...... around here, no one will ever see you.

　Once I informed Cecil of my surroundings, I left the cave...

　A short distance away from there, in the shadow of a tree, Rita stopped.

Activate the "Presence Detection" - no dangerous reaction.

　The only thing I can sense is the presence of Cecil and Reggie at the entrance of the cave. And this place where we are right now should be a dead zone from there as well. Okay, okay.

　Rita leaned against a tree and took a deep breath.

　The sun had long since gone down and it was dim around here.

　There was no sound of birds or animals. Maybe they're just trying to keep us on our toes.

　The air is cool.

　Rita rubs her hands together for a moment and then claps her hands together, as if to get herself together.

　We made sure that the area around the cave was safe.

　But there is always the possibility that things could go wrong. I need to look around a bit more to protect you and your master.

　Because you never know what could happen during the night.

　Even now, Master (Nagi) should be "readjusting" Iris and Rafilia. It's a necessary and important thing for a slave to do, and it's ...... like a blessing. Even I, Nagi will 'reconfigure' my abilities──not because I didn't, but because I don't know when she will.

　You have to keep the surroundings as safe as possible, right?

　But even for a beastman, there's only a limited range that can be reached on human feet. This form isn't suitable for running around the entire mountain. I'm going to need a more suitable form.

''Since it's ......, I'll have to use the skills Nagi gave me.

　Rita takes another deep breath.

　You might think I'm being persistent, but I activate 'presence of mind' once more.

　─ No problem. Look to your right, look to your left ...... okay?　No one saw that, did they?

　What do I do? I can't believe I have to get naked here .......

　It's embarrassing. I wonder what Nagi would think if he saw me.

　Wouldn't they think I'm a beast and have that kind of taste?

　You wouldn't be ...... to hate it, would you?　I'd rather say "guggy". But the next time Rita is asked to wear that outfit ...... when they are alone together - I won't say no, but I can't say no .......

Oh my God. What am I thinking? Nagi would never say anything like that!

　Bunch-bunch-bunch!

　Rita shakes out her golden hair. What a solitary game.

　Enough. I'm ready. It's for everyone's safety.

　Rita put her hands on the buttons of her clothes.

　She put her arms behind her back and slowly unfastened them one by one.

　Rita's 'fighting priest's clothes' are designed for ease of movement. If you unbutton the buttons on your back and undo the sash, it all falls off under your feet with a thud.

　After that, you're on the spur of the moment. As if to shake off her hesitation, Rita half-closes her eyes and removes the underwear that covers her breasts. The last piece of clothing is pulled down from the leg with a shuffle - exposing the skin to the night air.

　The white skin that emerges in the dimness. I know that no one is watching, but I can't help but hold my chest.

　Sooner or later──I have to change into another form...

''Activate ...... 'Complete Beastification (Beast Mode) LV1' ......

　Rita murmured to herself, as if she were talking about something else.

　The moment she said aloud. The moment you say it aloud, the white skin becomes faintly illuminated.

　This is a skill that was born when you 'engaged' with Nagi, the proof that you became Nagi's for all time, because you remembered that time.

'No, I'm not!　It's just cold!

　The figure of Rita, who unintentionally ran out of her mouth, is──changing.

　The pure white "divine power" envelops the body.

　The golden tail stretches out. The pure white "divine power" changes into a golden light.

　In that light, just like a shadow puppet, Rita's humanoid form turns into a four-legged beast. Golden body hair wraps around her white body. As if to confirm the sensation of the body, the shadow puppet Rita trembles.

　Eventually, when the light disappears - Rita's figure has changed into a wolf with golden body hair.

"...... success, is it?

　Rita, the beast, turned her head to check her appearance.

　Yeah. It worked.

　Well, there's no way I'm going to fail. It's a skill Nagi gave me.



"Total Beastification (Beast Mode) Lv 1.

　Rita changes into a full beast form.

　While she is changing into a beast, her muscle strength, instantaneous strength, and five senses increase.

　Her ability to move is several times greater than normal.

