Chun-chun! The cheerful chirping of a little bird full of energy wakes me, and I sit up.
Still half-asleep and fuzzy-headed, I look around the room. My eyes catch the tail growing from my own body, so I hug it close, smoothing out the messy parts while realizing that yesterday’s events were not a dream.
And there, on the bed, Sorte and Renge are sleeping side by side…… well, not exactly neatly aligned, but in rather careless positions, still in the exact state they were in last night.
Yesterday was…… intense, so it can’t be helped.
What Renge called the beastkin way of coupling, entwining tails as well, mixed excitement and pleasure in a way that was beyond extreme.
The ecstasy and satisfaction felt like my brain might melt; it was overwhelming, and I think I ended up far more vigorous than usual.
The two of them seemed to feel the same, more excited, more proactive, and far more passionate than normal.
……But because the heightened pleasure made it impossible to hold back, both of them exhausted themselves completely and fell into a deep sleep.
As for me…… for some reason, I feel perfectly fine.
It’s not that I feel unsatisfied at all, yet I’m strangely full of energy.
Did becoming a beastkin increase my stamina……? Or is it simply the effect of the earth dragon’s medicine?
I still feel like I could keep going, but waking them up now would be cruel.
While I’m thinking about that, there’s a knock at the door.
Is Wendy here to wake me? I wonder, as I get off the bed and move to open the door…….
「Excuse me so early in the morning. I’m terribly sorry, but could you please come to the Kitsune-dono once?」
「……Tachibana-san? Ah, please wait just a moment. I’ll get dressed right now……」
「……Ah, y-yes. There’s no need to hurry. I’ll wait……」
By saying I’ll get dressed…… I’ve basically admitted I’m currently naked or in underwear, and I feel like she’s somehow figured it out, but for now I decide to hurry and change.
The two of them…… it would be pitiful to wake them, so I’ll let them sleep.
That said, I’d really like someone to come with me……
「Fwaa…… Oh? I thought there was a suspicious person in front of m’lord’s room, but it’s just Tachibana. What are you doing here so early in the morning……? Ah, were you peeking at m’lord and the others’ lovemaking? As shameless as ever. So, what did you come for?」
「Shion…… I was not peeking. The fox shrine maiden-sama has summoned m’lord……」
「Kukuri-sama……? Hmm, everyone else seems to be asleep, so it’s fine if I come along too, right?」
「Yes…… Of course.」
So, with Shion agreeing to come along, we immediately set off for the fox shrine……
-0-
「Auu…… ah, ……! Nn…… u……!」
……From beyond the blinds, Kukuri-sama is letting out voices just like Sorte and Renge did yesterday, while seated there.
She twists her body as though enduring something, but what on earth…….
「Ah…… w-welcome…… Thank you for coming so early in the morning, I’m terribly sorry for the—— ah…… again, a……!」
Just as she speaks, her posture collapses. She falls forward, her hips trembling and jerking with little spasms……
And because it’s through the blinds, it somehow makes the whole thing feel…… even more…… you know.
「What…… is this exactly?」
「What in the world is going on here? Is this an emergency? Could it be the effect of Yae-sama possessing m’lord!?」
「Yes…… Um, how should I put this……」
「B-Because I’m connected to Yae…… the sensations are coming through…… since you’re here……. Nn ah!」
She somehow manages to pull herself back up into a proper seated position, but it still hasn’t subsided, her body keeps twitching and shuddering over and over.
Not only can Kukuri-sama converse with Yae, but she can also feel Yae’s sensations…… which means everything that happened last night has been transmitted to her in full, doesn’t it?
Last night’s…… that would be really bad, wouldn’t it?
「Eh, but m’lord is right here looking perfectly normal……? What does that mean?」
Exactly. That’s right.
Even if the sensations are shared, right now I’m here, and I’m in a completely normal state.
「Hmm hhhaa…… fuu…… Perhaps because our bodies are separated…… or perhaps because my own body is still immature, I don’t know…… but it’s coming slowly, little by little…… and just how…… intense it is…… au! !」
……So what I felt yesterday is indeed arriving for her, albeit gradually.
