Chapter 47

After parting ways with Jean, I resumed my walk and exploration.

I was walking along the castle walls.

Really, when you walk around like this, you realize how vast the castle is. The fields are also expansive.

The trees around the fields create a pleasant shade, blocking the direct sunlight, which is especially nice. The warm weather feels so good.

While walking, I decided to bombard Elies and Mars with questions, taking advantage of my childlike privilege.

About plants and small animals like squirrels.

It's amazing how they both answer so well.

While doing this, I could see the buildings of our destination, the stables, in the distance!

"...So big."

"Most of the riding beasts are quite large. There are stables for riding beasts without owners, stables for those with owners, and special stables for the dragons of the mobile unit."

Standing in front of the building, I looked up in amazement as Elies explained.

In other words, there are both fluffy and smooth types.

"This time, let's introduce you to my and Mars' riding beasts."

"Kyaa!"

Nodding in agreement, I was surprised by what Elies said. New fluffy ones!?

I couldn't help but cheer. I'm not being bad.

Oh, speaking of riding beasts,

"...Lechu?"

"Lechu? Lechu doesn't have an owner and there are various reasons why it's difficult to meet him."

Oof. I won't be able to touch that supreme fur today. What a shame.

But I'll get to meet new riding beasts.

"Let's go. Be careful not to move recklessly or touch anything. If you get hurt, Vincent will be angry too."

"...Yes."

Just as I was getting excited, Elies gently smiled and firmly warned me. If I do anything foolish, not only Elies and Vincent, but even Dilnan will scold me.

That's absolutely terrifying.

Shuddering at the thought, Mars patted my shoulder. His eyes clearly said, "Don't forget what you just imagined."

I couldn't help but shudder again.

I'm moving to the stables with Elies and Mars.

So far, I haven't seen a single riding beast, which is a bit disappointing.

I thought there would be so many.

"Most riding beasts are nocturnal. At this time, they are usually sleeping in the stables, so it's rare to see them."

"Taking a nap?"

"Most owners visit after work. That's why they don't move much."

Perhaps I was too obvious, but Mars explained.

Does that mean it's okay to go see them now?

"If they were wild, they would sleep lightly and could move normally even without sleeping for two or three days. There's no problem with going to see them."

"Wow. I'm so sleepy even though I'm a kid."

"Growing up is a kid's job."

"That's right. Yuri, do a little work, sleep a lot, eat, and play."

While walking along with Elies and Mars, the conversation continued.

"I'll do my work properly."

"Of course, you should do what you need to do. And when you grow up, we'll give you as much work as you can handle. So, for now, grow up freely."

When I said this with determination, Elies smiled back at me. Mars patted my head.

I don't know how to say it, but the Northern Demon King Castle has very reliable fathers, brothers, and sometimes even a big sister (??).

"Here is the stable for the paperwork unit."

Before I knew it, we had come quite far inside.

The door Elies pointed to had the word "paperwork" on it.

When the door opened, I peeked inside and saw various large riding beasts lounging around. The ears of each riding beast perked up at the sound of the door opening, and they all turned their gaze.

Following Elies and Mars as they entered, two riding beasts came to the fence from the back.

A pure white pegasus and a jet-black unicorn!

Super fantasy creatures, here they are!!

However, they are incredibly large and imposing. They look graceful, but they have very well-defined muscles.

"This is my riding beast, Keisha's Filius."

As I looked up in amazement, Elies approached the pure white pegasus and stroked its neck.

Mars also approached the jet-black unicorn, and the riding beast leaned its nose towards Mars.

"My riding beast is Cornu's Edith."

...They both suit them.

Two handsome men riding magnificent beasts might be a visual assault.

"Yuri, come here. ...Filius, this is Yuri."

At Elies' call, I approached hesitantly, still blinking from my daydream, and Elies introduced me to his riding beast.

"Filius, nice to meet you."

"Edith, this is Yuri."

"Edith, nice to meet you too."

Since I finally got to meet them, I greeted them. Mars followed suit and introduced me.

Still, up close, their fur is so glossy, and their eyes are round with long eyelashes.

They are very dignified yet cute, these horses. I want to touch their beautiful muscles, but I can't reach.

"Yuri seems to know about horses."

"Horses. I read about them in a book."

I managed to answer without laughing at the unexpected species name.

I guess Elies' "horses" are horses.

The higher species that can become riding beasts have cool names, so how did they end up like this!? *snicker*.

"General transportation is by horses."

"Most of the horses in children's stories are horses."

Please, two handsome brothers saying "horses" together is too much. It's seriously dangerous.

"They're so cute."

To change the topic before I burst out laughing, I turned back to the two.

If I close my eyes to their enormous size, I really like these two.

Unlike Lechu's fluffiness, their supple muscles are their charm.

I love both fur and muscles. *sigh*.

I really want to touch them, and my fingers are tingling.

Did they notice I was looking at them with such lecherous eyes? Suddenly, both of them started to munch on my hair from either side.

"Hey!? Don't eat my hair!"

I couldn't run away because of my hair, and I couldn't just hit them, so I could only wave my arms up and down in protest.

Of course, or rather, their munching attack didn't stop with just that.

Oh no, I'm sorry for looking at them with such lecherous eyes!

"Yuri, calm down."

"Elies, my hair is going to be gone!"

I turned to Elies for help, half-crying, and he had a smile that seemed to be holding back laughter.

Please help me, I don't want to be bald at this age!!

"Neither of them intends to harm you. They are grooming you. ...It's an expression of affection."

"Huh?"

I thought about Elies' words and stopped waving my arms.

These two are not attacking me, but grooming me?

"Doing this on the first meeting is quite unusual. It seems Filius and Edith have taken a liking to you."

"Most of the time, if someone tries to touch them, Filius will give a powerful kick or Edith will gore with her horn."

Mars said this casually, but wouldn't that be fatal? Especially Edith. Her beautiful pearl-colored horn is quite sharp and long.

I couldn't help but shudder with a pale face.

By the way, how long do I have to let them keep munching on my hair?