Chapter 34

"Brother Alberto, are you alright!?"

After defeating Pazuzu, I returned to the land and shook Alberto, who had collapsed.

It seemed the influence of Pazuzu's magic had already worn off, and he quickly regained consciousness.

"Ugh... Lloyd...? What exactly... Huh! Is everyone alright!? What happened to the demon!?"

Alberto got up and looked around.

Ah... damn it. How do I explain this?

I can't say I defeated it.

"Please calm down, Brother Alberto... Um, well, I also passed out, and when I woke up, everyone was down, and the demon was nowhere to be found!"

Trying to make up a story, Alberto didn't seem entirely convinced.

"I see... I apologize for losing my composure. Let's wake everyone up first."

"Yes, sir!"

Somehow, I managed to fool him.

As I let out a sigh of relief, the others started to wake up.

Alberto confirmed everyone's safety and nodded.

"Everyone, it's a relief that you're all safe. Despite being attacked by the demon, the fact that we're all alive is nothing short of a miracle. However, during the battle, I was knocked out by the black mist the demon emitted and don't remember what happened to it. Did anyone see anything?"

Alberto looked around, but no one spoke up.

Silfa also shook her head.

Phew, I'm saved. It seems my identity hasn't been exposed.

"―I saw it."

"Wha!?"

I couldn't help but burst out laughing at Tao's words.

"Is something wrong, Lord Lloyd?"

"N-no, nothing..."

While Silfa patted my back, I coughed several times.

Did she see it? My heart raced as I listened to Tao's words.

"The one who saved us and defeated the demon was... Roberto."

"Wha!?"

I couldn't help but laugh again.

"Lord Lloyd!"

Silfa patted my back worriedly as I coughed.

"By Roberto, you mean... the adventurer who saved Tao before?"

"Yep, just when I was about to lose consciousness, he appeared dramatically! He faced the demon and had an incredible battle on the lake. He didn't flinch at the demon's attacks and defeated it with an amazing spell. He's truly a great companion, having pledged our future together!"

Tao blushed and wriggled her hips.

I didn't realize she was still conscious... but fortunately, she seems to have a bit of a misunderstanding, so my identity hasn't been exposed.

By the way, when did we pledge our future together? I have no memory of that.

"Hmm... An adventurer who can defeat a demon must be quite famous. We should find him and thank him."

No, there's no adventurer named Roberto... but whatever.

I'll just pretend I don't know.

"Oof! Oof!"

Suddenly, barks came from the forest.

Large white dogs emerged from the bushes and approached me.

"Wh-what are you guys doing here!"

On closer inspection, these dogs, now looking completely adorable, were the Bearwolves from earlier.

I could tell by the flow of magic within them; it's the same pattern, even if their appearance and demeanor have changed due to growth or training.

Why did this happen?

"Magic beasts can change their appearance and personality based on the magic they consume. These must have changed because they were exposed to Lord Lloyd's magic."

"Oof!"

The dog barked in agreement.

One of them sat down in front of me, and the others followed suit.

The lead dog looked up at me with sparkling eyes and wagged its tail.

"Seems like this one was directly controlled by Pazuzu. It now recognizes Lord Lloyd as its master."

"It seems so."

However, I can't bring them back to the castle. They're cute, but they're still magic beasts.

I thought this and glanced at Silfa.

"Oh my, this dog seems to have taken quite a liking to Lord Lloyd!"

But Silfa looked at the dog that had taken a liking to me and smiled happily.

Huh? I thought she would definitely say we can't bring it back, but she seems to be in a good mood.

"Why do you look so surprised, Lord Lloyd? Dogs are loyal and make excellent companions for warriors. The Langris family has always kept many dogs. I've been thinking about getting Lord Lloyd a dog someday, and this is a good opportunity. This one seems quite healthy, so would you like to keep it?"

Silfa's words were echoed by Alberto's nod.

"That's right. I like dogs too. White magic beasts are considered lucky. Since it has taken such a liking to you, it will surely be a good friend to Lloyd."

"Oof! Oof Oof!"

The dog barked as if urging me to do so.

If they both say it's fine, then it's fine.

I also have a lot of research I want to do on magic beasts.

...Ah, no! I'm not going to do anything perverted, okay?

"Lloyd, you should give it a name."

"A name... Hmm, how about Shiro?"

"Oof!"

It's a simple reason because it's white, but Shiro seems to like it.

He rubbed his head against me, as if asking to be petted.

When I petted him, Shiro wagged his tail so hard it looked like it might break, expressing his joy.

So cute.