Oneechan was totally furious.
Rosarin’s Point of View.
After a journey through the skies, we finally arrived at the Kingdom of Shiverihas.
While enjoying the heartwarming sight of Pochi and the children playing with the dragons, Bernard-san spoke to Pochi.
"Young master, we must head to the castle."
Indeed, quite a bit of time had passed.
"General Bernard!?"
General? Who? While I was puzzled, Bernard-san confidently declared:
"Make way, everyone! This man is none other than Prince Portforio, son of our current King!"
"The prince!?"
The citizens murmured among themselves. I was utterly caught off guard. Oh, you did it now, old man!
In my frustration and helplessness, I muttered in a low voice:
"Unnecessary."
"Don't worry, Rosarin. If it comes to it, we'll just blast through everything. My vegetables will breathe fire."
When someone’s more enraged than you are, it strangely calms you down. My brother’s eyes were deadly serious. It seemed like his "Vegetable Machine Guns" were ready to wreak havoc.
"Thank you, Niisama. I'll keep that as our last resort."
My brother truly is a wonderful older brother. And when push comes to shove, even the Valkyrie can cause a ruckus.
"Calm down, Rosarin!"
"Calm yourself, Ru."
"Dirk, I'm perfectly calm. I just want to let off a little steam."
"Gator, I’m cool too. I just feel like scattering them a bit."
“"You're both absolutely not calm!"”
Seriously, Dirk and Gator are such worriers. I’m not going to start anything...yet.
"Long live His Highness Portoforio!"
One by one, the citizens began chanting, their voices swelling into a cheer as they opened a path for us.
To ensure the dragons wouldn’t accidentally trample anyone, I brought out the parade configuration of the Valkyrie. This should make people move aside. The dragons followed behind, walking in a leisurely manner.
However, while it wasn't as bad as during Wolfanea's famine, the citizens’ conditions weren’t great. And… something was bothering me. A bad feeling lingered in the air.
[Long live Prince Portoforio!]Wait a second, Pochi’s name is Portoforio? I didn’t know that… While indulging in a little escapism, we proceeded toward the castle.
The dragons assumed human forms. The younger dragons, curious and wide-eyed, looked around but, unlike that nuisance Geraldin-san, didn’t wander freely.
Even though they’re young, they’re probably still significantly older than us. That must be why they behave this way.
As we walked through the castle, a white and brown… wolf? No, it looked more like a Siberian Husky-faced beastman stood in our way.
Judging by the attire, they must be nobility. Their fur was sleek and well-maintained.
"If you wish to meet the king, you must defeat us first!!"
"”Then, we won’t hold back."”
"Pompadour!!"
"Extension!!"
Normally, I wouldn’t punch anything fluffy, but their condescending look toward Pochi ticked me off, and since they said we’d have to defeat them, I obliged. As a lesson, I smacked them down hard. They flew beautifully.
For the record, this would be completely unacceptable under Christia rules. But under Wolfanea rules, which favor strength, it’s perfectly fine. Shiverihas, being closer to Wolfanea, is a "might makes right" nation. So really, it’s their fault for getting knocked down by a delicate maiden like me.
"Oneechan, Oniichan, you can’t attack strangers out of nowhere!"
The Kind-hearted Pochi teared up while defending the fools.
"They said to defeat them. Besides, I thought it would serve as a good lesson."
"Exactly. For idiots, violence is the quickest way to make them understand."
Brother and I exchanged dark smiles.
"Rosarin."
"Ru."
Dirk and Gator scolded us. Well, fine. I’ll behave… for now.
While Pochi was distracted by the fools, I approached Bernard-san.
"Bernard-san, if something happens again, I won’t hold back."
"Indeed. Anyone who bullies our precious little brother will face utter ruin."
"......… Understood!"
Oh my, Bernard-san’s tail tucked between his legs. How strange—we’re smiling so sweetly, aren’t we, brother?
"Ohohohohoho."
"Ahhahahaha."
Dirk slyly wagged his tail, as if to say, "You can pet me meow, if you want ." Tempting me with his tail… And, well, I fell for it immediately. I’m so easy.
My brother was equally baited by Gator, who offered rare herb seeds (a gift from Rabisha-chan). As expected of my soft-hearted brother.
While we were distracted, the fools seemed to have recovered.
"Tch... This time, we’ll let you have the win..."
"But can you win next time!?"
Oh, so you haven’t had enough, have you? As I smiled and clenched my fist, Pochi desperately shook his head, so I refrained from hitting them again.
The fools, being fools, demanded proof of strength. Oh, you asked for it. While I was ready to utterly thrash them, Pochi stepped forward. It seems my little brother has grown up.
"Pochi is really strong, isn’t he?"
I had taught him self-defense and martial arts, but I didn’t expect him to effortlessly handle those idiots. He’s grown so much.
"Indeed. At this rate, Ru might lose in pure hand-to-hand combat."
"… I’ll need to train."
My brother’s serious expression showed his resolve. Do your best, brother! He must want to maintain his dignity as an elder sibling.
While Pochi was thoroughly distracted, I turned to Bernard-san.
"What’s the meaning of this? You told me you wouldn’t force anything on Pochi. I trusted you personally, if not the nation, but now I feel betrayed."
Bernard-san’s ears and tail drooped. Don’t do that! You look just like Pochi used to when he was upset, and it makes me want to comfort you!
"Indeed, I have no excuse. However, while the king’s brother’s sons may be… a little foolish, they pose little threat. The king’s brother himself, however, might attempt to assassinate His Highness Pochi before he officially appears. I feared he might act before then…"
"I see."
So it was a precaution. Considering Pochi’s ability to deal with fools, he’s far more suited to be king than they are.
Pochi is strong and kind. With a cunning advisor like Alphage-sama he could truly become a great king.
As I listened to Bernard-san explain the kingdom’s state of affairs, Pochi began drawing pictures. He looked so happy while drawing, and it reaffirmed that he was born to be an artist.
Then, a giant Dungeon Master appeared.
I had a sinking feeling. Is this the start of Pochi's legend of invincibility?
"Well, he is Rosarin’s little brother."
"Exactly."
"That’s true."
"What do you mean by that!?"
Please don’t equate "Rosarin" with "absurdity!"
While I was distracted arguing with Dirk and the others, the fools whisked Pochi away to who-knows-where.
Wait, this is still going on!?
What do you think about this chapter?
