Chapter 1: Reincarnated Dragon Girl

I am strong. Rather, more accurately, I once was strong.

I was born in the darkness. At that time, my body wasn’t massive like it is now, but it was still tenacious and rugged. Even as a newborn, I already possessed a certain level of intelligence.

I didn’t learn it from anyone, but I know this dark place is called a labyrinth and that I am a monster.

As a newborn, I was attacked by many different monsters: little green slimes, poison-fanged snakes, magic-wielding minotaurs, and small wyverns. But they are all fools. They don’t know my strength.

Smaller monsters fall to a single blow from my claws. Midsize monsters are pierced in their weak spots by my tenacious fangs.

Everything was more enjoyable when I was an infant. New monsters attacked me every single day. With each foe I defeated, my body quivered with glee.

That’s right—even as a newborn, I took a great deal of pleasure in battle. Before long, I began prowling around the labyrinth in search of greater foes.

The giant iron beast I found had some real bite to it. It was unfazed by my claws and didn’t fall to my fangs. But that was all. Even the giant couldn’t damage me.

From my perspective, it was nothing more than a massive doll with high defense. Once I realized as much, it went down in just a few blows.

Speaking of challenging foes, human beings are quite the interesting breed. They call themselves adventurers…

They are a race more intelligent than monsters and even on par—no, far beyond myself.

They’re weak when alone, but they use shields, swords, magic, and traps as they try to toy with me.

However, they’re just as foolish.

If they possess intelligence, they should simply run away. Instead, they see me and yell in excited voices, “It’s a dragon! If we take it down, we’ll be rich!” and “Our rank and reputation will be unmatched!” before letting loose a number of cunning tricks and attacking me.

I don’t know what “rich” and “rank” mean, but I do know the meaning of the word “reputation.”

I couldn’t hold back a scornful chuckle, thinking of them attacking me with fire in their eyes, not knowing of my strength.

Yet, in the end, I didn’t care about their reasons—I was simply eager for the chance to fight.

The humans’ swords were incapable of damaging my skin. Their magic was also useless against me—too crude to even have the slightest effect.

“Mid-level magic doesn’t work?!”

“My sword technique is worthless?!”

The humans—the adventurers—all cried out in shock as their eyes bulged from their sockets. It seemed these sacks of flesh sorely misjudged their own abilities.

They attacked me with every trick in their book, but in the end, my claws and fangs were their demise. It was the most interesting hunt I’d had in ages.

But nothing more. I’ve fought a number of human beings since then, but not a single one was able to land a scratch on me.

Until that day.

Before long, I found myself dwelling in the deep reaches of the labyrinth, wallowing in idleness. I realized that no one could match me, and battle had become nothing but troublesome.

Then one day.

Thud—

I felt something fluffy fall on my head.

I have extremely sharpened senses—I soon discerned that a small monster had landed on my head. The tiny monster was looking back and forth, puzzled.

It didn’t seem to understand the situation into which it had gotten itself.

“Just how long do you plan to linger on top of me, vulnerable weakling?”

My voice was soft yet rife with anger.

A lower-level monster perching atop my head—the head of a fearsome, strong being—was completely unforgivable.

The tiny monster fell from its place on my head just as I spoke.

It was an orange tabby cat. Or rather, a monster covered in orange tabby fur.

It looked young—likely still a newborn? Even so, it landed on the ground with perfect balance.

However, it looked terrified. It must have finally realized its predicament. Nonetheless, my anger did not subside, despite the tiny monster’s appearance.

“You have disturbed my slumber…an offense punishable by death—!!”

I swiped my massive front legs down toward the frightened creature.

“Meown!”

As it cried out, the tiny monster—let’s call it the “weakling”—attempted to avoid my attack. Yet, my body is not only gigantic, it’s quick. The weakling’s evasion was not fast enough. It cried out again.

This time, its body turned to a dull gray. In the next moment—

I heard a shrill, piercing sound. This noise, combined with the resistance I felt, indicated the weakling had activated a skill that hardened its body.

It was unable to completely block my attack, though—my claws dug deeply into the weakling’s flesh.

“Grrrawww…you’ve taken a blow from my claws and survived. I must compliment you…but this is the end.”

I paid my respects to the weakling, because even as a cub, it had taken my attack and survived.

But that was the end.

I opened my maw and brought my face close to the weakling. It looked quite delicious—I thought I’d devour it.

However, that was when I made a huge mistake.

“Gwahhhahaaaahahhhh?!”

I let out a shriek.

A sensation unlike any I’d ever felt before was assaulting one of my eyes. In that moment, I realized I was feeling pain for the first time.

Looking out with my still unharmed eye, I perceived a flow of mana and understood.

The source of my pain was a clear, bladelike element extending from the weakling’s tail.

Drip…drop…

Blood was falling from my eye and dripping on the ground.

I had been injured by this pitiful creature… Realizing sent my rage soaring to its apex.

I devoted myself to killing it, no matter what! The second I did—

Whoosh—!

A pair of wings sprouted from the weakling’s back, and the intruder flew up toward a massive opening in the ceiling.

You dare escape me?!

Even tormented by severe pain, I brought my claws down toward the weakling. Yet—my blow whiffed through thin air. Without one of my eyes, my aim was off.

“Youuuuuuuuu—gwaaaaaaarrrhhhh!!”

My bloodcurdling invective was earth-shaking.

I do not have wings. For that reason, I was unable to chase after my assailant.

In that moment, I made a promise—if I ever came face-to-face with it again, I would end the weakling’s life.

The opportunity came quicker than I expected.

Whoosh—!

After some time had passed, the weakling came to visit me again, accompanied by the sound of its wings.

“Just what do you think you’re doing, feeble one? Even though you successfully escaped me once, you now dance back—and for what?”

“Meow!”

The weakling gave a short cry before unleashing a hot breath of flame in my direction.

“Bwa-ha-ha-ha!! What fun!! I will take you on again, yes. And as far as what you did to my eye—I will make you wish you were never born!”

I quivered with great joy as I laughed in the fool’s face.

If I can get revenge on the weakling for robbing me of my eye, then I don’t care why it returned.

Our battle raged, and I truly wondered if it would continue forever without end. My body became increasingly riddled with small wounds, and conversely, the weakling—no, we’ll now call it “small fry”—was completely unscathed.

The small fry had many different skills and, through superior defensive maneuvers, managed to avoid my attacks or completely derail them. It seemed that from our first battle, it’d completely seen through my set of moves.

This was no average small fry. I could no longer call it a weakling.

What a sheer delight it was—the most furious, raging battle I’d ever experienced!

I realized something. I must have been born for this fight. Before long, though, there was a shift in our confrontation.

“Huff…phew…”

The small fry’s breathing became ragged. No matter what skills or defensive maneuvers it had, its weakness was being a cub. It was out of stamina.

“Just give up. You cannot defeat me. Give in to death,” I told it.

I planned to obliterate the small fry without hesitation. It would be a form of respect for this puny creature who had managed to survive this long in battle with me.

But what is the meaning of this?

The small fry showed no sign of giving up. If anything, its expression conveyed sheer conviction.

It was in the next moment that it happened.

Flash—!!

The small fry’s body erupted in a flash of light. When the brilliance receded, a massive lacquer-black feline beast was revealed.

“Wrrroooarrrhhh!!!”

The beast roared, and my body shook from the deafening noise.

What nonsense! There is no way I am afraid, I thought.

Then the beast spoke.

“My name is Tama—!! I am the knight of the adventurer Aria and an S-ranked monster, behemoth! In order to save my master’s life, I will be taking yours!!”

Its voice had changed along with its appearance. Yet, hearing its name, I sensed something. The lacquer-black beast in front of me was the same small fry I’d been fighting the entire time.

The rest was a one-way street. The small fry…no—the “Fearsome Cat”—expelled a hellfire from its maw that easily scorched my skin. I felt my life in danger and, for the first time ever, attempted to escape.

But—

“Bwohhh—!!”

Rushing through the flames, the Fearsome Cat leaped and landed directly in front of me as I attempted to withdraw. A massive blade of flame was extending from the tip of its tail, and it was already heading straight for me.

I can’t get away!

That much I knew. By this point, we were about to clash.

I brought my front claws across in a sideswipe. However, as it brought down its flaming tail, the Fearsome Cat twisted its body to the side in a maneuver to prevent any fatal damage.

As for me…

Slash—!!

With the accompanying sound, I felt my face being sliced open from the side.

This is defeat…absolute, certain defeat…

Before I actually felt any pain, my heart grew heavy with this fact.

And I thought…if I was ever to be “reborn,” I would want to mate with a being of this Fearsome Cat’s caliber and produce offspring…

With that, my consciousness plunged into darkness.

It’s morning. In a room of an inn tucked away in Labyrinthos, a beast—a small orange tabby—awakens on the bed to the sound of birds chirping. Its adorable golden eyes are still narrowed, sleepy.

Its name is Tama.

It’s a rare creature—an elemental cat—which is a feline species… At least, that’s what its master thinks. In reality, the beast is a calamity-level S-ranked monster, a behemoth—albeit still a cub. In addition, this is its reincarnated form, and it still has all its memories from its previous life.

The behemoth is a male.

In his previous life, he was an honorable knight, and he’d protected humans from demons and monsters on innumerable occasions through his masterful swordsmanship.

Now, however, Tama’s entire body is enveloped in a warm, squishy embrace.

“You’re awake, Tama! Hee-hee, you’re so cute today, as always.”

