Chapter 66

Thomas called out to his back and inquired about his superior's health.

"Captain, are you tired? Lately, you've been leaving on time, so you must be cramming everything into your working hours, right?"

"No, it's not like that..."

"But I feel relieved. That puppy must be very dear to you, Captain."

"......What do you mean?"

"Because, Captain, the frown between your eyebrows has lessened lately."

Thomas, feeling genuinely happy, told Oswald,

"Maybe the puppy is so cute that it makes your fatigue disappear?"

"………………"

At that moment, the frown that had just lessened reappeared, and Oswald's expression became complicated.

"......It's just my imagination."

"Wha!? No, no, you must really care for it, right?"

"It's just my imagination."

(He seems so reluctant to admit it...)

Perhaps there was some reason behind the dog. As he thought this, Oswald cleared his throat.

"Anyway, I'm counting on you for the afternoon."

"Yes, Captain!"

Thomas waved goodbye to Oswald's back as he started walking.

"Please tell me more about the puppy!"

"......Maybe someday..."

Oswald's response was still very complicated.

(By the way, I forgot to ask the puppy's name...)

With that thought, Thomas started walking down the corridor.

＊＊＊

Some time later, on the way back from a mission, Thomas asked Oswald.

"Is the puppy doing well, Captain?"

"Ha!!"

Next to him, Ignatz burst out laughing.

Ignatz, the captain of the intelligence unit and an old friend of Oswald, seemed to be very close to him, despite Oswald's reluctant expression.

"Hey, hey, you—..."

"......"

Ignatz put his arm around Oswald's shoulder and started whispering something Thomas couldn't hear.

"By 'puppy,' do you mean 'her'? Explaining it to a subordinate like that? I'm impressed, Duke Langheim, but I'm backing away..."

"Shut up, it's not like that. I didn't say it; the subordinates just misunderstood...! I can't tell them the truth."

"Still, it's not a dog. At least it should be a cat."

"Stop with your preferences and subjective opinions. What's the difference between a dog and a cat!"

Thomas, unable to understand their conversation, tilted his head and asked his superiors.

"Um...?"

"......"

"......"

Oswald and Ignatz separated and turned to Thomas.

"......It's doing well. Every day is lively, and the whole mansion is like a festival."

"Really! That's great!"

Thomas felt happy at Oswald's words.

"A lively puppy is great. Captain, even though you denied it last time, you must really care for it, right!"

"Gr......"

Oswald frowned at the word 'care.'

"......It's not like that."

"Really? But..."

"Let's get back to the castle quickly. ...Ignatz, stop with that look!"

Despite their conversation, Thomas thought to himself,

(Captain doesn't want to admit it, but... it really seems like he cares for that puppy...)

＊＊＊

Information about Oswald's dog came in some time later.

"...Captain's dog ran away..."

"Wha...!?"

Hearing this sad news, everyone in the dining hall turned pale.

After all, Oswald had been looking more troubled lately than before he got the dog.

Thomas and the other subordinates were all worried about Oswald.

"Is Captain's dog okay!?"

"Apparently, it's known where the dog ran to, and it's at Lady Heidemarie's mansion."

"Oh...! The mansion where they take care of the magical dog Fenrir, which is off-limits to men!!"

"At least it's a place familiar with raising dogs! That's a relief..."

"So, the reason Captain was so troubled was because of this...!!"

Even if the dog's safety was guaranteed, they were still worried about Oswald.

"Did Captain and the puppy have a fight?"

"Even if he wanted to bring it back, it's impossible since the mansion is off-limits to men. He must be worried."

(Captain...)

Gripping his fork tightly, Thomas prayed from the bottom of his heart.

(May Captain and Captain's puppy make up soon)

Even if Oswald didn't admit it, the dog was undoubtedly a source of support for him.

That's why Thomas, wishing for Oswald to reunite with his dog soon, resumed his lunch to prepare for the afternoon mission.

＊＊＊

Oswald took a few days off from work.

It was rare for him to take a full day off, let alone several days in a row, which was astonishing.

It felt like the reason for his leave wasn't a good one, and Thomas had a bad feeling about it, even though his colleagues didn't seem to notice.

So, one morning, when he saw Oswald back at work, Thomas felt a deep sense of relief.

"Captain! Good morning!"

"Thomas. I'm sorry for taking three days off suddenly."

"It's no problem! ...By any chance..."

Thomas sensed something from Oswald's demeanor.

The stern look that had been on Oswald's face recently was gone, and it reminded him of the time when Oswald first got the dog.

(This must mean the puppy has returned home!)

"?"

He wanted to cheer, but he couldn't bring himself to ask about the runaway. After much deliberation, Thomas came up with a way to ask.

"Ah, um!!"

"What is it?"

"Is the puppy doing well today?"

He asked the same question as before, but it felt unnatural. Oswald's eyes widened slightly before returning to his usual expression.

"......Yes."

"That's a relief! Um, well..."

To cover up his awkwardness, Thomas let his gaze wander.

"......Thomas. Actually, about the 'dog' you all talk about at my house..."

"Ah, no, it's fine, I understand without you explaining! It's not just a puppy, but Captain's best dog, right!!"

"No, that's not it..."

"I live in the knight's quarters, so I envy Captain for being able to spend time with a dog!! Even though you said something different before..."

Thomas, panicking inside, repeated the same question as before.

"Still, the puppy must be cute, right?"

"!"

Thomas thought Oswald would deny it, as he did last time.

But the response he got was unexpected.

"......Yes."

"Huh?"

Oswald's eyes softened slightly.

(......Huh...?)

It was a gentle look, as if remembering someone who wasn't there.

Thomas had never seen Oswald smile so softly.

With that gentle smile, he spoke with a voice full of affection.

"Actually, I couldn't help but find him incredibly cute. ...Always."

"......!!"

Thomas's eyes widened.

He felt as if he had stumbled upon a scene he shouldn't have seen.

It was a feeling of guilt, as if he had overheard a love confession.

"Th...! That, that, that..."

"......It's this time already. By the way, there's a meeting first thing in the morning."

Oswald, as if nothing had happened, told Thomas, who couldn't say anything.

"I have something personal to discuss, but I'll do it when everyone is together. Sorry, but can you handle the morning briefing?"

"Yes, sir!"

Thomas, straightening his back, watched Oswald's back as he left and then turned to a colleague who had just entered.

"Thomas? Why are you standing there with a red face?"

"......Hey. The reason Captain has been leaving early lately..."

"Huh? Isn't it because he got a dog? Why are you bringing this up now?"

Thomas shook his head and muttered.

"......Maybe it's because he got a girlfriend, just like you said..."

"Huh?"

That night, when the subordinates heard the news of Oswald's marriage, they were overwhelmed with shock and joy, almost like a scream.

【Special Chapter for Comic Adaptation Commemoration - End】

【Book + Comic Adaptation Information】

The original story in the book, set after the main epilogue, is about "Oswald, who has come to terms with his romantic feelings, expressing his love to Charlotte."

You can read it in both print and e-book formats!

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