Chapter 29

The silver wolf appeared, rustling the bushes, standing tall.

Originally, it was already larger than other wolves, but now it looked even bigger.

The silver wolf was almost entirely covered in shimmering silver fur, except for part of its face, and it was incredibly fluffy.

Compared to other wolves that had just finished their molting period and looked a bit thinner, its fluffiness stood out even more.

Perhaps it was an individual for whom the difference between winter and summer coats was less noticeable?

Even compared to the summer coats of wolves in Japan, the amount of fur seemed to be about 50% more.

Overall, it seemed that the wolves in this world had richer coats than those on Earth.

While I was thinking about these things and humming a tune, I felt the silver wolf's gaze was cold.

It seemed to be observing me with a steady, icy blue eye, as if it were about to say, "What on earth are you so cheerful about?"

Cold gaze, thank you very much.

...I'm not a masochist, you know?

I just think that a slightly exasperated silver wolf is also kind of cute, that's all.

If a human were to give me such a chilly look, I would definitely feel deflated.

Of course, I have no intention of showing such a relaxed demeanor in front of others...

If any of the princess candidates or King Glenreed were to see me like this, I would be so embarrassed that I might die.

"Whoo, Lady Letitia is still beloved by the wolves today."

"Good afternoon, Moll."

From the grove where the silver wolf had appeared, Moll now emerged.

I decided to ask him about something that had been on my mind.

"Moll, I want to call this silver wolf by a name. What should I call it?"

"......None."

"None?"

"We just call it the silver wolf, praising its magnificent coat. If Lady Letitia wishes, you can give it a name of your choice."

"Is that okay?"

"Well, it's fine. Always calling it the silver wolf might get a bit dull."

The silver wolf's ears twitched at our conversation.

Its thick ears are so cute.

"Hmm, how about... Goo?"

"Roar!"

The silver wolf let out a growl, as if to say, "Rejected, rejected!!"

"Does it not like it? How about Ruu?"

"Growl!"

"Garuu?"

"Roar!"

I tried a few more names, but they were all rejected.

What's wrong with them?

As I was wondering what to do, Moll started laughing.

"Whoo, it's a male with a high sense of pride. It's not the name itself, but the 'chan' suffix that it doesn't like."

"Really? It can understand such subtle nuances?"

"......Probably. Even if the words don't get through, it can sense a lot from Lady Letitia's tone and the way you call it."

"That's quite an intelligent wolf......"

If this silver wolf were on Earth, it might have become a circus star, an idol wolf.

Imagining it performing a ring of fire act was surprisingly fitting.

"Idol wolf, Lord Goo......"

"Rr!"

The silver wolf nodded, as if to say, "Fine, I'll accept that name."

"Lord Goo......?"

"Growl!"

When I called it, it responded with an affirmative growl.

...It seems Lord Goo is the decided name.

"Lord Goo, you're a strange wolf......"

"Rr!"

"Unfair. You're the strange one," it seemed to protest with a growl.

Lord Goo snorted and approached me.

It seemed to be interested in the slicker brush again.

"Do you want me to brush you?"

"Rr......"

"It's not that. I just find the smell interesting," it seemed to say, wrinkling its nose as if making an excuse.

At first, it didn't seem enthusiastic, but it allowed me to use the slicker brush.

Unlike Jena and the other wolves, it didn't get all mushy, but it didn't run away, so it didn't seem to dislike it.

"I don't mind being brushed, but you won't let me pet you. Isn't that the opposite of what's normal......?"

This slicker brush, with its metal comb, should be more stimulating than touching with my hands.

Despite this, it didn't mind being brushed but didn't like being petted, which was quite unusual.

After enjoying the slicker brush for a while, Lord Goo flicked its tail, as if to say, "I'll be back, so be prepared," and left with Moll.

After a while, Edgar and the other wolves also left, so I decided to take a walk before returning to the mansion.

It was spring.

The afternoon sunlight was beautiful, casting lace-like shadows on the ground through the trees.

The area around the mansion was like a small forest, and the scent of greenery was refreshing.

As I stretched and walked with Lucian, the bushes on the right rustled.

"A cat......?"

On the other side of Lucian, who was protecting me, a small fur ball was moving.

It had a small, round head with large, light green eyes.

It was a gray tabby cat, with dark gray stripes.

"......"

"......"

We stared at each other in silence.

...What a strange cat.

Cats usually avoid making eye contact with humans.

Except for very close companions, making eye contact was almost like challenging them to a fight.

But this cat didn't look away or show any signs of attacking.

Its light green eyes were so clear and beautiful, like young leaves.

After a while, the cat, with its whiskers fluttering in the breeze, started walking into the woods, looking back at me.

It seemed to be saying, "Follow me."

"......Shall we follow it?"

Since I was curious, I decided to follow it.

The cat confirmed that I was following and trotted through the trees.

As I followed this four-legged guide, a sweet scent wafted past my nose.

The scent grew stronger and was familiar.

It reminded me of my past life.

"Could this be......"

At the place the cat led me to, where the trees opened up,

red, lustrous strawberries were hanging heavily.

It was the first time I had seen strawberries in this world.

I love canines, but I also love felines.

Dragons, lions, foxes, alpacas, capybaras, and penguins are also hard to resist.

Whether real or mythical, I think each animal and creature has its own unique charm.