Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: The Journey (4)
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The fourth day of our carriage journey.
It looked like we would arrive at Aruru’s hometown by the end of the day.
We had already entered the territory of the beastkin.
Animal ears and tails of all shapes and sizes were a common sight.
“Good thing we're heading in the right direction.”
“Yep! We just have to keep going straight.”
Her tail wagged happily, as if she was starting to recognize the area.
My little cutie sat side-by-side with the princess, greeting the beastkin we passed.
I watched the view outside the window with Ceria.
In the distance, little wolf beastkin were running across a field.
“Wolves are quite nice too.”
“Hmm…”
They really are like dogs.
They reminded me of puppies, but they were far cuter.
To the point where I was seriously considering kidnapping… no, adopting one.
If even I, a dog-hater, felt this way, what must a young girl be thinking?
Ah, I feel the urge to play with them like dolls.
I'm confident I could raise one well…
Ceria looked on wistfully, seemingly sharing my sentiment.
“Still, I prefer foxes.”
“I agree.”
This is all Aruru's fault.
I've become someone who can't live without a fox beastkin…
As time passed, we saw beastkin more and more frequently.
We passed through three or four villages, and none of them were the least bit wary of outsiders.
The lore of this world.
Humans cannot do bad things to beastkin.
Even if they were occasionally kidnapped, they were only fed well.
If the child wanted to go home, they were immediately let go.
“Hmm, how should I put it? It feels like we've stepped into a fairy tale.”
I couldn't help but nod.
All the beastkin were tiny, and the buildings were sized to match them.
The charming atmosphere created a sense of fantasy.
An environment where you could forget reality for a while and just focus on healing…
No, wait a minute.
Can we even fit inside their houses? And where are we supposed to sleep?
“I hadn't considered that particular flaw…”
“…”
“I don't mind sleeping in here with you.”
“—!!”
Somehow, this turned into a blessing in disguise.
The carriage is small and dark… which makes it even better!
The carriage came to a brief stop.
Perhaps because we were getting close to her hometown, we ran into someone who recognized Aruru.
“Oh my, are you perhaps Aruru…?”
“Yes. I'm back!”
“You've become quite the young lady.”
“Hehe…”
“I'll have to introduce you to some bachelors.”
“I'll take you up on that later. For now, I've come to see my siblings.”
“Ah, that's right. The kids are doing well.”
“That's a relief…”
“I heard your second sibling is preparing for marriage.”
“—!!”
The conversation itself was perfectly ordinary.
But from a human perspective, it was a little dizzying.
Huh? My little cutie has become a woman?
I already knew it intellectually.
By beastkin standards, Aruru was an adult.
Compared to the neighborhood lady…
Hmm, she is a lady, right? Beastkin age so slowly, it's hard to tell.
Anyway.
She's finished growing to the point where she's like an adult.
Which leads to the conclusion that I've been playing with a grown woman.
“…”
Aah, this is so unfair!
We were just playing innocently!
How could anyone resist the charms of a fox beastkin?
My innocence is proven by her affection level alone.
If I'd crossed the line, her affection would have shot past 90.
It's still stuck at 79.
No further defense is necessary.
“Iruru… is getting married already?”
“It's not 'already.' That one is all grown up too.”
“W-well, that's true, but…”
So the second sibling's name is Iruru…
It seemed the siblings all shared 'ruru' in their names.
It sounded cute, but it was bound to be incredibly confusing.
“Well, I'll see you later. I have somewhere to be right now.”
“Yes…”
The carriage started moving again.
Aruru's shoulders slumped.
She was clearly in shock from the unexpected news.
“Ugh, and this big sister hasn't even dated yet!”
The girl's desperate cry.
I wasn't single, so I couldn't empathize, but I could still imagine how she felt.
My little cutie.
Our species may be different, but you can live vicariously through me.
As expected, she threw herself into my arms as if she'd been waiting.
I gently patted her on the back.
Perhaps because she understood Aruru's situation.
Ceria just looked at her with pity.
“Right. I need to act like a big sister.”
She perked up quickly.
This was after she'd devoured the snacks meant for her second sibling.
“They're living a normal, happy life even without me, so I should actually praise them.”
How's that? Aren't I mature?
She looked at me as if to say that.
Even though she'd already finished complaining.
I had to admit, she was admirable.
She'd been all alone in a faraway place, single-handedly supporting her siblings.
“That's impressive. Your siblings must be proud of you.”
“Mhm, I really hope so.”
Today, Aruru was the main character.
A situation where she needed to shine brighter than anyone.
Ceria took out her makeup kit and started applying it.
“Hmm, for some reason, the makeup isn't taking well.”
“Of course not. There's no room for me to get any prettier.”
“…”
It was an undeniable fact.
But Ceria couldn't let it slide and delivered her punishment.
The fox beastkin's cheek stretched out like a rice cake.
