Published: September 2, 2025
This is Satou. Unlike the world where reading the atmosphere was a must, here it seems there are surprisingly many free-spirited people.
I have to be careful not to forget the differences in social status, or I might make various mistakes.
â—‡
When Nana pulled down her hood, her blonde hair slipped out smoothly. Mr. Tolma was so captivated that Hayuna had to elbow him. As expected, it seems Hayuna has him under her thumb.
With Hayuna’s permission, Nana was holding the baby. Her profile was full of happiness and contentment, just like a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church—if only she didn’t talk.
“Soft and fluffy, Master. I want a larval form too.”
“We’ll get to that after the trip.”
“Master?”
“That’s my nickname.”
Afterwards, the Tolma couple seemed interested in Nana’s eccentric way of speaking, but when I explained she was a sheltered daughter from a distant country and her Siga language was poor, they accepted it. I lied that she only drank water because she was weak. They probably think Nana and I are married. It’s not harmful, so let’s just leave it at that.
“This is delicious. It has a wild flavor, but the generous chunks of meat, and the fact they used not only salt but even pepper!”
“The chopped chili peppers in the stir-fry are keeping me warm all over.”
These two sound like gourmet show reporters, but their eating is intense. They must not have eaten well at the bandits’ hideout, so it’s understandable they’re so eager.
Pochi and Tama are quiet today. Usually, by now, they’d be saying, “More, please~!” But when I glanced their way, they were savoring the food slowly, chewing carefully. They’re about halfway through.
Huh? After eating about half, they stood up and came over here. Was it not tasty?
“Want to share your rice?”
“We’ll give you half.”
The two offered their plates to Hayuna. They looked serious, almost like they were struggling.
“Hey, no matter how good the meal is, there’s no way I’m eating demi-human slaves’ leftovers!”
Mr. Tolma’s scolding wasn’t particularly loud, but the timing was terrible and it carried sharply.
Upon hearing that, Pochi and Tama’s ears flattened.
Since there is discrimination against demi-humans, maybe Mr. Tolma’s words can’t be blamed as harsh.
But I can’t accept their goodwill being drowned out by such insults.
Let’s just ignore the clueless old man who can’t read the room. I won’t even call him Mr. Tolma anymore; from now on, in my head, he’s “Old Man.”
Oops, more importantly, it’s about Pochi and Tama.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s for the baby’s milk.”
“You have to eat a lot, or the baby might die~?”
I didn’t really understand, but that must be why they’ve been so glum.
“Master, when we were with our previous owner, there was a Leopard-Head Tribe woman with a baby. Because they had little food, she couldn’t produce milk, and the baby almost starved. At that time, the demi-human slaves cooperated and shared their food equally, and the two remember that.”
“I see, Pochi and Tama are kind. Don’t worry, there’s enough food, so you two should eat. As usual, you can have seconds too.”
Riza’s explanation made me understand. Those guys from the Filthy Rat Guild would probably treat each other like that.
After hearing my words, Pochi and Tama looked at each other and raised their plates with both hands, cheering “Yay!” Not a single vegetable piece dropped—impressive.
Hayuna said to them, “Thank you for worrying,” but the clueless guy said, “Well then, I’ll have seconds too.” Of course, not only Riza but Lulu also elegantly ignored him. The Old Man awkwardly waved his empty plate around, and since no one responded, he sadly put it down on the floor. Hayuna didn’t even bother to follow up—it was pathetic.
I doubt he felt any remorse, but when Hayuna’s plate was empty, I served him seconds along with her. Not out of sympathy, more because I didn’t want him grumbling beside me.