05: Conducting a Peaceful Investigation! …Or So I Thought, but I Was Wrong!

We leave the mansion in the dead of night and head deep into the forest.

“Squeak. (What are they after? They probably wish to investigate the remains of our battle.)”

The blue mouse Len rides atop my head, casually answering my question.

“Woof? (The remains of our fight? You mean your nest behind that huge waterfall?)”

“Squea. (That’s right. It’s because of the high level of magic used when you and I clashed. It’s caused the magic concentration in the area to rise.)”

Hmm? Hecate and Chief Emerada mentioned something like that in the Royal Capital. I don’t really remember it, though.

“Bark? (What happens when the concentration of magic increases?)”

“Squea. (Nothing good if you leave it alone. The surrounding ecosystem goes crazy, and labyrinths may appear. If the magic doesn’t disperse, then it could coalesce and create a powerful monster.)”

“Bark. (What? That sounds like a problem.)”

“Squee. (That’s probably what those humans are here to investigate. We did emit a lot of magic. As long as they travel with a mage, they’ll be able to observe from a distance.)”

Oh, I see—they talked about that, too.

So those adventurers they mentioned being on a special investigation…would be these guys.

It’s been less than two weeks since my fight with Len in the cave.

From the time they first detected the phenomenon to identifying the point of origin, getting the best adventurers for the job, and dispatching them all the way out here. All of that must have taken about ten days.

That’s a speedy reaction. This world’s reaction time is impressive.

“Squeak? (Hmm, but our magic combining and creating a monster… Would it be going too far to think of it as our child?)”

Yes.

That would be going much too far.

Wouldn’t that be on the same level as immaculate conception? Just ignore it, Routa.

“Arwf? (Could any of those terrible things have happened already?)”

“Squea. (No, not yet. Just because the magic concentration is high doesn’t mean anything would have happened this soon. If the magic disperses, then it would take even longer for a monster to appear.)”

“Woof. (All right, then we’ll go disperse it. ASAP.)”

“Squeak! (What?! You want to murder our child before it’s even born?! No! I want to keep it!)”

“Woof! (Whoa! This conversation just went from zero to one hundred in no time at all! All I’m saying is that we need to take care of the potential threat before it becomes a problem!)”

And please don’t call it “our child”!

I haven’t even done anything yet, but I’m already feeling really conflicted!

“Awoooooo! (Come on out, you guys!)”

I summon the Fen Wolves from my usual cliff. As usual, they show up immediately.

I look at the pack orderly lined up under the giant crescent moon.

It’s a spectacular sight.

It doesn’t look like everyone is here, but seeing a few hundred Fen Wolves lined up like trained soldiers makes me think they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

“Grwl! (Attention! The king is to appoint us with a mission! Be grateful for the opportunity to serve!)”

The wolves all stand at attention at Garo’s order, and their eyes focus on me.

“Squeak. (Mwa-ha-ha, this is more like it. It feels pretty good to stand next to my darling, who has so many retainers serving him.)”

“Next to”? You’re sitting on my head.

“Bark. (Hey, thanks for coming, everyone. I have some introductions to make before we get started.)”

The Fen Wolves hang on my every word.

“Squeak. (Hmph, an introduction? Then it is important that they see me as I truly am. Very well. I grant them the privilege of laying eyes upon my resplendent visage.)”

Len leaps high off the top of my head and transforms.

The tiny mouse spins around a few times midair and, a moment later, has turned into a giant blue dragon. Her massive wings flap once, and she lands behind me.

The Fen Wolves stir at the sight of the giant that suddenly appears before them.

“Grwl…?! (A d-dragon…?! The king has subdued a dragon and made it serve him…?!)”

Garo’s astonishment is matched by a number of the wolves crying “Long live the king!” but I’ll ignore it for now.

“Woof. (Nahura, are you there? You should come out, too.)”

“Mrow! (Okaaaay, here I come!)”

When I call her, a hole appears in the air, and out pops a crimson cat.

She gently lands on the ground next to me as if she weighs nothing at all.

“Grwl. (Tch, it’s you, Nahura.)”

“Mew! (Oh, Garo. Long time no see!)”

Seems like Garo and Nahura know each other. Maybe it’s from their mutual interactions with Hecate?

“Woof. (Looks like you already know at least one of them, but let me introduce them to you anyway. The big one behind me is Lenowyrm. The cat next to me is Nahura.)”

Len poses arrogantly, and Nahura snuggles up to me.

“GROOAR. (I’m his wife.)”

“Meow. (And I’m his lover. )”

A stir runs through the crowd of Fen Wolves at this misunderstanding.

“G-grwl?! (You have a queen and a mistress of different speciiiiieeeees?!)”

