Bad premonitions always seem to come true, don’t they?
The next day, I was summoned to the Christia Castle. Apparently, there was a matter to discuss regarding an envoy from another country.
Since I had no reason to refuse, I decided to go. When I arrived, I saw an excited beastman, reminiscent of Pochi, speaking fervently about something.
Alphage-sama was handling the situation, but he looked visibly exasperated.
“Oh, Madam Burton. I’ve been waiting for you.”
I had nothing but a bad feeling. And being called “Madam Burton” meant this was a job-related summons.
“Oh, so you’re Madam Burton, renowned among beastmen? What a beautiful lady! I am Bernard.”
“Uh… um… I am Rosarin Burton.”
I was startled by the gap between his Shiba Inu-like appearance and his Saint Bernard name. More than that, I was surprised at how much Bernard resembled Pochi (pre-bulking phase).
“Oh, truly enchanting! If only I were 20 years younger… no, no, let’s focus on the matter at hand! You see, the crown prince of our nation has been missing for about 10 years. The young master was such a lovely and obedient child. He used to follow me around, affectionately calling me ‘grandpa, grandpa.’…”
So that’s why Alphage-sama seemed so fed up. Bernard’s endless adoration for the young master continued...
“… and that’s the situation. Do you understand now?”
After five hours of incessant talk, Bernard finally seemed satisfied. In summary: the young master was adorable, went missing ten years ago, and they want me to find him. Beyond that, there wasn’t much concrete information—just boundless enthusiasm. Without Geraldine’s earlier story, I wouldn’t even have a candidate in mind.
“… I understand your story. However, I cannot guarantee that I can be of assistance.”
After all, the only lead we had was “adorable.” But every time Bernard spoke of the “young master,” I couldn’t help but think of Pochi.
If Pochi truly were Bernard’s “young master,” why was he treated as an unidentified person? That question lingered in my mind.
“… Why did the crown prince go missing?”
“Well, it’s shameful to admit, but our nation was attacked by a cowardly enemy country and suffered devastating damage.”
Due to the threat posed by the enemy, who specialized in assassinations, the crown prince’s life was in danger. He was evacuated to another country—Wolfanea. However, the royal family of Wolfanea was uninvolved, and the prince was secretly placed in a wealthy family as an adopted child.
But the family hiding him was targeted by the enemy, and their home was burned down. The crown prince’s fate became unknown.
Amid such despair, only Bernard refused to give up. He was a rare magician among beastmen and had cast a spell on the crown prince. He believed the prince was alive because the spell hadn’t disappeared. Bernard had searched the world tirelessly.
Then, just the other day, he finally detected the prince’s presence.
“Um… by the way, what kind of spell did you cast?”
“Our royal family possesses a unique magic aura. I cast a spell to seal his aura, alter his appearance, and protect him.”
Strike one.
Pochi also had a protective spell on him.
“A-and what kind of appearance did you change him to?”
“Oh, how could I forget! I used a mirror-copy spell, which reflects one’s own appearance.”
Strike two.
Pochi’s previous form looked exactly like Bernard.
“A-and when was the spell lifted?”
“Yesterday. That’s why I’ve come, following the young master’s presence.”
“Strike threeee!!”
“!?”
My thoughts escaped my mouth unintentionally. Does this mean Pochi’s muscular transformation was his true form?! More importantly, whether Pochi is the crown prince or not, I need to verify this directly. But first, there’s a pressing matter.
“Um… are you alright?”
“Apologies for my outburst. The person in question is someone I am protecting.”
“What?!”
“I consider him family. Therefore, I prioritize his wishes above all else. While it’s highly possible he is the crown prince, I cannot allow a meeting without his consent.”
“B-but…”
“If you try to forcibly take him away, I, Rosarin Burton, will ensure the destruction of your nation.”
I was serious. I’d destroy a country for Pochi’s sake.
“Eep!”
Uh-oh. My emotions flared, and the room… Alphage-sama, who had stepped out at some point, rushed back in.
“Madam Burton! Calm yourself! What did you say to upset her this much!?”
“… No, it was I who spoke out of line. The young master is truly loved, isn’t he? We will not force him to leave. If he does not wish to return, he may remain here. However, if possible, I’d like him to meet the queen, who is gravely ill.”
“I will certainly relay this to him.”
As I left the castle, Dirk embraced me.
“What’s wrong?! Rosarin, you look so sad!”
“Huh??”
Alphage-sama, who had followed, looked bewildered.
“Dirk…”
The thought of Pochi leaving broke my heart.
“There, there.”
Dirk’s warm arms and fluffy fur soothed me.
“… Dirk truly understands Miss Rosarin, doesn’t he?”
Alphage-sama spoke with a wry smile.
“We’re connected. Besides, I know she won’t cry even when she’s sad.”
“… I see. I wish I could understand Rabisha that deeply.”
“She’s good at hiding her feelings too. But you can do it, Alphage-sama. You enjoy observing people, don’t you?”
“Well, yes. Rabisha never ceases to fascinate me. Anyway, as long as Miss Rosarin has Dirk, she seems fine. I’ll take my leave.”
Oh, Alphage-sama had followed us out of concern. Thanks to my kind friend and my wonderful husband, I recovered. Then, I headed back to my family home to talk with Pochi.
What do you think about this chapter?
