#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 021

After doing it a few times during the festival, it was now easy to avoid Kyle's eyes and turn into a person. In the first place, except for that day when I met with Sen, I've been spending hours together with him, so I had no time to worry about getting caught.

"You're a magician?"

"Yes, but I'm not that talented, I just do this and that..."

"I see."

I drank the tea and ate the scones he prepared while I lied nonchalantly.

I'm sorry for lying but it's better this way, just in case I need a cover-up in the future.

If Kyle goes on an expedition, there would be a good excuse to accompany him. If he goes on to subjugate demonic beasts as written in the novel, as a magician, I can go with him.

"Rather than that, can you really spend time with me like this? Don't you have any work to do?"

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No....."

I'm not making you leave ah. I'm just wondering if you're really this free. It seems like the grand duke has a suspicion disease after I disappeared unexpectedly twice.

I turned my head, slightly guilty at the situation. Then his hand reached out and turned my face back to look at him.

"It's polite to look at each other's face while talking."

"I'm sorry I'm a man who isn't well versed in aristocratic manners."

"You should learn from now on."

"Why should I?"

He came closer and whispered.

"Aren't you my companion?"

A sin committed once lasts a lifetime. I looked at him miserably.

'How many times has it been now?'

Even beef bones won't be used as much as Kyle uses this companion comment. He has been using it to blackmail me whenever I tried to avoid answering his questions or to leave early.

You're someone who died without a companion in the original novel. Is that why you're obsessed with companions? To be honest, it's not that you didn't want to date anyone, it's that you couldn't right?

My mouth was itching to shoot back the comment at him but I forced myself to hold it in. Kyle who has been staring at me suddenly let out an airless laugh. He had a strange yet comforting smile plastered on his face. His bright expression pulled me in and before I knew it I had been staring at him as well.

"I feel comfortable with you."

"....."

"I know it probably sounds strange, don't think too much about it."

I have nothing to say if you tell me those words with such a soft smile.

Are you doing this on purpose?

I couldn't do anything except stare at him, I only came to my senses when he offered another scone to me.

"Since you're a magician, can you take a look at my magical beast? You can take a look at it whenever you're free."

I was about to bite into the scone then stopped after hearing Kyle's unexpected words.....That's strange. Did you just ask me, to take a look after.....ME?

I put down the scone and asked him again, this time listening with full attention.

"...What?"

"I asked if you could take a look at the magical beast I'm raising in the study."

I guess I didn't hear it wrong.

Looking alternately at the scone in my hand and at Kyle, my appetite dropped. Even though the desert looked delicious, I felt like I would get an upset stomach if I ate it now.

But Kyle didn't seem to mind my actions and continued pensively.

"I'm worried because he doesn't seem to have any appetite recently. And he's been lazy as well. He used to be a very active guy..."

Don't edit your memories ah! When have I been active? Apart from running on the wheel in order to get the skill, I was always lying down! You don't even know your own hamster.

"I think it's because, it's already in the growing stage, yet there's no signs of a mana stone forming inside him. I decided to periodically inject magic power (mana) as advised by the doctor but..."

".....Magic power?"

What's this? Who told you to do that?

"Since it's inevitable that it will suffer from the mana injected, I thought it would be a good idea to let you meet it and see if you can help."

"What...."

What? What's this situation?!

I can't even say no to his requests..... I closed my mouth and urgently called the system.

Hey! HEY! Hurry up and come here!

[ ……(*￣０￣)ノ ]

Why do you look like you've just woken up? I clenched my fist and looked at the blue system window in front of me.

'Hurry up and navigate to the Fruit Store or whatever it's called!'

[ ……. ] [ ……. ] [ ☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆ ] [ The Nut Store! ]

After a bit of loading, the shiny emoji came into my vision. I clicked my tongue upon seeing the decorated sign below it. Don't you get tired doing all of this?

I ignored the small letters that said renewal open and quickly scanned the store.

[ Mini mini Brazil Nut Madeleine, consumes 2% miracle value, in turn your body gets smaller for 30 minutes. It's even smaller than a hamster! ]

[ Hurried Almond Financier, consumes 3% miracle value, in turn you're able to run faster than usual. ]

Give me something useful please, what's the point of these items ah? If I wanted to be small, I'll just turn back into a hamster.

I finished reading page 1 and was about to turn into page 2 when I heard Kyle sigh.

"A magician, you say..."

"What are you thinking about, Your Highness?"

"I just thought, it's quite a relief."

"Why?"

"There has always been a shortage of magicians in the Blake estate. It hasn't been long since I became the leader, and I've had a lot of accidents at the Wyvern nest survey last year."

He looked at me expectantly.

No, I can't think of an excuse. Stop looking at me with such a face. How am I supposed to hold my ground, my expression turned to guilt. 

I moved my hand to cover his eyes, but of course my feeble efforts were rendered useless in just three seconds as Kyle held my wrist in place.

"The work at the estate is hard. I'm really so busy these days."

I made a vague excuse first, just in case he asks for another favor.

Even though the "Summon" skill was upgraded, it was only up to two hours. I can't do much with the time I'm given, and it's not like I can lie everyday that I need to go to the bathroom before I disappear again.

"....Is that so?"

Kyle's face was tinted with disappointment. I felt apologetic seeing this unfamiliar expression on him.

Why are you so disappointed ah? I'm a fake magician who can't even do basic spells. The only spell I know is how to turn into your hamster, Cashew Nut.

'Can you even consider that as a magic spell?'

The system just transforms me back and forth.

In any case, it's better to find a magician who's actually knowledgeable, rather than choosing me. But still... If you're this disappointed.

I added gently, as if teeming with good intentions.

"There's still enough time to look for magicians before the demonic beasts' subjugation expedition happens."

There was something that came to mind after I said that sentence.

The Northern festival was held during the coldest and darkest days of winter. After this tumultuous atmosphere, the Blake estate started preparing for a massive reconnaissance.

There are many reasons for this reconnaissance, the main purpose was to bring back the vigilance that was loosened during the festival. It was a reminder that no matter how good the life in the North is, it is still a dangerous place full of demonic beasts.

Another reason is probably the training of the newly inaugurated knights. At this time of the year, knights who were apprentices in the past will get to experience combat since their inauguration.

"The ceremony for the new knights....."

Kyle replied slowly,

"We did it during the festival, I remember it was pretty big this year since there was a lot of new recruits."

"Haha... I think I was pretty busy back then."

Kyle glanced at me suspiciously. I know I didn't have anything to be busy about, but just forget about it, let's move on! I ignored his piercing gaze as I recounted the events.

A knight's inauguration that was larger than usual.

The chandelier dropping in the middle of the banquet.

And then, a large scale reconnaissance.

I'm pretty sure at this time, Kyle...

[ The Duke of Blake is attacked during the reconnaissance and suffers a heavy injury on his right arm. ]

The system narrated the content from the original novel.

I asked a question quietly. 

'Will this injury, affect how he dies?'

After a moment of silence, the system answered succinctly.

[ That's right. ]

The sentence shone brightly in blue and it gave me chills. His fated death struck me with renewed vividness.

'Right...'

Kyle's death is now just 15 days away.

According to the original story, he started to confront Belial through the chandelier incident, and was attacked at the reconnaissance. Then he was stabbed to death by a strong man at his own castle.

Just because I changed a small part of the plot, doesn't mean I changed his fate entirely. Miracles don't happen that easily.

What now... What should I do?

"Hey."

"....."

"Shu."

"....."

"Shu!"

Kyle put his palms around my cheeks and I came to my senses when his cold hands touched my skin.

"Ah."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

I took a quick breath and tried to move my stiff fingertips.

"I'm alright."

He didn't seem to believe my words, but he didn't pressure me into confessing.

"I was just thinking about something for a moment."

Kyle frowned at my words.

"What were you thinking about that made you so pale?"

I couldn't answer honestly so I just shut my mouth.

Come to think of it, I always avoided his questions this way. Either I start talking fast, saying random excuses or I just shut up entirely. It must look suspicious.

But it can't be helped. Anyways, I changed the subject as naturally as I could and leaked the plan I had in mind in advance.

"Your Highness, may I follow you on this large-scaled reconnaissance?"

He answered straight away, as if it was not a difficult decision.

"Sure, but have you ever been outside the territory?"

"No."

"The north is much more dangerous than you think. At the snowfield, humans are the first learn how weak they are."

"....."

The outside, is entirely different from the Blake estate, as the grand duke described.

I gulped down and looked him in the eye.

"It will all be alright if Your Highness is there to protect me."

Protect me, Kyle, and I'll protect you. You might not know, but our fates are linked. Our survival depends on each other.

Kyle whispered back.

"Do you trust me?"

"Isn't it natural that the people of this land trusts you?"

"I know."

He said with a mischievous smile on his face.

"But I was asking you."

Acting like a hooligan. You already know the answer.

I squinted at him, pretending to look hateful.

"Of course."

"All right, I'll be responsible in protecting you, but, how are your horseback riding skills?"

"Ah."

Well how should I explain this... During our school trip, they went to Jeju Island and everyone rode a pony, but I was left behind doing homework at school.

Before I could answer anything, he added.

"Actually, it would be difficult to ride alone with your injury."

Fortunately, he didn't seem to think of leaving me behind.

But wait, what? Don't tell me? You're thinking of giving me a ride?! In front of all the new recruits??? Wait, no!

'.....Should I not have told him that I wanted to join?'

I bit my lips in order to calm down the goosebumps on my arms.

"....Thank you for being considerate, Your Highness."

When he leaves, I must learn horseback riding immediately!

t/n : longest chapter yet! thank u for all the ko-fis~ also posting twice today since I might not be able to do so tomorrow!

#tngdh

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 40

The carriage ran without rest.

The barren land of the North had more areas untouched by human hands than there were that were touched.

The road was barely wide enough for the carriage to pass. If it turned to the side a little, the wheels would get caught in the wild vines or bushes.

That was why the carriage moved rather slowly. And the ground was so uneven that if the wheel hit a rock, my butt literally lifted off from the seat.

“……Hup.”

Damn it, motion sickness.

I never felt motion sickness as Bae Soohyun. Is it because I’m just not suited for riding horses? How is it that I’m always feeling sick whenever I ride one?

I leaned against the wall with a pale face, then rolled my eyes towards the main sitting across from me.

Even when the ceiling and floor was shaking, Kyle was steadfastly processing documents. It was as if he was sitting in a separate space than me.

As if I was sitting on top of a moving tortoise while he was on the flat ground.

“……Do you not get motion sickness?”

I couldn’t contain my curiosity and asked. After going through a few more documents, he raised his head and looked at me.

“Not at all. Is it very bad?”

“……I feel like I’m dying.”

“You should sleep.”

“…….”

Of course, I wanted to sleep. I would rather faint and ask them to wake me up when we arrive at the palace. But I couldn’t do that. I didn’t have enough time left for ‘Summon’.

It would take three days to get from here to the palace, but I only had two hours each day for ‘Summon’. Not even half a day would pass before I end up turning into a hamster. I’ve been surviving until now by eating the store-bought cookies.

I rolled my eyes and glared at the system window next to me. 3 hours and 30 minutes before ‘Summon’ was canceled.

“No……. it’s alright.”

“There’s a village close by. I’ll wake you up when we arrive, so take a nap for now.”

“Ughhhh…….”

I wanted to be a bit more stubborn and stay up, but I didn’t have the stamina to do so.

I crossed my arms above the hamster house and leaned against them. I called the system quietly. Hey, come out.

[_:(´ཀ`」∠):_ ]

“…….”

……You also get motion sickness?

Is that even possible?

I stared at the emote for a moment with a puzzled expression on my face, then closed my eyes as the carriage started shaking once more.

‘Hey…… system……. sound out an alarm for me after two hours. Please…….’

At this rate, I’ll really die of motion sickness before I could even do anything.

After sending out a nodding emote, a 2 hour timer appeared mid-air. As the time ticked away, I took out the [Emergency Toffee Nut Candy] out of my inventory and put it in my mouth.

I didn’t know if anything would happen, but I wanted a temporary measure. I didn’t want Kyle breaking into the hamster house while I was asleep.

The hard and sweet candy melted in my mouth. I felt the sweetness of caramel syrup melting into syrup and went to sleep.

In my fading consciousness, I felt the wind blowing through my hair.

Hopefully, when I wake up, I’ll be at the village……

*

Beep beep beep beep―.

A familiar sound rang in my head.

As I continued to ignore the constant beeping noise, it began to change into different variations. After an intense vibration, I even heard an obnoxious voice saying “good morning”.

‘Let me sleep for 10 more minutes……. no, 5 minutes…….’

I frowned and turned my head the opposite direction of where the noise was coming from. I found a more comfortable position to sleep in. Yes. If I could sleep just a bit more like this…….

Suddenly, I felt a chill run down my spine.

I raised my head in shock. When I opened my eyes and looked straight ahead, I saw Kyle just a few centimeters away from my face.

“Wha…… wha, wha- what is it?”

My words came out like a broken radio.

I reflexively moved away and held onto the hamster house tighter. Kyle watched me quietly and opened his mouth to speak.

“You seemed to sleep uncomfortably, so I was going to put it down.”

His eyes landed on the hamster house I was holding.

Wrong. What’s uncomfortable isn’t the hamster house but the carriage.

“I’m quite alright. More importantly…… we stopped?”

The carriage was no longer shaking.

I looked out the window. People were out gathering themselves into groups of twos and threes.

“We thought it would be best to rest for a bit, so we stopped momentarily. There were quite a few servants besides you who got motion sickness.”

“It’s more incredible that you don’t get motion sickness…….”

“……If you’ve woken up, let’s go out.”

I sighed in relief and nodded. As I slowly pushed myself off while hugging onto the hamster house, Kyle reached out his hand again.

“You cannot!”

“…….”

Before he could say anything, I quickly got off the carriage.

Since we got further away from the castle, I felt an unfamiliar spring breeze blowing. Of course, when I looked around, it was still covered in snow.

‘More importantly…….’

The strange feeling I felt earlier seemed to be from the effect of the toffee nut candy.

Even if there was a ghost behind my back, I wouldn’t have felt this way. Aside from being surprised, it felt rather unpleasant. No wonder they gave 5 candies for 0.5 Miracle Points…… the remaining 4 shall remain unused forever.

“I guess I’ll have to start making a move.”

It was impossible to keep eating cookies and holding onto the hamster house.

At this rate, my Miracle Points would run out dry and I would turn into a hamster inside the carriage.

Then, all the trust I gained until now would shatter to pieces……

‘They would definitely think it’s magic.’

And would think I lied to them.

From Kyle’s point of view, it’s natural that he would think that way. A person turned into a hamster. What reason would there be besides magic? Actually, I don’t know if even magic could even transform people into hamsters.

On top of that, he met me as both Cashew and Shu. He could think that I was trying to use him. He wouldn’t believe me if I say that that’s not the case. After all, the evidence would all be right in front of his eyes.

I inspected my surroundings. I must find a way out of here and transform back into a hamster.

“The village is pretty close from here, right?”

“That’s right. It was half destroyed after being attacked by demonic beasts in the past, but it has been recovering well lately.”

“It must’ve been due to His Highness Kyle’s efforts.”

“Yes. He’s truly an amazing person.”

I perked my ears as I listened to their conversation.

A village. And one that’s been attacked by a demonic beast at that?

Just then, a brilliant idea popped into my mind. I walked up to them to join their conversation.

“It’s good to hear that the village recovered. I haven’t heard any news about it after losing all my family members.”

“Family? Is your hometown that village?”

“Yes. It’s been a while since I’ve left.”

“When you said you lost your family…….”

“It’s a long story. An unlucky accident. ……No one would be there to welcome me, but I still want to visit my old home. I want to greet my parents and walk around to relieve my memories.”

“Then…….”

“If you tell His Highness, he would definitely help you!”

“Definitely! You know how His Highness is!”

The eyes of the servants sparkled.

I glanced over to Kyle. He was talking with a knight and was too preoccupied to look over me.

The servants stuffed snacks into my mouth, stuffed them into my pockets, and stacked them on top of the hamster house. Holding them all, I got back into the carriage. In that time, Kyle must’ve finished speaking with the knight and got back onto the carriage too.

“What are all those?”

“Snacks. Would you like some?”

He sat across from me and only laughed.

He’s been like this once in a while. He would just look at me and laugh with no reason. And when I would turn towards him, our eyes would meet right away.

‘……Makes me feel a little embarrassed.’

I avoided eye contact and opened the package filled with biscuits. I offered a piece to Kyle.

Just when I thought Kyle would accept the biscuit, he leaned over and bit it. Use your hands will you? Grab it with your hands.

“Does it taste better to eat it from my hands?”

“Very.”

“…Eat well”

The carriage began to move again. The horses must’ve rested well, because the carriage ran fast despite the rough road.

Thus, I felt like dying once again.