Just as Tama feels swathed by this comforting snugness, he hears a voice ring out above him. It belongs to Aria—his master and the source of the doting hug.

She has porcelain-white skin and platinum-blond hair down to her waist. Her eyes are cool…but their ice-blue tone also imparts a sense of affection. As an elf girl, Aria’s beauty is unrivaled.

Not to mention, her breasts are so ripe and heavy that you wouldn’t believe it. Their bounty is only comparable to “melon class.”

“Meowwwr!”

Tama mews lovingly as Aria smiles at him and rubs his face on her breasts, fawning on her.

In his previous life, Tama was a full-grown knight, and he still has his memories from back then. Now, though, he’s a cub. His young body tugs at the heartstrings, and Aria can’t help but dote on him.

“Ohhh… Tama, you are such a little lover boy…!”

When Tama nuzzles her, Aria’s voice turns sweet and coquettish, and her eyes light up.

Aria loves Tama.

She loves him in the sense that one can feel love for a small animal…but there is another aspect to her feelings, too. She is in love with him. Aria is, by nature—Rather, she has somewhat unconventional proclivities.

Basically, Aria sees the cub Tama, a different species, as both her pet and a member of the opposite sex.

Yikes… I did it again. I can’t help but rub up on her.

Realizing that Aria’s breathing has become rough and excited, Tama quickly comes back to his senses and quickly moves away from her.

Tama knows that if he’s overly affectionate with Aria, her switch—known as her erotic switch—will get flipped, and she’ll start speeding down a certain path.

“Ohhh… But you should love on me even more…”

Aria sounds downright dejected. She puts her index finger in her mouth, looking like she wants something, and rubs her thighs together, now fully exposed between her pure-white negligee.

The scene is utterly captivating, and Tama’s behemoth is threatening to go full behemoth. If she sees that, though, it will be over.

There is no denying that Aria will eventually take Tama’s chastity. For now, Tama controls himself according to his knight’s honor and manages to hold back.

After she finishes twitching, Aria sighs lightly and speaks to Tama.

“Mmmm…phew… Okay, I guess I can hold off, too. Should we get ready to go out?”

“Meow—!!”

Aria begins shuddering ever so slightly, then lets out a small breath before addressing Tama.

That trembling she did just now… Was that…? Tama wonders, but he pretends like he didn’t see anything and answers Aria excitedly.

Today, Tama and Aria are planning to go on a picnic in a nearby forest. It’s the last day of their rest and relaxation.

Tomorrow, Aria intends to resume her occupation as an adventurer.

Just one month ago, Aria was infected by poison in her battle with a demon and was on the verge of death. Thanks to Tama, she acquired the source of the only antidote—an earth dragon’s eye—and managed to survive. Regardless, the poison ravaged her body and greatly damaged her endurance and strength.

She was simply unable to fight in that state. That’s why, for the past month, she pledged to devote herself to eating well and regaining her strength.

“Okay—first, I’ll change!”

Aria begins taking off her snowy negligee, exposing her bare skin.

Hmm. My master is as gorgeous as ever.

Aria’s thin arms and legs—and perfectly tight waist—are porcelain white. Her twin peaks, only describable as melon-size, are constrained by a black bra, and her soft posterior is ensconced in a black thong.

Though Aria is every bit a wholesome elf girl, the design of her underwear is provocative. The stark gap between her personality and this appearance is absolutely bewitching, but before Tama can become fully licentious, he is absolutely dumbstruck by her pure beauty.

Ooh… Tama can’t keep his eyes off my body… It makes me throb when he does that…

Aria is getting all hot and bothered yet again by Tama’s gaze…but Tama doesn’t realize it.

“Okay, now it’s time for you to change, too, Tama!”

Aria has outfitted herself in a stark white blouse and a black skirt, both with slight frills—you might call this her “virgin killer” outfit. She turns to Tama and smiles, holding a piece of clothing in her hand.

A few minutes later…

“Ooooh!! Soooo cute!”

“Meow…” This garb is a disgrace.

Aria sounds beyond elated, while Tama is clearly not having it.

Tama is now dressed in an article of feline wear—a light-blue fabric with stark white frills. It’s a gothic dress for cats.

On the inside, Tama is a proud knight, and here he’s being made to sport a cat dress…

For Tama, this is a disgrace.

It’s too bad. Tama is absolutely adorable, and paired with his cuteness, the dress couldn’t suit him any better.

What’s more, Aria paid a hefty price having this piece custom-made at a garment shop in Labyrinthos.

When she saw the finished product, her expression was one of true happiness. Seeing this, there was no way that Tama could refuse putting it on for her.

Boing—!

Tama leaps onto Aria’s breasts, and she holds him tight, beaming from ear to ear as she leaves the inn.

“Look, I found some blackberries!”

Shortly after arriving at their forest destination, Aria discovers a patch of ripe blackberries.

“What great timing. Let’s take some and eat them for dessert after our picnic!”

“Meown—!!”

Hearing the word picnic, Tama regains some pep in his step, having been dejected from being made to wear his female cat dress.

Aria collects some blackberries and finds a convenient place to sit down before opening the basket she’s brought along. It contains sandwiches the innkeeper made.

“Okay, Tama, open wide!”

“Meow—”

Aria pushes one of the sandwiches toward Tama. He opens his tiny mouth and chomps down on it.

Oh! This is delicious, absolutely delectable.

Tama’s golden eyes grow wide.

The sandwiches contain fresh lettuce, smoked chicken, and a special sauce. The taste of the sweet lettuce, umami-rich chicken, and slightly spicy sauce has Tama quite ravenous.

“Hee-hee, that’s a good boy. ”

Aria smiles lovingly at him and grabs another sandwich in her other hand to take a bite.

As Aria eats, Tama realizes she has sauce on her mouth.

Hmm? Master, you have sauce on the side of your mouth. Tsk…

Boing—!

Tama leaps effortlessly and lands silently on Aria’s shoulder.

“What’s going on, Tama?”

After he suddenly leaps onto her, Aria looks at Tama quizzically. Tama then leans toward her lips…and licks her with his tiny tongue. In the past month, while Aria has been quite weak, Tama’s become a bit overprotective of her.

When she washes her face, he’ll bring her a towel, tending to Aria and her needs whenever possible. Just now, he again took care to groom Aria’s face.

Aria, realizing that Tama jumped on her to lick the spot on her mouth clean, laughs quietly and says, “That tickles… Thank you. You are so sweet, Tama. I can’t thank you enough for saving my life twice—well, at the very least, once…”

When she encountered a goblin mage in the labyrinth, Tama saved her from mortal danger.

She was also thanking him for defeating an earth dragon to collect its eye, the only known antidote for the demon poison that ravaged her body.

Aria said “at the very least, once…” because she doesn’t have proof that Tama actually did the latter.

No, it is I who cannot thank you enough. If you hadn’t saved me when I was injured in the labyrinth, my life would be very different.

Tama is immensely grateful for Aria, because when he had just reincarnated, the earth dragon had dealt him an almost fatal blow, and Aria had saved him.

This is why Tama has pledged his allegiance to Aria and devoted himself as her knight.

“Meown—!!”

“Ooh, Tama, that’s so ticklish.”

Tama is rubbing his head against Aria’s cheek in an expression of thanks.

She complains that it’s ticklish, but she looks delighted as she strokes Tama lovingly.

The bond between cat and elf girl has deepened even further today.

Midnight, on the day of the picnic:

“Meown, meown, meown— ”

Tama is in high spirits as he takes a solo stroll through Labyrinthos.

When Aria sleeps, she leaves the window in her room open a crack and lets Tama come and go as he pleases. From time to time, Tama slips into the darkness and enjoys a midnight walk.

He’s in high spirits due to the satisfying picnic they had that afternoon.

Mm, the city is definitely looking great tonight.

As he trots along, Tama thinks about how exceptionally beautiful Labyrinthos is. At night, the streetlights powered by magic that line the city roads give off an orange glow, lighting up the cobblestone streets, the stone homes, and the water running in the canals. The entire city seems so welcoming.

Even though it’s midnight, a number of couples are seated along the canals shoulder to shoulder, taking in the resplendent cityscape.

The streetlights in Labyrinthos were installed by the lords of the city, the Marquis Estate, to ensure public order.

“Oh? Is that you, Tama?”

“Wow, rare to see you at this time of night. Out for a stroll?”

As Tama walks toward the north end of the city, two men in armor and helmets appear. One has close-cropped hair and is wearing light armor, while the other is a lizard man wearing heavy gear.

These are Danny, second in command of the knights’ guard, and the knight Howard.

Tama gives a hearty meow in greeting, as if to say Good evening! to the pair of men.

“Nothing wrong with a stroll, but don’t stay out too long, okay? If you don’t remain close to Aria, she’ll get sad in a heartbeat.”

“That’s right. A knight must never cause his master to lament.”

Danny stoops low to pet Tama as the officer offers this warning. Howard agrees with the sentiment, taking some portable provisions in the form of jerky from his chest pocket and tearing them into strips before giving a bit to Tama.

Of course. Danny, Howard, I would never, ever cause my master sorrow!

Tama stuffs his cheeks with the jerky from Howard and nods repeatedly in response.

“Heh-heh, from the look of it, there’s no problem here.”

“Yes. He’s a genuinely intelligent cat.”

Apparently satisfied with Tama’s response, the two men turn in the direction from which Tama came and disappear into the distance.

Tama hears them saying, “Ahhh, finally time to change shifts,” and realizes that the pair are on night patrol.

Hmmmm. I got a midnight snack, so maybe I should be on my way, too. I want to get back before my master awakens.