“Then I'll just have to style your hair.”
Ceria got to work in earnest.
Her hands moved with incredible speed.
In an instant, she had fashioned Aruru's hair into two buns.
It had the effect of increasing Aruru's cuteness by about 300%.
“Hmm, it feels a little awkward…”
“It suits you.”
“Really?”
“See for yourself.”
She peered into the mirror and smiled bashfully.
Seemingly satisfied, she threw her arms around Ceria.
“Thank you!”
Just as they finished getting ready.
Esterize shouted loudly.
“Looks like we're about to arrive. Get ready.”
Aruru leaped outside.
Everyone recognized her at a glance.
The fox beastkin at the village entrance approached, wagging their tails.
“Ah! It's Aruru!”
“Oh my, what a surprise!”
Girls of her own age, looking very happy to see her.
Like Aruru, their fur was pure white.
The tribe of white fluffballs.
Well, that was the general impression.
“How has everyone been?”
“Mhm, nothing much has happened with us.”
“More importantly, tell us about you. We're so curious!”
They held hands and giggled.
The sight was so stimulating it was bad for my heart.
It was as if Aruru had tripled.
Since a beastkin's ears and tail are their main features, it wasn't an exaggeration.
“Incredible. I've already reached my quota…”
Was it because of the rising sense of fulfillment?
Ceria smiled warmly and slowly patted her chest.
“First, I need to see my siblings.”
“Right, you have to see the kids first. How long are you planning to stay?”
“Three days? Four? Plenty of time to chat with you all.”
“Oh, right. What's with that carriage? Who's inside?”
“Yeah. Friends I made at the academy.”
“They must be humans, right? Introduce us, quick!”
And so, we too stepped out of the carriage.
The moment they saw me, their eyes sparkled.
“Aah, I can feel it! With that air of class, he must be the son of a rich family!”
“…”
The sharp senses of a beastkin.
They'd correctly identified me without me saying a word.
“What's your relationship with Aruru? Are you perhaps…”
“Can I call you big brother?”
“—!!”
A title that tugs at a man's heartstrings…
I'd barely arrived in the village and already gained cute little sisters!
“Jace already has a fiancée.”
Aruru pointed at Ceria.
At that, they nodded as if they understood.
“Mhm, a match made in heaven.”
“You're really pretty too, big sister!”
They circled around us, looking up.
Perhaps because their friend brought us. They were showing friendliness despite it being our first meeting.
I tried holding out my palm as a test.
The girls' ears twitched as they quickly offered their heads.
You can pet me.
No, please, I really want you to pet me!
They wagged their tails gently, giving off that vibe.
Hmm, just as I thought.
Being affectionate seemed to be a racial trait of fox beastkin.
My little cutie.
Is it okay if I touch your friends?
I checked just in case she might get sulky.
She shrugged nonchalantly, as if to say that no matter what, she was my only pet.
“Heeungh…”
“Your touch is so warm…”
The girls looked utterly satisfied, their faces melting.
They were so out of it, as if they could die happy now.
It was obvious we were compatible.
I should make a subtle suggestion later.
My cute and adorable new friends.
How would you like to become maids for the Crodain family, with a high salary and perfect benefits?
By the time we reached the center of the village.
Hundreds of fox beastkin had gathered.
Every single one of them was delighted by Aruru's return.
“The pride of our village! Long live Aruru!”
Tails here, tails there…
These cuties wagged their tails before they even thought to wave their hands.
“Aah, I didn't expect such a warm welcome… but thank you, everyone!”
In truth, I should have expected it.
Aruru is the top student at the Hero Academy.
In other words, the village's greatest success story.
Considering the size of the village, it was like a dragon rising from a stream.
“Ah, it's big sister Aruru!”
At last, her siblings came rushing over in a group.
Aruru smiled more brightly than ever.
“Iruru, Ururu, Eruru, Yoruru, Yururu. Have you all been well?”
“Yes!”
I had a feeling this would happen…
I'll just refer to them as second, third, and so on.
The moving reunion of the six siblings.
Aruru hugged her siblings one by one.
At the sight, a few villagers' eyes welled up with tears.
“Sob, the tears are coming out on their own…”
Our princess was sniffling too.
She had a surprisingly girlish sensibility.
I silently exchanged a look with Ceria.
The moment to win over Aruru's siblings had finally arrived.
“Big brother! Play with me!”
“I want to hear Aruru's stories!”
“…”
As if they had no intention of letting me go.
Aruru's friends kept clinging to me.
Tsk, this damn popularity of mine knows no species boundaries.
Anyway.
Things were flowing perfectly. It felt like I'd truly found the ultimate destination for healing.
***
Aruru's house was quite spacious.
Being a space for six siblings, it was one of the larger houses.
However, the low ceiling made it difficult to move around.
“Alright, it's time for the gift-giving ceremony!”
Aruru handled her siblings skillfully.
