Author: Nikss

Though Fenrir’s passion seemed a bit excessive to simply chalk up to familial love, I decided not to show it and let it slide. 

 

There was no need to force relationship advice on someone who wasn’t even aware of their feelings. 

 

Instead, I played along with Fenrir’s words.  

 

“So, Fenrir, you really want to see Huluppu happy, no matter what, huh?”  

 

[Exactly!]  

 

Watching him answer so confidently, it suddenly struck me that even beings who have lived for eons aren’t wise in every aspect. 

 

They may know truths about the world that humans haven’t yet grasped, but when it comes to emotions, they seem just as clueless.  

 

[I feel like you just had a very rude thought about me.]  

 

“I was just thinking that the desire to care for someone is similar, whether you’re a divine beast or a human.”  

 

I responded confidently, without a hint of hesitation, to Fenrir, who was squinting at me suspiciously. 

 

The conclusion I reached—that divine beasts and humans aren’t so different—was genuine, even if the starting point of my thoughts was a bit different.  

 

[Hmm, not being able to read your mind is inconvenient in moments like these.]  

 

Just as I was about to emphasize that lying here wouldn’t benefit me in any way, Yves stepped in between us.  

 

“Let’s stop this meaningless conversation. The important thing is that you won’t find the answer you’re looking for from Laura.”  

 

It seemed he had decided it was better to mediate before our pointless bickering dragged on.  

 

“Laura said from the start that she couldn’t think of anything. Even if we brainstorm together, only opinions you won’t like will likely come up, just like the ones mentioned earlier.”  

 

His reasoning was sharp and logical.  

 

‘Besides, I really can’t think of anything else.’  

 

After all, I had only met Huluppu once.  

 

So it was natural that I wouldn’t know as much about Huluppu as Fenrir, who had lived with him for so long that he considered him family.  

 

Therefore, even if I racked my brain and came up with several gift ideas, as Yves said, they likely wouldn’t satisfy Fenrir.  

 

Fenrir, too, seemed to find merit in Yves’ argument, as he didn’t offer any rebuttal.  

 

‘Is he going to leave now?’  

 

I expected the conversation to wrap up as I watched Fenrir fall into deep thought, remaining silent for a while.  

 

[Logically, I understand your point… but it’s the first time I’ve ever heard him use the word ‘tastes.’]  

 

In the end, he didn’t give up.  

 

It was as if he couldn’t let it go.  

 

[There must be something about you that I don’t know. If any ideas come to mind, feel free to share them. It’s not urgent, and we have plenty of time.]  

 

His resolute tone made it clear he wouldn’t back down until he got a satisfactory answer.  

 

“Even for a divine beast, isn’t this a bit selfish?”  

 

Yves didn’t hide his displeasure and spoke in a cold tone.  

 

“Not only did you barge in without warning, but you’re also pushing and interrogating Laura over something that has nothing to do with her. It’s utterly inconsiderate.”  

 

[Th-that’s… my fault. I admit I lacked consideration.]  

 

Fenrir’s fiery passion quickly fizzled out. He readily conceded to Yves’ flawless logic and offered an apology.  

 

But Yves’ cold anger didn’t subside.  

 

“Unlike you, who live eternally, humans have limited lifespans. For Laura, spending time worrying about something that doesn’t benefit her is simply a waste of time.”  

 

Fenrir, belatedly realizing he had been acting selfishly, hung his tail low and apologized to me again.  

 

[I was so focused on my goal that I didn’t consider your position. I’m sorry.]  

 

Seeing Fenrir looking dejected with his ears drooping, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything harsh.  

 

“I’m fine.”  

 

I tried to brush it off with a smile, but Yves, who had been watching from the side, wasn’t having it.  

 

“Laura, it’s entirely Fenrir’s fault that you missed morning prayers and almost missed class. There’s no need to be polite about it.”  

 

Though his words were undeniably true, I couldn’t readily agree.  

 

It felt cold, almost heartless.  

 

‘I guess he really is Endymion’s brother.’  

