Chapter: 712
Titi’s first vacation in her doggo lifetime after years of playing with the kids.
In the grand scheme of things, a few weeks might just be a blink of an eye, but it was enough time for Titi to refresh both her mind and spirit.
“How have you been?”
– Woof!
With an oddly brighter expression, glossier fur, and a tail wagging at warp speed, it seemed like she had a good time during these weeks. I felt relieved but also a little guilty. If I had known she’d be this happy, I should’ve let her rest ages ago. Sure, I’d told Titi that she was a precious family member, but I’d been pretty indifferent to her condition.
“I’ll make sure to let you go more often in the future.”
At that declaration, Titi exhaustively licked my face. The affection and gratitude in that slobber-fest made me chuckle. Honestly, if I had continued neglecting Titi while she was in a sad state, she might have ended up biting me. Lucky me, Mother had come by just in time to save both Titi and myself from potential doom.
‘Well, now, even if she says she doesn’t want to, I’ll have to send her periodically.’
I gently pushed Titi away, who seemed keen to practically wash my face in saliva, and patted her head.
To be real, even if Titi wanted to stay in the mansion from now on, I still needed to send her out to the Tailglehen Count’s territory.
– What a wise pup! Seeing Titi, it’s clear to me why people love having dogs. She’s a special one, especially being raised by His Majesty.
The day before Titi returned home, Father had made a remark through the communication slot.
If Father, known for his blunt expressions, felt that way about Titi, it must mean he found her incredibly desirable. I suppose if he’d witnessed even 10% of her cleverness, it would’ve been obvious!
Anyway, since it was the first time my father asked something from me, as the eldest son, I had to step up to meet his expectations. And since I wasn’t completely giving her up, just sending her over occasionally would suffice.
“You are a treasure of our Krasius family.”
– Woof?
Titi’s response to my declaration was a mix of tail wags and a tilted head.
Our treasure, Titi. May you live long and prosper for 10, 20 years! And, by the way, wouldn’t it be great if you meet a nice mate and have oodles of adorable pups—
“Wait, Titi’s back!?”
“Oh.”
From down the hallway, a frantic wail echoed.
“Then it’s my turn now! Right?”
That was Jangsaeng, who had to juggle the responsibility of handling seven kids and the Crown Princess while Titi was away.
“Please! Just say it’s my turn! I deserve it!”
What in the world did he go through? His fur was all ruffled up as if he’d had a rough time.
The sight of a small, distressed dog racing down the hallway was downright tragic. It looked like a mistreated pup making a desperate escape.
Or maybe, from Jangsaeng’s perspective, it didn’t feel much different from abuse?
“…Titi, say thank you to Jangsaeng, just this once.”
– Woof!
Titi barked cheerfully at my not-really-a-request.
Guess she appreciated how well Jangsaeng filled in for her while she was gone.
Titi’s homecoming sent our mansion into a frenzy of excitement.
“Titi!”
“Titi’s back!”
My oldest son, Pedi, and my daughter, Maria, led the charge, rushing to Titi.
Naturally, the destination of this mini-parade was Titi herself.
“I missed you so much! Why did you take so long?”
“Titi~ so fluffy~”
– Woof woof!
Titi got absolutely swarmed by all but the youngest, Ferentz, who couldn’t yet crawl.
But it seemed like her time off had recharged her spirits; despite being covered in six kids, Titi sported a beaming smile.
This made me feel a weight of guilt deep inside. How could I have not noticed how Titi had been suffering, given her sweet and generous nature? I really let my precious pet down.
“Titi! Let’s play in the garden!”
“No! Let’s take a nap in the room with Titi! She’s warm!”
“Can’t we play ball in here…?”
In a mere ten minutes since returning home, Titi was already bombarded with three quests.
I really feel bad… having so many kids is overwhelming for this owner.
“Hey, gang.”
“Yeah?”
“Dad? Can we play too!”
“I’ll join in, but since Titi just got back from vacation, Jangsaeng is going to get his turn next. Should we say goodbye to him?”
After my words, the kids blinked in unison and looked at each other.
“Yay! I want to say goodbye!”
“Me too! Me too!”
Then they all raised their hands in excitement to greet him.
I was worried that they might have some intense reaction like, ‘How dare you leave us to play!’ But thankfully, my kids were kind-hearted.
Or perhaps it’s because they have so many other animal friends that they can easily understand short separations. As long as it’s not a complete goodbye, they seemed fine with a little distance.