　Also, you can use the Divine Force Force even while in this state, which will continue to strengthen your body. By concentrating Sacred Power in his upper body, he can literally make his body hit like a bullet.

　You can use it once a day.

　Note that if you're wearing clothes when you activate it, it will be torn. Please note.




'...... Nagi, you didn't see that, did you?'

　I can't hear his voice, but I can feel his presence.

　It seems that the important and precious master is at the back of the cave.

　Thank goodness ......, Rita gave a small sigh.

　Nagi still hasn't seen Rita using 'Complete Beastification'. She said it should be a very beautiful beast ......, but I was a little worried ...... about how she would react if she actually saw it.

　Nope. It's not anxiety, it's just that I'm not prepared for it. I'm such a wimp, I'm such a wimp.

　Rita scratched the ground crisply with the beast's paws.

　Bending and stretching her body, raising and lowering her hind legs - her body seems to be able to move freely. Thanks to the skills being activated, the use of this body will be able to properly enter your mind.

　Most importantly, this figure gives me a good idea of what's going on around me.

　The temperature of the ground. The movement of the wind. The position of the trees that cover the mountain. The position of the trees on the mountain.

'Well then, Rita Melpheus is going to make her rounds. 'Master.'

　Muttering this in her mind, Rita took off running.

　The wind whistled, gurgling in her ears.

　It was incomparably faster than when she was in her beastly form.

　Fast. Every time she kicked the ground once, the scenery around her flew backwards.

　The feel of the earth. The smell of grass. The smell of trees.

　All of these things show Rita the way. She knows where to go and where to go through. Even in the mountains, where the trees are thick, there is no way you're going to bump into them. Just when you want to run........your body starts to move on its own. It's amazing. It was like I had become a real beast.

　Her four legs are gripping the ground tightly.

　Kicking. Jump. She's not running... I'm running.

　In the blink of an eye, Rita had reached the side of the collapsed "foggy valley" in no time.

　I'm going to listen to the ears of the beast - a sign - was there.

　Up in the sky.

　Above the sky where the moon shone, a flying dragon was dancing. It's spreading its large wings and circling.

　They can't see us. And I don't feel any hostility.

　The Flying Dragon has a sad voice. It's as if it's taking a shot at someone. Or rather, that voice sounds like something I've heard before. If you look closely, you can see that its wings are a bit damaged. You can see that its wings are scorched.

　That flying dragon wouldn't attack us. It's because he gave Master the Blood Crystal. That was like an oath. It's safe.

　Returning her gaze from overhead to the ground, Rita looked at the crumbling 'Valley of Mist'.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　The treasure guarded by the mummy of the flying dragon that was underneath is now in the hands of the master.

　If used well, it might be able to influence the flying dragon and the dragon's attendants, but Nagi doesn't seem to have any desire to do so. I'm going to rent out the Ilgafa lord family's villa for a while, place the 'Heavenly Dragon Egg' there and leave the rest alone. I won't divulge my secrets to anyone, nor do I plan to brag about it to anyone.

　Maybe it's because Nagi is struggling in his former world, but he basically wants to be a 'sloth'.

　But he's a good-natured and hard-working person, so he can't help but think, "It can't be helped," and end up helping someone else.

　I love such a master - I love him. Whenever I hear that line, I want to hug him.

　I love and adore the master who controls me.

　Waving, Rita shakes the body of the beast.

　Because of the body hair that covers the entire body, I don't feel the slightest bit of cold. It's rather warm.

　Beastmen live somewhere between a wild beast and a man. Nagi probably drew that beast's strength from inside Rita. This body that has been running as fast as it can, and yet it's not even out of breath. There's still plenty of room for more.

　I'm sure that if I keep running like this, I'll go far.

　For example, over those mountains, and everywhere else. I could run through the streets and beyond the horizon.

　Maybe even across the border of this country, to a land that no one knows about...

"There is no such thing as .......

　Rita laughed, still in her beastly form.

　That's impossible. I can see that.

　We are only a short distance away from the Nagi, but I'm missing you so much.

　You can't see it from here, the cave on top of the mountain. I'm looking for any sign of Nagi, who should be there.

