Chapter 57

As the seasons changed, it became the best time for studying, and my academic progress was going smoothly. Today, I listened to the lessons attentively and completed my self-study at the library.

It was just an ordinary day, but after all, a student's primary duty is to study. As long as I do this, my daily life will be fulfilling.

On my way back from studying, I stopped by Toto's botanical garden. It was my usual detour route. Toto and Iris must be growing some suspicious plants as usual. I could easily imagine the scene as I came into view of the greenhouse.

Where are they? I glanced inside the greenhouse. Toto doesn't seem to be here. That's unusual. I wandered around the greenhouse and found Iris!

"Whoa!?"

I wouldn't have been surprised if it was just Iris, but there was a big dog. It was covered in mud and was unusually large.

"What? What's this dog!?"

"Huh?"

Iris finally noticed me and turned around. Her face was pale.

"It's not a dog..."

Not a dog? Why are you lying!?

It's a dog! As long as my eyes aren't failing me, the thing in front of me is a dog! It looks like a St. Bernard. If you were lost in the mountains, it would definitely save you with its strong body.

"Is it a dog...?"

"It might not be a dog..."

What!? Why are you trying to cover it up? The way Iris's eyes darted around was proof that she was lying! No, first of all, it's definitely a dog!

"Is there something wrong if it's a dog?"

"Um, maybe it's not good..."

Not good? Then maybe I shouldn't recognize it as a dog.

"Does Kururi think this is a dog? Is that okay?"

It feels like I'm being tested. What's the right answer? Since Iris won't admit it's a dog, maybe I shouldn't either.

"It's not a dog."

"Yes, that's right."

Got it, that's the right answer!

"By the way, what about the thing that's not a dog?"

"This not-a-dog was here when I came after school."

"Hmm, so it's friendly?"

From the looks of it, Iris's clothes are also covered in mud, so they must have had fun together.

"This one is very obedient and a good kid. Plus, it's kind and smart."

"Okay."

"Also, even though it's so big, it doesn't harm people."

"Okay."

"Ah, it's a good kid. It will definitely be useful to humans."

In other words, you want to keep it. Sure, why not?

"Then, why don't you keep it?"

Iris's eyes lit up as if she had been waiting for this. I could almost hear a "Kiraan" sound.

"Is it okay...?"

"It should be fine. It's not written in the school rules."

No one would expect anyone to keep a dog, so the school probably didn't think about it. So, we should keep it before it's banned. It's a gray area, right?

"But, is it really okay...?"

"It's fine. We can get food from the cafeteria."

"But..."

"I can build a doghouse tomorrow. This field is spacious, so it can move around freely and won't lack exercise."

I got carried away and started talking, and then I noticed Iris tugging at my clothes, muttering something.

"…Not...?"

"Huh, what?"

"Does it eat...?"

"Does the dog eat people? Ha, no way."

After a moment, Iris's face shot up.

"People eat dogs!"

"Wait, what!?"

"You know, nobles eat exotic foods like dogs! I know that!"

She's talking so fast, and her face is so close.

"No, we don't eat them. If anyone does, it's a very small minority, and there are probably breeds suitable for eating."

"Don't lie. If you eat, say you eat!"

"Hey, I don't eat them!"

"Right. Then, let's say this is not a dog. That way, it won't be eaten, hehehe."

"Hey, hey, calm down, Iris!"

"This is not a dog, this is not a dog."

"You're brainwashing the wrong person! What will you do if only you get brainwashed?"

I shook her shoulders to bring her back to her senses. Her head shook back and forth. She should be calmer now.

People get desperate when protecting something important. I'll pretend I didn't see her panic just now.

"Really, really, you don't eat them!?"

"I swear to God, I don't eat them. If I want exotic food, I'll look for something else."

"Like, Eliza or Prince Arc?"

Hmm, I might kick them when they're in a bad mood...

"Don't worry!"

I raised my thumb to reassure her.

"Then, it's okay to keep it. I'll take good care of it."

"Sure. It's been looking at you the whole time, so it's best to keep it."

So, we decided to keep the big dog. Now that I think about it, Toto probably got scared off by this big dog. I should explain to him tomorrow. He's quite pitiful, isn't he?

"It could be a good guard dog for the field."

It could be a great assistant for Iris's big vegetable plan.

"Will it attack anyone?"

Only someone like Vain would do that.

"A big dog like this won't attack anyone out of fear. Let's not tie it up so it can run away if necessary."

"Right. Run away, Alfred."

Alfred? What's that?

You can't be serious, this dirty dog is going to be called Alfred, a noble name?

"Alfred, really?"

"Yeah, that's his name. Isn't it cool?"

Her eyes were shining, so I didn't have the courage to correct her.

"Let's clean it up. It's dirty."

"Okay."

To make it a bit more fitting for its name, we need to get the mud off first. Using the water for the plants, Iris washed it thoroughly.

Alfred seemed to enjoy it, with its eyes half-closed and its mouth slightly open.

This guy is definitely not Alfred. He's more like Gorou.

"Phew, you're clean now, Alfred."

Iris buried her face in Alfred's fluffy, dry fur. It does look comfortable.

Maybe I'll try it later. But it's embarrassing, so I'll do it alone.

"I'll get the materials for the doghouse from the school's surplus."

"Then, I'll negotiate with the cafeteria lady to secure a stable food supply for this one."

"Maybe just a collar. I have some leather in my room, so I'll make it. I'll also add some knightly accessories to the collar."

A knight guarding the field. Maybe I'll make a shield accessory with the leftover iron.

It's been a while since I made something small, so I'm looking forward to it.

"Okay, let's measure your neck, Alfred!"

I started walking back to my room.

Alfred... Oh, he's not following.

That's unexpected.

"Alfred, I'll make a collar for you, so come here..."

He's not coming.

Huh?

Iris and I were so excited about keeping this dog. I wasn't even noticed by it? What a embarrassing misunderstanding. Actually, I haven't even touched it once.

"Alfred, let's go to Kururi's room."

When Iris started walking, Alfred followed obediently, wagging its tail.

I decided to call that dog Gorou. And instead of a shield, I'll make a potato accessory for the collar. With a bit of mischief in my heart, I headed back to my room.