The silent battle.
The fight against them is not over yet. While most of them have been eliminated, if any eggs remain, they could multiply once more.
The fluffy enemy, known as lice.
Their eggs must be removed by hand. But before that… there’s something that must be done.
"I... I can't do it!"
I understand that this is for the sake of the fluffballs. Lice, the cursed insects that spread from one fluffball to another. To be honest, these ones are two centimeters long—big and gross. They’re pests I’d love to eradicate from this world. Like mosquitoes, lice are dangerous creatures that serve as vectors for disease.
It was a cruel reality. In order to protect the fluffballs, I had to sacrifice their fluff.
To strip a fluffball of its fur, leaving behind barren land… how could I do something so cruel? But if the adult lice are removed, the eggs will still hatch. That would make it pointless—a never-ending cycle. By shaving the fur, lice won’t have a place to live, the eggs will be easier to remove, and any that were missed can also be dealt with.
However, to shave the fluff…
"Then, I'll do it."
"Mary too!"
"…… (nods)"
"Rosarin, you use the comb."
"Well, I guess it can’t be helped…"
"It’s okay, don’t be scared~"
"Why is everyone acting like this is no big deal?!"
"I like fluff, but I’m not a fluff maniac."
"It's pitiful when they’re itchy, nya!"
"…… (nods, nods)"
"It’s unavoidable. Being itchy is worse."
"And there’s also the risk of infection."
"For real?! Then we should shave them as soon as possible!"
And so, everyone except me mercilessly shaved the fluffballs.
"NUAAAAAAAHHHH!!"
"Rosarin, you’re too loud."
My brother smacked me. I knew it was necessary. If we wanted to completely get rid of the lice, shaving was the quickest way.
But still, to see the fluff disappear, even temporarily, was painful.
"Not completely bald, just leave a little length."
"… Like this?"
The fluff was shaved down to about a centimeter from the root… It looked like a plush toy that might actually exist. I reached out and gently touched it—
Not bad!!
Though the fur was shorter, it was better than suffering from itchiness. I combed through the trimmed fur with a fine-toothed comb.
"Oh…!"
This way, the eggs could be removed. Fortunately, these lice were bigger than the ones in Japan, making them easier to spot. The shorter fur made them even more visible, lowering the difficulty of removing them.
Everyone silently focused on removing the lice eggs from the shaved fluffballs. It was a silent battle.
The children, watching us work in silence, were too intimidated to make a fuss and stayed quiet.
At last, the battle was over. Every last vile insect egg was gone.
"So, what are you planning to do with these kids?"
"!??"
The children flinched. They were worried I might sell them off or something. Of course, I wouldn’t.
"Hmm, first I’ll confirm their intentions. Nice to meet you. I am Rosarin Burton, from faraway Christia. I would like to offer you protection. I guarantee food, clothing, and shelter."
"… What’s the price?"
A child who seemed to be the leader spoke to me, unable to hide their mix of hope and suspicion.
"Helping children in similar situations as yours."
"… That doesn’t benefit you at all."
"Oh, but it does. Do you want to hear the truth or the polite answer?"
The leader tilted his head in confusion but eventually chose to hear the truth.
"I… No, I absolutely love fluffballs. Just looking at them brings me happiness. Seeing them mistreated, their fur all scruffy—I can’t stand it. I want to save the fluffballs in this world… or at least, the ones in front of me! That’s the truth."
"… Huh?"
"The polite answer is that it’s charity work. The reason you’re treated unfairly is because the system is broken. There should be a structure in place so that even orphans can grow up safely! Without that, crime increases, and people suffer from poverty and starvation. If you’re born a noble, it’s your duty to protect the people!"
"… Aren’t both of those your real feelings?"
The boy let out a bitter smile. I thought about it for a moment… Maybe both were indeed my true feelings.
"Well, yes, both are true. But the first is mostly my personal feelings and preferences. The second has a bit of personal motivation, but it’s also my noble duty. Lately, I’ve taken it upon myself to knock some sense into the idiots who forget that duty."
The boy extended his hand. A handshake? I took his hand—and felt soft paw pads. What a reward!
"You don’t hesitate, even with us dirty strays."
"You just washed your hands earlier, you know."
The boy nodded.
"I’ll trust you. I don’t think you’ll do anything bad to these guys."
"Of course not. I live to punish fools who mistreat my adorable fluffballs!"
I declared with a straight face. Someone behind me was laughing, but I ignored them.
For now, I decided they would stay at my family home. If the Shamcats’ system improved, they might return to their homeland.
"I’ll repay this favor. Is there anything I can do?"
"Then, I won’t hold back. There are other orphans, right? Gather as many as you can. Also, help with the lice removal."
I wouldn’t waste resources. I’d use whatever I could.
"Honestly, I don’t want to do this, but let’s head to the Shamcats’ king to discuss the situation moving forward."
And so, we returned to the castle.
What do you think about this chapter?