Tama audibly swallows the jerky and sprints off to one location in particular.

The labyrinth—it’s been quite some time.

Tama stands in the darkness. Rocky crags spread in every direction from this bone-chilling place…

This is the labyrinth, a den of monsters.

Tama didn’t leave home just for a midnight stroll. He’s come this far with a specific objective in mind.

Just what is it? Checking his current status will be the quickest way to understand.

First, evolution possible has disappeared from the bottom of Tama’s status. For some unknown reason, since defeating the earth dragon a month earlier, the words have vanished.

Hmm. Evolution isn’t appearing on my status today, either… No worries, I have other plans anyway.

There’s nothing more reassuring than being able to use Evolution when the going gets rough. Yet, there’s no helping the fact it’s not here.

Tama is disappointed, but he changes his perspective and focuses his attention elsewhere.

A new innate skill, Divine Lion Protection, and the absorbed skills Dragon Fang and Dragon Claw. I wonder what those are…

Tama ponders as he stares at the skill names. He noticed Divine Lion Protection a few days after defeating the earth dragon. Dragon Fang and Dragon Claw are skills he gained after sneaking out to take a bite of the earth dragon’s corpse during the few days Aria spent recovering in Renald.

Okay, let’s start by trying out these absorbed skills… Oh, and there’s a perfect test subject.

Tama has come to the labyrinth to see the effects of his newly acquired skills. Starting tomorrow, he’ll resume adventuring with Aria, so this is his best opportunity to experiment.

Moments earlier, a grotesque figure appeared in front of Tama screeching, “Gugi—!!” It has green skin and is no taller than a child, with short horns protruding from its head like a miniature demon—this is a goblin, an E-ranked monster.

Seeing Tama, the goblin raises its shoddy dagger above its head and screeches harshly, drool streaming from its mouth as it rushes toward him.

Okay, let’s start by trying out Dragon Fang. Against a goblin, even if the skill misfires, I’ll have time to recover.

His mind made up, Tama unleashes the skill against the goblin charging him.

“Meown!” Dragon Fang!

Tama mews adorably as he leaps forward. Judging from its name, he’s predicted the skill’s effect to an extent and encroaches on the goblin with his tiny mouth open wide.

However, the moment he goes in to bite the goblin’s abdomen—something happens.

Psssh—!!

There’s a sharp hiss. Looking down, Tama sees a torrent of blood gushing from multiple wounds on the goblin’s body. At the same time, the sensation of having bitten down hard on something rushes through Tama’s jaw.

Given the state of the goblin in front of him and the way his jaw feels, Tama realizes what has happened.

Dragon Fang…what a terrifying skill! I can’t believe it simulates the actual phenomenon of biting into flesh…

Tama is astonished. Using the power of mana, the Dragon Fang skill creates a massive, gaping jaw in midair, linked to the movement of his own mouth, allowing him to go in for a powerful bite attack.

This is certainly a skill worthy of being obtained by taking a bite from an S-ranked monster. It’s not quite as powerful as Elemental Howl or Elemental Tail Blade, but unlike those, it doesn’t require charging up or direct manipulation, making it quite convenient. I will use it accordingly.

An experienced knight, Tama understands the characteristics of Dragon Fang immediately, deciding exactly when and how he will employ it.

Okay, next up is Dragon Claw… Or it should be, but I think I should test the skill’s effect on a midsize monster or larger. I’ll delve a bit deeper into the labyrinth.

The little behemoth had originally intended to enter the labyrinth only to test his skills, but seeing that they are much more powerful than he imagined, the knight within him is exhilarated. Compelled by an impetus to take on an even greater foe, Tama ventures farther into the monsters’ den.

“Bu-hiiiiiiiiii—!”

On the third level of the labyrinth, a monster with a pig face—an orc—appears, accompanied by its moronic squeal. Upon seeing Tama, it launches into its boorish, loud advance.

Okay, time to test out my next skill.

Keeping his eye on the approaching orc, Tama prepares to test his second newly acquired skill. He’s already vanquished two orcs using Dragon Fang, both of which went down in a single blow.

The skill gleaned from the S-rank monster is very strong. Now that he understands its power and usability, Tama is ready to test the effects of his next skill.

“Meow—!” Eat this—Dragon Claw!

With a miniature roar, he rips down on the encroaching orc with his right front paw.

“Bu-gyaaaaa—!”

The orc’s bloodcurdling scream echoes through the labyrinth.

Seeing Dragon Fang’s effects, Tama had already assumed how Dragon Claw would work to an extent. And he was right.

Before his front paw actually connects with the orc’s body, four thick claw marks rip into the creature, and a massive amount of blood erupts from them.

The sensation of having hit something hard lingers in Tama’s paw. The effects of Dragon Claw are similar to Dragon Fang—a gigantic claw is manifested in the air through the power of mana. Linked to the movement of his own arm, it allows him to unleash an attack.

Mm—this skill is supremely useful as well. With this, I can now employ a powerfully balanced five-tiered attack pattern: bite, scratch, howl, tail blade, and magic.

Tama nods emphatically before the orc, which has collapsed in a heap from intense pain and blood loss. The little behemoth licks his front paw and grooms his face.

Okay, time to test out my last new skill, Divine Lion Protection.

Tama has used Dragon Claw to dispatch a number of orcs and ropers with a single blow to each and has now arrived at the fifth level of the labyrinth.

He surveys the area to make sure there aren’t any monsters around before activating his innate skill Divine Lion Protection.

Unlike Dragon Fang and Dragon Claw, he has no idea what Divine Lion Protection will entail from its name alone.

Realizing that using the skill when pitted against an actual enemy in the fifth level could be dangerous, Tama has decided to activate his skill now, even though it may not connect with anything.

Here we go! Divine Lion Protection!!

Tama incants the spell in his mind. And then…

Flash—!!

His body is enveloped in a bright golden light, and a hot sensation erupts from deep within his core. Tama then realizes that a number of statuses are being bestowed on his body simultaneously.

The innate skill Divine Lion Protection grants a plethora of superior benefits, among them: increased stamina, increased defense, poison resistance, flame resistance, ice resistance, and shock resistance.

Tama also understands that these effects apply not only to him but to those around him as well.

What a magnificent skill. Activating it before battle will allow me to protect my master in the face of enemies who use poison, like the nefarious Beryl. It is certainly a divine form of protection, just like the name says!

As Aria’s pet (knight), having a number of ways to keep her as safe as possible is always welcome.

In reality, the skill Divine Lion Protection appeared after Tama failed to protect Aria. He’d prayed for a means to defend her, and the skill became manifest alongside his evolution.

“Mwooohhh—”

As Tama sits astonished by the power of Divine Lion Protection, a monster appears from the rocky shadows, grunting. It’s a demi-human bovine beast—a minotaur.

It’s holding a giant ax in one hand and glaring at Tama with blood surging in its eyes. It definitely wants to eat this feline morsel whole.

Maybe I should use Dragon Claw… No, I should see just how powerful the effects of Divine Lion Protection really are.

As the minotaur approaches him, Tama makes up his mind and wiggles his kitty butt back and forth, ready to strike at any moment…

Thwomp!

He then kicks off the ground and flies forward with lightning speed—he’s like a bullet as he races toward the minotaur’s abdomen and bashes into it headfirst.

“Mwooohhh—?!”

The minotaur cries out in agony and doubles over, clutching its stomach. No surprise, given Tama’s velocity. On the other hand, how did Tama fare from the blow?

It…doesn’t hurt?

He’s standing next to the minotaur, slightly bewildered. He expected to take the same amount of damage as the minotaur, having blasted full tilt into its rock-hard stomach. To his surprise, however, Tama feels no pain whatsoever.

Initially puzzled by this, he soon recalls the effects of the divine protection bestowed upon him, and his bewilderment ceases.

That’s right! Divine Lion Protection also has the effect of greatly enhancing defenses. But I didn’t think it would be this much… This is a truly reassuring skill.

Tama is blown away by the powerful effects of Divine Lion Protection, although currently they’re benefiting only him. If he uses it in tandem with the defensive skill Iron Body, he’ll undoubtedly become covered in rigid, strong defensive armor… His thoughts are filled with the possibilities.

No, no—this is no good. I’m still in the middle of battle. I need to finish this beast off.

Tama returns his attention to the minotaur, crying out in pain, and brings up one of his front paws, mewing loudly. He’s activated his absorbed skill Dragon Claw.

A massive gash erupts from the minotaur’s head to its abdomen, and fresh blood spews. The minotaur falls silently to the ground.

Now that I’ve tested out all my new skills, it’s about time I return to my master’s side.

Tomorrow, Aria will resume her activities as adventurer. If possible, Tama wants to return to her before morning. Just as he was thinking as much—

“I’ve finally found you, Fearsome Cat!”

Tama hears the words ring in his ears.

“Meown?!” Who’s there?

Tama whips around and assumes battle position. Looking in the direction of the voice, he finds…a beautiful girl, all alone. Her sharp eyes are golden in color and her long, disheveled hair is flaxen. She’s wearing only a single tattered tunic for clothing. The thin fabric barely covers her large breasts and proportionate, thick thighs.

Why the hell is she down here in the labyrinth, looking like that? And did she just call me “Fearsome Cat”? This… I’ve felt this feeling…somewhere before…

Tama is absolutely bewildered at the girl’s sudden appearance. At the same time, he’s experiencing powerful déjà vu. Paying him no regard, the girl in the tattered tunic says, “Well, well, Fearsome Cat, I see you’ve turned back into your younger form. No matter. More importantly…”

At this, the girl suddenly rushes toward Tama, screaming, “Come, Fearsome Cat! You must copulate with meeeeeeeeeee!!”

