REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, FIFTIETH FLOOR
After we finish defeating the Greed Mites, we head down to the fiftieth floor, and more returning monsters appear, and they're Charm Roses this time, which are from the eighteenth floor. And since they can release a hypnotic scent, we've already covered our mouths and noses with small fabrics.
Then, a thick burst of pinkish mist shoots straight at us. But since we've covered ourselves, we're completely unaffected. Although Yomogi is still struggling, as I can see her trying to hold her breath under the fabric.
"Why's it always so strong?!"
Once the air clears, we make a move.
"Rrraahh!"
Yomogi growls forward, spinning her foot as her heel crashes into the side of one Charm Rose, sending it to the floor.
"Falling petals!"
Chantal blitzes forward, and her twin daggers flash in a perfect X-slice as the flower collapses cleanly in two.
"Wind... Storm..."
"Engage."
BOOM! BOOM!
Kimberly lifts her hand and finishes two roses with a sharp wind, disintegrating them into tattered pieces. Meanwhile, Pinna's Crawler Unit spits out a pair of explosion marbles, destroying the next two roses completely.
"My turn! Take this!"
I charge forward, and Yamitsuki slashes downward, cutting through the last rose. And then, they drop their rosewater vials that we gather.
Behind me, Manas declares smugly with arms crossed.
"'Twould appear… this floor requireth not my prowess."
"Ahaha… s-sorry."
"Hah! Worry not, mine king. At times, monsters arise so lacking in valor… they deserveth not even a raising of mine shield."
"Uh-huh? Okay."
Actually, I know exactly what she really means, though.
Charm Roses don't charge because all they do is release scent, and that's it. Manas's Fire Stratos wouldn't burn the mist anyway, and her shield is also useless since they don't charge... so, she couldn't do anything even if she wanted to.
Then, Salacia steps toward Yomogi with a stern expression again.
"Still no punch, okay?"
"Y-yes... Salacia..."
With that, we continue to move forward, defeating more Charm Roses and collecting their rosewater until we reach the fifty-first floor.
REMANTIA'S LABYRINTH, FIFTY-FIRST FLOOR
Arriving there, I cast a teleportation spell and open the portal back home as I look back at the girls.
"Should we go home now?"
"Of course, Motegi-chan."
"Yeah, we're done here, Motegi-kun!"
"Please do… Motegi-sama…"
"Affirmative, Master."
"Mmhmm~ let's go, darling~…"
"Let us return, mine king."
And with that, we step through the portal together.
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
The moment we arrive, we make our way upstairs, and I turn to Yomogi beside me.
"Hey, Yomogi… think you could cook something special for tonight? I mean, we haven't welcomed Manas properly."
"Of course, Motegi-chan! Leave it to me!"
"Thank you."
Just like what we did to Salacia back then, we could only hold a simple dinner last night for Manas because we were busy preparing the store reopening after our trip to Nomah.
As Chantal, Kimberly, and Pinna are eager to help Yomogi prepare tonight's meal and head towards the wardrobe room to get changed first, I turn to Salacia and Manas.
"Go get changed with them too, okay?"
"Mmhmm~ of course, darling~"
"As thou commandeth, mine king."
Once they've all disappeared, I slip off my sling bag and carefully pull out the pilus follis egg. However, the moment I see a hairline crack running across the shell, my eyes widen.
"It's working!"
Manas was right.
Bringing it to the labyrinth really could help, but I also didn't expect to be this quick. With that, I try to do the same thing again.
"[Fluffmaster]."
Once the skill is activated, I rub the egg gently up and down, and after a few strokes...
CRACK
My breath catches.
CRACK. CRACK.
Another crack appears when I rub again. And another until the cracks begin to spider across the shell.
"It's working! It's really working!"
Unable to hold myself, I rush over to the living room, sit down on the sofa, and set the egg carefully on my lap and continue rubbing as the cracks deepen with each motion. Just then, the girls are back and I call out to them.
"Everyone, come here, quick!"
They approach me quickly, but just before anyone can say another word…
CRACK!
