Author: Yume Neiji

-Freya’s POV-

A few days had passed since Pero-sama had left the Royal Capital. Today, I am again working day and night as an apprentice knight of Medil Family’s Royal Guard.

“Have you gotten used to being a knight guard?”

Eating in front of me is Edner-sama, the leader of the group. I calmly answered his questions while tearing a piece of bread.

“Yes, I’m working hard on my duties.”

“You look absent-minded though. Is it because of the Sacred Beast?”

Edner-sama was right. It’s been a few days since I was separated from Pero-sama. I think about him every day. I want to touch that fluffy fur again. I want to smell it. My instincts kept screaming at me to do that.

“Better go to Mana. I’ll report to the family head that you’ll take a long vacation.”

“N-no need! You don’t have to go that far! I will fulfill my duties properly!”

I hurriedly denied it, but Edner-sama looked at me in a doubtful manner. He chews on the meat he pierced with his fork, swallows it, and continues talking.

“Someone reported that you may be slacking off in your work. Of course, I know you are not slacking off, but it is clear that you are certainly less ambitious than you used to be.”

“T-that’s ….…”

“I know that you love animals and that you love dogs like no other, but we’re in charge of protecting the great pillars of this kingdom, the Duke’s family after all. We can’t afford to let our guard down for any reason.”

“Yes……”

I was terribly depressed by the leader’s words. Inability to fulfill my duties as a knight. It was tantamount to being told to stop being a knight.

“You are an excellent knight, and neither the Duke nor I, would want to let you go. I would like to suggest again, why don’t you take a long vacation in Mana for a while?”

“I’m not getting fired?”

“I’ll tolerate it for a few years. Going to see the Sacred Beast means meeting up with Homeless. If you can, I’d like you to keep an eye on their movements.”

“So, it’s ostensibly a vacation, but it’s actually a mission?”

“Yes”

I felt radiant. I can meet Pero-sama and have some free time. Isn’t this the best mission? However, now that I know that it is a job, I need to know what to look out for.

“You got two goals. First is to follow the Sacred Beast closely. Protect him if necessary. I’ll leave that part to your judgement. The other is to investigate Homeless, especially Shinichi Tanaka. If he is a nuisance to the Duke’s family, get rid of him. If you don’t think it’s possible, send me a report.”

“I understand.”

As expected of Edner-sama. I didn’t think he was planning such a thing. Come to think of it, there is no evidence that Shinichi Tanaka did not murder the leader’s son, Novan-sama. He’s neither black nor white. In that case, it is a reasonable judgment that a long-term investigation is necessary. As for me, I would like to judge whether he is an appropriate parent for Pero-sama.

“Then, starting tomorrow, go to Mana. I’ll report to the family head about this. Also, tell the Homeless that you’ve quit being a knight. That way, they will let their guard down.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

As soon as I got up from my seat, I decided to go back to my house to get dressed.

I finally get to meet Pero-sama.

I’m looking forward to it and I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.

　◇◇◇

-Edner’s POV-

After seeing off Freya who looked so excited, I let out a deep sigh. The conversation earlier was all nonsense. Well, it’s true that the investigation on Shinichi Tanaka is rather serious, but I don’t doubt him as much as I told her. I can understand a person’s personality by talking to them. I had seen him for a week, so I knew very well that he wasn’t a bad person.

However, I knew that if I didn’t say that she wouldn’t take a long vacation. Besides, I felt like sending her off to be an adventurer would make her come back with some skin. In addition to judgment and leadership, a knight needs combat power above all else. I felt that it would be more efficient to leave it to Homeless to hone her.

“On the other hand, she might get taken in and seriously quit being a knight.”

I couldn’t help but mutter as I cut the remaining steak on my plate with a knife. Freya has an aggressive personality. In other words, she’s a straightforward one. I somehow feel like she will eventually say she’s going to be with the sacred beast.

Well, if she decides to do so, I don’t have the right to stop her. After all, it is a relationship between a boss and a subordinate. However, is fluffy really such a good thing? To be honest, I don’t really understand Freya’s feelings. Whether it’s a cat or a dog, I think they are cute. But that’s all, I don’t feel anything special.

“Animals huh……  It could be just right.”

I go home after work. At home, I was greeted by my wife and daughter.

“Welcome home father~. You’re late today!”

