Chapter 133: Increasing Animals
“From what I heard earlier, it’s a powerful Spirit, right? What a waste.”
“It’s not something that can be captured without any preparation. It’s better not to meddle.”
“If it gets put to sleep, it’ll just be rat food.”
Dean, Dinoss, and Shiva looked disappointed.
We also made sure to collect the ordinary ores left behind by Rosa’s Faction. With the ones we gathered, we could create all sorts of things for a while.
Returning to the fortress late at night, we rented a room with no bed or anything and all slept together on the floor. Shiva and Tina were surrounded by Dinoss and Enbaku, but I wondered if Ash was okay. It’s a bit late to be thinking about that now.
“What’s up with this? I should be grateful for a roof and walls, but…”
“You don’t have to worry about being attacked by Demon Beasts. Just sleep well.”
“Just don’t kick me again, alright?”
“Chris, who kicks more, Dean or Retze?”
Since I was lying in the order of me, Retze, Chris, and Dean, if it was Retze, that would be a big problem.
“I’m fine since I didn’t drink.”
So it’s you, Dean.
The next day, we couldn’t light a fire in the room, so we had a cold breakfast before setting off. When I woke up, Dean’s foot was on Chris, but since it didn’t harm me, I let it slide.
“Ruta, sorry to keep you waiting.”
I patted Ruta, who nuzzled against me with a little snort, and put on his horse gear.
There was no bar to keep the horse from getting out, like the latch in the stable… Should I compensate for that? I’m pretty sure Ruta kicked it down.
I gave a little extra thanks to the exhausted stableman and we set off. The return trip was uneventful.
I reported that a large number of Three-Horned had appeared, showing off the collected horns. It seems they’ll be checking on them regularly. Thanks to the abundance, we managed to gather the Magic Ore without taking the planned number of days, which was lucky for us, but it sounded tough for the people at the fortress.
And so, we returned home to Kanum.
“Ruta, just stay calm until we prepare a proper place for you, okay?”
I got Ruta as a gift.
However, until we could prepare the stable and everything else, he would stay at the Horse Rental Shop.
“You really are soft on animals.”
“They’re so affectionate without any pretense.”
Dean said with an exasperated tone, but I wanted to return kindness with kindness. I still tend to be on guard, suspecting ulterior motives behind people’s goodwill.
We peeked into a food stall and headed home, munching on grilled skewers. After all, a bath is more important than a meal.
“Oh, Daifuku.”
I spotted a white cat entering the second floor of the rental house visible from Gray Fox’s Back Street.
“…That was quick.”
“Oh my.”
“Seriously?”
“It seems like it listened to what Gene said.”
The Butler, Shiva, Dinoss, and Ash reacted to my words and gaze.
“Daifuku?”
“What is it?”
“What’s going on?”
The unseen trio, Retze, Dean, and Chris, were curious.
“A kitty!”
“What?”
“Is there something there?”
It seems En can see Spirits for sure. I wonder about the other two? It’s unclear if they didn’t see it enter or just didn’t notice.
“Wait a minute. Is that the kitty from the mine? It’s not in my room, right?”
Retze pressed me for answers.
“That’s right. I’ll bring the mattress and bedding.”
“Wait…! You’re assuming I’m going to be the one sleeping there, aren’t you?!”
Retze seemed to have gathered information from Sara and was well aware of Whyle’s abilities.
“Keep it in your own second floor, or the third floor is fine too!”
“It would be cruel to leave it alone, and Rishu is at home. Don’t worry, it’ll be calm if I put it in a box!”
“Note…?”
“It’s past the statute of limitations. I won’t scold you on the spot.”
While I was arguing with Retze, Dinoss and Note were having some exchange.
“Wait, Spirits understand addresses…?”
“Let’s revise our understanding!”
“Indeed.”
Dean, who couldn’t see, seemed a bit lost, while Chris and Ash were as usual.
“How about we go home, take a bath, and then talk?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Oh, hey! Take it with you!”
When I tried to obediently head down the alley to my house at Shiva’s words, Retze grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and stopped me.
“Even though it’s a strong Spirit.”
“It’s inappropriate! I have a principle of not meddling with things I can’t control!”
With no other choice, I decided to take the mattress to the third-floor room with Retze’s help.
Whyle, curled up quietly on the bed, looked more and more like Daifuku. I wonder if it would be okay to give him a little squeeze?