Chapter 23

"But I thought the labyrinth would be a place where monsters appear after just three minutes of walking... It turns out there are surprisingly few monsters..."

In the 9th level of the labyrinth, I nodded in greeting to a group of six male adventurers we passed, and then I asked Haru about this. I cautiously watched to make sure they didn’t attack us from behind, but they simply continued up the stairs without giving us a second glance after our brief nod.

"The beginner labyrinth is like that. There are no monster rooms, and stronger people can ignore the monsters along the way and just focus on defeating the boss," Haru explained.

"Ah, we'll do the same then. Is the boss down this staircase?"

"Yes... If the adventurers we just passed have already defeated the boss, it will take some time for it to reappear. During that time, you can't enter the boss room."

"Is there a respawn time? How long?"

"For the beginner labyrinth, it takes about 30 minutes for the boss to reappear."

With Haru's guidance, we continued for another five minutes.

We found a descending staircase and went down. When I asked if he remembered the way, he said he followed the scent of the adventurers we passed, but in reverse. Pretty convenient.

At the bottom of the stairs, there was a door with a lion's mark. It was a massive door, about 4 meters high and 2 meters wide.

"The door will open when the time comes. If other adventurers are present, you'll have to wait your turn."

"What kind of monster is the boss here?"

"The Goblin King. Five goblins appear with him, but it's a level I can handle alone."

"I see. Then I won't get too worked up. It's just right, and I can have lunch."

It's hard to tell time in the labyrinth, so I rely on my stomach. I think we've been in the labyrinth for about three hours, around 4 PM.

"Is dried meat, bread, and water okay for you, Haru?"

"Is it alright if I eat the same as you, Master?"

"Yeah... Actually, I have an item bag with freshly made food, but I wanted to try this dried meat."

Haru and I shared the dried meat and bread. The dried meat was almost like salted meat and quite hard. It had been wiped with high-proof alcohol for disinfection, which gave it a strong smell I didn’t like. If it had been left outside the item bag, the smell might have dissipated. As a result, it made my throat very dry.

The bread was harder than French bread and had a bland taste. It was good for strengthening my teeth, and I found myself drinking more water. I decided to bring regular food next time.

"Still, the dried meat is delicious."

Haru ate the dried meat steadily, his tail swaying from side to side. His expression was the same as always, but he looked genuinely enjoying it.

"Do you like dried meat, Haru?"

"Yes, the meat dish Lady Margaret made yesterday was delicious, but I still prefer tough meat."

"I see... It's a bit tough for me. Haru, do you want to eat my share?"

"No, no, I couldn't possibly take your share, Master."

He was saying this politely, but his tail was swaying widely, showing how happy he was. Seeing him so happy made me want to tease him a bit.

"Alright, then I'll eat it..."

As I said this, Haru's tail drooped. Did he realize how much his tail was reacting?

"Well, it's still tough. Haru, eat it for me."

"Then I will accept your offer."

Haru's tail was moving vigorously as he took the dried meat.

"...Haru, you're so cute."

"Thank you."

Seeing Haru's blushing face and bowed head, I felt a surge of manliness.

"Um... Haru, I have a question. For the White Wolf tribe, is it unpleasant if someone touches your tail, ears, or stomach?"

"For the White Wolf tribe, it is very unpleasant for anyone other than a recognized master to touch our tails, ears, or stomachs... But I would be honored if Master touched them."

Not just the ears and tail, but the stomach too?

But he said it was okay for me to touch them.

With that, I slowly stood up and sat next to Haru on his left. Then, with my right hand, I reached into his skirt—

"Ah..."

"Eh?"

"No, it's just that I've never been touched by anyone other than my parents."

"Ah... Okay, thank you."

I was only touching his tail, but it felt like I was doing something naughty. But... it felt so good. The texture was incomparable to cashmere or mohair. I wanted to use his tail as a pillow.

Then, my hand moved to Haru's ear.

It was warm—soft, and I could feel the pulse. I could sense Haru's body heat.

"...Thank you for the meal."

"...Um, Master, if it's not too much trouble, could you... pet my stomach?"

"My stomach?"

"Yes, for the White Wolf tribe, having one's stomach petted is the highest sign of loyalty."

Haru lay down on his back and slightly lifted his shirt, revealing his navel.

"If someone comes, we'll know by their scent."

"Right, I can sense if someone is coming. But is it okay?"

"Yes... I actually thought we would wait until we got back to the room, but... after you touched my tail..."

...Alright, a man who can't take what's offered is a shame. I mean, it's just petting the stomach.

I reached out and touched Haru's stomach.

It was soft... firm yet so soft that I couldn't help but get lost in it. I wanted to touch it more. My wish seemed to be granted to the fullest extent.

"...Master, could you touch a bit higher?"

"A bit higher?"

"Yes, a bit higher."

"A bit higher... is it okay?"

That area... it's... you know, the two hills. It's not the stomach anymore... right?

"Haru?"

"......"

"Hey... Haru?"

"......Suuu..."

He's asleep... huh? At this moment?

Why?

Then I noticed Haru's face was bright red. I realized a possibility. He's drunk! From the alcohol used to disinfect the dried meat!

I thought he was being bold, but that's why.

How long has he been drunk? Since I touched his tail? Or when he lay down on his back?

If I ask him, Haru will definitely be embarrassed, so I won't say anything to him about today. I won't forget, though.

I straightened his clothes and petted Haru's head.

I discovered Haru's unexpected weakness, so I'll let it go.

I spread my right hand, which had nowhere to go, and reached for the ceiling. I couldn't bring myself to touch a sleeping girl's chest.

Then, the door behind us opened, and the Goblin King and five goblins were looking at us, grinning.

They were smirking. I've always been a man who can't take what's offered, living a life full of shame.

I know it's 100% paranoia, but I drew my sword.