Chapter 74

"Kuna, wait a moment. I'll prepare some tea right away."

I invited Kuna in and had her sit on the bed. I used magic to warm the water from the pitcher in the room and poured it into the teapot. Since Kuna seemed nervous, I used herbs that have a calming effect.

"That smells good. This tea."

"I found some good herbs while walking through the town. It's my favorite."

It's a type of herb that can't be found in Erin. Since it's my favorite, I’ve stockpiled a considerable amount.

"Here, Kuna's share."

"Thank you, Soji-kun."

Kuna took the tea from me and sipped it while blowing to cool it down. She seemed more alluring than usual, and I couldn't help but notice her lips.

"Ah, it's delicious. This tea."

"I'm glad you like it."

Kuna slowly savored the tea. Then, as the tea ran out, silence filled the room. I waited for Kuna to speak. It would be unrefined to urge her.

"Soji-kun, are you angry about the secret I kept from you?"

Kuna looked up at me hesitantly.

"Are you talking about the fact that you're the daughter of the leader of Elsie?"

Kuna nodded silently in response to my question.

"I'm not angry."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really. Why would I need to be angry?"

"Because I'm the princess of Elsie! If we're together, we might get involved in strange things, and I'm a troublesome girl! I approached you while hiding that fact. I was planning to tell you eventually... but the current life is so enjoyable, and I was afraid you might dislike me if I told you, so I couldn't bring myself to say it..."

Kuna started speaking loudly and then gradually became quieter. It was probably because she felt sorry for me.

"So, what are you trying to say?"

I said to Kuna in a somewhat exasperated tone.

"Because... if you knew I was a princess, Soji-kun, you didn't change your attitude at all!?"

"Of course not. Do you expect me to change my attitude just because you're a princess, or do you want to be treated like a princess? If so, should I act accordingly?"

"No, that's not what I meant. Rather, I prefer it when you act normally."

"Then, it's fine. Besides, you've always been my princess."

"...That line, it's just like the usual Soji-kun."

Kuna looked at me with a deadpan expression and said coldly, then laughed. Seeing her like that, I laughed too.

"It feels like I was being silly for worrying so much."

"Exactly. What do you think of me? I'm the kind of guy who would punch a king for Kuna. Whether you're a princess or not doesn't matter."

"That's an exaggeration."

"I'm serious. Actually, today I punched the king of Elsie who made Kuna cry."

"Really!? I heard he was defeated, but to that extent!?"

"Yeah, a solid right hook landed perfectly on his cheek, and it felt great."

Kuna's eyes widened in surprise at my words.

"I can't believe it. To that father of mine... Soji-kun can do anything. But, I wish I had been there. I wanted to see that fight."

Kuna said with a hint of regret. I wished I could have shown her too. It was a great fight.

"Unfortunately, I can't punch him again just to show you. As a person."

"No one asked you to do that!"

Kuna interjected with enthusiasm. This rhythm felt comfortable.

"...Soji-kun, let me introduce myself again. I want you to know the real me. I want to tell you properly."

Kuna smiled and said so. A transparent yet warm and beautiful smile. Kuna stood up from the bed and met my gaze.

"I am Kuna Elsie, the youngest daughter of Cyril Elsie, the leader of Elsie, and the songstress of Elsie. Please, it's nice to meet you. I want to be with Soji-kun forever."

Kuna, introducing herself as Kuna Elsie, had a dignity that made me almost kneel. She truly is a princess.

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Soji, a student at Velgrand Knight School. I plan to become the world's strongest magician. Let's go together until death parts us."

We smiled at each other. It felt like I finally met the real Kuna.

"What does 'until death parts us' mean?"

Kuna giggled and asked.

"Yeah, it means exactly that. Let's stay together until we die. It's also a bit of a charm, I guess."

It's a phrase used in wedding ceremonies on Earth. I said it, wishing to spend my life with Kuna. I'll keep this meaning to myself for now and explain it to her someday.

"I promise too. Let's stay together until death parts us."

My heart raced. Kuna said it without knowing the meaning, but it still made me happy.

"Hey, Soji-kun. Are you tired?"

"Today has been tiring with all that happened."

"Then, come over here. I'll let you use my tail as a pillow."

Kuna sat back on the bed, patted it, and turned her tail sideways.

"You never let me touch your tail before. Is it okay now?"

"Yes, it's fine with the current Soji-kun. But, you can touch it, not grip it. If you grip it, I'll become 'foxed.'"

"Got it. I won't grip your tail."

I went to the bed, following Kuna's words, and rested my head on her lush tail. Kuna's fluffy fur softly cradled my head, making me feel happy with the scent of the sun and Kuna.

When I touched her tail, it felt smooth yet soft, sinking in, providing an exquisite sensation.

"How is it? Is the tail pillow comfortable?"

"Yeah, it's the best. I could stay like this forever."

"If so, I'll keep it like this until you fall asleep. It's special today."

Kuna looked down at me with a gentle expression.

"Hey, Kuna, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"What does 'foxed' mean?"

"You don't know?"

Kuna looked surprised.

"Um, 'foxed' means gripping a fire fox's tail tightly."

"Oh, that's what it means."

"How can you say that! When a fire fox lets someone grip its tail, it means they trust that person with everything. It's only done with someone who has pledged eternal love or absolute obedience. 'Foxed' is that special."

"I see, there's a hidden meaning in the act."

"It's not just a meaning. When a fire fox's tail is gripped, it feels good. The body tightens and heats up. My mother said that when her favorite person grips her tail, she feels truly happy. I sometimes do it alone... What am I saying!"

Kuna blushed and glared at me. I see, that's important. I won't let anyone else 'fox' me.

"Kuna, can I 'fox' you?"

"W-What are you saying?"

"I'll take care of you for life."

I meant it. I came to this world to live with Kuna.

"You're serious... Then, I'll answer seriously. Not now. For now, just use the tail pillow."

"Okay, can you tell me why?"

"It's a secret. If I tell you, Soji-kun will definitely overdo it."

Kuna smiled gently.

"I see, that's a shame..."

Sleepiness was creeping over me. This tail was lulling me into a deep sleep. My consciousness was fading.

"But, even if not now, I think I'll let Soji-kun 'fox' me someday. I... No, never mind."

As I heard those words, my consciousness was enveloped in darkness.