A brown-furred wolf leaps forward.

It’s Garo’s aide, Bal.

We met during the incident with the boar.

“Grwl! Grwl! (Your Majesty! What is the meaning of this?! Your betrothed should clearly be Lady Garo! How can you be dissatisfied with the strong and beautiful princess?!)”

That’s because I’m really not a furry.

Not that they’ll understand what I’m talking about, so I don’t say anything.

Garo’s spirit has already left her body from shock. I’d feel bad if I did any more damage.

“Woof, woof. (Wait, Bal. These two are just joking. Don’t take them seriously.)”

“GROOAR. (It is no jest. I am truly serious.)”

“Mew. (I can tell it’s what Routa truly wants.)”

It’s really not what I want; please shut up.

Please don’t make them regret following me.

“Woof. (That is absolutely not it. These two are my friends. I don’t want any fighting. Any talks of wives or anything is ridiculous. Ignore them.)”

“……Grwl. (…Understood. I believe you, Your Highness…)”

Bal doesn’t seem convinced, but he accepts my explanation anyway and returns to the line.

“Woof. (Well, now that that’s settled, Garo, let’s have a chat.)”

Garo returns to her senses when I call out to her.

“Grwl! (Huh?! Attention! The king is to appoint us with a mission! Be grateful for the opportunity to serve!)”

She barks the exact same command as before.

Apparently, Garo intentionally forgot everything that just happened. I think she wiped the last few minutes from her memory.

“Woof. (The truth is, humans will soon enter the forest. Four of them.)”

“Grwl! (And you want us to kill them all! Of course, my king! Leave it to us! We Fen Wolves pride ourselves on devouring our prey until not even the bones remain!)”

“Woof! Woof! (No! No! No! No! I’m telling you not to lay a paw on them!)”

Seriously, their extreme bloodlust is going to cause problems one day.

Their “Kill all humans!” mentality is terrifying.

I’m going to have to feed them the old man’s food again and remind them of how wonderful humans are.

Old man James’s cooking is the foundation for peace.

“Woof, woof. (They just need to make sure there’s nothing weird going on in the forest, and then they’ll leave.)”

If they do identify an issue within the forest, then I’m sure more adventurers will come. And that’ll be the end of my peaceful pet life.

I’ll be stripped of my pet status and downgraded to monster. I can’t let that happen, no matter what.

“Woof, woof! (Your mission is to escort them. Give them full protection without them noticing.)”

“Grwl… (Yes, if my king commands…)”

The general mood seems to be “It’s unpleasant to have humans doing as they please in our territory,” but they’ll simply have to put up with it.

It’s all for the greater good of the forest.

Everyone has to pool their strengths and work together!

“GRAR… (This is clearly for your own selfish reasons.)”

“Mrow. (You really are a simple creature, Routa.)”

Shut up.

I’ll just ignore those two smart-asses.

Woof. (All right then, now for the plan name.)”

I pause for effect and raise my commanding voice.

“Woof! (Commence Operation “They Thought It Was Going to Be a Lengthy Investigation, but It Turned Out to Be a Super-Easy Bath Trip. Drip, Drop”!!)”

Dawn hasn’t even broken yet when the party of A-Rank adventurers packs away their camp and sets off on their forest investigation.

In the early summer, the trees are thick with leaves, so the moonlight doesn’t reach the forest floor.

Their way is lit only by the lanterns on their hips.

“Captain, we seem to be on the right path. The large amount of magical damage that the Institute of Magical Research detected is still strong. The Magic Dowsing Stone is pointing straight north.”

The way is led by a man holding the small device that points them in the right direction. He has both a short and long dagger on the back of his waist and a soft leather hood over his head. The entire party is equipped with mostly lightweight armor for long-distance travel, but his clothes are especially light.

He has likely reduced his weight as much as possible so he can do his job as a ranger.

“This forest has been unexplored for a thousand years. I’ve heard that no monsters appear because of the sacred lake, but be on your guard anyway. There must be a powerful monster residing here for that much magical damage to occur.”

The captain with a claymore on his back follows shortly behind.

He’s a beefy guy standing at an impressive height. He’s probably a swordsman.

The man behind the captain nods in response to his warning.

“Good point. We’re a well-balanced party for clearing labyrinths and exploring new regions, but we’re all A-Rank adventurers. I think they expected us to have a few encounters when they sent us here.”

This man, wearing a priestlike robe and cape, checks the spiked club he’s holding. His skinny frame makes him look more like a librarian than an adventurer.

“Well, a monster that spawns from a labyrinth’s magic is one thing, but one that appears aboveground shouldn’t be difficult.”

The man with a short pike pipes up from the back of the group.