Watching me grow pale, Kyle offered me his laps. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to tell if I’m still on Earth or the afterlife once we reach the village.

I wondered how much further we had to go.

When I started to think the ride would never end, the carriage began to slow down its pace.

“Ahhhhhhh…….”

I got down the carriage while making a zombie-like groan. In front of me was a village.

‘It’s a lot larger than I thought.’

I heard it was half destroyed due to the attack, but besides a few collapsed buildings, it looked not much different than the Blake estate. It was a little smaller, but it was still quite lively.

After confirming that all the servants and knights were present, they took a 10 minute break and said they will start moving again. It seemed the palace was still quite a long way off, so they wanted to hurry.

Upon hearing that, I raised my hand. Everyone’s gaze turned towards me.

“I will stay here for a bit.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is my hometown. Since I’m here, I want to look around.”

“I cannot allow that for whatever reasons.”

“Please don’t worry. I’ll follow after…….”

“He said it’s his hometown, Your Highness!”

One maid shouted out loud.

“That’s right. His family all passed away and somehow ended up in the Blake estate. Look how scrawny he is! It must’ve been tough to travel all the way to the estate.?”

“He doesn’t talk about himself, and yet he brought up about his hometown. It must’ve been on his mind a lot.”

Everyone began to speak up for me. Some said I was too pitiful. Few argued that I could catch up with a single horse and a map.

As long as you weren’t a combatant, it seemed that stopping by your hometown was somewhat acceptable.

Kyle looked reluctant but eventually nodded with a sigh.

“Shu.”

He held out a heavy-looking bag in front of me. I struggled to accept it with the hamster house in my hands, so he put it on top of the cage.

“With this amount of money, you could catch the best carriage in this village. Don’t hesitate to use it all.”

“……Thank you.”

“Will you…… really be alright alone?”

It was a voice filled with concern. I kept my mouth closed for a moment, then mumbled awkwardly while avoiding his gaze.

“I’m not a child. Since it’s been a while since I’ve been here, I want to see everyone. My family.”

“Alright.”

His held my cheek and the nape of my neck with his hand. The leather tickled my skin, and I slowly walked away as if I was feeling a little regretful.

I unconsciously opened my mouth. I didn’t want to make anymore promises, but it felt like I had to at the moment.

“I will follow after you soon.”

So, please go first and wait for me.

Kyle smiled. I turned my head around slightly and our eyes met again. It was as if he had never taken his eyes off me.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

#tngdh

[heavensmtl]

TNGDH 41

As soon as I arrived in the village, I stopped at a merchant, and had him carefully package the goods and money, and had them sent to the nearby imperial palace.

I was tempted to put a bribe on it so that the top worker would come to me, but I knew I'd be too tired if I ran into Kyle, so I did the next best thing.

[The top of the castanets is responsible for moving items to each point. Find the item at the desired location!]

Thanks to the system's guidance, I didn't lose the money that Kyle had so generously given me. I don't want to waste his hard-earned money, even if I pretend it's not a penny or two.

‘By the way, this is what they do at the top.’

It’s just like a delivery service.

Afterwards, as I wandered around diligently, the ‘loading’ time came to an end. Now that I’m here, I’m reminded that time really is money.

-Squeak.

The replica hamster I had left behind was running out of time. As I watched another Cashew Nut disappear like melting snow, fatigue washed over me like a flood, and I fainted and fell asleep.

How much time has passed since then?

When I opened my eyes, I was on a rickety carriage. Since the surroundings were dark, I thought they had covered it with a black cloth…

-Squeak. (Ugh.)

Crazy motion sickness.

As I leaned against the wall and retched, what I thought was black cloth moved. It appeared that Kyle was hugging the hamster house while sitting in the carriage.

“Are you ok, Cashew?”

-Squeak…(Does it look like I’m ok?...)

“Do you get motion sickness too? You seemed fine when I was holding you. Anyway, this thing also resembles Shu.”

What can I do? It’s the same guy inside.

Kyle reached into the hamster house. I figured it was better than being inside the hard house, so I jumped into his palm.

Although his hand had a lot of calluses, it still felt warm and soft.

‘It’s definitely better.’

I curled up into a ball and closed my eyes.

The grand duke won’t be able to hold a hamster all the time until he arrives at the imperial palace, so he should get enough sleep now that it’s lying in his palm.

Rattle, rattle, rattle.

The carriage shook. Those were the days of moving from the north to the south, from winter to spring.

By the time I arrived at the Imperial Palace, to my surprise, I had a miracle value of nearly 30%.

-Squeak. (Is this really happening?)

“Don’t worry too much, Cashew Nut. They value their lives so they will never bandit again.”

-Squeak. (I guess so.)

The story goes like this.

On our way to the palace, we passed through several villages, but one village in particular had an ugly atmosphere.

When I questioned the soldiers, they said that recent incidents of bandits rampaging through the streets, engaging in mischief and extorting money and valuables have been happening frequently.

Unfortunately, it was a small village between two estates and was poor, so no one could help. To make matters worse, the bandits’ tyranny became more severe day by day as there was nothing left to steal.

As a result of this situation, the village people naturally became less welcoming to outsiders.

They didn’t have enough food to share with others, and they were tired of bandits trying to get help from outsiders.

And when Kyle learned the circumstances, he solved all the problems at once and clearly.

With his fist.

“This is the fastest way to the imperial palace, but shouldn’t Shu have to face trouble on the way down?”

-Squeak. (I am here.)

Literally. Kyle took down a group of bandits who were swarming the village with a single fist… 

The bandits, who had been beaten just enough not to die, gave Kyle all the wealth they had stolen and fled to the mountains.

I heard that it was very unpleasant to see it groveling after threatening that it would not be left alone when it came back to the village, but unfortunately, I was in a hamster house, so that was all I could hear.

Well, they didn't have to kill me anyway. Honestly, they were stealing and murdering, so what's the point in killing them?

“They thought I was helping them”

-Squeak. (Illusions are free.)

He seems worried even though he gave me so much money. Well, if I heard that there were people stealing money everywhere, I would be concerned.

Anyway, it was a good thing one way or another.

The townspeople are safer, Kyle has less to worry about, and I get a miracle value boost from something that didn't happen in the original book.

I didn’t know much about Kyle Jane Meinhardt, but it seems he was quite feared outside of the Blake estate.

I don't know what kind of trouble he got into when he was kicked out of the Imperial Palace and went north, but....... It's no wonder that the miracle numbers were so high, as fear turned to awe and word of mouth began to spread.

Moreover, the way he carefully prepared food for his hamster whenever he stopped by  the inn seemed to have created a rumor that he was a warm and just person toward small animals and the poor.

“It’s warming up a lot, so get some air.”

Kyle threw the carriage window wide open. I snuggled up against the grate of the hamster house and sniffed.

The breeze, which had grown warmer as we traveled south, began to waft with the scent of flowers as we neared the Imperial Palace. Spring was said to arrive quickly in the Meinhardt Empire, and even in March, the flowers were already in full bloom.

An engagement during the blooming season, how nice.

Though it doesn't have much of a romantic feel to it, given the opposition.

"Are you bored?"

Kyle suddenly asked sweetly. I kicked him hard on the lips as he tried to kiss me.

Of course I am, man. I haven’t been able to use ‘Summon’ for several days now, so I’m just being a hamster. If this goes on, I will forget that I was ever human.

"When I was holding him, he was so quiet the whole time, no whining......."

Whining? Don’t use such cute words. Do you know how old I am?

"Don't worry, he'll be back in a few days. Five days? No, he's a diligent guy, maybe four days."

Even if Kyle's guess is correct and he's as diligent as he pretends to be, it'll take him four days to catch....... This means that I have to live with this disgusting, 100% pure rat for three more days. 

‘...... I’m sick of it, I’m sick of it’

As I was grumbling excitedly, the carriage slowly came to a stop. Finally, I arrived at the long-awaited destination.

I stuck my head out the window.

Pure white bricks line a street big enough for a carriage or two, and gardens full of spring flowers line the street.

There were lights and structures here and there, and they seemed to have been spread with gold, so they sparkled brightly in the sun.

‘It’s like a royal castle.’

It’s too flashy to be too flashy.

Of course, the most eye-catching of them all was the imperial palace, more opulent than any fairy-tale palace I had ever seen in my life.

Although the palace was not small, its majesty was truly unique as it was the palace of the imperial family.

‘It’s too far to see from here’

Let’s go, me too.

I quickly grabbed Kyle’s fingers with both hands and hung on. Don’t put it in the hamster house, put it in your palm and go. It might be a bit painful, but …… It’s frustrating!

“Okay, let’s go together.”

Kyle looked at me as if he was dying of cuteness and then gently held me in his hand.

Fortunately, there were a lot of people waiting outside , so instead of kissing or hugging me, he put me in the front pocket of his jacket with very careful hands.

I stuck my head out and looked around.

“Meeting Archduchess Blake”

Sen came out in person, leading the maids.

She was always neat and tidy, but in her flowing dress, she looked like a young lady of some noble family.

Her brown hair was tied up in a high ponytail, and when Sen lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed her head in acknowledgment, Kyle did the same.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“It’s been a long time, Your Highness.”

“Indeed.”

Kyle’s expression softened.

“How are you?”

Sen replied with a small smile.

“How many people are there who don’t get along well in the imperial palace? It’s a place where everything is abundant.”

Sens' expression as she said that was so calm that it gave off a cool vibe rather than warm happiness. 

Kyle shrugged his shoulders instead of answering, as if he understood. Is it because he had a bad time in the imperial palace and was kicked out into the cold?

“Well, it was more than I thought.”

Sen covered her mouth with an expression of regret and quickly apologized.

“Sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Sen must have seen me while lightly rubbing the back of her neck with her fingertips, and she smiled slightly with an expression that I recognized.

“Did you also bring Cashew Nut?”

“I think I need to get a medical examination from the palace’s magicians.”

“Oh my, where does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“Then that’s a relief. What about Shu?”

She looked around. She must have expected me to accompany them, but when she saw that I wasn't among those unloading the carriage, she seemed a little disappointed.

“He decided to stop by his hometown. He will arrive in a few days. It would be nice if you could set up a room for him next to mine.”

"I've already done that. Cashew still needs a place to stay....... I'll have it ready by tomorrow, don't worry."

“Okay. Please.”

Afterwards, Sen headed into the castle with calm steps.

The skill of showing people around a room or asking the maids to do something was unusual. The maids didn’t seem to have any difficulty with Sen either.

‘You’ve adapted quickly.’

Well, she’s a smart girl, so that’s to be expected.

We parted ways with Sen and entered the room that had been prepared for us.

The lavish furnishings and panoramic view were quite the opposite of what I'm used to in the north. Maybe it was because I had become accustomed to the North, but it felt like I was in a foreign country.

Should I say it is more delicate and sophisticated? It's amazing. It's also somewhat strange that there is no snow outside the window.

“You must have had a hard time coming, so eat some of this first.”

Kyle set me down on a neatly folded handkerchief and rummaged through his bag. Sunflower seeds, roasted peanuts, pollack cubes, shredded duck meat… … . No, did you bring all this?

As I was eating this and that, a hand continued to stroke my forehead and spine. It’s burdensome, you guy.

Still, I was afraid to get used to it, but I didn't have the heart to refuse. His affection, expressed with his whole body, seemed to have become second nature.

When I looked up at him with a full stomach, he scooped me up and kissed me on the forehead about five times before setting me down in the center of the bed.

"You sleep here tonight. We'll have what you need tomorrow morning."

-Squeak. (It doesn’t matter to me because I’m a bed type.)

Should I ask for a hamster bed or something?  He doesn't have to share a bed this big, and it's only about the size of his palm.......

‘Wait a minute.’

Why do I have this bed to myself?

Crash.

Kyle unsheathed his sword from his back and drew it close. There was a creak of armor, and then...... he was sitting on the bed with his back to me, still holding the sword.

He's going to sleep like that? Really?

"Sleep well."

He spoke quietly and closed his eyes.

-......

I looked at him with a slightly confused gaze as he slept motionlessly.

I know. 

Kyle doesn't trust anyone here. This is the place where his mother was tragically killed and he was driven out to the cold land as a child. Not only was his life threatened, but he must have overcome many dangers of death.

Because of those countless memories, he is no longer as weak as he was then, and even though no one can treat him carelessly, he cannot relax.

Because things engraved in one’s mind eat away at a person longer than one might think. Even if you think you've overcome everything, I know very well that memories are what come to mind without you knowing. So sick of it.

'… … I can't wait to come back.'

I wanted to be by his side, not as a Cashew, but as a Shu, so he wouldn't feel alone, at least not in this vast palace.

I stared at Kyle’s cold, hard, and lonely face for a long time and then closed my eyes. I prayed that time would pass a little faster.

-----------------------

Caelum's Note

Ahh sorry if translations are off or if the grammar is kind of funky. ｡ﾟ･ (>﹏<) ･ﾟ｡ This is my first time doing this and I currently have no proofreader and am translating late at night. Please dm me if there is anything that needs to be fixed. Hope you enjoyed the read! (.❛ ᴗ ❛.)

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#tngdh

[guiiann]

Hoping for the manhwa adaptation of TNGDH 🙏

[qiutls]

TNGDH 012

After the two fought, the miracle value rose to 8%, perhaps because I changed the course of the original plot.

This is quite expensive for just one performance of painting. Although, because of this act Kyle called for a veterinarian the day after.

'Your magical beast is quite cute, Your Highness....'

There was one problem, the doctor that came seemed to know nothing about magical beasts and could only say the sentence above.

But it was to be expected, how could a doctor who only examines rodents have any idea on what's wrong with a magical beast. I think it's even more amazing that there are veterinarians in this world.

'Was my acting too real...'

At this rate, if I really sneeze, the whole castle of Blake might be sent into a frenzy. The future of the North is bleak...

Kyle seemed to not want to leave my side, yet he didn't have a choice since it was a busy time and he needed to look over the preparations. It's not easy to be in charge of a territory. Still, seeing that the affairs are being finalized, he seems to be pretty good at his job as a lord.

Eventually he left the study to check the dinner preparation during the afternoon. He looked quite commendable today, so I'll let him kiss up to 5 times.

Thanks to him being busy, I also have some free time. As soon as I confirmed that he has moved far away from the study, I quickly used the skill and became human.

[ Good luck! (ෆ`꒳´ෆ) ]

*

"So you're saying your name is... Shu?"

I'm doomed.

I'm tired of saying 'I'm doomed', but I have no other words for this situation.

Right now, I'm roughly dressed in different pieces of clothing which I found in other laundry rooms along the path from the maid's laundry. I managed to find an attendant's uniform.

And although it didn't fit, I was lucky to find leather boots clean shirts and pants.

​Thanks to the nice situation, I felt a little elated thinking my luck has finally turned around, that is until I ran into Sen at the hallway.

"Well, yes, I guess-"

Sen frowned as I spoke indifferently.

"Where in the world would you find someone who says, 'I guess' when asked about their name."

Where you ask? It's here in this world. Since you wouldn't believe that my name is 'Cashew Nut,' I could only say 'Shu.'

I don't have any other name prepared, if I said my real name which probably doesn't exist in this world, you would think I'm strange.

So, I could only say that my name is 'Shu'. It's taken from Cashew Nut, although it's not a good name, I took it from the name the Grand Duke sincerely bestowed upon me.

The quick-witted Sen immediately recognized that I was wearing someone else's clothes. It's because of this shirt that's suspiciously large on my frame.

"Did you steal these clothes? Are you perhaps the infamous, companionship pervert-"

"I'm not!"

Of course, it's me, but I can't admit it!

What do you mean companionship pervert, I'm just a companion okay? When I shouted in reply, Sen grumbled and said,

"If it's not you, then why are you yelling?"

Luckily, she was as kind as she was clever. Instead of accusing me, she decided to listen to my explanation.

Thanks to this, I was forced to come up with a sob story of my past on the spot. I stammered and told her how my family was killed by demonic beasts when I was young and how I had nothing to wear now since I outgrew my old clothes. I also told her I couldn't remember the name my family gave me, so I gave a name to myself, thinking it was an appropriate name for me.

..... Come to think of it. It was not far from the truth, when I was young, my parents did indeed die, due to a car accident. And I was poor and unable to buy clothes.

"I see. It is indeed common for refugees to enter the estate or the castle during the festival. That's why His Highness prepares a lot of food during this period. A lot of orphans like you stumble around here."

Sen looked at me with a complex expression and said,

"I also lost my family, so I came here all the way to the North, just like you, I don't have anyone left."

She seemed to have felt sorry for me.

After our conversation, Sen disappeared for a while then brought back a few clothes. She said it was clothes usually worn by servants. It was simple and clean, and it was easy to move my body wearing it.

Thanks to Sen, my situation actually became better, so I gave the stolen clothes back to her.

