. So rest assured."
I was silent as I stared at Miel.
---Is it because of Karmeut?
"Thank you for saying that, Marquis
Albion."
"I’m just saying the truth."
No, I don’t think that is fine.
Was it a coincidence that Miel seemed
to slowly lift off his head when I said that inside?
...is that it? Is it because of Karmeut? Or are you just
saying this because I saved you in the market?
Um, but I couldn't help but save you back then!
Looking at Miel, who had an excellent
ability that I would never have, I was filled with mixed emotions.
It would be nice if I will be protected, but is
it really all right? Am I supposed to be protected like this all the time
without having any ability myself? Until when?
***
Notes:
2 Fun fact: a group of crows is called a “murder.” There are several different explanations for the origin of this term, mostly based on old folk tales and superstitions. ↩
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