“Meowwwwwwn!!” Oh god, she’s a deviant, just like master!

Tama has no idea who this girl is, but he does know she’s totally insane!

Having reached this conclusion, when the girl approaches him, he decides to make a break for it.

“Meown—!” Phew, looks like I managed to shake her off my tail.

The second layer of the labyrinth—Tama hides behind a rock outcropping and sighs quietly. His face is worn with intense exhaustion.

As it should be—his cat-and-mouse theater with the girl in the tattered tunic went on for close to an hour. The entire time, she complained, “Why do you run from me, Fearsome Cat?” and “Please! I need your seed!”—a litany of incomprehensible nonsense as she chased after him.

To make matters worse, she was inexplicably fast. Even as a cub, Tama is quite quick, but she continually caught up with him easily.

Realizing that she was definitely close to catching him, Tama switched his escape plan from an all-out dash to a back-and-forth scramble employing feints behind the rock outcroppings. He then traveled a highly dangerous route that directly connects the fifth and second levels of the labyrinth and somehow managed to escape her.

“Where are youuuuuu, Fearsome Cat—?! Copulate with meeeeeee—!!”

Her voice reverberates from the depths of the mazelike tunnels.

Oh shit—if I stay here, she’ll find me for sure! I have to get out of here!

Without a chance to properly catch his breath, Tama jogs for the exit.

Somehow, he escapes without the girl spotting him again.

“Meown—!” Uggghhh, that was terrifying, master…

Tama has made his way back to Aria’s room. After the horrific experience of being chased by a mysterious girl demanding his chastity, he dives right into the middle of Aria’s bed without thinking twice.

Although he was a full-grown knight in his previous life, now Tama is just a behemoth cub. He’s controlled by the emotions of his young body and soon begins fawning against and cuddling his master, Aria, without a second’s hesitation. That comes with the territory of reincarnation.

Squeeze—

A warm, soft sensation accompanied by a sweet fragrance envelops Tama as he dives into the bed.

“Hee-hee… Tama, you’re so soft and cuddly—it feels amazing.”

Aria’s voice. She’s still sleepy as she softly embraces the kitten now ensconced in the covers.

Phew… Being between my master’s breasts is so soothing…

Although he was tense from his recent terror, now wrapped in Aria’s soft warmth and smelling her unique maternal, sweet scent, Tama naturally loosens up.

But really, who was that girl? She was screaming that she wants my seed…and there was something vaguely familiar about her…

Even in between Aria’s breasts, the little behemoth can’t help but think of the gorgeous mystery girl.

Regardless, Tama is very tired. Before he can solve the mystery, he falls fast asleep in the warmth of Aria’s breasts.

“Meown—!! Aria, Tama, good morning—!!”

It’s early morning, and in front of Labyrinthos’s guild, a girl sees Aria with Tama tucked between her breasts, and she waves at them.

Her bare skin is amber, and she’s wearing overalls and an apron. Thanks to her outfit, her cleavage and side boob are in open view, and her cat ears are twitching back and forth atop her head of dark golden hair. She carries a massive battle hammer, nearly as tall as she is, on her back.

Her name is Vulcan, and she’s a girl from the tiger-eared clan, the blacksmith in this city, and a member of Aria’s adventurer party.

“Good morning, Vulcan!”

“Meowwwr!”

Aria and Tama turn toward her and return her greeting enthusiastically. Vulcan replies with, “Awww, Tama is as cute as always! ” before taking him from Aria and tucking him securely in between her amber-colored breasts peeking out from her overalls.

Hers aren’t as big as Aria’s, but they’re still very ripe and juicy. They’re smooth and bouncy, with the perfect amount of give. Ensconced against the warmth of Vulcan’s bare skin, Tama’s eyes narrow in pleasure.

“Hee-hee, Tama looks so blissful… And with his new equipment, he’s cute as can be. ”

Seeing Tama being held by Vulcan, Aria looks absolutely spellbound.

“Tama’s new equipment is supercute, but, Aria, you look amazing in yours, too!” Vulcan assures Aria, who’s still writhing in infatuation staring at Tama.

Just as Vulcan said, Aria and Tama both have brand-new equipment. First, Aria’s new ensemble is what’s commonly known as “bikini armor.” It’s the same kind that Keni and Marietta wore when they accompanied her on the previous quest to slay the demon, but Aria’s has been crafted to look even more suggestive.

Paired with her overwhelming melons, her current attire will absolutely turn heads. At the same time, the elf is the picture of sheer beauty—not only lust.

Her suit is made from the material orichalcum, a rare metal, combined with steel in an alloy. Orichalcum is more resilient than steel and less weighty, with a light-blue hue. Its price also puts steel to shame, and even combined with steel in an alloy, there’s no way an adventurer of Aria’s rank could afford it. However, the young woman recently came into a large sum of money.

She received some compensation for defeating the demon Beryl in her last quest…but the largest sum she earned came by way of the trolls that Tama defeated recently. Troll skin, meat, and bones can be sold for an incredibly high price.

The knights who’d accompanied her on the quest had passed the money on to her, insisting that because Tama defeated them, she should take it as his master. Using these funds, Aria had asked Vulcan, her partner, to create brand-new equipment for Tama and herself.

The orichalcum-alloy bikini armor is a translucent shade of silver-blue, matching her porcelain-white skin and platinum-blond hair perfectly, amplifying her beauty even further. Her appearance resembles a Valkyrie from the world of mythology.

Above all, Aria’s bikini armor doesn’t hinder the effects of her innate skill, Acceleration. That said, her equipment now includes gauntlets and leggings, which her previous outfit did not, allowing for improved defenses as well—truly an incredible piece of craftsmanship. The bikini armor full set includes shoulder flaps, gauntlets, and high leggings, all created from the orichalcum alloy.

Previously, Aria wore gloves and high boots to prevent her movement from being impeded, but thanks to how light orichalcum is, she was able to increase the number of defensive armaments she has equipped.

Brand-new defensive equipment isn’t Aria’s only new gear. She has new weapons, too.

“This color… There’s no way this is also made from orichalcum, is it?”

“Sure is, meow. And it’s not your average orichalcum alloy! It’s mixed with tamahagane! Depending on your skill, you could probably cut through steel like butter!”

Vulcan brings out a certain knife and recommends it to Aria as they converse. The knife’s blade is the same silver-blue, but it’s an even stronger hue than Aria’s defensive armament.

Just like Vulcan said, this knife has the pure-iron sand-based metal tamahagane mixed in. Tamahagane is said to be the best material for honing the sharpest-possible blade edges.

In fact, if an experienced swordsman wields a weapon created with this metal, it is very possible to cleave through steel with ease. What’s more, this particular knife is a tamahagane-and-orichalcum alloy. It has the honed edge of tamahagane but is lighter than steel—it will not chip or nick under normal circumstances, Vulcan explains.

Next is Tama’s equipment. Until recently, he had been wearing a helmet and leather armor, but now that’s changed to a silver-blue helm and matching body armor. He looked cute in his former adventurer defensive armament, but this getup, which has him almost looking like he’s cosplaying as a knight, is adorable, too.

For Aria, who calls her companion her knight, his current appearance is nearly more than she can bear. Tama is also very fond of his current equipment. As is evident from its color, his new gear is made from an orichalcum alloy, just like Aria’s bikini armor.

Since orichalcum is much lighter compared to other metals, Tama actually feels less weighted down than before. With this orichalcum defensive armament, his defensive capacity has increased manifold.

Using Iron Body and his new skill Divine Lion Protection, he is more capable than ever of protecting his master. Armed with these new tools, Tama can now very feasibly take an attack from a dragon and survive.

“Okay, let’s head out meow!”

“Okay! Thank you so much, Vulcan.”

“Meown—!!”

The two girls and Tama exchange words and mews before heading off toward the labyrinth.

I won’t be seeing her again, will I…?

The mystery girl he encountered last night pops into Tama’s head as he ponders the possibility. Little does he know that likelihood is greater than he could have imagined…

“The labyrinth… I get nervous when I haven’t been here for a while.”

“Our instincts are probably dulled because it’s been some time since we engaged in combat. Be on your guard!”

Aria steps into the labyrinth and shivers at the sensation of its unique aura on her skin. Vulcan puts her hand on her shoulder and smiles sweetly while advising caution.

Aria and Vulcan are both C-ranked adventurers. Normally, none of the monsters on the first level of the labyrinth would pose a challenge to them, but Aria hasn’t fought at all during her month of rehabilitation.

For this reason, their first goal is taking out some low-level monsters like goblins and slimes. Today’s objective is for Aria to regain her instincts as an adventurer.

“Meown—!”

“…? What’s the matter, Tama?”

Just as Aria and Vulcan make their way to find some easy pickings, Tama cries out at them. The two women turn around and look at him, puzzled.

However, Aria knows that Tama isn’t just crying out without reason. She can understand what he’s thinking, to an extent, based on the timbre of his voice and his expression.

My master hasn’t fought in some time. Even though Vulcan and I are here, there’s no harm in having a little extra insurance. I will activate divine protection before we come across any monsters. Here goes…

“Meown!” Divine Lion Protection!

Tama gives another adorable mew in Aria and Vulcan’s direction. A soft golden light envelops the bodies of the trio.

“Meow—what’s this…?!”

