cherr-22

[cherr-22]

Hello!! I was wondering if it's okay for me to pick up translations for Norther Grand Duke's Hamster?

Hi! It'd be great if you could continue the translation! I'll also look forward to reading your translation :)

[cherr-22]

Announcement

I apologize to the readers, but I will not be able to translate TNGDH anymore due to a busier schedule. If no one picks this up, I may translate once in a while if I find some extra time.

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 40

The carriage ran without rest.

The barren land of the North had more areas untouched by human hands than there were that were touched.

The road was barely wide enough for the carriage to pass. If it turned to the side a little, the wheels would get caught in the wild vines or bushes.

That was why the carriage moved rather slowly. And the ground was so uneven that if the wheel hit a rock, my butt literally lifted off from the seat.

“……Hup.”

Damn it, motion sickness.

I never felt motion sickness as Bae Soohyun. Is it because I’m just not suited for riding horses? How is it that I’m always feeling sick whenever I ride one?

I leaned against the wall with a pale face, then rolled my eyes towards the main sitting across from me.

Even when the ceiling and floor was shaking, Kyle was steadfastly processing documents. It was as if he was sitting in a separate space than me.

As if I was sitting on top of a moving tortoise while he was on the flat ground.

“……Do you not get motion sickness?”

I couldn’t contain my curiosity and asked. After going through a few more documents, he raised his head and looked at me.

“Not at all. Is it very bad?”

“……I feel like I’m dying.”

“You should sleep.”

“…….”

Of course, I wanted to sleep. I would rather faint and ask them to wake me up when we arrive at the palace. But I couldn’t do that. I didn’t have enough time left for ‘Summon’.

It would take three days to get from here to the palace, but I only had two hours each day for ‘Summon’. Not even half a day would pass before I end up turning into a hamster. I’ve been surviving until now by eating the store-bought cookies.

I rolled my eyes and glared at the system window next to me. 3 hours and 30 minutes before ‘Summon’ was canceled.

“No……. it’s alright.”

“There’s a village close by. I’ll wake you up when we arrive, so take a nap for now.”

“Ughhhh…….”

I wanted to be a bit more stubborn and stay up, but I didn’t have the stamina to do so.

I crossed my arms above the hamster house and leaned against them. I called the system quietly. Hey, come out.

[_:(´ཀ`」∠):_ ]

“…….”

……You also get motion sickness?

Is that even possible?

I stared at the emote for a moment with a puzzled expression on my face, then closed my eyes as the carriage started shaking once more.

‘Hey…… system……. sound out an alarm for me after two hours. Please…….’

At this rate, I’ll really die of motion sickness before I could even do anything.

After sending out a nodding emote, a 2 hour timer appeared mid-air. As the time ticked away, I took out the [Emergency Toffee Nut Candy] out of my inventory and put it in my mouth.

I didn’t know if anything would happen, but I wanted a temporary measure. I didn’t want Kyle breaking into the hamster house while I was asleep.

The hard and sweet candy melted in my mouth. I felt the sweetness of caramel syrup melting into syrup and went to sleep.

In my fading consciousness, I felt the wind blowing through my hair.

Hopefully, when I wake up, I’ll be at the village……

*

Beep beep beep beep―.

A familiar sound rang in my head.

As I continued to ignore the constant beeping noise, it began to change into different variations. After an intense vibration, I even heard an obnoxious voice saying “good morning”.

‘Let me sleep for 10 more minutes……. no, 5 minutes…….’

I frowned and turned my head the opposite direction of where the noise was coming from. I found a more comfortable position to sleep in. Yes. If I could sleep just a bit more like this…….

Suddenly, I felt a chill run down my spine.

I raised my head in shock. When I opened my eyes and looked straight ahead, I saw Kyle just a few centimeters away from my face.

“Wha…… wha, wha- what is it?”

My words came out like a broken radio.

I reflexively moved away and held onto the hamster house tighter. Kyle watched me quietly and opened his mouth to speak.

“You seemed to sleep uncomfortably, so I was going to put it down.”

His eyes landed on the hamster house I was holding.

Wrong. What’s uncomfortable isn’t the hamster house but the carriage.

“I’m quite alright. More importantly…… we stopped?”

The carriage was no longer shaking.

I looked out the window. People were out gathering themselves into groups of twos and threes.

“We thought it would be best to rest for a bit, so we stopped momentarily. There were quite a few servants besides you who got motion sickness.”

“It’s more incredible that you don’t get motion sickness…….”

“……If you’ve woken up, let’s go out.”

I sighed in relief and nodded. As I slowly pushed myself off while hugging onto the hamster house, Kyle reached out his hand again.

“You cannot!”

“…….”

Before he could say anything, I quickly got off the carriage.

Since we got further away from the castle, I felt an unfamiliar spring breeze blowing. Of course, when I looked around, it was still covered in snow.

‘More importantly…….’

The strange feeling I felt earlier seemed to be from the effect of the toffee nut candy.

Even if there was a ghost behind my back, I wouldn’t have felt this way. Aside from being surprised, it felt rather unpleasant. No wonder they gave 5 candies for 0.5 Miracle Points…… the remaining 4 shall remain unused forever.

“I guess I’ll have to start making a move.”

It was impossible to keep eating cookies and holding onto the hamster house.

At this rate, my Miracle Points would run out dry and I would turn into a hamster inside the carriage.

Then, all the trust I gained until now would shatter to pieces……

‘They would definitely think it’s magic.’

And would think I lied to them.

From Kyle’s point of view, it’s natural that he would think that way. A person turned into a hamster. What reason would there be besides magic? Actually, I don’t know if even magic could even transform people into hamsters.

On top of that, he met me as both Cashew and Shu. He could think that I was trying to use him. He wouldn’t believe me if I say that that’s not the case. After all, the evidence would all be right in front of his eyes.

I inspected my surroundings. I must find a way out of here and transform back into a hamster.

“The village is pretty close from here, right?”

“That’s right. It was half destroyed after being attacked by demonic beasts in the past, but it has been recovering well lately.”

“It must’ve been due to His Highness Kyle’s efforts.”

“Yes. He’s truly an amazing person.”

I perked my ears as I listened to their conversation.

A village. And one that’s been attacked by a demonic beast at that?

Just then, a brilliant idea popped into my mind. I walked up to them to join their conversation.

“It’s good to hear that the village recovered. I haven’t heard any news about it after losing all my family members.”

“Family? Is your hometown that village?”

“Yes. It’s been a while since I’ve left.”

“When you said you lost your family…….”

“It’s a long story. An unlucky accident. ……No one would be there to welcome me, but I still want to visit my old home. I want to greet my parents and walk around to relieve my memories.”

“Then…….”

“If you tell His Highness, he would definitely help you!”

“Definitely! You know how His Highness is!”

The eyes of the servants sparkled.

I glanced over to Kyle. He was talking with a knight and was too preoccupied to look over me.

The servants stuffed snacks into my mouth, stuffed them into my pockets, and stacked them on top of the hamster house. Holding them all, I got back into the carriage. In that time, Kyle must’ve finished speaking with the knight and got back onto the carriage too.

“What are all those?”

“Snacks. Would you like some?”

He sat across from me and only laughed.

He’s been like this once in a while. He would just look at me and laugh with no reason. And when I would turn towards him, our eyes would meet right away.

‘……Makes me feel a little embarrassed.’

I avoided eye contact and opened the package filled with biscuits. I offered a piece to Kyle.

Just when I thought Kyle would accept the biscuit, he leaned over and bit it. Use your hands will you? Grab it with your hands.

“Does it taste better to eat it from my hands?”

“Very.”

“…Eat well”

The carriage began to move again. The horses must’ve rested well, because the carriage ran fast despite the rough road.

Thus, I felt like dying once again.

Watching me grow pale, Kyle offered me his laps. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to tell if I’m still on Earth or the afterlife once we reach the village.

I wondered how much further we had to go.

When I started to think the ride would never end, the carriage began to slow down its pace.

“Ahhhhhhh…….”

I got down the carriage while making a zombie-like groan. In front of me was a village.

‘It’s a lot larger than I thought.’

I heard it was half destroyed due to the attack, but besides a few collapsed buildings, it looked not much different than the Blake estate. It was a little smaller, but it was still quite lively.

After confirming that all the servants and knights were present, they took a 10 minute break and said they will start moving again. It seemed the palace was still quite a long way off, so they wanted to hurry.

Upon hearing that, I raised my hand. Everyone’s gaze turned towards me.

“I will stay here for a bit.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is my hometown. Since I’m here, I want to look around.”

“I cannot allow that for whatever reasons.”

“Please don’t worry. I’ll follow after…….”

“He said it’s his hometown, Your Highness!”

One maid shouted out loud.

“That’s right. His family all passed away and somehow ended up in the Blake estate. Look how scrawny he is! It must’ve been tough to travel all the way to the estate.?”

“He doesn’t talk about himself, and yet he brought up about his hometown. It must’ve been on his mind a lot.”

Everyone began to speak up for me. Some said I was too pitiful. Few argued that I could catch up with a single horse and a map.

As long as you weren’t a combatant, it seemed that stopping by your hometown was somewhat acceptable.

Kyle looked reluctant but eventually nodded with a sigh.

“Shu.”

He held out a heavy-looking bag in front of me. I struggled to accept it with the hamster house in my hands, so he put it on top of the cage.

“With this amount of money, you could catch the best carriage in this village. Don’t hesitate to use it all.”

“……Thank you.”

“Will you…… really be alright alone?”

It was a voice filled with concern. I kept my mouth closed for a moment, then mumbled awkwardly while avoiding his gaze.

“I’m not a child. Since it’s been a while since I’ve been here, I want to see everyone. My family.”

“Alright.”

His held my cheek and the nape of my neck with his hand. The leather tickled my skin, and I slowly walked away as if I was feeling a little regretful.

I unconsciously opened my mouth. I didn’t want to make anymore promises, but it felt like I had to at the moment.

“I will follow after you soon.”

So, please go first and wait for me.

Kyle smiled. I turned my head around slightly and our eyes met again. It was as if he had never taken his eyes off me.

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[cherr-22]

TNGDH 39

“Why so? It’s a long distance to the palace, making it a difficult trip for Cashew to follow.”

Kyle looked at me in surprise. Receiving that gaze, I let the words flow out of my mouth like flowing water.

“How hard could it be to take along a little chestnut…… no, a demonic beast? You could take it to the famous demonic beast specialist at the imperial palace for a checkup and feed it delicious food. Besides, I bet you’d be worried about leaving Cashew alone for days.”

“Hmm.”

“However, you absolutely cannot inject mana into it! Only a regular checkup is allowed. Besides, you were going to have Cashew checked by the specialist there at least once, right?”

Kyle pondered for a while before nodding.

After spending some time together, I could now guess what he’s thinking about just by looking at his face.

Right now, he was thinking about what kind of cage to carry Cashew in, what cushion to bring along, and what snacks he should take. Seeing the tips of his lips and his eyes subtly softening, that was probably what he was thinking.

‘You like it this much, yet you didn’t think about taking it along.’

I smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

Thus, both Cashew and Shu could ride the carriage to the palace. However, there was one problem. Going to the palace didn’t take just an hour or two.

‘System. Open the store for me.’

A blue system window flickered in response to my words.

In front of me were delicious and pretty-looking items spread out. I’ve thought about it before, but the more I used my hearts and Miracle Points, the more flashy the store became.

‘You’ve also worked hard.’

Whenever I saw the system staying up all night to update the store, it reminded me of myself when I was making the game. It made me a little sad.

Developers tend to be more familiar with the night than the day, but that kind of life is very stressful. People need light to live. At that time, I almost believed that even mold might start growing on my body.

But as it happened, I ended up possessing a nocturnal animal. It made me think life really didn’t like me.

I away my thoughts and turned the pages of the store. At first, there were only one or two pages but now there were four pages.

Let’s see. I have to refrain from using too many Miracle Points, but since the system made these for me, I’ll at least take a look at them.

‘Oh. This looks delicious. This one too.’

There were all kinds of desserts made with nuts. I lived the majority of my life eating soup and hamburgers, so I couldn’t help but keep looking at the desserts decorated so beautifully.

Don’t they say that food that looks good also tastes good? Of course, the cookies and bread Kyle prepared were great, but don’t you sometimes wish to have desserts that are pretty……

‘Wait. Is that why you made these like this?’

As I narrowed my eyes, the system responded.

[⚆_⚆]

It’s fine, whatever.

It’s not like I’m going to buy them based on their appearance anyways.

Then, an item caught my eye. It must’ve come from the update since there was a big label [NEW!] on it.

NEW! [Emergency Toffee Nut Candy x5 ｜ Miracle Points 0.5% consumption ｜ Detect approaching beings while holding the candy in your mouth.]

It was an amazing item that gave you 5 candies just for 0.5 Miracle Points. Its effect was amazing so buying it ahead of time would be useful.

I bought it without thinking twice. The small, individually wrapped candies looked like they would taste like caramel.

I wanted to try one now but I held in my urge.

“Are you done?”

“Yes?”

“You were pointing your finger in the air.”

“…….”

I kept my mouth shut.

Luckily, Kyle didn’t ask me for an explanation. Perhaps because he’s used to seeing me do a lot of strange things…… though I don’t know if this is fortunate or unfortunate.

“I will prepare your clothes in the same size as before.”

“You’re preparing my clothes too? You don’t have to.”

“Your attire will affect how people see you in the imperial palace. The ones at the North are not good enough.”

Kyle’s voice was soft, but I knew that I had to take it seriously.

I knew It. I knew it more than anyone else. This was something Kyle experienced himself in the past, and this was the attitude of the nobles of the imperial palace towards those from the North.

I’ve also been treated like that before in my previous life. I guess growing older won’t always make you mature.

I scratched the back of my head and nodded. This wasn’t a hard request from Kyle anyways. Thinking about it, this was also something that could affect Kyle’s reputation.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Alright.”

Two weeks until Sen and Belial’s engagement ceremony.

There was plenty of time to prepare.

*

“Put this over there, ah, that one goes there.”

“How long has it been since we’ve went to the palace?”

“Definitely been at least a year!”

“Hold the reins well. And inspect the carriage again!”

From early in the morning, the Blake castle was like a marketplace. Even I, who rarely woke up from my sleep to most noises, had my eyes wide open.

I gazed at the sunlight seeping through the curtains. Seeing that it was still a little dark, it must’ve been around six o’clock.

―Squeak squeak. (It’s today.)

I stretched and reached for the strawberry sweater I tucked away in the corner of my hut. I then put on the sweater, regardless of my own feelings about it.

Because my limbs were short, I was only able to put it on after rolling in the sawdust a few times. But thinking about it again, Kyle got my measurements accurately.

―Squeak……. (Sigh. This is my life as a hamster.)

I pat off the sawdust stuck on the sweater and used ‘Summon’ after checking the door.

It seemed that it would be a while before Kyle comes to get me. Well, it wouldn’t take much effort to put me in the hamster cage anyways.

‘Let’s see…….’

I hid myself in a corner and used ‘Summon’.

I closed my eyes from the bright light and when I opened them, I was in a familiar room. On top of the bed were the clothes Kyle prepared for me.

I took off the sweater and stored it in the inventory before changing into the new clothes.

The high-quality silk gently wrapped around my body and flowed down elegantly. There were no extravagant accessories, but it definitely had a luxurious feel. Even the golden embroidery didn’t feel like it was made in vain.

‘The pants also fit me well.’

As I was examining my appearance in front of the mirror, I raised my eyebrows at a sudden thought.

“……How does he know my size?”

It was really mysterious. It wasn’t as if he measured me while I was asleep, nor did he ever asked me.

A knock came from the door.

I turned towards the door to open it. Outside was a familiar servant, unable to hide his excited face.

“His Highness Kyle asked me to bring the demonic beast specialist over to him.”

“Ah. Thank you for coming to get me. However, there is somewhere I want to visit first.”

“Yes?”

I led the curious servant towards into the study. I unfolded a black cloth I had prepared and covered the hamster house with it.

From now on, I must keep this hamster house with me no matter what. At least half a day, I must keep it with me.

“Let’s go.”

The servant, who had been examining my actions, tilted his head in confusion, but hurriedly moved on.

As I followed him, I checked the number of Miracle Points I had. After buying two cookies and some candies yesterday, I had exactly 20 percent left.

After complaining to the system all day long to lower the prices, I was able to save quite a few points.

[(￣へ￣)]

Hey. Do you think I’m saving money for my own benefit?

……Well technically I am.

“You can get on this carriage.”

The servant who took me outside bowed his head and walked away at a slow pace. His steps were so light that it almost seemed as if he were skipping. No, he probably was, seeing how happy he looked. He must also be taking the carriage to the palace.

Well, I did hear that it has been 1 year since they were able to go on a trip to the imperial palace. It was definitely a joyous event. It was said that the climate and atmosphere of the palace were the opposite of the North, making it feel like it was a foreign country. Of course, I heard this from Kyle.

“Shu.”

“Oh my gosh!”

I jumped in place.

Turning my head, I saw Kyle standing with a cape in his arms.

