Being swept away, Pochi.
Pochi’s Point of View
Now that I've calmed down and analyzed myself... I think I got carried away because my excitement got the better of me.
As I look at the neatly stacked pile of knights, I deeply reflect. I’m sorry for getting cocky...
And then, gazing at the beautiful beast shimmering in the sky, I wonder what to do next.
Let’s rewind a bit... I was asked by the knights to spar with them, and without much thought, I agreed readily.
It turns out the knights weren’t as strong as the commander... Honestly, they were weaker than Ruchese and Shees.
"Um, how about multiple opponents? Or even all of you at once is fine."
It was a hassle, and with this number, calling on Fake-rin would solve everything effortlessly.
"Oh, how reliable..."
"As expected of the king’s child..."
I don’t fully understand, but they seemed deeply moved. It’s just because it’s easier for me this way... Somehow, even the Knight Commander, along with Ruchese and Shees, had joined in. Well, I guess it’s fine.
"Fake-rin!"
"Rosariiiin!!"
"Why Fake-rin?!"
Rosarin Oneechan looked surprised.
"Eh? Because she’s the best at holding back."
Also, she can use support magic.
For some reason, Rosarin Oneechan was being comforted by Ru Oniichan and Dirk-san. Did I do something wrong??
"Oh, it resembles that woman."
"Well, um, it’s something like magic. She’s strong!"
"Then, begin!"
Since the knight serving as the referee also joined in, Gator announced the start.
"Rosariiiin!!"
Using Fake-rin’s magic to accelerate, we secured victory in no time.
"That’s amazing!!"
"Pochi-sama, how can I become that strong?!"
"Wait, can you really summon a beauty with magic?!"
"Eh? Uh, can you at least ask one question at a time..."
I was bombarded with questions and somehow managed to respond. When I started giving individual advice based on what I noticed during the mock battle, they began looking at me with sparkling eyes. Why??
"Wow, Pochi-sama is truly an incredible warrior!"
"No, I mean... My real profession is an artist. That’s why I’m good at observation..."
"Ah, I see. Now that you mention it, Pochi-sama was watching Ruchese-sama and Shees-sama’s movements at first."
I nodded honestly. The knights, intrigued, started asking various questions. They also seemed interested in other countries. But then, a bizarre question came up.
"What does an artist do? Do they fight?"
"Eh."
Could it be... are there no artists in this country?! When I looked at the Knight Commander, he gave a bitter smile.
"Our country has been at war for a long time. In times of hardship, there’s hardly anyone who would aspire to become an artist. It’s shameful to admit, but we’ve struggled even to feed ourselves."
"I see... Tsuyoshi."
I wish I could show them.
Beautiful things may not fill your stomach, but they can make you feel happy. I love painting the most because it allows me to preserve the memories of breathtaking landscapes and the people I cherish without letting them fade. Even if I die, my art will remain.
Tsuyoshi responds. Beautiful things... those that vividly remain in my heart.
Now, let’s paint.
"Oh..."
Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white, gray... the vivid colors. I love painting because, by painting, there’s nothing I can’t obtain.
When I was little, I often painted food. We’d pretend to eat the painted cake together. “Someday, we’ll eat it for real,” we’d say. “What kind of cake would it be?” we’d dream.
I want to show them.
That the world is filled with such beautiful things.
A flower field glowing in seven colors, a vivid lake, insects lighting up the night... The stunning sceneries I’ve seen unfold in the sky one after another.
And then... and then...
"Whoa..."
"How marvelous..."
"So beautiful..."
And finally... a rainbow-colored heart. Its proud double-headed eagle, its body that of a crystal lion. Its wings, glowing with magic power, creating a splendid griffin...
"Huh?"
"Ah!"
The scenery swayed and gently disappeared, but... the Dungeon Master remained.
"...... Huh?"
"Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!!"
I’ve really done it now!!
"... Pochi? It smells like you."
The Dungeon Master sniffed around curiously.
"Ah, yes. I’m Pochi."
Come to think of it, I haven’t visited the Dungeon Master in this form... have I?
"The real thing?!"
"Huh?"
The Dungeon Master tilted his head, looking adorable... No, wait!
When I explained the situation to the Dungeon Master, he nodded in understanding.
"I see. Unlike Geraldin and the others, I’m more like a spirit or Fake-rin. And since you’ve been painting me so often recently, it seems your soul called my body into being. I am both a Dungeon Master and Pochi’s painting. Strange, isn’t it? I once loathed being a tool of the gods, yet serving you doesn’t seem so bad."
"You are not my servant! We’re friends!"
I made sure to clarify that. At the very least, I consider the Dungeon Master a friend.
"... I see. Then, my friend, let’s make the most of this opportunity. I’ll show you my power to the fullest!"
"Uh, that’s why I brought him here! He’s the Dungeon Master of the Cold Ruins! Since he’s here, why not fight him!"
As a result, the knights ended up in a pile. It was clearly over the top, but since everyone looked satisfied, it’s probably fine... right? No one got hurt, so... it’s okay, right??
I’ll just decide that it’s fine.
The Dungeon Master, enjoying his first outing, went off flying through the sky on a stroll? Apparently, he couldn’t leave the dungeon before, so maybe this is a good thing.
The other day, when I visited the dungeon, the Dungeon Master had secretly hidden a magic crystal in my luggage (which I was planning to return). I used it as his core.
"I’ve seen enough strength!"
"Next is intelligence!!"
"There’s more?! Hey, don’t drag me!"
It seems I still can’t meet my parents. I’m starting to really want to go home now.
Otousama and Okaasama Rosenberg... Pochi has so many things he wants to tell you when he gets back...
But for now, it doesn’t seem like I’ll be returning anytime soon.
What do you think about this chapter?