“My bad. I brought back something good instead.”

“Hey, Darling, what’s that box you’re carrying?”

“Let’s open it. It’s something you look forward to.”

Guiding them into the living room, I let them open the white box I placed on the table in front of me. Then my daughter made a happy voice.

“So cute! Ye~y, a rabbit!”

My daughter jumped up and down with a light brown rabbit in her arms. My wife also smiled at the scene. From my point of view, rabbits are nothing more than food, but they seem to be seen as pets by children and women.

Today is my daughter’s birthday.

The rabbit is that gift.

“Lend it to me a bit.”

When I got the rabbit from her, I pressed my face against its small back. I decided to experience the fluffiness that Freya was always talking about.

“This….…”

My face is wrapped in fluffy fur. It’s like a super high-end carpet. No, it’s more than that, it’s just that I don’t have the proper words for it. I can feel the heartbeat of the rabbit. It’s as if the small creature is trying to tell me that it’s alive. I could feel the warmth of the animal on my cheeks, and it made me strongly imagine that this guy and I were alive. Yet, the unique smell stimulated my nostrils, and I felt like a door deep inside my head was opening.

It’s instinct. The instinct of someone who have hunted beast and lived with animals tell me that to rub on this fluffy thing is a pleasure.

“Father, it’s time to give it back!”

“Oh, okay….…”

I handed the rabbit to her and sat down on the sofa. The feeling that I just had…. is it because of that fluffy fur? That should be the one that captivated Freya. Even I wanted to cuddle that fluff for a moment. This may be a forbidden world.

“I’m going to buy another rabbit tomorrow.”

I blurted out.

“Another one? It will be troublesome if they breed and multiply.”

“Don’t worry. The next one will be a female too. Anyway, I’ll ask a servant to take care of the two of them….…”

Then I was stunned.

Why am I trying to get a second one? Am I subconsciously thinking that the current one is for my daughter and the new one is for myself?

N-no, that’s ridiculous. I think it’s because two of them will make my daughter happier. Yes, it must be so. While making excuses in my mind, I recalled the feeling of cuddling the fluffy rabbit earlier. An intense, vivid healing experience dominated me.

Thus, a little curiosity led me to walk the road to fluffy. It is another story that a few months later, I attained the enlightenment of fluffy from the Fluffy Hermit.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The Schmidt family is a noble family that resides in Crent, a territory in Mana. The family got the title of a baron, and their main source of income is the production and sale of seedlings. Because they specialize in high-end flowers purveyed to aristocrats, they are commonly referred to as Schmidt of flowers or Schmidt of Crent.

—However, the Schmidt family fell into decline. The reason is probably because my medical expenses cost so much. Having a personal doctor and as the family continued to pay for large sums of money to treat me, I know that no matter how high our status was, the family would eventually go bankrupt. Of course, this is all my conjecture.

Since I was sickly, I didn’t really know much about the Schmidt family’s finances, so I somehow assumed that it would be the case. I asked my family about the reason for our decline, but they just said, “You don’t have to worry about it.” I can’t help but think it is related to me, the youngest child. Regardless of the truth, I had a responsibility and obligation to repay my family. I want to give something back to my irreplaceable family even in some small way as they supported and raised me this far.

But, what should I do to achieve this?

I was racking my brain inside a room in a run-down shabby house.

“Liz, eat your food. We only got one meal today.”

“Yes, Mother.”

The plate on the table is filled with a light green liquid. When I scooped it up with a spoon and put it in my mouth, a salty and grassy taste spread on my tongue. The bread I picked up is hard and I can’t chew it. I didn’t feel like eating it with soup.

Once again, I am reminded of my current life.

A two-story wooden house with only two rooms inside and cold air could enter through the crack of the window. There are five people living in such a place: my father, my mother, my eldest sister, my second sister and myself. Our income comes from flowers grown in a small field. Other than that, the family managed to earn a month’s living expenses by working side jobs.

“I don’t want to live like this anymore.”

“I’m sorry. I’m such a disappointment.”

“Father, Mother, let’s stop talking about this.”

“That’s right. It’s going to come to an unsatisfactory conclusion anyway.”

The four of them resumed eating.

The unsatisfactory conclusion that my second sister talked about was regarding becoming a prostitute. There are four women in our family. Everyone in this room knew that if we sold our bodies, we would have a better life. Still, the pride of being born as an aristocrat somehow kept this family on the line.