“Make some noise as you move around, please!”

“I didn’t know you could jump so high.”

“Ah! Really! Don’t scare me like that.”

As I grumbled at him, Kyle wrapped the cloak around my shoulders and chuckled.

“I did call for you, but I thought I’d have to circle around the castle a few times to find you. Were you in your room?”

“Of course. And you even prepared my clothes. Ah. I also brought Cashew with me, so there’s no need to go to the study.”

I pointed at the hamster house with my chin and held the cloth tighter. I’ll never open it. Don’t even think about removing the cloth.

“Thank you. Now, I’ll take it with me.”

Kyle held out his hand. I avoided the hand and twirled my body away from him.

“No. I could take care of it plenty well. It’s not like you’re going to play with Cashew on the way, so you can just leave it to me and focus on your work.”

“Then, let me see its face at least once…….”

“Ahem! Do you not see the time? Don’t disturb its sleep! Even demonic beasts have a routine.”

I quickly got into the carriage before Kyle could push on anymore. I sat down and held the cage in my arms as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Kyle entered the carriage after me and said after sitting across from me.

“I won’t take it from you so loosen up.”

“Really?”

“……Have you lived your entire life being fooled?”

I certainly have. But I couldn’t say that and just relaxed my hands and shoulders.

I’ve been tense the whole time, making my shoulders feel a little stiff. As I groaned and complained about wanting to massage them, Kyle suddenly took out a bag.

“Still, we should feed it…….”

“I will feed it! I will!”

I quickly pressed myself to the window like a magnet. I glared at him with wary eyes, and he bursted into laughter.

“……Are you enjoying yourself?”

Are you enjoying playing around with me?

He had a calm smile on his face. He tilted his head and rested his chin on his hand, which was held up against the carriage wall. 

“Being with you always makes me feel happy.”

Just then, the carriage started moving. A light breeze blew in through the window. I turned my head away with a sullen look on my face.

The tip of my ears felt a warm.

Even though the wind blowing felt cool.

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[cherr-22]

TNGDH 38

“It suits you.”

Kyle was proud of himself. He looked so happy that his entire face glowed.

On the contrary, my own face looked as if I ate something rotten.

Strawberry.

Strawberry! These damned strawberries!

It was a knitted outfit.

I thought he gave up lamenting on his poor skills, but here I was, wearing it. And with large strawberries on my back and chest at that.

I pounded my chest with my fist.

I really wanted to tear it to pieces, but when looking at that smiling face, I couldn’t bring myself to do that. The size was a perfect fit, as if it was a custom-made outfit.

Was it not a problem with his dexterity?

Was the problem just his bad tastes?

Kyle probably didn’t know how I felt, because he had a face that looked as if he wanted to show me off to everyone. Please don’t do that. Even hamsters have a face to save.

[(￣u￣c)…….]

I brushed off the system window that was holding in its laughter and tried to think positively. Although even a five year old nephew wouldn’t wear something like this, but at least this will go into my inventory.

I won’t have to be naked whenever I use ‘Summon’ anymore and knitted clothes are warm. Looking closely, there was a [Heating Function] option on it too.

The only bad point was the embroidered strawberries.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×15]

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×18]

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×22]

……You like it that much?

Huh? You like it? I bet you sure do!

The number of Hearts increased like snow piling up. But how strange. Why is it increasing more than when I gave him chocolates?

Really, this damned hamster otaku…….

Then look at me all you want. Let me at least gather some more Hearts.

“I was originally going to let him know first, but I couldn’t find him anywhere again. That’s why I’m letting you know first. You have the right to hear too, since you were close with Sen.”

―Squeak. Squeak squeak. (What are you talking about? Sen?)

Kyle took out a letter from his pocket.

I climbed on top of the letter he put down and began to carefully read the neatly written letters, one by one.

“Invitation to the engagement ceremony.”

―Squeak squeak squeak. (He’s right. During the season where all is blessed at the imperial palace…….)

“Sen and Belial.”

―Squeak squeak. (Right. With Sen and Belial…….)

……What?

I rubbed my eyes with my front two paws. Then I read the invitation again. Sen, and Belial. A red heart was drawn in between their names.

‘……So it came.’

That’s right. I was expecting this.

It really wasn’t something to be surprised about. Rather, it was progressing just as it did in the story.

In <Winter’s Heart>, Sen became a Serena after her marriage with Belial. Then, the story of cruel revenge began from there.

I knew it would happen, but I wasn’t expecting this to happen so soon. My tiny heart pounded hard inside my chest.

I think I’ve become more sensitive after becoming a hamster. My heart would pound even at the smallest things…….

Anyways, I thought about this even when I heard that Belial was attacked, but things that are to happen happens. Particularly the main characters of <Winter’s Heart> seemed more resistant to the changing of their fates.

The incident with the chandelier was avoided, but the attack on Belial and Sen’s fate with Belial still transpired.

Of course, regarding Sen…… I could’ve stopped her if I wanted to.

‘Still…….’

To someone who lived their entire life for revenge, telling them that revenge would only lead to more revenge to stop them was a heartless act.

I wanted to protect Kyle and Sen, and I wanted to respect her decision. In the end, it was Sen who chose to go to the imperial palace with Belial.

“The ceremony will take place in a week. Since its far, it’ll take a while to go there. It hurts my heart that I will be leaving you, but I’ll make sure to bring back delicious snacks. Wait for me, okay?.”

I jolted upon hearing Kyle.

‘What did you just say? You’re going to leave me here?’

No. I won’t allow it. I’ll follow you even if I have to secretly hide behind your back.

Who knows what will happen at the ceremony? I can’t send you off alone. The main characters Sen and Belial, along with Lorenz, would be there. It would be a minefield for Kyle. 

―Squeak! Squeak squeak squeak! (Hey! Take me with you! I’m telling you to not go alone!)

I clung onto his hand and started rubbing my body against it.

Kyle watched me lovingly, thinking I was acting cute for him, “There, there. I understand your feelings.” After saying that phrase, me put me back into the hamster house.

Ah.

I might end up dying from anger before I turn back into human.

I grasped my chest in frustration and laid down on the sawdust.

Damn! Is there no human who could understand the words of beasts here? 

“I should visit his room. Be good and play on your own.”

―…….

That’s right!

If I can’t follow him as Cashew, I could follow him as Shu.

I stood up again and hid inside the hamster house. The moment Kyle grabbed the door handle, I used ‘Summon’.

A white light wrapped my body and when I opened my eyes, I was in my room.

“Haa……. fu…….”

Of course, together with the strawberry sweater he knitted for me.

*

Kyle, who was about to leave the study room, felt a sparkling light behind his back and paused his steps. He thought it might be his imagination, but it felt strange to just pass it off.

This happened before too. A light that bursts suddenly like a flashlight and then disappearing.

“…….”

Kyle narrowed his brows and looked around the room.

Looking at the surface, nothing had changed. If it were a magician hiding, he would’ve found them already. Remembering the time when a few men hid in the room to steal away Cashew, Kyle couldn’t let this matter go.

“It felt like it was around here.”

Here. Near the hamster house.

Kyle began to inspect around the radius of the hamster house.

Underneath the desk, behind the curtains. He even looked beneath and inside the shelves, but he couldn’t find any traces of a magician.

‘Was it my imagination?’

It would be a relief if that were true.

He sighed in relief and turned towards the hamster house. The transparent walls of the house shone warmly under the light.

“Cashew.”

Being near the hamster house, he wanted to see it one more time before he left.

Kyle cleared his throat and slid his hand into the hamster house. Seeing how it wasn’t out, it was likely hiding in its hut. It liked to stay in dark, narrow places.

The slide, swing, hamster wheel… he passed all the items in the house and opened his palm in front of the hut. Normally, its butt would stick out, but it must’ve lost weight after running on the wheels again.

Of course, it was good to see Cashew not get stuck on the slide, but watching it grow thinner day by day hurt his heart a little.

Should I start feeding it some oily food instead of boiled chicken?

As he thought that, he began to dig through the sawdust…….

“Your Highness!”

Bang!

The study door opened with the sound of a panicked voice.

*

Kicking open the study door without even taking a moment to catch my breath, I saw Kyle standing in front of the hamster house.

“……Shu?”

“Yes! It’s me!”

I felt like I was going to collapse, but I managed to answer loudly.

Kyle took out his hand from the hut. I forgot about my fatigue in the moment and quickly grabbed his arm.

“Is something the matter?”

“Huk…… huuu. No, ugh. I just felt, ahem, I thought Your Highness was, phew…… looking for me.”

Because I ran to the study with all my might, my words came out sparsely. I stumbled, so Kyle held my waist firmly to support me, as if it were natural.

Oh dear, I thought I was going to die.

I took a deep breath and muttered to myself without realizing it. Fortunately, after resting for a while, my breathing began to calm down.

“That’s right. I was on my way to see you.”

“Right? Ah! My timing is so accurate!”

[(¬_¬ )]

As I joked, the system window appeared before me. It was a clear sign of dissatisfaction.

Alright, alright. You are the MVP here. I was able to run here thanks to you informing me.

It was right after I used ‘Summon’ and became a human.  I just finished taking off the strawberry clothing when a system window popped up.

In front of me was a siren emote with the message [Kyl e  is lo king ham s house].

I was able to quickly change my clothes and run to the study due to this message.

If I were even a little late, the castle would’ve flipped again…… really, I can’t take my eyes off you even for a second, huh.

“So, why were you looking for me?”

I already knew why, but I pretended not to know. Kyle let go of me and took out the wedding invitation.

“It’s the engagement ceremony of Sen and Belial. You were close with Sen, so I was going to ask if you want to attend the ceremony with me.”

“Of course I would go! However!”

I grabbed the invitation and said with a grin.

“Cashew has to come with us. Definitely!”

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 37

The night was long as Kyle said.

All the liveliness of the marketplace disappeared the next night and it felt as if the winter’s cold hadn’t gone away.

The candles held in the children’s hands fluttered with the wind. Small sobs escaped from the mouths of people who were wiping away their tears in the dark.

It was a quiet night. The longing and cries that were buried during the day seeped out in the dark.

I looked straight ahead at Kyle, who had his eyes closed. Why did he look more solemn and pitiful than those who were crying?

It was a night where two hours felt like a whole day.

*

I sat in the hamster house and stared at the system window seriously.

Underneath the familiar signboard, [Love Love Corner~❤], were items lined up. The background, which was normally translucent blue, changed to pink.

‘Did it update? I don’t see any particular changes though.’

I flipped through the pages and the system popped up as if it had just woken up.

[(ˉ﹃ˉ)]

Hey, Hey. Stop sleeping. Did you stay up all night or something?

I’ve been thinking about it since before, but the system strangely mimicked people. Like being tired, or feeling angry or embarrassed.

‘Though it’s nice since it feels like I have company by my side.’

I laughed and the system blinked. It showed me a different emote.

[(づ￣//￣)づ]

An emote waving its hands towards one direction.

I looked at the direction it was pointing. There was a small banner and underneath that banner was an item.

‘You made a banner just for this one item?’

Why so flashy.

I narrowed my eyes and viewed the banner the system spent its entire night on making. If I didn’t, it felt like the system would feel disappointed in its wasted efforts.

Let’s see. Valen…….

―Squeak…… (Are you serious……?)

[Today is Valentine’s Day! Try sharing your love to your fated partner!]

Hey, this…….

I stared at the system window with a puzzled expression on my face. If you had the time to make something like this, you should’ve made something more useful! I didn’t give you Miracle Points just for you to do this!

I crossed my legs and pointed my finger at the system.

How about making cookies cheaper! You know how much I lost from buying so much this time!

[（＞人＜；）]

The system displayed an intimidated emote.

……Was I too harsh?

I felt a little bad as I saw it sweating profusely.

Alright. I’m thankful you put in a lot of effort just for me. Who knows. Maybe it’ll be something useful. It looks to be an item that goes into my inventory, so I could take it with me and use it whenever it’s necessary.

‘Let’s see what it is first.’

I read through the description of the item called [Almond Chocolate].

Made with the highest quality almonds and freshly squeezed milk, with cacao grown from the sunniest place…… okay, whatever. It’s delicious. As for its ability… [Makes the person who eats it feel happy!].

―Squeak. (Come out.)

[ ε=ε=ε=┏(゜ロ゜;)┛]

I furiously kicked at the system window as it ran away. You’re telling me to pay 43 Hearts for something like this?

While I ran around the hamster house, the study door opened.

It was of course, Kyle.

He looked less tired than yesterday but still haven’t recovered fully yet. There didn’t seem to be any injuries.

I paused and called the system.

‘Hey, system.’

The system blinked with a [(⊙_⊙)？]. I took a deep breath and checked the remaining Hearts I had.

60 Hearts.

‘I’ll give you ten more, so can you add an extra chocolate option for me?’

It displayed an emote that looked like someone rubbing their chin. Where did it learn to do that? It hasn’t been long since it opened the store, yet it already became such a businessman.

‘It’s not a big deal. Just a fatigue recovery chocolate. I’m giving you extra Hearts for my request.’

I gave the system the puppy eyes. A nodding emote along with a [Loading……] sign came up.

Kyle walked over to me. I obediently climbed up onto his hand.

You must be very tired.

However, as the leader of the knights and the Grand Duke of the North, he couldn’t say a single word about how difficult and tiring it was.

That’s why, it’s times like this that I should…….

―…….

O-oh. Okay. Kiss me all you want. ……And stop eating my fur.

“You’re cute today too, Cashew.”

After kissing me for a whole ten minutes, Kyle reorganized my fur.

Somehow, I felt like my energy has been sucked out.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t received kisses like these for a while. Not only did they feel longer than usual, but I was also out of breath. I laid face down in his palm as if my soul was drained out.

Then, as if to comfort me, he shared some unexpected good news.

“You remember when I tried to inject something into your body? I apologize for what happened back then. That won’t happen again in the future. He told me that trying to force mana into your body could be bad for you.”

―Squeak squeak! (That’s right! You made the right choice!)

I jumped and sat up straight. Then, I patted his thumb with my small paw as if praising him. I’m so proud of you. You’re amazing. Listening to my words so well!

“You’re that happy? Besides your slow growth rate, there isn’t anything wrong with your body. Let’s wait a bit more and see. If anything does happen, we could always take you to the demonic beast specialist. No matter what, I’ll save you.”

I’m worried about your life, yet you’re worried about my own.

I turned around and checked the system window next to Kyle.

His lifespan had about a month and a half remaining.

I had no idea what remaining incidents were left for him, but I knew that there was one major event before the season was over.

*

“Ahem.”

I stood in front of Kyle’s door and cleared my throat.

Strangely enough, I always felt nervous whenever I stood before his room. The previous time I stood before his door, I felt nervous because I made a mistake, but today I just felt a little embarrassed.

The system worked faster than expected. In the 10 minutes it took Kyle to kiss me, they added an additional option in the store and raised the price.

Honestly, I wished the system had forgotten about the price raise, but there was a red line drawn across with the number 53 written next to it.

As a result, I only had 7 Hearts left. Once upon a time, I had over 100 Hearts……

This is all for Kyle. For Kyle.

I shook my head and knocked on the door lightly. Kyle’s voice was heard from inside, telling me to come in.

“It’s you.”

Kyle took off his glasses.

I walked over to his desk with the chocolate clenched tightly behind my back. He waited for me with a soft smile on his face.

Don’t smile like that. It’s making me feel strange.

I ignored the heat coming up to my ears and held out the box of chocolates to him. He obediently accepted it with a puzzled look on his face.

“What is this?”

“You will know once you open it.”

Kyle untied the beautifully wrapped pink ribbon and opened the box.

I didn’t look inside before giving them to Kyle, but there were round pink, white, and black chocolates filling the box with the center……

“…….”

“…….”

Hey. System.

Hey. Stop hiding from me.

“Did you make these yourself?”

“……Ah. Uh. Well. Yes. It just so happened…….”

Something was written on top of the large chocolate heart.

To my beloved Kyle, His Highness.

I felt like hitting my throbbing head a few times.

Why didn’t I check this beforehand. Why did I give him this. I should’ve seen what was inside before giving it to him!

My clenched fist trembled. Once I return, I will definitely get my revenge on the system. I’d only feel better once I either give it a premature death or grab it by its collar.

I wasn’t sure if Kyle understood my feelings properly or not, but he stared at the chocolates for a long time before picking up a round piece and putting it in his mouth.

“I had no idea you were good at making desserts too.”

“It just so happens that I’m good at various things.”

“But why the chocolate all of the sudden?”

“……From where I came from, today is the day where you give chocolates to someone you respect or are thankful for. It’s not a big deal, but I just remembered as I saw the calendar…… ah. It’s a traditional event passed down from generation to generation, so please take it.”

The situation was embarrassing, so I prolonged our conversation by rambling.

As soon as I finished my gibberish, he picked up another round chocolate and put it into my mouth this time.

“Then I must give one to you too. Today is February 14? I’ll keep it in mind from now on.”

“…….”

He laughed.

It was the most relaxed smile I’ve seen in a while. How can he smile so well when he looks colder than anyone else?