“How incredible! My stamina and defense… All my resistances have been boosted! Tama, is this your power?”

Aria and Vulcan, wrapped in the golden glow of Divine Lion Protection, cry out in surprise. Both have realized that their stats have been buffed across the board.

“Meown—!”

Tama answers Aria with an adorable mew that says, How you like me now?

When Tama first met the woman who would become his master, he was scared that she’d realize he isn’t an elemental cat but a behemoth, and he used only a select few skills for that reason. However, during her duel with the aristocrat Kussman, he was forced to use his Elemental Howl and, subsequently, was conveniently mistaken as an elemental cat with innate skills. Now, to protect Aria, he can employ a number of abilities without hesitation.

“Meow, Tama, just how many different skills do you have, meow? You’re incredible for just a little kitty, meow!”

“The ones he used on Beryl’s minions were very powerful, but I did not expect him to have this level of advanced support skills, too. He’s activated a buff on our stamina and defense and given us resistance boosts in all categories—I’ve never even heard of such an effect. That he hasn’t used it so far must mean he acquires new skills as he grows up…?!”

Discussing Tama’s beyond-normal specs, Vulcan lightly defers to his master, Aria, as the girls converse.

Tama himself can only cock his head to the side, as if to say, What now?

Seeing him, Aria and Vulcan can’t help but chuckle to themselves dryly.

“Perhaps, but his combat instincts are a huge help, especially since my own battle prowess has dulled a bit. Thank you, Tama! ”

“Meown—!”

There’s love and gratitude in Aria’s voice, and Tama responds enthusiastically.

Vulcan stares at the two of them with a tinge of jealousy in her eyes. In that moment…

“Gu-gi—!”

A grating shriek pierces Tama’s ears. A single goblin has appeared a ways down the tunnel.

“A goblin. I’m nervous to be fighting for the first time in a while, but Tama’s boost to my power has me feeling better. Let’s go…!”

Aria speaks and rushes forward with quick, quiet steps. Just like she said, there is no nervousness in her stride. Why should there be?

The Divine Lion Protection that Tama activated also grants additional resistance to fear. Plus, Aria already has a deep conviction to become a strong, righteous person just like her hero, the Holy Blade.

If someone who expresses such noble aims is released from fear, it’s only natural they will act without hesitation.

So fast! Aria hasn’t even activated her innate skill, Acceleration, but she’s unusually quick.

Of course, she’s not as quick as when she’s using Acceleration, but she’s definitely eclipsed the realm of speed possible for a normal human.

“M-meow?! She’s that fast without Acceleration? Must be the effect of Tama’s buff… Absolutely incredible, I say again…”

Seeing Aria’s speed at work in front of her, Vulcan’s eyes go wide in shock.

Slash—!

A single, silver-blue arc gleams through the dimly lit space, followed by a bewildered cry.

“Gu-gya…?”

It’s the goblin, and its face looks just as puzzled as the sound of its wail.

Flop…

The creature’s head falls to the ground with a thud, and soon after, fresh blood gushes from the new hole in its neck. There isn’t any light in its eyes as the goblin’s head tumbles across the ground.

The monster never even saw what was coming—not the stunningly gorgeous elf girl Aria or the single knife swipe that took its head clean off.

Incredible! What speed, even without activating Acceleration. And the tamahagane-and-orichalcum-alloy blade that Vulcan tempered for her… She was just aiming for its jugular, but the goblin’s entire head went flying. Truly amazing…!

Aria hasn’t wielded her knives against a monster in some time. She was worried she wouldn’t be able to take it down in a single blow, but seeing how far this battle has exceeded her expectations, she is relieved and excited.

If she adds Acceleration to the mix…she’ll be as fast as a bolt of lightning—no, as fast as a firing synapse…

New equipment and the power of Divine Lion Protection… Thanks to these, Aria’s power hasn’t decreased at all. If anything, it’s through the roof.

“Aria, you’ve at least built up some stamina over the past month, right?”

“Of course, Vulcan… Oh, I think I see what you’re getting at!”

Vulcan addresses Aria joyfully as she whips her blade through the air to rid it of goblin blood.

Aria was about to inquire, Why do you ask? when she realizes her companion’s intent.

Vulcan is proposing…a full-on assault on the labyrinth. Thanks to her new equipment and Tama’s Divine Lion Protection, Aria is stronger than ever. Though her battle instincts may have dulled a bit, these two factors have compensated for that and then some.

In that case, rather than taking time to slowly get back in the saddle, Vulcan thinks Aria should fight as many battles as possible today and get her feet back under her as soon as possible.

Not to mention, she won’t be fighting alone. Vulcan is an experienced vanguard who’s also been strengthened by Tama’s divine protection. Further, Tama is an elemental cat (or at least they think he is) who can take down multiple trolls all by his wee lonesome.

With Tama providing support for Aria and Vulcan, they shouldn’t have any problem getting at least a few layers down…

It’s been decided.

Hmm. I think it’s best to recover gradually in stages…but my master and Vulcan are chomping at the bit. What can I say? I will support them to the fullest. If necessary, I can unleash all my skills, including Elemental Tail Blade, and destroy any enemy in our path.

Having reached that decision, Tama rubs his body against Aria’s legs as if to put her at ease and nods with conviction, looking adorable all the while.

“Hee-hee, it seems Tama agrees!”

“Meown, in that case, we’re as strong as an army of a hundred! Well, let’s keep going… Wait, what’s that?”

Aria picks up Tama, ever so cute and dependable, with a loving embrace and settles him between her breasts tightly. Vulcan responds by throwing a fist in the air to say, In that case, nobody can stop us!

As she pumps her fist, Vulcan’s side boob becomes clearly visible as her supple, gorgeous underarm jiggles. In that moment…

Vulcan cries out in surprise, staring deep into the labyrinth. Aria notices it, too. At the back of the passage, a girl stands in the center, alone…

Whoa?! It’s that aberrant maiden from last night!

Her sudden appearance shocks Tama to his core. There’s no mistaking it—the girl standing there is the same one who demanded to copulate with him last night, chasing him around in her tattered tunic.

Hmm?! What’s the meaning of this—? She looks different now. Almost like she’s afraid of something…

Tama’s body stiffens as he prepares for her to descend upon him like last night. But she defies his expectations.

The girl in the tattered tunic simply cries out softly, “Uhhhn…,” as if terrified of something. Her anxious eyes are focused on Tama…or rather, on Aria, carrying Tama between her breasts.

“She can’t be…an adventurer, can she? Why is someone dressed like that down in the labyrinth…?”

“Mm, and she looks terrified, doesn’t she, meow? She’s probably a vagabond who got herself lost down here.”

Aria and Vulcan exchange opinions upon seeing the frightened girl in the tunic. She is beautiful, but her long flaxen hair is unkempt. She’s half-naked—no surprise that one would take her for a vagabond.

Aria smiles sweetly at the girl and asks her a question.

“Hey, it’s dangerous to be down here looking like that. Are you from Labyrinthos?”

Seeing someone in a place this dangerous without proper equipment and seemingly terrified, the noble Aria simply cannot ignore her, vagabond or not.

“…? I—I was born in the darkness… I don’t know this place Labyrinthos, and I don’t have any memory of ever being outside.”

The girl in the tattered tunic looks different for a split second before responding to Aria’s soft words in staggered, halted phrasing.

Hearing her, Aria and Vulcan glance at each other. This is not what they expected her to say.

“Vulcan, do you think she’s…?”

“Meow, it’s probably amnesia, you think?”

Even setting aside the fact that the labyrinth lies within the borders of the city of Labyrinthos, claiming to never have heard its name is inconceivable. What’s more, the disheveled girl also claims to have no memory of ever being outside…

Aria and Vulcan have guessed that she’s an adventurer who for one reason or another lost her memory in the labyrinth. The place is crawling with monsters, and while their types tend to be limited to certain levels of the labyrinth, it is possible—though rare—for more powerful ones to appear on the upper levels.

A number of adventurers have been known to suffer amnesia from the intense fear of being attacked by such a monster and having their lives put in mortal danger. It would not be entirely surprising if the girl in the tattered tunic has fallen under similar circumstances.

She looks terrified and has no memory—her fear might stem from the fact that she can’t even tell left from right or vice versa… With this in mind, Aria addresses the girl again.

“At any rate, it’s dangerous here. Please come back to the city with us.”

“‘Back to the city’…? I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I have some business with you… No, with the Fearsome Cat between your breasts…!”

“Fearsome Cat? Is she talking about Tama meow?”

“We just met you—how can you possibly know Tama is strong? And what business…?”

Although she still looks terrified, the girl now points at Tama, fully on guard as he rests between Aria’s breasts after hearing his stalker’s powerful challenge.

Aria and Vulcan only just met this girl, but she referred to Tama as the Fearsome Cat. Though puzzled, they nevertheless attempt to advance their dialogue.

But then…

“My purpose is to become one with the Fearsome Cat and bear his offspring! Come now, Fearsome Cat! Escape that female’s bosom and KASPLOOSH your BABOOOOM inside my VAVAVOOM!!”

Whaaaaaaat the—?

The girl’s cheeks flush, her breath ragged as she spews a bunch of nonsensical sounds. Tama is scared to death and clutches tightly to Aria’s bosom.

Aria can’t help but cry out in ecstasy, just a bit, but nonetheless…

“This is bad. She’s obviously cracked her head on something, poor thing…”

“Meown. Definitely serious.”

Aria and Vulcan both stare pityingly at the girl in the tattered tunic. In other words, they realize that, in addition to losing her memory, the girl isn’t entirely right in the head.

