Chapter 60: If You Don’t Do It, You Won’t Die

The snow-white mother cat continued to nuzzle Ailiya’s leg, purring contentedly. Liliane’s gaze flicked between the cat and Ailiya. When she looked at the cat, her eyes softened, almost tender—a rare sight. But when they shifted to Ailiya, that warmth froze into a glare brimming with resentment.

Ailiya felt more wronged than a martyr. Sighing, she crouched carefully, scooping up the docile cat. It settled comfortably, rubbing its fluffy head against her chin. Ailiya stepped toward Liliane, tentatively offering the furry bundle. “Um… Lady Liliane, want to pet it?”

Liliane’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by the gesture. Her usual icy demeanor cracked, just a fraction. Hesitantly, she extended a slender hand, fingers inching toward the cat’s soft fur.

But as her fingertips neared, the cat transformed. “Hiss!!” It arched, fur bristling, blue eyes glaring at Liliane’s hand like it was a mortal enemy. Liliane yanked her hand back as if burned, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. When she opened them, her face was a mask of indifference. “…That’s enough.”

“Really?” Ailiya, seeing Liliane’s forced composure, felt a mischievous spark. Grinning slyly, she held the cat to her cheek, pinching its paw to wave its pink paw pad at Liliane. “Sure you don’t want to try again?” she teased, mimicking a soft, “Meow~”

Liliane stiffened, lips pursed, her violet eyes locked on the paw pad, waging an internal war against some deep desire. Ailiya, about to press her advantage, didn’t notice the cat sensing danger. It yowled, “HISS!!” and leaped from her arms, snatching its kitten and vanishing around a corner.

Ailiya blinked, dumbfounded. Do I smell like catnip or something? Why’s it so friendly with me but terrified of Liliane?

Liliane’s expression didn’t shift, but Ailiya swore a massive, gloomy cloud loomed over her head.

“Since I was young, animals have avoided me,” Liliane said abruptly, revealing a startling fact. “Pets I’ve had either died of fright or fled overnight. Once, at my family’s farm, my presence alone cleared every creature within a hundred meters.”

What are you, the king of beasts? That’s freaky! Ailiya thought, though the cat’s opposite reaction to her lent credence to Liliane’s claim. She rubbed her chin, eyeing Liliane with pity. “You already have so few friends, and now even animals won’t come near you…”

That’s a whole new level of impressive, in a sad way.

“Ailiya,” Liliane said sharply, catching her irreverent look. “You didn’t need to say the first part. I do have people to talk to.”

“Like who?” Ailiya asked, curious.

“I often discuss economic cooperation and trade with Duke Rosenthal or the Tartaglia royal treasurer,” Liliane replied.

That’s just business talk, Ailiya thought, rolling her eyes inwardly. Calling that ‘chatting’ is lame, Lady Liliane.

“What about Clara—”

“Clara doesn’t count,” Ailiya cut in. “We’re talking about peers—friends to hang out with, share secrets with.”

Liliane fell silent.

Ailiya watched her, saying nothing. The clamor of adventurers, the distant clanging of a blacksmith, the rustle of tent flaps—all faded into a distant hum. Time seemed to freeze between them.

Finally, Ailiya broke the awkward silence, adopting a big-sister tone. “Hey, it’s okay to admit you don’t have friends. No shame in that.”

Liliane’s head snapped up, her glare fierce. “Who says I don’t have friends? I just don’t need them! They’re fragile, time-wasting. I’d rather study magic. I’m fine alone!”

Her outburst, like a cat with its tail stepped on, was a flurry of defenses. Ailiya, seeing her tsundere act, smirked and changed tack. “Lady Liliane, still want to pet a cat?”

Liliane froze, a flicker of joy in her eyes, quickly suppressed. Clearing her throat, she said, “I doubt a fool like you has any good ideas, but out of respect for your… rights, I’ll hear you out.”

Calling me a fool? Rude… Ailiya grumbled inwardly but let it slide. I’m the bigger person. Beckoning Liliane closer, she whispered, “Come here.”

Liliane leaned in, ear tilted. Ailiya tiptoed, brushing aside Liliane’s silky silver hair, her warm breath grazing Liliane’s ear. “Meow~” she purred, soft and catlike.

Liliane’s skin erupted in goosebumps. She recoiled, cheeks flushed, stumbling back two steps. Ailiya stood, hands on hips, grinning smugly. “There! I’m the cat now! You can pet me—but first, grab two hundred bucks from the kitchen for my allowance.”

Liliane’s fists clenched, veins pulsing, body trembling. “Ailiya… classmate…” Her voice was dangerously low.

Ailiya peeked, expecting praise for her genius. Instead, an iron grip descended, seizing her head with terrifying precision.

“Ready for your punishment?” Liliane’s smile was chillingly “gentle.”

Sweat beaded on Ailiya’s forehead. “I-I was just trying to cheer you up, Lady Liliane…”

As Liliane’s grip tightened, Ailiya knew.

She was doomed.