I relaxed my fist and squatted down. I heard the sound of a chair being pushed back, but I couldn’t raise my head.

Was there an effect in the chocolate that makes your heart beat? Or perhaps I was so embarrassed that I had arrhythmia.

I shut my eyes tight as I listened to my heart thump.

The chocolate he gave me melted in my mouth. It was so sweet that I started to feel strange.

Surely, it’s just the chocolate.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 36

The cause of the attack was a pack of starved wyverns.

It wasn’t uncommon for demonic beasts to come down near the territory after suffering from hunger during the long winter.

However, the damage was too much for that.

Not only was the castle heavily damaged, there were also quite a few casualties. An hour had passed since Kyle left, yet there were no news sent to the shelter. There was an uneasy silence.

“It was my first time seeing a wyvern like that…….”

The voice filled with fear got me jumping up. I hurriedly walked through the darkness towards the voice.

“How was it different than usual?”

“Ah, you’re the demonic beast specialist. The one close to the Grand Duke…….”

I nodded my head and pressed for further explanation.

“Originally, wyverns are low-level beasts among the dragon clan. They are vicious and often travel in packs, but hunting them is not difficult. However…….”

The man gulped nervously and clenched his shaking fists.

“When the knights’ spears pierced the wyvern’s body…… a terrible odor came from the blood. The spears and the ground… they corroded upon coming in contact with the blood.”

“A-and the wyvern was the biggest I’ve ever seen!”

“Its horn was pointed and sharp…….”

I unconsciously held my breath as I listened to them.

A beast similar to wyverns but larger, its blood emitting a foul odor and corroding anything it touches even after the beast’s death…

‘Drake…….’

It was a monster wyvern from the game I developed.

I took out the Demonic Beast Encyclopedia from my inventory and frantically flipped through the pages. Then, I read and read again the page that introduced the wyvern.

Everything I just heard was true. It wasn’t a wyvern from this world. It was an abnormal phenomenon just like the swamp goat case.

“……Ha.”

Haha.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

What on earth are you asking me to do? How could I bear this guilt?

*

Thankfully, the Blake estate was stronger than I had thought. The people who had been trembling and unable to sleep in the shelter last night got up the next day, wiped away their tears, and began rebuilding the castle.

They were strong people.

They were people who knew how to swallow down their sorrows despite the castle falling, their houses destroyed, and losing their loved ones. Everyone here was like that. They were people who worked hard for tomorrow.

I rubbed away my watery eyes and observed Kyle who was commanding the knights from afar.

He looked very haggard. It took a lot of time for the commotion to calm down, so he probably didn’t have even a moment to rest. He must’ve stayed up all night without having even a sip of water.

I looked down at the cookie crumbs left in my palm. I ate it in a hurry, but I didn’t know how many I bought during this mess.

I now barely had 20 percent of Miracle Points. I only realized now that I used up quite a lot.

I had no choice. I couldn’t disappear from the shelter suddenly, and I was afraid that Kyle might come find me when the commotion was over.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 3 minutes.]

‘I ate so many and yet I only have 3 minutes left.’

I smiled helplessly and went back into the castle. A bright light enveloped my body, and when I opened my eyes, I was back in the familiar study room.

[(。﹏。*)]

The system repeatedly appeared and disappeared while watching my reactions. I quietly watched the system windows before rolling over with a sigh.

Let’s first do the things we could do. Nothing will resolve if we rush things.

‘Right. Let’s take it slow, one by one…….’

I went into the hut, curled into a ball, and went to sleep.

I wished for tomorrow to come quickly.

*

The castle was busy the next day as well.

It’ll most likely be busy for the next couple days. The proof of that was Kyle, who didn’t come into the study at all yesterday. Although, I wasn’t sure if he came to my room to look for me.

“Stop worrying about him. He’s doing well.”

I mumbled to myself and pulled the bowstring.

Both the string and my arms trembled. I pulled as hard as I could, yet the trembling wouldn’t stop. It wasn’t this hard when Kyle was helping me.

“Ugh…….”

I lost my grip as sweat covered my hands. Ting. The arrow flew, hit the tree next to the target, and fell to the ground.

I didn’t know if I had no talent or if I didn’t have enough exercise. It could be both.

I held back my sigh and pulled out another arrow.

I think I already fired twenty arrows, but only a few hit properly. Still, I practiced everyday while thinking of the people who worked hard to return back to their daily lives.

A week has passed since then.

At first, I used ‘Summon’ and tried to help the people around me, but I ended up being in the way. They were well-experienced and already knew what they had to do, so I just picked up the bow instead.

As a result, my skills with the bow increased significantly, but I still wasn’t good enough to be of any help. There was no way I could improve with only two hours of practice per day.

“Six shots. You’ve improved a lot.”

A voice came from behind me while I was bandaging my hand. When I turned my head, I saw Kyle looking straight at the target.

“……Aren’t you busy?”

“The things that needs the most attention have been sorted out. We’re at the final stage of recovery, so there is no need for me there.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“I came yesterday too.”

“Yes?”

I had no idea.

I spaced out with my mouth wide open and tried to remember. Did I make any mistakes during my practice yesterday? I didn’t talk with the system, right? Or what about fisting up into the air?

[o(*°///°*)o]

I ignored the system’s strange expectations and smiled sheepishly. The system has been acting weirder and weirder lately.

But why did His Highness take time out of his busy schedule to see me secretly?

“You should’ve said something.”

“You were concentrating. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

He gently squeezed my hand. The tip of my finger twitched at his soft touch.

After practicing for a whole week, my hands turned red and swollen. I recover quickly but making the same wounds at the same spot prevented it from healing.

“Ugh…….”

“Shh.”

Kyle soothed me and applied ointment to my entire palm.

The round container smelled like grass that was dried and then boiled. It wasn’t a good smell. Still, I didn’t dislike it when Kyle applied it thoroughly onto my hands while blowing lightly.

I examined his complexion as he tied the wounds with a white handkerchief.

It was a concern every time I saw his tired face. Although, before I used ‘Summon’, I’ve already seen him as Cashew. Even in these hectic times, Kyle came to prepare my meal every morning. He didn’t kiss me though.

“Don’t overdue it. You can’t improve your skills by rushing.”

“I know. But…….”

“The wound needs to heal and toughen before you can build a new foundation on top of it. If you keep holding onto the bow with a hand that hasn’t healed, it’s not a surprise that you improve slower than you expect.”

His gentle voice made me relax my tense body. I glanced down and saw my hand was done being treated before I knew it. It used to sting from just a light touch, but now I only felt a dull pain. There was no discomfort when I opened and closed my hand.

In that time, Kyle cleaned up the area and put back the bow and arrows I used. He then lightly pulled at the hand that wasn’t hurt.

“If you’re not busy, let’s go.”

“To where?”

“The market is up again. They’re also selling the duck dish and quilted clothes you taught to the people.”

“Ah.”

I quickly checked the system window. I had roughly 30 minutes left.

‘……It should be okay if it’s just for a little while?’

As Cashew, I didn’t get to see Kyle often these days and as Shu, we didn’t talk much.

Even if Kyle wasn’t here, I was curious if they followed my recipe well and how they were selling the clothes. How has the castle been repaired and what expressions do the people have now? I wanted to know. I wanted to see what it was like now.

I cleared my throat and took his hand.

“Then exactly 30…… no, 20 minutes.”

“Alright.”

He smiled.

The tired handsome man looked even more handsome when he smiled. It’s not like his face fits my preference… wait. No, this has nothing to do with my preference. A face like this would make anyone drool.

As we walked towards the market, I swallowed my saliva. Kyle looked down at me and asked.

“Are you hungry?”

“……Uhhh. Yes!”

How sharp.

The corners of his lips trembled and drew into an arc. I avoided his gaze and hurried my steps.

“We should’ve ate before coming here.”

“No. There’s food everywhere here. We can eat those. Wow. That looks delicious! Oh, there are skewers over there!”

I felt embarrassed and rambled on.

In front of us was a stall selling demonic beast meat grilled until golden brown. Kyle paid for them and I took a big bite out of the skewer. I looked around the bustling market.

The people’s faces have become much brighter than they were a few days ago. There were still some places that haven’t been repaired yet, but it seemed like they were making good progress. They even finished making the funerals for those who passed away during the attack.

He spoke while I stood in place.

“There will be a memorial service tomorrow.”

He said it would be a long night. A hint of sadness could be heard in his low voice.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 35

“Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, aim at the target, and pull the string. Align your arms horizontally. Yeah, just like that.”

I pulled the bowstring as Kyle instructed. I focused on trying to stabilize my trembling arms.

Of course, the result was a failure.

[~(>―<~)]

“Are you concentrating enough?”

I grumbled in response to Kyle’s strict question.

“The problem isn’t about my concentration. My arms won’t stay still no matter how much strength I put in.”

Maybe this is a defective. As I complained, Kyle chuckled.

“As if.”

He came a little closer to me and lightly held my wrist holding the bow. He put his other hand on my shoulder and began to put pressure onto it.

“Keep your back and shoulders straight.”

The hand that was once on my shoulders went down to my elbow. As my upper body trembled again, he frowned and came closer, supporting my back with his own upper body. Wait, this posture……

“……Umm.”

I slightly raised my head. Perhaps I spoke too quietly, because Kyle bent his waist to bring his face closer to mine. Our faces were so close that words wouldn’t come out of my mouth. It felt like I was being hugged from behind.

“Can you teach me with a little more distance between us?”

I felt embarrassed, so I cleared my throat. However, Kyle cut down my suggestion with a sharp answer.

“You weren’t able to even pull the bowstring properly just earlier.”

“Yes, well…… that’s true.”

“Stop talking and look straight ahead. Breathe slowly. Feel the tension going to your fingertips. It is better to hold your breath just before releasing the string.”

The trembling of my arms stopped as if it never happened. As he put in more strength, the more stable my body became.

With the tense tension of the bowstring, the arrowhead aimed exactly at the target. The arrow flew beautifully into the center of the target for the first time.

“Ah.”

I knew this was only possible due to Kyle’s help, but I couldn’t help but feel happy. When I looked up at him with a smile, Kyle also looked back with the corners of his mouth raised.

“You did well.”

In the quiet surrounding area, his joy was conveyed…… wait a minute. Quiet surrounding? I only now realized that people moved away to give space for the two of us.

It was definitely comfortable to use all this space to ourselves, but this felt as if…… they carefully prepared a space for us to go on a date.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×60]

Cashew wasn’t here, nor was Kyle thinking about Cashew. Yet the number of Hearts went up little by little.

“…….”

Our gazes collided with each other again. He stared at me as if he was longing for something. It was a calm and passionate gaze. I knew what he wanted to ask me, but I stayed silent.

Not yet. I turned my head and lowered my bow. After clearing my throat, I spoke.

“Since there’s some time left, do you want to go on a walk?”

Kyle laughed as if he knew what I was thinking.

“It seems your arms are sore. You’ve only had one successful shot.”

“You should look at the process, not the result.”

“You’re right. Then, shall we go horseback riding? You need to learn to ride a horse too.”

I checked the system window before responding.

“Let’s go with an hour long course.”

“You are busier than the Grand Duke himself.”

“Sadly, that seems to be the case.”

I chuckled. He also seemed to be enjoying himself.

Despite his pretext of teaching me how to ride the horse, he picked me up, sat me down on the saddle, and rode along with me. My body definitely wasn’t small, yet he lifted me up so lightly.

It was a little cold but bearable thanks to Kyle. He foresaw it and wrapped a cape around my shoulders before we took off.

“It may be the end of winter, but the wind is still chilly. The cold weather in Blake tends to last until spring, so it’ll take time to get used to it.”

“How did you know it hasn’t been long since I’ve come to the estate?”

“Simple.”

He wrapped my slightly tilted shoulders and straightened them.

“If you’ve been here for so long, there’s no way I wouldn’t have recognized you.”

“There’s nothing you don’t know about Blake.”

“Because that is my duty.”

Who takes on such duties so willingly? Well, that’s what makes him Kyle Blake.

“Besides that, did you look into the attack on Belial?”

“……Yes. I couldn’t tell.”

It was a puzzling answer. So what’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying you do know or don’t know who’s behind it? Thankfully, Kyle explained right away.

“All three corpses were unidentified soldiers. They were found at a short distance away from the attack.”

“But you found out that they were ‘soldiers’.”

“That’s right.”

It meant that the mastermind used other people to carry out their plan. Well, that was an obvious fact. The target was Belial or Kyle. Who would be crazy enough to make a move themselves? In the case of failure, they wouldn’t get a simple death.

“We’re first investigating a mercenary group near the capital. If there are anyone who moved under the orders of a high-ranking noble or had any parties with three or more deaths, they will be under suspicion.”

“It seems you’ll be busy for a while.”

“Yes. It’s a task that requires quite a bit of manpower. And Cashew has been on my mind for a while too…….”

Hm? Cashew? Me? ……Why? He continued in a deep voice.

“I tried injecting mana into it, but it bounced back. Do you perhaps know anything about it?”

Of course I knew. The problem was that I couldn’t say it. Normally, he should’ve gotten suspicious of his hamster, but Kyle’s face was full of genuine concern. What should I say to resolve this?

“I’m not too sure, perhaps it has a special constitution…….”

I hesitated and then added quickly.

“That being said, please don’t try to inject mana into it again. What if it ends up having a negative effect on the hamster?”

Kyle’s expression became grave upon hearing the words ‘negative effect’.

“Are you saying there could be some sort of…… collision… inside?”

He was quite sharp. Of course, he didn’t know about the existence of the system.

“Yes. So leave it alone for now. Time will resolve it all eventually.”

Don’t bother the hamster. Even if nothing happens, I still think it wouldn’t be a good idea to keep trying to inject mana.

If the system is affected, who knows if another incident like the swamp goat might happen. Let’s be careful. Although this wasn’t the world I was born and raised, it was still a precious place for others.

We continued to talk about this and that until my ‘Summon’ time was over. Kyle gave me a curious look as I urged him to return quickly, but I couldn’t tell him that I was going back to the hamster house.

Truthfully, this was also a concern of mine. No secrets can remain a secret forever. Yet how would I tell him that I’m his pet hamster? Haa…… I should’ve finished my words back then. This damned life.

‘I suppose I could stay silent for a while.’

After Kyle’s life is extended a bit more. Besides, I want to enjoy this calm and ordinary life while I can.

*

“It’s an attack, Your Highness! Please evacuate now!”

“The northern tower has fallen!”

“……F-fire! Flames have been spotted in the west!”

The incident happened suddenly. When the North was struck without any warning, the castle became devastated in an instant.

It was late at night when I first heard the commotion and didn’t realize the urgency of the situation due to being in the Grand Duke’s office in the hamster house, the safest place in the castle.

I didn’t know why Kyle, who was in the middle of playing with me, turned pale all of the sudden. It took a whole hour before I realized the situation.

“There is a hideout in the basement. Stay there until I give you the order that you can leave.”

I used ‘Summon’, hoping I’d be of some use for him, but that was all he said when I met up with him. I sullenly watched him climb up the stairs and asked him.

“Are you hiding me in the basement in the fear that I might die again?”

“…….”

Kyle furrowed his brows. He seemed irritated and smiled bitterly.

“Yes.”

“Then why did you teach me how to use the bow? Was it not to erase such thoughts?”

“It was to increase your chances of survival.”

He said firmly.

“That doesn’t mean you should jump into any dangerous situation and fight.”

“……I do not want to send you to fight alone.”

“I am thankful for your concern, but there is nothing you can do in this situation.” 

“Still…….”

“Still?”

Kyle’s voice rang coldly.

“Admit that you are weak. There is nothing more important than saving your own life.”

I was speechless. He was right. There was nothing more ridiculous than me, who couldn’t even shoot a single arrow properly, worrying about Kyle Blake, the ruler of the North.

But our destiny was intertwined. Wasn’t it only right that we fight together even if it becomes dangerous?

“I will not tolerate disobedience against my orders.”

I forced my head down upon hearing that. I didn’t want to admit it, but I did. That I couldn’t be of any help for him.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 34

“For this reconnaissance, we will investigate further. With the new demonic beast’s appearance recently, we must be more careful.”

“Yes sir!”

The knights answered in unison. It was so loud that even I, who was leisurely enjoying a sunbathing session while lying on the sawdust, could hear it.

‘Already another reconnaissance.’

It has been about a month since the previous one.

―Squeak squeak. Squeak. (But why hasn’t he told me about going on this one?)

I rubbed my stomach after stuffing myself with the almond, macadamia, and strawberry that Kyle had brought. I must’ve gained more weight, because it was getting harder to breathe. Just a little bit.

Anyways, it would be a good idea to follow along this time too. If another accident occurs, it’d be good if I were there.

I crawled to a corner and just when I was about to use ‘Summon’―.

“Wait a moment.”

Kyle opened the door and came into the study.

I took back my hand from the system window and slid back to the center of the hamster house.

“Cashew.”

Kyle’s soft voice called for me. I pretended I wasn’t doing anything and made a gesture that said, “You’re here?”.

Then he lifted me up and naturally started kissing me.