“I’ll do it. Be a prostitute.”

As I said that, four simultaneous “pffffft” was heard as they spit the soup out of their mouths.

Did I say something wrong?

“I appreciate the feeling, but to be a…… I don’t think you can be one.”

“What do you mean?”

When I asked, my father looks away from me. I decided to ask my mother next.

“……When you say prostitute, it means a place where one could buy adult women. As a child, you’re of a little value.”

“But I heard from Oneesama that there are people who have that kind of hobby.”

“Ah- idiot! Don’t tell Mother!”

Mother glared at Irene-oneesan. After that, Mother says softly.

“The daughter of a nobleman should not sell her body. Remember, we are from the upper class.”

“We are poor now though, and the food doesn’t taste good either.”

“Even so. If you throw even your pride, you won’t have a face to look at your ancestors. You’re a member of the Schmidt family, be aware of that.”

“Pride won’t fill my stomach.”

My stomach rumbled.

What should I do if being a prostitute don’t work?

If this continues, I will collapse again even though I have become lively now. Then, at that moment, the face of the young man I had once met crossed my mind.

“How about adventurer……? Is it no good too?”

It’s just a suggestion. If that doesn’t work either, I’ll have to think of another way. But Father said something unexpected.

“It’s not bad to be an adventurer. Even though it is the lowest-level profession, if you reach a master or special level, you’ll become a respected person and even nobles may bow to you. If you do well, you might even become a hero. If that happens, there is a possibility that you’ll meet His Majesty.”

“Well, that’s a wonderful thing. And if you caught the attention of the son of His Majesty, you’ll live tranquilly. It’s decided! Liz, be an adventurer.”

My parents were very much in agreement to my suggestion. But my two older sisters disagree.

“Liz is still very young. I can’t let her be an adventurer.”

“Yes, we are against it! I can’t believe you’re going to put my sweet little sister in a job like that.”

My sisters’ words made me happy. I feel loved. I really wanted to be an adventurer. It was because I wanted to know how far my power, the ninjutsu skills that I am born with, could go. I’ve always thought it would be a shame to leave it unused.

“I have a rare skill. I’m very strong. It will be fine.”

My two sisters were silent at my words. Because they both know the performance of my ninjutsu skills.

“Certainly, with Liz’s skills, I feel like she can make it as an adventurer.”

“But Oneesama…. Liz is a naïve one! She has been bedridden not until lately you know. She may be able to become an adventurer, but she may not be able to make a living out of it.”

“That’s true too. Then, Liz, if you really want to be an adventurer, talk to Duffy-san first. He’s good at socializing, and he might be able to introduce you to someone who can help you with your life.”

Irene nodded at her words. Duffy is the doctor who has been taking care of me for a long time. He may indeed be able to help me with his advice.

I immediately decided to leave the house and go see Duffy-san.

　◇◇◇

“Visit a man named Shinichi Tanaka.”

That’s what I was told at Duffy-san’s house. I heard that name somewhere, but it’s somehow vague so I can’t remember who it is.

He added, “He is the man who treated you.”

“Do you mean, that Oniichan?”

“Yes, that guy you called Oniichan is Shinichi Tanaka. He should be an adventurer in Mana.”

“The neighboring city huh. Troublesome.”

“You want to be an adventurer, right? At least as far as I know, the only people who will accept you unconditionally are the Homeless.”

The neighboring city is quite a distance from here. If I walk, it takes about half a day. For me, who has never been outside the city, it is also a challenge to the unknown. But when I think about meeting the benefactor who helped me, my heart warms so much that I don’t mind walking such distance.

“Hn.”

“What’s that hand outreached for?”

“Cost of going to the next city.”

“Oh-, you girl really…. Good grief.”

Duffy reluctantly gives me money. My poor family can’t even afford my meals. I had no choice but to rely on him. But I’ll be sure to return it later.

“How should I talk to him?”

“Well, I think it’s fair to start with, hi, it’s been a while. Then introduce yourself.”

“I can’t talk for a long time.”

“It’s just you being lazy you know. When you meet him, you have to explain it to him properly.”

“Troublesome”

“And who said she’s going to be an adventurer? Ah-, I have a headache.”

Sensei held his head so I thought the conversation was over and left the house.

