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On the morning we were to leave the forest and head for the Dwarven kingdom, the Pack Leader was being trampled as early as dawn.
“Uh… what happened?”
“Forgive us, Ryu. This fool of a husband simply refuses to be separated from his daughter.”
“Ah, I see.”
That made sense.
The Pack Leader glared at me intensely. Honestly, he didn’t need to be that threatening; I already understood that he wasn’t thrilled about his daughter traveling alone with me.
“So, is Lady ready yet?”
“I believe even you will be surprised, Ryu,” his wife said with a chuckle.
I waited with anticipation, wondering what exactly was going to surprise me.
“S-sorry to keep you waiting.”
A beautiful girl stepped out quietly from behind Grandfather.
She had jet-black hair and porcelain skin. Her chest looked a bit on the small side, and she appeared to be slightly younger than me. Though, she looked like she would grow to be quite well-endowed in the future.
“Uh, Grandfather, who is this girl?”
“Kukuku, so you truly cannot tell? Go on, introduce yourself.”
“Um, do you really not know who I am, Ryu?”
Did she know me? Based on the reactions of Grandfather and his wife, she was someone I should recognize as well. And her voice… it was exactly like Lady’s. Wait, exactly the same? Does that mean—!?
“Wait, Lady!?”
“Ahaha, you caught me!”
What on earth was going to on!? Lady had taken the form of a human!
“The Transformation Art was a success, wasn’t it, Grandmother?”
“Yes, this should be enough to deceive the eyes of humans to some extent.”
The quality of the transformation was certainly high, but…
“Can’t you hide those ears and that tail?”
“I’m still lacking practice in that area. Besides, I don’t feel right unless I keep them out.”
I see. I hadn’t realized she had such a weakness.
“Ryu, as you can see, my granddaughter has not yet fully mastered the art. Therefore, we ask that you protect her in our stead.”
“I will. I’ll make sure Lady is protected.”
When I said that, Lady’s face turned bright red as she wagged her tail. Was it really something to be that happy about?
“Father, since it has come to this, perhaps “that” would be appropriate as well?”
“I suppose so. Though, it does feel a bit lonely…”
“It cannot be helped, dear. Our granddaughter is already a woman.”
Grandmother rubbed her face against Grandfather. What exactly were they talking about?
“Ryu, listen well.”
Seriously, what was going on? The atmosphere had suddenly become incredibly heavy.
“I intend to reveal my granddaughter’s True Name to you.”
True Name? Revealing Lady’s True Name? Wait a second.
“Grandfather. You’re not supposed to reveal the names of monsters lightly, right? Why would you tell me?”
“Because she yearns for you so strongly.”
“I thought it was more like being a pet?”
“I would never reveal it for a bond as trivial as that. If it is you, there will be no problem.”
It was a bit overwhelming to have such high expectations placed on me. I was just a human, and I was weaker than Lady. I didn’t understand why they trusted me so much.
“I don’t know why you have so much faith in me.”
“Ryu, you are more honorable than you realize. If you weren’t, I would never entrust my granddaughter to you.”
“Then… is it alright if I make Lady my Familiar?”
“As long as you stay with her for the rest of your life.”
He said it so casually.
“Then I’ll take her. Lady, be my woman.”
I spoke with a surge of confidence.
“I kind of like it when Ryu acts bold like that.”
She wagged her tail again. Wait, was it really okay for me to be that forward?
“Alright, then let me tell you my nam—”
“No, wait. I’ll give you a new name myself.”
“Ryu!?”
“Grandfather, a True Name is precious. Keep that for the truly important day that will surely come.”
“But Ryu, ‘Naming’ is dangerous, isn’t it?”
“You know my mana capacity is ridiculous, right? Don’t worry, it’s no big deal. I’m more worried about my own naming sense.”
“What kind of name?”
“I was thinking of something simple… how about ‘Ril’?”
“That really is a simple name…”
“Is it no good after all?”
“No. I like it. I love it!!”
In that instant, a soul-deep connection was formed between me and “Ril.” It was a warm, pleasant sensation. I knew I wanted to cherish this feeling forever.
“Grandfather. I’ll protect Ril to the end.”
“I leave her to you.”
“Of course. I’ll bring her back to visit sometimes.”
“I’ll be expecting great-grandchildren when you do.”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself. Shall we go, Ril?”
“Yes! Grandfather, Grandmother, Mother… I’m off!!”
“What about Father!? Say something to your father too!”
However, the girl formerly known as Lady—now Ril—said nothing to him. And so, the journey of Ril and me began.
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