And because it keeps layering on top of itself, it’s become unbearable…… I see.
……No, this isn’t just “I see”! Yesterday was extremely intense, so this is definitely a problem!
Is this an incident!? A serious incident!? But wait, I didn’t lay a single finger on her, so personally I think I’m in the clear!
「……In other words, what m’lord felt last night, Kukuri-sama is also feeling……?」
「Haa…… haa…… Yes, to be precise, it’s what Yae felt, but…… yes, that’s correct…… nku! Haa…… haa…… au…… Somehow…… it seems to have settled for now……」
Um…… yesterday, the three of us reached our limit right around when the sky started to brighten, so calculating from then until now…… about three hours? Considering when we actually started, it would be more like eight hours or so…… and she endured all of that time…… somehow, I’m really sorry……
It seems to have finally settled, and the blinds was raised, allowing us to see Kukuri-sama’s appearance…… but her state was far from appropriate for someone of her position: sweat-dampened bangs clinging to her forehead, flushed cheeks, eyes glistening with a seductive sheen, clothes slipped off her shoulders and disheveled in every way.
「Fox shrine maiden-sama…… here is some water…… Please replenish your fluids……」
「Thank…… you, Tachibana. Nn…… nn…… haaaa……」
After drinking the water and letting out another long breath, she gradually regained her composure. Tachibana-san took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from her skin. Though her face was still a little red, she somehow returned to what could be called a normal state.
……I really shouldn’t think “what could be called normal.”
The cause isn’t solely me…… but I am part of it.
「Um…… the reason I called you here is…… I understand that all of you are in that kind of relationship, and I have no intention of stopping it, but…… if you could exercise just a little, just the slightest bit of restraint…… Otherwise, I truly worry about whether I can fulfill my duty as guardian……」
Yeah. That makes sense.
Even I think it would be unreasonable to expect her to perform her guardian duties in that state.
「……I see. Understood, I will——」
「……Wait just a second! That’s a problem!」
「Eh?」
「……Fue?」
「It’s my turn next! I’ve already been put on hold for so long! Today and tomorrow are my days, so please endure for just those two days!」
……No, no no no. What are you even saying?
Didn’t you just see it too? The person with the highest authority in this country, pushed right to her absolute limit……
You realize that’s…… even though she has lived far longer than any of us, right now she looks like…… that?
No, forget that, being unable to perform her guardian duties would be a national crisis on a massive scale.
「B-But…… au au…… still, it can’t be helped, right…… such a request……」
「Shion. This is a request from the fox shrine maiden-sama herself.」
「Even if you say that, I’m no longer a citizen of Amatsukuni anyway. If you absolutely insist, then I demand appropriate compensation in return!」
……Hey, hey, hey.
Weren’t you the one telling me not to cause any problems with Kukuri-sama?
She’s a genuinely dangerous person, the real deal.
Someone we should treat on the same level as a dragon species, and yet what exactly are you doing?
「……Hehe. Now then. With this, that meddlesome m’lord will surely offer me some delightfully generous compensation out of consideration for Kukuri-sama. My agreement will take priority over anything Wendy-san and the others promised…… Just two days of monopoly is nothing compared to the much bigger reward I’ll get!」
「……I can hear you, you know.」
「Ara? Oh my, how embarrassing. Were you eavesdropping?」
As shamelessly theatrical as ever.
But well…… the truth is, I have no choice but to go along with it.
Kukuri-sama is the sensible type, so when she says 『Yes…… That’s right…… If I interfere with the people he loves, I’ll get kicked by a horse…… It can’t be helped, but…… au au……』 and looks so dejected, I simply can’t bear to watch!
That said, though.
「……As your master, I could just order you, you know.」
「If that’s what you want, I’ll obey. What will it be?」
Shion says it so breezily.
She seems to have already accepted that if an order comes, she’ll follow it without issue, but haa…… she knows full well I won’t do that.
