Chapter: 744
I stared blankly out the window.
The sky was blue, not a cloud in sight, and the sunlight was warm.
‘What to do.’
While the scenery felt like it could clear my mind, my body was as frustratingly confined as ever. As summer approached, the days grew longer, yet there was nothing to do while the sun shone.
It was too hot to wander outside, fishing with my father at the lake would get old in a day or two, and Erich was nowhere to be found—either off playing with his sisters or doing who-knows-what—and the Emperor oddly hadn’t come looking for me.
To have the freedom to rest without any plans is certainly a blessing. It should be a joyous thing, but as the peaceful days dragged on, I felt a bit restless.
‘No traveling in sight.’
I scratched my well-fed belly while lounging on the bed.
Originally, I had planned to leave on a trip before or just after Erich’s wedding. I had already traveled with Mar, so it was time for Rizie next.
But considering what happened while I was off in the Jerano Kingdom, I couldn’t set off on a trip so easily.
‘At least Mary should be crawling by the time I leave.’
While I was away, Mary cried her eyes out looking for her dad. I suddenly left a big wound on our youngest, and I couldn’t just say, “Sorry, Dad’s a bit busy,” and head out again. If I did something that selfish, I wouldn’t have anything to say to Mary when she gives me the cold shoulder.
So the next trip would be, at the earliest, in autumn, and if things dragged out, definitely by winter. Mary was born in the spring, so by winter she’d definitely be crawling around. After all, I’d gathered enough data from raising seven kids to know that for sure.
‘Should I just go with the kids?’
That thought crossed my mind, but I quickly pushed it away.
This trip was supposed to be a family vacation, but really, it was more like a belated honeymoon. Of course, my wife and I love our kids, but it’s not right to enjoy a honeymoon with all of them in tow.
Besides, managing the kids’ energy with just the two of us—especially trying to wrangle them solo—that’ll be…
‘Yikes.’
Before I knew it, my hands started to tremble. Even if I’m the strongest in the continent, I can’t keep up with that endless energy. Just imagining it makes me dizzy.
So it seems I’m stuck here until autumn or winter, sitting tight like a hibernating bear.
– Woof!
“Are you bored too?”
– Woof, woof!
I scratched Titi’s head as he sat beside my bed panting.
“Hmmm…”
After giving Titi some love, my gaze drifted back outside.
There was a time when Titi struggled under the barrage of the kids, but after taking a sudden vacation to the Tailglehen Count’s territory, he seemed to have regained his former vigor. While I was stuck in the heat of the mansion, Titi was eager to play outside, wanting to run around.
Golden Retrievers are known to be gentle, but big dogs need big exercise to fend off depression. I needed to make sure Titi got adequate playtime.
‘But it feels like a hassle.’
I shouldn’t feel this way, but it does. I have nothing to do, my body feels heavy, but when the thought of going out appears, I feel lazy.
Fortunately, I’m somewhat resistant to both heat and cold; however, venturing around the capital city in the summer is a different story. The direct sun hitting my face and the heat rising from the ground are bothersome, even for me.
If I were to coldly turn my back on Titi, he’d surely feel let down. How can I not take him out for a walk when he’s the reason our family is so comfortable?
…
‘Is it just a matter of stepping outside?’
I glanced at my fountain pen resting on the bedside table.
I don’t want to go out. My wife and the servants are avoiding the heat as much as possible. In contrast, Titi could quite easily romp around on his own.
Yeah, Titi would be fine by himself.
“Titi.”
– Woof?
“Could you fetch me a cloth?”
– Woof!
At my request, Titi bolted out of the room, returning shortly with a piece of white cloth in his mouth.
Perfect. The color, the material, the size—everything was just right.
“Now, just stay still for a sec.”
At that, Titi clamped his mouth shut and held still.
He didn’t mean for “stay still” to mean shut your mouth, but oh well.
“All set.”
I draped the cloth over Titi’s body like clothing and jotted down some text with my pen.
[This dog is a noble, proud servant of the Imperial Administration, the Minister of the Inspectorate, a member of the Imperial Assembly Nobles’ Council, and is under the protection of the Tailglehen Count. Should this dog be found outside the capital, please guide it back to the Tailglehen Count’s mansion or the Count’s territory. Anyone who shows kindness to this dog will earn the Count’s favor, while those who act with malicious intent will face punishment.]
It’s a bit lengthy, but it clearly states that Titi is a dog with an owner and that if his owner gets mad, life could get a bit tangled.
‘Just in case.’
I added the Count’s seal and the Minister’s seal at the end.
Perfect. Now even if Titi roams around the capital by himself, as long as he’s not confronted by a life-sick madman, he shouldn’t come to any harm.
…
“Titi, can you call Trixie for me?”
– Woof!
Though this was my second request, Titi dashed out without a fuss.
Just to cover my bases, I decided to cast some defensive and tracking spells on Titi. The chances of encountering a life-sick madman were slim, but still.
*
The master has allowed me to go for a walk!
I’m a bit sad I can’t go with him, but that’s fine! I can have fun on my own!
