Chapter: 709
As the New Year began, several events unfolded in succession, including Erich’s wedding, a last dance presented just before the collapse of the Winter Tri-Nations, the sudden emergence of Gerhardt as the first permanent resident priest, and the union of the royal family with a marquise. Also, let’s not forget about the divine artifact gifted by the Eternal Blue Sky.
As soon as the New Year started, these events rolled in, but the chaotic days gradually began to settle down.
‘So quiet.’
The days were getting longer, and I could see rain instead of snow upon waking—it was that time of the year. Now, the government was slowly transitioning from winter to spring. It felt like I had been running around for months, and yet, here we were closing in on the end of February—it was mind-boggling.
If I thought positively, all the explosive events of January and February would mean that the rest of the year might be somewhat calm. I don’t hold high hopes for a peaceful year, but I believe the first half should be quiet. If Enen has a conscience, it must be that way.
—Woof!
As I lay there blankly, staring out of the window, Titi hopped onto the bed, barking at me.
“Should we take a walk?”
It felt like an invitation to play, so I slowly got up. Honestly, going outside was a hassle, but I couldn’t refuse Titi’s walk. If our Titi wanted fresh air, I had to oblige.
—Woof woof!
As I stood up, Titi dashed to the corner of the room, fetching the leash and returning triumphantly.
Oh, our Titi is so capable now—picking up the necessary walking gear all on her own. At this rate, she might even bring along snacks or toys during our walks.
‘…Why has she been so eager to go out lately?’
As I attached the leash to Titi’s collar, I suddenly felt a sense of unease. Titi was always active; as a puppy, she used to zip around the mansion, and after growing up, she wandered the garden and rear grounds. Sometimes, when the ladies or servants went out, she would happily tag along for a stroll around the government.
She was a very active pup, indeed.
But for some reason, she had grown dissatisfied with just playing in the garden and rear grounds. Every morning, she’d dash into my room, urging me to take her outside.
‘Is the mansion no longer fun for her?’
I scratched Titi’s head as she looked up at me, panting happily. Well, as spacious as the mansion was, it was still just a building. After years of exploring it, it was no wonder she was getting bored. It wasn’t surprising at all that Titi craved those walks.
Moreover, animals tend to be more active the bigger they are. For a full-grown dog like Titi, being satisfied with just the garden was practically a miracle. It’s more accurate to say she was holding back out of consideration for me.
“Alright, let’s get going.”
—Woof!
The sight of Titi wagging her tail like a windmill made me chuckle. When I first received Titi from the situation, I was a bit taken aback, but now, looking back, I see she’s become one of my greatest treasures. Without Titi, our mansion would be much duller and taking care of the kids would be even harder.
Oh, our Titi. May you live with us for a long time.
*
Spending so much time with Titi, it seemed I had reached a point where even the guards I encountered while walking around the government would greet her warmly.
“Your Grace!”
“Much appreciated for your hard work early in the morning.”
“It’s our mission to protect the government, so we must put in the effort, even at dawn. Oh, Titi, good morning!”
—Woof!
The head of the guard greeted me with a salute and then waved at Titi. Fortunately, it seemed Titi had a good memory for scents; she wagged her tail excitedly at the familiar guard.
“It looks like she’s gotten fluffier since the last time we saw her.”
“Not sure if she’s put on weight or her fur has just grown thicker,” I replied, and the head guard chuckled softly.
Titi’s presence transformed me from the cold and harsh Executive Manager into a quiet, gentle dog lover. Thanks to her, I could maintain a friendly image even while exchanging small jokes with regular guards.
Since I mainly interacted with nobles and high-ranking officials, cultivating a friendly image with the guards wouldn’t hurt.
“Your Grace, my mother sent some fruits from our hometown recently; may I offer them to you as a gift?”
“If you send them, I would gladly accept.”
Thanks to this friendly image, I was reaping small benefits like receiving gifts. The produce came directly from farmers who grew and harvested them themselves. I’d be honest—if we’re talking quality, the meticulously selected fruit from big merchants would probably be superior, but there’s a unique flavor to goods that come straight from the countryside. A subtle difference that’s hard to put into words.
“Titi can eat them without any issues, so don’t worry.”
“Oh dear, Titi will probably wolf them all down, won’t she?”
—Hooow?
Suddenly, Titi became a thief, whining quietly. The guard leader smiled even brighter at Titi’s antics.
Following that encounter, I met with three more guards, and each of them offered gifts. I would have to make sure to donate generously to the guard soon.
—Woof!
“Should we head home now?”
—Woof woof!
After wandering the government for about two hours, I turned toward the mansion in response to Titi’s plea. Well, I had been out since morning, so I figured Titi would be satisfied. Upon returning, I would wash up quickly, have a light lunch, and perhaps take a little nap—
“Carl?”
