Chapter 45: Various Circumstances

The man sitting across from Master in the living room now had golden hair, a sweet, almost feminine face that would likely be popular with women, a gentle smile, and a calm, soothing tone.

Even though he looked utterly exhausted, he still carried an undeniable air of elegance and refinement. He was a young man of the human race.

No, no, there’s no way this guy is a refugee. He’s obviously someone of noble birth.

His prince-like aura was ridiculous. If someone told me he was just a commoner, every unpopular guy out there would grab a bamboo spear and revolt. They might even throw things hard enough to shoot down a spaceship.

“You truly saved us… Thank you so much.”

“Thank you.”

Sitting beside this man—who could very well be called a prince without raising any objections—was a woman with soft light-brown fur and rabbit ears. She leaned more toward beautiful than cute, yet still retained an air of charm and grace.

She seemed to be his lover. The bandages wrapped around her arms and legs looked a little painful, but her complexion was fine.

“No, we understand too well how hard it is to be on the run. Please, raise your heads.”

As Master said that and the two of them lifted their heads in unison, the woman’s chest softly bounced.

Yes, she too clearly belonged to the “blessed” side of the world. A handsome man and a beautiful woman—what a fitting pair. I hope they both stub their little toes on the doorframe on the way out.

“I’ll do everything I can to help everyone live peacefully. …Though I may not be capable of much, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Master nodded at the young man’s sincere words and began to speak about surviving the winter and what they should do when spring arrives.

Apparently, the man was something like the leader of the evacuees. Despite being human, he had earned considerable trust. According to Master’s judgment, he was reasonably strong, but the question was how useful he’d actually be.

“Master… why are you acting all high and mighty?”

Oops—that came out loud. Yuria gently scolded me. But I couldn’t help it—it was just so frustrating.

“He’s handsome, well-liked, has a busty bunny-eared girlfriend! There’s no way I’m not jealous! Meanwhile, I’m treated like a goblin or a pet—my path is straight down the no-romance lane! It’s unfa—mgh!?”

Suddenly, Yuria pinched my cheeks and stretched them out from both sides, her face dead serious. Ow ow ow!

“I-It hurts! This isn’t funny, please let gooo!”

“I like you, Master. I wouldn’t mind saying it openly. But sometimes… I just find you incredibly irritating.”

“Why would you say thaaat… ow ow ow! I’m sorry! I’m so sorryyy!”

Ow ow ow ow ow!?

◇

Thanks to Yuria’s sudden act of violence, I suffered serious cheek damage and was kicked out by Master for being noisy.

Even though it wasn’t my fault. The world is seriously unfair. While I was sulking in the bedroom, beating up a pillow, Master returned.

“Done talking already?”

“…Yeah. For now, I’ve told them to focus on recovering their strength through the winter. Once it ends, I plan to have them study according to their aptitudes.”

Master sat down on the bed, looked up as if gathering his thoughts, then calmly explained what had been decided. But something was off. It wasn’t that he was hiding something or choosing his words carefully—he just looked like there was something that didn’t sit right with him.

I crawled across the bed and scooted closer.

“…If it has anything to do with me, I want to know.”

“It’s not exactly a pleasant story.”

“I’m ready for that.”

With an unusually serious expression, Master told me the Kingdom seemed to be moving like it was searching for something.

Still, it was hard to imagine they’d mobilize the army just for a single elf. When the topic came up, the young man had tried to cover it up, but there’d been a slight oddness in his behavior.

I’d thought they were after me—but it didn’t look like it was that simple.

So then, just who is that young man? The way he was sitting with her looked like a peaceful couple deeply in love, but judging by appearances, he was clearly from noble blood.

Maybe he’s the son of some great noble who fell in love with a beastkin and ran away with her? But even then, having the country send troops seems like an overreaction. Hmm… I really want to know.

“Well, he doesn’t seem like a bad guy, so let’s just keep an eye on him for now. Either way, neither of us can move freely during the winter.”

Before I knew it, Master had sat beside me and poked my stomach.

Venturing into a winter forest takes serious determination.

Yesterday, it just so happened that the snow had stopped, and just so happened that Master had reinforced the barrier with a temperature dampening effect, so it wasn’t as cold as it looked. Thanks to that, we just barely made it through.

Under normal circumstances, we’d have been wiped out—no question.