The eldest daughter of the house and the main adult figure in place of their parents.
Like a mother bird feeding her chicks.
The second to the sixth sibling lined up in a single file.
The order was reversed. She was taking care of the youngest ones first.
The fifth and sixth were twins.
They were much younger than Aruru, so it was like seeing a younger version of her.
“They're lethally cute.”
“Ugh, I can't breathe…”
I felt the same.
I calmly settled my mind.
One wrong move and I might have lost my mind to the cuteness.
“Yoruru, Yururu. This big sister was always thinking of you.”
She added that she was happy they had grown up healthy.
The twin girls' eyes welled with tears as they clung to Aruru.
My little cutie, hugging her siblings warmly.
Seeing her like this, she felt a little more mature.
“Here, take this.”
“Aah, this is…”
“A snack gift set!”
Two tails wagged frantically.
The little ladies stood on their tiptoes and kissed their sister's cheek.
An overwhelmingly warm sentiment…
It felt like all the filth in the world was being washed away.
Aruru also kissed her siblings' foreheads.
“That's quite a precious sight…”
“I wish I could get one too…”
The very envious human girls.
It was practically a daily occurrence for me, so I didn't think much of it.
The rest went similarly.
But the atmosphere changed with the last one, the second sibling.
“Iruru. You're taller than me now.”
“Sister…”
He was a boy, so he was indeed taller.
But only by a finger's width at most.
“I heard you're preparing for marriage.”
“Ah, that…”
This is driving me crazy, really…
That tiny little guy is getting married.
From a human perspective, it was bound to be dizzying.
“I'm not trying to blame you.”
“Then?”
“Of course, I'm a little twisted up about it. This big sister hasn't even dated yet…”
“—!!”
My little cutie.
You hold a grudge, don't you?
The second sibling didn't know what to do, feeling sorry.
And for good reason. Aruru hadn't been able to properly enjoy her own life because she was responsible for her siblings' living expenses.
“Well, forget about that. I'm just happy that you're an adult now. From now on, I want you to take good care of the kids in my place.”
She smiled brightly and ruffled her brother's hair.
That must be the dignity of the eldest daughter who carries the family on her shoulders.
She acts all mature in front of her siblings.
But in front of me, she's a girl who can't wait to show off her charms.
Isn't this contrast part of her charm?
How can my little cutie be so charming?
“Yeah, you can count on me. I'll take care of the kids!”
the second sibling said bravely.
Being Aruru's sibling, he seemed like he could handle anything.
“Oh, right. Today's not good, so I'll have to see them tomorrow.”
“See what?”
“Your marriage partner.”
“—??”
“Don't get any funny ideas, just bring them here. Got it?”
“Mhm…”
He didn't seem too keen on the idea.
But knowing how scary his sister could be, he tucked his tail between his legs.
Is she planning to dominate her future sister-in-law? This could be pretty interesting.
***
We won over Aruru's siblings.
Snacks alone weren't enough, so we told them the stories they wanted to hear.
“Is our sister really that amazing?”
“Mhm, she could even become the Hero. Or she'll be a companion to the Hero.”
“Wow!”
The kids' gazes turned to Esterize.
Ceria tried her best, but the princess was a better storyteller.
My natural air of class put me at a slight disadvantage when dealing with kids.
They seemed a little intimidated?
Still, they showed interest because I was handsome.
It seemed like they'd start warming up to me by tomorrow.
Just then, a wind spirit tickled the tip of my nose.
My little cutie.
Why? Is there something you want to say?
Aruru gestured from the doorway, beckoning me to follow.
When I stepped outside, the moon was shyly illuminating the night sky.
“What do you think of my siblings?”
“They're all good kids.”
“And?”
“They're cute, just like you.”
“Mhm, they're siblings to be proud of.”
She looked at me and spread her arms wide.
It was a gesture asking me to lift her up.
Soon, breathing the same air at my level, she whispered softly.
“I'm so happy right now.”
Her voice was full of excitement.
She was so giddy that it wouldn't have been strange if she did something rash.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“Don't mention it. I'm the one who should be thankful.”
“By any chance, am I not enough for you?”
“—??”
“You're being so nice to my siblings. You were like that with my friends, too.”
You're just after their tails, right? I know everything.
She gave a slight eye-smile, as if to say that.
There were times when she'd act sly like this.
She knows exactly what's on my mind, yet she flirts like a fox.
“Hey, can we stay together in the future, too?”
I knew it instantly. That was her main point.
It seemed she wanted this happiness to last forever.
“Of course. I'll stay with you for as long as you want.”
“Mhm, that's what I wanted to hear.”
The girl finally did something unexpected.
The moment I felt a soft touch on my face.
[Affection +1]
[Sub-quest Complete]
[Reward: Randomly acquire a trait of the character]
Her affection finally reached 80.
I'd been secretly hoping for it, and it really happened.