The goal is Mana. I’m going to see Oniichan.

I stopped on a city street.

“I’m glad I married you. I’m really happy.”

“Yeah, me too. I’ll make it easy for you all the time.”

I was watching a young man and woman huddled together in a café. The two are kissing and flirting. I decided to use ninjutsu to spy on the sight I saw for the first time.

“It’s amazing…… Men and women …… do things like that huh.”

The man grabs the woman’s large breasts while kissing deeply. However, the woman pushed the man away with a shy expression.

“We can’t do it in a place like this. After we get home, okay?”

“That’s right. Hehe, sorry I got so excited.”

Their passion has gone down a bit, but I feel like I’m still heating up.

Is this what the relationship between a man and a woman means? Mmm, I learned a lot.

I even got important information that it would be easier if I were to get married. I got lucky today.

“Marry Oniichan. Mmm, not bad.”

Oniichan is kind. And he is to my liking. Given that, I might be happy if I can get married and have fun flirting like that man and woman. Yes, it’s definitely going to be awesome.

The course of my life has been decided. Marry Oniichan. That way, I can be an adventurer and have fun. Also, flirting.

My walking steps gradually quickened, and before I knew it, I was running frantically towards Mana. In this way, my life restarts as an adventurer.

However, I had no idea at the time that there would be a rival, an elf.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Once upon a time, there was a hero in this kingdom named Pedro Rodman. He slew tens of thousands of enemies in his lifetime, among them was his son. The weapon that symbolizes the hero Pedro is the magic steel sword. The sword, which has a mysterious red glow, is said to be a magic sword that has swallowed the blood of tens of thousands of enemies.

And then, from the Rodman family, a hero was born once again.

“Hey Reina. Are you really listening to me?”

“Ah-, yes. I’m listening. But to say that this is a magic sword….it seems like a lie you know.”

“Don’t be fooled by its appearance. It is the embodiment of murderous intent. It’s a sword of death that invites those who wield it to kill.”

“Hmmm.”

To be honest, I don’t believe in that kind of story. How to say…. It was more shocking to me that I had the weapon of the hero Pedro in front of me. I immediately pulled the sword out of its scabbard.

“As expected of a hero’s sword. It has a different aura.”

“Never lose it. It’s one of the treasures of the Rodman family.”

“I know. I’ll give it back to you after a little use.”

I’m the hero, Reina Rodman. I am the first female hero in the history of the Kingdom of Logas.

I quickly equipped the sword at my waist and check my whole body in the mirror. Short red hair, big almond-like eyes and long eyelashes. Although there’s no bulgy breasts, my slender figure has feminine lines and it exudes a kind of sex appeal in its own way.

In addition, my custom-made armor conveys dignity and status while still fitting the body. I’m a little concerned as I look masculine but as the first female hero, this might be just right.

“Neechan, you’ve become a hero! Give me some pocket money!”

My younger brother comes into the room and puts out his hand and begs for money. I don’t want to say this to my blood-related family, but my brother is as ugly as an orc child. Well, I love him because he has a good personality.

I gave him five copper coins and warns him.

“You’d better learn how to be a proper blacksmith as soon as possible. After all, you’re going to be the third-generation owner of the Rodman Weapon Store which grandpa made.”

“Yes! I’m going to make a great weapons store here in Mana! I’ll definitely make it a store that will never lose to the main family! Thank you Neechan!”

My younger brother grabbed the coins and left the room. The main family is the main line of the Rodman family in the Royal Capital. Originally, my family was doing business in the Royal Capital, but my grandfather had no choice but to move to the countryside because he had a bad relationship with the Family head.

And that’s when the current Rodman Weapons Store opened. Now my grandfather has retired and my father runs the business, but sometimes people from the main family in the Royal Capital comes here and smears our reputation bad.

“Nevertheless, my grandchild is a hero. There’s no hope for the future huh.”

“What are you talking about, Grandpa? Even though we’re a branch family, the Rodman family has produced a hero again. Why can’t you just be happier about it?”

“Having it come from the branch family is pointless. Besides, a hero should be a man. For Reina, who is a woman, to become a hero is just absurd. Has this kingdom become senile due to continued peace?”

“Grandpa! You’ll be charged guilty of insulting His Majesty if you say that.”

“Tsk-, pretend I didn’t say it then.”