"Shu, it seems that we are hiring more servants because there's not enough workers in the castle these days. Why don't you apply? You can stay at the castle, and you won't have to steal clothes like this anymore."

"I won't steal. Really, please believe me. I'm also embarrassed by my actions."

I can't believe I have to look for a job here as well. It's really hard to make ends meet. Everything was free when I was just a hamster. Ah, maybe because I paid it with my human rights.

I asked in a faint voice.

​"But there's going to be an interview, right?"

"Of course, they don't just blindly pick. And working here in the castle is much more sought out than you think!"

"Is that so? How many rounds will the application process have?"

Sen looked at me blankly as if I asked a weird question.

"Hmm? How many what?"

​"It's nothing..."

That's right, this isn't even a company. There might not be enough spots as well, so I need to do my best to get picked.

After that, I stuck with Sen as she gave me a tour of the castle. I earnestly memorized the layout of the Blake Castle and at the same time, eavesdropped on servants passing by in case I hear any rumors, I learned the way to the study, I found out about a passageway used by servants only, and discovered rooms that were not being used.

Thanks to this, I also found a good place to hide my clothes. It was the most fulfilling 30 minutes I've spent since I've transmigrated.

"Can I leave you for a bit? I need to give these documents to His Highness, he asked to strengthen the security, so I made a new timetable for the soldiers patrolling."

"Oh that, His Highness said he was going to return to the study, he must almost be there by now, it's fine we can take our time."

W-what? His Highness is returning to the study? Already?!

I stood stiffly on the spot.

It hasn't even been long after 30 minutes as a human, this plan is ruined again. If this continues, it's easier to count the moments in life that's not ruined.

"So that's everything about the East Tower, now let's look at the Central Area where the banquet hall is found... Huh? Shu! Where are you going?!"

"Sorry, I forgot about something I needed to do! I'll look around the banquet hall next time!"

Right now, the problem isn't that I can't look around the banquet hall. If I'm not back in the hamster house in 3 seconds I'm afraid the Blake castle will be turned inside out again.

I quickly stuffed my clothes in the unused storage room and closed it from the inside. I need to hurry and go back and pretend like nothings amiss...

As soon as the white light wrapped around my body, I suddenly felt uneasy. I had an instinctive intuition that I shouldn't release the skill without thinking.

'Hey system, can I specify a location inside the hamster house?'

[ Of course!  ]

'Then... please put me in the most out of sight. Where was it again? The place where I piled up the sawdust to make the ground soft? It's around the corner of the first floor.'

The white light slowly wrapped around my body again and as it flashed the surroundings turned brown. It seems I arrived safely as expected...

Then someone suddenly grabbed my body.

― Squeak! [ What the?! ]

"Cashew Nut."

His voice was several times lower than usual. Even when Belial was here, I don't think his voice sounded this gloomy.

Kyle's eyes fell on me, and my body trembled reflexively. H-hey! Wait a minute, what's wrong with you? Let's talk, just t-talk it out. Of course, you don't understand what I'm saying but-

'.... Why does it feel like your eyes are a bit off.'

No, not just a bit, I meant a lot.

"I thought you disappeared."

​I did disappear, but I was going to come back, it's just you came back before me!

I rolled my eyes and glanced at his hands, the tendons on his wrists, turned black and blue, as if he was preventing himself from exerting too much force on his hands.

Seeing the sawdust stuck between his fingers, he must've been searching the floor of the house when he saw I wasn't at the usual spot with the feeding bowl and toys.

Thump. Thump. 

A heartbeat that seemed quite fast could be felt from the palm of his hand.

Why are you so nervous. I'm just a magical beast found in the wild. If you act like this, people will think you love me more than you love your own life.

"Cashew Nut, please don't scare me like that again."

I heard him sigh.

Kyle looked at me with complicated eyes and gently stroked my head. His hand that was holding me was shaking, yet the hand that swept through my fur was so gentle and stable.

"Am I ridiculous for liking you this much? I don't know if the rest of the world thinks like Belial. But from the first moment I held you in my hands, I was determined to give you all the love I have. Isn't it natural to cherish you with all my might since I decided that you'll be my companion."

Why are you speaking such touching words.

I stopped twisting in his grasp and stretched out my paw to touch his palm.

​'You really must've been worried.'

That's right, I suddenly disappeared just a few days ago while you were washing up. For me, I was just turning into human to look around the castle, but for you it must have been shocking to find that I've gone.

I felt sorry towards Kyle. But I can't help it, I need to go out... Okay then, I'll adjust my schedule, how about going out when you're sleeping? Alright, let's do it like that.

Kyle put his lips briefly on my forehead and said affectionately.

"I want to make you the happiest magical beast in the whole world."

What a commendable remark. It's this hamster's luck to be picked by you. It's indeed convenient to live when your owner is a kind human.

"And if ever someone kidnaps you, he will not have the luxury of being buried in one place."

I take back what I said about you being kind. This owner is a bit strange. Please, don't be to obsessed with hamsters!

"Tomorrow afternoon, the vet will come again to examine you, Cashew Nut. It still bothers me that you fainted out of nowhere. Maybe you're too skinny.... I'll bring you a lot of special snacks tomorrow morning. For now, here, Sen brought you a beef snack."

Wow! Beef... Alright I'll let you slide even if you're too overbearing. Korean beef.... Ah, there's no Korean beef here. Northern beef, come to me~

By the way, you make me eat until I'm full every breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you think I'm skinny? Just because you can hold me with one hand doesn't mean I'm skinny!

​Back in my old world, I was originally a glutton. I ate a lot and ate more freely once I got here. I guess I brought that habit with me here.

'Is the hamster constitution, the same as human constitution?'

​Of course I don't know, I've never lived as a hamster before. Excuse me, does anyone know what's the average weight for a hamster?

"But it's alright, since you're still cute."

To Kyle, I seemed to be the definition of the most perfect specimen in this whole universe.

'This hamster otaku.....'

Hmph, still I felt a bit happy today, so I'll let it slide and call you a kind owner.

T/N:

everyone tysm for the notes and follow! it's really nice to see the number of readers grow! also please don't forget to support the author by buying the raws! it's linked at the novel masterpage :)

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#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 017

In fact the owner of the flower has been decided from the beginning, so there was no need to deliberate. I'll give it to you, okay? Since you helped me attend the banquet as exchange for it. After all I'm a law-abiding citizen of Korea, I don't break my promises.

"Here, Your Highness."

The entrance fee for this banquet.

I gave Belial the white flower with a bitter face. Still, he is indeed a prince, if he didn't get a single flower, it would be quite embarrassing.

"I'm giving it to you as I promised."

Belial glanced at me with soft eyes and smiled slightly with his eyes bent like crescent moons. It seemed like a graceful gaze that would melt anyone who was looked at.

"Thank you."

Hey, don't act too moved. Why are you so touched? It's not like it was a surprise gift.

Belial cut the stem of the flower short and inserted it onbliquely in the front pocket of his coat. I was wondering why despite his flashy clothes, he didn't wear a corsage, now I see why. This bastard planned this from the start.

"Receiving the symbol of respect from a subject of the Blake estate sure feels quite refreshing."

Belial turned his head slightly towards Kyle and asked,

"Don't you think so?"

He seemed to be quite excited to have an opportunity to be condescending. What are you a kid? Are you actually going to brag about a flower?

Kyle on the other hand didn't that much interested in his gloating and replied bluntly,

"Congratulations."

It was a tone that didn't seem congratulatory at all. His red eyes turned to look at me berating my actions.

What? What was I supposed to do? You already have a lot of white flowers from the citizens of the duchy. Look at your basket filled to the brim. So please spare this one flower, okay?

"What are you going to do with that one?"

Kyle pointed towards me, to be exact, he pointed at the red flower sitting in my hand.

I stood still and continued to grasp the red flower, while everyone else was giving it to others, asking for a dance.

Sen said this flower symbolizes love. But I don't have anyone I 'love' right now. Even as the human Bae Soohyun, I had built a Great Wall around me, rejecting any possible affection.

"I'm not giving it to anyone."

I said flatly.

Why are you asking? I'm not giving it to you. I'm not giving it to others as well. This is mine.

To make matters worse, Belial also anticipated my next actions. Apparently, Sen gave both flowers to him.

I already gave you one, and you still want more? You two brothers have no conscience! Are you toddlers? Stop competing for a flower! 

"....."

I really didn't want to give it to anyone, but how am I supposed to reject both the grand duke and the prince.

Can't you guys just pretend not to know? Let's just skip this, get rid of those competitive gazes. I sighed deeply, then put the stem in my mouth.

I am not giving it away! It's mine!

"Euf yeu reely weant it, then teuk it."

*he's biting the flower stem so he can't talk properly XD  'If you really want it, then take it.'*

...Well, I think the pronounciation was fine.

Even if I said it like that, it was understandable right? I turned my head away after seeing the glances from the crown. Get lost! Go and keep dancing, why are you looking this way.

"Pff- hahaha!"

Belial burst into laughter.

"Everything you do is really so strange, I didn't know there was such an interesting person in the North."

Kyle's eyes suddenly brightened, then he stepped in between me and Belial as if to block him, and offered me a red flower.

....Wait, what? Why are you giving that to me?

"Can I have your first dance of the day?"

Wait a minute!

"The music will start soon, will you accompany me for a dance?"

Stop!

Hey! This isn't right! Why are you asking me to dance out of all the people here. I can't even answer you properly because I'm biting a flower!

Kyle grabbed me by the arm, not even waiting for my reply. Before I knew it we were on the dance floor, and receiving strange looks from everyone.

...That's right, isn't it weird if the Duke of Blake, chose some unidentified man as his dance partner.

I'm doomed.

"I- I heuv never deunced befeur."

I've never danced before! Let me go, you punk.

Of course, there was no way he could have understood.

"Wheuy deu yeu weunt to deunce with me!"

Why do you want to dance me with me? There's a lot to choose from!

This time seems like Kyle understoon perfectly even though I said it with clenched teeth.

"Why do I want to dance with you? Because out of all the people here, you were the only one who...."

Kyle leaned down and whispered in my ear.

"What was it that you said? My companion?"

Fuck. This damn situation is...

I wanted to refute his statement but the flowers were in the way. When I moved my hand to remove it, he grasped my arm and put it on his waist. My other hand was also trapped in his as he lead me to dance.

Soon, at the sound of the music, we along with the other people in the dance floor began to spin like dolls in a music box. 

We moved with the cheerful waltz beat... And I kept stepping on Kyle's feet. I can't help it, I've never dance before. This kind of fast paced beat is sure to break my legs.

Stomp.

I stepped on his foot again, this time it was much harder than before, but Kyle didn't seem to be in pain. Well what else can he do, except endure.

"Why did you say that back then?"

"....."

Because I was confessing that I was your pet! Your pet hamster! This mouth of mine is the problem. Ah! Why did you say that Bae Soohyun.

This time I stepped on his foot on purpose, as payback.

"Come to think of it, you look strangely like someone I know?"

Suddenly Kyle lifted me slightly and let my feet step on his. We continued dancing like this. Well, more like he continued, since he was the only one moving.

'Am I not heavy?'

Anyways, thanks to this, I felt more comfortable. Now all I have to do is stick to him and not worry about following the beat.

Of course, the distance between us bothered me a bit. His bangs often brushed against my forehead and it made my heart feel itchy.

By the way, what do you mean I look like someone? Everywhere you look, all the face you'd see are westerners, where could you have found a face that resembles an Asian like me?

'... Don't tell me, you think I resemble your hamster?'

Ey, that's impossible, it's a different species. Hm, I guess there's really someone in the Blake estate who looks like me.

"Isn't that statement quite brazen of you?"

...Oh, you sly man. You're really fiendish.

Kyle said in a low tone,

"So, what do you think?"

His voice was cold and intimidating. I felt extreme pressure and my body was trembling as if my whole body's blood was being drained out.

I shrank reflexively.

N-no, but there's really nothing to say. I was originally going to ask if you thought I looked like your pet hamster, but now I don't think I can.

And this damn flower. This damn flower is my enemy. I'm glad I didn't drool on my shoes. That's right don't talk to me, or else I might drool on your shoes too.

"I think yeur just jeuking."

I think your just joking.

Right? It should be. Don't pry into me anymore, lest you get an idea.

"That's right, I was kidding."

Kyle's eyes narrowed, I didn't know if he was smiling or threatening.

"I guess it's time I take the flower now."

His head got closer and at that moment, I forgot I was on the dance floor. When his face filled my entire vision, I couldn't even hear the music the was originally loud.

It felt like we were the only ones who existed in the world at that moment.

"....."

Kyle seemed to move slowly. His face came close enough for us to touch foreheads and his eyelashes fanned my cheeks. He tilted his head slightly and took the red flower that had been in my mouth, our posture looked as if we were kissing.

"This... What..."

I closed my eyes and felt our noses touch. Soon, I opened my eyes and realized I lost the flower. What the hell?

Before I could argue, he pushed me away slightly and spun me around. While I was turning around to the sound of the violin, he broke the stem of the flower and placed it on his front pocket, just like what Belial did earlier.

Kyle did the job skillfully with just one lap of turn, grasped my hand and pulled me back in again. As soon as my body tilted, I stumbled and stepped on his foot again. He's such a great dancer, meanwhile I...

"What are you going to do if a rumour spreads that the Grand Duke of the North is into men?"

It seems like the north will be thrown into chaos as soon as word gets out.

Kyle answered my question blankly as if it was a small matter.

"I can afford to not have children nor a family, unlike some people."

"But aren't you the lord?"

"The North does not rely on lineage to choose it's leaders. Only the strongest can rule here."

"Ah right..."

I answered awkwardly. Let's just keep quiet.

"What's your name?"

"It's... Shu."

I said half-heartedly and looked away for fear that he might discover something.

The first song came to an end, and the crowd seemed to be a bit more active, looking for partners for the next dance. From the gap, I saw Belial and Sen move toward the dance floor.

'Hey System, how much time do I have left?'

[ "Summon" will end in approximately 10 minutes. ]

"....What?!"

10 minutes? That's not enough!

[ Would you like to buy an item from the 'Nut Shop'? ( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧ ]

There's no choice, the chandelier incident still hasn't been prevented. I sighed deeply and bought what I saw earlier.

[ Long-lasting Acorn cookie, consumes 1% miracle value, purchasing this item grants an extension of 1 hour for the skill "Summon." ]

A small snack came straight into my pocket.

"It really looks like an acorn."

I unwrapped the package and put it in my mouth without hesitation. 

....Tastes like acorns, but a bit bland.

"Well, I guess dancing to one song would be fine. As I told you, I'm not a good dancer."

"Don't worry, it's fine. I'll lead."

Belial bent down and offered out his arm for Sen to hold. The two of them seemed to be going to the dance floor this time.

'... Don't.'

My anxious gaze flew to the chandelier.

'You can't dance there.'

There's really no choice in this damned life, I thought as I reached out to Kyle.

"Please dance with me one more time, Your Highness."

Punk, let's do one more round.

t/n: i might not be able to post tomorrow since i'll be away the whole day, so here's an early update ! :D

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 020

The heavy atmosphere passed, and Sen smiled saying, "It's good that we can stay together quite a bit longer these days."

[ Current miracle value: 20% ]

Since I was able to change the fate of quite a big incident, the compensation was also hefty. Of course, if you think about it, the sacrifice I made was still a bit too harsh just in order to make it rise this much.

Still, thanks to this the duration of "Summon" is now two hours per day.

That means I can eat pecan pies for two hours! I picked up another slice and was about to take a bite when,

Knock. Knock.

The heavy knock made Sen's face brighten.

"He must be here."

Someone's coming?

My mouth snapped shut before even biting the pie and felt cold energy going down my spine... Hey, don't tell me...

"Ah! A while ago I met His Highness Kyle when I went to bring the pie and told him that you were here."

"What..."

"How can you not greet His Highness when he was the one who saved you? Do you know how worried he was when you disappeared without a word?"

"....."

Ah... I'm doomed.

In spite of my perplexed emotions, Sen cheerfully opened the door.

"Your Highness!"

The door opened and Kyle came in.

A handsome man stepped foot into the room, with a heart fluttering aura surrounding him... As if! There was no such man, instead there was a terrifying man, someone who conquered the North with his strength, of course he was still handsome, but......

His eyes are so intimidating!

My shoulders shook and I took a step back unconsciously. My back flinched at the shock, then hardened because of the pain. Yes, my back is better than yesterday but that doesn't mean it's fully healed!

I looked up at him, staying still awkwardly with no other place to retreat. To make matters worse, Sen announced that she was leaving, "Well, make yourself at home!"

Hey! Where are you going?! Don't leave us alone! How am I supposed to handle this, ah...

"....."

Kyle came closer to the lounge with his eyes fixed on me. The sound of his heavy footsteps seemed to sound more terrifying today.