“You should stay on guard anyway. You can’t rely on talent alone.”

The deep-voiced lancer suddenly scrunches up his face.

“Captain, we’ve got company. Five hundred paces that way, but it’s heading this way.”

“You’ve got good ears, but we’re not changing course. The objective point is our priority. We’ll head in a straight line and eliminate anything we come across.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Understood.”

“Got it.”

They ready their weapons, and the captain nods at his stalwart companions.

The adventurers continue cautiously but without letting their speed waver.

Only a few dozen steps from the enemy.

Now that they’re closer, they can sense it’s a vicious creature.

“We might have some trouble with this one…”

Just as the ranger leading the way groans—the forest trembles.

In the blink of an eye, they sense a strong murderous intent, and then their adversary’s aura vanishes.

“Wha—?!”

What just happened?

Right as they were about to come into contact with the source, it simply vanished.

Maybe it cloaked its presence?

No, were that the case, it would have done so earlier. It’s impossible for a creature to hide its aura this close up unless it’s a creature of incredible power.

And what was that aura of murderous intent that seemed to make the entire forest tremble…?

“What just happened?!”

“I don’t know. Let’s press on!”

The adventurers pick up the pace and head to the location where the enemy should be.

They flatten grass, squeeze past trees, and trample roots, but when they finally arrive, there’s nothing there. Not even a trace of the enemy that should have been there. An ominous breeze blows through the forest.

“C-Captain…”

“Don’t panic. There really is something in this forest… Stay on your guard, everyone.”

The adventurers all gulp as they start to have second thoughts about this investigation.

“Arwf. (Good, good. Everything is proceeding according to plan. Excellent, excellent.)”

I nod at how well things are going as I watch the adventurers advancing with their weapons drawn.

The Fen Wolves have currently surrounded the adventurers, acting as their secret bodyguards. The rigorous guard of a few hundred wolves is so great that not a single monster can get in.

Even the monster that appeared before was swiftly taken care of by Garo’s unit.

It was devoured in seconds.

Not a single cry was heard, nor was there any leftover gore to examine.

Impressive as always. The adventurers should be able to continue their investigation in total safety.

I also asked Garo about the monsters we released from Drills’s place, and if she accidentally hunted them, but it seems they successfully relayed my message to her and are now living peacefully elsewhere in the forest.

It appears they’ve taken a liking to a forest rich with magic and lacking in enemies, and they won’t be coming this way at all.

“Squeak. (I see. I understand your plan now, my darling. You want a land where these humans do not come in contact with even a single monster.)”

“Woof. (Exactly. If we can keep them from running into any monsters, then those guys should go home quickly, right?)”

“Mrow. (And while that happens, our secret plan is to go on ahead to the waterfall and disperse the magic.)”

Exactly. For once, we’re all on the same page.

Now the adventurers can enjoy a safe journey.

I’ll need to prepare a wonderful surprise along the way.

At their current pace, we’re sure to arrive at the waterfall way before them, but I might have to set some extra time aside just in case.

“Woof! (All right then, we’re going on ahead. I’m leaving the adventurers’ well-being in your paws, everyone!)”

“““Grwl! (Just leave it to us, O king!)”””

I call to the Fen Wolves behind me and then head off to execute the next phase of the plan.

Shadows. All they see are shadows.

The moment they get close to sensing a monster, merciless shadows fly by.

When they finally get to the spot where the monster is supposed to be, they find nothing.

An ominous feeling washes over them, and they’re stricken with fear.

“Wh-what in the world is going on…?!”

“C-Captain. Shouldn’t we withdraw for now…?!”

The ranger and priest cry out in bewilderment.

“This really is strange, Captain… I feel like something’s been watching us this entire time. But I can’t put my finger on it. I’ve never felt anything like this before…”

The lancer, with the skill to sense magic over a wide area, can’t even sense their opponent.

No one’s been injured, but it’s reason enough to withdraw.

If this were an ordinary quest, even the captain would consider retreating. But this investigation was a request from the guild.

They can’t go back without gathering some information, at the very least. If they leave now, they won’t have learned anything.

“…We press on. Lady Emerada said this situation had the potential to evolve into a national disaster. This investigation must be seen through, even if we have to give our lives for it.”

“…Huh. So we might die.”

“What are you saying? You were prepared for this the moment you signed up as an adventurer.”

“I’d hoped to at least make captain one day.”

The adventurers nod at one another, preparing themselves for a heroic end, then press on.

With newfound resolve burned into their souls, they begin their do-or-die adventure.

“Woof. (You know, I bet those guys are starting to feel pretty bummed over how easy this job is.)”

“Squeak. (Probably. Investigating a forest without monsters is just too easy.)”

