A young girl with cat ears stood before us, wearing a tight outfit that left her tail exposed.
She was striking, with fur that was a dark blue—not the ocean blue of my own or the sky blue of Raph's, but the deepest blue, almost black.
'She was a special character, related to NayNay; perhaps she could be called her youngest granddaughter.'
Despite being nearly eighty years old, she was quite young and I could tell at a glance that her swordsmanship was comparable to my little succubus's.
She was younger than Zora and seemed to have a simple personality, but we will see that ourselves.
'I had gathered information about events that occurred while I was away, focusing on matters related to monarchs and this dimension. Thus, I didn't know much about someone like Zora, but this girl was different from her.'
She was related to one of my own, much like Raph, so I knew quite a bit about her thanks to Yuri.
"Greetings, Lady Miyu. It seems we arrived before you this time," I greeted the newcomer with a smile, extending my hand to her confused self.
She was shorter than Zora, standing at about one hundred sixty centimeters. Her petite figure and modest bosom were smaller than Zora's as well but they suited her body perfectly.
As a catgirl in a snug swordsman outfit, the sleek katana on her back caught my attention; it was crafted by her kind and exuded a unique aura.
'As I knew, this sword was a gift from her mother, who had a close relationship with NayNay.'
This little kitten was renowned throughout the academy for her sword skills already.
At just eighty years old, she had already achieved her awakening, had entered the [Rank-2] in the realm, and was even approaching (Red) level of mastery in swordsmanship, a remarkable accomplishment in this world.
And, with proper guidance, she would surpass many others of the same or higher rank with just her swords alone.
Clearing her mind after a moment, when she offered her rough hand for a handshake, I kissed it unexpectedly, which made her blush out of the blue.
"H… hello. So it seems this weakling wasn't first after all... That's better.
You already know my name; now tell me yours. I should know the one who reached this sacred place before us both. You too, lady with horns—it's a pleasure to meet you," she said in a dignified tone while looking down at Zora.
'I found her way of saying it pretty cool, actually. It seemed like she was trying to hide her actual soft personality under the cover of a tougher one.'
She looked down at Zora as if gazing up since she only reached her chest, in reality though, I can tell she was checking her out.
Her eyes flickered with curiosity as they darted between us, many thoughts passing through her mind rapidly.
She carried herself with the dignity of someone who had accomplished much at such a young age, and to tell the truth, I felt proud of her potential. She would undoubtedly be a great asset to NayNay as she matured.
'But she was nowhere near a suitable level just yet.'
Of course, I planned to train her when necessary, but that was still far off.
"The pleasure's mine, Miss Miyu."
I shook her small hand, which felt adept at wielding the sword she carried.
'You could sense experience in someone simply by touching their hand at her level.'
While it was enough for me to observe her skills, she did not find me as unique as she had hoped for… however, when she shook hands with Zora, shock appeared on her face.
I was different; she couldn't tell that I wielded a sword so she just thought I was a mage like Raph. But she could easily sense it with Zora.
"Y-you're new to swordsmanship and... you've already come this far!?" Her expression conveyed shock and embarrassment—something any top student might display before another genius.
Their sword talents were nearly equal; however, if I had to choose, Zora would likely win against this little kitty… not because she was weak; Zora was a magic swordsman.
'Well, this little kitty would lose due to her lack of experience in real combat compared to my little succubus.'
She had faced opponents but needed practical knowledge from this place; otherwise, all her training would be in vain. Miyu had lived like a princess in another world while Zora had trained through actual battles.
Zora could grasp concepts as quickly as Miyu—perhaps even faster—because she often took longer to understand simple things. But Miyu was different.
I gently patted Zo's head as she processed the unexpected question from an unfamiliar catgirl and brought her back to reality.
"Oh yes… I didn't realize I had talent for swordsmanship until recently," Zora confirmed confidently as she grasped my hand tightly.
She sensed that this cat lady was watching me while trying to avoid my gaze, which made her feel insecure in a way.
It was cute how possessive she seemed about me—making it clear that I belonged to her but, deep down she understood that I wasn't something she could claim entirely for herself.
"You need to learn how to share, Zora," I whispered to her softly while kissing the hand that held mine.
"Heh?!" and just then, I heard a gasp from behind and imagined the expression that pure angel must have made—a sad face filled with tears over something he would never possess.
Well, sorry for him.
"Share?" the kitten asked, looking confused.
"Okay... I'll try from now on," but Zora responded, understanding what I meant instently.
She was intelligent and learned difficult concepts quickly. Right now though, she struggled to hold herself back with all her might; if she didn't receive what she'd craved for a week by day's end… she wouldn't wait for my permission.
'Her succubus nature was blooming as we speak. Not that it's a bad thing.'
Ending up doing something she should not do would be unfortunate; however, I had no intention of denying her desires. She would receive her reward soon enough.
"So…"
Looking at her with warm eyes made me blink in affection. Her eyes widened as she smiled brightly like the red rose blooming nearby, though a little darker from the blush that Raph had earlier.
"So, yes? What's your name!" Miyu asked again while still holding Zora's hand.
She seemed intrigued by me but also curious about the tall horned woman beside me, a kitten fascinated by a succubus... an interesting combination indeed.
'I can tell she was desparte for some reason, bothered by not just me but also the one she was shaking hands with.'
Zo could feel the desires of the kitten instantly, and a smile appeared on her face as she looked back at me with it.
'It would be fun playing with her when we start at the academy.'
Zora was already planning to get along with many people and become the one that Shares her love…