“You know, it’s not okay for a girl to shout something like that in public. Not to mention, Tama is still a kitten and can’t even make babies yet. Please, let’s just get out of here together, okay?”

“What say thee?! That the Fearsome Cat cannot conceive a child…? I don’t understand whatsoever, but if I go with you, I will be able to be with the Fearsome Cat…?”

“Yes, Tama is my pet. If you come with us, you’ll be alongside him, too!”

“Hmph, very well, I understand. I will join you!”

Aria nods and responds softly to the girl in the tunic’s question. It goes without saying, though, that Aria would never surrender Tama, who she loves dearly, to some addled stranger treating her beloved companion like a piece of meat.

However, for the moment, ensuring this girl’s safety is her top priority. If the girl wants to be near Tama, Aria will give her a brief taste of that reality to get her outside the labyrinth, first and foremost.

Aria’s scheme is a success. Although she wavers for a moment, the girl in the tunic resolves to follow Aria and her party.

“Meown…? Aria, you’re going to take care of this girl?”

“Of course I will, Vulcan. If she’s lost her memories, then she obviously doesn’t have anywhere to go. If that’s the case, she could easily be forced into slavery.”

Aria has already made up her mind to care for the girl in the tattered tunic for a while. She may look like a vagabond right now, but there’s no doubt that her actual beauty would turn heads everywhere she went. She’s quite buxom, too.

Her arms and legs are thin, but her thighs immediately connect with thick, juicy hips and a taut waist—her figure is plainly visible from underneath her shabby clothes. What’s more—her breasts are extremely ripe and luscious, bouncing up and down with every movement she makes.

In terms of size, they’re bigger than Vulcan’s apples but smaller than Aria’s melons…or thereabout. She looks approximately eighteen or nineteen years old. Her eyes pull you in, and when she stares at Tama excitedly, she appears hedonistic and lustful.

Throwing a girl like this from the labyrinth out on the street, she’ll fall under the wretched watch of the wicked in no time. If that happens, she’ll be captured and her body will be taken advantage of to no end.

What’s more, a system of slavery exists in this world. Once someone is finished with or gets sick of you, you’re done for. Being sold as a slave guarantees you will live day after day of hell on earth—thus Aria has decided to take the girl under her wing.

“Let’s head to my lodging for now. I believe a more spacious room was available, so we’ll switch to that one.”

“I’ll help, too. If you need anything, let me-ow know!”

Hearing Aria, Vulcan thumps her chest and declares that she, too, will lend a hand. Vulcan has a heightened sense of righteousness, just like Aria. This was proven during the quest to defeat the demon Beryl, when she joined Aria and company to protect the people of Renald, despite the danger involved.

Aria and Vulcan start heading for the exit outside. Following them, the girl in the tunic lags behind cautiously, still on her guard against Aria for some reason.

Hmm… Does this girl really have amnesia? If that’s true, then I did something terrible last night. I should have at least adjusted my speed to lead her outside the labyrinth. But this feeling… I’ve felt it…somewhere before…

Despite the fact that this girl preyed upon him, aiming to steal his chastity, Tama pities her and rebukes himself for not considering her situation and leaving her in the labyrinth last night… Yet, at the same time, he doesn’t trust her and can’t escape the feeling that he’s met her somewhere before.

“Okay, we’ve secured the double room, so let’s go ahead and adjourn to the bath, shall we?”

“‘Bath’…? What is that? Is it powerful?”

Aria and company have left the labyrinth and returned to the inn in the city. The innkeeper quickly prepared a double room for them after Aria explained the situation.

Vulcan is currently out choosing new clothing to replace the girl’s tunic—at her own discretion—so she’s not here.

Aria thought it would be best to get her guest cleaned up. She’s downright filthy from her time in the labyrinth, and Aria suggested that she wash up…

…It seems, though, that the girl has lost her memory of even what a bath is. In her heart of hearts, Aria is having a hard time believing it.

“You see, the bath is where you go to wash your body clean with warm water. Do you remember experiencing anything like that? Um… By the way, what is your name?”

“Hmmmm…washing with water… I know of it, but I’ve never done it myself. And I am strong…or rather, I once was. There is no other way to express myself.”

“Is that so…? Well then, you definitely need a name! Is there anything you’d like to be called?”

“Hmph. I don’t care at all what I’m called.”

Aria feels compassion for the girl who doesn’t even remember her own name. She brightly invited the girl to choose a name to her liking, even for the time being. Her response, though, was curt and cold.

The girl in the tattered tunic is now staring enraptured at Tama, who is seated quietly on the bed. He mews softly, seeing how she stares at him, and continues to observe her with a cautious expression.

“In that case, do you mind if I give you a name, even if it’s temporary? Actually, I have one that suits you perfectly.”

“Do as you like. I’ve already told you—I don’t care what I’m called.”

“Okay… From today, your name is Stella! It means beautiful in the land where I come from.”

“Stella… I don’t know what beautiful means, but the name does sound nice. If a woman such as yourself gives it to me, I have no complaint.”

“Hee-hee, I’m so glad to hear that. We’re really happy to have met you, Stella. ”

The girl in the tunic—rather, Stella—has granted a measure of respect to Aria, which she finds curious. At any rate, Stella seems to like her name, and the elf’s face brightens immediately.

Hmm. Stella, is it? A fine name. My master has great taste across the board.

Tama mews in commendation of Aria’s great naming sense. “Ohhh! Fearsome Cat! Your voice is as lovely as ever!” Stella replies as her cheeks flush and she begins panting.

Seeing her get excited, Tama once again recalls the fear of being chased for his chastity deep in the labyrinth. His body stiffens like a board, and he darts under the bed to hide.

“Wha—? Fearsome Cat, why do you run from me?! All I want is the seed of your fearsome being…”

That’s exactly what terrifies me! Uhhh… Master, please do something about this aberrant maiden…

Stella poking her head under the bed and demanding that Tama impregnate her has him shaking like a leaf in a tornado as he silently pleads for Aria to intervene.

“Stop! That’s not okay! Stella, you’re scaring Tama… Like I said in the labyrinth, Tama’s still a kitten. He can’t make babies yet.”

Seeing Tama obviously terrified, Aria quickly rushes to intervene. As his master and beloved, she has to protect his chastity from other girls.

Well, Aria also has the experience of running ahead full steam and nearly causing an incident with Tama…but let’s forget about that for the time being.

“Ooooh… If you insist, I have no choice—I will give up for now.”

Hearing Aria’s rebuke, Stella reluctantly withdraws from under the bed.

Hmm. Just as I expected. Stella, for reasons I do not understand, listens to whatever master says.

Tama realizes that Stella either fears or respects Aria…or perhaps both at the same time. For this reason, if the command comes from Aria, she will accept it, although reluctantly, and cease whatever misbehavior in which she’s engaged.

“Okay, let’s go to the bath! The innkeeper filled it for us, so we’re all set!”

Aria gathers herself and pushes everyone toward the bath. Stella responds enthusiastically to Aria’s insistence. Seeing the strange girl brimming with curiosity, Aria is awash with emotion, realizing how childlike she really is.

At the same time, Aria detects a sense of purity and peril within Stella, seemingly a consequence of losing her memories. Aria’s own sense of righteousness further compels her to watch over Stella carefully.

“Wow! What is this? Something is bubbling straight out of that rock!”

“That’s called soap, and it’s a tool used to wash your body, Stella. I’ll wash you really well, so sit still for me, okay?”

Stella and Aria go back and forth in the hot-bath area of the inn, both as naked as the day they were born. Stella is entranced by the sudsy bar of soap in Aria’s hand.

Hmm. I can’t bear looking at any girl aside from my master naked, but there’s nothing I can do about this…

Tama resolves himself as he watches the two girls from the corner of the bath.

Aria invites him to join them. “Tama, let’s get you all clean, too, okay?”

However, the behemoth cub is wary. There’s no way I can get in the bath with this lunatic…!

But it’s no use…

Wait a second! This aberrant maiden may be abiding my master now, but isn’t it too early to trust her?! There’s no telling when she’ll run amok and lash out at Aria. As her knight, I must be here to protect her.

Tama decides to get in the bath, if only for the sake of protecting Aria as her pet (knight).

“Wow! The dirt on my body is disappearing by the second! That soap you speak of is quite the tool!”

Stella can’t contain her excitement as Aria washes her body clean. She’s really riled up, and her breasts are bouncing up and down with abandon.

“Okay, I’m done washing your body, so now let’s do your hair. It will hurt if soap gets in your eyes, so shut them tight, okay?”

“Wha—?! I do not want my eyes in pain! I will not open them!”

Hearing Aria caution her, Stella reacts…or rather, completely freaks out and shuts her eyes as tight as she can. Has she endured a particular pain to her eyes in the past? Aria wonders as much and worries as she gently washes her hair.

“Ooooh… Aren’t you done yet?”

“Hee-hee, once I rinse with warm water, you’ll be done. Almost there!”

In response to Stella’s frightened tone, Aria scoops water from the bath with a wooden bucket and slowly pours it over Stella’s head to rinse away the suds.

“Wow! What is this sensation?! I feel refreshed!”

After her hair is rinsed, Stella once again erupts with excitement. Now that her filthy body is washed clean, having never had the experience of bathing, her deep emotion is understandable.

“Now that we’re done washing, let’s move to the other bath and go for a soak to warm ourselves up! ”

“‘Go for a soak’…? You mean get in this hot water? Why would you ever…?”