“Meow. (What fortunate adventurers. They’ll be able to complete their mission simply by walking.)”

With the adventurers being protected by Garo and the others, I sprint north with Len on my head and Nahura on my back.

“Arwf… (Oh, it looks like dawn’s almost here…)”

The sky peeking through the treetops is starting to transition from a dark ultramarine to the light crimson of dawn.

I need to get back to bed before Lady Mary wakes up.

“Woof? (Let’s head back for today. Nahura, if you please?)”

“Mew! (Got it. All right then, let’s take the anchor off Routa for now and set it to this location. That way, we’ll be able to teleport here next time!)”

Nahura’s abilities are so useful.

It’s like she has a magical door that can take her anywhere she wants to go.

Nahura meows once, and white space spreads out around us. In the next moment, we’re in the mansion’s garden.

“Arwf. (All right, see you later. We’ll meet up again tonight.)”

“Mrow? (That’s fine by me. However, you do know we see each other every mealtime, right?)”

“Woof! Woof! (I keep telling you those are my meals! Stop eating them like you’re entitled to all my food!)”

Nahura heads for Hecate’s workshop, her tail bobbing from side to side.

Damn it. She’s definitely going to be picking from my plate all day.

I sigh and head back to my lady’s room.

I sneak through the kitchen from the back door, then head down the corridor and up the stairs to the second floor from the main entryway. Finally, I tiptoe to her room in the west wing, using my forepaw to pull down the doorknob and enter as quietly as I can.

My lady is sleeping soundly as always.

“Arwf… (I’m home…)”

I wriggle under the duvet.

One problem with this giant canopy bed is that my legs stick out on one end when I lie down. And it’s started to creak whenever I climb in.

I need to do something about that, but first, sleep. I’ll think about it later.

I continue up through the covers, and my head pops out next to my lady’s.

“Hmm… Routa…”

She reaches out subconsciously and hugs me.

“Arww. (Here I am, my lady.)”

She hugs me tight, and I’m filled with the joy of being home.

I’ll do anything to protect this life. I’ll even get those adventurers there and back again safely.

All right then, time to sleep until morning.

I feel a little anxious about the creaking of the bed, but I’m asleep before I know it.

“Huff…huff… No more…”

The ranger at the head of the party finally falls to his knees.

“Captain… I can’t take it anymore… I can’t go on…”

It’s not just him. The whole party is exhausted.

They’re being watched by numerous eyes. But they can’t tell where they are. Their observers don’t seem to be enemies, but they’re certainly not friendly, either. The endless gazes continue chipping away at their sanity.

A whole day has passed since they set foot in the forest, but they haven’t had a single battle. There should be monsters here, though. The adventurers can sense them. But the moment they get close, the presence of monsters simply vanishes. It always begins when they’re struck with the sense that something is about to attack them, but when they reach the place where the monster should be, they find nothing.

That means there’s something even more terrifying out there.

Something that even experienced A-Rank adventurers like them can’t detect.

It would be less mentally taxing if whatever is out there would just attack them already.

They’re all tightly wound, and the tension is wearing away at their nerves.

The eerie gazes are so terrifying that they can’t rest comfortably and have no choice but to keep walking.

They’ve never been on such an arduous journey before.

No matter how they search their memories, none of them can recall ever having a quest as difficult as this one.

“I’m sorry; I just can’t…”

The ranger’s companions soon join him on the ground one after the other.

They’ve reached their limit.

“All right, then. We’ll set up camp here for the day. Let’s take a long break. I’ll take first watch. We’ll switch in two hours. Sleep as soon as you’ve finished your meals.”

No one says a word about retreating.

The lives of many depend on this mission. A major magical disaster would be catastrophic.

They’ve resigned themselves to being unable to return without determining the cause. Fleeing isn’t an option when they know the severity of the impending disaster will depend on the results of their investigation.

“Ugh, I would kill for some of that meat the dog was eating… It was such a large cut, but it looked so soft…”

“Don’t say that… You’re going to make us even more miserable… Just pretend this lump of clay is meat…”

“I don’t think that’s possible……”

Haah, everyone sighs deeply.

“Did the people who made this stuff even try it themselves…?”

“I dunno. I was told they bought it in bulk from the Morgan Trading Co.…”

“It’s nutritious; I’ll give it that. But everything else is…urgh…”

After washing down their nutritional yet nasty provisions with lukewarm water, the men sleep like logs.

“Arwf. (All right, let’s head back out now that our bellies are full.)”

“Squea. (It has been one full day. They’ve probably traveled quite a distance already.)”

“Mrow. (Their mission will be complete soon enough, and then they can go home.)”

We meet in the garden again in the dead of night.

We polish off the light midnight snack that I brought, and Nahura teleports us with her magic.