Just by looking at his eyes, I felt like he was about to devour me whole. I faltered with my steps as I moved closer to the sofa.

He sat as well, not in front of me, but beside me. I gave way slightly by reflex... Hey, what's wrong with you. Why are you sitting next to me.

"You're alive."

He said, drawing himself closer to me.

Why? Are you uncomfortable I didn't die? Do you feel bad at the outcome? It was time to stop being passive and start loading up my eyes with bullets, let's see what this man has to say.

"I thought you were dead..."

His sincerity was reflected in his deep voice. I kept silent, somehow unable to bring out any words. I felt a little sorry.

'...You really must have been worried to death.'

I was injured and bled so much, there was no time to handle both me and the banquet's affairs. And I disappeared as soon as you settled me down at the study.

But I needed to do it. I don't have an excuse and I'm sorry I made you worry one-sidedly but there was no choice. Instead of waiting for the "Summon" time to end and endure the pain, it was better to release the skill and turn back into a hamster.

After thinking for a while, I mustered the courage to move closer towards him. But the face that greeted me was not gloomy or sad at all. He said all that with a straight face, man, I was worried for nothing.

"Were you that worried?"

Kyle sneered at my question,

"Do you think I'm a cold-blooded man who doesn't shed tears nor blood?"

"...."

"Well... That's what the people say that the grand duke is someone with no tears nor blood to shed."

His smile turned bitter at my response.

That's right, Kyle isn't like that at all. I've seen it with my own eyes, so why can't I still acknowledge his soft side. Someone like Kyle, who is compassionate towards the weak, and does not turn a blind eye towards his responsibility, is definitely a good person.

The Duke of Blake is much more affectionate and sensitive than what was displayed in the novel. He became strong in order to protect his people. He became meticulous in order to give the North a better future.

The more he worked hard, the more the world misunderstood him.

He has been called terrible names since he has conquered the barren land. He has been mocked by aristocrats for his execution of enemies. The imperial family locked him up in the North to "keep him safe."

"But it doesn't suit you, being a cold-blooded duke..."

Kyle's eyes bent slightly at my words.

"Anyways, I'm not dead so don't worry. I've living well so... My back doesn't hurt as much as yesterday, look I'm better enough to eat this much pie."

"The doctors said no other people came. It would've been difficult to treat it by yourself since you were injured at your back so how..."

"Well... Let's just say I'm a little more resilient than others!"

This body is not used unless I use the "Summon" skill, and since the system even helped fixed it, it's only natural that the wound would heal faster than normal.

"I won't disappear this time so, you can ask me if you have any questions."

I said while placing a slice of pie on a plate.

"Do you want some?"

Instead of taking the plate, Kyle held my wrist.

"If I lock you up, will you disappear?"

"...Your Highness, that is a crime."

"....."

"Is the grand duke above the law?"

"....."

"H-hey!"

Don't look so serious. If you look at me like that, I might flee again.

And it's no use if you lock me up anyway! I'll be back in the hamster house once the skill duration ends.

"You said I could ask any question."

"Well, yes."

"Why did you leave your clothes?"

"W-well, I was bleeding a lot, so I changed out of it before I left!"

"You had the energy to do that? You even took off the bandage."

"There were still some glass fragments on my back so-"

Ah... I'm just making things up...

"And."

"And?"

"Is your back okay?"

I already said earlier it's okay ah! It's healed enough to eat a pie... Wait! W-what are you?!

He turned me around and stretched out his arms to unbutton my shirt and pulled it down my shoulder.

It happened so quickly that I didn't even have the time to panic. The cold wind blew through the skin of my neck and my back and goosebumps came out.

'Hey! Is it normal to undress a person a like this?!'

I couldn't even struggle since my clothes were held firmly in his hands. I worked so hard to be able to get clothes, I'm not letting it get torn, who knows where I could find more.

Yeah let's stay calm. It's not like he'll do anything bad. But please, finish checking as soon as possible. If someone comes in, they might get the wrong idea!

"It seems the outside wound has healed..."

Kyle's fingertips wandered around my back. His touch was so soft and gentle as if he were touching something so fragile, that it would break with just a little force.

"But it might leave a scar."

"It's alright."

"The bruise might not heal until much later though."

"It's fine, it's not like my back is exposed anyways."

Right, a scar or two doesn't matter as much, compared to a scar left in your heart. You might think it healed, but sometimes you'll still remember and get hurt. *scar in heart is more figuratively, Shu means getting hurt emotionally is worse than physical injuries.*

"That's a relief."

Kyle whispered in a small voice which tickled my ears before it got carried away by the wind.

It felt strange to hear his whispering voice so closely. He felt relieved but my heart started to throb.

How many minutes are left?

"I..."

[ "Summon" will end in 20 minutes. ]

It's time for me to go.

When I looked back, Kyle's eyebrows were knit together. Why? What's wrong? Do you want me to stay in here forever?

"....."

He knows himself, he's making an unreasonable request. He doesn't want me to go, but he can't bear to say it, so he can only frown and knit his eyebrows like that.

'....Looking at him like this, doesn't he look like a black-haired puppy.'

A really really big and intimidating puppy.

His looks are like a curse, his actions are so cute that it doesn't fit his size.

"We can see each other tomorrow."

In the end, words of promise for the future left my mouth. Well, we can't be together all day, but I can still spend two hours as a human so...

"If you don't mind, we can meet here at the same time tomorrow."

It seems like this is the first promise I made to anyone since I came here.

If you ask me why I did it... Well, it just felt like I should. I just thought he'd be less anxious if I told him I'll meet him sometimes.

To be honest, having scheduled a meeting like this feels thrilling. It felt like invisible strings were intertwining my fate with his.

"I'm not going anywhere."

I have to save you; how can I save you if I leave.

"I see."

Kyle replied with a sigh.

"I'll wait for you."

In fact, I wanted to ask why you pay so much attention to me. Belial was injured and apparently another noble was nearby when the accident happened.

Out of all those people, you chose to care for me.

Why the hell are you doing this.

But the moment I made eye contact with him, I couldn't say anything. Whatever questions I had melted away from the tip of my tongue.

To be honest, I felt happy.

I don't even remember the last time someone cared for me this much. I only remember chasing life, always trying to make sure I was living well. Thinking about someone who will wait for me and care for me has never crossed my mind.

But Kyle.

Kyle probably understands this loneliness.

That's why he said that he'd wait for me so seriously.

"Alright."

A burning feeling started rising from my stomach and it warmed my chest and neck. Why is my heart tightening and throbbing like this?

"....."

Kyle's face came close. It was as close as when we danced yesterday.

His forehead seemed like it would touch mine at any moment, and his shallow breaths tickled my nose. We were so close; I could see myself reflected in his red eyes.

"...What are you looking at?"

"I just think, you look so much alike with someone."

I don't look like it, but I probably feel familiar to something you're thinking of. I felt a little bad for him who couldn't recognize me, so I stifled the laugh I almost let out.

"That kind of pick-up line doesn't work anymore, Your Highness."

Then Kyle laughed.

It felt like the coming of spring after months long of winter.

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 019

Blink. Blink.

Only the blue system window shined in the empty black space. I finally came to my senses and reached for the system window with a sigh.

[ (*Д>゜<)o ]

Hey, hey. Don't cry. You've already seen me die once, this is just whatever.

To be honest, I thought since I died once, this would be child's play, but it's not easy to die twice. When I felt the pressure of the falling chandelier, I thought I'd rather bite my tongue and faint. In the end it seems like I really fainted.

I opened my mouth to ask the system, slowly touching the blue window. 

"I'm still unconscious right?"

[ Shall I turn off "Summon"? ≧ ﹏ ≦ ]

"No, don't release the skill now, just restore my consciousness for a bit."

If you lift it now and we're still at the banquet, or if there's people around me, it's gonna be a problem.

Above all, Kyle already thinks I'm suspicious, if I disappear in front of him again, who knows what will happen. It's going to be hard to make excuses.

[ Restoring consciousness! ]

[ 10... ]

[ 9... ]

[ ... ]

Why are you counting down?

I stared blankly at the system window slowly filling up with numbers.

'H-hey, don't tell me?'

[ 1... ]

The system window and black space disappeared in an instant and I was filled with pain once again. I gasped as if I had just been pulled out of water. I bit my lip, in order to swallow the scream that was rising out from my throat.

"Ugh!"

This is crazy. How is someone supposed to survive this. It hurts so much. I frantically curled my trembling body. My vision was blurry, and my back felt hot after being scraped by the chandelier. 

I tightened my grip on my collar and looked around. First of all, it seems like I was all alone, and the location seemed to be the study! Maybe Kyle brought me here, anyways it's a relief...

"Hey! System! Release now! Release the skill! Please."

I cried out in a desperate voice. When I first died, it was so sudden and quick and I didn't feel any pain, but this time was no joke. There was a reason the system was counting down; it was time to get ready for the pain.

White flashed around my body once more, like the chandelier's light earlier, and then when I opened my eyes, I was back in the hamster house.

― Squeak! [ Ack! ]

My body started slipping and rolled down the slide.

System, can you please position me properly next time?

 [ (；′⌒`) ]

That's right, you must be anxious too.

I sighed deeply and lay on the sawdust. My body and mind kept tingling. Well, the incident was prevented somehow. It all worked out in the end. But did my small body really block that big chandelier? That's ridiculous.

I only survived because that was a body I "Summoned." Maybe I made that decision because I knew I wasn't sacrificing my real body. Though it's true that my body moved before I could think.

'Kyle must've been very surprised.'

I turned and lay on my back. I got off the slide and tried to touch my back that was hit, but my arm couldn't reach it. I tried to touch it with my other hand but to no avail, I could only touch a void space before I put it down.

I piled the sawdust thickly in front of the house and sat on it, watching the event unfold.

Several doctors flooded into the study, only to find a patient missing, with just the bloody clothes left behind. All of them were quite shocked at the scene.

'That's understandable.'

The grand duke himself urgently ordered for them to check up on patient but he disappeared.

"W-where did he go?" "Search everywhere!"

The doctors talked amongst themselves, and started to search the study, but they couldn't find a soul.

No but why are you searching under the sofa and under the desk? You're trying to find a patient, not an assassin, do you think a patient would be able to crawl under the desk?

Soon, heavy footsteps started banging and the door of the study burst open. The man whose strides were quick and hasty stopped in front of the sofa. He seemed to clench his fist and called out to the attendant outside with an angry voice.

"Search the castle, he couldn't have gone far."

Excuse me, grand duke, you sound so much like a villain right now, what's with that voice.

The attendant quickly ordered the guards to move and search for the young man, while Kyle held his forehead and sat down.

That image burned through my eyes. If he's gone, then he's gone, why do you care so much. I'll return when I need to save you anyways. It's all for the miracle value.

'So, don't be too affectionate. Whether I'm a hamster or a human.'

I embraced the macadamia like a cushion, watching Kyle pick up the clothes I left behind. The white tailcoat turned dark red that you couldn't have guessed its original color. The back was completely torn and bloody, it seems like it won't come off easily even when washed. Too bad, that outfit seemed expensive.

"I wish you never accepted this flower."

Kyled murmured holding my clothes. The flower in the front pocket, was originally a flower with red petals, but due to the accident even the leaves turned red, and the petals were torn.

"Then we, no you, wouldn't have to dance."

His voice was full of guilt.

Don't say that it was going to happen whether you gave it to me or not. I couldn't stop Belial from going to the banquet, so I had to intervene myself. It's purely my choice and purely my fault, so don't.

'Well, I can't do anything about it now.'

I'm sorry, your hamster has a big liver...

*liver = courage, just in case you forgot*

*

The noisy grand banquet still ended quite successfully. I'm not quite sure how Kyle managed it, but once he left me in the study and came back to the banquet, it seems that he was able to calm the protests and solved the situation well.

Some royal nobles were stirring up trouble that the prince was heavily injured, however it seems Kyle was able to handle the situation but sharing the fact that the chandelier in question was given by the imperial castle. Adding to that fact, the budget the North receives is less than half of what the imperial family gets, so there was no way that the North would've been able to buy such an intricate chandelier.

Not to mention, though a big deal almost happened to Belial, I, a Northerner, saved his life and prevented things from becoming too ugly. In any case, this incident was solved.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Sen glanced at me with a worried look and checked carefully from head to toe.

"I'm fine~"

I said while waving to distract Sen from the issue. She's already asked three times this morning.

Of course, this body is not fine, but it seems like the system used some stuff to mend it, so it no longer felt that much painful. Though, if anyone were to hit my back, I think I'd jump to the ceiling from surprise and pain.

I chewed on the maple pecan pie Sen brought me. The sweet and savory taste managed to comfort the hidden wound a lot.

"...Yesterday, I went to Prince Belial's quarters."

I almost spat out the pie at her declaration. I looked at her with my eyes wide open.

"Huh? Why?"

"You probably didn't see it, but His Highness protected me at that moment and was cut by glass debris. And well, you know everyone was out of their minds yesterday, and His Highness Kyle even mobilized the guards to look for you. There was no one to attend to his wounds so I..."

She said, and then looked at me suspiciously once more.

Don't look at me like that, I had a reason, okay?

"Anyways, he wasn't seriously injured... But he wouldn't have been hurt if he did not protect me."

I looked at her who strangely became depressed, so I said casually while finishing up the pie,

"He's a man who will be king of this country someday, it would be bad if he's someone who abandons his people."

"What's that word they use again, pride?"

I scratched my nose awkwardly, I needed to be careful of using the correct terms. 

"But, you know..."

Sen said gloomily, I waited for her in silence to finish ehr sentence. But I feel like I could read her mind, Sen's goal was revenge, now that she's closer to Belial, it's much easier to find an opportunity to carry out her wishes.

In order to achieve her goal, it seems like she needs to go to Imperial City. In the original novel < The heart of Winter > was set in the Imperial City where Sen was a maid in the Imperial Palace.

However, right now Sen is living in the North, so it's not easy to go to the Imperial City.

She needs power, whether it's to arrive at her destination, or to exact her revenge.

"What's wrong, tell me."

"...His Highness asked me to be a maid at the Imperial Palace."

Well, that's Belial's decision. You're a maid who knows a lot about the North, and is the one Kyle showed interest in, I'm not quite sure if Belial asked you to go with him because of affection or because he wants victory over Kyle.

There's no way a man like him, doesn't at least think like that. But it doesn't matter what his intentions are, since to Sen, it is much more important to get to Imperial City and to be able to have the prince as his backer.

"I think that's great!"

"...I know"

Sen agreed but she didn't look happy. It seems her situation is much more complicated than I thought. Was it that difficult to leave even though this is one step closer to her goal? Maybe she's grown attached to the North?

"I just think sometimes..."

Sen whispered.

"It may not be that bad to live with my past covered up."

Revenge is like a quicksand, even if you have gotten your retribution, it won't be easy to let go of the grudge. The only thing that is constant is the feeling of emptiness. The moment you step in, it will sink slowly and endlessly.

Well, what do I know. Whenever something unfair happened to me, I was sick of it and wanted to take revenge. The world is not a good place for a child who lost his family to live all alone.

At least, I know this part of Sen's thoughts. I have no choice but to know.

"And yet..."

I was going to say something, but I closed my mouth at Sen's words.

I know, you yourself chose this kind of goal. As for me, I didn't want to put up with it, so I emptied my heart and avoided my feelings, but you wouldn't.

You're strong. You probably won't miss this chance, no matter how you feel about leaving the North.

I thought about it. Sen's fate as Serena, is something certain, whether someone transmigrated into her or not, it was something that wouldn't change.

"Make a choice you won't regret."

That was all I could say.

Then, Sen smiled at me, though she looked like she was about to cry.

t/n: so sorry for not updating for 4 days! i've been so busy with life, i'm hoping i could get back into translating more chapters soon since i also want to read the novel quickly QAQ 

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 18

"Do you not want to?"

I asked wiping the crumbs of the cookie on my mouth. 

Kyle looked at me strangely, probably because I suddenly took out and ate a cookie from my pocket. Still, he offered his hand gently after I finished eating.

"Until now, I have never danced with the same person twice at the banquet."

Ah, is that so? If you don't like it, then let me go. It doesn't really matter who I dance with. I only want to get closer to Belial just in case something happens.

I thought he would let me go find someone else, instead he tightened his grasp and took me to the dance floor.

"....."

This punk. Please be consistent with your words and actions~ Your mouth says something, but your body moves otherwise.

"I thought you don't dance with the same person twice?"

I asked Kyle teasingly, yet he calmly replied,

"Well, I didn't say I didn't want to do it."

"Ah..."

I understand.

Well, it is indeed better to dance with him, lest I step on other people's toes. Not to mention, he's good at leading the dance, so there's no need to worry about making the wrong movement.