　It's as if there is an invisible chain.

　It is connected to the depths of my being, spinning, stretched out.

　I can feel it.

　Maybe it's because I'm in the form of a beast, but right now I have a predominance of instinct.

　I feel like I can do things I normally couldn't do now.

　I want to go back.

　I want to go home. I want to hug Nagi. I want to stick with you. I want to snuggle nose to nose.

"But just a little bit more.

　It's important to make sure we're safe.

　Rita returned the spiral and the cobwebs and started to run down the mountainside.

　After a while, the beast's ears caught another sign of life, with a twitch.

　There it is. A demon was found.

"GURUUUUUUUUUUUUU!

　What came into view was a black beast. Red eyes that seemed to sparkle and burn.

　It's a black hound, right?



Blackhound.

　A beast that resembles a dog.

　However, it is less than 3 meters in size. It is believed to be a wild dog turned into a monster.

　Its weapons are its fangs and its ability to move fast enough to hit people.

　Beginners should avoid fighting it.



''GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAA!

　This area was probably a navvy.

　The blackhound runs towards Rita. Zigzagging through the trees. It opened its huge mouth, like it was about to bite through a golden beast.

'...... slow.'

　With a shudder, Rita's body was shaken.

　The golden beast - the fangs that were going to bite into Rita, bite the air with a crunch.

　You can find a lot of people who have been in the same situation.

　It sniffs. His eyes widen. The black dog looks up.

　The golden beast was above the black hound's head (...).

　Even though it was in the form of a beast, Rita's 'Divine Power Seizure' was still alive and well. It didn't matter that she used that power to kick trees and soar into the air. The same might be possible for a black hound. But his combat experience is different. The idea is different. Even if he becomes a beast, he's a beastman inside.

"Don't you dare to think less of Soma-Nagi's slave!

"GU, GUAA......

"Wahhhh, wahhhh, wahhhh, wahhhh... ──────!

　Rita's howl is enough to cancel out the blackhound's voice.

　The blackhound, having taken the overhead advantage, stiffened involuntarily. Rita's front legs cleaved its torso. The blackhound's body was blown away. It whirled around, crushing grass, snapping branches, and being slammed into trees.

　Then the demon, foaming at the mouth and crumbling down, had completely lost its will to fight.

'A......GU......Aa'

　A black dog, tail curled up, desperately begging for its life.

　Rita sniffed, huffing and puffing.

　Before she knew it, she could feel the other demons approaching. But he's the only one in danger around here. The rest are all small things that Rita can't even touch. They are all too frightened to come closer.

　The black hound shows its belly and poses in complete submission. His body has a tree branch stuck in it, and one of his paws is pointing in a strange direction. In any case, this injury wouldn't cause any harm to anyone. It would be easier to stab him with a lash, but the blackhound wants to live.

　Rita shakes her head, 'Go,' and gets rid of the seriously injured demon.

　I can feel the faint smell of blood on my nose. Disgusting. The blood of the demon has gotten on my body.

''I want to go back to ....... ......

　I'm going to miss you so much.

　I've made sure it's safe.

　I want to go home. I want to go home now and ask Nagi to praise me.

　Rita kicked the ground in the form of the beast.

　The golden beast ran up the slope of the mountain. Concentrate the 'Divine Power' into its upper body. The power to blow away any enemy coming at you without question. But no one can come close to Rita anymore. It looks like the black hound from earlier was the master of the demons around here.

　Fearful of Rita, who defeated it in an instant, demons are bowing down here and there.

　But Rita doesn't pay any attention to that.

　All she can think about is her master. I'm going straight home, even if it's only a second sooner. That's all.

"...... Huh?

　As I ran for any sign of Nagi, before I knew it, Rita had passed the cave.

　That's strange. Nagi, he's not in the cave from earlier, is he?

　Rita runs further up the mountain.

　The scent of the nutcracker comes closer.

　After a while, they found the entrance to a small cave.

　It was the one Rita had found earlier when she was looking around. A bath for the 'welfare' of the demon race and the ancient elves, I think.

　Faintly smells of water. Warm, the smell of steam.