My field of vision is filled with white light, and not even a second later, the scenery changes to the nighttime forest.

Yellow eyes are waiting for us.

“Grwl. (My king. I am glad to see you have returned safely.)”

It’s the pitch-black Fen Wolf, Garo.

Her fur’s so black, I can barely make her out in the dark forest.

For a moment, I think she’s a ghost, and I almost scream, but that’ll be our little secret.

“W-woof. (W-well, if it isn’t Garo. I’m surprised you knew where we’d be.)”

“Grwl. (I followed your scent until it vanished here, so I knew we would meet again if I waited.)”

Of course. What amazing tracking skills wolves have.

But it’s also stalker-ish and a little scary.

“Woof? (Where are the adventurers now? They must have traveled quite a ways without getting into any fights.)”

I immediately ask Garo for an update.

But her reply is less than ideal.

“Arwf?! (What?! No way, they’ve barely progressed at all?!)”

“Grwl. (Yes. I don’t know why, but they were incredibly exhausted. They have set up camp much farther to the south from here. At this rate, it will be some time before they reach the waterfall.)”

So they haven’t even passed this point yet.

“Woof. (Hmm, the forest is a cruel mistress. I honestly thought they’d breeze through it, since they’re adventurers and all.)”

Could it be they’re low-ranking adventurers?

We’ll have to protect them even more now.

“Woof. (Well, I guess it works out better if they’re slow. It’ll take a while to get things ready. We three will continue to the waterfall. Garo, you and the others continue to guard them. And double your efforts.)”

“Grwl! (As you command, my king! Just leave it to us!)”

I watch Garo bolt upright when suddenly, something bugs me.

“Woof? (Hey, Garo? Have you gotten smaller?)”

I was sure Garo was larger than me.

But now she’s not.

“Grwl. (With all due respect, my king. I have not gotten smaller. It is you who has grown.)”

I understand what she’s saying.

“Woof. (Oh, right. It’s still only been two months since I was born. Of course I’d still be growing.)”

When I think about it, I do now have to squeeze my body through the back door, and the bed keeps creaking whenever I’m in it.

Looks like I’ve grown even bigger without realizing it.

Wait a minute. That’s a huge problem…

“G-grwl… (U-um, you’re not just bigger, but stronger, too! Much more magnificent…)”

Ugh, please don’t look all bashful while saying things like that.

It doesn’t make my heart flutter or anything. I’m not a furry.

“Captain…! The gazes have become more intense than yesterday…!”

“I—I think their numbers have also increased…!”

“F-foul beasts! Where are you?! Show yourself! Come out right now…!”

“What is this forest?!?!”

The more-intense gazes leave the adventurers in shock.

They begin to doubt they’ll reach their destination safely.

Fear and anxiety weigh down on them as the heroic A-Rank adventurers take another step deep into the forest.

“Snork…pheew…snork…pheew…”

The next morning, I’m asleep at the bottom of the stairs in the entranceway, my legs acting as a pillow, crossed under my head.

The cold marble floor feels fantastic on hot days.

When I sleep here, anyone who passes by gives me attention, so it’s a pretty good spot.

Lying here and dozing off all day is another one of my pleasures.

“…You asleep?”

Is that timid voice Zenobia’s?

I sneak a peek and see Zenobia looking left and right, making sure no one’s around.

“…………”

Slowly, she reaches a hand out and touches my head.

I don’t sense any desire to kill, but there is a tiny bit of fear as her hand starts to gently caress my fur.

“Tch…this is…really…”

Looks like Zenobia’s become a slave to the fluff.

Her hand moves from my head down to my flank, innocently petting my soft fur.

Oh, Zenobia, you’re really not honest with yourself. You can pet me anytime.

“Heh-heh-heh…”

Her face scrunches up as she breaks out into a smile.

Dishonest Zenobia is so cute. I really wanna lick her.

If I wake up now, I bet she’ll make a great face, but I’m scared she’ll get mad instead.

I’ll continue pretending to sleep.

Actually, I really am sleepy. I could fall asleep just like this.

I get sleepy when people pet me. It’s just another thing I’ve learned about myself since becoming a dog.

Then I hear footsteps coming from the second floor. Those light footsteps belong to Lady Mary.

“Urk…!”

Zenobia’s shoulders freeze in surprise, and she quickly stands up and leaves.

Boy oh boy, she really needs to be more honest with herself.

Well, she’d never willingly show anyone that side of her anyway. But something tells me I’ll get to see it again.

Hee-hee-hee. She’s slowly becoming more affectionate toward me. She’s stopped trying to kill me, too.

“Routa, Routa, what are you doing? Are you tired? Should we cancel our lunch playtime?”

