Muscular Pochi.
We decided to head back home for now…
"Ah, back into the stones, okay?"
"Rosariiin (nod)."
"Ahahaha, see you again!"
"”Call us again~””
I returned my drawings to their stones.
(………………………)
Oh no. Everyone's frozen.
"Pochi… what did you do to Geraldin-san!? No, who is this person that looks like Rosarin but isn’t!?"
"…………… I'll explain."
Thus, I gave them a full explanation.
"So it was Rosarin's fault…"
No, please don’t blame Oneechan for everything. While much about Tsuyoshi *is* Oneechan's doing, this isn't.
"Not to mention, you have strength equivalent to that of the Hero…"
"Could it be that Pochi is actually the strongest among us?"
"… Yes… it's possible."
"……… Indeed."
"Well, even if I were the strongest, my profession doesn’t really benefit from it."
Even if I am the strongest, I’m an artist. "The strongest artist" doesn’t make any sense.
Literally speaking, the pen is mightier than the sword? Sure. But I don’t want to dwell on that.
"Now that you mention it, 'the strongest marquis’ wife' doesn’t make sense either."
(Because it's Rosarin.)
Most absurdities can be resolved with "Because it’s Rosarin." It’s strange, isn’t it? Oneechan insists she’s just an ordinary girl, but if Rosarin is considered ordinary, we’d need to redefine what "ordinary" means entirely.
The conversation drifted off-track, but since it’s already evening, I need to head home. In the end, the red Crystal Rabbit is staying over with me tonight.
"Um, thank you very much. I’ll be heading back now. Oh, but I need to visit the guild to complete the quest payment first."
"No, we’ll go with you. You need to explain your appearance too."
"Oh."
Right. My appearance has changed too much to be recognizable. The only thing that vaguely remains the same is that I’m still canine. My height’s significantly increased, my body went from slightly muscular to outright buff, and my face changed from a goofy dog look to a dignified wolf. Even my fur color is different. I’m basically a different person.
After settling the payment, I finally returned to the Rosenberg estate.
"Welcome back, everyone. It’s rare for you all to come here. Oh? Is this a new member of your group?"
(Note: The Free Wind members still maintain their base on the Rosenberg estate.)
"Um, it’s Pochi. Martha-san, we are back."
"………… Pochi. Young Master Pochi."
"………… Yes."
"The sweet, charming Pochi, who used to help me with small chores and was my joy to watch…"
"No, Martha-san, you’re the one who works hard. My help is just a tiny contribution."
"……………… Oh, why has my adorable Young master Pochi become so muscular…!"
"Martha-san!?"
Martha collapsed, and I rushed to support her.
"Martha-san, are you okay!? Does something hurt!? Should I call a doctor!?"
"I’m fine. Muscular or not, Young Master Pochi… is still Young Master Pochi… even if muscular…"
It seems Martha-san preferred me without the muscles. I felt a bit sorry. She patted my head as I sulked.
"I’m sorry, I was just surprised. I must inform the master and madam. Please wait in the parlor.”
"Okay, I’m sorry…"
"You’ve done nothing wrong, Young Master Pochi. No matter your appearance, you will always be the Young Master Pochi I love."
"Martha-san… thank you…"
(No matter Young Master’s appearance, Young Master will always the Young Master I love… love…)
For a moment, a faint image of someone flashed through my mind. Who are you? A kind… man…?
"Martha-san…"
"Whoa, a maid-like Martha-san is super rare…"
"You gentlemen will of course help with the notifications, won’t you?"
(Yes, gladly!!)
Smiling Martha-san was overwhelmingly persuasive. The Free Wind members immediately started helping with the notifications.
"Ah…"
The fleeting shadow disappeared. Nostalgic and, perhaps, a very kind person.
"Young Master Pochi?"
"It’s nothing. Let’s go tell everyone properly."
I gave a faint smile.
I am "Pochi." My past doesn’t matter. The old me is no longer needed. I will live my life as "Pochi."
Without looking back at the kind shadow, I’ll walk forward as myself.
At least, that’s what I thought.
But I never expected the uproar that followed. Perhaps it all began the moment I found my true form… no, maybe it started long before that.
What do you think about this chapter?