 

I could see the family resemblance more clearly now.  

 

Their ruthlessness, as if they wouldn’t shed a drop of blood even if stabbed, was strikingly similar.  

 

Of course, unlike Endymion, who had manipulated and controlled others for his gain like a psychopath, Yves was simply mercilessly criticizing Fenrir based on facts.  

 

When you think about it, the issue of what Fenrir should give Huluppu as a gift wasn’t directly related to me in the first place.

 

Even so, trying to coldly turn away made me feel uneasy. I glanced at Fenrir, who looked more dejected than I’d ever seen him, and cautiously spoke up.

  

“First of all, deciding what gift to give Huluppu isn’t urgent, right?”  

 

[That’s right.]  

 

“Then how about this?”  

 

I suggested a way I could help Fenrir within my limits.  

 

“Since your other request is for me to meet Huluppu again, why don’t I talk to him first and let you know if I notice anything new afterward?”  

 

For a moment, Fenrir’s eyes widened.  

 

It seemed he hadn’t expected me to make such an offer.  

 

[Even after I acted so selfishly, you’re still willing to help me?]  

 

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. It’s not so much about helping as it is just doing what I can.”  

 

[But as this kid said, I… didn’t even offer you any meaningful reward… and…]  

 

“It’s fine even if you don’t give me anything. In fact, I’d feel burdened if you did, so it’s better if there’s no reward.”  

 

I cut off Fenrir’s stammering and firmly refused any compensation.  

 

‘If I receive a reward, I’ll feel obligated to deliver results that match it.’  

 

I just wanted to intervene with a lighthearted attitude of ‘if it works out, great; if not, no big deal.’

 

However, Fenrir, who had been sulking like a drenched dog with his tail drooping just moments ago, suddenly perked up and spoke in a solemn tone that even carried a sense of authority.  

 

[That won’t do. If you agree to my request, I promise to reward you worthy of it.]  

 

A blue light shimmered from Fenrir’s body.  

 

It seemed he was making another oath, just like before.  

 

“Wait a second. What happens if I can’t fulfill your expectations?”  

 

[Nothing happens. It was an oath to prove my sincerity, regardless of your actions.]  

 

I had been worried there might be a penalty for me if I didn’t fully meet the terms of the agreement, but it seemed there wouldn’t be any.  

 

‘Well, at least it’s resolved amicably.’  

 

I felt relieved that we had reached a mutually satisfactory agreement, but Yves, who had been silently watching, let out a deep sigh and spoke up.  

 

“Laura… I think you’re too kind-hearted.”  

 

“Huh?”  

 

His silver eyes, staring intently at me, briefly flickered with a lonely expression.  

 

“I knew it, but…”  

 

Though he trailed off, his tone and expression seemed calm.  

 

Still, for some reason, I felt like he was on the verge of tears.  

 

Even though there was no sign of moisture in his eyes.  

 

‘Is it because his trembling eyelids and long lashes resemble silver waves?’  

 

As I admired Yves’ face, which looked like it belonged in a masterpiece painting, Fenrir’s voice echoed in my mind, breaking the subtle tension.  

 

[Oh ho, is that so?]  

 

Then, as if we had planned it, Yves and I spoke at the same time.  

 

“What were you thinking, Yves?”  

 

“Don’t read others’ thoughts so casually.”  

 

Yves was glaring at Fenrir with a gaze cold enough to freeze hell.  

 

‘Well, I’d be pretty upset too.’  

 

I could empathize with Yves’ feelings, as I knew better than anyone how annoying it is to have your thoughts read by someone else.  

 

That said, I was too curious about what Yves was thinking, so I proposed a deal to Fenrir.  

 

“As the reward you just promised, tell me what Yves was thinking just now.”  

 

[What?]  

 

Fenrir responded incredulously.  

 

“Laura! You can’t!”  

 

Yves exclaimed, trying to stop me.  

 

Meanwhile, I calmly turned to Yves and asked, “Is it something I absolutely shouldn’t know?”  

 

“It’s not that, but…”

 

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