A Home for the Lizardmen
I'd built a living space for the Lizardmen.
Surprisingly, Snow said it was fine if they stayed in the cave we used as our home, but the Lizardmen vehemently refused.
It reminded me of the expression they had three years ago when they first stepped into my old nest.
I could kind of understand the feeling.
No, Snow was actually quite kind...
What? Only to me and Suli?
She basically looks down on and ignores other monsters?
She doesn't even treat most opponents as monsters?
Nah, that's ridiculous.
Snow was so gentle.
Look, wasn't she always good to To Soon-i too?
Don't worry too much.
The Lizardmen seemed to have a serious misunderstanding about Snow.
Sure, she looked pretty cold and aloof on the outside, but she was a warm-hearted fox deep down.
I hoped they'd realize her true feelings soon.
In any case, since the Lizardmen refused to live in the same cave, I had to quickly find them another place.
But there wasn't any suitable space nearby for all of them, so I had to dig a new one right away.
I chose a spot not too far from our home.
Time to put my old cave-digging skills to use.
Unlike back then, I had magic now, plus Snow watching and helping, so carving out a large cave fit for the Lizardmen wasn't too hard.
Considering their current numbers and future growth, I made it quite spacious.
It could easily house around 200 without issue.
I even built it big and sturdy with room for expansion.
The Lizardmen fretted that it was too large, but I wasn't worried.
My own size made even this feel a bit small.
Well, better than cramped quarters, right?
Taking their usual living environment into account, I added a small lake in the middle of the cave.
Snow magically treated it so it wouldn't freeze in the cold.
But her method was temporary, so we'd need a more permanent solution later.
I'd have to grab some lava rock from the Lava Zone sometime.
The completed space left the Lizardmen deeply moved.
They all burst into tears.
Unlike before, these were genuine tears of gratitude.
I felt proud.
It was a bit barren right now—just a wide communal area and the small lake—but we could fill it in bit by bit.
The sheer size might take time to furnish fully, though...
I also added a nest for the Surprise Birds in one corner.
Honestly, I'd forgotten about them until late, but they seemed to like it anyway.
A relief, but a little disappointing.
If they'd complained, we could've had a chicken party for dinner.
Right Head quietly smacked its lips.
After leaving the Lizardmen to rest comfortably, we returned to our cave.
Though we'd only been there a short time, it felt cozy, like coming home.
A feeling I'd only known back in my old nest on the 18th floor.
Right. Now that I think about it, there's something I need to tell you.
Snow spoke up as I lay coiled quietly in one corner of the cave, enjoying the pat-pat of Suli's paw tapping my scales.
What is it?
Snow's gaze flicked toward me as I tilted my head slightly.
Suli, dear.
"Cung—?"
Suli, who had been hopping from Left Head to Right Head, looked at Snow curiously.
Shouldn't you show Daddy what you've been practicing?
"Kyaaang—!!!"
At Snow's words, Suli bounced up as if suddenly remembering.
Then she urgently patted my head.
Precisely, Right Head's.
Suli's practice?
Hee hee, you can look forward to it.
"Cung cung!"
I grew even more curious at Snow's sly smile and Suli's confident patting.
What on earth was she going to show me?
As I focused on Suli with a touch of anticipation, a faint strand of mana emanated from her body.
Before I could react to the subtle flow, a voice rang out.
"Cung—!"
Papa!
Shii—?
A clear, cheerful voice tickled my mind.
Stunned and not grasping the meaning, it came again.
Papa! Love!
Short but powerful words.
Lightning flashed through my head.
I blankly stared at Suli, then quickly turned to Snow.
She chuckled softly.
Isn't Suli saying it? Answer her quickly.
Her playful tone made it real.
Yes, the owner of that adorable voice was none other than Suli.
S-Su... li...?
Yeah, Papa!
'Why call?' Suli patted my head—Right Head's again.
But it didn't matter now.
Left Head and Right Head reacted just like me.
We all stared at Suli in a daze.
With her three tails and To Soon-i's dramatic transformation, I'd forgotten, but thinking about it...
Telepathic communication was possible starting at E-rank.
Suli had evolved from F to E, so she could talk via telepathy now.
Suli... say it one more time...?
Papa?
...That's nice, but the other one you said before.
Suli tilted her head, then continued.
Love?
"Shiiiii—!!!"
Left Head let out a choked cry.