“It’s very important for human beings, especially girls, to warm their bodies, Stella.”

“Ooooh? I don’t understand, but if you insist, I will follow suit… Wow, this feels amazing!”

Stella doesn’t grasp the importance of soaking in hot water, but she follows Aria’s lead anyway. She’s once again highly impressed.

“Now it’s your turn, Tama!”

“Meown—!”

Aria kneels down in the bath and calls to Tama. He responds enthusiastically and starts trotting toward her before jumping up onto her knees and flopping over onto his back, belly up.

Aria always starts washing Tama from his fluffy li’l tummy, and he naturally assumes the position. For the record…from this position, Tama can see Aria’s gorgeous face peeking out perfectly from between her two melons.

The resplendent view excited him beyond measure when he first started living with Aria, and even now, it still gets him going.

“N-not fair! I want to wash the Fearsome Cat’s body, too!”

As Tama is being washed by Aria’s loving hand and thinking, Heaven… This is heaven…, Stella stands up in a rush, causing a huge splash, and complains to Aria, jealousy painted on her face.

“Hee-hee, no, no, Stella. Washing Tama is a special privilege for me, his master. I have no intention of ever letting you have a turn.”

Aria is sweeter than syrup. It isn’t unreasonable to assume she might pass Tama over and share him, but her response is a surprising “absolutely not.”

On any given day, Aria has three special sources of satisfaction that she will not give up—and for good reason. The first is washing Tama and playing with him in the bath.

Consequently, even if the childish Stella insists, Aria has zero intention of letting her.

“Ohhh, Fearsome Cat, you are so lovely! Just looking at you makes me throb! Uhhhhng!!”

Stella has her hand cupped over her private parts and her cheeks are flushed red—utterly carnal. Her voice is strained as she stares at Aria and Tama with intense jealousy during their “feline fun time” bathing ritual.

“Huh? What is this smell? It’s making me hungry as hell!”

Aria and company have returned from the bath to their room at the inn. Vulcan has completed her shopping, and when Stella puts on the clothes prepared for her, she can’t believe how good they feel.

It is at that moment…Stella looks around the room and starts sniffing the air like a hound.

“I think you’re smelling smoked skirt steak. It’s almost time for dinner—we should eat, too.”

“‘Smoked skirt steak’…? That is the source of this scent? How can I get it in my mouth? Do I need to defeat the smoked skirt steak in battle?”

The source of the aroma is smoke rising from the first-floor bar at the inn, where their house special smoked meat is being prepared.

“Don’t worry meow, Stella! You don’t have to defeat any enemies to eat dinner, so settle down.”

“Hee-hee, you’re so riled up at the smell of meat… You are too darn cute, Stella.”

Stella was living in complete survival mode in the labyrinth before she met Aria and company. With her memories gone, it’s unsurprising that she thinks you have to defeat a creature in order to eat it. Realizing this, Vulcan gently soothes her, assuring the girl that nothing of that sort will be required.

Aria finds her guest absolutely adorable, and even though Stella looks older than her, Aria is reminded that she’s just a child inside.

“Stella seems really interested, so let’s have dinner at the bar on the first floor tonight! Vulcan, you’ll join us, right?”

“Of course meow! The food here is damn near as good as the guild!”

Vulcan picks up Tama standing at her feet and holds him in her breasts, eagerly accepting Aria’s invitation.

Stella rushes Aria with stars in her eyes, saying, “If I follow you, I’ll be able to devour the source of this smell! Hurry up, now!”

Just as Aria suspected all along, Stella is like a little sister—innocence personified.

Tama and the trio of girls trot down the stairs to the inn’s bar. A few minutes after being seated, a line of drool streams from Stella’s mouth onto the table. She clearly can’t wait to devour meat as its delicious aroma wafts her way.

Aria and Vulcan, sitting across from her, look a bit tired. Understandable given that, just moments after their arrival, Stella saw food sitting on another table and screamed, “These are myyyyy spoils!!” while accosting the other patrons.

Aria and Stella rushed to stop her from causing a scene. However, Stella resisted fiercely, and they were put in the awkward situation of wrestling her to calm her down, which inevitably wore them out.

Stella has no memory of how to wait for your food at a restaurant, either. Judging from the way she was talking on the second floor, they should have predicted as much but had come down unprepared.

Stella is gripping her fork with a tight fist and stabs down through the air, drool streaming from her mouth. Aria, anticipating that Stella probably doesn’t know how to use silverware, either, begins explaining how to at least use a fork while they await the arrival of their meal.

Stella’s initial response is, “Why do I have to use this thing to eat?”

However, Aria tells her, “You’re a girl, and if you can’t use silverware properly, none of the boys will like you…”

“What! That cannot happen! My goal is to become one with the Fearsome Cat! I cannot be disliked by him!”

In a huff, Stella quickly begins practicing how to use the fork.

“Gah-ha-ha! How about it, Fearsome Cat? I can use a fork. I’m quite the catch, aren’t I?”

Making poking motions with her fork, Stella looks downright triumphant.

Ensconced in Aria’s breasts, Tama experiences another flash of déjà vu and thinks, I’ve heard that laugh somewhere before…

“Sorry to keep you waiting! One order of smoked skirt steak. I’ll bring everything else out, too—just a minute.”

The landlady of the inn’s hands are occupied with a huge plate full of smoked meat that smells absolutely delicious.

“Wow!! So much tasty-smelling meat! Can I eat now?!”

“Yes, Stella, eat as much as you want.”

“Yes!! Wh-what is this?! I’ve never tasted meat so delicious!”

Stella instantly rips into the food. Moments later, the delicious flavor and smoky goodness filling her mouth cause her to erupt in shock. Now her mind is free.

Stella has been rendered incapable of anything other than stabbing a piece of meat, delivering it to her mouth, and repeating indefinitely.

“Meown—! She’s really going at it! Where is all that going to fit in her tiny tummy?”

Vulcan is even more shocked watching Stella eat than Stella herself was at the meat’s deliciousness. Unsurprising, given that—unassisted—Stella has devoured the entire mountain of steak mere moments after its arrival.

“Okay, here’s your sausage platter and house salad… Wait, you finished the steak already?!”

The innkeeper brings out the rest of their food. She can’t hide her surprise that the smoked skirt steak, which completely filled the plate, has disappeared in just a few minutes.

“Ohhh! That meat smells really good, too! Can I eat it?”

“Of course, Stella. But you have to eat your vegetables, too, okay?”

“‘Vegetables’…? Are you talking about that grass? Do humans eat grass?”

Vegetables, too, have slipped out of Stella’s memory, it would seem. Aria explains the importance of eating vegetables, including how dressing makes them taste delicious… At that point, she pushes some toward Stella and…

“…!! Wow! Vegetables! Not as good as meat but pretty tasty! I could eat this all day!”

Stella digs into the salad with gusto. Aria is relieved she wasn’t picky about it. She’s already treating Stella like a real caregiver would.

“Okay, Tama, let’s get you some food, too.”

“Meown—!”

Keeping one eye on Stella stuffing her cheeks with sausage and salad, Aria pushes a piece of sausage on her fork toward Tama. He mews happily and bites down on it. Chomp—! His bite makes a satisfying sound as the sausage is torn off the fork. Delicious juice and rich flavor fill Tama’s mouth.

All the food here is made to order in-house, the spices carefully selected. Sausage happens to be one of Tama’s favorite things in the world.

He looks adorable as he savors the taste with his cheeks stuffed.

“Awww… Tama is just the absolute cutest. ”

“Meowww—my heart is throbbing just watching him.”

Entranced by Tama’s cuteness, Aria starts rubbing her thighs together. Vulcan is also hot and bothered as her cheeks flush red.

“Wh-what is this?! I didn’t know the Fearsome Cat could be so extremely cute! I must make an offering to him, too!”

Stella rushes to chew the multiple sausages she’d stuffed into her mouth, swallowing them before skewering another on her fork and pushing it toward Tama, who simply looks the other way.

Stella is shocked. “Wha…?! Why, Fearsome Cat? Why do you turn away from me?!”

Obviously, because I don’t trust you at all yet. You went after my chastity—what did you expect?

Tama’s guard is still up. Aside from the aforementioned reason, he simply smells danger on Stella. It might be his instincts as a monster or intuition stemming from his past life as a knight.

Huh…? I wonder what’s happened—it’s so rare for Tama to behave like that toward a person.

Aria can’t help feeling something is off about Tama’s reaction.

The kitten is gentle and very friendly. He’s generally quick to warm up to Aria’s acquaintances, but he hasn’t dropped his guard around Stella whatsoever.

Being this on edge is like poison to him. With that thought, Aria picks him up.

Boing—!

Tama jumps up and burrows in between Aria’s breasts.

Instantly, the other customers—mostly men—start murmuring among themselves. Aria’s melons and the cat poking his face out from between them…the visual is overwhelming, and some respond with gratitude, saying, “Good boy, good boy,” while others snarl with jealousy. “You little prick! Trade places with me now!”

Ahhh… It’s warm and smells so good between her breasts…

Tama’s fur was standing on end from the agitation, but reminded of Aria’s maternal affection by her scent and warmth, he finally relaxes.

Meown—Aria, I’m so jealous! I want to seduce Tama with meown boobs, too!

Vulcan has tiger DNA in her veins and is quite attracted to a strong cat such as Tama. It’s not surprising she feels that way about him.

“Damn it! Damn it! If I wasn’t eating, I would do something about this!”

Stella is jealous and annoyed that Tama ran from her but is stuck to Aria like glue. In the end, she gets desperate and orders another mountain of smoked skirt steak and sausages.