―Squeak……. (Alright…….)

Of course. If he didn't do this, he wouldn’t be Kyle Blake.

I received his kiss and waved my hand in goodbye. Hurry up and leave.

Kyle only left after glancing back at me twice at the study door. I quickly used ‘Summon’ and wore my clothes.

Really! At this point, shouldn’t I be able to automatically wear clothes? This is so inefficient!

[(´。＿。｀)]

……I’m not saying it’s your fault. It’s not like we could do anything about it. I’m just complaining out loud…

I comforted the sullen system and walked down the hallway at a brisk pace. I diligently headed out of the castle, greeting the workers carrying laundry baskets and brooms along the way.

When I pushed the tightly closed door, a light so bright that it hurt my eyes poured in. I stepped outside, feeling the cool air surrounding me.

Now, Kyle. Take me with you. Look at this perfect timing I appear before you when you need me.

“Your Highness! ……Huh?”

I looked at the empty field in front of the castle with a dumbfounded face.

He’s not here.

There’s nothing here. Even though this is the front gate?  Surely they would’ve reorganized their ranks here before going up the mountain?

I hurriedly searched the surrounding area. The flower beds, bushes, pillars… I looked closely everywhere, but I couldn’t find a single one of his familiar footprints.

“Just where exactly did you go!”

I shouted at the sky in frustration and a passing worker flinched.

“H-his Highness Kyle went to the back gate.”

“Yes?”

“He said someone fearless may try to follow him…….”

I stood in place with a dumbfounded expression. The employee, seeing my reaction, quickly bowed his head and disappeared.

Then, does this mean…….

“He’s avoiding me?”

I went back into the castle and thought for a while. There weren’t any other demonic beast specialists within the castle so why would he go without me?

No, I knew why even without having to think. It was because I fell off the cliff last time.

It must’ve been a shock to see the person he promised to protect to fall into danger right before his eyes. What if it happens again? Would I be able to grab onto him properly this time? I could imagine him worrying about it all night long.

Still.

“It’s only right to keep the person you want to protect by your side.”

As I trudged down the hallway, I felt an inexplicable sense of loneliness. I must’ve gotten used to spending my time with Kyle.

I wandered around for a while before arriving at the kitchen to eat two freshly made sandwiches, scones, and cookies with black tea and then returned to my room to cancel ‘Summon’.

―Squeak. (Sigh.)

I laid down and stared at the dark ceiling of the study room.

There was no time to get lost in sentiment. I spent the entire day walking around and thinking about Kyle, but my heart felt heavier than it did before.

‘……Why do I feel so heavy?’

I grunted as I turned over. However, I couldn’t get up. I was only able to stand after grasping the floor with my paws.

―Squeak squeak. (……Just how much weight did I gain?)

Now, I could no longer deny it. At this rate, I may become an obese hamster and would have to survive on just chicory and lettuce.

I suddenly felt a sense of crisis and started walking on the hamster wheel. And here I thought I’d never have to ride this horrendous thing again!

Alright. Let’s do some morning dieting.

To the point where Kyle will be so surprised upon seeing me again.

*

Reconnaissance usually takes about four to five days. They said they would go further this time, so it should take about a week. Today was the first day of the week.

During this time, I was quite busy as both a human and a hamster.

During my time as a hamster, I worked on my squishy belly by running on the hamster wheel, and when I was human, I helped around.

Mass production of the quilted clothes have begun, because they thought it would be good to distribute them to the residents of the territory. The remaining knights in the castle also spent their days hunting.

I, of course, helped with sewing and teaching the kitchen staff various other healthy recipes. The most delicious recipe was the one made with the fish beast.

There was a pond to the south of the castle that was frozen all year long, so people often went ice fishing and hunting there.

They would gather together and light a bonfire to have a feast.

The grilled fish grilled with an even coat of spice and sauce…… it was tastier than any other seafood I’ve eaten.

As a result, the people greatly enjoyed the fish. And best of all, the fish would break through the ice on their own if there were a lot of them.

Anyways, it was hectic and busy. Thanks to that, my Miracle Value went up to 24 percent. It was a huge increase despite Kyle not being here.

In other words.

‘The people here has accepted me.’

Although, I did benefit a bit from the ‘passive effect’ of gaining favor with the Northerners.

When I walk across the hallways in the castle, the workers greet me and the knights sometimes look for me with monsters they caught in their hands. When I go to the kitchen, I’m gifted with freshly baked bread and some cookies. Yesterday, I even received the tart that the youngest worker of the castle baked.

‘……But we are still a little awkward with each other.’

It was definitely not a bad feeling though.

I cleared my throat and glanced at the clock. It was ticking just past noon.

―Squeak squeak. Squeak squeak squeak. (Kyle, just when exactly is he going to come back? The weather is fine so he should be back pretty soon.)

While mumbling to myself, the system window blinked.

[(❤´艸｀❤)]

That’s not it. Don’t look at me like I’m a wife waiting for their husband to return home. We’re not in that sort of relationship.

I kicked the system window and it flashed again on the opposite side of me.

‘Ha?’

I frantically kicked hard at the moving system window. I was so absorbed that I didn’t even hear the study door open.

“So you also knew how to dance.”

A soft voice came from above my head.

I paused and turned my head up. Kyle was looking down at me with a very disheveled appearance.

“Sorry for being gone for so long. I rushed back, because I was worried about you, but it seems like I could’ve washed up first. I can’t hold you with my hands dirty like this.”

Kyle mumbled while holding his hands caked in dirt and blood. My eyes naturally went to his hands.

―Squeeeak! (Hey! What’s with your hands!)

I stuck myself to the transparent wall and squeaked towards Kyle.

Kyle must’ve thought I was glad to see him after a long time, so he looked at me sweetly and left the study, saying that he would come back soon.

I pounded my chest in frustration and used ‘Summon’.

It’s a good thing I didn’t use it earlier in the day today. How could I hold in after seeing him like that? I must take a closer look myself to see if the body I cherish has any injuries.

“I think right now is good.”

I hung around in front of Kyle’s room for a while before knocking the door. Then, I heard a voice from inside telling me to come in.

“Shu?”

Upon opening the door, I saw Kyle with a robe draped over his shoulders, drying his hair with a towel.

I quickly scanned him from head to toe. No injuries on his arms. Not a single scratch on his chest. He just looked a bit messy.

I sighed in relief and walked over to him.

“It took you a while this time.”

“I thought it would be good to go the longer route after encountering the new demonic beast before.”

“You didn’t tell me to go together this time.”

“There is no need for you to accompany me on every reconnaissance. Besides, didn’t you say you were busy?”

I crossed my arms and puffed. You could hide all you want, but I know you better than yourself.

“Not because you are afraid I might die?”

“…….”

Kyle stared at me silently. It seems I got it right.

I reached out and gently grabbed both ends of the towel covering Kyle’s head to help dry his hair. He obediently lowered his head to narrow the distance between me and him.

“Teach me how to use the bow tomorrow. I learn quickly, so it’ll be worthwhile for you to teach me.”

“…….”

Kyle’s brows narrowed, and then he relaxed with a short sigh.

As if he missed me for the week he was gone, he wrapped my waist with his strong arms and pulled me in. I entrusted myself to him. With his familiar body scent reaching the tip of my nose, I felt at ease.

I let go of the towel and placed my arms around his neck. I smiled as I heard him saying that he would teach me and that he’s glad to be back home.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 33

Knock knock.

Kyle didn’t respond to the short, clear knock.

After counting to three inwardly, I entered the study. He was still sitting on the sofa as if he were ruminating on something for a long time.

The silence that engulfed the room seemed to represent his loneliness. I walked beside him and parted my lips.

“What are you thinking about?”

“……I said I would kill him.”

“Kill who.”

“My brother.”

Brother.

I felt bitter.

Kyle, Belial, and Lorenz spent their childhood at the palace together.

To say that their relationship back then was harmonious would be a stretch, but they didn’t really resent each other. It was only because of the problems between the adults. They must’ve spent their time together practicing their swordsmanship and blessing each other’s birthday.

But to say he’d kill him.

When did he say those words? And how did young Kyle feel as he said those words?

I didn’t know the story behind them, but perhaps that was why Kyle was chased to the North. Kyle, who was the child of a concubine named Jane, must have been a thorn in the eyes of the people in the palace.

I sat next to Kyle and watched him quietly. His expression was a mixture of regret and remorse.

“At first, I wanted to survive to show them. Show them that the world won’t always go the way they want it to. And I wanted to protest. Just because they want to get rid of something doesn’t mean it would be gotten rid of so easily. That was why I survived and survived and survived no matter what…….”

To him, there were no words more tiresome to hear than to survive. After all, human beings don’t survive just by breathing.

Eventually, we would have to eat, and when the sun falls down, we would go to sleep. When the temperature drops, we wear more clothes, and to be able to do anything, we need money.

That’s right.

This was why I liked Kyle in <Winter’s Heart>. His life after being driven out to the North resembled my own.

“…….”

I couldn’t say anything back to him. I felt that no words could measure the depth of sadness contained in his voice.

However, I knew that he had been lonely during all those times. It had been a loneliness colder and harsher than the North itself.

“……But I realized revenge isn’t everything. I realized this after a long time. Just because I have my revenge doesn’t mean I would become happy. I won’t be able to forgive the people of Duke Klein until the day I die, but I have no intention of devoting my life to revenge.”

Kyle looked straight into my eyes. His unwavering red eyes were more deeply embedded into my mind than ever before.

“……Why did you start to think that way?”

I barely managed to squeeze out my words.

I had to hear his thoughts.

The system clearly told me Kyle’s purpose was revenge. If he lived only for revenge, he would live a life where no one could ever point their fingers at him.

“I found something I love. Something I want to protect.”

His voice sounded sweet as he said that. His eyes were on me, as if he were saying it to me.

I felt myself getting hot and rubbed the back of my neck  while leaning against the armrest of the sofa.

“Still, I sometimes think that if I stop seeking revenge because of that, my mother’s death would become sad and unfair.”

The voice sounded sadder. I abruptly raised my head and reflexively opened my mouth.

“No! She would say you have done a good…….”

I couldn’t finish my sentence. Before I knew it, Kyle leaned towards me and wrapped one arm around my waist to pull me towards him.

My lips quivered as I continued.

“What do you think a parent would want for their child? It would obviously be for their happiness. They would say thank you for being born and for surviving………….”

I narrowed my eyes and closed my mouth. That was because the blurry image of the faces of my parents whom I can barely remember appeared in my mind.

What did their eyes and nose looked like, what kind of expression they made when they laughed, what their tone of voice was as they called my name. I couldn’t remember anything anymore, but I knew at least one thing.

I knew that they wished for my happiness. Rather than living in my uncle’s house and being exploited, and rather than accepting death so vainly, they would have hoped for me to lived in a more kind and gentle world.

A world where a person like Kyle would be in.

I stretched out my arms and hugged him. Then he hugged me back tightly by my waist.

“They would tell you that you did well. That you made the right choice to give up your revenge. That they hope you smile more tomorrow than you did today.”

“Strangely enough, when you put it that way it feels like what you said is true.”

I wasn’t sure if he was being sincere, but I somehow felt comforted myself by his words.

I let out a laugh and patted him a few times before trying to pull myself out from his embrace. I’ve been out of breath since earlier. Just how strong is he?

“……Umm.”

However, my waist was held tightly in his arms.

He seemed to have had no thoughts about letting me go, so I sighed and let him do as he wanted. Anyways, there was still some time left in ‘Summon’.

“If you don’t want to let go, please answer my questions. Was your revenge something like a rebellion?”

“That’s right. My mother was someone who was supposed to become Serena. However, she was falsely accused by Duke Klein and was forced to raise me on her own in the cold alleyways until her deathbed. I entered the imperial palace after her death.”

“……And you had no thoughts of taking the throne?”

“I’d be lying if I said I had no thoughts about it at all. But right now, I don’t. I’d rather have them take care of things like the throne themselves.”

Kyle spoke aggressively before toning down.

“This is my hometown.”

I understood what he was saying even without him explaining. How much he cared about this place and the people here. It was obvious even to me, an outsider.

It was the same in <Winter’s Heart>. Even though the land had nothing but steep cliffs and never-ending snow, the people were happier than those at the imperial palace.

‘……Then why.’

Why did it turn to treason in the original story? If what Kyle said was true, he would have given up on rebellion and lived with the people of this territory peacefully.

Was it also a trap made by Belial or Lorenz? Just thinking about one person was a headache, but with two, I don’t know what to do. Well, things will reveal itself over time. And besides, we won’t run into each other for a while.

After organizing my thoughts, I looked up at Kyle. I placed my hand on his shoulder and patted him.

“Then, let’s try to make your hometown grow a little more. Right now, the Blake estate is relying too much on Your Majesty.”

“……I can’t deny that.”

“There are a lack of trades and supplies are always tight. I honestly wonder how you grew it this much on your own.”

“……Hmm.”

“Anyways, even as a barren land where it is difficult to make a living, it is very isolated. If Your Highness is away for a long period of time, the people will be in danger.”

“You’re right.”

Kyle listened to my words seriously. Before I knew it, I was rambling in his arms.

“Let’s take it slow. First of all, it would be good for us to not be politically and economically isolated.”

For that, we need allies.

Kyle was capable but had a strong, single-minded personality. Of course, he had the bonds and strength of the people of the North, but it was only limited to the North.

‘I never saw him get along with the nobles outside the territory.’

So it would be easy to get cornered.

Thankfully, Kyle nodded his head. He listened to me carefully as if he agreed with me.

“It’s also important to figure out who was behind the attack on Belial. It should certainly not be one of your allies. We need to be careful in picking our allies, otherwise we might get betrayed and stabbed in the back.”

“Don’t they say the enemy of my enemy is my friend?”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

“Is there anything you might know about?”

“……I’m not sure. It’s a secret.”

I was finally released from his embrace. Kyle stared at me suspiciously, but I ignored it.

“You are talking strangely.”

“I thought you’d pass it off.”

The system window displayed the 5 minute warning and I slowly prepared to return back to my room. I glanced at Kyle once and then at the hamster house once.

Then, I added one more word of advice.

“You must find out.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Then, I will get going…….”

“Where are you always disappearing off to? I never see you in the castle.”

“Don’t try to find out. You’ll only get hurt.”

I blurted out whatever response I could think of.

At this point, I was surprised at Kyle. Why was he keeping me close to him when my identity was unclear and when I never told him anything about myself?

Is it the trust in his people?

Or, is it because he truly cares about me…….

“……What nonsense am I thinking.”

I shook my head and headed for my room.

All the running on the hamster wheel finally showed its results. At the very least, I could run faster than during my previous life.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 32

“Gasp…… Ugh. I’m dying…….”

After leaving the study, I ran like crazy. I ran like I’ve never ran before.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too far from my room. If I weren’t fast enough, the ‘Summon’ duration would end and I would’ve disappeared in the middle of the hallway, leaving behind nothing but my clothes.

After running at full speed, I went into the bed, covered myself with the blanket, and canceled the ‘Summon’. With that, I was summoned back to where I designated in advance, under the sawdust.

―Squeak. (Whew.)

At this rate, I might end up passing away young…….

I stumbled towards the middle of the hamster house and laid on my back with my arms and legs stretched out. The sky is yellow. So yellow.

“Did you exercise? You look tired.”

Kyle appeared suddenly and picked me up while I was still panting. He began to kiss all over me. With no strength to even lift up a paw, I helplessly received all his affectionate gestures.

―Squeak……. (Are you content now…….)

“I understand, I understand. I also like you a lot.”

―Squeak……. (This clueless bastard…….)

“Today, I will make you a present.”

Kyle, who put me down, put a handful of duck feathers into the handkerchief he laid out for me last night. Then, he carefully began to quilt it.

Although it looked a little awkward and had threads sticking out, it came out better than the dish scrub he made before. Have you been practicing these days?

I peered at his face with my barely open eyes. There was a warm smile that contrasted with the endless winter out the window.

What are you so happy about.

It’s just a demonic beast.

As I felt the handkerchief being carefully placed on my back, I slowly closed my eyes..

―Squeak……. (This diligent, tactless, warm-hearted bastard…….)

One day, this moment would become a memory to think back about after I return back to my world.

It would be a happy memory to remember.

*

―…….

“…….”

“…….”

It was a suffocating silence..

I looked back and forth at Kyle and the magician, who were both watching me put up a guard.

It had been thirty minutes since the magician entered the study. They constantly observed me as if I were a lab rat. Stop staring please. It’s really burdensome.

Gulp.

A swallow was heard throughout the room.

The culprit was the nervous magician next to Kyle.

“T-then, I will start now.”

As if he had finally made up his mind, the magician, who looked to be middle-aged, lifted me up carefully.

The lift was uncomfortable. The palm I was sitting on was shaking hard as if an earthquake occurred.

―Squeak……. (Excuse me, sir…….)

Are you trying to play with me or what?

I sat on the shaking palms and gave him a wary look.

You must be nervous with Kyle glaring at you as if he were going to rip you to pieces, but it’s not like Kyle would actually shred you. He’s just worried. He’s just an ordinary demonic beast lover.

