So This Is How It Feels
On the way back, we captured seven more female Cocottes, bringing the total to seventeen. Brother Gerald, however, left the hunting and capturing to Brother Chris and the knights, as he was too busy checking on the chick in his pocket.
When we returned to the mansion, Henry and the maids greeted us at the entrance.
"We’re back!" I called out, and the chick in Brother Gerald’s pocket started chirping, catching Henry’s attention.
"Young master Gerald, what’s that chick in your pocket?"
"It’s a Fiamma chick. I’m taking care of it, so don’t worry. You should say hello too." Brother Gerald said, pulling the chick out of his pocket to show everyone. The chick chirped loudly.
Hmm, it feels like they’re having a conversation.
It looks like Brother Gerald might end up registering it as his familiar.
"I’ll inform the master. Please share the details with him later. The bath is ready." Henry said, his face slightly strained.
Sorry, it’s fine... probably, I apologized in my heart.
"So, it’s a Fiamma, huh?"
After we cleaned off the sweat and dirt in the bath and gathered in the sitting room, Father asked while rubbing his temples.
Brother Gerald happily reported to Father, showing him the chick.
Father stared intently at the chick.
"Did you choose to stay with Gerald? Or do you dislike it? Even if you say no, we’ll take care of you until you grow up and can fly. Which do you choose?"
The chick responded by rubbing its feathers against Brother Gerald’s palm.
"It seems it’s chosen Gerald as its partner."
"Chirp, chirp, chirp!"
"Gerald, that’s great. The chick has chosen you."
Brother Gerald brought the chick close to his face.
"I will name you Ripka. Ripka, let’s get along, partner." He said, and a flash of light surrounded Brother Gerald and the chick.
Ah... so this is how it felt when Atre and I bonded.
"Gerald, take good care of Ripka. Oh, we’ll need to register it at the guild... Macberry is going to make some snide remarks, I’m sure." Father muttered with a sigh.
"Hardt, let’s go to the forest after my birthday."
"Brother Chris, I understand how you feel, but even if you get a decorative knife, I don’t think you’ll end up like Brother Gerald."
"If it doesn’t work, we can try again next year. It’s better than regretting not going to the forest with you until then." Brother Chris said seriously.
"Hardt, as I’ve said before, I’d like a decorative knife too. Like Chris and Gerald, as a birthday present."
"That’s right. I’ll also get a decorative knife as a birthday present. Let’s all have one as a family. Hardt, you should make one for Atre too. I’d like to join in as well—it seems like good luck."
Even my parents joined in. This is becoming a big deal.
Shaking my head... no, it’s just my imagination. I don’t have any cheat-like powers.
"Understood. I’ll come up with the designs, but you’ll have to pay for them. I don’t have any money."
"You’ve been earning quite a bit from the company. Didn’t you know?"
I didn’t know. I hadn’t heard anything about it.
"Father, it’s only been a few months since the company was established, right?"
"We didn’t show you the amounts to keep you from spending recklessly. Since the patent fees will keep coming in, we’ll use your account for the family’s birthday presents. If it’s not enough, we’ll cover the rest."
You’re not going to show me the balance? I’m really curious... Please save it for my future independence fund, Mother.
"We’ll talk about the balance later." Mother said, ignoring my plea and deciding to use my company account for the presents.
What do you think about this chapter?
