Me, Jii, and Oneechan.
Pochi’s Point of View
I thought about not going, but since it's true that my birth mother is critically ill, I decided to go.
Right now, I wanted to focus on Oneechan's stained glass project, so I hadn't taken on any work.
The hardest part was coordinating with Oneechan and the others, but somehow, we managed to set off a week later.
"Young Master... Young Master, thank goodness you're safe!"
A canine beastman who looks just like me from before is crying. I remember this person. He was kind.
"... Jii?"
Yes, I used to call him Jii.
"Yoooung Maaasteeer!! Jii... Jii has always wanted to see you again!!"
"Jii..."
The one who had been looking for me all this time. I could remember just a little.
"You were the one who helped me escape, weren't you? Thank you. Because of you, I’m alive today."
"Yoooung Maaasteeer!!"
Oh dear, he's a mess with tears and snot. Let me wipe that for him. I took out a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped Jii's face.
"Afterward, our boy had it rough."
"Hey!"
"He was treated terribly, like a slave. Until by chance, I rescued him and brought him to our home. Until then, it was just..."
I tried to stop her, but Ru Oniichan quickly blocked me. Why do they always have perfect teamwork in moments like this!?
"Young Master... is this true!?"
"Uh, well... um... yeah."
I accidentally nodded honestly.
"Yoooung Maaasteeer!! If only Jii had found you sooner, you wouldn’t have suffered so much! It must have been so hard for you! If only I could’ve found you earlier...!!"
Someone who mourns the painful days I endured. Yes, I’m glad I gathered the courage to meet him.
"Yeah... it was tough, but now I’m happy living with my Oneechan and the others. Thank you for grieving over the hardships I’ve been through."
"How... sniff... Madam Burton."
"Yes?"
Jii knelt before Oneechan. This... I’ve seen this before.
"Sorry, but we’re full up on servants!! We don’t need any more!!"
Rosarin Oneechan spoke preemptively. Right, dealing with just Jend’s father is overwhelming.
"I see... but how can I repay this immense debt of gratitude...?"
Oneechan shook her head.
"First of all, Pochi doesn’t need to feel indebted to me. Pochi is my little brother. It’s natural for an older sister to help her younger brother. If you truly wish to do something for me, be an ally to my beloved little brother. Frankly, I trust you. I don’t trust your country, though."
Oneechan smiled. Jii bowed his head deeply.
"Thank you. I swear, no matter what happens, I will always be Young Master’s ally."
"Um, look, I think I can survive no matter what happens, so, Jii, put yourself first, okay?"
"Yoooung Maaasteeer..."
Why is he crying again? I have Fake-rin and the others, so even in dire situations... No, as long as Rosarin Oneechan is around, everything will somehow work out. But it’s natural for Jii to worry.
"Now then, let’s set off!"
"Oh, Mr. Bernard, sorry, but we’re short on time, so we’re going to take a shortcut. If you don’t have any strong attachment to the horses, you can sell them or something. We’ll keep the carriage for now."
"... What?"
Oneechan stored the carriage in her pouch. The three horses were arranged by Mr. Bernard, but they were sold, except for his long-time companion, which she shrank.
Even when shrunk, the horse didn’t panic. What a smart animal.
"Alright, we’ll teleport to Wolfanea and take the air route from there!"
"Air route?"
Flying magitech is still rare in other countries. In Mr. Bernard’s country, magic isn’t very advanced, and magitech is uncommon.
The shortest route is from Wolfanea across the mountain range.
"Whoa... we’re really flying..."
We soared through the skies on a Valkyrie. Alongside the Valkyrie were Crystal Dragons. They had come to Wolfanea for the hot springs but were curious about the flying Valkyrie and decided to join.
"Well, it works as a great deterrent, so all’s well!"
"... Why do we need deterrence?"
"Because striking first wins! It reduces the fools who’d dare look down on Pochi!"
Is this okay? Is this really okay?? I glanced at Dirk-san for confirmation.
"... It’s to reduce the number of people who’d carelessly provoke you and end up regretting it because of Rosarin."
"Ah, makes sense."
Such convincing logic. Although she was making a fuss about what that meant, it’s exactly what it means.
The damage would undoubtedly be more severe otherwise. I suddenly thought of something and spoke to Oneechan.
"Is this okay? You’ll be called the leader of Crystal Dragons again."
"Ugh...! W-well, it’s for my adorable Pochi. I’ll bear such undeserved accusations."
"... Isn’t it mostly true? The dragons would do anything for you, wouldn’t they?"
"N-no, that’s not true at all!"
"Come to think of it, doesn’t the ‘Dragon’s Heart’ mean most dragons will listen to you?"
"......"
It seems my Oneechan has become the de facto leader of the dragons.
"Young Master’s older sister is an extraordinary person..."
"I won’t deny that."
My Oneechan is kind, strong, cunning, and extraordinary—the best Oneechan in the world.
What do you think about this chapter?