After wiping his sweat with the back of his hand, the magician began to inject blue mana into my body. I closed my eyes and hugged tight onto the cashew nut in my hands.

I didn’t know how my body would react to this and neither did the system, but I had no choice but to take a gamble. Kyle would’ve used all possible methods he could find to make me grow.

Right. It’s better to get this done and over with.

―……?

Bam.

My body was pushed slightly to the side along with the sound of something blunt hitting each other.

I held tighter onto the cashew nut I almost dropped and stretched out my neck to look around like a meerkat. Wh-what was that? Something just flew by?

“……Did you do it?”

“I did, however…….”

There was a crushing silence. The magician swallowed again nervously before placing his hand on my body once more.

“This…… this time I’ll try injecting harder.”

Despite saying that, he was still shaking incredibly.

Your life must also be a rough ride. I pat the magician’s hand with my front paw and took a short, deep breath. Come, I am ready.

“……Hmph!”

The magician made a weird grunting sound before drawing up a palm full of blue mana energy. Then, the moment the powerful mana shot out and made contact with my body…

Ting.

Ting.

Bam.

My body rolled back twice before colliding with the wall. I was buried in Kyle’s knitted yarns.

“Cashew!”

Kyle quickly picked me up. I shook my head and felt some static electricity penetrating my whole body.

‘Just what exactly is happened?’

What happened? Is mana supposed to feel this shocking?

[The in□able power □s d□sp□.]

I blankly stared at the system window that appeared in front of my eyes. The letters were broken into pixels and were difficult to read, but I felt I knew what it was saying.

‘Is it saying that the mana of my body and this world are colliding? Is it the same for the unexpected appearance of the beast during the reconnaissance?’

As I was lost in my thoughts, Kyle checked my entire body for any wounds.

“……Your Highness. This, I don’t think this is your typical demonic beast.”

The magician said in a hushed voice as he formed a puddle below his feet from his sweat.

“If this little one isn’t a demonic beast, what could it possibly be!”

Kyle covered me with his palm as he shouted at the magician who stood far away from him and flinched.

Hey, hey. Don’t be like that. It isn’t his fault.

“H-however, it’s not only not accepting the mana, it’s even reflecting it back…….”

While the magician rambled, I picked up the cashew nut that had flown away. The end was slightly cracked from the impact earlier. It also looked like there was a bit of dust on it.

―…….

I threw the cashew nut in frustration. Forget it. I’m not eating this dirty thing. I should use ‘Summon’ and eat something nicer.

I sat back down and watched two people arguing- no, one person suffering from the rage of the other. It’s not like I could stop the fight with this body of mine. I would have to wait for them to finish on their own.

Thinking like that, I revisited the system window with the pixel letters.

“Your Highness!”

I turned my head at the sudden voice and the study door flinging open.

It was a face I knew. He was one of Kyle’s knights in the scouting party.

“What’s the matter. A guest is here, so quickly state your matter.”

“M-my apologies! However, a letter arrived saying that Prince Belial had been attacked……!”

“……attacked?”

……What? Attacked?

I jumped up.

Kyle chased off the magician and put me back into the hamster house. After closing the house, he approached the knight at the door.

Hey. Talk inside the room! Let me hear it too!

I pressed my ears against the transparent wall. Fortunately, the study door was not completely closed, so I was able to vaguely hear the conversation.

In summary, Belial, who was returning back to the imperial palace, was ambushed by an unknown group. It was a serious incident that caused the carriage to overturn, but because the location was closer to the imperial palace, it took time for the news to reach the Blake estate……

I crossed my arms and paced back and forth in the hamster house.

The early part of <The Winter’s Heart>. The only attack I knew at this point of the novel was the ambush on Kyle that resulted in him getting wounded on his right arm.

But that incident didn’t occur on Kyle due to my interference. So instead, Belial was attacked?

‘……Something’s not right.’

Does that mean the unknown force behind the ambush on Kyle in the original story wasn’t from Belial? I thought deeply while rocking on the swing.

The controlling power within the imperial palace was definitely the second prince, Belial. I’d hate to admit, but he had exceptional leadership skills and a captivating smile, making him popular among the people.

Then was it different within the palace? As far as I knew, some subjects already openly considered Belial to be the future emperor even though the 1st prince was still alive.

‘But, what was his name again?’

Suddenly, a system window appeared.

[Lorenz Serena Meinhardt was weak-minded and cowardly. He couldn’t compete with Kyle in force, nor could he beat Belial in intellect. All he had left was the pride of being the 1st prince.

‘Right. It was Lorenz.’

I disliked him so much I even forgot his name.

I recalled the description of him from the story. With a hair color lighter than Belial’s, he was said to have a sharp appearance that resembled his mother, Serena. His thick eyebrows and clear facial features were said to resemble the emperor.

[눈_눈]

### ‘눈’ means ‘eye’. The emote resembles a frowning face.

Yeah. Like that.

However, the imperial family valued tradition and legitimacy. No matter how much power Belial held, he would not be able to become the emperor.

Besides, it wasn’t as if Prince Lorenz had no support at all, and the emperor probably would want to entrust the country to his eldest son.

That was why I thought Lorenz wouldn’t interfere with Belial’s matters. He could become the emperor even if he stood still, so there was no need to make a mess.

―Squeak. (This is all so confusing.)

While I spun the hamster wheel with my hands habitually, Kyle returned to the study with a slightly depressed look on his face.

It seemed everything has settled down. How kind of you to worry about your enemy like that.

With a short sigh, I used ‘Summon’. He didn’t seem to have the spirit to look after the hamster, so this would be the perfect time to become Shu.

Above all, the small hamster body wouldn’t be able to give Kyle the comfort he needed. For now, I want to be be his side as a human being.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 31

“Demonic beasts that look like this can be boiled and eaten. The boiling takes a while, but it will be much better in terms of nutrition and warmth.”

The maids and knights gathered in a circle around me and took notes.

Fortunately, they nodded in understanding despite my crude explanation. They discussed what other demonic beasts could be eaten like this as well as what other kinds of stuffings they could use.

‘I think this is enough for explanations. The duck baeksuk should be done by now.’

I rubbed my sore shoulders and checked the system window that popped up.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 5 minutes.]

‘Looks like I won’t be able to taste test it.’

I told my goodbyes to the workers I became closer with and headed to the warehouse in the corner. As I went in and closed the door, I heard Kyle’s voice from a distance.

“You’re late.”

I smiled at his voice looking for me as the white light enveloped my body.

*

To live an hour like a day was tiring. I sighed on top of the sawdust.

I didn’t know how long I slept since I used ‘Summon’, but when I opened my eyes, Kyle was tearing pieces of duck baeksuk into my food bowl.

―Squeak. (What are you doing.)

“Sorry for waking you up. But this is good timing. Eat while it’s still warm.”

Kyle placed the bowl in front of me. I looked at the disheveled appearance of the baeksuk I made.

‘Hmm. It cooked well.’

Baeksuk should be boiled for a long time to be delicious.

I held the meat that Kyle shredded with both hands and took a bite.

The soft flesh with a greasy texture melted in my mouth. I think this tasted better than a regular duck. I wonder if it was because it had more exercise as a demonic beast?

As I mindlessly devoured the meat, Kyle gently stroked my forehead with his index finger and smiled happily.

“This food was invented by him. How did someone so brilliant come here?”

―Squeak squeak. (I came here by dying, man.)

“I have to return this favor properly, but I don’t know what would be good.”

―Squeak squee-, squeak. (Give me money. Money is best.)

I ate all the baeksuk with not a single leftover as Kyle contemplated seriously. Perhaps because of my small body, my stomach felt like it would explode after eating only a handful.

I stretched my arms out. Kyle watched me as if he thought I was the cutest thing in the world and put me onto his palm to carry me out the study.

“I don’t think I have been paying attention to you for a while, so let’s sleep together tonight.”

Kyle laid me down on a handkerchief beautifully embroidered with flowers. He then laid down next to me and stroked me endlessly.

Just when I thought I was going to become a hairless hamster, he ended up closing his eyes first.

‘He must’ve been very tired.’

Anyways, I wonder if his arm is okay?

I stood up and inspected Kyle’s arm. It was still covered in bandages, but he didn’t seem to have any major problems using the arm.

His tough hands were filled with numerous cuts. I massaged them hoping that they’d heal a bit more faster.

Be healthy.

You must be healthy for me to stop worrying.

*

The Northerners were quick to learn new things, as they were veterans who already had experience in making something from nothing but dry land.

They also had good adaptability. Not only were they already making the baeksuk I taught them yesterday, they were also finishing up making the parkas. Teaching felt very rewarding.

Today again, I boiled the duck and even made porridge in front of the knights who caught the duck. As a delicious smell filled the kitchen, the surrounding people began to crowd here.

“Oh…… wow. This… this is really delicious?”

“How could we have never thought about eating like this! It’s a lot better than frying, don’t you think?”

“Please cook like this from now on. Also here, you can eat it more deliciously if you scorch the rice.”

This was the kind of food the owner of my rented room in my past life liked. I once made it for them because I was indebted to them, but they ended up coming to me often to make it for them.

It should be delicious. I’ve been working part-time in a restaurant for years. I know how to cook most dishes decently, at least.

“I suppose you could use the leftover meat to make jerkies. Oh, and, continue to make quilted clothes with the duck feathers.”

I sat next to the maids who were sewing besides a basket full of the demonic beasts’ feathers. The maids greeted me warmly.

The welcoming atmosphere made me feel good.

‘How long has it been since I did something with others like this?’

I developed the game almost by myself, and after graduating from school, I had to leave my uncle’s house to become independent. After my parents passed away, I had no meaningful memories of being with other people. I was busy working part-time in college and taking classes.

‘I sure lived a boring life.’

I put the feathers between the fabric and moved the needle diligently.

The thickly sealed fabric could be used as clothing or as cushion. From afar, they looked like blankets.

I smiled happily and looked at the people around me.

Then, a system window blinked before my eyes.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 3 minutes]

“…….”

Already?

I jumped up from my seat. The attention of the people who were once chatting harmoniously suddenly focused onto me.

I laughed awkwardly and made an excuse.

“Something urgent came up, so I’ll be leaving first.”

“Already? You should stay a bit longer!”

“It’s quite important so…”

I turned around and was about to leave when―.

[You have opened up the possibility of a prosperous life for the residents of the Blake estate.]

[Hidden quest, ‘Godfather of the North’ achieved!]

[Miracle Value has increased.]

[Current Miracle Value 21.0%]

[A passive effect has been achieved. Anyone who is a member of the North will favor you.]

[The duration of ‘Summon’ has been extended.]

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 62 minutes.]

The system windows popped up all at once, then disappeared without even having me a chance to touch it. Smiling with utmost satisfaction, I turned around and sat again.

“……Weren’t you going to go?”

“Oh. I was given extra time.”

One of the maids looked at me strangely and then suddenly turned back their head. I made a confused expression on my face upon seeing that and inserted the needle into the fabric once again.

But…… what was it. Was it just my imagination?

The other people who had been chatting before quieted down as if cold water was poured on them. Just like kids who played during the night study time and then pretended to study when the teacher came in……

At that time, a long shadow fell over my head.

“You guys sure look like you’re having fun.”

It was Kyle. So you were the culprit.

I tilted my head back and lifted the fabric I was working on. Then, I spoke in a calm voice.

“Would you like to do this too? Or do you not have this kind of dexterity.”

The surrounding remained silent. Kyle smiled lightly and supported my back. He put his arm around my knees and lifted them.

“Sure.”

“……No. Why are you lifting me up?”

“I’ll have to borrow you for a moment.”

“Why!?”

Kyle carried me away without answering me.

I felt discontent until I realized his destination. ……Are you serious? Is it the study? Why are you so obsessed with the study!?

‘System! Open the store, the store!’

[☆*:.。. o(≧▽≦)o .。.:*☆]

[!Nut Store!]

Forget the sparkly neon sign. I hit the Love Love Corner like a mad man with sweat falling down my forehead.

[╰（‵□′）╯]

Okay, okay. Next time I’ll press the button only once so hurry up.

[Love Love Corner~❤]

I chewed my nails nervously, looking back and forth between the study and the system window.

‘……So how many Hearts did I have again?’

Didn’t I use a lot last time?

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×52]

“…….”

I slapped my face.

From my memory, the replica hamster lasted 30 minutes and costed 100 hearts.

Alright. I admit this was karma. I shouldn’t have bought the damned hamster clothes and the yarn. This was why people have to save money in case of emergency.

I trembled, cursing my past self. Kyle looked down with a puzzled face and asked, “Are you hurting anywhere?”, but I just shook my head.

Let’s calm down.

There may be a way out of this predicament.

[Replica hamster to soothe the loneliness (Duration : 30 minutes) ｜ ❤×100]

The purchasable items were in blue, and the non-purchasable ones were gray. Of course, the replica hamster was colored gray.

Now. Let’s make it half the price just for today. 50 Hearts for 15 minutes. How’s that? You could adjust it right?

[ಠ﹏ಠ]

It was a difficult expression.

I smiled nicely and started rambling to the system.

‘Think about it. It’s your loss if I get caught.’

I don’t know why you are even helping me, but isn’t it because there’s a benefit to it? Whether it’s Miracle Points or Hearts, wouldn’t it be good if I were to spend more?

[￣へ￣]

Truly a disappointing response.

Then what else could I do. I’ll have to change my methods.

I licked my lips and smiled softly. When persuading someone, impressions were important. Wasn’t there a saying that you can’t spit on a smiling face?

So I clasped both my hands together with a bright smile on my face and muttered softly.

‘Would it be faster for me to bash the button and break the store, or would it be faster for you to give me a discount?’

[(°▽°)]

The system paused for a moment as if it were thinking and let out a [……Loading……] window before opening the renewed shop.

I waved away a series of dissatisfied emotes. Those weren’t important right now. I was in a hurry.

While I was looking for the replica hamster, Kyle has already arrived in front of the study. Luckily, I made it on time.

[‘Replica hamster to soothe the loneliness’ has been added to your inventory!]

I felt a sense of relief and looked up. I made eye contact with Kyle.

“……Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Your expressions were amusing, so I was wondering what you were thinking.”

“…….”

I opened and closed my mouth without being able to say anything back, and in the end just let out a cough.

Kyle was about to say something, but someone passed by and bowed to him. Seeing his clothes and the book in his hands, he seemed to be a magician.

“Tomorrow afternoon, I will come see you in the study, Your Highness.”

“Alright.”

Hm? Why are they meeting tomorrow? What is it? Magician?

I fixed my gaze at Kyle hoping to receive an explanation from him. He opened the door using his shoulder and entered the study room.

“Cashew hasn’t been growing much lately, so I asked a magician to take a look at it. I can use magic myself, but I am not skilled enough to fine-tune the details or to see others’ magic. It would be best to leave this to the experts.”

“……Oh. Oooh.”

If my life were a rollercoaster, the only path it would go was downwards. No, rather than a rollercoaster, this was more like a bungee jump. A jump with its rope cut off.

How could you do this to me?

I wanted to say that it would grow on its own even if it wasn’t injected with mana…… should I say that to him now? No, no. It would be suspicious if I told him this late.

‘Hey. System. Would it be alright for me to accept the mana into my body? Will anything happen?’

[¯_(‘0’)_/¯]

……Understood. So you don’t know anything either.

I got down from his arms, sighed, and carefully placed the replica hamster into the nest.

I don’t know anymore. What happens, happens. It’s already difficult for me to solve the misfortune in front of me right now.

“Now, where is our demonic beast.”

As I pretended to look for the hamster carelessly, Kyle came over and grabbed my hand that was scrambling through the sawdust.

“Didn’t you say it would get surprised if you searched for it like that.”

“Ah, yes…….”

Kyle gently held the crying replica hamster in his hands and inspected it for a while. This needlessly sharp bastard.

I praised the replica hamster excessively to redirect Kyle’s attention. Wow! Our demonic beast! Wow! You squeak so well!

Fortunately, I was able to have him sit down for tea before 15 minutes passed. I also gave him needles and fabric to teach him how to make quilts.

Please spend your time with this from now on. Don’t bother the hamster for no reason.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 30

“Cashew. Stay still for a moment.”

The time has come.

My sluggish body which had been lazily lying on top of the sawdust to enjoy the warm light of the electric lamp was helplessly lifted by Kyle’s rough hands.

He picked me up more carefully than usual and took my measurements with a tape measure he got from who-knows-where.

―Squeak. (Sigh.)

I stretched out my arms and watched Kyle work with full concentration. His hands and arms were wrapped in bandages and yet on his day off, he was doing this instead of resting.

Just rest. Stay lying down on your bed.

I burrowed myself among the yarn and, with a sour expression on my face, read the book Kyle laid out, <Try making one yourself! 79 styles of hamster clothes>.

Well, I read it and closed my eyes shut in cringe.

The outfit Kyle chose to make was a pink cape with a large strawberry embroidered on the back. I turned my head to try to pretend I didn’t see it.

I knew it. I shouldn’t have given him this book. At the very least, I should’ve looked over it before giving it to him.