“Arww. (Oh, sorry. I was off in the clouds.)”

My lady’s sweet voice calls me back from dreamland.

I look up to see her lovely blue eyes. She’s beautiful today as well.

If Lady Mary is here, then that means she’s all done with her morning studies.

Mmm, I don’t feel like I’ve slept at all. Every evening, I’ve been so focused on helping the adventurers that I haven’t really gotten a chance to rest.

“Yaaaaaaaawn……”

I let out a big yawn.

“Hee-hee, oh, Routa.”

Lady Mary giggles.

She’s so cute. What an angel.

“Arwf. (Just give me a minute.)”

I’m incredibly tired, but it’s time to rise.

This lazy hound doesn’t want to work at all, but I’ll do anything for the sake of my lady’s happiness.

“Arwf. (Up we get.)”

I manage to stand up, but my eyelids are so heavy, I can’t seem to open them.

Ugh, I really shouldn’t have done several all-nighters in a row…

When are the adventurers going to reach the waterfall? If they don’t get there soon, they’ll be wasting my hospitality.

I told Garo that the Fen Wolves needed to double their efforts. I wonder if I should have the whole pack follow the adventurers.

The image of the adventurers screaming “Please! Have mercy!” pops into the back of my mind, but it probably doesn’t mean anything.

“Thanks, Routa. Don’t push yourself, though. Let’s read a book under the tree. I’ll go get something to read and meet you there.”

With that, Lady Mary runs up the stairs.

“Arwf! (Take your time, my lady!)”

I made her worry about me. What disgraceful, improper behavior for a pet.

At the same time, I’m not opposed to her showering me with kindness.

My half-lidded eyes are still bleary as I leave the entranceway and head to the garden.

There is a splendid tree growing right in the center of the garden. I plop down beneath it.

The area’s gotten hotter with the midday sun, but the treetops block out the sun nicely. And the breeze that sets the leaves rustling feels delightful.

The breeze carries the scent of flowers, and the sun leaking through the leaves makes me sleepy.

Oh no. This is bad. It’s too easy to slip into laziness.

This is a way better napping spot than the marble floor.

This space feels so good, I’m going to fall asleep again.

“Squee… (Hnya, hmm… Tee-hee, flattery will get you nowhere, my darling…)”

Here I am, trying not to pass out, and I look over to see my freeloader talking in her sleep.

Damn it, Len, how dare you sleep so soundly on someone else’s back.

I’m pretty sure she sleeps and eats more than anyone else.

“Were you waiting long?”

As I fight my resentment and sleepiness, my lady suddenly arrives with a book in hand.

The thin scarf draped over her shoulders is super-cute.

“Woof, woof. (Not at all; I just got here.)”

“Hee-hee, it feels like a rendezvous.”

“Woof, woof. (Yeah. It’s like a date. Hee-hee.)”

As she holds the book behind her back with a bashful look on her face, I’m reminded that Lady Mary is truly the cutest girl in the whole wide world.

Looks like her hair fluttering in the breeze is poking her nose. I want to sniff it.

“Excuse me.”

“Arwf. (Of course, have a seat.)”

My lady sits down on the lawn, leaning against me as I sprawl out on the ground.

My fluffy body engulfs her petite frame.

“I brought a book of fairy tales with me today. The man I named you after is in here, too.”

“Arwf. (Oooh.)”

Wasn’t he some legendary hero who saved the world a long time ago? I remember seeing a stone statue of him in the Royal Capital.

We have the same name, but we’re nothing alike. I couldn’t put my life on the line to fight for the world.

That’s basically working 24-7.

Ugh, no thank you. That would be just as bad as working at that terrible company from my old world.

But I shouldn’t complain about the name my lady gave me.

Then again, my name was Routa in the other world, too.

Legendary hero Routa, this good-for-nothing dog Routa will live a self-indulgent life of eating and sleeping just for you. Don’t worry, though—you’ll still be the one kids look up to.

“He was an incredibly strong, incredibly brave, and incredibly kind person. Just like you, Routa!”

“Woof, woof! (Aw, really? You’re making me blush!)”

He’s completely different from me, but I’m happy my lady is complimenting me anyway.

“Squeak! (Enough of this farce! Have some pride! Don’t act so bashful over some human girl!)”

“Arwf! (Ah! Hey!)”

Len had woken up at some point and climbed up my neck, and she’s now standing on my head.

“Arwf! (I told you not to come out!)”

I haven’t told anyone at the mansion about you! I’m waiting for the right time to say you’re Hecate’s familiar. They’re way more likely to believe that than the alternative.

Do you even know what you look like? A mouse! A mouse! The most reviled pest ever. The kind that carries horrible diseases.

