Faster than I could reply to it, Anima opened her mouth again and spun the words.

''........If it weren't for my own ego, I believe that the master would have been more aware than before of this feeling that I hadn't been able to firmly understand. He realized it and waited until he realized it himself....
....

　Yeah, she must have really grown up a lot. To the point where she can consider the feelings of others as well as herself.
　Anima was right.
　And I was........happy about it, I felt.

''I........didn't understand my own feelings the best. Respect for my master as a squire........love for him as the opposite s*x. I couldn't give an answer as to what is respect and what is longing... but I've come to believe that it's okay to remain unavailable.
...Anima.
Maybe I'm selfish. As a squire, I respect the master, and as the opposite s*x, I am in love with him.

　In the words she told me to chew on each word, I felt that I could feel what I could call the trajectory of Anima's own growth. Thinking back, she had been worried about many things, and she had grown up getting answers one by one.
　The difference in values due to her transformation from a black bear to a beastman.
The change in her position due to having subordinates, and dealing with the sense of inferiority she had felt towards others. The feelings he had for the person he called "Lord"........

Perhaps it's embarrassing to remain ambiguous after waiting so long. But please........let me speak my foolish and selfish wish.

　It's short for words, but Anima has probably thought a lot and learned as much or more than that.
　

"Master ... is it alright for me to remain a squire and at the same time love you as the opposite s*x?

　Hearing Anima's words filled with such strong feelings, a smile naturally appeared on my mouth.
　Then I slowly got up from the sofa and gently hugged Anima's body as she looked anxiously at me.

''Huh!　Gosh, gosh, master!
I'm not being selfish.
...What?
'You're the one who helps me as a squire, you're the one who takes care of things as a family member, you're the one who shows me how pretty you are as a girl... not one of them is fake and not one of them is real. They're all my favorite anima.
?

　After smiling once more at Anima, who had a surprised expression in her arms, I continued to speak while stroking Anima's head with one of my hands.

''To be honest, I had trouble dealing with Anima at first. I thought I didn't need a squire, and I had a lot on my mind.
I'm sorry, but-- "But" what?
'It was really only in the beginning. I was encouraged many times by Anima, who was always so straight and hard working. I was soothed many times by Anima who cared for me wholeheartedly... Before I knew it, I took it for granted that she was there for me, and I felt at home when I was with her.

　As if in proportion to Anima's growth, her presence in my mind seems to have grown as well.

It's no use saying all these explanatory things. I'm going to say it simply........I like you too, Anima.
Oh....

　I could see the tears in Anima's eyes as I told her how I felt as I tightened my hold on her. However, it was not a sad one.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you want to do.

'I want you to continue to be by my side. As a squire, as a family member, and ... as a lover.....
'....yes....
...well, well, how should I put it...once again, thank you for your continued support, Anima.
"...yes!　All of this body and mind of mine exists for the Master!

　They were powerful ... and most of all, they were words that she had missed.
　As I recall, Anima had said the same words when they first met. The feeling that arose at that time was one of confusion. But now it's different.

　What bubbled up in my chest was........joy and.......irresistible love.