Chapter 12

I have corrected the difficult phrasing.

Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying petting the area around Retz's belly while he is in a prone position.

I noticed him right after I looked around and found him right inside the gate, so I retreated to Retz's side to avoid Elies' smile attack.

Retz accepted me without any resistance. How grateful I am.

"So, Dilnan. What happened to that child?"

"...We rescued him from being eaten by a monster in the 'Deep Forest.'"

While I was petting Retz, it seems the adults started their conversation.

You're an adult too, right?

I'm a child right now. ...Probably.

"We went hunting for meat, but ended up being chased by the prey. After calming down and searching the area, there was no sign of a guardian or any magical aura. He was emaciated, and yet he was left there until he could only eat birdseed. The shock must have been too great, and he doesn't remember anything. If it weren't for his protective circle, we wouldn't even know his name."

"Leaving such a young child in the 'Deep Forest'... How could such a thing happen?"

"Before bringing him here, we measured his magic. His magic was the lowest rank. The only thing he could handle properly was water magic. It was out of the question to leave a child with no decisive offensive power alone in such a place, so I brought him. From the situation, it seems most likely that he is a victim of the eastern family dispute."

"......Could he be an assassin?"

"I introduced myself first, but he showed no reaction to the position holders of the Northern Demon King's Castle. He even tilted his head. He has no sense of caution towards others. It's worrying how little he knows about suspecting others. Most importantly, Retz accepted him without any hesitation on their first meeting."

...?

It's strange. Retz is unusually friendly and his reactions are very human.

Right now, Retz has curled up with me on his belly, and I am enveloped in his fur.

I can totally understand why there's a lady who loves fur. Retz's fur is the best texture. It's irresistible.

"..."

"..."

Ah, I can't take it anymore. I'm sleepy. The voices sound distant.

*rumble*

My stomach clock announces noon.

"Growl"

"Retz?"

Retz's bark and Dilnan's voice.

*rumble*

A little later, my stomach growled.

"...Haha, even when you're sleeping, your stomach clock is really accurate, Yurii!!"

"Oh, this is a problem. Let's have a meal before deciding where to assign you."

"Food"

At the irresistible word, Retz perked up from my stomach.

I'm still a bit sleepy, but food is a good reason to wake up.

"I don't think I'll be assigned to the paperwork department. Yurii's only interest is food. He wakes up at the mention of food."

"Then, let's prepare delicious sweets every day."

Sweets.

I love all kinds of sweets, from cookies to muffins, cakes, and jellies. I used to drink a lot, but sweets are a different story.

Oh, thinking about it...

*rumble*

"Big brother, I'm hungry."

Unable to hold it in, I hugged my stomach and appealed to Dilnan.

"‘Big brother,’ huh?"

"Yep. If I call you big brother, you'll give me food."

"Call me 'big brother.' This one initially called me 'old man,' so I corrected it."

When I nodded in response to Elies' question, Dilnan joined in. Ah, Elies burst out laughing.

Dilnan, who was being laughed at, ignored it and picked me up effortlessly with his left arm.

Eh, I can walk.

"Huh?"

"You're hungry, right? It would take you a quarter of an hour to get to the food with your legs."

"Please."

Looking up, I bowed and asked Dilnan, who read me accurately. I don't know how long a quarter of an hour is, but I don't want my food to be delayed.

I'm fully aware of my gluttony, so please don't laugh.

Before entering the castle, I said goodbye to Retz at the gate.

Apparently, riding beasts are generally not allowed inside the castle. The gate guards will take them to a dedicated stable.

He looked very sad, so I said, "See you later."

Just that made him cheer up. Despite his large size, Retz is so cute. It made my heart skip a beat.

Dilnan carried me to the cafeteria.

Since it was lunchtime, there were many people, including knights in armor, people in robes like Elies, and people in regular work clothes.

It looked like a company cafeteria, with self-service for serving and cleaning. It didn't seem like they paid.

The seating was wooden, like a family restaurant.

Elies had already taken a seat and told me to get my food first. What a nice person.

"Captain, you're back already!?"

When Dilnan went to the serving counter, a teenager around his late teens called out to him.

The people in the kitchen also turned to look.

"Yeah, I went hunting. I'll be back completely tomorrow. I'm going to have a battle with Elies now."

"Wh-What? With Captain Elies? Why again?"

"It's about the new recruit."

*rumble* *rumble*

I apologize, but my stomach is very assertive, even while the teenager and Dilnan are talking.

Please don't look at me like I'm some rare creature, teenager.

"I've never had my stomach protest before, Yurii. ...Alf, prepare a plate with extra portions. Also, a large plate, a mug, and a small fork and spoon."

Dilnan seems to be quite used to this. Is he enjoying it?

He ordered the teenager to prepare the food.

Dilnan, still holding me in his left arm, carried a tray with both our meals in his right hand to the table where Elies was waiting.

His expression and demeanor didn't change at all.

It's as if he doesn't feel the weight, and his arm doesn't even tremble. His walk is smooth.

...Maybe because his legs are so long in proportion to his height, he walks very fast. He's so cool. Hmph.

"I'll go get my food, so please start eating."

Elies got up and left, saying that. She's such a nice person.

Dilnan placed the tray on the table and then put me down on a bench-type chair.

...Since I'm a child, the chair and table heights don't match. My food is far away.

"Wait a moment. I'll prepare it for you."

I grumbled, and Dilnan scolded me while dividing the food. I'm at the same level as Retz...

But I waited obediently, and after dividing the food, Dilnan sat next to me. Then, on Dilnan's lap. It's becoming my regular spot.

From my higher vantage point, I could see a beautifully arranged plate of food, a teaspoon, and a dessert fork. There was also a mug of soup. Behind that was Dilnan's tray of food.

"Here, eat. If it's not enough, just say so, and I'll share. Don't be shy."

"Okay..."

I responded to Dilnan's voice. I didn't really hear it.

Gripping the fork, I held back my growling stomach, my eyes fixed on the delicious food, but I waited.

For some reason, Dilnan patted my head. Whoa.

"Oh, Yurii, you look like a riding beast that was told to 'wait.'"

After a while, Elies returned with a tray. That comparison is a bit off, Elies. It feels like I'm at the same level as Retz again.

"Sit down quickly. I was waiting for you."

"...Huh?"

"He apparently wanted to eat with you."

Dilnan seemed to have noticed.

Why are you surprised, Elies? Is it strange to eat with someone you came with?

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Yurii. Let's eat, then."

Can I eat now?

Wow, Elies, why are you giving me the most radiant smile you've ever had? I'm melting. ...No, I can't melt without eating this delicious food!

I watched Elies sit down and pick up her fork.

"Itadakimasu."

Greetings are important, even if they're a bit mumbled.

Okay, let's eat!