I thanked the receptionist with a smile:
—"We really appreciate your help."
—"My pleasure!" she beamed. —"Good luck on your missions!"
As we left the guild, Zara walked in thoughtful silence.
—"Everything okay?" I asked, noticing her expression.
—"Yes, just considering some things," she replied.
Maya clutched her growling stomach:
—"Enough thinking! Let's get back to the mansion—I'm starving!"
—"Me too-nya! Feast time!" Noko cheered, bouncing around us.
I sighed but couldn't suppress a smile:
—"Alright, let's celebrate Noko joining the party."
—"Yeah!" we all chorused.
The forest was peaceful on our return. Back at the mansion, the dining hall buzzed with laughter and heaping plates. Fungoids scurried efficiently between chairs, serving with enthusiasm.
—"Ughhh, I'm stuffed," Maya groaned.
—"Me too! Hey, let's all bathe together-nya!"
—"T-Together?!" Maya turned beet red.
—"W-What?!" Zara nearly spat out her tea.
I waved my hands frantically:
—"N-No, Noko! We can't do that!"
—"Why not?" Noko tilted her head.
—"Because I'm a man! I'll bathe later," I explained, sweating.
—"Mmm... I wanted to bathe with Ren-sama..." Noko pouted.
—"Absolutely not!" Maya and Zara shouted in unison.
—"Fine... just us girls then," Noko conceded.
Zara sighed:
—"I suppose."
Maya gulped:
—"F-fine... I don't mind."
As the girls headed to the bath, I cleaned the dining hall with the Fungoids' help. The distant shrieks from the bathroom made me smile—chaotic, but heartwarming.
Suddenly, commotion erupted:
—"Noko, get back here!!"
—"What's happening?" I asked, alarmed.
Noko appeared in the hallway, wrapped only in a towel:
—"We're done-nya! Your turn, Ren-sama!"
Behind her, Maya and Zara stumbled out, exhausted and flushed:
—"Barely... got the towel on her..." Maya panted.
I facepalmed. This is madness...
Under the hot water, I finally relaxed. I hope Purin isn't upset about all this... But something nagged at me—no thunder, no falling flowerpots, no telepathic scolding. Is she okay?
Exiting the bath, I headed to my room—only to find something furry under the blankets:
—"Noko!" I yanked the covers back, revealing her curled up.
—"Shhh, sleep time-nya..." she murmured drowsily.
—"Go to your own room!" I pushed gently, but she clung tighter.
After finally ejecting her, I collapsed into bed, staring at the ceiling before drifting off.
Next Morning
A roar shook the mansion:
—"GET OUT HERE NOW!"
I jolted awake, rubbing my eyes. Who's making that racket?!
In the hallway, I found Zara in pajamas, her red hair disheveled. The loose fabric slipped off one shoulder, making me blush instantly.
—"What's going on?" she asked, ignoring my reaction.
—"Was just about to—" BANG! Another knock sent us sprinting to the door.
Three imposing figures loomed outside: a massive feline demi-human with a scar across his left eye, flanked by two equally intimidating companions.
—"Took you long enough!" the leader growled, claws digging into the doorframe.
—"C-Can we help you?" I stammered.
—"Bring me the master of this place," he demanded.
Zara and I exchanged glances.
—"What do you mean?" I whispered.
—"It's your mansion," Zara shrugged. —"That's you."
I looked up at the giant and gulped:
—"W-Well... that'd be me."
The feline scrutinized me, knuckles cracking. My life flashed before my eyes— until a cheerful voice cut through:
—"DADDY!!"
—"EH?!" Zara and I whirled around.
Noko sprinted past us, leaping into the arms of the terrifying visitor. His expression instantly softened:
—"Ohh, my dear Noko!"
As the reunion continued, Zara and I stood frozen, processing the scene. Meanwhile, Maya remained fast asleep in her room, blissfully unaware of the chaos.