Soon, a sharp sound from the violin signaled the start of the next dance. Is this Chaconne? Even after listening to it, I couldn't figure out what the music was. Whatever, I don't have time to listen leisurely anyways.

This time, I shamelessly put my feet on his at the start of the dance. Kyle seemed perfectly fine with it and even danced to the music lightly as if I weighed nothing. The music this time seemed faster earlier, so the beat of the dance was considerably quicker, yet Kyle didn't seem to exert that much effort even as he carried me.

'He's really strong.'

I kept turning my head trying to find Belial and Sen. It was a good thing Sen's dress was a bright green color that reflected the chandelier's light. It was fairly easy to find them among the crowd.

Wait! No! That fool, Belial. Don't go to the center! Do you want to get hit with a chandelier!

"Ah!"

Sadly, a prince is indeed treated like a prince. The crowd that was originally dancing merrily at the center, instinctively moved aside. Kyle, after some consideration as well, left the center area.

'No... This shouldn't'

My insides felt like it was burning at the thought of what will happen if this continues.

With an uncomfortable feeling, my eyes traveled to look at the chandelier. Why does it look like it's shaking? The glare of the chandelier was bright enough to make me squint, yet I couldn't help but continue glancing at Belial and the chandelier above him.

At that time, Kyle switched our positions and took back my attention from the chandelier.

"Won't you focus?"

I replied flatly,

"Do I have to focus? Your Highness is doing all the dancing anyways."

That's why, dance well, don't mind what I'm doing. Don't let people laugh at us. Even though it's fine for me, since I already have no honor nor human rights, it's different for you, the Duke of Blake needs to keep his dignity.

Kyle grit his teeth, seemingly annoyed. While I kept shifting once in a while to check in on Belial and Sen, he looked as if he wanted to say, 'Stop caring about them.'

"Do you like Belial?"

If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that giving a flower meant you were getting married. I only gave that white flower in exchange for the invitation to the banquet, okay?

'... Well, I guess now that I think about it, it's a bit weird.'

It seemed like an unfamiliar person from the estate fell from the sky to give Belial flowers, in exchange for an invitation.

It's not just weird, it's outlandish. If I were Kyle, I would have pressured myself to confess what was my motive.

"No, that's not it... I-"

I said as I made eye contact with Belial. Trust me! Even though I seem contradictory right now, I just really don't want an accident to happen.

Kyle sneered at my reply.

"Even though you're looking at him so fervently?"

"...Who's looking fervently? I'm not though?"

If someone overheard, they would've thought I was sticking closely to Belial. But that isn't the case?

Belial Serena Minehardt, the Duke of Blake, Kyle's most outstanding rival. In order to save Kyle, I need to save him to increase the miracle value. If it wasn't for this mission, I wouldn't treat him nicely.

You do your thing, and I'll do mine, okay? I need to save that enemy of yours, to save the north, to save you, in order to save myself, ah.

"Forget about that, let's just dance. You're the Lord of this land, why are we dancing at the corner."

"....."

"Let's move a bit further over there, to the center."

Kyle looked at me suspiciously, but still listened to my words and move slightly towards the center. How kind of you. You really listen well, ah.

Just then a shrill sound chimed which made my head turn.

[ ⊙﹏⊙∥ ]

Looking at the system's reaction, I felt my stomach drop and my heart skip a beat. No matter how many days I worked hard, can I really not change the fate of this happening?

'No, right?'

That's right I can't let it happen.

Remember the reason I'm trying hard to change the fate of the original novel, I didn't work so hard just for me to be unable to change anything.

[ Σ(っ °Д °;)っ ]

[ (>︿<;)っ ]

[ (ㅠ_ㅠ) ] 

Several system windows came to my vision at the same time. It even flashed several times as if to represent its desperate feelings.

Screech.

The sound ringed louder than before, the chandelier swayed and casted a shadow against Kyle's forehead.

"Trust me."

I whispered.

"I won't do anything that will endanger your life."

Am I crazy? Why did I say that? Ah!

I smiled and came down from Kyle's foot and pushed his shoulders away. Everything happened so quickly, Kyle's arm loosening around my waist, me moving towards Sen and Belial.

Clack.

Just then, the climax of the song started, the strings loudly resonated in the hall, Belial and Sen were right in the middle of the dance floor. And the chandelier fell.

Kyle probably didn't realize it until it was late. It seemed like he stretched out his hand to pull me back, but he wasn't able to grab me. I don't know, I couldn't afford to look back.

"....."

Time seemed to flow strangely. It felt like everything was in slow motion. I stretched out my arm to push Belial away, but I didn't reach him, instead I pushed Sen. And Belial moved to catch Sen, and they both collapsed sideways.

Crash.

A loud roar sounded in the hall from the falling chandelier. At the same time, my body shook from the impact. Glass from the chandelier broke and scattered everywhere, the music stopped, and people were screaming.

Even Kyle screamed. I think he was calling out my name. 

My consciousness didn't last long, my vision blurred, and pain swept through my body. Come to think of it, I'm glad I fainted quickly, because I didn't have to suffer through that terrible pain for so long.

*

The grand banquet hall which was glittering in splendor just now fell into chaos.

"Guards! Quickly evacuate the guests."

With Kyle's urgent shout, the door opened, and several guards came to the hall in unison.

Kyle was hugging the fallen young man while checking the situation. Sen seemed to be supporting Belial who fell with her, his hands injured by the glass fragments from the chandelier.

"I'll do it!"

Kyle didn't answer and kept holding Shu in his arms.

"Call the doctor."

The guards nodded hastily and went to carry out his orders.

"Yes, Your Highness, we'll tell him to come here immediately."

"Wait, no."

"It might be too late if he comes here, I'll go there myself."

Kyle grit his teeth and looked at his bloodstained gloves that were tinted red. Judging from the condition, it was also inefficient to carry him all the way. It was better to meet halfway.

It's been a long time since Kyle worried this much.

"I need to go... to... the study..."

The man called Shu cried out. The strange young man then fainted after the sentence. Just now, he was hit by a falling chandelier, it was a good thing that it didn't land on top of his head. If it did, he probably would have died. 

"....."

Kyle couldn't afford to be worried at the state of the banquet hall. He immediately carried the man, towards the study. He was hurrying like crazy, running up 4 steps of the stairs while preventing from shaking the body in his hands.

He felt the young man's body turning cold, his clothes were wet with blood.

At that time, Kyle got nervous, he should've grabbed him. It all happened in an instant, but he managed to stretch his arms out probably due to intuition.

However, he wasn't able to save him. He missed by a hair's breadth. The last thing he remembered was his how his brown hair shook and like a ghost vanished before his eyes.

Then it felt like Shu's body was enveloped in a white light. Was it the light of the chandelier, or....

"You-"

Kyle wanted to ask the suspicious stranger, "Tell me, did you expect this to happen, were you looking around listlessly because, you knew what was going to happen? Did you look around for Belial, or because you knew of this upcoming disaster?"

You cannot see the future without being a prophet. But even then, prophets could not predict events this accurately. So how the hell did he know?

Kyle felt his insides burning. He has spent over ten years in the North battling beasts and has seen and suffered worse injuries than this. Nevertheless, there was an itching feeling in his gut, and he couldn't help but be worried.

"Don't die."

He muttered to himself.

'Don't die, you strange fellow.'

"Where's the doctor?"

"He was taking care of the other wounded delivered to him, but he said he'd be here in 10 minutes, with the tools needed for trauma treatment."

"Okay, I-"

Kyle wiped the cold sweat on the young man as soon as he lay him down. He took off his clothes and pulled out the fragments of glass embedded to his body and wrapped a bandage to stop the blood from flowing. 

Now he didn't have anything to do except wait. Kyle glanced at Shu's face, then at his chest which was moving up and down shallowly. 

'Hold on for just ten more minutes.'

Because of this situation, he had to solve another problem. If Belial is injured heavily, this could be a problem that would pose a major threat to the North.

".....I need to resolve the disturbance at the banquet hall, come with me."

"But, what about the doctor?"

"Just leave the door open so the doctor can come in right away and treat him."

"I understand."

Kyle forced himself to move back towards the banquet hall, yet his mind was still in the study. His hastened his actions, in order to resolve the situation quickly and come back to the side of the unconscious young man.

(kofi) t/n - sorry for no chapter yesterday! this chapter was a bit hard to translate since the raws i'm reading had a problem with the encoding and 3/4 of the chapter was not put into paragraphs, so it was hard to find where it starts and ends. (tumblr) t/n - sorry for the late update! it was my brother's graduation today and we went outside to celebrate and i completely forgot about uploading the chapter ^^;

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 016

There was a commotion upon our arrival. I could feel dozens of eyes staring at me and Sen followed by murmurs of the aristocrats at the banquet.

This kind of attention is too burdensome and... No, let's just forget it, thinking about how taxing it is, is also troublesome.

The guard continued to look at the back of the invitation and looked at me like I was some weirdo.

'Belial Serena Minehardt.'

I'm someone who came with the invitation of the prince, so of course, they're not letting me in and choosing to make a spectacle out of this.

"Wait here for a moment."

"I already gave you the invitation, what do you mean 'wait'?"

Sen who was awkwardly fiddling with her exposed neckline due to the structure of the dress and her tied-up hair, asked irritably.

"You're saying you received this from the prince himself?"

The guard continued to say in a flat tone, as if seemingly knowing Sen.

"A maid and an unknown person came to the banquet with the prince's invitation. Do you think it's believable? What if you guys stole this invitation and caused havoc in the banquet? It's going to be a pain in the ass to solve the situation."

"How could that be? It's true that I gave that invitation to them. Will you be responsible if there's any problem?"

"Yes, yes, I will handle- Y-your Highness!"

The guard who was originally continuing to talk down on us, bowed his head in a hurry.

Coming from the back, Belial who was dressed in vibrant clothes walked towards us with his arms folded. If you said it was a tiger coming straight towards us, I would have believed you. Right now, he doesn't look gentlemanly one bit.

Belial's green eyes narrowed at me and then glanced at Sen's and my clothes.

"It fits you well. Do you like the clothes I prepared?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

I answered frankly.

"It fits me really well to the point that it's a bit strange."

How could you have guessed it so accurately with just your eyes. Are you a pervert?

"It's because I have a good eye, by the way, why haven't you gone inside yet?"

At this point, the guard could no longer stop us from entering the banquet. It was best not to get in the way of aristocrats.

He gave way with an embarrassed look, and only then did Sen and I enter the banquet hall. The person behind us didn't have an invitation, yet it was impossible to stop him from entering the banquet hall.  Just how thick is his face?

"...Wow."

Honestly, the banquet hall was amazing. I even wondered if all the money amassed from the north had been poured into it.

The grey ceilings and walls, which originally had felt desolate, were brightly lit up and gave off a pleasant feeling. There were countless people walking around and each table was filled with food and alcohol.

'It's definitely a once in a year luxury.'

I heard that a crowd of people came from the capital, no wonder, if I also experienced this, I'd come back again. Considering the money these aristocrats spent in the North during the festival, it's considered more of a bold investment than a waste.

I looked around fiddling with my uncomfortable stiff neck.

'...An hour. Can I make it in an hour?'

The time limit was more generous than before, but that doesn't mean I should be relaxed.

If I'm unlucky the chandelier might fall off as soon as I leave the banquet hall. I glared at the innocent ceiling.

[ Here's a surprise event for just you!  ٩( ᐛ )و ]

Ack! You scared me.

I backed away with a start, surprised at the screen that suddenly showed up in front of me. Can't you let me know first before showing up!

[ ｡:ﾟ(;´∩`;)ﾟ:｡ ] Ah... The system can't even knock...

"Anyway, what's this damn surprise event?"

[ Celebrating the miracle value reaching 10%! From now on, you can use the 'Nut Shop'! (However, all items are one-time only. ※) ]

What shop? Nuts? Nut shop?

'...Why? The walnuts I didn't eat are buried in sawdust at the study though...'

[ Should I show you the items? ]

This kind of explanation, maybe its different from what I'm thinking?

I glanced at the surroundings making sure no one was paying attention and nodded slightly so it didn't show. Sen seemed to be busy talking to Belial, and Kyle was occupied as the host of this grand banquet.

I went to the table full of food and began to take whatever looked appetizing.

Soon, items from the 'Nut Shop' appeared one after another in the system window.

[ Pecan Pie in the air, consumes 4% miracle value, purchasing this item can grant you flight for 10 minutes. ]

[ Chameleon Pistachio cookie, consumes 3% miracle value, purchasing this item can grant you invisibility for 30 minutes. ]

[ Detoxifying Chestnut bread, consumes 2% miracle value, purchasing this item can neutralize all kinds of poison, you can even relieve hangovers with it! ]

'...No, wait a minute!'

I'm not paying for it with money nor nuts, but miracle value? Isn't that too mean. This miracle value is my lifeline!

There was a series of other items below, but most of them were very useless.

Anyway, if there's anything I need that much to use the miracle value, I need to use it well... But not right now, I only have 11%.

"Wait."

At that time, there was an item that caught my eye.

[ Long-lasting Acorn cookie, consumes 1% miracle value, purchasing this item grants an extension of 1 hour for the skill "Summon." ]

An item that increased the skill's duration.

So you're taking away 1% miracle value, and only adding up to an hour? Aside from that, I can only buy it once? It's so not cost-effective!

"I'm gonna go crazy."

I can only hope I wouldn't need to buy it.

"Whatever, let's eat first."

That's right, even in Geumgangsan, eating is priority. I've been starving all day, I think I'm going to die of hunger if I don't eat now. I began to eat the food I piled up on my plate, savoring each bite.

*Geumgangsan is a mountain in Busan that's famous to hikers, basically its a very intimidating hike and Shu is comparing that mountain to the currently troublesome situation.*

After all the chandelier in question still hung peacefully at the top of the dance hall, yet no one was dancing. Belial was talking to other aristocrats, and Kyle... Wait is he looking towards me? That's impossible!

I stabbed the fork right through the fish in my plate and placed the meat in my mouth. The sour and sweet taste spread through my tongue.

'Hmm. That's delicious.'

The fish meat was juicy and savory despite being out in the cold.

I also tried the salad with some grilled vegetables, and dried plums while I was at it. I thought the texture of tomatoes would not be enjoyable as it is soft, but it also adds flavor as it was grilled thoroughly.

"I thought dishes would be a little bland in the North, but it's unexpectedly flavorful."

I guess it's because all the meat is juicy. Magical beast meat, which were neither beef nor lamb, was fried crispy on the outside and dipped in sauce. When I took a piece and put it in my mouth, it felt like the meat was melting at how tender it was.

...I was a little curious what kind of meat it was, since it was more tasty than I thought. But I somehow feel like I shouldn't know. There is indeed a saying, that ignorance is bliss.

[ (00) ]

Don't say anything! If I don't eat this now, when will I ever get the chance to eat it?

So while others chatted in moderation, I ate hard. When you're thirsty, there's plenty of champagne to go around, then you can eat again. When you feel like your sugar level is dropping low, enjoy a cream cake as dessert. After that, you can start from the beginning and drink soup as an appetizer.

'Hmm. It's probably fine to eat this much.'

Isn't it known that it takes 2 hours to fill your stomach during a buffet. Well, at least that's what I remember. I've only eaten for around 30 minutes, I have a lot more time.

I dipped a piece of bread into the chocolate sauce and accidentally made eye contact with Kyle as I put the bread in my mouth.

Seeing his eyes full of concern, he must be thinking that he wants his hamster to eat as well as me. Don't worry~ I'm eating quite well right now, aren't I?

"You-"

...Huh? What's this.

Kyle's expression looked unusual.

He slightly raised his hand to stop the crowd gathered around him from talking and excused himself. He took large strides towards me.

I thought the distance between us was quite wide, but with his long legs, just a few steps brought us closer in an instant.

"...Me?"

For a moment I could feel the northern wind blow at my neck, giving me goosebumps... Don't tell me.

"Have we met before?"

Of course we did. But you probably can't remember it properly because I was wearing a maid's uniform. I answered half-heartedly and avoided his gaze.

"I don't think so, Your Highness."

I hope you think so too.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Then, Kyle's crimson eyes flashed dangerously.

'Ah... You're not falling for my lies, aren't you?'

There's quite a few people here, so let's move on and forget about these insignificant memories. Come on, it's not like announcing you caught a pervert in front of this many people is a good image.

And in the first place, I'm not a pervert! I'm a victim too, okay?

"That companion-"

No! That's not me!

I hurriedly stretched out my arms to cover his mouth. What are you saying ah! Companion what? You're talking nonsense! And right now I'm a human okay, not a companionship hamster!

Kyle stared into my eyes, what his gaze meant was clear, 'Look, we have met before, haven't we?'

...You clever bastard. So that was a trap?

"Ehem, won't you say the food here in the North is quite delicious?"

I stepped back, pretending I didn't care about this meeting.

