After taking a short walk on the highway, we branch off on a path that leads to the southern area of the Dragon Forest . By going south, we also arrive at a river that is one of the water sources to the vice capital . The river is wide, but a stone bridge connects the two sides . It’s only next to the vice capital, but it gives the impression that the area is properly maintained .

On the other side is the Dragon Forest . To my surprise, many people travel back and forth over it .

Ruiseine explains, “The blessings of the Dragon Forest is the same in both the capital and vice-capital . ”

We continue straight to the forest alongside all the other people . However, upon entering the forest, everyone set off to different depths of the forest for their own purposes . By the time I notice, we were the only ones walking down this path .

Of course, the kingdom also strictly controls the Dragon Forest in the southern part of the vice capital, so logging is prohibited . But since many people enter and leave the forest every day, paths forming are only natural . These paths can be found in various places, even in the forest beside the capital . That said, they are only wide enough to serve as animal trails .

Carts are prohibited from being brought into the forest . While blessings can be taken for personal use, large amounts cannot be taken for the sake of doing business . Even though no official law states that, it’s a tacit understanding among those who use the forest . Should too much be taken, even the Dragon Forest might end up withering away .

We follow the path at first, but once there are no more signs of people around us, we step off the path . Priscillchan waves her hands as she happily takes the lead through the forest . She has always been energetic, but she is much more so in the forest . That trait of hers proves she’s a dweller of this forest, of the Long Eared Tribe .

Ruiseine, worrying whether he shrine maiden’s garments will get caught on a branch, walks while holding Mistral’s hand . Somehow, she looks more childish than Priscillchan .

“My, my, well, well, Ernekun is thinking something not good . ”

“I’m not, it’s a misunderstanding . ”

Apparently, I messed up by staring at Ruiseine . I deny her accusation in a fl.u.s.ter .

“More childish than Priscillchan, nyan~”

“Ah . ”

Nymia announces what she reads in my heart .

“Yes, I am still a child after all . ”

Ruiseine turns her head away from me in a huff, “tsui” .

“I-it’s a misunderstanding…”

I try to explain to Ruiseine, but Mistral drives me away with her hand, shu . They’re treating me harshly . Seriously, this is all because Nymia went and said that .

I approach Priscillchan so I can take revenge on Nymia . Why approach Priscillchan to take revenge on Nymia? That’s because Nymia, like always, is relaxing on Priscillchan’s head .

However, just as my hand is about to reach her, Nymia hops away and flutters her wings, pata pata .

“Nnmtto, tag game!”

Priscillchan chases after the flying Nymia . I join Priscillchan and also give chase . Nymia evades us by dexterously slipping between the trees .

“Hey, don’t go too far away!”

“Rather than me, Ernekun seems completely more like a child . ”

Mistral and Ruiseine exchange glances and laugh .

Mumumu, so since I think this is very fun, it means that I’m still a child…

Nymia escapes from Priscillchan and flies toward Mistral and Ruiseine . There, she plunges into Mistral’s chest .

Ah, how envious .

“Are you jealous, nyan? But, they’re small, nyan~”

Nymia probably wanted to triumph over me, but that last part was completely unnecessary . She is crushed against Mistral’s chest .

“Nya!”

As Nymia screams out, Mistral gives her a cold smile .

That’s no good, Nymia . Mistral is the type of person who will even raise her hand to Old Sleigstar when she gets angry . When prohibited words are spoken, there will be no escape .

I press my hands together and pray for Nymia .

My condolences .

“Priscilla too!”

Priscillchan misunderstands the situation and leaps into Ruiseine’s open chest .

“My, my, well, well . ”

Ruiseine skillfully catches her .

“They’re bigger than Mistral’s!”

Mistral stiffens and trembles . Ruiseine can only make a strained laugh .

“Th- they’ll grow from now on!”

“That’s right . From here on is the season of growth . ”

Tears can be seen welling from the eyes of Mistral and Ruiseine .

“Ahahaha,” as I release a dry laugh, I feel a presence just a bit within the forest .  Mumumu, this is…

Coming out before me is the usual large, gray, wolf demon . The demon beast remains in place as it stares at me . The others also discover it once they follow my gaze .

Ruiseine moves before everyone else . She hides Priscillchan behind herself and readies her naginata . Her reaction speed is instantaneous, as expected by from war shrine maiden .

“Please be careful, it’s a demon beast . ”

That it is a demon beast can be determined in an instant .

Ruiseine holds on her naginata ready and chants ritual prayer all while remaining vigilant to the demon beast’s every movement .

“Ah, doggy!”

“Eh?”

However, Priscillchan’s unexpected action leaves her staring the next moment .

Priscillchan leaps out from behind Ruiseine and s.p.a.ce jumps . Immediately after, she is mounted upon the demon beast’s back .

“Doggy came to pick us up!”

Priscillchan squeals from atop of the demon beast . The demon beast doesn’t exhibit any dislike towards the action either . It instead takes care to not let Priscillchan fall from its back as it approaches us .

“Ehh? …What?”

Ruiseine is confused .

“Eetto…’

Mistral, with a troubled expression, places a hand upon Ruiseine’s shoulder .

“That one is fine . It’s Priscillchan’s manservant . ”

“Yes? But that’s a demon beast?”

Ruiseine alternates her gaze between Mistral and the demon beast . Uncertain over what to do, she lowers her naginata .

“You see…”

I explain to the situation to the bewildered Ruiseine .