Not quite that extreme, but my feelings were similar.
I wanted to toss aside any high-rank monster dignity and grin like an idiot.
...I get you're happy, but maybe manage your expression? That pathetic face doesn't match your fierce look.
Snap—Snow's tail smacked my scales, snapping me back to a 'ahem' composure.
Apparently, my face had relaxed while I was off guard.
Overwhelmed with emotion, I stroked Suli vigorously with my tail tip.
Suli cried out happily, "Cung cung!"
I know the answer without asking... but how do you feel?
As I doted on Suli, Snow asked quietly.
No need to answer.
You must have practiced a lot.
Yes. She worked day and night to show you. Talented girl learned fast, but it was hard. Praise her more.
Snow lay belly-down beside me as she replied.
I doted on Suli even more at her words.
Papa! Tickles! came Suli's voice.
This healing felt different from her paw attacks.
She practiced other things too, but telepathy progressed fastest.
Other things?
Yes, taught her a few simple spells. She's doing well here too.
Snow rested her chin on my body.
But not too many yet.
Hm? Why? Was it hard for Suli?
Better if you teach some too.
Her calm murmur made me freeze.
Suli, purring contentedly under my tail strokes, cried curiously, "Cung?"
...Thanks for the consideration.
Hee hee. Caring for my husband is a wife's duty.
Her leisurely whisper continued.
Thought it'd be chilly, but you're nice and warm.
...Warming myself with magic.
I see. So cozy.
Snow slowly closed her eyes.
Her tail swayed gently side to side.
It tickled immensely.
Snow—! Snow—! Listen to this! That guy couldn't hold back and cheated! Got a local wife—!
The peaceful quiet shattered with a crack.
The cave's temperature plummeted.
...Hmmm—?
Snow's displeased voice echoed coldly.
Her nine long tails drummed the floor roughly, mirroring her mood.
To Soon-i, watching quietly, hurriedly scooped up Suli and fled.
Left Head. Tell me more.
Her icy tone made my body stiffen.
Crisis Detection blared warnings.
Too late to run—silence Left Head now!
But our communication was telepathic, not vocal.
Trying to cover its mouth was pointless.
It only provoked Snow more.
She fell for it hook, line, and sinker! Just a few meals and she was done! Totally swooning! Even when I said kill her, no way!
Hooo...?
Snow's gaze upward was as sharp as the outer blizzard.
Th-that was unavoidable. Lisa's quite useful...
'Lisa'? So the vixen is named Lisa? Close enough to use her name?
...No. Strictly business.
'Our'? Close enough to say 'our' with the vixen?
Her chilling question prompted a hasty correction.
Just business with her.
Then the meals together?
...Right Head whined until I gave in.
I quickly redirected the arrow to Right Head.
Snow's eyes turned there.
Right Head, blinking innocently, widened its eyes at the sudden target.
I know nothing. As you know, Center holds control of our body.
Its usual whiny tone gone, the calm words carried weight.
Snow's gaze returned.
I-it's not like that. Really no relationship with her...
Lies! She said spend a hot night together! One-night stand!
Chilling.
Snow's clear blue eyes stared coldly.
SS-rank killing intent made my body tremble uncontrollably.
Staying like this spells doom...! To survive, clear the misunderstanding somehow...!
As I moved to speak, Snow beat me.
We need to talk a lot, it seems.
Her calm, serene voice drained the tension.
The prior aura felt like a lie.
Of course... The rational, logical, reasonable—and above all, kind—Snow wouldn't misunderstand based on Left Head alone.
Even now, suggesting talk first proved her kindness.
Come out. Too cramped here for a chat.
...What do you mean?
I don't repeat myself. Come nicely while I'm asking.
Snow turned and walked out.
Staring blankly at her back, Left Head's voice buzzed.
Kyahahaha—! Chat (physical)! Woo her! Awesome—!
After a silent pause at its gloating, I quietly said,
...Forgot? You and I are one body.
...Ah.
Left Head's laughter cut off.
N-no way! This can't be...! Hey! Snow! Misunderstanding! It's a misunderstanding!
...Too late. Only one path left for us.
Aaah! Nooo!
I sighed softly at Left Head digging its own grave.
Sparring with Snow on my first day back.
And already late evening as dusk fell.
Not coming out? Should I drag you myself?
Snow's rough voice from outside finally moved me.
This was so unfair.