I thought it would be fine because you normally hide, but then you jump out now!

“Oh!”

Lady Mary sees the arrogant blue mouse on my head and cries out in surprise.

I’m sorry, my lady!

Please spare her life!

“How cute!”

……Oh, that’s actually a good reaction.

But still, cute?

You think a rodent who has a bad biting habit is cute…?!

I won’t forgive you for calling someone who’s not me cute. I can feel the jealousy welling up.

“A-arwf! (I’m cuter than this tiny thing! Lady Mary, look at me! I’m cute! Isn’t my tail wagging cute?!)”

“Squee… (There can be no comparison…)”

Shut it, you.

What will be left for me if you steal my position as family pet?

All I’ll have left is the stigma that comes with being a monster, a creature to be exterminated! Lady Mary’s number one pet has to be me!

“Are you Routa’s friend?”

It doesn’t matter who my lady is talking to—her attitude never changes. Even with a pipsqueak like this. Her eyes lock with Len’s, and she gives her the proper greetings.

“Hello there. I am Meariya Von Faulks.”

“Squeak. (Hmm, I give you credit for your admirable behavior. I am the blue dragon Lenowyrm.)”

Hey, you told her your name, but she can’t understand you.

All she can see is a mouse squeaking at her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, cute little mouse.”

“Squee. (H-hey. Don’t pet my head.)”

Len protests as my lady tickles her head with her fingertips.

But it doesn’t take long.

Len soon falls for Lady Mary’s finger technique, melting on her belly until she resembles a soft rice cake.

“Right here? Does that feel good?”

“S-squee. (Sh-shtaaap… D-don’t touch meeee…… Or dooooooo…)”

I watch Lady Mary and Len enjoying themselves, and I internally bite on a handkerchief in frustration.

G-grrrrrrrrr! N-not faaaaaiiiir!

First Nahura, and now even Len has stolen my lady’s heart.

Damn it! Damn it!

The only one she should pet is me!

I’m going crazy with jealousy.

Come oooon, Lady Mary! Pay attention to me, too! Look at me!

“Hee-hee. Okay, everyone, let’s read.”

She doesn’t register my jealousy as she places Len on her shoulder and opens the hardcover book.

I figured it was just a hardback novel, but the inside looks like a nursery book with illustrations.

I wonder if she picked something simple because she is going to read to me.

My lady, you’re far too kind. I want to serve you for the rest of my life.

“Once upon a time, the world was on the brink of ruin thanks to an evil Demon Lord. The Demon Lord was strong and trampled the weak like straw.”

“Squeak. (Hmph. How strong can one Demon Lord be? I’m sure I’m much stronger.)”

“But despite the Demon Lord’s fearsome strength, he had five attendees known as the Five Demon Generals.”

The Five Demon Generals is a pretty nerdy name, but my lady continues.

The ruler of the dead who led evil spirits, Lich.

The demon-conquering ambassador of Hell, Belgor.

The demonic ruler of one hundred terrible beasts, Behemoth.

The pure-blooded immortal vampire princess, Carmila.

The commander of ancient giants, Gigas.

“These generals brought together the five species that decimated human lands one after another.”

“Squeak. (Hmph, I don’t know of an era when the dragons were ruled over. Anyone who tried that would quickly find the tables turned on them.)”

This spinster is trying to get one up on everything my lady is reading.

That’s really lame, Miss Spinster. You sound like some punk from the boonies, Miss Spinster. You’re past your prime, Miss Spinster.

“Then came a young man who stood for the people. He gathered the soldiers of fallen countries and met the Demon Lord’s army face-to-face.”

Her thin white fingers turn the page.

“His name was Routa. With his legendary sword, he defeated one of the Five Demon Generals, then another, and another.”

“Squeak. (Oh, not bad. It doesn’t sound like he was a pervert, either, so he’s probably better than you, my darling.)”

“Bark, bark! (He was probably a pervert, too! I mean—I’m not a pervert! I’m a dog! I’m a dog; it’s only natural!)”

There’s nothing weird about dogs licking and sniffing people.

If I were a human, I would be thrown in prison right away, right? But I’m a dog, so it’s fine.

Being a dog is great. I want to stay a dog and be fussed over and petted.

“Squeak. (You’re giving off an unsavory aura, my darling. Besides, you’re not a dog; you’re the king of the Fen Wolves.)”

“Bark! (I’m a dog! One hundred percent dog!)”

It’s just that my body’s a little big, my face is scary, and when I howl, I fire a beam of light that feels like I’m throwing up.

But no matter what, I’m still a dog. Because I want to live as this mansion’s pet for all eternity.

I want everyone to fuss over me and pet me as I eat too much and sleep a ton.