At that time, I was fooled by the viral marketing of the system that said [You can keep fluffy hamster clothes in your inventory and use them at your disposal!].

[d=====(￣▽￣*)b]

Why are you so happy.

I huffed and kicked towards the system window. Kyle must’ve thought I was fighting with the air, so he stopped for a moment and gently stroked my body.

“Wait a bit even if you’re bored. I’ll finish this up quickly.”

And then I was given an almond.

With a sigh, I laid down on my side and watched Kyle while nibbling on the almond.

‘Well. It’s already happened, so what can I do anyways.’

When I asked the system, it said that if I used ‘Summon’ to turn into a human, the clothes would also grow bigger to suit me. Anyways, isn’t it better to wear at least a cloak than to be naked when you’re in a hurry?

The problem was Kyle’s crafting abilities.

‘……Is that really clothes? Not something else?’

I scrunched my face as I watched him make what looked like a dish scrub. The dishes would become so clean if I used that. Anyways, it meant that I couldn’t wear that. 

Then, a knock and the voice of a knight came from outside the door.

“Pardon my intrusion.”

“No. Don’t come in.”

Kyle raised his voice as his fingers slipped. The large door slightly opened a crack before closing again.

“……Are you busy at the moment?”

“Coming into the study is prohibited unless someone has died. Do not come to me for trivial reasons!”

Kyle’s voice was firm.

‘Why are you talking like that? You’re just knitting hamster clothes.’

Even if it’s you, I bet you don’t want your subordinates to see this, huh…….

The knight outside raised his voice sharply and shouted, “Yes sir!” before walking away.

With that, it should be silent without anyone else’s disturbance for a while. The poor knight would tell everyone in the castle to not go into the study even if they’re dying.

I scratched my stomach and checked the system window. Kyle continued to concentrate on knitting.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×14]

Your skills are atrocious but as long as you are enjoying it…

‘Your happiness will soon be my happiness, I suppose.’

As the ball of yarn grew smaller and smaller, the number of Hearts increased. I buried myself into the pile of yarn and fell asleep due to the warmth.

The system window flashed in my blurred vision.

[Kyle Jane Meinhardt. Approximately 50 days left from the expected time of death.]

I jumped when I saw the previous 15 days increased by over a month. I stared at it blankly and then slowly closed my eyes again.

50 days isn’t long either, but at least we would get through this winter. Long enough to see the spring in this desolate North together with him.

*

When I woke up, I was in the hamster house.

I yawned lazily while stroking my pressed cheeks from lying down on it for too long. I checked my body.

‘Whew…….’

Luckily, he didn’t make me wear anything while I was asleep.

It seemed he finished making the clothes before I fell asleep, but didn’t make me wear it due to its poor quality. I patted my chest in relief and sat on the swing.

‘The problem is the Miracle Points…….’

I opened the system window and checked the amount of points I had.

[Current Miracle Value 19.0%]

‘I sure used a lot.’

I sighed.

With this, ‘Summon’ was only an hour long. It would have to be at least two hours for me to use it comfortably…… just how exactly did I go around with 30 minutes in the past? I’m like a frog who can’t imagine what it was like to not be able to hop around on land when it was just a tadpole……

[=3 =3 =3]

I know. I know. I just ran around back then.

The first time I stole Kyle’s shirt and the second time I wore a maid outfit. Nobody knew about the shirt, but even Kyle found out that I stole a maid outfit. And to mistakingly make myself known as a pet pervert……

―…….

I let out a single tear drop as I turned my head up towards the ceiling.

Thinking back, wasn’t the dish scrub Kyle made actually luxurious piece of clothing personally made by the Grand Duke? Even if I wouldn’t know which hole to fit my arms through. Even if the neck was so tight I could barely breathe.

……Never mind. It’s not okay.

I shook my head to chase away the random thoughts. That’s not what was important now.

―Squeak! (My Miracle Points!)

That’s the problem!

[＼（〇_ｏ）／]

I ignored the surprised system and got off the swing. Then I paced around the hamster house to think.

In the first place, saving a person’s life wasn’t the only miracle that existed in this world.

I was too focused on increasing Kyle’s lifespan that I didn’t notice. The number went up when I made the relationship between him and Sen closer.

In other words, the points would go up if the future changes for the better.

If death was the fate of all living beings, then the least we could do is to choose to live a better life.

I hugged a doll Kyle gave me and laid down together with it.

[_(:з)∠)_]

No matter how much I think about it, I wouldn’t be able to come to a conclusion.

It was during times like this that we must resort to magic.

### Not actual magic, but a chant to avoid responsibilities

I’ll leave tomorrow’s problems to tomorrow’s me.

Even if there were no solutions now, if you continue to push forward and live on, things would always work out some way or another. People who failed to do so would fall, just like the people of this land.

In <Winter’s Heart>, the Blake estate slowly went into decline after losing Kyle.

The surviving demonic beasts caused the people to leave the estate in fear and the supply routes cut off, making it a land near impossible to live in.

What was it? There was a description said by the people who left the Blake estate in the second half of the novel. It was…….

[An abandoned castle haunted by frost ghosts. That was what people called the frozen castle.]

That’s right. A castle haunted by ghosts.

I raised my head and took a look around the warm interior. I could feel the sincerity of the people who cared for this castle everywhere I looked.

Now that I think of it, even Sen and her colleagues seemed to enjoy working at the castle. Kyle was not an overpowering monarch, but rather, someone who was like family. Kyle, the maids, the knights, and all the other workers of this castle.

That was why I was more concerned. If I failed to save Kyle, what would happen to all these people?

“Sigh…….”

I scratched the back of my head and walked along the corridor.

I wondered if I grew attached to this place after spending time here. I wished for the people here to not only rely on Kyle, but to also find a way to survive the winters even without Kyle.

That way, even if the central pillar collapsed, the rest of the pillars would not collapse. Of course, I planned to save Kyle at all costs too.

“Whew. Catching this took a long time.”

“It’s difficult to catch a flying demonic beast.”

As I walked down the hallway, I came face-to-face with soldiers holding bird-like beasts in their hands.

“Oh! It’s the demonic beast specialist! Are you feeling alright?”

“Huh? Oh yes, yes! I’m alright. I’m feeling better than ever, in fact.”

“I’ve heard you returned but…… wow, to actually survive the fall from a cliff like that is incredible.”

I was confused for a moment since I couldn’t recognize them due to the dust covering all over them. Having a closer look, I saw that they were one of the new knights who had gone on the reconnaissance.

“Are you returning from somewhere?”

“We came back from hunting demonic beasts. They weren’t particularly dangerous, but they were still a bother to the village…….”

One of the knights held up the beast in their hands for me to see. A plump body with white feathers..

‘Hmm.’

So, it’s a duck.

No matter how I look at it…… it’s a duck.

They say it’s a demonic beast, but to me it was just a plump duck.

Wait. ……ducks?

“Wait, hold on. What do you plan to do with that?”

“Umm…… I suppose we would just bake or fry it and then eat it?”

Bake? Fry? Not boiling it to warm yourself up with a nice hot soup?

Now that they mentioned it, everything here was either baked or fried. They were delicious, but at the same time they were too oily. In the Blake estate where the temperature was low all year round, won’t soup dishes be a better choice? Were there no soup recipes here?

“Please give that to me. I will cook it for you.”

“……Yes?”

I guided the two dirty knights to the kitchen and rolled up my sleeves after receiving permission to use the kitchen from the maids.

I had a whole 7 years of experience living alone. I could easily make some baeksuk in an instant.

### Korean dish where a whole chicken seasoned with rice and medicinal herbs (in this case a duck) is braised

I took a knife and cut off the duck’s neck. Then, I prepped everything I needed to be able to put the duck into a boiling pot of water.

For your information, I learned this at a part-time job. He was a trash boss who refused to even pay me the minimum hourly wage, but I still learned a lot from him. Especially on how to report non-payment of hourly wages to the Labor Office.

“Should I throw this away……?”

I was inserting rice into the duck’s stomach when the knight next to me held up a pile of feathers that he helped pluck.

“No, how could you throw away such precious duck feathers! Do the Northerners not get cold at all? We must make clothes out of them!”

Since ancient times, the best parka has always been duck down parkas.

I carefully took care of the basket full of duck feathers. I took them to the maids and tried my best to explain to them using both words and body language. Collect this amount of feathers and quilt it to make the clothes warmer to wear.

Indeed, the maids have been taking care of the Blake estate for a long time. They quickly realized my intentions and gathered in groups of twos or threes before they started sewing excitedly.

All my hardships in my past life were becoming helpful in one way or another, huh.

While I looked at the scene with pride, the knights shouted that the water was boiling. I quickly returned to the kitchen.

It almost felt like a holiday due to how crowded it was, making me feel strangely ticklish and warm inside.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 29

Plop. My body fell and rolled over the thick pile of sawdust. I sprawled out on the floor and sighed.

‘Thank god for the Summon.’

If it weren’t for this, I would’ve died. One unfortunate death was enough for an experience. Especially one where you’d fall and won’t be able to find the body.

―Squeak. (Sigh.)

More importantly, I was worried about Kyle.

He had a strong, yet affectionate personality, so he must’ve been quite heartbroken to lose a person he promised to protect right in front of his eyes. I did say I was going to come back, but it would’ve been difficult to believe in even it were myself.

That doesn’t mean I could open up the Nut Store and fall together. It was already too late to open the store and I didn’t wish for him to fall too.

It’s not just you who are protecting me, I’m also protecting you.

It couldn’t be helped.

Like that, the complicated feelings and inner turmoil never went away. I kept turning back and forth and scratched my sides.

But now that I was in a familiar place, I eventually dozed off to sleep. With so much that had happened in one day, my stamina must’ve ran low.

In the end, I couldn’t overcome the my tiredness and closed my eyes.

‘The first thing I’ll do when he comes back is apologize.’

To apologize for disappearing like that.

*

Bang.

The door opened more roughly than usual.

I jumped up in surprise, waking from my sleep. Be quiet will you! Don’t you know how small and fragile a hamster’s liver is!

“Your Highness.”

The people who entered the study were Kyle and his knights.

Kyle’s arm still looked uncomfortable, as if he hadn’t taken care of his injury yet. His clothes were stained with a mixture of dirt and blood, and his overall appearance was so messy that he looked a little terrifying.

Bam―!

Kyle strode in and slammed on the desk. Leaning forward on the table, he took a deep breath. A few knights stiffened upon seeing him fiercer than usual.

It certainly felt as if the temperature of the room fell by about 1 degree. I covered myself in the sawdust and watched Kyle.

“Your Highness. You haven’t rested for two days already. You should rest first and…….”

The knight at the door spoke cautiously. Kyle muttered lowly without even looking at him.

“Go back.”

The knights glanced at each other, bowed their heads, and left the study.

When the heavy door closed, silence filled the room. In the middle was Kyle, who spoke quietly.

“……It shouldn’t have been you.”

My heart hurt upon hearing that.

It was obvious, yet also surprising. He must’ve already suffered from the deaths of countless other people as he fought against the beasts just to survive in the harsh North. It was something I could not imagine myself, nor have I read about it in books.

The Serena’s first impression of Kyle in <Winter’s Heart> was like this: a poor man who carried countless deaths on his shoulders.

To be honest, I wasn’t aware of it because he was always fawning over and kissing me uncontrollably.

Why aren’t there many people around him who offers help and accepts help? How many people have he lost this way?

Wait a little more, Kyle.

Just a little more.

I will come for you soon.

*

In the meantime, I did everything I could as Cashew.

I gazed at him with both my paws up, gently rubbed my body against him, and even kissed him for the first time in my life.

Seeing him still look gloomy, I even brought out the macadamia nuts and nibbled on them in front of him. I wanted to throw them out and ask for meat, but I held back and ate five pieces.

Hey. If your hamster became a food fighter, at least pretend to look at it. See, I’m eating well.

When I sprawled out on his palm after eating to my fullest, Kyle finally showed a meaningful response. He stroked my head exactly twice with his fingers before putting me back into my hut.

Meaning, everything I did was useless. As Kyle turned off the lights and left the room, I pressed myself against the transparent wall.

―Squeak! (Hey!)

―Squeak squeak! (I acted cutely for you!)

But Kyle, as if he were dazed, didn’t hear my cries and just closed the door.

This was roughly an hour ago.

I contemplated before using  ‘Summon’. I dressed up and headed for Kyle’s room.

Originally, I was going to show up tomorrow morning, the day after Kyle returned to the castle. If a person who fell off the cliff returned to the territory first, it would’ve been suspicious. They would be questioned on how they survived and was able to come back so quickly.

So, I wanted to lighten the mood a bit in the form of Cashew.

“Phew.”

I let out a deep breath in front of his room. It was still too early for him to have fallen asleep so we should be able to meet up.

To be at another’s bedroom at this time of the night. I’d be labeled as a pervert, but then again I was already known as a pet pervert.

Knock knock.

I knocked out of respect and grabbed the doorknob when there was no response. The lights inside the room was already out and the inside was dark.

I cautiously entered. Fortunately, faint moonlight seeped in through the drawn curtains.

You’re already sleeping.

As expected I should’ve visited tomorrow, but then…

“Shu?”

Kyle appeared from the darkness and grabbed my wrist.

Surprised, I jolted and turned my head around. As if he had just came out from washing himself, he was wrapped in a bathrobe and water dripped down from his hair.

Hey, man. Make some sounds when you walk around. You scared me.

“Just how exactly…….”

His face was quite shocked, as if he had seen a ghost. He examined me to see if I was real.

Just when I thought when he would release my wrist―.

“You, what are you.”

Suddenly, I was grabbed by the collar.

‘Why is he being like this?’

With no other choice, I went along with him. I lifted both my hands up and made a gesture that said, ‘I am harmless’.

“Do you not recognize your pet anymore?”

I spoke as calmly and jokingly as possible. But Kyle’s face still did not relax.

“Are you a magician? How did you return?”

“……What are you trying to say?”

“You disappeared when you fell from the stairs before. Just what kind of magic did you use to be able to disappear without a trace like that.”

I gaped for a moment. Then, the system window suddenly appeared before my eyes.

[A strange turn of events have been observed in the ‘Magic Tower of Frost’. Kyle has thought about striking negotiation with his long time nemesis, the Northwest Magicians.]

‘Northwest Magicians?’

Is Kyle suspecting me as a magician?

Well, to survive such a fall would’ve been either a miracle or due to magic. And to have no wounds whatsoever after returning. I should’ve asked the system to make some fake wounds for me…….

“Please calm down. First, let go of me.”

I lightly patted the hand holding onto my collar.

His pupils shook. Even though the whole situation was suspicious, he also seemed to look a little happy.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×10]

……To be able to be happy even while holding onto my collar. Are you that happy that I came back alive?

“I know you have a lot of questions, but I will only answer three. I will answer them all. Oh, and to answer your question regarding if I am a magician or not, I am not a magician.”

He glared at me with sharp eyes for a moment. How pressuring.

“How did you survive and come back? The fall should’ve been so deep that you couldn’t even see the bottom. I searched for you after your fall, but I couldn’t find even a single trace of you. And then you return back without even a single scratch on you?”

“This.”

I lifted my right hand. The bracelet with a bright blue gem dangling from it sparkled in a soft color.

“It must truly be a lucky bracelet. Mid-fall, I got caught on a branch and landed on a bush. That was how I survived.”

Of course, it was a lie.

However, there was nothing else I could say or do. I couldn’t say that I was once a human who turned into a hamster and could change back and forth using a system item.

Kyle still looked at me with suspicious eyes. Still, he seemed to have been trying to convince himself.

“There is no reason for you to believe me, but I hope you do. After all, I am on Your Highness’s side.”

“Anyone can say whatever they want to say. That goes the same for beliefs.”

“Then would you believe me if I even put my life on the line?”

“What do you mean?”

Only then did his grip loosen. I gently took his hand off and opened my mouth.

“I put my life on the line for you. I am saying that your future is also my future.”

He gawked at me like I was some strange person.

I knew. I sounded like a fraud. I wanted to say it in a different way but couldn’t think of other word choices I could use. Besides, what I said was true.

“Is the last question still available?”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

Kyle was unusually hesitant. I waited patiently in his silence and it wasn’t long before I heard a softer voice coming from him.

“……Are you hurt anywhere?”

“…….”

I became speechless for a moment. It was such a strange question to ask to a person he doubted until now.

I cleared my throat and answered while rubbing the back of my neck.

“……Ahem. I’m not hurt anywhere. Just a few scratches. You know how fast I recover, right?”

So please stop searching all over my body, Your Highness.

I tried to ignore his gaze and looked at the system window.

After eating several Long-Lasting Acorn Cookies and the Panting Almond Financier, my Miracle Value hit an all time low. It decreased by 10%, so my Summon duration also decreased by an hour.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 15 minutes.]

“It’s quite late and you need to rest, so I will be going now. It’s my mistake for visiting you at this late time.”

I said while smiling and began to take a few steps back. I cleared up the misunderstandings and said everything I needed to say. The hour was spent well.