　Rita's instincts got the better of her and she dove straight into the cave.

　Beyond the vaguely bright hole. The master is there...

"Rita?　Is the patrol over?

　There he was.

　Nagi was sitting by the spring at the back of the cave, stirring the water.

　Reggie, in human form, was attached to his back, murmuring, "I wonder if we're there yet, I wonder if we're there yet.

　At the back of the cave, which is about the length of a house hallway, is a small little room.

　There was a spring the size of a household bath. It seemed to have been made by hollowing out the rocks using ancient technology. The surrounding walls were covered in orange lines that glowed here and there. When the goat touches them, the light becomes stronger and steam rises from the spring. Water constantly pours from the walls into the fountain, and the overflowing water flows out of the gaps in the cave. It was a 'boiling spring' that made use of nature.

I'm sure Rafilia told you about it. This spring is for the demon race and ancient elves to bathe in.'

It seems that he's using the residual magic from the Valley of the Mist, and when he pours his magic power into it, it becomes just as warm as human skin.

　I'm sure the Tanimoto body has collapsed, so it won't be able to be used after all.

...... Nagi really likes to take a bath, doesn't she?

　But that's what I like about it.

　It's good that you like to keep things clean. He or she will prepare a proper bath for me and Cecil-chan as well - and then Rita realized that she was still in the form of a beast.

　Her body involuntarily starts to tremble.

　Out of instinct, she ran to me, "I want to see Nagi," so I forgot about it. I'd forgotten.

　What should I do?

　Nagi has seen me like this.

My beastly form changed after Full Beastification. A golden beast. I've fought my way through the woods, and I've run through the forest, and the dirt and the branches are stuck to me. I'm so embarrassed. What am I going to do? If you call me strange, if you say I'm strange...

Rita, can I get a fluffy one?

"...... wow?

You're so pretty, I'd love to rub your back, if you don't mind.

　Rita's favorite master, who reaches out to her willy-nilly.

　Rita can't help but sigh. I feel like an idiot. What was I worried about ......?

　Shaking off her timid self, Rita reflexively assumes a 'prone' position.

　It is easy to understand how Nagi knew at a glance that it was Rita. It's because of the collar.

The collar created by the "master-slave contract" does not change even if Rita changes into the form of a beast. It stretches and contracts freely, and holds Rita's neck.

　It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

　I feel like an idiot. I'm Nagi's, and Nagi is my master. No matter what I look like, it doesn't change. Why was I so worried?

　I'm just going to be with her. I'm going to be with her.

"I see. I'm sure you've been using the "Full Beast Mode" for a while now. Good work.

"...... wow

　Rita's voice is not a word.

　Because beasts and people have different vocal organs. But the words uttered are a spoiled sound.

　Rita, the beast, clears her throat while Nagi's fingers muffled her back. I feel like I'm going to fall asleep.

Mmmm. I can't take it anymore!

　splash

　Suddenly, there was a loud sound of water.

　Startled, I looked up and saw that Leggy, in human form, had just jumped into the spring.

　Inside the cave, steam was rising from the water.

　The 'bathing system' created by the demon race and the ancient elves had been activated by Nagi's magical power and turned the spring into moderately hot water.

''Hmmm. Hmmm. I can't stand it!

"Reggie, it's you. Don't jump in here while we're talking, no questions asked.

'What? The Lord promised to bathe with you in the 'Valley of the Mist'!

　The humanoid Leggy, who was swept up in the economy, was splashing around in the spring, splashing hot water.

　Nagi began to explain the situation to Rita, who didn't quite understand the situation.

　It seems that when Nagi heard that Rita had found the 'Cave of Ablution', she came to check on the situation.

　Cecil is feeling tired from using too much magic power. Aine is preparing the food. Iris and Rafilia were limping after the 'readjustment', so Nagi's guard became the role of Leggy the Magic Sword.

　If there was a bath, it was only natural that Nagi would want to activate it to rest the tired slave. But before that, it was inevitable that she would want to take a bath herself. In addition, when attacking the Valley of the Mist, she promised the demon sword Leggy that she would go shopping or take a bath with him as a reward, and it seems that Leggy chose the bath, and as soon as the water was hot enough, he stripped and jumped in.