That’s right. I shall live the lazy life the brave man with my name would have wanted!

Looks like my lady’s reading is coming to a close as I argue with Len.

“And so, the hero Routa defeated the Demon Lord, saving the world and living happily ever after with the princess of his hometown.”

How clichéd.

Ptooie.

Popular guys are my natural enemy.

“Squee. (Are you not popular, my darling? At the very least, you have me, your beautiful princess, by your side.)”

“Woof, woof. (You’re a mouse, you know. And even if you transform, you’re still a dragon. You could at least try to look human.)”

“Squeak. (…Hee-hee, patience, my darling. I’ll grant that wish someday.)”

“W-woof? (Wh-what…?)”

Len huffs through her nose triumphantly but doesn’t explain further.

“Miss? Lunch is ready.”

The twin-tailed Toa arrives with news that lunch is ready.

Our eyes meet for a split second, but she immediately looks away.

Oh, right. You’re working. This puppy feels lonely now.

“Thank you, Toa. I’ll head right in.”

My lady closes her book, stands up, and straightens out her dress.

“Routa, little mouse. Let’s play again later once I’ve finished my lunch.”

“Woof! (Okay! I’ll be waiting!)”

“Squee! (Very well. You are admirable, for a human. But I am my darling’s wife! Don’t you forget it!)”

You’re not. Stop saying that.

My lady looks adorable as she waves her good-bye, and behind her, Toa gives a little wave, too.

As I watch them go, I’m overcome with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Then Len bites me. It really hurts.

The happy scene occurring at the mansion far away means nothing to the adventurers whose minds and bodies are being pushed to the limit.

The four men sit in a circle around the small firepit, restlessly chewing on their provisions.

Though they are a good source of nutrition, nothing can erase the strong plantlike flavor weaved into the claylike texture.

These unpleasant rations—their only food—further chip away at their sanity.

Deep in the forest where no light reaches, they cannot tell if it is night or day.

Without even a single birdsong, the silence in the forest is unsettling.

They cannot even sense animals passing by.

And all around them, the eyes are watching, accompanied by the occasional menacing feel like one set of eyes is about to attack.

The shapeless creatures do not rest, and they watch the adventurers even now.

“……This is hell……”

It’s not clear who mumbles that.

No one replies.

What’s the point in repeating the obvious?

There is no light in their eyes. Their cheeks are hollow. Their hair is disheveled, but there’s no point in fixing it.

Their mental fatigue is impacting their bodies.

No longer do they appear as skilled adventurers, but rather, pitiful victims.

“…………”

The captain with the claymore on his back sluggishly rises to his feet.

The party says nothing as they extinguish the fire and collect their things.

They haven’t slept. They’re too afraid to sleep anymore.

How could the mysterious creatures watching them really wear them down this much?

The adventurers march onward, their legs dragging like they are full of lead.

They walk, just walk, like lost souls.

“Woof. (Hmm, this is bad.)”

I mumble as I look down at the scene below the hill.

Garo led me here to observe the adventurers dragging their feet as they walk.

They all look so hollow, it’s as if all thoughts besides walking have vanished.

What terrible exhaustion.

This sparks a memory. I’ve felt that way before in the other world.

They have such a strong escort guarding them. Why are they this tired?

“Mrow… (It’s probably that…)”

“Squeak. (Hmm, I think so, too. It has to be.)”

Len and Nahura nod in agreement.

“Woof. (You two noticed it, too? I’ve been wondering if that was the problem.)”

Our goal is to give the adventurers a safe journey.

But even though they already have such a great guard, they don’t look happy at all.

It’s like they’re walking through hell.

There’s only one reason they’d feel this way.

“Woof! / Mrow! / Squeak! (They need a bigger escort!)”

We say our conclusions aloud.

“Grwl! (So that was it!)”

Garo thought so, too? She seems relieved to hear it.

“Grwl. (I never expected the humans to be this weak. I shall gather every remaining Fen Wolf I can.)”

Garo directs Bal and the other wolves standing behind her. The Fen Wolves immediately split off into four directions to summon reinforcements.

“Woof. (Yes, good. The adventurers must have a safe journey.)”

“Meow. (Hee-hee, it feels nice to do a good deed.)”

“Squeak. (I feel like we may be spoiling them. However, I suppose we must if we are to protect our way of life at the mansion. We’ll escort them to the ends of the earth.)”

We all nod in satisfaction.

“Grwl! (Just leave it to us, my king. In the name of the Fen Wolves, not even a single ant shall get through our defenses!)”

“““Grwl! Grwl! Grwl! (King! King! King!)”””

The Fen Wolves are riled up. Now I’m sure the adventurers will be able to reach their destination in peace.