“Well then, let’s go. Since Jangsaeng won’t be around for a bit, let’s give him lots of love before he leaves.”
“Yeah! Let’s pet him a lot!”
“I want to pet his tail! It’s cuter than Titi’s!”
“Me too! Me too, his tail!”
I quietly turned my gaze at the kids’ chatter.
It felt a little frightening, as if they were discussing which part to cook up first.
“Jangsaeng! Have fun!”
“Make sure to come back! You better not take longer than Titi!”
“Bring a gift!”
“Graaah!”
After that, Jangsaeng was subjected to a flurry of affectionate pats, but considering he only had to endure this for a moment to earn his rest, he didn’t fight back. He just let out a yelp of protest now and then.
And so, Jangsaeng’s first vacation kicked off.
“Master, is it our turn next?”
“We’ll see how it goes.”
With Titi and Jangsaeng both on vacation, the other favored pets began to stir with excitement. With one gone, it was a privilege, but with both missing, they felt they should all enjoy something.
At this rate, I guess I’ll have to send someone else off once Jangsaeng returns to appease the pet crowd.
‘What kind of owner am I to give my pets vacations?’
That’s me, a fabulous owner who even provides time off for my furry pals.
Admittedly, neglecting to notice Titi’s fatigue was a slip on my part, but this considerate gesture? That’s some serious compassion that not everyone could provide.
*
This fresh air. The cool breeze. The vast land.
It’s perfect. It feels like the exhilaration I experienced the moment I stepped out from prison. Tossing off the shackles that had bound me, I was finally free.
“Come on now. It’s your turn.”
“Umm, looks like it is.”
So I nodded gratefully at the greeting from the master’s true mother.
While it’s a little disappointing that this freedom isn’t entirely unrestricted, it’s wider than the mansion. But I still have to stay within the castle and entertain my master’s younger sibling, which is a pain.
But who cares? One playmate is definitely better than seven. Even a toddler knows that. You saw how refreshed Titi was after returning from her break.
“My owner’s kids won’t even notice if I take care of them. They’re just like my little siblings.”
Truth be told, I’m the one who might not keep up, but I didn’t feel the need to voice that.
“Ah, yes. You’re dependable.”
My master’s true mother said that and scooped me up, starting to stroll through the corridors.
What a brilliant start! I had been worried about being discovered in the mansion, awkwardly scuttling around as if I were hiding from the world.
‘This is how it should be.’
Yes, this is it. I used to be a divine being ruling over everything, feared by life across the continent. Even without my divine status now, I still deserve some level of respect fitting my past glory.
Being carried like this instead of walking. Looking down from a higher vantage point. This is the position I belong to.
‘It feels like a dream…’
I unconsciously shut my eyes. Besides, there are plenty of other critters in my owner’s mansion; I could afford to be missed just a little, right?
“Jangsaeng! Enjoy yourself!”
“Hurry back! Don’t take longer than Titi!”
“Bring a gift!”
Yet, the words from my master’s kids before I left the mansion caused a shiver down my spine.
If I stuck around here too long, my owner would come collect me personally. I’d better hope for no more vacations and that I never leave the mansion again.
That would be quite the predicament. It’s stupid to throw away sure happiness for the sake of greed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just… thinking.”
Right now, I should enjoy this luck and freedom. Play nicely with my owner’s sibling and then return willingly. Who knows, maybe my owner’s mother will even convince them to let me stay a bit longer.
‘From death to this—what a twist of fate.’
Tears almost welled up. How on earth did my situation end up like this?
It’s all thanks to that damn sun and sky.
Certainly, staying in this castle has been way more comfortable than in the mansion.
“Wow, this little one talks?”
“So tiny. Adorably cute.”
“That tail is so small! Is that a normal size?”
Receiving curious stares and touches from all around, although nothing like the rough treatment in the mansion where I’d be scruffed and squeezed.
‘This is paradise.’
I know I shouldn’t get greedy, but the urge is there. I want to live here for eternity.
“Jangsaeng!”
“Hmm?”
While I was lost in those thoughts, a familiar voice called from behind me.
“What? Is that you?”
It was my owner’s younger sibling. In the mansion, I’d have bolted at the sound of their footsteps. But now? I wouldn’t run.
I am death itself—the end of all life. Why would I run from just one?
Bring it on! I’ll play with all my strength!
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