V6C130 (2/2)

I said with sweat running down my back and Haru looked like she was sulking … she was basically expressionless but it still looked like she was sulking.

I’d like to praise myself for becoming able to detect such slight changes.

“Ichino-sama, your right hand is free though.”

Carol who was sitting on my right lightly said that and leaned towards me.

… Carol had an unusual longing expression.

Seeing that, I smiled and stroked Carol’s head. Carol’s purple hair was similarly glossy like Haru’s hair so it felt nice to touch too.

That’s right, what I wish for is not for a battle with a dragon or to fight tens of thousands of monsters, it is for peaceful moments like this.

When we return to Ferruit, this time, I will make sure to enjoy our time leisurely until the maintenance of the South Road is over.

While I was thinking that, a single child from the surrounding children looking at us from afar approached us,

“So it’s true that male Humes have the urge to breed no matter where they are nya.”

And muttered that while staring at us. I suddenly felt embarrassed(it was my fault though) and lowered my hands when the white cat guards returned.

“I’ll lead you to the King nya … nya? What’s wrong nya? Your face is red?”

I couldn’t answer that question at all. It felt like steam was coming off the top of my head.

※※※

At the innermost room of the building.

Stella was in a long room next to a white wall.

“Stella, don’t run off so suddenly …”

“Ah, everyone, sorry nya. I was distraught nya.”

Her expression was spiritless.

“What happened exactly?”

“The legendary Silver Vine tree everyone saw was something kings plant when they take the crown. And the tree grows as the king grows.”

Stella muttered as she stared at the white wall.

“If the tree’s remaining life is short, it also means that the King don’t have long to live too nya.”

” … I see … Since it’s Stella’s father, the King … then why are you here? You should go meet the King …”

“Eh? I’m looking at him now nya.”

Stella said.

Looking at him now?

But, I don’t see the Cat Sith King’s figure anywhere … when enormous eyes and mouth suddenly appeared on the white wall.

Or rather, I thought it was a wall but it was a huge Cat Sith. A huge Cat Sith that had fit itself perfectly into the room.

” … Oo, welcome guests, sorry for letting you see me like this. I am the Cat Sith current King, Zuberoa.”

I was surprised.

That Cat Sith, as expected of a King, he wasn’t an ordinary Cat Sith.

He apologized for his appearance. It’s true that letting guests see him fitting perfectly inside a room was impolite but that wasn’t the problem.

“You can pronounce ‘na’ normally?”

“Master, that’s the part that surprises you?”

Haru tsukkomi-ed.

“Yup, that was the foremost surprising thing. … I’m sorry for my rudeness, Your Majesty.”

Carol’s gaze told me that I said something really rude.

“It’s okay. I only have little time left as the country’s King. More importantly, my dear daughter was in your care. I’d like to thank you not as a King but as Stella’s father. Thank you.”

Zuberoa said that and closed his eyes.

“King, please don’t say that you only have little time left.”

“It’s fine, Stella. Look at my fur. It was originally a splendid black but now it has become totally white. I am content to have lived such a long life until now. But, before I pass away, I wanted to drink the Silver Vine Wine Stella made.”

” … Father.”

I was silent for a moment after seeing the interaction between the two Cat Siths but I made a decision.

“Your Majesty, please wait for a little while. Stella and I will now create the greatest Silver Vine Wine for Your Majesty.”