I'm sure Rita has checked the safety of the surroundings. We decided that everyone would take a bath after dinner and Leggy and I would take a bath before dinner.

"It's so Nagi-like: ......

　Rita clears her throat lazily while Nagi mugs her.

　─ I should be tired, but for a slave like this - or maybe Nagi just wanted to take a bath himself?　I wonder which one it is. ...... It doesn't matter which one it is.

　Nagi's hands feel so good, Rita almost dozes off.

　She wonders where her wild instincts are, but she can't help it because she's too happy to be at her master's side. You can't help but close your eyes to feel good and open them at the sound of Reggie's voice, "Look, look, why don't you get on with it, Master?

It's a good thing that you're not worried about the Lord, because I'm not going to do anything strange to you when you're tired. And besides, it was you who taught him the joys of bathing, wasn't it?　Take responsibility!

　Leggy, who was up to his shoulders in hot water, waved his hand, buzzing.

"Yes, yes.

　Nagi's hand, which had been squirming on Rita's back, left her.

　Since Reggie has his back to her honestly, even Rita can't look at Nagi's nakedness, so she turns the beast's face toward the wall. But by the signs, you can tell what Nagi is doing. She has just taken off her jacket. I'm going to take off my underwear from my neck, and then I'm going to take off my underwear as well, and then....

Hmmm.

"Ew!

　A duet of master and demon sword, standing tall in the hot water.

'It's an old system, so I was worried it would work, but it looks fine.'

I want to take this home with me.

I wish I knew how the system works.

I suppose you can't make the skill to make a bath, Lord?

　It's getting kind of itchy.

　Nagi and Reggie are now good friends. Back to back, they are enjoying themselves in the hot water.

　Rita was about to step out towards the spring, when she realized she was in the form of a beast, and stopped.

　The beast's limbs have dirt on them. There are leaves and twigs tangled in its golden body hair, too. I want to take a bath and wash it, but I'm too embarrassed to ...... say it. Rita, in her beastly form, puts her head in her hands, "Mmmmmm.

............ If you want, Rita can come in with you?

　The master's voice cut off Rita's hesitation.

　Or perhaps it's not hesitation that was cut off, but reason.

''U, turn around!　The "Nagi

　I tried to growl in the voice of the beast, but Nagi seemed to get the point.

　There's no more retraction. Rita released the 'Complete Beastification'.

　Once again, the 'divine power' envelops the body of the beast. Slowly, the structure of the body changes.

　The golden body hair disappears somewhere, revealing white skin.

　Rita blinks her cherry-red eyes. The human body is reaffirmed.

　And long golden hair teases around Rita's neck and chest.

　It doesn't matter what Reggie's "oohs" sound is, Nagi has turned her back properly. Sweet. I love you. No, no, no, it's not that - let's see.

　Rita sat down on the edge of the spring and sipped the hot water with the palm of her hand.

　Because of the fact that you've been running around in the form of a beast, you've got dirt on your hands and feet. After rinsing it off, Rita shimmied down into the warm spring, chubby.

I'm sure you'll be able to find it. Mmmm.

　The magically heated water loosens my tired muscles.

　Her white skin was burning. It's probably the hot water and Nagi's fault.

　I put my weight back just a little and my shoulder touches Nagi's back. The shoulder on the other side is around Reggie's head. That's why the master, the beastman and the demon sword are sitting in the hot water like a triangle. As expected, it's not wide enough to stretch your legs, so the three of us hold our knees.

''Huh. ......''

　What should I do?

　I ventured in with them, but I was too nervous to speak.

I got a ...... 'reward' for it.

You know what, Rita?

Okay.

'This doesn't include the time I'm giving to Rita. It's just that it's separate from what I'm being paid for this job.

　...... Huh?

　Time?　I have ......?

　Oh, did I mention that I said 'I want time with Nagi' as a reward for my work in 'Foggy Valley'.

　But this time in the bath together is irregular, so it doesn't count.

