I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
As I was going through the report, something caught my attention.
“Erich… It looks like the hot spring facility is finally complete.”
“So it seems…”
Even Erich’s voice sounded somewhat lifeless. This might be my chance.
“Hey, Erich.”
“No.”
I haven’t even said anything yet.
I want to go to the hot springs… Lately, I’ve been busy, and I haven’t had much time with Leila. I need to relieve some stress.
Just as I was thinking that, I heard a knocking sound against the window.
I signaled one of the knights, who then opened the window. A cold wind rushed in, and along with it, Arte tumbled into the room.
Arte, who had been on standby outside, was shivering slightly, likely due to the cold. Kneeling before me, she delivered her report.
“The chieftain has returned.”
I see… So, Wolf is back. It was a tough mission, but I’m relieved that he made it back safely.
Well, there’s still some time before he gets here…
I called out to Arte.
“Arte.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Come here for a moment.”
“Huh?”
I gestured for Arte to come closer. She looked up, her face clearly showing confusion.
She hesitantly stood up and walked toward me. As she did, I handed her a cloak.
“It must’ve been cold outside, right?”
“Oh, thank you…”
Since I’ve been stuck indoors, I didn’t need my outdoor cloak.
Honestly, I hadn’t considered how tough it must be for Arte and the others, standing guard outside in the rain and snow. That was my mistake.
Arte must have been freezing because she pulled the cloak tightly around herself. But since it was designed for humans, her tail peeked out from underneath and swayed from side to side.
At that moment… I don’t know what came over me. Maybe it was all the stress piling up.
Before I knew it, my hand had reached out—
And I was stroking Arte’s tail.
“Hyah!”
A cute little yelp rang out, and my hand froze in place.
…What did I just do?
“S-Sorry.”
“Ah, no, um… Did you like it?”
Did I like it? My confused brain struggled to process what she meant. Was she asking for my opinion?
Her black fur was soft and smooth—honestly, it felt amazing. If possible, I’d love to pet it some more.
Wait… Could she be implying that I can?
“…Can I touch it a little more?”
Now I understand why Leila always pets the beastfolk children. This is seriously addictive.
Arte, still holding the cloak over her mouth, gave a small nod.
“Um… As you wish.”
With her permission granted, I indulged myself in the fluffiness.
Ahh… There’s nothing better for stress relief than fluff.
Perhaps I had let my guard down too much.
“Your Grace, I have completed my mission and returned.”
Wolf entered the room.
After bowing, he lifted his head—only to freeze at the sight before him.
…Wait a minute.
From an outsider’s perspective, doesn’t this look like a superior secretly playing around with someone’s daughter?
Setting aside whether that’s true or not, a cold sweat ran down my back.
Arte seemed to realize the situation as well, her face turning bright red as she shouted:
“Papa!?”
Wolf, this isn’t what it looks like!
I screamed my defense internally—yet my hand remained firmly on the fluffy tail.