It’s not like it’s that easy. I stand in a position similar to that of general in this kingdom. Even though he is a relative, I cannot forgive remarks that insult His Majesty. 

Just then, three people came into the room.

“We’re aiming for the thirtieth level from today. Let’s keep our spirits up.”

One of my companion smiles.

They’re my comrades. Myne, Coby and Dedel. We are a party of four that started adventuring together a few years ago and has only recently been promoted to the rank of senior adventurers. Even now that I am a hero, I still find time to spend my days adventuring with them.

“Oops, it’s bad to make a visit without any souvenirs. I’m going to give this to grandfather.”

“Hoho. Isn’t this the Dragon Slayer which is said to be a phantom liquor? Are you sure you’re giving such expensive item to me?”

“I’m indebted to Reina. It’s a little thank you gift.”

“I won’t be modest then. Kuu~, this is delicious!”

Grandpa is in a good mood after a sip of Dragon Slayer. When I told him I wanted to use Pedro’s sword, he was very much against it, but when alcohol is involved, he forgets about it.

“Are you worried?”

“Mmm, I just felt like I would never see this sight again.”

“Hey, that’s not a good omen. I’m sure we will come home safely.”

“….That’s right. My bad.”

I apologized to Coby. After that, when we were ready, we decided to head to Mohed Great Dungeon.

　◇◇◇

This request also doubles as a hero’s mission. This is because I am supposed to investigate a missing case in which a party who dived into the Mohed Great Dungeon disappeared between the 25th and 30th floors. And now we are at the 30th floor.

We had reached our destination without finding any of the rumored phenomena or enemies.

“This time it’s hobgoblins and gremlins. It would have been great if we could hunt a lich.”

Dedel, a martial artist, mumbled out as he checks his backpack. Myne, the mage, replied as he rested his back against the wall.

“If you’re talking about the ones in the twenty-sixth or twenty-eighth level, I’m against it. It’s a dangerous area where the undead are rampant. If there is a cause for the incident, it will be those three layers, but if we do it poorly, we will be wiped out for sure.”

“I agree with Myne. Even if Reina is here, I don’t think it’s a good idea to get too deep into it.”

Coby, who specializes in theft and assassination, is smoking a cigarette as he said that.

I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed as I listened to them. If this continues, we will return without completing our mission. In that case, I would not be able to maintain my dignity as a hero. I swore to His Majesty that I would accomplish any task after all.

As the pinnacle of martial arts, I must solve this case at all costs.

“After finding the Temple of Teleportation, I plan to return to the twenty-eighth level. As long as we secure a way back, we should be able to continue the mission.”

“You’ll go back from here!? That’s too dangerous! We… especially you Reina, we have fought so hard to reach here!”

“I know. But now that I’ve accepted this mission, I can’t go home empty-handed. I also have a sense of pride as a hero you see.”

At my discretion as the leader, the party decided to return to the twenty-eighth level. However, without warning, the devil’s hand turned on us.

“My~, my~, that was a close call. I almost let my prey escape.”

Hearing those words, I turned around at the source of voice and saw a strange man standing at the end of the dimly lit aisle. I wonder how long he was there. I didn’t feel his presence at all.

The man had pale skin and bloodshot eyes. His dark hair was in a slicked back style and abnormally sharp canine teeth were visible from his purple lips. In addition to that, as that man breath, the smell of blood fills the air. The clothes he wore accentuated his foreignness.

“Who!? Why are you he—”

Immediately after I tried to call out, the man’s figure disappeared in an instant.

“Gyaaa!!!”

Turning to Myne’s screams, I saw the man biting my companion’s neck. Dedel and I reflexively raised our weapons.

Myne who was drained off blood was thrown away with a thud.

“Fuhahahaha. Do you really think you, a mere human, can beat me?”

Beads of sweat fell from my forehead. 9 out of 10 he should be a vampire. And he is probably the culprit of the series of missing persons. I didn’t expect that the other party was a demon.

“Coby, maybe I won’t win, so at least give this to my family.”

I tossed Pedro’s sword to Coby, who is behind me. But he didn’t try to pick it up right away.

“If it’s meant to be a keepsake, I won’t do it. The four of us talked about coming back alive.”

“I’m sorry. That probably won’t happen. I feel bad but please apologize to my family on my behalf.”