「……Fine. I’ll set aside a few days for you, Shion.」
「Yay! At least three days or more! If so, then I’ll endure it for m’lord’s sake!」
「Got it…… Then while we’re in Amatsukuni, I’ll hold back.」
「Yes sir! Understood! Ah, please tell Wendy-san and the others yourself, m’lord? If I do it, they’ll definitely come after me!」
「Understood. I’ll convince them myself. So, with that, we’ll exercise restraint……」
「Uuu…… I’m sorry. Thank you very much…… Any more than that really would have been…… I’ve only been Nine-tails (me) for a few years, and I was already on the verge of having to trade places with another tail……」
Kukuri-sama bows her head repeatedly in gratitude.
No, really, it’s us who should be apologizing……
Probably switching out isn’t easy for her either……
「Um, as thanks for……」
「Ah, no, please don’t worry about it.」
Yes, seriously, please don’t worry about it.
If anything, I’m the one who feels like offering an apology……
Shion is…… making a sloppy face, probably lost in some fantasy, so I’ll make sure to remind her properly later.
「That won’t do. You have endured repeated trouble because of me, and you have accepted my earnest plea.」
「No, but Tachibana-san is already preparing souvenirs for us, so it’s more than enough, really……」
……We’re already receiving the utmost gratitude possible, so asking for anything more would actually start to feel guilty…… No, wait a second.
Those tails…… If I asked to be allowed to pamper, no, to groom, all seven tails, wouldn’t it pass right now?
Seven tails…… and ideally, after Yae returns, to entrust myself completely to a paradise of fluff with all eight tails at once!
I know it might be rude.
But the chance to fulfill that urge I held back yesterday might only come right here and now.
Just like Shion, if it’s only trying it out…… If it’s no good, I’ll give up cleanly………… I’ll give up!!
「……In that case, would it be possible to let me groom fox shrine maiden-sama’s tails?」
「……You wish to be allowed to touch the fox shrine maiden-sama’s tails……? Do you understand what that request entails?」
A sharp, prickling gaze, and a low, threatening voice.
Since it’s a beastkin, and not just any, but the tails of the fox shrine maiden-sama, this country’s supreme treasure, Tachibana-san directing an angry question at me is only natural.
For beastkin, tails are incredibly important.
And when it comes to the fox shrine maiden-sama’s tails, touching them means touching every fox shrine maiden from the previous generations and the one before that.
Surely this is no good……
「……Tachibana. This is not something for you to speak on. I am the one personally offering thanks here.」
「……Yes. Please forgive my intrusion……」
With perfect calm, composure, and a voice free of any tremor, Kukuri-sama gently reproves Tachibana-san.
In that moment, I can’t help but feel once again the immense dignity and authority of the greatest person in this country.
It’s as though the state she was in just moments ago never existed.
「I don’t mind at all. In fact, it would be imposing on your time, but if something like that can serve as thanks, then by all means. It seems Ichibi through Nanabi are delighted as well. However…… if possible, I would appreciate it if we could refrain from today……」
「Yes, of course. Then, how about after Yae-sama has returned? It’s a little difficult to groom them properly while they’re attached to me…… Since we’re doing it, I would like to make both Yae-sama and the others perfectly beautiful together.」
「Yes, that is fine. Fufufu. To have them groomed beautifully as thanks…… What a lovely form of gratitude.」
「Please rest assured that there is practical benefit in it as well. Now then, I believe everyone is waiting, so……」
「Yes. Ah, and one more thing…… When you come, please just come normally. If it’s you all, I will instruct Tachibana to guide you here whenever you arrive.」
Huh? What does she mean by “come normally”? I’m wondering that when suddenly someone drops down from the ceiling…… Wait, Shiro?
「……hmm. You noticed.」
「Yes. I noticed.」
「Shiro, when did you……」
「Wha…… When did you…… In the first place, sneaking in here like this……!」
「Tachibana? She came in together with everyone else, you know?」
「Eh…… No way, that can’t be……」
I’m just as shocked as Tachibana-san, no way, right?
Together……? But I didn’t notice her at all……
「Even I only vaguely sensed something…… Shiro-san’s stealth skill level is way too high, isn’t it……?」
「Hmm? It went up while I was slipping past Wendy’s gaze to sneak snacks.」
It levels up from something like that……?
