A Silken Tether for a Dragon - Chapter 4

The white lion was as quiet as ever.

Knowing ordinary methods wouldn’t loosen its tongue, I decided to try something different.

As I sat beside its head and began massaging its ears, it slowly opened its eyes.

Rich golden light flowed out.

“…You didn’t do this last time.”

I smiled. “It was your first visit. I didn’t know whether you’d be comfortable with it, so I didn’t dare.”

I stroked from the base of its ear to the tip, then gently traced the channels along the back down to the base again.

“How does that feel? Comfortable?”

It blinked.

Even its blinking looked languid and slow.

“…Very.”

Then it rolled over.

I was astonished and delighted.

Last time, nothing I did could make it move. Now it had rolled over!!!

I stared at its soft, snowy, furry belly and suppressed the urge to bury my face in it.

“After your last visit, I thought and thought, but I still couldn’t figure out what species you are.”

I made it sound casual.

The lion said nothing.

It seemed to have fallen asleep again.

I secretly ground my teeth.

This beast, this beast…

Was FAR too cunning!!!!

If I couldn’t get information, I could at least sneak a little perk.

With that thought, my hand traveled from its head down its body, inching toward its belly.

For any spirit beast, the abdomen was extremely vulnerable and sensitive.

Many wouldn’t let a groomer near it. Touch their bellies once, and they’d turn on you.

But this lion was so calm. Perhaps it wouldn’t mind?

So I plucked up my courage and stroked it.

…It let me.

It actually let me!

Heavens, a big cat was letting me rub its tummy for the first time!

AAAAAAAH!!!

I was so moved I nearly cried.

Afraid of upsetting it or making it uncomfortable, I used the lightest touch, barely smoothing its fur.

Such soft fur… Ohhh… Naturally. I’d groomed it. Fluffy, dry, and lovely to touch.

I wanted to bury my face in it so badly…

Suddenly, the lion spoke. “Harder.”

I froze.

“Huh?”

“You’re touching too lightly. It tickles.”

I recovered.

“Oh… oh!”

I increased the pressure.

“You like a firm touch, then? I’ll put some strength into it.”

I rubbed its belly vigorously.

A rumbling purr rose in its throat.

It was purring!

AAAAH, so cute!

I wanted to bury my face in it!!!

And just as I thought it, I did it.

Who could resist a soft, warm, snowy-white cat tummy!

NO ONE!!!

The moment my face sank in, the lion visibly stiffened.

It raised its head and looked at the person buried against its belly.

“Xu Changying, what are you doing?”

“Huh? I…”

I stammered an explanation. “I, I, I…”

The lion met my eyes in silence, waiting for an answer.

After a long string of “I”s, I still had nothing remotely plausible to say.

I had to stand and bow deeply. “I’m sorry, honored guest. I couldn’t help myself… I took a liberty.”

The lion: “…”

“Because—because your tummy is so irresistible. It’s… it’s fluffy and white and soft and warm… I’ve dreamed of burying my face in a cat tummy like that… N-not a cat tummy. I mean, a tummy of this quality is a once-in-a-lifetime find!”

I babbled incoherently.

The lion listened in silence.

“…Don’t do that again,” it said.

I exhaled in relief.

“Y-yes. I promise I won’t.”

—

A close call, but I’d survived.

As the lion left, Suyu made a point of asking, “Honored guest, was there any problem with Xu Changying’s service today?”

It glanced at me, then said, “None. She was very good.”

Suyu and I both breathed out at once.

“Excellent. Safe travels.”

The lion rode away on the wind.

Suyu turned a narrow gaze on me.

“Xu Changying, you’d better behave yourself. I’ll still call you when our guest returns, but you are to groom it properly, just as you did today. No funny business!”

“Y-yes, I know…”

I guiltily looked away.