“Ugh…I can’t move a muscle. This is pain.”

“That should be obvious—you ate so much. You have to control yourself, Stella, okay?”

The crew is back in their room on the second floor of the inn, where Stella moans painfully.

Her face looks terrible. No wonder—she ate more than is conceivable, all by herself…

Stella refused to listen when Aria tried to stop her. Though generally reticent and calm, the elf now can’t help but look miffed.

Stella’s other caretaker, Vulcan, said good-bye downstairs and has already gone home.

“I’m not sure if you’ll be able to brush your teeth. Oh well—we might as well go to bed tonight.”

“Uhhh…‘brush teeth’? I don’t know what that means, but I am not fit for any further activity today. I shall sleep. Where do I lay my body?”

“Oh the bed, of course… Wait, you don’t even remember beds, do you? Stella, over here.”

Seeing how Stella reacts quizzically to even the word bed, Aria takes her by the hand and leads her to one of the two beds.

“Wow! Lying here is so comfortable! This is a first—Oof, I can’t say any more. I must sleep…”

Stella is quite moved by how comfortable the bed is, but when she lies down, intense nausea racks her, causing her to fall silent.

“Okay, Tama, let’s brush our teeth and go to bed, too. ”

“Meown—!”

Glancing at Stella, now mute, Aria calls Tama and hugs him between her breasts, heading for the corner of the room. Even though the hotel is cheap, it has a sink in every room. The sink in theirs has a cup and a toothbrush, along with a super-tiny toothbrush, waiting above it. The former is, of course, Aria’s, and the latter, Tama’s. Aria had the tiny toothbrush custom-made, and she brushes his teeth with it every day.

“Ooh… You’re shunning me and flirting with the Fearsome Cat again…”

Stella’s voice floats like a jealous curse in the air, but Aria is absorbed in brushing Tama’s teeth and doesn’t hear her. Rather, she’s thinking, heart pounding, Awww! Tama is so darn cute when he sits still to have his teeth brushed!

Mmmm. This vibrating sensation feels so good. My master’s technique is so skillful, as always.

Tama is replete with satisfaction at how good Aria’s gentle, skilled teeth cleansing feels. Aria continues brushing her own teeth and squeezes Tama tight as she sits on the bed.

As she does, she hears Stella’s jealous curse this time. “N-not fair! You get to sleep with the Fearsome Cat… Ugh…”

Sleeping with Tama is Aria’s last source of satisfaction for the day. It’s something she simply can’t give up.

“Good night! ” Aria says to Stella in a singsong voice and strokes Tama lovingly before falling fast asleep.

In the middle of the night—

—Hey. Get up, Fearsome Cat…

Tama hears a voice inside his head as he gently snores, tucked in between Aria’s breasts.

Am I…hearing things?

Or is it a dream? Tama looks sleepy as he ponders the mysterious voice that directly entered his brain.

—Ohhh! Finally, I can speak to you! I see—it appears I can reach you via “conversation”!

What the…?!

The voice continues ringing in Tama’s head. It’s not some sort of auditory hallucination or dream. He instinctively opens his eyes.

—You are awake, Fearsome Cat! Now then, we have much to discuss!

In addition to her resounding voice, Stella appears at the foot of the bed, looking sorrowful.

My god, it was Stella all along…?

Tama’s consciousness is alerted by her “conversation,” still audible. Stella stands before him. The voice he hears is distinctly hers. It can’t be…, Tama thinks when he suddenly has a premonition.

—That’s right! I am speaking to you through telepathy. All you have to do is think, and I can understand what you are saying!

Tama’s premonition is correct, and as the Stella in front of him nods deeply, he hears her voice in his head at the same time.

A telepathic skill… I’ve heard rumors of it before, but to actually see it happening… This can’t be good! Everyone thinks I’m a cat, but if I can understand human language—even if it’s telepathy—that could cause a host of problems…!

The rare skill of telepathy exists in this world. Tama is quite impressed that Stella possesses it, but more importantly, he realizes how crucial this moment is. Though through telepathy, Stella now knows that Tama can participate in conversation. If she takes this information and tells Aria…

His master will be perplexed by his level of intelligence and then possibly realize his identity as a former human reincarnated—what’s more, the fact that he’s not a cat at all but an S-ranked monster. A behemoth…

Just imagining it sends a jolt down Tama’s spine.

—Why so flustered, Fearsome Cat? You spoke with such a deafening roar as you slaughtered me, did you not?

………Huh?

This… She… Stella, what is she talking about? I slaughtered her? Tama’s mind is thrown into further confusion.

The little behemoth certainly has no memory of killing a beautiful girl like Stella, and even if he did, why would she be standing here if she’d been murdered? As Tama contemplates this…

—What?!?! Do you really not know who I am? In the bowels of the labyrinth, you fought me on two different occasions, finally transforming into a colossal lacquer-black entity and rupturing my head with a massive flaming greatsword! And in that moment, you said you were a behemoth, did you not?

What the—?!

Tama’s eyes grow wide. Hearing Stella’s words, the memory of a certain day rushes to his mind. Just one month ago…Aria had fallen to the poison of the demon Beryl’s blade, and to find the ingredient necessary to create an antidote to purify that poison—to secure the eye of an earth dragon—Tama confronted an earth dragon alone.

In the middle of that lengthy, horrendous battle…Tama realized he was outmatched by the beast. Even realizing that he wouldn’t be able to return to his former self, he evolved into the second stage of his behemoth form, and just like Stella said, he’d used a massive flaming sword—Flame Edge—to successfully come out on top.

What’s more, Tama had also experienced battle with the earth dragon shortly after being reincarnated, when he touched a Warp Crystal and was transported on top of the dragon’s head, angering it deeply.

Stella directly referenced these situations in which he’d found himself and knows there were two battles… Given the scope of information, Tama can’t help but think…

Is it…? No…unfathomable—!!

—Gah-ha-haaa! You have remembered! That’s right—I am the dragon you defeated in the labyrinth…in my reincarnated form!

A piercing sneer erupts in Tama’s mind alongside the shocking truth. Hearing this, Tama recognizes and comprehends what’s happening.

The déjà vu he’d felt around Stella was not a misunderstanding. She is the very earth dragon he killed just one month earlier…

The reality that the earth dragon, which he definitely killed, has changed her appearance to stand in front of him, coupled with the fact that Stella used the phrase “reincarnated form,” has him totally convinced.

It’s said that high-level dragons endlessly repeat a cycle of transmigration, retaining the same memory over the course of thousands of years. Tama has also heard that they occasionally reincarnate as other species.

As he recalls the legends surrounding dragons, Stella tells him through telepathy, After you defeated me, my consciousness fell again into darkness—I awoke deep in the labyrinth. I understood that I had reincarnated into a human being’s body through the ancient skill Reincarnation, which I possessed in my dragon form…

—What is it you want, earth dragon? To take your revenge on me? In that case, be my guest!

Tama crawls out from between Aria’s breasts and sharply narrows his normally adorable eyes, staring at Stella—at the earth dragon—and bristling the fur on his back.

Although reincarnated as a cute girl, Stella is a once-fearsome enemy he’s defeated. There’s no reason her heart wouldn’t be filled with the desire for revenge.

—W-wait, Fearsome Cat! I was defeated by you, and I surrender. I have no intention of fighting!

—Wh-what? Well then, what do you want?

—I’ve already told you! My goal is to mate with you, a fearsome male, and produce offspring! The first time I realized your true power, I knew you were the right male to impregnate me. So…

—Come KASPLOOSH your BABOOOOM inside my VAVAVOOOOOOM!!!

“Meowwwwn!!” Oh my god! This lady is twisted!!

Stella raises her voice within the telepathic communication and rushes to maul Tama. Absolutely terrified, he cries out. The bloodcurdling yowl of a kitten echoes throughout the Labyrinthos night.

“No! You’re scaring Tama! Don’t be rough with him, Stella!”

“Eek—?!”

Stella spews off a string of disturbing exclamations as she prepares to dive on top of Tama.

I have nowhere to run. This is the end…

Tama looks largely defeated. Just then, Aria’s voice breaks through Tama and Stella’s scuffle. She’s been awakened by Tama’s cry of terror.

The second she hears Aria’s voice, Stella performs the superhuman feat of a midair about-face before rushing to the corner of the room, where she’s shaking like a leaf. It seems she’s still scared of Aria.

“Meown—!” Master!

Tama is at his wits’ end. Seeing Aria there to save him, his face lights up, and he dives directly back into her cleavage.

“Hee-hee, you’re okay now, right, Tama?”

“Meown…”

Aria holds Tama close and strokes him ever so softly. Relieved by her comforting touch, his eyes narrow in satisfaction.

“Stella, I know that Tama is very alluring, but like I told you earlier, he’s just a kitten and can’t make babies. More than anything, he’s my pet, and I have no intention of ever giving him to you. Got it?”

“Unnngh… It’s not fair… But I…”

Aria’s voice is sweet, but she’s reprimanding Stella harshly. The former earth dragon mumbles in frustration and drags herself back to the bed.

Aria sighs in relief and returns to her own bed to mull over how to handle this going forward. “If this sort of thing keeps happening, I’ll have to come up with a solution…”

—Hey, Fearsome Cat. I’ll give up for today, but listen well: I am absolutely in love with you…!

“…”

Stella’s telepathy echoes in Tama’s mind as he burrows deeply into Aria’s breasts.

Tama can only remain silent at this sudden confession of love.