............ pfft.

What the f*ck?

I mean, Nagi, you don't have to do that.

　Rita looked over her shoulder and saw her favorite master's face.

　Maybe it was the hot water, but Nagi's face was also a little red. I'm somewhat relieved.

　I wondered if I wasn't the only one who was thrilled.

You don't need to worry about it. It's enough that I'm doing this now. It's enough for me to give my time to Aine.

So long.

I'm sorry, but you lied to me!

"...... You beast girl! You're digging your own grave.

　Leggy, who is neck deep in hot water, is laughing and giggling.

............ What's that? It's not a good idea to go to the beach.

Huh. I'll take that as a compliment!

　Mmm, and a hint of Leggy's chest thumping behind me.

I'd like to know more about your plans for tomorrow, Lord. What are your plans for tomorrow?　After you descend the mountain, you will return to the Ilgafa lord's villa, won't you?

Yeah. Now it's time for a real break.

　With a splash, Nagi nodded, making a sound of water.

'As for the job, I'll just have Iris write a letter and tell the lord that I'll be renting the villa for a while. It doesn't look like it's used much, so it looks like we can keep anyone away from it for a couple of years or so. I'm going to build an altar under the floor to hide the 'Heavenly Dragon's Egg'.

You're the only one who knows about the eggs, right, Mummy Flying Dragon?

'It's hardly even caught by Cecil's 'magic detection'. We should be able to hide it without a problem. He said we can live wildly after they hatch, so that's about all we can do.

How are you going to find the dragon's legacy?

　Leggy, who was attached to Nagi's back before I knew it, asks. 'It's not fair to stick together.

''That's beside the point, I guess. I want to do some more research on the legend of the Tenryu. I'd like to use the materials in the library of the Magical Experimental City, if possible. In any case, it's not something that can be solved immediately.

Yeah.

So long.

　Then the master, the beastmen and the demon sword let out their breaths together in a relaxed manner.

　The water in the fountain is warm and gentle, and it's easy to forget that we're on a mountain.

　Before I know it, Rita is in the hot water, holding Nagi's hand. On the other side of her hand, Reggie is touching her. I mean, he's rubbing my back, so I caught him and restrained him. So what's Reggie's other hand doing?　But when I see that Nagi doesn't get angry, she doesn't seem to be doing anything about it. Surprisingly, she's very obedient to Nagi. Well, there's no other master who would bathe with a demon sword.

　Of course, it's rare for a master to bathe side by side with a slave like this.

...... It feels so good. The bath Nagi boiled for me .......

'Yeah, me too. Bathing with my family was something I longed for in my former world: ......

　Amidst the steam, Nagi blurted out a few words.

　Nagi's Family .......

　Rita's heart is filled with sadness. I have to say it. It's important. Now is the time to say it.

　You're the master, the one you love, and the one you're in love with

Oh, you know what? Nagi. I'm going to...　That's our Lord. Good Lord!

　"Reggie, go to ────!

　The words she was about to say were drowned out, and Rita glanced sideways at the red-haired demon sword girl next to her.

''Alright. Then let's make a 'Bath Day with the Lord' in order starting tomorrow!

'I'm starting to get weird again, Leggy is ......

Nagi. I'm not a... um, I'm a...　On each date a slave takes a bath with the Lord. For example, on a day that can be divisible by 3, it's the Tsurupeta Demon Tribe; on a day that can be divisible by 2, it's the Beastman Girl. And on a day that can be divisible by 1, it's my turn!　What do you think? That's fair enough!

'Go learn the word "fair" again!　I mean, it's not every day you can divide it by one.

'Wow, a day I can divide by two?　It's a... uh... uh...

　The words were interrupted, but it was a very tempting suggestion, and Rita counted out her fingers. Then the number of days with Nagi is the number of days in a month - one or two. A lot?　So that means...

"Huh." "Whew." "Whew.

　But the three of us are in the warm water.

　My body and mind are starting to loosen up and I can't think too much. We worked hard today, so let's think about the hard stuff tomorrow. The three of us nodded our heads and then started to get fluffy in the bath again.

