Chapter 36

For now, we decided to disband here and have a post-meeting gathering at some restaurant in the evening.

When I asked if it was okay to go out even though we were supposed to be on probation, they said it would be fine as long as we didn't leave the capital this time.

I couldn't help but gape at how lenient the rules were.

"Well, that's fine. We'll talk about the details tonight."

It seems the captains hadn't taken a bath, changed clothes, or had a proper meal.

I couldn't tell them that I had taken a bath, changed clothes, and even received fruit milk and bread.

"Ah, but we can't leave the griffin lion here, what should we do?"

"It's okay, it's a place I used to work at."

Apparently, there are private VIP rooms. Since they are rarely used, they should be available.

"I'll make a reservation on the way back."

That's how the plan was settled.

"Right, I have to go pick up Blanch too."

"You can do it tomorrow. You have plenty of time."

"I miss her, I want to see her as soon as possible."

"Alright, do as you please."

Zara's幻兽, a mountain cat, is being kept at a noble's mansion. It's a large, white, and adorable cat.

"By the way, will we be taking the griffin lion on the expedition?"

"Probably. Once it grows, we can ride it."

"Ugh, that sounds cruel."

"The horses running alongside it would be even more pitiful."

"True, that's right."

The griffin lion, which will grow larger than a horse, will have its food provided by the幻兽Protection Bureau, but I'm still worried about it.

"Que?"

I hugged the griffin lion, which was looking up at me from my chest. It's much heavier now than when I rescued it. It will surely grow quickly.

We will never be separated again. Thinking about that made my chest warm.

"Thank you very much."

Despite our different statuses, they protected the griffin lion and me. I couldn't be happier.

The captain roughly patted my head and flicked my forehead before leaving. Vice-Captain Berry apologized to me and followed after him. Gal looked at the griffin lion with kind eyes and left. Urgas was excitedly clapping his hands in front of the griffin lion but was deflated when it growled at him. Zara smiled and waved, saying, "See you later."

"Well, let's go back to the dormitory."

"Que que!"

That's how we finally returned to the dormitory after a few days.

◇◇◇

I was thinking about sleeping in a fluffy futon, but I had to report to the dormitory master about the griffin lion first.

It turned out that a messenger from the幻兽Protection Bureau had come, and the conversation with the dormitory master went smoothly.

The deputy director of the幻兽Protection Bureau came and apologized profusely, more than I felt was necessary. We got back on track and discussed the幻兽raising.

The deputy director handed me a幻兽raising permit, which is usually only given to those who pass the exam, but was issued specially this time. With this, I can enter social events and get various benefits when shopping for幻兽-related items. I was told to check the details in the document.

"Then, I will explain the details now."

First, I was told that I couldn't keep the griffin lion in the dormitory. I nodded, knowing it would grow as large as a horse.

Next, we discussed my future living arrangements.

"The幻兽Protection Bureau will cover the rent in full. If you have any preferences, we can recommend properties."

"Understood."

Finally, I was handed a stack of documents. They were about the griffin lion. There were about a hundred pages, so I decided to read them in my room.

"I also brought some fruit for the griffin lion's food."

"That's very helpful."

I was just thinking about buying food for the griffin lion. The幻兽Protection Bureau really thought of everything.

Regarding housing, they gave me a few days to move. I would be moving to a room where the surrounding rooms were unoccupied. Since I had few belongings, the move wasn't too much trouble.

"Also, about the records of the幻兽."

There was good news about the records I had to submit to the幻兽Protection Bureau. I would receive a gold coin for important information, a silver coin for decent information, and a half-silver coin for other information. If used wisely, this could quickly save up for my sister's wedding. There was also a special allowance for幻兽supervisors and other benefits like danger compensation. It seemed I could live off just raising the griffin lion, though I wouldn't quit my job.

After the discussion, I parted ways with the deputy director and moved with the dormitory master. I packed my belongings into a travel bag, and the griffin lion curiously peered inside. The dormitory master efficiently folded my clothes. My belongings fit into one large bag, one small bag, and one box. We used a handcart to move the bags and the griffin lion to the new room.

"Thank you, dormitory master."

"You're welcome. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Yes, that's very reassuring."

I bowed and parted ways with the dormitory master. In front of the new room, there were three boxes of fruit. I placed the griffin lion on the bed and carried the boxes inside. The room was filled with the sweet and tangy scent of the fruit.

I sat on the bed and checked on the griffin lion. Its wounds were completely healed, and its broken wing had recovered. It must have been thanks to the recovery magic from the幻兽Protection Bureau staff.

"That's good... Your injuries are healed."

"Que!"

It could now take wobbly steps. Magic is truly amazing. However—

"Whoa, be careful!!"

The griffin lion almost fell off the bed. I quickly picked it up. Being able to move wasn't all good.

I placed the griffin lion on my lap and started reading the documents.

First, it said that griffin lions are very attached to their families and are jealous. It's better not to keep them outside if contracted.

That means I need to rent a large room suitable for nobles. But since the rent is covered by the幻兽Protection Bureau, that's not a concern. However, I won't be able to go shopping once it grows. This is a bit of a problem.

As I flipped through the pages, I realized the griffin lion was an extraordinary creature.

I was speechless when I saw the last document. It was an adoption form from the director of the幻兽Protection Bureau, Marius Lichtenberger. I just found out he was a marquis. A marquis is one of the highest-ranking nobles. The captain must have known he was a noble from the Lichtenberger family and still kicked him out without hesitation.

I wanted to thank the captain again. I know violence is the worst and should not be used, but I was happy.

More importantly, adoption... He must really want to keep the幻兽. I definitely don't want that nervous man as a father. I refuse.

On the other hand, it might be safer to be under someone's protection while living with the griffin lion. I will likely face various problems in the future, and having a director who is an expert and has a high social status could help solve them quickly. But I have a strong feeling we won't get along at all. It's a very troubling issue.

While I was reading the documents and muttering, the evening bell rang. The sun had set, and the room was quite dark. I lit the fireplace and the room lights.

I thought about making some tea when I realized I needed to prepare for the dinner gathering.

I took out the dress I had chosen with Zara from my bag. It was a cute design with a navy blue base and gold tape trim. Checking the clock, I saw the meeting time was approaching. I quickly tied my hair up high, like Zara.

"Que que"

"Ah, yes!"

I packed the griffin lion's fruit into my shoulder bag. It seemed hungry, so I peeled the fruit for it, but it only ate half.

"What a waste."

I didn't want to throw it away, so I decided to eat it. The fruit had a red skin but was translucent inside. It had a crunchy texture and was incredibly sweet. It must be a very expensive fruit. I decided to consider it a sign of the幻兽Protection Bureau's love.