"I think I'll have one more plate."

But Kyle clasped my arm, stopping me from moving. He was only using one hand, yet he prevented me from taking another step. Ack, you're so strong, I guess you're not the leader of the North for nothing.

Still, this is wrong! I don't have an excuse, okay? I was wrong, but I was desperate and made a mistake. Like I said, I wasn't confessing my love okay, I was saying that I'm your pet hamster. It just got cut off at the most important part. Ah I'm going crazy!

"Haha, let me put this plate down first."

At times like this, ignorance is the best!

That's right. I don't know anything.

I tried to wriggle my hand free from his grasp once again.

"Hm, it seems like my guest is in trouble."

Belial looked at me, and then at Kyle's grasp on my wrist. A big smile was plastered on his face.

Kyle looked at Belial grimly, as if he wanted to punch him at this second, but instead released me slowly.

It's a nice situation. I'm afraid if I were in my hamster form right now, Belial's head would've been cut off already.

"Did you just say, your guest?"

"That's right, grand duke, this person, is someone special to me."

As I hid behind Belial, Sen came quickly, distributing flowers amongst us. White and red flowers with petals that were sturdier than other flowers were given to the guests. It seems like a type of camelia that grew in the Northern lands.

"The flower presentation is commencing soon."

Sen whispered.

"After the flower presentation ceremony, the main dance will start. Have you attended the ceremony before?"

"...No."

"The meaning of white flower is respect and the red one is love. Usually the people of the north give the white flower to His Highness, Kyle, and the red flower is given to their lovers to request for a dance, or to confess to someone they adore."

I nodded as I listed to Sen's explanation. I noticed the large basket near Kyle's seat. Since the people of Blake's estate typically give the white flowers to Kyle. The aristocrats also show courtesy by giving him their flowers. It was common sense to show respect to the leader of the land after all.

'I... I already promised to give this flower to Belial and not Kyle.'

Just then, I could feel Kyle's gaze over Belial's shoulders. What's wrong with you! You're gonna burn a hole into me.

"Everyone! The flower presentation ceremony starts now!"

With the announcer's declaration, I felt two pairs of eyes fall on me.

...Ah.

I'm doomed, again.

t/n : thanks for the support everyone! up to chapter 19 is available here, early update since i wont be available at 11 am ^^

#tngdh

[cherr-22]

Announcement

I apologize to the readers, but I will not be able to translate TNGDH anymore due to a busier schedule. If no one picks this up, I may translate once in a while if I find some extra time.

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 005

That bad man.

A man without blood nor tears. A really terrible person. So merciless... I roared into the sawdust, floundering my limbs all around.

― Squeak! [ Give me back my wheel, you punk! ]

I'm not even halfway through the mission!

How can you only look at documents and pretend that you're not interested in this hamster at all then stab me in the back like this, huh? If I knew you were looking, I would have pretended to run moderately.

Indeed, I was stupid to believe that a crazy hamster otaku like him would be indifferent to me for even a minute. I'm the Northern Grand Duke and I'm superior to a running hamster, as if.

Kyle even went on patrol the next day taking the wheel with him. It's absolutely insane. There's no work to do, nor miracles in this cage, and I can't even do other quests.

That enemy-like miracle...

I climbed the slide from the end part to the middle, then let myself slide down, repeating it a few times and then sighing heavily at the end. 

I want to live like a human being until I die. Forget about eating well, or living luxuriously. I just want to live as a human, as defined by the dictionary!

Anyway, time went by against my will.

It was a day filled with playing and eating. Riding down the slide, eating walnuts, taking a nap, eating peanuts, stretching my body at a breathing room, eating sunflower seeds, riding the swing, eating pistachios...

I hear it's a cold neighborhood, are nuts a specialty? It's a great place to build a burum restaurant. It's only difficult to peel the nuts if you try and peel it all at once, but if you put it in a bowl, peel it little by little whenever you think of it...

/burum means assorted nuts, specifically walnuts, pine nuts, peanuts and etc./

...Fuck, what the hell are am I thinking?

I'm already thinking like a hamster.

All of a sudden, I started to fear what if I adapt to the situation casually like this. I'm a human being! I'm an intelligent person!

"Cashew Nut."

Kyle came back long after sunset.

I don't if he came in at a late time since I couldn't see the clock from here, and during winter in Blake's estate, nighttime took up more than half of the day.

He returned to the study to find me, but I pretended to not know. I wasn't in the mood.

Well, isn't this situation pretty.

I crumpled my body into the passageway between the first and second floors of the house that's not easily seen from the outside. He looked around the house for a while before giving up and returning to his bedroom.

He obviously looked disappointed, but....

Well, if you give me back my wheel, maybe I'll meet you face to face for a bit.

The next day, we met with a transparent passage between us. The frustrated Northern Grand Duke visited the study before sunrise.

"I'll be back soon."

He spoke affectionately, with his face close to mine.

"From today on, let's control your diet. Your body seemed to not be able to fit in that passageway."

Wait a minute... What the hell is this guy saying?

I lost my breath for a bit due to the shock of hearing those words.

But Kyle moved quickly, he was already pouring out the contents of my bowl. My bowl full of nuts... No... It's all empty, leaving only three almonds.

"I don't want you to strain your joints. I've still left some, so it'll be fine until the night. I'm busy preparing for the festival, so I think I'll come in late again today."

―…….

"...As expected, is it too little?"

Before I could protest, the man behind him said.

"No, I have heard from the magician that the growth period for the hamster have yet to come, Your Highness. The food is enough."

What are you talking about. What do you mean controlling my diet? Do you not have eyes? It's wrong to eat just one nut for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

It's the first time since school meals, that I'm eating food as someone else had planned. I looked up at Kyle, staring at him ridiculously and kicked the bowl over.

A dirty and cheap life, I can't even eat whatever I want.

I want to eat chicken with beer, salmon with capers, chicken feet, tteokbeokki, pane pasta.... Greasy, spicy, and bad for your health, it's something that only Koreans can eat!

"I guess, I'd better let him exercise a little."

"Yes, Your Highness, it's not good to overdo it, but it's still better than having it gain too much weight."

"Alright."

Kyle nodded his head, and with a grave look, put back the wheel in my house.

Yes! That's right!

I looked up at him, my blue eyes shining. He really looked like an angel today.

Get ready the party will start shortly. I only need to run 800 laps, not a single more and I'm done with this hamster life!

Let's calm down for now, if I ride it as soon as you give it to me, you'll probably take it away again. I pretended to be as calm as possible, and turned my head away from the wheel as if I didn't care that it has finally returned to my arms.

Kyle looked at me for a long time, his eyes were practically saying, "you're so cute, I could die."

Look at him, it seems like he had kissed me a hundred times with just those eyes alone. You've grown a lot, you already know how to control yourself when someone's next to you.

"Do you like that demonic beast that much, Your Highness?"

I heard their conversation as they were about to leave.

"Apparently, it's a northern field mouse type of beast, it's a bit late to give a mana stone for it's heart, so it's physical strength is weak but... It's able to socially interact and above all, it's pretty smart.

"Anyways, it's still young, that's why the size is a bit... It does resemble a hamster, however, if you look closely, it's just golden fur...

"It's just a mouse." /all the dialogue above is from the man accompanying Kyle/

"What do you mean, just a mouse?"

Kyle answered coldly and turned to him. "Are your eyes defective?"

"... Y-your Highness, I-"

"Enough, while I finish the paperwork for the celebrations, fetch me a small needle and some yarn."

"What will you do with it, Your highness?"

"There's no need to know, I'll be using it for important stuff, so only bring high quality ones."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Kyle left the study, while coughing. "This winter is especially cold."

This punk, don't tell me...

You're not going to knit my clothes, are you? Don't be weirdly domestic, Grand Duke, if you don't want to see this fragile hamster grab the back of your neck with just one hand.

The mere imagination of it made my body shiver and I rubbed my limbs quickly. Forget it, let's not think about it.

I quickly climbed onto the wheel. That's right, running on the wheel is best way to empty your mind. Now that I have the hang of it, I'll surely be able to finish 800 laps quickly.

I took a deep breath and began to move my four feet.

With a clatter, the wheel began to move slowly.

Now let's go with the flow, think about something peaceful and pleasant. Pizza, bulgogi, sundae gukbap... I felt my mouth watering and continued to run on the wheel with more force.

[ 0217/1000 ] …… [ 0322/1000 ] …… [ 0445/1000 ]

The numbers went up smoothly.

At this rate, I'm confident that there will be no hamster who can spin a wheel better than me. It's worthwhile to do this and count the number of times, so I think I'm accumulating points.

I just looked at the system window running, the number was between 600 to 700. Look at this, won't I be able to finish it soon.

I was a little hungry, so I was going to take a break and eat, but then I remembered what Kyle and the man discussed earlier.

What? Control my diet? Was I stuck in the passageway with my big body?

No, I won't eat anymore. I'll lose weight, and if I die, then I'll make him regret it.

I turned the wheel frantically with strange enthusiasm, refusing to rest. I was a little bit worried that the screw might fall off at this rate.

So, when I first heard a creaking sound, I thought this enormous wheel have finally met its end.

Huh, but is this really the right sound?

"Does the Grand Duke hide women in the castle?"

"I heard he loves her so much that he'll spend the day cooped up in here."

... A woman?

"You idiot! Why would you hide a woman in the study? You should put her in your bedroom, of course."

"... Really? Well, let's just search here for a bit, then go to the bedroom."

"That's right, by any chance we might get lucky and find some military secret in here."

I stopped turning the wheel and looked down at the men that crawled in through the door, literally.

The approached the desk, in a weird posture, they were wearing black masks. One look and you'd be able to tell, these people were not invited guests.

"Let's catch the woman, or maybe kill her."

"Right, if it's a commoner, then it will be pretty easy."

"Isn't that why he keeps her hidden, because she has no status?"

The masked men, no the thieves exchanged stories amongst themselves and searched the drawers. Documents in the top column, documents in the next, as well as third one. And in the last column-

"What's this?"

One of the men pulled out a bag from the drawer. I sat next to my bowl, eating the almonds as I watched them.

"Macadamia?"

There's one there too? For your information, there's also a bag of those in the small drawer next to the door.

Crunch. Crunch.

The thieves fell silent, and only the sound of me eating nuts could be heard in the study. Only then did they notice my existence and slowly approached me.

"What's this?"

"It looks like a mouse."

"Doesn't it look weird, this fur... it's gold right?"

"... Is it a demonic beast?"

"As expected from the Northern Great Duke."

No, I'm just an ordinary hamster.

I took the last almond and filmed a mukbang. Well? Bring me the macadamias in your hand. Three almonds are not enough for me.

"... Do you think it's expensive?"

The thief moved it's mouth after staring at me for a long time. They exchanged glances and soon began to open the hamster cage. 

You guys really didn't have any plan before coming here huh?

Talked about finding a woman and kidnapping her. But now you're kidnapping a hamster instead?

There's no backbone at all. How could such clumsy people try to steal. It's a miracle they didn't get caught on their way here.

I sighed without looking at the hand coming down from the ceiling of my house. Should I approach slowly? Is now a good time?

At that moment.

Clang! The sound of glass breaking echoed throughout the room.

"W-What's that?"

The three thieves, no, more like meerkats suddenly turned their heads towards the window, like real meerkats. 

"How dare you touch what's mine?"

The voice was like a sharp blade, resembling the wind of the highest highlands of the north. It felt like frost. The cowards, then began to tremble, as if they had already died three times just by hearing the voice.

Ah... I mean, this is karma if you look at it technically. In other words, it's time for the teacher to reprimand you.

[ How dare you kidnap my sweet little hamster! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ ]

I didn't mean it that way. By the way, why are you so excited?

"You won't be able to take another step."

No... Is it really a death penalty for touching a hamster?

Kyle pulled out a knife from his waistband.

... I really didn't think it would turn out this way.

novel ⠀✿⠀ next

#TNGDH

[qiutls]

TNGDH 001

I became a hamster. No wonder I thought I was hearing squeaks last night, it turned out to be like this. Shiny golden fur that doesn’t lose its light even in the dark. Four lovely pink-tinted feet. Long whiskers that twitch whenever I move my cheeks. The black curtains flutter and the light leaks in from the steel cage hitting my eyes. Wait a minute… a steel… cage? A cage?! ― Eek. (Why?) I didn’t just become a hamster. I became a hamster that’s been trapped somewhere. * Thud. Thud. Thud. The cage I was in suddenly shook heavily and my small body rolled around in different directions as the cage kept moving. Who is it?! Who the hell drives like this?! Can’t you drive safely! Thump. My body sways to the corner again and I feel my butt stinging from falling too many times. Then I heard a horse sniffing, it felt thrilling to think that I was going to ride a horse. However, it only felt thrilling for a bit before I thought, It seems like I’m gonna be meeting King Yeomra. King Yeomra is the King of the underworld, hamster thinks he'll die because of the cage being shaken. Where the hell are we going? Why did I become a hamster? And why the hell are we not riding a bus or a train, but riding a horse? This is unfair, I feel so wronged. It’s so absurd that I have to explain, it’s so obvious that I’m a human not a hamster! That’s right I’m human! Bae Soohyun. I’m turning 27 this year. Even though my life was like a thorny path, I am a small mugwort that didn’t give up and kept living. It was a life where it seemed like I kept working day, night, dawn, early in the morning, from Monday to Tuesday to Wednesday to Thursday to Friday to Friday to Friday… But I had no doubt that my hard work would pay off. After years of hard work, it seems the day has finally come. The day when the game I developed became a big hit. I think it’s dead. Dead… That’s right… I died. After the earlier confusion of becoming a hamster has passed, my memories slowly started to come back. The game became popular and it felt like the son I was raising finally became successful. I was finally able to receive the first batch of settlement money thanks to the game. I rushed back home feeling so happy that I could fly. Rattle. The cage suddenly shook as the horse started moving. And I started shaking back and forth, my head felt like it was going to pop and my eyes slowly lost shine as I felt dizzier and dizzier. Are you kidding me?! I kicked the cage a few times hoping for the shaking to stop and then heard a voice not so distant. “I’m sorry.” An unfamiliar, deep yet friendly voice. “Just endure it for a little bit more.” But why did it feel like I’ve heard this line somewhere before. I’m sorry, just endure it for a little bit more. I’ll take you to your new home soon. It suddenly came to mind. While walking at the crossing on my way home, I bumped into a child who seemed anxious while carrying a hamster cage, then a car hit my body. I instinctively felt my death then, all my senses were occupied by the fact that I was hit by a car, and my consciousness started fading away. Twinkle. In front of my eyes something glistened brightly. Wait a minute, what’s that blue thing… [ Hello World! ] I was stunned by the blue system filling up my field of vision. A familiar phrase, the most basic sentence someone with programming knowledge would know. This is the very first phrase you learn to code when you start programming. Then, several windows came up one after another.

[ Connection confirmed. Checking data. ] [ Determining quest. ] [ Calculating miracle value. ] [ Synchronization not complete. Please wait. ] [ Synchronization 0% complete. ] What does this mean? Data? Quest? Synchronization? Since the moment I woke up, this ridiculous situation started and kept going, I didn’t even get the chance to be surprised. While in a daze, the horse which had been rattling the cage non-stop suddenly fell silent and the owner of the voice earlier seemed to get off the horse. The tumultuous movement stopped, but I still felt nauseous. The cold wind blew into the cage, and I shivered. Suddenly, I heard another distant voice. “Your Highness, are you sure you don’t want to throw it out?” Your… Highness? First I rode a horse, now someone’s talking to a royal. These are words that you wouldn’t even hear in 21st century Korea. The term “Your Highness” is only something I heard as a child watching sageuk dramas. Then the deep voice I heard earlier replied. Sageuk is a k-drama genre in which characters wear historical costumes. “It’s a pup that was left alone by the horde, don’t you feel it’s a bit pitiful?” pup - baby hamster / horde - group of baby hamsters “What pity, Your Highness? It’s a child of a demonic beast, when it grows up,it will learn to seduce its prey.” I looked down at my small and round body, what do you mean seduce? Is this body even capable of seducing? In the first place, I’m not even a demonic beast, just a normal hamster, no I mean human! Heh, you’re quite convincing using that serious voice of yours, but you’re obviously joking! The man with the deep voice suddenly cut through my thoughts. “It’s still a child.” “A child of a demonic beast, Your Highness.” “That’s right, a child.” “Your Highness, the most important thing is that it’s a demonic beast!” That… Can you please stop referring to me as a child. It’s weird… While I was grumbling away my frustrations, I heard the man speak, this time anger laced his voice. “Are you questioning my decision?” He spoke words that could normally be taken lightly yet the way he enunciated it word by word felt like a threat, and that there was only one correct answer. “No, Your Highness, I was just momentarily confused since such a thing has never happened before. How dare I question the Grand Prince’s decision.” “Right. So, I’ll take care of it, surely you don’t think I am weaker than a demonic beast that’s barely the size of my fist?” You’re telling me he’s not just a royal, he’s the Grand Prince? “I already sent a man to the estate to prepare it's house, it would be fun to add little ornaments with it.” “Your Highness, you can also raise a real hamster, should I tell the man to prepare another one?” “No. Don’t test my patience.” “…Yes” This person is quite stubborn huh.

