Chapter 69

Finally, it seems like he’s about to return. It’s a short one.

"Look, Chappie. There’s a turtle in the pond."

"Pi?"

"Is it something? I don’t know what kind it is."

I don’t think there are red-eared sliders in this world. But there are tomatoes and bell peppers. There are also things like silk and honey, so the boundaries are not very clear. Besides, Mississippi is a place name from the other side, so even if there are turtles, it’s unlikely they are the same species.

While hugging Chappie, I look out over the garden. It looks a bit unkempt. The servants’ movements are restricted, so if left alone, weeds will start to grow. The water’s edge is dangerous, so I cautiously walk around the pond. Anna is a bit behind me, and since she hasn’t said anything, it should be fine.

I find a wooden pier and head over. Yes, it seems safe. I can walk on it. Maybe I can get a closer look at the turtle. Chappie starts to squirm and flail his limbs, so I put him down. He scurries across the pier with his short limbs. I follow behind him. His thick, green tail wiggles cutely.

When we reach the end, Chappie sticks to the pier and gazes at the water. I thought the turtle was swimming over to touch noses with him, but then the turtle bit Chappie’s nose.

"Pyaaaaaaaah!"

Chappie, with the turtle still attached to his nose, runs back to me, crying. Before he can jump on me, Anna quickly catches him, roughly pulls the turtle off, and throws it back into the pond. It’s a very swift move.

Chappie clings to my feet, crying and asking to be picked up. There, there. It must have hurt. When I stroke his nose, he nuzzles it against my chest and starts to act affectionate. He’s so cute.

Was the turtle hungry?

...There’s no one to feed it, right? What do turtles eat? Fish? Bread might not be good? Are the food preferences of turtles in this different world the same?

As I hug the sobbing Chappie, I feel reassured.

He’s so cute. I want to ask Father to let him stay at home.

I’ve already taught him to sit, shake hands, and come when called. The only thing left is potty training, but does he even excrete? I haven’t seen him do it yet.

Since Anna doesn’t seem angry, I don’t think he’s had an accident.

This little one is a bit of a mystery, but if I ask Father to investigate, it should be fine, right? What if keeping turtles is banned in the country?

Are fairies and spirits considered pets? Do they make contracts in a fantasy setting?

Father would probably know.

...Father.

Father, Father, Father.

—I’m worried. I want to see you, Father.

It seems my thoughts finally reached him.

The next day, I received news that Father was returning to the capital.

Various plans intersect all at once.

I was advised to leave the palace in Vayu by royal decree. Although it was labeled as a royal order, the letter from King Lauses was written with consideration for me.

Kishtria and Domitrius are coming to pick me up.

Hmm, my limited social circle is completely exposed? Since Kishtria is coming, Julius must be there too.

It’s probably to welcome Father back, right? Probably.

Father, who has been keeping my sandy green eyes a secret, is in a slightly awkward position at court, but he doesn’t seem to care.

Father is so capable that there’s no one to replace him. Even if they criticize him, no one can do better—neither can I. I’ll do my best to resist being a weakness for Father.

Absolutely, absolutely, I won’t be at the mercy of some noble who doesn’t know me.

Even the Duke of Fortuna is a no-go for me.

I’m going back to Father and Latitche.

"Marshal Latitche, we can see the capital."

"Yes, it feels nostalgic even after being away for a short while... Finally, I can see that child again."

Thank you for reading!