“That’s unfair! Am I the only one to survive? Let me fight with you guys!”

“Stop dilly dallying and go! Go on before that guy preys on you!”

Coby gritted his teeth, picked up my sword and ran down the aisle. Perhaps he is the only one who can get away from here. This is because he possesses a skill that has a stealth effect. I want him to use the Temple of Teleportation to return to the ground safely.

“Kuhahaha, that little man escaped huh. Well, his blood seemed to taste bad so it doesn’t matter to me. As long as you guys don’t escape, I’ll be satisfied.”

It seems that from the very beginning, this vampire didn’t look at Coby. On the contrary, that’s convenient. If he comes to the ground, I’m sure he’ll report the vampire to the kingdom. If that happens, the upper management will come up with some kind of countermeasure.

I draw my other sword and face the enemy.

“Reina, I’m going to accompany you to the bottom of hell.”

“Stop joking. With a muscular and oppressively hot guy like you, it’s already hell you know.”

“Haha, I guess you can say that.”

Dedel and I faced the vampire with a smile on our faces.

　◇◇◇

I woke up there. 

I just saw the memories of someone else. Or perhaps, it was me when I was alive.

—However, I’m now master’s faithful servant.

“Suketarou, I’ll ask for ten more sauce.”

Master orders yakitori from me. I had started a yakitori food stall in the city as a secret side job, but Master had recently found out about it. As a result, sales have increased dramatically. No matter what I say, Master insisted on paying for his food and drink.

“It looks like you were sleeping which is rare. Come to think of it, do skeletons get tired too?”

I was asked a question out of the blue.

I told him that I did not fell asleep. Rather than saying that I was sleeping, I could say that my memory suddenly came back. While thinking about it, I put sauce on the skewers and grill them again.

It doesn’t matter who I was before. I’m now Suketarou. Living as an undead.

“But I’ve been wondering for a long time, does the Soul Eating skill really eat souls?”

I shook my head at my Master’s question. To be honest, I don’t know how to answer. This is because I have no memory of the time before I was born as an undead. It seems that the undead themselves, including myself, do not know exactly what kind of skill it is. However, when I use that skill, I felt like I’m eating something. It’s unclear whether it’s a soul or a memory though.

“Well, there’s no point in thinking about it. I’ll have another drink.”

In response to my Master’s order, I hold a bottle of sake and pours it into a cup. If this is hell, Reina may be surprisingly happy. With that in mind, I continue to work today.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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-Pero’s POV-

My parents were no longer there when I was born. I managed to survive by eating the food that the adults in the group gave me on a whim. To be honest, I’ve never had a full meal. I could only try to fill my hunger with someone’s leftovers. That’s why I’ve always thought that I would be happy if I could eat food with a full stomach.

The herd of kobolds I was in was the largest group called the Central Group. The leader of the herd is a mutant kobold. He is strong and smart. Above all, he had the ability to lead. Many adult kobolds followed him with admiration.

Of course, I also admired him. This is because kobolds have an instinct to be attracted to the strong. I was no exception.

Let’s change the topic.

Basically, I spend the day holding my nose. This is because the smell of the balm tree is unbearable. The reason why the herd I’m in is called Central Group is that we formed a village in the center of the garden centered on the balm tree. Kobolds, who don’t care about the smell, might have been fine, but it was a pain for me because I don’t like the scent of citrus.

In particular, the scent emanating from the fruit of the balm tree makes my nose itch intensely. Because of that, I made my home away from the herd.

One day, when I went to the village, the group was in a state of destruction. The adults were brutally killed, and the leader, the mutant kobold, was furious.

I just stood there stunned at such scene. The only thing I could understand was that a strong enemy attacked the village. At that time, even I could somehow understand that more than 20 of my fellow villagers were killed by a single enemy. That’s why I thought that an incredibly large and terrifying enemy had killed the adults.

The next day, the leader, the mutant kobold, was also killed. I was terrified. I shuddered just thinking about how such a monster had come to this place. I’m sure that monster will eventually catch me and eat me.

I thought so and then I hid in my house. As it turned out, the monster didn’t come to me. On the contrary, if I just kept on waiting, I will only be hungry. I figured that the monster must have gone somewhere so I started looking for food.