Stealth…… That’s one of the skills the Oboro group used, right?
Did she perhaps just see it once and learn it……?
「……We will have to strengthen the security measures from now on. I’m terribly sorry.」
「No no, that was truly impressive stealth. It can’t be helped. I doubt even Oboro has anyone on this level, do they?」
「……But I was noticed. As expected…… strong.」
「Yes. I am very strong.」
Kukuri-sama states it plainly in her calm tone, completely unfazed.
It’s hard to imagine from her current appearance, but judging by the serious expressions on Shiro and Shion’s faces, she means exactly what she says.
Just how strong is she, really……?
「……Next time, can I come p.l.a.y.?」
「Yes. You are always welcome. You may come through the front door, or you may come like this time, it will help us improve security as well. Besides, playmates are so rare…… I’m looking forward to it too.」
「……hmm. Thank you.」
「No no. Consider it part of my thanks, so please don’t worry about it.」
……Her playmate roster just grew?
But the atmosphere doesn’t really feel that way.
Kukuri-sama is smiling gently, yet Shiro somehow seems a little tense……
「Ah, m’lord? Everyone’s probably waking up soon, and we really need to meet the boss today, you know?」
「A-Ah, right. Then, Kukuri-sama, we’ll take our leave now.」
「Yes. Once again, I’ve caused you trouble…… Please come again to receive my thanks.」
-0-
And so, after Tachibana-san saw us off from the Kitsune-dono, on the way back to the inn,
「So, Shiro. Why were you in a place like that?」
「Hmm? Lord was going out, so escort～」
「Eh, I was right there with him, wasn’t I……」
「Against that opponent, Shion alone makes me uneasy.」
「Uuuu…… Well, yes, that’s true…… I’m not trying to brag, but I can handle my share too, you know? And if it’s for m’lord, I’d stake my life to protect him!」
「Hmm. But talented genius alone is still uneasy.」
Oh, she pulled out “talented genius” right here.
「Guu! Sh-Shiro-san? Could you please stop that!?」
「Hmm? The weakest talented genius in the house?」
「Guhaa! I knew you’d say it! Yes, exactly! It’s ridiculous to call someone the weakest yet still a talented genius, right!? I was fully expecting it, damn it!」
Shion clutches her head in a fluster, wriggling and squirming in embarrassment.
Her ears are bright red, so she’s genuinely flustered.
Still, I doubt the “talented genius” title was given purely for combat ability……
「Hmm. Well, I didn’t expect even Shion to notice me.」
「Uuu…… Well, I already knew Shiro-san has stealth skills, and since there were people like that in Oboro too, I’m used to it. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact location, but I was sure Shiro-san wouldn’t let m’lord go alone, and I could feel a gaze……」
「Hmm. As expected, competent. Talented genius.」
「Guhaaa! Uwaaaan, m’lordddd! Shiro-san is bullying meee!」
「The talented genius is crying.」
「Even m’lord is being mean!」
She pokes me repeatedly, but it doesn’t hurt at all. If anything, it’s just adorable, and I can’t help but laugh.
Seeing me like that, Shion pouts and pokes a little harder in protest.
「Muu…… I was complimenting you, and you’re being mean.」
「Yeah, so mean～」
「Eh, that was a compliment just now!? If you’re going to praise me, please do it in a way that’s actually clear!」
To anyone watching from the outside, we probably just look like we’re playing around, and they’re likely annoyed that we’re making this much noise first thing in the morning.
But…… who cares!
Moments like this are what make me happy.
「By the way, it just occurred to me, if the current m’lord were to do anything with Kukuri-sama, wouldn’t the sensitivity double? It was already like that just now…… Could this actually mean m’lord is going to bring down Amatsukuni—— ow!」
「No, I won’t. Don’t say such dangerous things.」
「I-I know, I know…… It was just a joke.」
Don’t notice weird things like that……
Come on, enough silly talk, time for breakfast. Breakfast.
Let’s head back to the inn and eat so we can spend the day full of energy.
……And Shiro, please don’t make that face like “if you’re going to lay hands on Kukuri, then do it to me too.”
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