NOVEL WEB Chapter 100 - Fluffy Heaven
Fluffy Heaven
“Nn…”
I think I slept soundly, without even dreaming. Maybe because I’d cried so much before falling asleep, my heart felt lighter.
“You’re awake. You can sleep some more if you want.”
Gil-san’s voice was close by. I sat up and looked towards the sound. Our eyes met. He had a worried look on his face.
“I’m okii! I’m all betta now!”
I said this with a smile, clenching my fists. These weren’t empty words, I meant it. It was true that there were still things I hadn’t come to terms with, but there was no need to rush. I’d cried, lost control, and then, even if it had only been for a short time, I’d slept soundly. I’d finally let my emotions out, and it had truly cleared my mind.
“…Haa… honestly.”
It was a sigh that sounded like he wanted to say, “What am I going to do with you?” He smiled wryly, and as always, patted my head.
As Megu, I’d been so busy with work that I’d wanted to collapse, but my body had been resilient. This body, however, being a child’s body, was fragile. I’d tried to be careful, but with all these shocking truths being revealed one after another, it couldn’t be helped! That’s right, it’s not my fault! Probably!
“Papa, I’m hungry.”
My stomach chose that moment to growl. Maybe because my heart felt lighter? I’d take this opportunity to be spoiled by Gil-papa.
“Papa, huh. You had a real father, but… is it still okay for me to be your father?”
Ah, I see. Gil-san was also concerned about it. It was the first time I’d seen him look so uneasy, so lonely. And somehow, it made me happy.
“Gil-shan is Papa. Father-shama is Father-shama.”
Huh? I’d said it, but it didn’t make much sense… Did he understand?
“…Fufu, I see. Well then, that’s fine.”
I wasn’t sure if he’d understood, but he smiled, so I’ll take that as a yes.
“Shrimp, over here.”
As we went down to the hall for an early dinner with Gil-san, Reki, sitting on a chair, arms crossed, called out to me. Why are you always making that sullen face? Is it your default expression?
“Reki?”
“I need to examine you. Dr. Ludo’s busy right now. Come on, hurry up.”
Ah, I see. Because I’d hyperventilated earlier. But I’m fine now… Maybe my thoughts were written all over my face, because Reki frowned, seemingly annoyed.
“…I’ll be the judge whether you’re okay or not.”
“Uu, okii. Pwease take care of me…”
D-Did it show that much?
The examination ended quickly. He said there were no abnormalities. It was reassuring, even though I’d figured I was fine!
“But you’re a little mentally exhausted. …It can’t be helped.”
As soon as he said this, he suddenly started to transform on the spot. Eeeeeh!? The small boy transformed into a beautiful wolf with rainbow-colored fur. Reki’s entire body was covered in rainbow fur! And it’s fluffy…!?
『Come here. My fur has the power to heal wounds, especially emotional wounds. Lie down and lean on me for a while.』
Wh-What!? Isn’t that a wonderful, living sofa…? I desperately tried to suppress the urge to jump on him and hesitantly went closer. He’s small as a human, but he’s big in beast form. I’d probably disappear completely if I snuggled up to him.
“E-Excuse me…”
『Yeah.』
I sat down on the carpet by his stomach and leaned on him.
“Fuoooooh…!!”
『…Don’t make weird noises.』
But how can I not!? It’s irresistible! It’s warm, soft, and incredibly comforting. I’m sure he’s emanating some kind of soothing aura. Haaa, fluffy heaven…!
“I’m sho happy…”
『…That’s good.』
Reki’s blunt reply didn’t bother me. I enjoyed Reki’s rainbow fluffiness. Fluffy, fluff.
“Oh my? It’s rare to see Reki in beast form. And offering himself as a bed. You’ve grown up, haven’t you, Reki?”
『Sh-Shut up!』
Schlie-san, who’d apparently been passing by, said this teasingly. He chuckled and then came over and knelt down beside me.
“Meg, how are you feeling?”
“I’m okii. Sowwy for worrying you.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. The effects of Reki’s fur are real. And this experience is precious. Enjoy it to the fullest.”
『Hey, don’t say things like that. She’s getting off of me soon!』
Ooh, so Schlie-san approves too. It’s true that it feels nice. The fluffiness, and the beautiful fur up close… It’s such a luxury. I couldn’t help but to rub my cheek against it.
『H-Hey, be a good girl.』
“But, beautiful… fwuffy… the besht…”
My vocabulary had been reduced to this. Well, it’s fine, I’m a child now.
“By the way, Meg, how are your spirits? Are you all getting along?”
“Yesh! We’re all friends! I even made a contwact with a Fire Spirit-shan, at Carter-shan’s workshop!”
“Jiggle, Carter’s contracted spirit, recommended one, right? Then I’m sure it’s reliable. That spirit’s a bit… too energetic, but it’s powerful.”
Ah, it’s true that Jiggle-kun was energetic, a bit too energetic. But since Schlie-san said so, then he must be powerful. I mean, he was Carter-san’s contracted spirit, so it was only natural.
“And Shou-chan’s currently on a mission.”
“Yes, Saura told me. That’s amazing, Meg. To be tasked with investigating Nemo.”
No, no, it’s not a big deal! I’m not the amazing one, Shou-chan is. Schlie-san shook his head when I replied, saying that I wasn’t.
“It’s true that nature magic looks like the spirits are the ones using it, and to be fair, it is, and people tend to think that the caster is just giving them magic power.”
Schlie-san smiled wryly. I’m sure he’s heard that a lot. I was one of those people.
“But the caster has to understand their objective, form a clear image, trust their spirit, and give them quality magic power. It’s actually very difficult, you know?”
“Eh, weally?”
“Yes. It’s common for things to go wrong, for the magic to not match the caster’s image, or for the spirit to disobey, even if the caster gives them magic power and instructions. Especially beginners, they fail about 80% of the time.”
Eh, 80%? I was a beginner too, but I don’t feel like I’ve made any mistakes yet…
“But Meg, even though you’re still new to it all, you can use magic properly, exactly as you imagine. And I heard that the spirit even gave you information without being asked. Normally, that would be impossible, unless you were a skilled caster.”
Apparently, the long-range investigation mission Shou-chan was on, that was even more difficult. Eh, but what if it forgot about it and was doing something else? I couldn’t help but to ask.
“Do you feel anything strange, after sending the Voice Spirit off? If not, then it’s carrying out your instructions properly. If a spirit were to act outside its instructions, the caster would know. Especially if it’s a contracted spirit.”
Hmm, it’s true that I hadn’t felt anything strange. I see, so Shou-chan’s been working hard all this time!
The thought made me suddenly worried. I wonder if it was lonely. I wonder if it was in danger. I wanted to see it soon. But it’ll be fine. I have to believe in Shou-chan!
As we were talking, Reki stood up and transformed back into his human form, saying, “That’s enough.” Ah, the fluff!