“Mother?”
While heading back to the mansion, I ran into my mother. To be precise, it was my mother with Teresa in her arms, walking with the caretaker.
“What a coincidence. Were you taking a stroll?”
“Ah, yes. It seemed Titi was getting bored…”
I was a bit flustered, but seeing which direction my mother came from made it clear. She must have been using the teleportation circle to get to the mansion. I felt lucky to have met her at such perfect timing.
“Why are you walking in the cold instead of coming by magic?”
“Teresa loves to walk. Since it’s not often we come to the government, I wanted to show her around.”
“Yay! This is fun!”
Seeing Teresa enthusiastically nod made me smile. That’s right. Our Teresa would much rather enjoy walking around and checking out the government than just being cooped up in the mansion.
“But, Teresa, if you enjoy watching, shouldn’t you walk on your own?”
“Eew?”
At my comment, Teresa rolled her eyes and snuggled deeper into my mother’s arms.
“It’s cold…”
If she came down and walked, she would have to leave the warmth of Mother’s embrace. No matter how active little Teresa was, she seemed to dislike the idea.
That posed a slight dilemma. Teresa was still young, but if she was carried around too often, it could tire my mother out. This was not a situation I could ignore as the eldest son.
“Then how about riding on Titi’s back?”
“Titi?”
Instantly, Teresa’s eyes sparkled. A big, fluffy, yellow dog. For her, it must be more tempting than any prized steed. The evidence? All the kids in our family, including Pedi, had already proven that.
“I wanna ride! I wanna ride!”
“Okay, but you must sit still on Titi’s back, alright?”
Even a small child moving around could cause Titi to fall or get hurt.
“I’ll sit still!”
Fortunately, it seemed Teresa had fallen under Titi’s charm already, as she showed no signs of resenting my little condition.
Titi is indeed an idol for children. The effect is undeniable.
*
Having grown accustomed to carrying a child, Titi now walked lightly. And Teresa, riding happily atop her back, made me wonder if she would fall, as I supported her back.
It was a scene that naturally brought a smile to my face. An elder brother diligently looking after his little sister while a pet carried her around? It could be straight out of a warm fairy tale.
Such fairy tale moments had become everyday life for our kids. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t pleased as a mother.
“Maybe I should get a dog or something?”
Even Rua, who had shown little interest in animals, seemed to develop a desire for pets upon seeing Titi.
Honestly, I felt that urge too each time I looked at Titi. Every time I visited Carl and the daughters-in-law, or whenever I went to see the grandchildren, Titi would always greet me at the door. She played eagerly with the grandchildren. After watching Titi over the years, it would be more strange if I didn’t develop any interest in pets.
“They say raising pets helps with a child’s emotional growth. I heard it from a friend in the Ministry of Education, so it must be true.”
Billy also seemed to have taken a liking to Titi, as he’d been hinting about wanting a pet recently.
Hence, we’d thought about getting a large dog. But then, considering Titi’s lineage, I hesitated a bit.
‘The puppy raised under the circumstances of His Majesty the King.’
Titi was a pup that had been raised by the previous king since she was weaned.
Afterward, she was gifted to Carl by the previous king. Titi, by nature, grew up as a well-behaved and smart dog, befitting the royal upbringing.
That’s why comparing Titi to ordinary pets is a serious miscalculation. Titi was way above average in the dog hierarchy. If anyone thought all dogs would be like Titi, they would inevitably face a few problems.
‘If only Titi had puppies…’
I sighed internally. Sure, they wouldn’t be as good as the original, but if raised diligently, Titi’s offspring could surely grow into excellent dogs in their own right.
Besides, since Titi was a male, if he put in the effort, puppies should come along pretty quickly.
‘…Just a few more years of waiting.’
Eventually, Titi would find a mate and have pups, right? Titi is a living being, after all, and would not live forever alone.
Until then, I’d just have to wait in patience. After all, if it was a pup that could live with us for over ten years, it would be better to have one that shared Titi’s bloodline.
*
Even after arriving at the mansion, Teresa showed no intention of getting off Titi’s back.
“I wanna keep riding!”
—Woof!
“Titi also likes me!”
Teresa clung to Titi’s neck, refusing to budge. Meanwhile, Titi wore a bright expression even after being subjected to Teresa’s sudden whims.
I figured that after our walk, Titi wouldn’t likely be thrilled about carrying a child too, but seeing Titi hold up so well made me feel kind of apologetic.
‘She really should be Titi’s pup.’
With that, my resolve to wait a few years solidified.
Teresa had already grown accustomed to Titi. For her happiness, I had to raise a pup that carried Titi’s lineage.
—Woof?
Titi tilted her head as if asking what was wrong, noting my intense gaze.
She’s bright as a button. Truly perfect.
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