Actually, the spot I’m sitting on is warm and cozy.
As expected from an academy with high-ranking individuals’ children, the building’s design has windows facing the sunny side, allowing for warm sunlight from morning till noon.
And in front of the window, there was a flowerbed too.
…Even though I ruined it by sitting there.
The Gryphon’s sturdy body isn’t really great for such occasions. There was certainly a strong metal fence to separate the flowerbed, but I didn’t realize it was there while sitting on top of it. I only briefly thought that my legs felt soft and comfy.
Hearing what one of my classmates said, Sylvia rushed out as soon as she saw me through the window, glancing between me and the flowerbed with eyes wide open.
“Are you a cat?”
If we’re being technical, I’d say I’m more of a bird of prey.
Of course, my lower half is lion, but considering the size, the eagle part, including the upper half and wings, is much larger. Plus, my head is that of an eagle, and since my brain is inside an eagle’s head, I guess I am close to being a bird of prey.
Inside this body is a person, though.
I knew the situation, so I couldn’t say anything. I was well aware that growing flowers takes time and money. Especially if someone wanted to create such a well-kept flowerbed, they’d need a skilled expert.
No, wait.
Thinking it over, I am a Gryphon right now.
Though my inner identity is human, to others, I am just a Gryphon. Since my body is a Gryphon.
So, pretending not to understand their words shouldn’t be too much of a problem, right?
If it involves people or money, can’t I just play dumb?
As I tilted my head pretending I knew nothing, Sylvia let out a big sigh and slapped her forehead.
“I said it’s okay to go home.”
I don’t want to.
I want to enjoy the festive atmosphere too.
Well, resting at home isn’t so bad. Despite how it looks, I used to be someone who suffered in various ways at work, so just doing nothing felt pretty nice.
But still, once in a while, such special days should exist.
There seems to be a lot of food around.
Raw meat is perfect for a Gryphon, and grilled meat too. I was curious about sweets like sugar. My previous life’s food connoisseur credentials weren’t that impressive, but I did enjoy eating.
While Sylvia and Alice briefly discussed the flowerbed price, I was lost in thoughts.
“There’s no need to deny it too much, right? And it’s only been a month since they started living here. You said they look young. They’re sharp and understand a few things after hearing them a couple of times, and honestly, they’re much calmer than when they first came, right? How about giving it a little more time?”
Alice was telling Sylvia a very reasonable story.
I almost nodded without thinking, but I decided to stay quiet for now, fearing I’d be caught knowing everything.
I had been pretending not to know just a moment ago, so I wasn’t sure what I’d get for showing I understood now.
“…Rather, I’d like you to look around a bit.”
Sylvia, while talking, suddenly glanced around and said.
People were gathering around us.
If a lion or tiger boldly entered the school premises, the people would have been in a panic and running everywhere. Even if those beasts weren’t displaying aggression, it would have still been the same. Humans can’t fundamentally communicate with animals, and unless they’ve established mutual trust over a long period, there’s no reason to believe them.
But I had roamed around among people without any particular restraint.
After getting scolded once, I hadn’t touched anyone else’s belongings, and since coming into the academy, aside from sitting on the flowerbed, I hadn’t caused any trouble.
Especially since Sylvia, who is perceived as my ‘master’ in society, was next to me, and no one said anything against me, they must have built some trust over time. Sylvia seemed to have quite an influential network around her.
“See, people aren’t very scared. The Gryphon doesn’t look like it’d attack either. Wouldn’t it be okay to relax a bit?”
The next Crown Princess is indeed quick to grasp the situation.
Seeing my and the people’s reactions, she accurately assessed why I wouldn’t pose a big problem being here. I was sure she would be an excellent ruler implementing outstanding policies after she becomes the Emperor.
Even like this, I know how to read people well.
I didn’t nod this time either. There’s a consistency in not understanding what people are saying.
“…”
After Alice’s remark, Sylvia looked up at me for a moment and then said, “Understood.”
Finally, she conceded.
But it seemed Sylvia wasn’t finished with that. Looking up at me with a serious expression, she said.
“However, let’s make one thing clear. If there’s a place made by someone, you should never trample on it carelessly. Whether it’s livestock or flowers inside a fence. It must have been cultivated through someone’s effort.”
Hmm.
“And if you don’t keep that minimum courtesy, I can’t associate with you. If you want to stay in an equal relationship, you should also respect me.”
That’s something I can obviously do.
In fact, the reason I stepped into the flowerbed wasn’t out of disregard; I simply wanted to look more closely at the inside.
I slowly stood up from my spot. I moved slowly, making sure the nearby people wouldn’t get scared or panic.
And then I settled back down on a patch of ground where the sunlight comes through but was firm enough not to disturb my claws.
Sylvia looked at me with a somewhat dissatisfied expression, yet still didn’t want to go home.
At least she should buy me some cotton candy before saying that.
Wondering if I could just grab one to eat and Sylvia would consider paying, I was seriously contemplating when—
“Crown Princess?”
Someone cautiously approached Sylvia and spoke.
It was the one from earlier who announced the start of the cultural festival. Seems to be the Headmaster.
He was a stern-looking grandfather. A classic, cartoonishly mustached grandpa, but it was quite burdensome that he was looking up at me just as he appeared.
If he had at least sharper eyes, it wouldn’t have been so scary, but his face reminded me of childhood imaginations, making it rather uncomfortable.
“May I, um…?”
The Headmaster raised his hand slightly and said that.
No, if he wants permission, he should ask me! Not Sylvia!
He wants to touch me, doesn’t he?
I stared intently at Sylvia.
I really don’t like it when men touch my body. It might sound a bit blunt, but honestly, which heterosexual man would enjoy a grandpa touching him?
So I quickly looked at Sylvia, indicating to send that hand back, while glaring at the grandfather’s hand.
And Sylvia seemed to have caught on to my thoughts just by observing my actions.
But it looked like Sylvia was still irritated.
“It’s fine. He’s a good kid.”
!!!
I swung my head toward Sylvia in shock. Although she wasn’t looking at me, I distinctly saw one corner of her lips curl up slightly. It seemed like almost no one noticed around us. Probably just Alice.
“He really loves people. He’s willing to accept a human touch easily.”
No way.
“But the reaction earlier was…?”
The Headmaster clearly noticed my actions.
“He loves people so much.”
Ignoring the Headmaster’s words, Sylvia straight out said that.
No, wait a minute!
“Really?”
Don’t you go agreeing too easily! Anyone can tell I don’t want this!
But succumbing to his own desires, the Headmaster was coming closer, ignoring my reactions.
I looked back at Sylvia, but she was just crossing her arms and looking up at me. In her maid outfit, that attitude made her look like quite a strict maid, which suited her very well.
As I flinched and tried to escape, one of Sylvia’s eyebrows slightly raised.
No, for real?
Are you actually planning to sell me off?
But ultimately, the Headmaster stroked my body, and once the nearby kids started to touch me one by one, Sylvia didn’t stop anyone, merely looking up at me.
In the end, she seemed pleased with it, even smiling.
This is too much!
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