However, my retreat couldn’t reach the door. That was because Kyle kept holding onto my wrist tightly.

“……Should I just trap you in.”

Hmm, I don’t think that’s possible.

I pulled back my wrist and smiled.

“Unfortunately, I have a curfew.”

A one hour curfew.

“If you feel lonely, how about doing that?”

I gestured with my chin to the knitting set next to the bed. Kyle followed my movements with his eyes and pulled me into his arms.

……Hey, hey. What are you doing.

“You have no need to go all the way back to your room.”

My body tilted to the side and felt the soft bed supporting my shoulders.

15 minutes left!

[(/へ＼*) ]

Don’t act shy.

‘How do I get out of this situation…’

I struggled and pushed him away by the shoulders. Then I paused.

“…….”

He was already asleep.

It hasn’t even been a minute and yet he already fell asleep. He breathed in and exhaled softly and evenly with his eyes shut.

It must’ve been exhausting. To be concerned about me the whole day after an unexpected incident without taking care of his own injuries……

Even so, don’t you think it’s against the rules to fall asleep so suddenly with such a relaxed expression?

I gazed at his face quietly.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 10 seconds.]

“Sleep well, Kyle.”

I’m glad I returned back to your side.

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Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 28

“Goblins! Stay away from the cliffs to avoid the falling rocks!”

Before we knew it, we were surrounded by a horde of demonic beasts.

They hid themselves behind boulders, up in the tree branches, and in the crevices of the cliffs, sneering eerily. Even at first glance, they were high in numbers.

The knights muttered in agitated voices.

“There seems to be a lot of them?”

“There are and it’s strange……. They aren’t the type to come this close or threaten us with no reason.”

“Is this not a common occurrence, Knight Commander?”

I nervously inspected my surroundings.

Dozens of goblins were crouching down as if they were about to jump out at any moment.

Goblin.

The small, deep blue skinned demonic beast sniffed into the air with its hooked nose. Its pitch black eyes resembled a devil’s.

‘I’ve only seen them in movies and novels, and never thought I would see one personally…….’

[(⊙﹏⊙);;;!]

This isn’t the time to be staying still, shaking. We have to overcome this some way or another.

The knights began to gather in a new formation. They surrounded the non-combatants in order to protect them.

“Cover the researchers! Stick closer to each other!”

“You there! You’ll get hit by the arrows standing there. Go back further!”

“……Yes!”

“Those who are afraid get out of the way!”

The battle began without any signals. The knights drew their swords, and the goblins charged as they roared.

Everywhere was the sound of blades clashing, the cries of the beasts, and the rise of the dust from the battle.

In the midst of the commotion, I looked at Kyle’s back.

[Kyle did the work of ten, no twenty knights alone. A single swing of his sword sprayed the black blood of the goblin like rain all over him, and bodies piled up around him so he had no room to take even a single step forward.]

It was exactly as the novel described. It could not describe the scene any simpler.

Kyle moved as if he was doing a slow dance. His body sometimes flew into the air as if defying gravity, sometimes lightly spun around against a cliff, and in other times stood firmly in place and horizontally slashed with his sword.

The sense of reality disappeared as if it were a painting or a movie.

It was incredible. He had the atmosphere of a completely different person.

A strange feeling also arose. How did such a strong man die at Serena’s hands. Nobody should’ve been able to kill him.

[With only a single sword in hand, he conquered the North with his indomitable fighting spirit and overwhelming strength. He named the barren wasteland ‘Blake’ and created a home for those who lost their homes to the demonic beasts.]

Kyle’s deeds and accomplishments were so many that they were difficult to explain in just a few lines. That strong back that withstood all hardships and struggles seemed unlikely to collapse.

The goblins’ attack was resolved sooner than expected. A few researchers looted from the corpses into a sack, and the knights got back on their horses.

Then, the canyon was quiet once more. The people felt relieved by the silence and began to exchange a few words amongst themselves again.

It was only me who felt anxious about the silence.

‘……This doesn’t seem right.’

Following the contents of <Winter’s Heart>, Kyle’s injury was caused not by an attack by demonic beasts, but a group of unknown soldiers hiding in the region.

‘……Then is the real attack after this? When will it be?’

There are limits to a person vaguely recalling the original plot. Please tell me so that I could know more precisely about what happened.

[(ㅠ×ㅠ )=( ㅠ×ㅠ)]

It seems telling the story also had its limits.

Among the things the system mentioned the other day, there was one particular message regarding this. Mentioning the story in detail could tradeoff with the conditions for receiving compensation, making them more difficult to achieve. Whatever the case, it seemed to be a balance issue.

Alright, alright. I just have to be careful.

“Please be careful.”

I said to Kyle who got back on his horse. He questioned while brushing off the blood and dust from the hem of his clothes.

“If you’re talking about the goblins, they have all been eradicated.”

“Not the goblins. What can be truly scary are people, right?”

Someone who killed you, who could withstand thousands of demonic beasts at once.

He pressed his index finger between my brows.

“Okay.”

“…….”

“I said I will be careful.”

Push. He pressed between my brows again. Only then did I realize I was frowning and relaxed my expression a little.

Right. Since I’m here, it should be fine.

‘It should be fine.’

No, it will be fine.

*

And then three hours passed.

In that time, I bought and ate three acorn cookies. After the third one, Kyle couldn’t help but ask if I was eating some hidden acorns or something.

……Well, it was something similar. How quick-witted..

[Current Miracle Value 22.0%]

After circling around where we met the goblins and climbed up the canyon, we got off our horses to start walking. The road was steep and could easily lead to an accident if the horse got startled or lost its footing.

“Shall we go back now?”

“Yes, Your Highness. The new knights must’ve learned a lot through this expedition. Let us return before the sun sets.”

Among all that was said today, this was the most welcoming to the ears. Yes, let’s go home now. I checked the time anxiously.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 30 minutes.]

Since there was the time required to go back, I assumed I would have to eat one or two more cookies. After arriving at a safe place, I should say that I have some business and head to a place where there are few people. As long as I hide my clothes well, it should be fine.

There was still no attack on Kyle. Although we encountered a few demonic beasts like a separated mutant wyvern or a bear, they were quickly disposed of.

My relationship with the other people improved particularly after I informed them that the thorns on the left wing of the mutant wyvern were poisonous as written in the ‘Encyclopedia of Demonic Beasts’.

‘More importantly, it’s about time for the attack to come.’

……Or will it not happen at all? But it’s not like anything changed greatly from the original plot? Did I change anything in particular…….?

‘The chandelier.’

Belial did not get hit by the chandelier. That is why the relationship between the two are not too bad.

Which is why Belial has no reason to kill Kyle at the moment. As Kyle mentioned before, Belial disliked Kyle but there was no need to get rid of him.

‘So, his life expectancy has increased?’

I looked at Kyle expectantly.

[Kyle Jane Meinhardt. Approximately 15 days left from the expected time of death.]

As always, he had little time left.

‘There is no attack, so why…….’

Thud.

The ground shook with the sound and the horses cried anxiously. The knights drew their swords once again and took their stance.

[o((⊙﹏⊙))o!]

[□ □□ □□ occurred! The crack □□ □□ □□□□□]

[Irregular anomaly]

[Danger]

As if it were natural, Kyle stepped in front of me with his raised sword. The four system windows that popped up sent a chill down by spine.

“That…… what is that?”

“This, what…….”

The faces of the knights turned pale and they retreated back hesitantly.

It was a demonic beast that had never been seen in the North before.

The beast had a massive horn and resembled a goat or a sheep. It had an abnormally long snout and was covered in fur, but firmly gripped the ground with its sharp claws.

It made a thunderous roar and stood on its two legs.

“……I-I’ve never seen something like that before.”

“It’s not something from the North…….”

I was surprised but for a different reason from the knights.

“This is crazy.”

Why is that here?

There was no way I wouldn’t know. It was something that shouldn’t be in the North. It was a beast that lived deep in the forest, drinking from swamps, and was known to bring disaster to its surrounding area due to its warlike nature.

The swamp goat.

People called it that.

Well, my work colleagues in my previous life did…….

‘Hey, system. Mind explaining what’s going on? Why is a monster from the game I developed coming out here!’

[Confusion]

[Temporarily reducing the ability to intervene in the world.]

[If further intervened □ the power of □□]

The system blinked for a moment and disappeared.

Just where exactly did it disappear to?

I was completely dumbfounded. I think that those blanks in the system words referred to ‘swamp goat’. Could this possibly be the price of me using the system to interfere with this world?

I clicked my tongue and put back the Demonic Beast Encyclopedia back into my inventory. This beast wasn’t from this world anyway, so the book wouldn’t be of any use.

However, I had information in my head.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what it is.”

Kyle extended his sword in front of him. I couldn’t see his face, but I knew it was a face of resolve.

No matter if it was an unknown beast or if it was stronger than any monster he encountered so far, Kyle would never hesitate to stand in front of it.

Kyle did not back down. If he did, it meant that he would be giving up on this land.

“All troops, step back!”

The two then clashed. Kyle jumped up and swung his sword with both hands.

He swung at the demonic beast as if he were trying to cut through both the heaven and earth. Bang. A noise louder than a falling boulder hitting the ground was heard and dust flew everywhere.

“……No way.”

Black blood dripped from the cut on the beast, but it disappeared and grew a new arm.

The enraged swamp goat raised its upper body and swung its arms wildly. A strong wind rose as sharp claws cut through the tree as if it were paper.

While the knights clicked their tongue, Kyle did not look surprised. He silently adjusted his sword in his hands and charged again.

The red sword flew diagonally, leaving a scar on the back of the beast’s neck. Kyle flew over the beast and landed on the other side.

The swamp goat stretched its arm back and tried to grab Kyle. While it its round eyes were clearly looking towards this way, it acted as if it could see behind it too.

“……eye!”

I remembered and shouted.

“Your Highness! Its eyes! Please stab its forehead! The bulging area a bit above the eyebrows!”

The swamp goat had three eyes. The magical eye hidden in the forehead could see beyond what was normally seen, so the goat was a difficult opponent that had no blind spots in its vision.

“Shoot the arrows!”

One of the sharpshooters of the Blake’s knights shouted. The knight who aimed with his breath held still, pierced right into the beast’s forehead.

A sharp cry shook the canyon. It swung its arm in this direction as it went berserk.

“Your opponent is me.”

Before I could realize what was happening, Kyle jumped in front of me and cut off its outstretched arm. Black blood flowed onto the ground. If only it didn’t smell so bad would I have felt relieved at Kyle’s appearance.

The arm recovered just like before. However, at that moment, I saw a small sparkle on its shoulder.

“The shoulder!”

“What did you say?”

I ran closer to Kyle and grabbed his chin to turn it slightly to the right.

“Please look over there. A little further to the left on the side where blood is spilling. There is a very small, glowing green dot above it. If you look closely, it will have the shape of a fish scale. ”

“…….”

“Do you see it?”

That scale was actually a special item that could only be broken under certain conditions. It was an expensive item that could be used to make weapons and shields.

The department meetings decided that it would be fun to implement such a feature for the gamers, and the developers suffered to make it into the game.

To think I’d be using this kind of information of my past here…….

“You must use your magic power to destroy it. Are you able to use weapons such as spears?”

Kyle let out a low chuckle. It was a voice mixed with admiration towards me and his competitive spirit.

“As if there are any weapons I cannot wield.”

He borrowed a spear from a nearby knight and inserted his magic into it.

The tip of the spear turned bright red and then turned redder and redder until it turned black.

The spear was thrown and flew through the air like an arrow, grazing the swamp goat’s shoulder. It screamed as if it was effective.

Unfortunately, the spear could not go reach the scale in one shot. Kyle didn’t give up, however. On the contrary, he rushed forward even more fiercely. If he were swept across his feet and sent back flying, he stood back up, and if his back was hit by a boulder, he let out a cough and raised his sword once more.

Kyle Jane Meinhardt swung his sword. He threw his shield. When his cloak became heavy with blood, he tossed it away and continued to stand ground, fly, land again, roll on the floor……

It wasn’t anything spectacular or cool like how I had imagined when I read it in the novel.

All he was doing was throwing himself in struggle to survive. It was a desperate, bloody battle in which he risked everything he had.

Seeing such earnestness and dedication, I could not say anything. He, who spent his entire life living like that, seemed so dazzling and heroic.

“Kyle.”

[Interfering now is dangerous,]

I ignored the system and opened the shop.

It has to be right now. I just knew instinctively.

[Panting Almond Financier ｜Miracle Points 3% consumption｜Increases running speed.]

You can’t change what has already happened, but you can change what hasn’t happened yet. And that is what I was brought here to this world for.

However, fate is like inertia. It may initially seem as if a change has effected the future, but fate will always try to go back to the original flow it had set for itself.

Like right now.

“Ha, seriously…… I’m making a tough decision to use up 3 percent for you.”

The 3 percent Miracle Points obtained from the hidden quest, ‘Collective Destiny’. I have no regrets giving back the points I obtained as a price for walking into your life to share your fate.

I stuffed the financier into my mouth and roughly chewed it before swallowing. The sensation of the lumps of flour scratching my throat was unpleasant.

There was no time to soothe my throat. I ran to him in an instant.

The swamp goat was crouching down with one arm cut off and lunged at Kyle, who was driven to the edge of a cliff. It seemed like it were planning to send him flying off the cliff.

I would never let that happen.

I quickly intercepted the goat. The rushing goat lost its sense of direction and fell down the cliff.

We couldn’t avoid the impact and was sent rolling on the floor. Kyle reflexively tried to cover me, but he missed as I slipped on the ground.

Then, my body fell off the cliff, just barely hanging onto the cliff.

“Shu!”

Kyle quickly stretched out his right hand and grabbed my wrist. His hand was damp from the blood from his injuries.

“Don’t worry. It won’t be long before I pull you up.”

The sound of knights approaching behind Kyle was heard. At the same time, the cliff he and I were on started to shake violently.

“Don’t come any closer!”

Kyle shouted to the back. It seemed that the ground grew weak due to the effects of the battle.

‘I’m really put on the edge.’

I breathed in and turned to him.

It wasn’t easy to pull up a hanging person. And it went without saying when Kyle was injured. Still, the injury must not be too bad considering how long he had been holding me this long.

What a relief. He won’t be dying a helpless death at the very least.

“I’ll be alright so please let go.”

“Don’t say ridiculous things like that.”

“Be stubborn and both of us will die here.”

I could survive. All I had to do was cancel ‘Summon’ mid-fall.

However, that was not the same for Kyle. There was no way to save Kyle once he fell. I thought about using items, but using them in front of him with no prior explanation was not a good idea. It would take up a lot of Miracle Points too.

While I was busy calculating what would be the best choice, Kyle’s arm started to shake. It seemed he had no intention of letting me go first.

I spoke in a friendly tone of voice, as if I were greeting him on a typical day.

“I’ll return, so don’t worry about it.”

“……How?”

“With the power of miracles.”

I smiled confidently and counted to three in my head. The moment Kyle began to open his mouth to speak, I let go of his hand.

My body fell down. As I watched him grow smaller and smaller, I eventually stopped smiling.

Kyle watched me fall without even retracting his outstretched hand. His pale face made my heart sink down to my stomach.

Snow began to fall from the sky one by one.

A fog obscured my vision and a pure, white light enveloped my body.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled!]

Don’t make that kind of face, Kyle.

I will return.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 27

“I’m going to die…….”

Literally. My legs were so sore that I couldn’t feel them anymore. My vision blurred and all I could see was the earthy brown color of the ground everywhere.

To think riding a horse was this strenuous. It’s the horse that’s running, and yet why am I the one getting tired? Because the ground was uneven, I even felt nauseous. Please…… save me.

“Hang on a little bit more.”

Kyle comforted me when he heard me groan.

Of course, it didn’t comfort me. Thinking how many more hours I’d have to ride the horse later today, I felt anxious to cancel ‘Summon’ and go back to the hamster house to rest.

Phew. Such is my life. This strange, tiring life.

Glumly holding onto the reigns, I heard a loud caw above me. The Northern crows circled around in the sky, making it feel unpleasant.

“Why is it crying out loud? Such bad luck.”

“……Do you normally express it as ‘crying’?”

“If it can’t talk, then I’d say it would be crying.”

I answered grumpily and lowered back my head to focus on the road ahead.

Beyond the castle and plains was a forest full of coniferous trees. There were many ravines here and there, so the terrain was not easy to travel across. The path could only fit two horses side by side.

“Don’t worry too much about it.”

Kyle must’ve been worried after seeing my expression.

“Since this is only a reconnaissance with the new knights, we will only briefly check the forest before heading back. Cases where we go beyond the small mountain besides during subjugations or investigations are rare.”

“A small mountain……?”

You call this a small?

I clicked my tongue as I looked at the cliff stretched out in the distance.

“What is there beyond that cliff?”

“Are you talking about the types of demonic beasts?”

“Oh, no. Rather than demonic beasts…… are there any villages or anything.”

Upon asking, Kyle laughed as if what he heard was nonsense.

“The Blake estate is the only place in the North where people can survive. Well, I’m sure there would be villages where the demonic beasts gather instead.”

