Chapter 10 : Fox, Fox, What are you doing? (1)

Dante’s mornings were always busy. He’d make his bed, tidy his room, then grab his mop, taller than himself, and meticulously clean the vast castle. From a young age, after his parents died, he’d had to work tirelessly to survive. This developed a relentless work ethic and a knack for practicality, perfectly complementing his diligent nature. In short, he was a master of life skills and housework.

Unfortunately, today his routine was disrupted. Instead of energetically mopping the floors, he was…

“Hooo…” …stuck in bed. An hour after waking up, he still hadn’t moved.

‘Damn it. There goes my perfect attendance record.’

Morning.

“Mmm… Sleepy… Hiiik!?”

Dante’s eyes fluttered open, only to widen in alarm. A beautiful woman’s face was inches from his own. Normally, he’d simply move away, but… the gorgeous Black Dragon, horns and all, had her arms wrapped around his neck and her long, smooth legs entwined around his waist, sleeping soundly.

Why was this a problem? Dante grimaced, pulling away as much as possible.

Because it was embarrassing! What other reason did he need?!

“Okay. Calm down. Calm down.”

He carefully wedged a pillow between himself and the sleeping Olivia, creating a small barrier. One problem solved. Now, for those legs…

…He couldn’t move them. They were like steel bands.

Thus, Dante remained trapped until the sun was high in the sky, which also happened to be when Olivia finally woke up.

“…Huh?” Dante tilted his head, examining a dark red mark on his wrist. “Do we have mosquitos in the castle?”

It was an odd-looking mosquito bite, but it didn’t itch, so he dismissed it. He grabbed the shopping basket hanging on his doorknob and a pouch filled with money.

Humans had three basic desires: sleep, s*x, and food. Olivia had told him that dragons didn’t experience hunger the same way humans did. They didn’t need to eat regularly for energy.

But Dante was different. He was like a perfectly ordinary human, being a normal demon, with a healthy appetite, especially for someone his age.

“Alright, let’s go!”

He was out of groceries and needed to restock.

“I’ll be back soon, Olivia.”

“Are… you sure I shouldn’t come with you?” Olivia frowned, fidgeting with Dante’s hand.

“The Ruler of Demons can’t just show up in town unannounced. People would freak out. I know you’re worried, but the village is right outside the castle,” he said gently, pulling his hand away. “I’ll be back in a flash.”

“…That smile is unfair, you know.”

‘Damn, he’s cute. Like a little bird.’

‘Should I just tackle him and keep him in bed?’

‘No, bad inner dragon. Bad.’ Massaging her temples, she sighed. “Just… come straight back. No detours.”

“Okay.”

“And watch out for women!”

“…Isn’t it usually ‘watch out for wild animals’ or ‘bad people’?”

“Don’t follow them even if they offer you treats!”

“I know, I know…”

“Don’t talk to strangers, especially blond foreigners!”

“I’m not seven years old! I can handle myself! Just… cheer me on or something!?” This happened every time he went shopping.

“And… and…”

“…Are you just trying to keep me from leaving?”

“Yes!” Olivia clicked her tongue, exasperated, then scooped him up under his arms.

Dante dangled in the air, his feet kicking uselessly. The height difference was ridiculous. And speaking of height…

“Put me down! Right now!?” He thrashed wildly.

Dante was sensitive about his height. He couldn’t stand it when people drew attention to it, especially Olivia, with whom he had a strange, unspoken rivalry.

“Showing off, aren’t you! Do you feel sorry for me, breathing all this dirty ground-level air?! Thought you’d give me a taste of the good stuff up there?!”

“What are you babbling about?!”

Dante flailed and punched, but to little effect.

Olivia used her scary face!

It was super effective!

Dante was too intimidated to move!

“…Just one kiss.”

“You crazy woman!!!”

“My life is a legend. Arguing with a dragon every single day.”

After finally arriving at the village, finishing his shopping, and starting the trek back to the castle, Dante had a choice: a risky shortcut through the forest or a longer, safer route along the main road.

“Shortcut it is.”

His mother had taught him that time was precious, especially for those who had nothing. Besides, he’d never heard of any dangerous beasts or monsters in this forest.

Rustle, rustle.

Dante pushed confidently through the undergrowth. About halfway through the forest…

[Whimper… Whine…]

“…Huh?” He heard a faint, weak animal cry. Curiosity overriding Olivia’s warning, he followed the sound.

He soon found the source.

“…Whoa.”

Lying on the cold ground…

Dante’s eyes widened with curiosity.

[Whine… Whimper…]

It was a fox. A small, young fox. Its fur was matted with dirt, but he could tell it would be a beautiful white once cleaned. He’d never seen one up close before.

“What’s a fox doing here…?” He knelt down, examining the fox carefully, but found no visible injuries. So why was it whimpering so pitifully?

“…Maybe…” He quickly pulled out some pork from his shopping bag and cut off a small piece with his knife. He offered it to the fox.

“Here, eat this.”

The fox tentatively began to chew.

“Good. You need to eat to get your strength back.”

Dante continued feeding the fox until it could finally stand on its own. It wagged its tail, its violet eyes fixed on Dante’s face. He assumed it was expressing gratitude. Then…

“[Keep me.]”

The fox spoke, in perfect human language.

“…Huh?”

“[Keep me.]” It repeated.

“…Uhhh… what?”