...... It's so warm.

Yeah.

So long.

　Fluffy. Fluffy.

　I'd like to do this forever, but Rita's head is starting to feel fuzzy by now.

　Maybe I soaked in too much hot water. Besides, Cecil is waiting for you.

Let's get back to it. We're all waiting for you.

But after you.

Well, then, feel free to...

Leggy has to wait until Nagi gets dressed!

　Rita hugs the little guy with both arms as he casually tries to climb up with her.

　It's tiny. But this child is an erosu magic sword. It might be dangerous to stroking and abrading her like Cecil and Iris.

　So after checking Nagi's clothes with a hint of a sign, I released the human-shaped Leggy.

　Leggy honestly wipes himself with a cloth and changes into his usual clothes.

　Now, it's my turn.

　Nagi and Leggy have their backs to me, so in the meantime...

Speaking of which, Rita, where are your clothes?

''It's fine. I'll be in the form of a beast again in 'Complete Beastification': ......

　Rita was trying to activate her skills.




"Full Beastification (Beast Mode), Lv 1.

　You can use it up to once a day (・・・・).




Oh ──────────────────!






............ Nagii. Don't look at me! ............

I won't look. Follow me slowly.

　How did this happen?

　You were so cool earlier, how could you do this to me?

　Rita, half in tears, follows Nagi.

　It's about a ten-minute walk to the cave. Thanks to the moonlight, we can see clearly beneath our feet. But the big problem is that I can see clearly. Rita, with tears in her eyes, held the cloth around her waist.

'Complete Beastification' can be used once a day. It can't be used again today.

　And I left the clothes near the cave when I activated the skill.

　So the only thing Rita is wearing right now is a pair of stubby underwear (above) that she borrowed from Nagi. I'm a little nervous about the length, so I've wrapped the cloth that Nagi and Reggie used to wipe her body around her waist. That just barely hides the important parts of my body. But it's very difficult to walk. It's as if I haven't been running around in the mountains for a while.

"Why are you so embarrassed now, my dear?

　As he and Nagi walked hand in hand, Reggie sniffed, "Hmph.

''Lord, you were running around in the mountains naked just now, weren't you?

Yeah, that's another story!　I'm not like you!　They're the same, but they're different!

　Yes, it's different. They seem to be the same, but they're not.

　I stick out my tongue at the laughing Reggie and start to walk again with a wobbly gait.

　Oh, my God. This is so uncool.

　In addition, both of my legs are a little sore. My thighs feel like they're sticking out. Is this a muscle ache?　

A side effect of The Complete Animalization?　Because you were using your body differently than usual?

'Rita, you'll have to see Aine later. I'll delay our departure tomorrow so we can get some rest.

'Ughhhh. Rita-Melpheus, a lifetime of unawareness: ......

I think you're getting the benefit of the doubt just by finding out the weaknesses of my skills.

I'm not going to use it anymore. I'm not going to 'perfect the beast' unless I'm really desperate.

...... You were such a beautiful beast.

"Nagi's Tease.

　If Nagi asks me to use my skills anyway, I can't say no, and it's like I'm sure I'm going to become a beast again. This time, Rita tells herself, I'm definitely going to stay a beast until I get back to my clothes.

　That determination is fluffy because of the clothes she's wearing and the cloth she has wrapped around her waist.

　They're both the ones Nagi was using earlier, and they still smell fluffy.

　The loneliness of running around as a beast has disappeared in a flash, but instead the throbbing of physical pressure almost consumes Rita. Her face is bright red. Her heart is pounding. On top of that, her heart is pounding in the deepest parts of her body, making it difficult for her to walk.

It's so hard to walk.

　Nagi stops. He crouches down.

...... piggyback?

I'm not ashamed of it, I'm not ashamed of it, I just don't see it.

　You just said you'd be patient. I'll be patient.

Besides, it's one thing for both of us to forget that the 'Complete Animalization' happens once a day.

Wow. ............

　Rita twirled her wet hair around her fingertips and then, as if she'd decided to, leaned back against Nagi's back. Good, and Nagi stands up. Her whole body is snugly attached to Nagi. I can't stop myself from scooting my neck and mumbling something I don't understand: "It's Nagi's day .......