Soon the cage started shaking again, this time as the man walked, I could hear his armor rattling and his heavy footsteps rang. Then I felt the air around me get warmer little by little as he marched up the stairs.

It must be winter. Yet I died during summer, now I realize the abnormality of the situation. The man took me to a room and then removed the cloth covering the cage.

“Here we are.” I crouched in a corner and pretended to be asleep desperately. Somehow it felt like the smart thing to do, I couldn’t speak even if I wanted to tell him about my situation. Even if I told him, who’s to say he will not decapitate me for spewing nonsense.

How did my life become like this! Give me back my money! My skills! My future that was unfolding brilliantly! “Tsk. Tsk.” The man clicked his tongue, then he sighed deeply. Hey! I’m the one who’s supposed to be sad at this situation, why are you the one clicking your tongue! Ah, I really hate when people do that… Oh right, I was pretending to be asleep… Sleep… “Does it really not have a human heart?” He murmured.

What human heart? What is he talking about? “Looking at these naive eyes, before it turned into a demonic beast, did it really not have the heart of a human?” N-naive? Which eyes looked naive? Surely it’s not mine? “That’s right, for them there’s no such thing as compassion... Did I stay away from the North for too long? It’s no different from a glacier, it’s freezing. Tsk.” Suddenly, the man opened the cage, stretched out his hand and caught me in his palm.

― Eek! I was so surprised I forgot I was pretending to sleep, as I opened my eyes, I made eye contact with him.

[ 50% synchronized. ]

[ Kyle Jane Minehardt. Great Duke of Blake. ]

The blue system window showed up below his face. Hold on, this name, I’ve heard of it somewhere. Without knowing what was in my head the whole time, he raised me closer to his face. I felt his warm hand full of scars and calluses against my soft fur. Then he rubbed my cheek.

E-excuse me?! “You did well enduring the ride home, cashew nut, you must’ve been bored the whole way.” Bored? The ride was full of shock and horror for me, okay?! Wait, aside from that, can’t you put me down first? What the hell is this situation, why did you suddenly remove me from the cage… Wait! No! Don’t peck me! ― Squeak! Eek!  [ Let me go! ]

“Yes, yes, I know how you feel.” What do you know… You don’t understand a thing! Ack! Why’s he kissing me like he’s dying of love! A kiss… ― Squeak! Squeak! Squeak!  [ You bastard! What kind of dog kisses nonstop like you?! ]

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.” ― Squeak! [ Get lost! ] “Did you like being kissed?” I can’t take this anymore!

Wait a minute… This face… I took a moment to observe all his features, his pale yet tough complexion, distinct eyebrows, his hair that’s dark as a raven, his eyes which glowed crimson. A cold and resolute beauty.

― Eek! [ Grand Duke Blake ] I remember. The Duke of the North, Kyle. A supporting actor from the novel, The Heart of Winter, I always read while traveling to and from my company. Not only was he a supporting actor, he’s a supporting actor that dies in the middle of the novel. A man who’s life was miserable from start to finish, yet died with no regrets. The reason why I remember him, and not the protagonists of the story, was that he’s the unluckiest character in the novel. He was unlucky to the extent that I lamented his cold fate many times.

So, I died, and transmigrated into a novel? “Cashew nut?” Cashew nut, my name, I mean the name of the hamster’s body I’m occupying. Kyle stared at me, he seemed to be worried as if something went wrong. His gaze was warm and full of kindness.

Stop looking at me! This bastard, you’re gonna pierce through me with that stare! I’m just worn out… I flicked my head away from his stare, and turned back to glare at him. I tried my hardest to look as mean as possible.

“That look…” It’s scary right?! You’re so afraid you could die, right? I look like a dangerous demon, don’t I?! So put me down!!! You kiss crazed bastard! [ Cold and strict personality. Clean and thorough. Frigid and Merciless. ] “You look so cute, staring at me like that.” Aren’t you the cold blooded Duke of the North?! Let go of me! What do you mean cold and strict?! What merciless? ― Squeak! [ Let go! ]

Yet the Duke didn’t let me down for a long time and I had to put up with the crazy kisses the he bestowed.

Help me, please! Save this hamster!

novel ⠀✿⠀ next

#TNGDH

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 29

Plop. My body fell and rolled over the thick pile of sawdust. I sprawled out on the floor and sighed.

‘Thank god for the Summon.’

If it weren’t for this, I would’ve died. One unfortunate death was enough for an experience. Especially one where you’d fall and won’t be able to find the body.

―Squeak. (Sigh.)

More importantly, I was worried about Kyle.

He had a strong, yet affectionate personality, so he must’ve been quite heartbroken to lose a person he promised to protect right in front of his eyes. I did say I was going to come back, but it would’ve been difficult to believe in even it were myself.

That doesn’t mean I could open up the Nut Store and fall together. It was already too late to open the store and I didn’t wish for him to fall too.

It’s not just you who are protecting me, I’m also protecting you.

It couldn’t be helped.

Like that, the complicated feelings and inner turmoil never went away. I kept turning back and forth and scratched my sides.

But now that I was in a familiar place, I eventually dozed off to sleep. With so much that had happened in one day, my stamina must’ve ran low.

In the end, I couldn’t overcome the my tiredness and closed my eyes.

‘The first thing I’ll do when he comes back is apologize.’

To apologize for disappearing like that.

*

Bang.

The door opened more roughly than usual.

I jumped up in surprise, waking from my sleep. Be quiet will you! Don’t you know how small and fragile a hamster’s liver is!

“Your Highness.”

The people who entered the study were Kyle and his knights.

Kyle’s arm still looked uncomfortable, as if he hadn’t taken care of his injury yet. His clothes were stained with a mixture of dirt and blood, and his overall appearance was so messy that he looked a little terrifying.

Bam―!

Kyle strode in and slammed on the desk. Leaning forward on the table, he took a deep breath. A few knights stiffened upon seeing him fiercer than usual.

It certainly felt as if the temperature of the room fell by about 1 degree. I covered myself in the sawdust and watched Kyle.

“Your Highness. You haven’t rested for two days already. You should rest first and…….”

The knight at the door spoke cautiously. Kyle muttered lowly without even looking at him.

“Go back.”

The knights glanced at each other, bowed their heads, and left the study.

When the heavy door closed, silence filled the room. In the middle was Kyle, who spoke quietly.

“……It shouldn’t have been you.”

My heart hurt upon hearing that.

It was obvious, yet also surprising. He must’ve already suffered from the deaths of countless other people as he fought against the beasts just to survive in the harsh North. It was something I could not imagine myself, nor have I read about it in books.

The Serena’s first impression of Kyle in <Winter’s Heart> was like this: a poor man who carried countless deaths on his shoulders.

To be honest, I wasn’t aware of it because he was always fawning over and kissing me uncontrollably.

Why aren’t there many people around him who offers help and accepts help? How many people have he lost this way?

Wait a little more, Kyle.

Just a little more.

I will come for you soon.

*

In the meantime, I did everything I could as Cashew.

I gazed at him with both my paws up, gently rubbed my body against him, and even kissed him for the first time in my life.

Seeing him still look gloomy, I even brought out the macadamia nuts and nibbled on them in front of him. I wanted to throw them out and ask for meat, but I held back and ate five pieces.

Hey. If your hamster became a food fighter, at least pretend to look at it. See, I’m eating well.

When I sprawled out on his palm after eating to my fullest, Kyle finally showed a meaningful response. He stroked my head exactly twice with his fingers before putting me back into my hut.

Meaning, everything I did was useless. As Kyle turned off the lights and left the room, I pressed myself against the transparent wall.

―Squeak! (Hey!)

―Squeak squeak! (I acted cutely for you!)

But Kyle, as if he were dazed, didn’t hear my cries and just closed the door.

This was roughly an hour ago.

I contemplated before using  ‘Summon’. I dressed up and headed for Kyle’s room.

Originally, I was going to show up tomorrow morning, the day after Kyle returned to the castle. If a person who fell off the cliff returned to the territory first, it would’ve been suspicious. They would be questioned on how they survived and was able to come back so quickly.

So, I wanted to lighten the mood a bit in the form of Cashew.

“Phew.”

I let out a deep breath in front of his room. It was still too early for him to have fallen asleep so we should be able to meet up.

To be at another’s bedroom at this time of the night. I’d be labeled as a pervert, but then again I was already known as a pet pervert.

Knock knock.

I knocked out of respect and grabbed the doorknob when there was no response. The lights inside the room was already out and the inside was dark.

I cautiously entered. Fortunately, faint moonlight seeped in through the drawn curtains.

You’re already sleeping.

As expected I should’ve visited tomorrow, but then…

“Shu?”

Kyle appeared from the darkness and grabbed my wrist.

Surprised, I jolted and turned my head around. As if he had just came out from washing himself, he was wrapped in a bathrobe and water dripped down from his hair.

Hey, man. Make some sounds when you walk around. You scared me.

“Just how exactly…….”

His face was quite shocked, as if he had seen a ghost. He examined me to see if I was real.

Just when I thought when he would release my wrist―.

“You, what are you.”

Suddenly, I was grabbed by the collar.

‘Why is he being like this?’

With no other choice, I went along with him. I lifted both my hands up and made a gesture that said, ‘I am harmless’.

“Do you not recognize your pet anymore?”

I spoke as calmly and jokingly as possible. But Kyle’s face still did not relax.

“Are you a magician? How did you return?”

“……What are you trying to say?”

“You disappeared when you fell from the stairs before. Just what kind of magic did you use to be able to disappear without a trace like that.”

I gaped for a moment. Then, the system window suddenly appeared before my eyes.

[A strange turn of events have been observed in the ‘Magic Tower of Frost’. Kyle has thought about striking negotiation with his long time nemesis, the Northwest Magicians.]

‘Northwest Magicians?’

Is Kyle suspecting me as a magician?

Well, to survive such a fall would’ve been either a miracle or due to magic. And to have no wounds whatsoever after returning. I should’ve asked the system to make some fake wounds for me…….

“Please calm down. First, let go of me.”

I lightly patted the hand holding onto my collar.

His pupils shook. Even though the whole situation was suspicious, he also seemed to look a little happy.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×10]

……To be able to be happy even while holding onto my collar. Are you that happy that I came back alive?

“I know you have a lot of questions, but I will only answer three. I will answer them all. Oh, and to answer your question regarding if I am a magician or not, I am not a magician.”

He glared at me with sharp eyes for a moment. How pressuring.

“How did you survive and come back? The fall should’ve been so deep that you couldn’t even see the bottom. I searched for you after your fall, but I couldn’t find even a single trace of you. And then you return back without even a single scratch on you?”

“This.”

I lifted my right hand. The bracelet with a bright blue gem dangling from it sparkled in a soft color.

“It must truly be a lucky bracelet. Mid-fall, I got caught on a branch and landed on a bush. That was how I survived.”

Of course, it was a lie.

However, there was nothing else I could say or do. I couldn’t say that I was once a human who turned into a hamster and could change back and forth using a system item.

Kyle still looked at me with suspicious eyes. Still, he seemed to have been trying to convince himself.

“There is no reason for you to believe me, but I hope you do. After all, I am on Your Highness’s side.”

“Anyone can say whatever they want to say. That goes the same for beliefs.”

“Then would you believe me if I even put my life on the line?”

“What do you mean?”

Only then did his grip loosen. I gently took his hand off and opened my mouth.

“I put my life on the line for you. I am saying that your future is also my future.”

He gawked at me like I was some strange person.

I knew. I sounded like a fraud. I wanted to say it in a different way but couldn’t think of other word choices I could use. Besides, what I said was true.

“Is the last question still available?”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

Kyle was unusually hesitant. I waited patiently in his silence and it wasn’t long before I heard a softer voice coming from him.

“……Are you hurt anywhere?”

“…….”

I became speechless for a moment. It was such a strange question to ask to a person he doubted until now.

I cleared my throat and answered while rubbing the back of my neck.

“……Ahem. I’m not hurt anywhere. Just a few scratches. You know how fast I recover, right?”

So please stop searching all over my body, Your Highness.

I tried to ignore his gaze and looked at the system window.

After eating several Long-Lasting Acorn Cookies and the Panting Almond Financier, my Miracle Value hit an all time low. It decreased by 10%, so my Summon duration also decreased by an hour.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 15 minutes.]

“It’s quite late and you need to rest, so I will be going now. It’s my mistake for visiting you at this late time.”

I said while smiling and began to take a few steps back. I cleared up the misunderstandings and said everything I needed to say. The hour was spent well.

However, my retreat couldn’t reach the door. That was because Kyle kept holding onto my wrist tightly.

“……Should I just trap you in.”

Hmm, I don’t think that’s possible.

I pulled back my wrist and smiled.

“Unfortunately, I have a curfew.”

A one hour curfew.

“If you feel lonely, how about doing that?”

I gestured with my chin to the knitting set next to the bed. Kyle followed my movements with his eyes and pulled me into his arms.

……Hey, hey. What are you doing.

“You have no need to go all the way back to your room.”

My body tilted to the side and felt the soft bed supporting my shoulders.

15 minutes left!

[(/へ＼*) ]

Don’t act shy.

‘How do I get out of this situation…’

I struggled and pushed him away by the shoulders. Then I paused.

“…….”

He was already asleep.

It hasn’t even been a minute and yet he already fell asleep. He breathed in and exhaled softly and evenly with his eyes shut.

It must’ve been exhausting. To be concerned about me the whole day after an unexpected incident without taking care of his own injuries……

Even so, don’t you think it’s against the rules to fall asleep so suddenly with such a relaxed expression?

I gazed at his face quietly.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 10 seconds.]

“Sleep well, Kyle.”

I’m glad I returned back to your side.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

#tngdh

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 37

The night was long as Kyle said.

All the liveliness of the marketplace disappeared the next night and it felt as if the winter’s cold hadn’t gone away.

The candles held in the children’s hands fluttered with the wind. Small sobs escaped from the mouths of people who were wiping away their tears in the dark.

It was a quiet night. The longing and cries that were buried during the day seeped out in the dark.

I looked straight ahead at Kyle, who had his eyes closed. Why did he look more solemn and pitiful than those who were crying?

It was a night where two hours felt like a whole day.

*

I sat in the hamster house and stared at the system window seriously.

Underneath the familiar signboard, [Love Love Corner~❤], were items lined up. The background, which was normally translucent blue, changed to pink.

‘Did it update? I don’t see any particular changes though.’

I flipped through the pages and the system popped up as if it had just woken up.

[(ˉ﹃ˉ)]

Hey, Hey. Stop sleeping. Did you stay up all night or something?

I’ve been thinking about it since before, but the system strangely mimicked people. Like being tired, or feeling angry or embarrassed.

‘Though it’s nice since it feels like I have company by my side.’

I laughed and the system blinked. It showed me a different emote.

[(づ￣//￣)づ]

An emote waving its hands towards one direction.

I looked at the direction it was pointing. There was a small banner and underneath that banner was an item.

‘You made a banner just for this one item?’

Why so flashy.

I narrowed my eyes and viewed the banner the system spent its entire night on making. If I didn’t, it felt like the system would feel disappointed in its wasted efforts.

Let’s see. Valen…….

―Squeak…… (Are you serious……?)

[Today is Valentine’s Day! Try sharing your love to your fated partner!]

Hey, this…….

I stared at the system window with a puzzled expression on my face. If you had the time to make something like this, you should’ve made something more useful! I didn’t give you Miracle Points just for you to do this!

I crossed my legs and pointed my finger at the system.

How about making cookies cheaper! You know how much I lost from buying so much this time!

[（＞人＜；）]

The system displayed an intimidated emote.

……Was I too harsh?

I felt a little bad as I saw it sweating profusely.

Alright. I’m thankful you put in a lot of effort just for me. Who knows. Maybe it’ll be something useful. It looks to be an item that goes into my inventory, so I could take it with me and use it whenever it’s necessary.

‘Let’s see what it is first.’

I read through the description of the item called [Almond Chocolate].

Made with the highest quality almonds and freshly squeezed milk, with cacao grown from the sunniest place…… okay, whatever. It’s delicious. As for its ability… [Makes the person who eats it feel happy!].

―Squeak. (Come out.)

[ ε=ε=ε=┏(゜ロ゜;)┛]

I furiously kicked at the system window as it ran away. You’re telling me to pay 43 Hearts for something like this?

While I ran around the hamster house, the study door opened.

It was of course, Kyle.