“Come back before the sun sets! If you get hungry or thirsty, just go into any shop and ask! Your identity is solid, and I’ve provided you with some money, so they won’t shoo you away.”
– Woof!
Plus, my master prepared everything so I could have fun alone! Even if he’s apart in body, his heart is right beside me! Isn’t that the same as walking together with him?
I believe it is! My master is kind and great, so he’s always with me in spirit!
“Hmmm.”
While my master was petting my head, he crouched down and gently tapped my nose.
But it didn’t hurt at all! Isn’t it amazing? My master is incredibly strong!
“Definitely effective.”
– Woof woof!
Seeing my master smile brightly put a smile on my own face.
If my master is happy, then I am happy!
“…Should I write a bit more?”
– Woof?
My master, after saying that, grabbed me and began to write something on the cloth I was wearing.
It tickled, but I held it in. After all, this is also a gift my master is giving to me!
“Count Wiriya is written on here, and Leon’s title is written too, along with the Great Lady’s… what else was there?”
It seems to be dragging on a bit, but I’m totally fine with that! Whatever my master gives me is perfect!
With a send-off from my master’s guards, I stepped outside!
I love being outside! Playing inside with the little masters is great, but the outside is so much bigger!
I’m feeling excited. My master told me to come back before sunset! That means while the sun is up, I can run around to my heart’s content!
– Woof!
And so, off I dashed into the street. It was a bit warm, but the weather is lovely! Perfect for a playful romp!
“Hmm? What’s with that dog?”
“No way, who would give away a dog… huh?”
“That seal…”
I bumped into others while dashing, but everyone just stepped aside for me!
Such kind people! Even when walking with my master, others make way for us! Everyone here seems to have good hearts!
“Just a second ago, that seal must belong to the Tailglehen Count—”
“Looks just like the Count’s dog. Of course, it could be similar, but what dog walks around with the Count’s seal on it?”
“I think there were words on it too. Did you see?”
“I didn’t catch it. It went by so fast.”
I heard people behind me talking about my master and me!
I’m so happy! My master’s gift is recognized! Everyone is noticing it!
‘My master is the best!’
I was feeling great to begin with, but now it’s even better! I’m not just walking around to play; I’m showing off my master’s present! I need everyone to see that my master loves and cares for me!
“Hey? Titi?”
“Wait, is that really you? Why are you out here alone?”
I spotted familiar faces as I roamed about.
People who get compliments from my master when he walks with them! They’re the ones who watch over this street!
– Woof woof!
So good to see them! So good!
“Sure you didn’t run away?”
– Grumble grumble…!
But that last comment wasn’t very welcoming.
Of course, my master has his ladies and little masters at home! Loads of people who adore me and my friends! Why would I run away? I’m going to stay there forever!
“Titi, you look mad. What are you going to do?”
“Haha, sorry! I was just a little surprised to see you wandering alone.”
– Woof!
But since he apologized so quickly, I’ll let it slide! I’m not angry anymore!
“Ah.”
One of the folks petting my head suddenly saw my master’s gift and was astonished.
Isn’t it amazing? Jealous, right!? It’s a special gift directly from my master! Everyone’s eyes were glued to it in surprise! They must be envious!
“Seems Titi’s status is higher than ours.”
“What are you talking about… ah.”
Another person, seeing my master’s gift, chuckled.
“Yeah, well, the Count certainly cherishes Titi.”
“Honestly, I’d definitely want a dog like Titi myself.”
“You too? Me too.”
Their excitement over wanting to steal my attention lifted my spirits! The little masters adore me and my friends so much; they play rough, pulling our fur! It means these folks like me too, right?
“Hey, let’s give Titi some treats.”
“Oh, I want some too.”
As they discussed treats, I wagged my tail excitedly.
My master told me I could go into any shop if I got hungry or thirsty, and since I have money, that means I can buy food, right?
“Hmm? Titi has something around his neck?”
“Is it heavy? Is that why you play so hard to get? Haha, got it!”
– Woof woof!
No! That’s not it at all!
“Seems you were really hungry. It’s unusual to see you begging like this.”
“No, don’t just look at the pouch! Look at what’s inside!”
“Here! Jerky! Specially made for dogs!”
– Eek…
In the end, I couldn’t refuse my master’s instructions and ended up getting treats…
*
After receiving the beloved treats, I wandered into the street, meeting more people. Little masters touched me, while the bigger folks stepped aside for me.
I guess it’s nice to have a little space since both big people and I have our sizes! Such sweet folks, I’m so grateful!
‘Is this a new place?’
After wandering a bit more, I found myself in an unfamiliar area.
It’s not as grand as my master’s home, but there are several houses together! The street is clean and quiet!
Even though this is my first time here, I like it! It’s a chance to see new things… huh?
– Woof?
As I looked around, I spotted something incredible.
A gate blocked across like my master’s house, and lying by that gate was a friend of a similar size to mine.
The friend looked at me, our eyes met, but quickly turned away. While that might have felt rude, at this moment, I felt different.
‘What an incredible pup…!’
My heart raced! The thrill I felt when my master praised me, and the joy of playing with the little masters was altogether a different kind of excitement!
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