　But I don't care. Reggie says, "The Lord's back is my fixed position. You'll only be able to shake it off today!" but I ignore that too.

　But I feel bad for Aine. We promised to get a lot of nagi time, and now I'm getting a lot of it. Every piece of clothing that smells, warms my body, and covers my bare skin belongs to her. Rita is surrounded by Nagi, and I reaffirm that this is a great place to be.

　Even if she could turn into a full beast, even if she could run through the mountains during the night, Rita would still come back here in the end. To someone she can feel safe with, someone she wants to be with.

　But that's okay. That's fine.

　Because no matter where the party goes from here on out, even if the 'Heavenly Dragon's Egg' hatches in front of you and a giant dragon covers the sky, Rita's place is here.

............ Huh?

　Suddenly, the bag Nagi had tied around her waist touched Rita's leg.

　Something round and hard. Something warm. This?

Why does Nagi carry around a 'Heavenly Dragon's Egg'?

He followed me. I think he likes you, you know.

That's right: ......

　Rita - because she didn't feel like she was being rejected - touched the "Heavenly Dragon's Egg".

　We don't know when they will hatch, but the celestial dragons that are born will live much longer than Rita and the others. They are strong and big and fly far away. A mythical being. Rita and Nagi's presence here is insignificant and will soon become irrelevant...

............ I, Rita-Melpheus, am very fond of my master.

　I wanted him to remember me for a moment, so I put my lips close to his and whispered to 'Tenryu's Egg'.

　Of course, only in my mouth so that Nagi can't hear me.

'No matter how strong I become, no matter how much I become the '4 Concept Cheat Character', this loyalty will not be relented. Even if 'Heavenly Dragon's Egg' likes Nagi right now, he's not going to be able to compete with my feelings, you know. Please keep that in mind: ......

The Eggs of the Dragon doesn't respond.

　Well, I never expected it to respond. I mean, why are you talking to the egg, me?

　I turned bright red and looked up, and before I knew it, I was very close to the cave.

　The 'Fighting Priest's Clothes' that I took off earlier were neatly folded and placed under a tree.

'We're here!' said Nagi, and Rita got off her warm back.

The side-effects of the 'Complete Beastification' are still present, and Rita's limbs are somewhat muscular. Nevertheless, Rita is still in a careful posture and looks straight at her master who carried her here. It's kind of embarrassing and I know my heart is throbbing, but I have to thank him properly.

　Leaving aside Reggie, who is smirking beside me, Rita says a few words while holding her chest.

''Thank you. Master.

　Then he bowed deeply.

　His beast ears are twitching and his tail is flapping.

　The beastman's body shows his loyalty and gratitude with his whole body.

''Uh, yeah. And thank you for taking a bath with me. From now on, I'll be more careful about using "full beastification". The muscle aches and pains in your body will be fine by tomorrow. And also...

　It's not enough. I want to talk like this forever.

　My tail is moving faster than I've ever noticed. Flapping, then bouncing. I can't even control it.

　The momentum is so great that I roll up the underwear I borrowed from Nagi up to my stomach, blowing the cloth around my waist in the direction of the day after tomorrow...




""──────




　Nagi, Rita and Reggie's voices overlapped.

　

　The next thing you know, Rita was huddled in a huddle, holding her body.

　She's giving Leggy a thumbs up for "guggy" in Leggy, but that's the line she wants Nagi to say. Nagi mumbles her favorite line to Rita, "I can't help it," after all, and offers me Rita's clothes that she had put under the tree.

　But you saw it. It's clearly etched in your eyes, isn't it? I can see it.

　You don't realize how much I follow the Master's gaze with my eyes, do you?

　Nagi is a ....... I've had enough of this!

''Woooooooooooooooooo. I'll never use 'Complete Beastification' again!

　That's why, no matter what amazing skills you get, you can still be a 'cheat character'.

　On the master's side, I'm a spoiled, careless person.

　It was Rita who reaffirmed that I was such a careless person.