As she hovered on the brink of death, Ophelia’s mind drifted to her first visit to Japan. She had come for a meeting between the heads of House Luxor and the Akai Clan.
While lost in that distant memory, she heard a faint “mee-ow, mee-ow~” somewhere far away.
Slowly, she was pulled from the haze toward the light.
Then she realized the sound wasn’t distant at all. It was a soft, melodic purring, right beside her ear.
“…”
The dust and darkness had cleared. Ophelia’s sharp blue eyes stared up at the beautiful night sky.
She turned her head to find a fluffy creature looking down at her.
It was Ayano Akai. Though she had no way of knowing the cat’s true identity.
“Mee-ow, mee-ow!” (She’s awake! So I really do have Mikaela’s power… But how…?)
Following instructions, Ayano had stayed by Ophelia’s side. To save the young Luxor heiress, crushed and near death, she meowed with all her might, guiding the rescue team to her.
But when they pulled Ophelia out, her condition was beyond hope. She was taken to a temporary morgue.
There were still lives to save at the Matz-Carlton, and they couldn’t spare resources for a lost cause.
But amid all that, Ayano noticed Ophelia’s condition was slightly improving. Convinced her own fluffiness was delivering a healing touch, Ayano began to administer a full-on fluff treatment.
She pressed her premium-grade fluffy belly against Ophelia with just enough force to make a sound.
Thanks to her devoted care, Ophelia finally regained consciousness. By then, her crushed lower body had been fully restored. The six-hour operation was a stunning success.
Her head still shrouded in a deep fog, Ophelia desperately searched her memories.
“You’re… Mikaela…?”
“Mee-ow, mee-ow.” (That’s right. Not that you can understand me. You’re pretty cute when you’re asleep, by the way.)
“You’ve got that expectant look… I know. You want me to pet you.”
Ophelia interpreted the meowing to her own liking and began stroking the pouting cat.
Ayano pouted harder in protest, but her throat betrayed her with a soft purr.
“Purrrr, mee-ow! Purrrr, purrrr~♪” (Ngh! You’re the enemy who makes eyes at Ikaku! I can’t give in to you… Ahhhh, I can’t stop purring!~♪)
“Hee hee. Cats are so adorable. Yes. You like it right here, don’t you? It feels… meow, doesn’t it? Meow~”
Ophelia felt healed in both body and soul while Ayano sprawled out, exposing her belly. Their playful back-and-forth continued until the white hand stroking her suddenly stopped.
Ophelia looked around, all the memories from before rushing back.
She immediately tried to stand.