299: The Feline Fanatic

After Darius had finished fluffing the cat to his heart's content, he handed the creature over to the administrative staff of the Noblesse Magic Academy.

It was a little pathetic, honestly—the man was actually weeping.

"Mike, I’m sorry! I’m so, so sorry, buddy!"

"Nyaoon."

"Yes, yes. I’ll take full responsibility for him," the staff member said. "I have a contact who works with rescue cats, so I’m sure we’ll find a new owner for him in no time."

Nobles loved cats. They were elegant and required little effort; since there were always butlers and maids around, you could head out for the day and know their care was in good hands. Unlike dogs, they weren't particularly clingy, which probably made them easier to adore whenever the mood struck.

It was likely a win for the cat, too. A massive manor was certainly worth exploring, the food would be top-tier, and there was plenty of room for exercise.

"Darius is so funny," I said, a little giggle escaping me. "He’s almost cute."

"Perhaps I should gift him one of my own fluffy dolls as a present..." Tura mused.

"Hmm? What’s a 'fluffy doll'?"

"N-Nothing! It is absolutely nothing!"

Tura was always adorable when she got flustered.

However, we still didn't have any real leads. The exam was looming, but our classes were so packed that we barely had any time to spare. We had to discover something soon.

...Wait. If that’s the case—

"Hey, Tura, Cecil? I was thinking... why don't we just ask Darius directly? It sounds like a weird thing to do, but maybe it’s our best bet."

Just as I started to speak, Carta voiced the exact same thought. Tura chimed in as well, nodding. "I was thinking the same thing!"

Ah, so we’re all on the same page.

Darius always approached us head-on. If that was his style, then we should do the same.

We walked up to him slowly and called out. Wiping his tears, Darius spun around.

"Whoa! W-w-w-w-w-w-what are you kids doing here?!"

"We came because we wanted to ask you a few things about the exam," Carta and I explained.

"We know it’s a bit rude to ask, but would you be willing to help us?"

When we told him that, Darius laughed.

"That’s the spirit! All right, shall we head somewhere for a light spar?"

He really was a great teacher.

But then, Tura spoke up.

"Master Darius! I shall also speak to you head-on! I, too, love all things fluffy! And I agree—cats are truly magnificent!"

It was rare to hear Tura use such formal, polite speech. But more importantly...

Predictably, Darius’s face turned a shade of crimson I didn't know was possible. "Wait... E-Eh? Were you guys watching me?"

"Since the middle! I saw everything, right up until the moment you handed over Charr!" Tura declared.

I'm pretty sure that means she saw the whole thing from the very beginning, I thought. But Tura was nothing if not honest.

"...U-Uuugh..."

Darius slumped down, clutching his head in embarrassment. He really was kind of cute.