Even if the enemy had some sort of motive, I can’t imagine they’d gamble everything just to sneak into a hidden village. And they wouldn’t recklessly send troops into the winter forest based solely on uncertain intel, either.

Judging by Master’s demeanor, he’s probably planning to prepare for battle during the winter… Not exactly comforting news.

“…Still, what’s with this belly? Keep this up and it’s a total mood killer.”

“Could you please stop kneading my stomach like it’s some sort of stress ball!?”

I quickly swatted his hand away, rolled off the bed, and clutched my stomach protectively. How unbelievably rude. …Wait, no—if he’s that turned off, maybe he won’t call me to his room tonight.

But then again… if that happens, how am I supposed to pay off the 544 gold coins of debt I still owe?

As much as I hate to admit it, one night of service earns me ten silver coins. That’s the equivalent of one gold coin every ten days—and that’s without counting the bonuses for “added options.” Honestly, I can’t imagine paying it off any other way.

“…Guess it’s time for a real diet.”

While I was busy agonizing over that, Master seemed to have already decided my fate. He stood up with a sigh. I backed away and slipped off the bed, peeking over with just half my face to watch what he was doing.

Thanks to everything lately, the word “diet” now fills me with primal fear.

“I can guess what you’re imagining, but sorry to disappoint—we’re doing it the normal way.”

“That’s not disappointing!!”

Please don’t say it like I was hoping otherwise! Also, what exactly is “normal” in your country?! Are you from the Land of Lewd Manga or something!?

“Come on, the snow’s cleared up. We’re going for a run today. You’ve barely moved at all lately—not even around the house.”

“Ehhh… But I hate the cold…”

He said something surprisingly normal, and I instinctively complained. Cold days are meant for lazing around under blankets! Besides, you don’t even sweat in this weather, so the exercise won’t be effective anyway! Probably. Maybe.

But just as I tried to dive back into the futon, he grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and dragged me out.

“…I’ve spoiled you too much. Fine. You get to choose—exercise outside or exercise in the bed.”

He looked down at me with ice in his eyes.

I really wanted to say, “No exercise at all, please,” but even I knew that option would lead straight to a dead end.

That said, the bed kind of exercise… I’d really rather not. And the worst part is, it does have some effect, which only makes it all the more frustrating and confusing.

“…I’ll go outside. Please.”

So, in other words, there was only one choice I could make. Seeing me completely surrender, Master nodded in approval and said, “Very well then,” releasing his grip. Whew—Master is just way too lenient!

I slipped past him like a forward roll, tumbling off the bed, and dashed toward the door. If I locked myself in my own room, there was no way he’d drag me out by breaking the door down.

That means I win—though really, why was I even in Master’s bedroom in the first place? Habits are scary things.

“Too soft.”

“Gyaaah!?”

Just as my hand was about to reach the door handle, he suddenly swooped in from the side and scooped me up by my stomach, holding me tucked under his arm. Humiliating.

“Stooop it! I don’t want to go outside! I don’t want to goooo!!”

It’s freezing out there—I mean seriously, freezing!!

“I’m not even doing anything weird this time, so quit resisting.”

Oh, so he knew that himself… but hey, this isn’t the time for that! Somebody help meeee!

---

◇◆ ADVENTURE RESULT ◆◇
【EXP】
NO BATTLE

◆【Sora Lv.88】
◆【Lulu Lv.36】
◆【Yuria Lv.35】
◇―
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
Sora Lv.88 [887]
Lulu Lv.36 [366]
Yuria Lv.35 [351]

【RECORD】
[MAX COMBO] >> 34
[MAX BATTLE] >> 34

【PARTY-1 (Main)】
[Shuya] [Lv95] HP 2100/2100 MP 3460/3460 [Normal]
[Sora] [Lv88] HP 20/63 MP 1253/1253 [Fatigued]
[Lulu] [Lv36] HP 835/835 MP 40/40 [Normal]
[Yuria] [Lv34] HP 1840/1840 MP 89/89 [Normal]

【PARTY-2 (Sub)】
[Fere] [Lv30] HP 282/282 MP 1030/1030 [Normal]

【PARTY-3 (Sub)】
[Makoto] [Lv66] HP 3450/3450 MP 150/150 [Normal]
[Chris] [Lv13] HP 200/200 MP 20/20 [Normal]
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

“Hey, where’s Sora?”
“She seemed to collapse and fall asleep after running about five laps around the house.”
“Senpai has way too little stamina! Is she only strong at night!?”