The surviving adults and children should have joined another herd by now. Normally, I should go there too. But there was no guarantee that the monster wouldn’t attack that herd again. That’s why I deliberately chose to live alone.

Now that I think about it, there was no guarantee that I wouldn’t be attacked just because I was alone. I felt like I had found the right answer though, so I didn’t think about it too much. 

The search for food was difficult. As a child, the only thing I can get is fruit. I want to eat meat. Feed me some meat. My instincts as a kobold tormented me. Maybe if my parents are here, I could have hunted better. If father had taught me how to hunt, I might manage to get at least a small piece of prey. Every time I thought about it, my heart became very depressed.

One day, I met creatures that I had never seen before. They have no body hair like a kobold and they have a lot of strange things on their body. They don’t have sharp claws on their hands and no fangs to bite on prey’s flesh.

When they saw me, they smiled and started talking.

“A kobold with a face like a Shiba Inu huh. Isn’t he a little cutie?”

“Is that so? I think all kobold kids are like that though.”

“Hey, come, come here. If you want meat, I’ll give you some.”

“H-hey, listen to me!”

The two creatures were making strange noises. One has a black hair and the other has golden one. However, I don’t feel any hostility from them. In addition, the one with black hair was holding out something that looked like meat to me.

My vigilance was blown away in an instant. I think it’s probably because I was hungry for meat. When I put the meat in my mouth, the chewy texture and flavor that was different from raw meat hit my brain directly.

What a delicious piece of meat! It tasted better than any meat I’ve ever eaten. Somehow, it feels like the delicious part has been solidified. I licked my fingers in a daze.

“Is it delicious? Look, there’s more.”

The mysterious creature in front of me handed me meat one after another. As I took it and put it in my mouth, I felt happier than ever.

“Bye then. I hope to see you again somewhere.”

The black-haired creature waves his hand and tries to leave. I quickly clung to his leg, thinking that if I followed, I would get more meat.

“I don’t have any more meat. Do you like dried meat that much?”

I respond to him with a squeal.

Take me. Don’t leave me alone.

Then the dark-haired creature stroked my head and then laughed.

“Alright. From today onwards, I shall call you Pero. I’ll come here from time to time, so please excuse me today.”

Pero. That word strangely stuck in my ears. At the time, I didn’t even think that it was a name. Why? Because kobolds did not have the habit of naming themselves.

In the end, the two creatures were gone. However, I was happy that day because my heart seemed to be satisfied. From then on, those two creatures often passed near my place. Of course, I remember their scent, so as soon as they pass by, I go to see them. The black-haired one looks at me and smiles as he strokes my head. The one with golden hair also strokes my head but she tends to be a little reserved. 

I feel happy to receive meat as usual. Later, when I hugged the black haired one, his scent is so pleasant that it somehow made me feel at peace and happier.

“See you then, Pero.”

But the two of them always leave after giving me meat. I want them to take me with them. I want to feel even happier. Those thoughts are ringing in my head. With that, I cling desperately, but I was eventually torn off and left behind. 

Next time. I’ll see to it that next time, they take me with them. That’s what I decided. 

The next time I saw them, it was different. The black-haired one handed me meat and water. I was horrified by the sparkling water. I don’t know why. But in any case, I fear the water itself.

The black-haired one is still smiling gently at me. Then I came up with an idea. Maybe they are trying to see if they can add me to their herd by whether I drink this water or not. In that case, I have no choice but to drink. I was determined to follow them this time.

Once I drink it all up, my throat and stomach felt like burning as if I had swallowed fire. Then the heat eventually spreads throughout my body. After a while, I felt like my thoughts were clearer. I know I became a sacred beast. After that, there may not be much to talk about. I became a member of Homeless and became Father’s child.

However, there is a little more to this story.

In fact, when I first met Father, I immediately knew that he was the one who killed the mutant kobold. After all, I have a good nose. I can remember the smell of an enemy in an instant. Still, I decided to get closer to him because I wasn’t too hostile to Father.

In addition, we kobolds have an instinct to prefer the strong. If the person who killed the leader has the ability to lead the pack, we kobolds will naturally follow him. But it’s not because of instinct that I like Father. It’s my will. It was Father who gave me dried meat that day, and that made me want to follow him.

Now I’m proud of the name, Pero Tanaka.

Ah, that’s a bit of a long story. I’ll talk about my adventures next time.

Good night.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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