“……That doesn’t sound very amusing. Then what are there geographically?”

“Over this mountain is a vast rocky plain with chunks of ice and rocks here and there. Beyond that is a large mountain, and beyond the large mountain is the sea.”

He lifted his sleeve over my face to shield it from the strong winds. It felt so natural that I accepted it without a second thought.

I tilted my head and glanced up at him. Seeing how he didn’t even bat an eyelid at the harsh wind, he must’ve been used to the cold.

“I rarely go beyond the frozen sea. It’s difficult to go and there is nothing good there.”

Even if the sea is frozen, isn’t it just a regular sea? What was so different and difficult about it?

“Why is that? Is it a lawless zone or something?”

“Yes. It’s not a place that the Meinhardt Empire could even handle. Beyond that sea, even I would have to risk my life.”

Just what exactly is there?

I thought about various possibilities and then the system that has been quiet until now popped up.

[Beyond the Northern Sea is an area called the ‘Magician’s Domain’.]

‘The Magician’s Domain, huh. It sounds pretty tame when hearing the name alone…….’

But that didn’t look to be the case seeing Kyle’s expression. Well, I could think about it later. It’s not like I’ll go there today.

“Your Highness. Should we return to the northeast pathway?”

Hearing the voice from behind, Kyle paused for a moment and measured the distance.

The road ahead branched out into two paths. One appeared to be a road going up the hill to northeast and the other going down to the canyon in the northwest.

The knights murmured to each other in relief and anxiety by hearing the word ‘northeast’. 

Kyle said in a heavy tone.

“The area where the wyvern nest has not been resolved yet. Also, currently it is mating season so we must avoid northeast. Everyone, take a detour to the western canyon!”

……If it’s a detour, does that mean this reconnaissance would take more time?

I nervously checked the remaining time in ‘Summon’.

[‘Summon’ will be canceled in 20 minutes.]

It won’t be good if I suddenly disappear in the middle of the canyon……. Sigh. Today will be the day I use up all my Miracle Points.

I quickly bought a cookie from the Nut Store.

[Long-Lasting Acorn Cookies ｜Miracle Points 1% consumption ｜ Extend duration of ‘Summon’ by 1 hour]

[Current Miracle Value 25.0%]

Hopefully, I could keep my points above 20% by the end of this expedition. Meaning, I’d prefer to return back to the estate within six hours.

I quietly glanced at Kyle and took out the cookie from my pockets. Crunch. Kyle glanced back upon hearing the sound of me eating.

“Why are you trying to eat so secretly?”

Your ears are quite sharp. Couldn’t you have pretended not to hear anything?

“It is my life.”

That was 100% the truth.

“I sure get to hear a lot of interesting things from you.”

Of course, Kyle thought of it as a joke.

I’m telling you, it’s the truth. An acorn cookie I bought with the cost of my life. Although it’s savory, it leaves the mouth a little dry after you finish eating it…….

“Anyways, it means that I’m not going to share it with you.”

Kyle’s red eyes blankly stared at me as if he were surprised.

“It’s fine. More importantly…….”

He lightly squeezed my chin and turned it to the side. I muttered, “What is it,” as I glanced around in the direction Kyle pointed out using my face.

“Over there. Do you see those forest bushes?”

My eyes that were once wandering around aimlessly stopped on something sparkling in the bushes. Several pairs of round eyes gazed towards our direction.

They were furry animals that could be held within two hands. Smaller than a dog, but a little larger than a mouse. There was a short horn on its forehead between its round ears.

It was an animal I have never seen before, and yet it felt strangely familiar…….

“Those are the Northern field mice.”

What?

“That is what they would look like after growing a mana stone in their heart. They are a little small compared to other Northern demonic beasts though.”

That’s not right. Normally a mouse that size would be considered very large.

“They are quite tame if you don’t bother them first. It was around this area where I first met Cashew.”

Kyle’s tone of voice instantly went soft. His expression gradually softened as he thought of the cute squishy demonic beast waiting for him at the castle……

Forget about It. Can’t you see that the cute and squishy demonic beast is suffering here right now due to muscle pains.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×198]

Cancel what I said earlier.

Think about me a lot. Just two hearts worth more.

“Should I try finding a mate for it…….”

……Huh. Wait, what did you just say?

Immediately, I yelled as he was mumbling.

“No!”

“…….”

“Most definitely not. To think about copulating demonic beasts!”

“Northern field mice are usually quite active.”

“Those are the Northern mice. Cashew is a domestic demonic beast. It has been developing slow and hasn’t even developed a magic stone yet. What if you pair it up and it ends up getting eaten by its pair?

I have no intention of sharing my house no matter how big it may be. Roommates are absolutely forbidden.

“Sure, you can adopt another one if you want to see Cashew dead the next day.”

If that day ever comes, I will kill you myself and run away from here. You understand?

Kyle nodded in disappointment under my intense gaze.

“……That makes sense. I understand. As soon as I get back, I shall have a meeting with the magicians to plan on injecting mana energy.”

I hope there won’t be any side effects from doing that.

Would I look like a fraud if I say that there is no need to inject mana? I looked at him with a wistful expression and then looked at the group of mice.

‘I wonder if I am not a normal, typical hamster?’

To not have a mana stone inside the heart and to not have any visible growth. I suspect I will never be able to grow as big as those mice over there……

“As expected…….”

Kyle made comparisons with the Northern field mice.

“There is none as cute as Cashew.”

Just like a hamster otaku.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×200]

Still, as long as you’re happy.

Thanks to that, I could buy the Demonic Beast Encyclopedia. I pretended to stretch my arms and took out the encyclopedia.

“Now, let’s see…….”

“What is that?”

“A necessary textbook for a demonic beast specialist, the Demonic Beast Encyclopedia. This book was bought off from my diligent teacher who also had a bit of a grumpy personality.”

[┗|｀O′|┛]

What, why. It’s the truth. You ate up all my Hearts so be quiet.

Kyle slowed down the horse to let me read the book comfortably. The deeper we went into the canyon, the darker our surroundings became. The knights changed their formation and turned on their lights.

Let’s see…….

“Goblin, ogre, wyvern…… bear, unicorn? There’s quite a variety of beasts. Northern poisonous snake, forest eel? Why is there an eel in the forest?”

There are really a lot of strange things in this world. Korea was truly an ordinary place in comparison.

“Oh, here it is. Northern field mice.”

The word ‘field mice’ caught Kyle’s attention.

“The Northern field mice is one of the less threatening species, boasting mediocre physical abilities…… wow, isn’t this a bit too harsh?.”

System, can’t you do your work properly? Do you want to be sent to the sky?

This is definitely a revenge on me.

[（￣︶￣）]

“And?”

“The process of developing a mana stone is more complicated than other demonic beasts, but once it develops it, it could use simple magic. Generally of the earth magic……”

I then shut my mouth. It was because an ominous premonition passed through my mind.

You won’t be making me learn some kind of magic later, right? I’m already quite sad to have become a hamster…

[(⊙ˍ⊙)]

‘No, why do you have such a surprised expression…….’

Bang!

At that moment, a huge rock fell about ten steps in front of us, shaking the ground.

Don’t tell me…….

“Change to defensive formation!”

Kyle stretched out his arm to close the book in my hands.

“Shu. From now on, everything I say will be an order and disobedience will not be tolerated.”

I felt a shiver go down my body. Kyle spoke before I could respond back a ‘Yes’.

“No matter what happens, do not get off the horse.”

With that, he jumped off from the horse and unsheathed his sword.

--------------------------------------------------------

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

[cherr-22]

TNGDH 26

The study was filled with people even before the sun rose.

The Kyle who once kissed me ten times a day only kissed me thrice. He worked busily as if he had forgotten about my existence.

On one side, it’s a good thing. I don’t have to deal with his otaku-ness.

“Move that item to this side. The clothes too.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Good. And the report?”

“It has been sorted out, Your Highness.”

“Well done. Then call that person over here.”

“Are you talking about the demonic beast specialist? I am not sure if he is in his room right now…… as Your Highness has mentioned before, it seems the time he is out is longer than the time he stays in the room.”

Kyle drew a faint smile.

“Still, we promised to go together. He must be waiting.”

“I understand, Your Highness. I will call him over quickly. Then Your Highness…….”

“I will be going over the reports on the demonic beasts for a moment.”

With that, he came over briefly to give a pat on my head and began to read over the reports.

Since it was a crucial matter, Kyle’s expression became serious. Even the smallest detail could determine life or death.

I contemplated to whether I should use the replica hamster, but decided that a ‘Summon’ would be enough after seeing Kyle focusing hard on his duties.

‘Current Miracle Points are roughly 26 percent…….’

No matter how fast we return, it could take up to half a day.

Who knows how many acorn cookies I would have to eat. Do you not do bulk sales? Well, okay then…… I’ll think about it when the time comes. Worst comes worst, I’ll pretend to return early.

I used ‘Summon’.

[I wish you good luck! (ෆ`꒳´ෆ)]

I wore my now familiar clothes and pretended as if I have been waiting in the room for a while. The soldiers then came and guided me back to the study.

Until the moment I entered the study, Kyle was busy reading. Seeing him like this made him look very diligent and tenacious.

“The Northern winds are harsh.”

He gestured at a box on the table.

“Wear this now. We will depart immediately.”

I looked inside the box.

There were sturdy leather boots, a hooded long coat, and light-weighted bow and arrows.

“The bow and arrows will not be necessary for this reconnaissance, but it is good to get used to having them equipped.”

For him to say that, it must be extremely uncomfortable to carry around.

I suppressed my urge to talk back. What could I do anyway? If I wanted to find one that was comfortable, I would’ve just stayed quietly in the castle.

“I’ve also prepared something.”

I was trying to figure out when to give it to him for a while, so this would be a good time.

I pretended to carefully take out my coat pocket and called the store.

[Love Love Corner~❤]

I will never get used to that name ‘Whatever Corner’.

‘Anyways, let’s see. The hamster items…….’

[Fluffy hamster yarn! ｜ ❤×10]

[Small and precious knitting needle set ｜ ❤×10]

[Try making one yourself! 79 styles of hamster clothes ｜ ❤×20]

Hey, hey! Hey!

What’s with the prices! They all have an extra ‘0’ than before! Isn’t this a scam?

[o(TヘTo)]

If someone were to see us, they would think I’m the one scamming you with your expression like that. This is absurd.

‘Still, I can buy it since I have plenty of Hearts compared to Miracle Points…….’

From now on, I should buy items beforehand while they are cheap. To betray a person like this. I don’t have a choice so I should accept it at the moment.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×185]

New items arrived in the Love Love Corner.

[Demonic Beast Encyclopedia ｜ ❤×200]

This is exactly what I want!

I cried of joy inside.

‘I wonder if the system requires the Hearts and Miracle Points to constantly update the store.’

If that’s the case, I could look over the increase in price from earlier. That is, if they release useful items like this.

However, there’s a problem…….

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×185]

……Not enough Hearts.

I probably could’ve bought it if I hadn’t been ripped off.

I resisted the urge to curse out loud.

“What’s wrong?”

The image of Kyle reading <Try making one yourself! 79 styles of hamster clothes> as seriously as the report from before appeared before me.

“Well…… umm, so. Do you like my present?”

“I don’t know if it’ll like wearing these clothes, but they are definitely cute.”

He flipped to a page and showed it to me. It was a picture of a pink cape with a strawberry-shaped embroidery.

“Oh…….”

Bastard. You think it’d like that? The hamster would punch you if it could. And how do I know that? I know that because I’m that hamster.

Of all 79 clothes, you just had to pick that one? How about the others? Don’t tell me all the other 78 clothes are also like that.

That stupid strawberry. In all twenty-seven years of my life, I never worn such a ridiculous print. I wouldn’t even wear it by accident.

“……I-I’m sure it’ll like it. Is that pattern to your taste?”

“Well. Just imagining Cashew wearing it makes me happy.”

Kyle’s expression grew a little brighter..

I quickly checked the amount of Hearts I have.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×186]

I already knew it vaguely, but it was now clear.

A Heart was given when Kyle Jane Meinhardt became happy. And with that, I could buy something that might be helpful or that would help avoid a crisis.

For example, the <Demonic Beast Encyclopedia>.

That book will clearly contain the characteristics, hunting habits, weaknesses, and other information on the demonic beasts in the North. That must’ve been why it was added to the store just recently, right before the reconnaissance.

As if to confirm my thoughts, the system window quietly floated up.

[Please replace bad moments with happy moments, and overcome dangerous situations!]

[Happiness is said to be another name for miracles. (๑˘ꇴ˘๑)]

Alright, I understand. I’ll do my best.

I showcased to Kyle how to use the small crochet hook.

During a volunteer work in the past, I learned to crochet wash scrubs. At the time, I thought it was one of the most useless thing to learn but now I’m using it here. As expected, who knows how life would turn up in the future.

“I’ll teach you more in detail next time…… this is basically how you do it. Your Highness is new to this, so I prepared everything carefully just for you.”

“Hm.”

“Since we have to go now, take a quick look and come back to it later. Rather than that strawberry thing, let’s start with simple clothes and try various other designs. Like sweaters and pants.”

“I worry it might not feel comfortable wearing clothes.”

I can put up with it once or twice.

“It should be fine if you don’t try to force it to wear them.”

He went silent momentarily. It seemed to be that he was imagining something in his head.

[Currently Possessing Hearts ｜ ❤×195]

……Crazy.

Aren’t you imagining things a little too hard? Just what exactly is going on in your mind right now?……No, never mind. Let’s not be curious about that. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

“Though I suppose it will be quiet for a while?”

I walked down the stairs, matching his pace. Kyle nodded, realizing I was talking about Belial.

“That’s right. There hasn’t been any big news so it should be quiet for at most a year, at least three months.

“You talk about it as if it’s some kind of annual event.”

“Well, it’s not any different.”

Kyle wrapped his arms around my shoulders to prevent me from being pushed around by the other knights.

It was comfortable to be honest. It felt like I was had some kind of special privilege. That being said, it didn’t make me feel happy in particular since I would have to return this favor eventually. Whether it would be a miracle, or happiness, by any means.

“He does not like me. His hate is similar to how I resent his bloodline. However, it didn’t feel as if he would try to get rid of me.”

He would be happy to put Kyle under his feet, but he wouldn’t try to kill him.

The reason was obvious. I bit my lower lips out of annoyance.

“He doesn’t want to manage the North. Well, not that he would be doing it directly with his own hands anyway.”

“That’s right.”

So, he would be keeping Kyle alive as a guard? I can’t deny it does look like that right now.

“Come this way.”

Kyle picked me up and put me on top of a black horse. It felt a little uncomfortable seeing that the current horse was taller than the one I rode yesterday.

I held the reigns awkwardly and looked down at Kyle. Seeing his face from above made him look slightly different than usual.

He mounted the horse in a familiar manner and also held the reigns from behind me. When his chest touched my back, I felt strangely stable.

“Lean on me.”

Kyle spoke bluntly. I naturally leaned on him as he placed both arms around from my back.

To be honest, it felt a little cozy. Our body size wasn’t too different and his solid chest was quite comfortable to lean on.

“You don’t seem to be nervous at all.”

“If we stay here talking, we’d only waste time and energy.”

“You’re right.”

Kyle took the lead and moved forward with the knights lined up behind him. Clip-clop. As the dust rose and the horses started to walk in unison, I felt the ground underneath shaking.

“About Cashew.”

I hesitantly opened my mouth.

To be honest, I’m not confident that I could make someone happy. Even trying to be happy myself was a struggle, how hard would it be to take care of others?

“Why do you like it so much? It’s just a small demonic beast. Nobody thought you’d even take it in as a pet. You brought in magicians, veterinarians, and me too… it’s as if you cherish it a lot and I find that curious. I thought demonic beasts were to be slain or conquered at all costs in the North.”

I don’t know how to make you happy, but I want to listen to you and understand you.

“The people of Blake took over to reside in the North, but at the same time they coexist with the North. Humans are beings who conquer nature, but at the same time they are beings who belong to nature. Destruction is not the only thing they do.”

“Demonic beasts are a dangerous existence. One careless mistake and it could instantly snuff out a person’s life and trample on the foundation you built over the years. Cashew is no exception. If I deem that it will become dangerous to keep as a pet, it will be disposed of.”

Please don’t do that. There’s a person inside.

“However, I cannot kill it for a reason that has not yet happened yet.”

So I…… no, Cashew could’ve died?

“It was separated from its group, shaking helplessly and unable to even open its eyes. If I hadn’t picked it up then and there, it wouldn’t even have lasted an hour.”

“Did you pity it?”

“Yes. Is that strange?”

“No, well…….”

Is there anything to think strange about it? That was his choice and in the end, it was a good choice. Who would’ve thought that the ruler of the North would have such a humane side to him.

“I just want to say thank you.”

Kyle looked at me for a short moment in silence. It was a strange look, but also a look of happiness.

“Would Cashew think that way too?”

“Of course.”

“How could you be so sure?”

“Since…… I’m a demonic beast specialist?”

And your one and only pet hamster.

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