'I slipped.' I accidentally let a few words slip to Valeslina. 'This is a problem.'
I wasn't antisocial; in fact, I was eager to talk to someone besides Sophia. From these few days interacting with her, I had learned that her general knowledge of the world is limited to what she personally favors. But there was one simple problem: a language barrier. Sure, I could say a word or two to someone, but once they started talking, I was completely lost. And now that I had started a conversation with Valeslina, I knew I wouldn't be prepared when she replied.
'Should I just ignore her?' It's not like I could understand her anyway, so... 'Let's ignore her.'
I curled back up on top of Sophia, my body settling as if nothing had happened, deliberately turning my gaze away from Valeslina, who was finally looking at me.
But then, out of nowhere, "Mr. Seraphix."
My cat's ears perked up. 'What was that?'
There was no sound, yet somehow I could hear someone speaking directly into my mind, as if it were my own thoughts, but I could tell it came from someone else.
"I hope you don't mind me using telepathy to communicate. I don't want the content of my talk to be revealed on the 'land'. I'm sure you understand what I meant."
'Telepathy?' I immediately lifted my head and turned toward the obvious source of the voice, my eyes narrowing slightly.
Valeslina was looking at me with worry, her fingers constantly interlaced. "I want to sincerely apologize for making someone of your status deal with such an inconvenient task," Valeslina said, bowing slightly, her shoulders dipping as her face showed concern.
"As you know, I can handle the spy on my own, but I was bound by circumstances. Handling the spy myself would have revealed something about me that cannot be revealed."
"Mr. Seraphix, I know you disliked me for the inconvenience I've caused, but I hope you understand my position. It's a bit hypocritical to say this, but I want to prolong this 'family play' as long as possible."
'I understand her words.' Telepathy somehow bypasses my language barrier.
'Interesting.' But a new problem arises: I understand nothing of the content.
'Let's digest the important thing first.' For now, it was clear that, much like Sophia, Valeslina considered me someone of high status.
'Is this about the nine-stroke beast thingy?' I knew from Sophia that I was regarded as a nine-stroke beast, a powerhouse in this world. But still, without seeing other beasts in action, I couldn't gauge the power balance, and with my obvious speed weakness compared to the imperial palace guard, calling myself a powerhouse felt laughable.
Beyond that, there was nothing useful in what Valeslina said.
'I can't really make her my source of information, can I?' Valeslina clearly had expectations of me, perhaps even higher than Sophia's, so showing weakness by asking dumb questions was out of the question.
'Let's double down then.' I straightened slightly atop Sophia, lifting my chin just a bit. If she sees me as someone powerful and knowledgeable, I'll make sure to act the part.
"I understand your concern, Koshchei," I replied in a dignified tone, deliberately using the name in brackets from her status window.
***
Valeslina Kovalesvka (Koshchei)
...
***
If my logic is correct, the bracket in the status window should indicate additional, deeper information. Considering how the Spy has 'Spy (United Republic of Aur)' for his occupation, the United Republic of Aur shows extra details about his affiliation. So, I assume Valeslina, with the name 'Valeslina Kovalesvka (Koshchei),' likely has Koshchei as a secret or alternate name.
And the reaction I received was exactly as I anticipated. Valeslina covered her mouth with both hands, her shoulders stiffening as her expression twisted into a mix of surprise and horror.
'Did I overdo it?' Almost immediately, Valeslina bowed her head even lower, bending at the waist until her forehead was within my reach.
"Mr. Seraphix, I-I deeply apologize for all my mishaps. I apologize for my disrespectful gaze and actions until now." Her voice trembled, and her fingers dug into the fabric of her dress.
'So she does realize her own gaze at me.'
"I understand now why you purposely avoided me all this time; I didn't think you were aware of my 'origin.'" Her head dipped further. "Please don't take away the 'covenant' I made. I know my past actions are full of mistakes, but I swear by 'his' name that I did everything I could to follow the Book of Guidance..."
Her demeanor shifted instantly.
'I shouldn't have let that name slip...' Valeslina now apologized profusely, speaking more nonsensically than when Sophia explained a mana stone.
'I shouldn't have let that name slip...' Valeslina now apologized profusely, her words tumbling, more nonsensical than when Sophia explained a mana stone.
'It seems that Valeslina's view of me is a bit different from a mere nine-stroke beast.'
"Please don't take away my promised de—"
"Enough." I placed my paw on Valeslina's head, halting her telepathic monologue.
For now, I chose to respond neutrally while also clearing up a few misunderstandings she might have about me.
"I have no business with you. I was summoned by Sophia into this world, and my concern is solely with her."
"Summoned..." Valeslina whispered softly.
"About the spy, I was indeed upset, but it was Sophia's order, so it had nothing to do with you."
"And as for me avoiding you, it has nothing to do with your origin. I never cared about what you are or what you did in the past; it's simply that your gaze is unbearable."
"There are a few things I still want to confirm about the Kovalevska estate servant, but overall, I can see that you're now a kind mother to Sophia, and I'm grateful for that."
"I don't think I'm a kind—" Valeslina tries to speak, but I cut her off with a few paw attacks on her head.
"You're now a kind mother to Sophia. For me, that's all that matters."
Valeslina then composed herself and sat upright, subtly covering her new head injury with one hand. "I understand. I'm sorry for my disgraceful antics."
'Honestly, if she weren't a level 5,000 being, I might have treated her like a regular person.'
"So," Valeslina added, hesitating before looking at me, "You don't actually hate me, right?"
"No," I replied casually, already lowering my head.
"I see," Valeslina said, relief escaping her breath as her shoulders loosened.
"Is that all?" I asked, my eyes half-lidded.
"...Yes."
With that finally over, I curled up again, tucking my tail close and drifting back into a light nap.
But barely a few seconds later, "Uhm... Mr. Seraphix." Valeslina reached out to me through telepathy.
I opened my eyes and saw her glancing around the room, nervously fidgeting with her fingers, rubbing her thumb against her knuckle. "What now?"
"Um, while you sleep, can I… pat you?"