He looked less tired than yesterday but still haven’t recovered fully yet. There didn’t seem to be any injuries.

I paused and called the system.

‘Hey, system.’

The system blinked with a [(⊙_⊙)？]. I took a deep breath and checked the remaining Hearts I had.

60 Hearts.

‘I’ll give you ten more, so can you add an extra chocolate option for me?’

It displayed an emote that looked like someone rubbing their chin. Where did it learn to do that? It hasn’t been long since it opened the store, yet it already became such a businessman.

‘It’s not a big deal. Just a fatigue recovery chocolate. I’m giving you extra Hearts for my request.’

I gave the system the puppy eyes. A nodding emote along with a [Loading……] sign came up.

Kyle walked over to me. I obediently climbed up onto his hand.

You must be very tired.

However, as the leader of the knights and the Grand Duke of the North, he couldn’t say a single word about how difficult and tiring it was.

That’s why, it’s times like this that I should…….

―…….

O-oh. Okay. Kiss me all you want. ……And stop eating my fur.

“You’re cute today too, Cashew.”

After kissing me for a whole ten minutes, Kyle reorganized my fur.

Somehow, I felt like my energy has been sucked out.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t received kisses like these for a while. Not only did they feel longer than usual, but I was also out of breath. I laid face down in his palm as if my soul was drained out.

Then, as if to comfort me, he shared some unexpected good news.

“You remember when I tried to inject something into your body? I apologize for what happened back then. That won’t happen again in the future. He told me that trying to force mana into your body could be bad for you.”

―Squeak squeak! (That’s right! You made the right choice!)

I jumped and sat up straight. Then, I patted his thumb with my small paw as if praising him. I’m so proud of you. You’re amazing. Listening to my words so well!

“You’re that happy? Besides your slow growth rate, there isn’t anything wrong with your body. Let’s wait a bit more and see. If anything does happen, we could always take you to the demonic beast specialist. No matter what, I’ll save you.”

I’m worried about your life, yet you’re worried about my own.

I turned around and checked the system window next to Kyle.

His lifespan had about a month and a half remaining.

I had no idea what remaining incidents were left for him, but I knew that there was one major event before the season was over.

*

“Ahem.”

I stood in front of Kyle’s door and cleared my throat.

Strangely enough, I always felt nervous whenever I stood before his room. The previous time I stood before his door, I felt nervous because I made a mistake, but today I just felt a little embarrassed.

The system worked faster than expected. In the 10 minutes it took Kyle to kiss me, they added an additional option in the store and raised the price.

Honestly, I wished the system had forgotten about the price raise, but there was a red line drawn across with the number 53 written next to it.

As a result, I only had 7 Hearts left. Once upon a time, I had over 100 Hearts……

This is all for Kyle. For Kyle.

I shook my head and knocked on the door lightly. Kyle’s voice was heard from inside, telling me to come in.

“It’s you.”

Kyle took off his glasses.

I walked over to his desk with the chocolate clenched tightly behind my back. He waited for me with a soft smile on his face.

Don’t smile like that. It’s making me feel strange.

I ignored the heat coming up to my ears and held out the box of chocolates to him. He obediently accepted it with a puzzled look on his face.

“What is this?”

“You will know once you open it.”

Kyle untied the beautifully wrapped pink ribbon and opened the box.

I didn’t look inside before giving them to Kyle, but there were round pink, white, and black chocolates filling the box with the center……

“…….”

“…….”

Hey. System.

Hey. Stop hiding from me.

“Did you make these yourself?”

“……Ah. Uh. Well. Yes. It just so happened…….”

Something was written on top of the large chocolate heart.

To my beloved Kyle, His Highness.

I felt like hitting my throbbing head a few times.

Why didn’t I check this beforehand. Why did I give him this. I should’ve seen what was inside before giving it to him!

My clenched fist trembled. Once I return, I will definitely get my revenge on the system. I’d only feel better once I either give it a premature death or grab it by its collar.

I wasn’t sure if Kyle understood my feelings properly or not, but he stared at the chocolates for a long time before picking up a round piece and putting it in his mouth.

“I had no idea you were good at making desserts too.”

“It just so happens that I’m good at various things.”

“But why the chocolate all of the sudden?”

“……From where I came from, today is the day where you give chocolates to someone you respect or are thankful for. It’s not a big deal, but I just remembered as I saw the calendar…… ah. It’s a traditional event passed down from generation to generation, so please take it.”

The situation was embarrassing, so I prolonged our conversation by rambling.

As soon as I finished my gibberish, he picked up another round chocolate and put it into my mouth this time.

“Then I must give one to you too. Today is February 14? I’ll keep it in mind from now on.”

“…….”

He laughed.

It was the most relaxed smile I’ve seen in a while. How can he smile so well when he looks colder than anyone else?

I relaxed my fist and squatted down. I heard the sound of a chair being pushed back, but I couldn’t raise my head.

Was there an effect in the chocolate that makes your heart beat? Or perhaps I was so embarrassed that I had arrhythmia.

I shut my eyes tight as I listened to my heart thump.

The chocolate he gave me melted in my mouth. It was so sweet that I started to feel strange.

Surely, it’s just the chocolate.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

#tngdh

[qiutls]

TNGDH 010

The first day of the Northern festival dawned.

It was noisy all over the place. I woke up early in the morning and sat up on the sawdust with uneven hair.

I'd love to sleep more, but I had a lot of work to do. First of all, it was necessary to increase the miracle value to further increase the duration time of "Summon."

I'm at a loss on how to fill up the remaining percent, but at least I know I can't fill them in this house filled with damn mealworms and crickets.

Yeah, let's go out.

It is also good to go out and grasp the atmosphere of the castle, and check what happens in < Heart of Winter > at this time. And if possible, I may change some of the events and slightly raise the miracle value.

I only have 30 minutes a day, I really need to use it well…

[ Should I use "Summon" now? (｡❛ᴗ❛｡) ]

'No!'

Not now, I don't have any clothes!

Ugh, but there's no better time to go out than now. It has only been 10 minutes since Kyle went to survey the castle for the festival. It would take an hour to complete one roundtrip.

If only there's other clothes available, except for the clothes the magicians picked up…

'Ah! That's right!'

Just then, a wonderful thought came to mind.

The space where Sen found me and chatted along with the other maids. It was the place where they do laundry. In other words, I can get the clothes that servants wore.

Let's just get one of out the pile. Even if it's a bit uncomfortable to know that someone has already worn it, it's way better than being naked.

You never know, I might be able to wear a sleek, and well-washed butler's uniform… Don't you think it'll look good on me?

I had a pleasant imagination in my own way before using "Summon" in the corner of the room.

[ Good luck! (ෆ`꒳´ෆ) ]

*

However, there was another problem that I've never anticipated.

"I've really lived…"

Originally, life was something you were supposed to know when you've actually lived once, but if you were going with this kind of development, you should at least give me a preview.

I sat with my legs spread out on the stone steps in the corner and put my elbows on my knees. And with an infinitely gloomy look on my face, I stared at the maid's uniform in amazement.

"….."

I should have expected, all the people gathered then were maids. There was no such thing as the butler's uniformed I imagined earlier. Shirts, vests, pants, and shoes are nowhere to be found.

The best I could find was an ankle-length black skirt and an ornamental white apron, and for now, it was the only clothes I could choose.

I screamed silently ruffling my hair with my hands, how can I walk around like this! What do you mean I have to wear maid clothes, I'm a man!

"What's the difference between this and running around naked!"

[ Do you want me to turn off "Summon"? ]

No, don't! That's not what I meant. On second thought, this is not that bad. It's warm and I can move freely, it's even a bit nice… Damn it.

"It's hard to make ends meet."

With this outfit, it's best not to be caught by maids. No, it's best not to be seen by anyone. Hey system, do you have any transparency skills? I'm going crazy here.

Even though I hated it, I had to move anyways. I only have half an hour a day, I need to make the most out of it. I shook myself and went downstairs.

"It would be nice if we could hold the banquet sooner."

"What kind of clothes will do you think His Highness will wear this time?"

"Do you think there'll be more people than last year?"

I tactfully intermingled with servants here and there and heard stories of this and that.

The Northern festival is held only once a year, and it lasts for a week starting from the day when the night is the longest that year. It was no exaggeration to say that it was the grandest even held at the Blake's estate.

The usually dull and cold Blake Castle was now animated and people kept bringing in food from the storage. You can see that the merchants also brought a full carriage. 'Indeed, a festival is a festival.'

The last memory of a festival I remember in my old life was drinking makgeolli at the university festival and suffering from a massive hangover the next day.

At that time, key information suddenly fell into my ears.

"I hope this year goes by without any problems…"

"That's what I'm saying, why am I so nervous? Last year, aristocrats who were in favor of the prince came and bothered me, but this time apparently, the prince himself will attend the banquet."

"Is the rumor really true?"

"Is the prince really coming personally here in the North?"

I crept up behind them with my ears perked up. Of course, I didn't forget to use the broom I got to pretend to sweep across the floor and move.

They went into the banquet hall, loaded with goods, and soon began to decorate the place with flowers and moved the tables around the central dance hall.

"I know right, when this land was a wasteland, he didn't care, even when his subjects asked for his help."

"But since Lord Kyle came, things have improved remarkably. Didn't they say, the reason why the prince never came even thought there was a festival here every year, is because of the bad relationship between brothers? Isn't that the famous story?"

"They sent him to die, but he didn't. Tsk. Tsk."

"Apparently, His Highness Belial will also come, along with the previous Serena, who's on bad terms with Duke Kyle. Their age difference is also…"

the one on bad terms with Kyle is Belial and not the previous Serena, which is a different Serena from Sen​

Oh yeah, this is the kind of gossip I want to hear.

'As expected, people who are preparing for the banquet, know the most.'

I should get closer to them, let's step around these servants who are contemplating what to do with the old chandelier, and try to hear more information…

"Woah! That scared me!"

Just in time, the worker who was complaining about the old and loose chandelier ring, turned around and our eyes met.

Wow, you have a really loud voice, thanks to you I was surprised and almost jumped.

"Wait a minute… I don't think I've seen you here before."

… Oh dear.

The skill "Summon" uses my original form and face. I don't know how the system brought my life's data into this world, because if I asked it would never shut up, but right now this person is seeing a face it has probably never seen before, a Korean's face.

In other words, it's a face that doesn't fit this world.

I turned around as naturally as possible and kept sweeping.

​Just be natural…

"Hey you!"

It felt like my joints were squeaking whenever I moved.

Indeed, I have zero talent for acting. During the school festival, I always played the role of a tree or a stone. Of course, I didn't want to play that role but for some reason, everyone left it up to me.

The man who looked at me suspiciously, tried to reach for me. But just before he reached my shoulder, I started to move.

I don't care about acting or anything, I just know if I get caught here, it's the end.

"Hey system, how many minutes are left for the skill?"

[ "Summon" will end in 7 minutes. ]

There's less than 10 minutes left.

I can just run until the skill ends.

"Isn't that, that guy?"

It's just your imagination. It can't be you'll know it's me from looking at the shoulders and the height right?

"I'm going crazy."

I only had those clothes to wear. What was I supposed to do in that situation, technically I'm a victim too.

"Wasn't it a few days ago, a guy sneaked into the Lord's study and event took his shirt?"

"Ho, is he that.."

"There, that brown haired guy, just stand there and don't move!"

Ah, I can't hear you. I can't hear anything.

I started fast, almost as if I were running. The soles of my feet felt so cold and numb, but I couldn't help it, there were only socks in the laundry room and no shoes.

'I feel so uncomfortable, I'll wash my hands and feet as soon as I get there.'

This time, after washing my feet, I'll turn the bowl over instead of leaving the dirty water inside, or else they won't change it to new water.

I left the banquet hall, climbed a floor, and fled frantically to the left corridor, it's been a long time since I threw away the broom I held.

'I should've worked out.'

I overestimated the physical strength of an office worker. But at least, I wasn't as weak as before since I rode a wheel desperately to become human.

Thump.

"… Ah!"

I bumped into someone as soon as I turned around the corner of the hallway. You're lucky I'm letting you off the hook today.

"Sorry-"

Obviously I was walking quite quickly but this person didn't even move a bit when we collided, yet I bounced back like a ball.

"Are you okay?"

His voice, low and grave, a voice I'm quite familiar with.

… That's right, it's a voice I hear everyday.

'I'm doomed.'

[ Kyle Jane Minehardt. The Great Duke of Blake. ]

I know. I know. You don't have to tell me.

I turned around and looked at him.

It hasn't even been seven minutes yet and it was weird to end the skill right in front of him. You said I'd be lucky enough to become human? Are you sure it's luck or bad luck?!

[ (◐▽◐);;; ]

'Fuck it.'

I started running away from Kyle and he started chasing me.

​His heavy boots banged on the floor and sounded loudly as he approached me. It was like a horror movie. I kept running like before, yet he was just walking. The distance between us gradually got less and less.

"Hey."

I don't know what to do. I'm never running away from him again. When I looked back secretly, his shadow was hanging around my feet.

'….. Crazy'

He's not the Duke of the North for no reason.

Now I really started to give my all into running. The ankle-long skirt started to get in the way, so I held them up with my hands to move my legs easily.

Ah, shit, I don't even have shoes. What kind of situation is this!

"Stop."

'I don't think I will.'

I gasped and tried to breathe in as much air as possible and squeezed out the last drop of my strength to ran further away. When Kyle saw I didn't listen to his orders, he also started following me quickly.

Why are his steps so big? If you're tall, you do everything bigger is that it? How can you make me feel this miserable?

Step. Step. Step.

The sound of bare feet running like crazy and the sound of boots irregularly stepping on the floor. I felt all the emotions I was bottling rise up as I continued to run on the cold floor.

Hey! Stop following me! It's time to give up.

[ "Summon" will end in 1 minute. ]

I shouldn't disappear suddenly today, and it should bring me back to the hamster house once the time is up…

he's talking about the hamster form

Before I knew it, Kyle was right behind me, at this rate, he'll catch up even before a minute passes.

I ran all the way here with the thought of being able to escape, but now it seems like I can't help it. But it seems like I have no choice but to wait for the skill to end and recall back to the hamster house.

Running straight down the corridor, I turned towards the stairs and went down the steps.

"Uh…"

​My body leaned forward greatly as I was about to fall when a large hard pulled my arm and causing me to sway back into the ground.

I turned around and saw the owner of the hand, I looked at Kyle with my eyes wide open. My heart was already falling down the stairs, yet my body was held in place with his hand.

"Who are you?"

I can't answer if you ask like that.

[ "Summon" will end in 10 seconds. ]

'It's almost time anyways.'

​You're right system, there's no such thing as bad luck.

I laughed and held onto Kyle's arm but still not straightening my tilted body. I wasn't intent on making a good impression. So, I spoke in a sarcastic tone.

Who am I? Me?

"I'm your companion-"

note that companion used here can mean a lot of things, can be friend, associate, partner or even lover, Soohyun was going to say "I'm your companionship hamster" but it got cut off XD

​Just then the 10 seconds was up and white light came out of my body. Kyle frowned at the blinding light that flashed before his eyes.

And the me that was covered in that light, became a hamster.

… Who was back in the hamster house.

―…….

I turned my head around and looked at the familiar sawdust and the transparent glass and the duke's study.

Hey, if you're gonna take me back! Take me back after I finished my words! How can you end it before I could say I was a companionship pet. A pet!

​I jumped in anger and threw myself on the floor. Great, now not only am I a clothes thief, I'm now a pervert who dresses as a woman and confessed to the Grand Duke.

― Squeak! [ Ahhh! ]

I think it's better to keep living as a hamster. Right? Right. Should I just live like this? That thought easily vanished as I saw the bowl full of mealworms.

Kyle's POV

The flash slowly died down and Kyle opened his eyes. His view was still blurred, perhaps because it was directly hit by the light earlier, but fortunately there was no difficulty in identifying the object in his hands.

The problem was, there was only clothes and the man who had just been in his hands was gone.

A unique face, and thin brown hair that have never appeared in this land. And such light weight, that he was able to hold the man with one hand.

All that disappeared in an instant and all that was left was the maid uniform that he was wearing.

"… Is he a magician?"

But when he disappeared, he didn't seem to chant any incantations. Rather, the last words he said before he disappeared was that he was my 'companion'.

Above all, I definitely saw him for the first time today, yet I felt a strange sense of familiarity. Even though no one I know has no hobby of dressing as a woman.

Kyle raised his eyebrows and picked up the clothes properly. Even when he said he was my companion, why did I just stay still and keep holding his arm.

"I'll find you…"

Even if what you said was just nonsense, I want to find you again.

T/N: this part of the novel is illustrated and made into a promo which you can find in the masterpage for this novel. tysm for everyone who's reading this! and thank you for all the likes, follow and ko-fis <3

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#tngdh