BSPC 30

Chapter 30

“Shu… Shuleiman.”

Startled, I instinctively took a step back.

‘…Why did he come back so quickly?’

Until now, he had never returned to his room in the middle of the day.

Perhaps because it was a holiday, Shuleiman looked far more relaxed than usual, and his casual appearance felt strange to me.

I had only ever seen him in a stiff uniform or draped in a precariously worn gown, so somehow, he seemed awkward to me now.

Shuleiman, standing under the full sunlight streaming through the window, looked dazzling.

‘How can someone be this handsome…’

I already knew he had extraordinary looks, but seeing him in natural light—the alluring curve of his eyes, the straight bridge of his nose, his broad, imposing frame—he embodied the definition of a true heartthrob.

As the veil over my face flushed with color, Shuleiman spoke, moving his lips slightly.

“Don’t act as if you’ve seen someone you’re not supposed to see. Are you afraid of me?”

Startled by his slightly anxious expression, I quickly responded,

“No! It’s not that. Actually…”

“Actually, what?”

Honestly, I was grateful just to feast my eyes on him…!!

I clamped my mouth shut, holding back the words I had wanted to shout.

Seeing me fidget silently with my fingers, he let out a small sigh.

“As long as you’re not afraid of me, that’s fine. Sometimes people are scared of me for no reason.”

“…You know that?”

His expression hardened slightly at my words, but I now understood that his seemingly angry face wasn’t anger—it was sulking.

I cleared my throat and spoke carefully.

“By the way, you came back early today. Did you forget something?”

“Is it that strange that I returned to my room? If that’s the case, I should leave things behind more often.”

I clearly saw his lips jut out slightly as he turned his head, and I thought,

‘He has an unexpectedly cute side.’

At first, he seemed intimidating, but now I knew he wouldn’t harm me, so it was easier to interact with him.

“No, it’s not like that. This is your room. It’s just that this kind of thing is new to me.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“But really, why did you come back at such an unusual hour?”

Shuleiman hesitated for a moment, unusually avoiding my gaze, before asking,

“Do you have time this afternoon?”

What?

That sounded exactly like a date proposal.

I tilted my head and told him the truth.

“I think I’ll be busy today with all the assignments Aziz gave me. Why?”

His eyebrows shot up.

“That guy is always a nuisance.”

“Excuse me? What did you say?”

He muttered so softly that I almost misheard, but he quickly changed the subject.

“Never mind. Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard lately? You always have stacks of books in your room.”

…When did he even come into my room?

Though questions kept piling up in my mind, I ignored them and exaggerated my complaint.

“Yes. Aziz is overloading me with work; my head feels like it’s going to explode. I have to read every day, with no breaks on weekdays or holidays. It’s so boring I could die.”

“Really? Well, that works out then.”

“Yes. You could step in and help regulate my study load…”

“Come out with me this afternoon. We’ll return before sunset, so it’ll be fine.”

I jumped on the spot, surprised by his sudden offer.

“R-Really? We can actually go outside?”

“Yes. Today, I plan to sneak into the city to observe the people. Ishtar, I thought it would be good if you came along too.”

I couldn’t hide my excitement and nodded eagerly.

“I want to go! I really want to go!”

I had been growing bored with my repetitive daily life.

Even though I could move around the palace slightly more freely than when I was a cat, my range of movement was still limited.

I had been about to subtly ask Aziz for permission to go out, but Shuleiman had already suggested it first.

“I’m glad you like the idea. I was worried this place might feel lonely for you.”

“But… like I said, I have assignments.”

“I’ll help with your work. Don’t worry—get ready to go out.”

I nodded slightly at his words.

Excited, I called Arin, who had been waiting outside, into my room.

With Arin’s help, I put on a dark, inconspicuous robe and comfortable leather shoes.

‘Much better than a dress.’

It felt like wearing sweatpants after only ever wearing skinny jeans for a long time.

Arin carefully braided every strand of my hair to keep it in place, then covered my face with the veil.

“I’ve secured the veil with pins so it won’t fall in the wind. I’ll also put a spare in your bag, just in case.”

“Thanks, Arin.”

“You’re welcome. Be careful. I wish I could come too, but having people follow us would attract attention.”

I tilted my head at her unexpected words.

Even if it was supposed to be a secret outing, Shuleiman was of high status. I assumed we’d go with escorts, and I never imagined this could be anything like a date.

“The guards will follow, but since it’s a stealth outing, not many will go.”

Seeing her pout, I comforted the girl.

“Next time, we’ll definitely go together. I’ll even bring a souvenir if I can.”

I had the funds allocated as “maintenance money for the cat’s dignity.”

Though I had only recently taken over the management from Arin, it was more than enough to buy souvenirs or snacks.

“Ready? Let’s go.”

“Yes, I’m coming.”

Carrying the bag Arin had prepared, I went to where Shuleiman was waiting.

“Sorry. Did you wait long?”

“It’s fine. I’m the one who suddenly asked you to come along.”

“But your outfit…”

“My outfit? What about it?”

Shuleiman wore worn clothes and a tattered black cloak, yet his tall, well-built frame and striking features made even such shabby clothes look elegant.

His neatly combed-back hair gave him the air of a noble gentleman.

“…Weren’t we supposed to sneak out?”

“Right.”

I let out a big sigh. This prince, clueless about how much attention he drew, clearly had no self-awareness.

‘First, I need to do something about that hair.’

A hairstyle slicked back with wax or pomade didn’t suit his outfit at all.

‘I’ll have to fix it.’

To make the prince look like a commoner, a true “dirt spoon” had to intervene.

“Bow your head a bit.”

“Huh…?”

“You’re too tall; I can’t reach. Or bend your knees a little.”

Shuleiman looked puzzled but obediently bowed his head.

“Close your eyes for a moment.”

He tensed at my second request.

“…Alright.”

Hmm, he actually follows instructions pretty well.

Shuleiman quietly lowered his head and closed his eyes.

For a moment, I thought about how captivating his long eyelashes and high nose bridge were. Then, following my plan, I tousled his hair with both hands.

His previously neat hairstyle became messy in an instant.

“Hmm, this is somewhat acceptable.”

Though his tidy hair now looked like an unkempt large dog, it suited a stealthy outing far better than before.

“…Is that all?”

“Yes?”

Did he really think it wasn’t enough?

‘Understandable.’

He probably knew he was handsome.

Unaware of his slight disappointment, I tiptoed to place a hood over his head.

“There, done. Much better than before.”

I snapped my fingers in satisfaction, and he let out a long sigh.

With most of his face hidden under the large hood, I couldn’t see his expression clearly.