Chapter 127

OH MY GOD!!
Joan’s beloved horse, Snowy, has a secret...!?

Knock knock knock.

“Mother, it’s Joan.”

“Come in.”

When I entered the bedroom, Mother was leaning back against the headboard reading a book.

“Is it okay for you to be up?”

“I’m fine. More importantly, come closer and let me give you a hug.”

At her words, I took off my shoes and climbed onto the bed.

“I’m so glad you’re safe, Joan. I was so worried because of the danger you faced... But it’s thanks to you that everyone is safe. You did well.”

She gently embraced me.

Ahh, this soft, gentle scent...
It really makes me feel like I’m home.

“Oh, Mother—I heard your somach’s been bothering you. Are you okay?”

“Huh? Ah, so Stan told you? I’m fine. It’s a secret from everyone, but... according to the doctor, it looks like I’m having twins.”

“Ehhh!? R-Really!? No wonder you are having it tough.”

“Exactly. It's heavy carrying two.”

“Whew, I’m relieved. I thought something was wrong... Hm? You said it’s a secret from everyone—what about Father?”

“Ehehe. It’s a secret from him too. But Nancy found out.”

“Hehe. Well, Nancy has been through it before. Once they’re born, I’ll do my best to help take care of them!”

“Yes, please do. Big sister.”

Haaah~ I’m so glad.
So... I’m going to be a big sister, huh.

Ehehe. I’ll spoil them rotten.

Right! I need to go see Snowy too.

＊＊＊＊＊

When I got to the stables, Ian the stablehand was brushing a horse. The other stablehand, Adam, was on break.

“Young lady Joan, are you feeling okay now?”

“I’m fine, thank you, Ian. Umm, what about Snowy?”

“Oh, the white horse you brought is inside the stable. But for some reason, she hasn’t been eating... I’m sorry. I think she’s worried about you, Young lady Joan.”

“I see. I’ll go check on her.”

I stepped into the stable and peeked into Snowy’s stall—
She was looking out the small window.

“Snowy. What are you looking at?”

As I called out, she turned around quickly and came up to me.
I stroked her nose gently.

“Sorry for worrying you. I’m all better now, so please eat your food, okay? Oh! I’ve got some carojin for you.”

I took out some carojin from storage and fed it to Snowy.

“Is it tasty?”

(Yeah, it’s delicious.)

“That’s great... Wait, what? Did I just hear something? No way. Snowy couldn’t possibly talk.”

(It’s not your imagination. I can talk.)

“Ehhhh~~~~~~!? Why!?”

(... Not so loud. My ears hurt.)

“Ah, sorry. I was just so surprised.”

(Me too. I don’t know exactly why, but after you healed my bite wound and gave me that water, I suddenly felt strength welling up in me.)

“Wait... was it you who called my name when I collapsed?”

(Yeah. You suddenly dropped, and I got really scared.)

“Y-yeah... I guess so. U-um, I don’t think I can fully grasp this on my own, so... is it okay if I bring Father?”

(Sure. I want to properly greet your papa too.)

“O-okay. Just wait a sec. (Father, Father... Teleport)”

Poof...

Thud... “Ugh...!”
“Whoa!!”

I teleported... right into Father’s lap.
Looks like he’d been talking to Brother Noel when I suddenly appeared.

“Sorry, I was in a hurry and just teleported. And also... sorry about a bunch of things.”

“What do you mean, ‘a bunch of things’?”

Brother Noel asked.

“Um... just, you know, stuff? Anyway, could you both come with me for now?”

“Where to?”

Father asked.

“To the stable. Let’s go. (Stable, stable... Teleport)”

Poof...

I grabbed their hands and teleported us all.

“Joan, a little warning next time, please. That was my first time, you know.”

“Sorry. How was it?”

“Huh? Oh... it was over in a flash.”

“So, Joan, what’s this about?”

“Ah, yes. I brought you to Snowy.”

(Ah! Mr. Papa, nice to meet you. I’m Snowy. Please take care of me from now on.)

She bowed her head as she spoke.

““EEEEHHHHH—!?””

They both shouted in unison.

“Jo-Joan, what did you do? T-The horse is talking!”

“Well... Snowy got bitten by a Warg-wolf, so I healed her with First Aid and gave her Aqua’s water to drink, and just to be safe I poured some on the wound too. Then Snowy glowed.”

“... You say ‘just that’, but glowing already sounds strange. And that made her talk?”

Brother Noel asked, and I tilted my head, unable to explain.

“Joan, try using Search on your horse—or whatever she is now. Make it visible to us too.”

“Oh, good idea. Search Open!”

———————————————————————
[Snowy] White Horse — Pegasus —
Age: 6 (equivalent to 25 in human years)
Contracted Partner: Joan
Status: Healthy but hungry & sleep-deprived

Note: Escaped death thanks to Joan’s skill
Due to skill overlap, evolved independently
Capable of human speech
Wings are retracted by default. Can fly while mounted when in use
———————————————————————

“““.........”””

OH MY GOD——!!

What in the world...!?
The white horse evolved into a pegasus...!?

Have you ever felt your microcosm awaken!?
Nope. Definitely not. Not even close!!

Nobody told me this!!

What do you think about this chapter?