The shell splits open entirely, and a round, fluffy aquamarine ball of fur pops out from the egg. Then, it straightens up on stubby legs, as two shiny aquamarine eyes blink at me.
"Kyuu!"
I freeze.
"It's here..."
Then, I immediately rise from the sofa, holding it high above my head joyfully.
"It's here! Our pilus follis is here!"
Yomogi clasps her hands to her mouth.
"It's… so cute! Motegi-chan, it's adorable!"
Chantal whistles.
"Whoa… look at that! It already likes you, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly's eyes go wide with wonder.
"This is… my first time... seeing... a pilus follis. So beautiful…"
Pinna leans closer and analyzes.
"Based on current physical observations… despite hatching far earlier than its natural cycle, this specimen appears to be in peak neonatal condition. Heart rate normal. Motor function responsive. Fur sheen excellent."
Salacia squeals.
"I can't believe this~! We have a new family member again, darling~!"
But it's Manas who gasps the loudest as she also stares in disbelief.
"Impossible… 'Tis… 'tis but a week since the egg was laid bare in thine possession! How can this be…?"
"Kyuu!"
All those times I rubbed the egg… I thought it was just a hopeful guess. But now I'm sure that [Fluffmaster] also works on monster eggs.
Then, I settle back down onto the sofa, letting the tiny aquamarine fluffball rest comfortably on my lap. When I stroke its round little body with my palm, it immediately responds again.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
The girls hover closer, eyes sparkling and their hands already inching forward like they're hypnotized... and I know what they want.
"Go on, girls. You can touch it."
The moment permission leaves my mouth, the girls swoop in around me like a group of excited children greeting a newborn kitten.
Yomogi rubs it first, her face lighting up instantly.
"It's so soft… and so fluffy! I can't believe something this cute exists…"
Chantal can't stop giggling as her fingers sweep through its fur.
"Hehehe... this is ridiculous, look at it! I can't stop my hands! This softness can kill me!"
Kimberly rubs it slowly as she smiles dreamily.
"So comforting… like holding... a warm breeze…"
Pinna runs her hand over the fluffball's back.
"Tactile response extremely pleasant. The creature's fur density is optimal. Temperature ideal. This sensation… is profoundly soothing, Master."
The fluffball chirps with every touch, its little body squirming in pure bliss.
"Kyuu! Kyuu! Kyuu!"
Even Manas stretches a hand forward and brushes its fur with the back of her fingers. Her eyes widen in disbelief.
"I… I cannot believe I hath touched a pilus follis with mine very hand…"
Salacia curiously asks me as her hand is locked into the fur.
"Darling~ have you given this little one a name yet?"
"Not yet."
And now, I have to think again.
Unlike Salacia and Manas, this one is only a little pet, so I don't have to go think of such a deep name. I just need a short name with one syllable so everyone can say it whenever it hops around the house.
I look down at the fluffball and look up to the girls again.
"I've decided. I'm naming it Puck."
The creature perks up instantly.
"Kyuu!!"
Chantal laughs.
"Ahaha... look, Motegi-kun! It totally loves the name!"
Salacia rubs the fluffball again.
"Welcome to the family, Puck~!"
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
Yomogi giggles.
"It really feels like we have a new baby in the house…"
Kimberly murmurs the name softly, all while continuing to stroke its fur.
"Puck…"
Pinna nods.
"Log: uploading new pilus follis pet… complete. Designation: Puck."
Manas's expression turns gentle as she looks at me.
"Mine king… thou hath done it. To hatch yon egg in naught but a week… 'tis a feat most wondrous."
"Ahaha... what are you talking about? I told you I was just impatient."
She smiles faintly and continues rubbing Puck's head. Then, Yomogi straightens with determination lighting up her eyes.
"Alright! Then tonight's dinner is going to be extra special! Let's welcome both Manas and Puck properly!"
"Oh yeah!"
"I shall... assist..."
"I will help optimize the cooking process."
"Can I join too~?"
"Of course! Come on, everyone!"
In an instant, Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, and even Salacia rush into the kitchen together, chattering and laughing as they begin preparations. And I'm left with Manas beside me... and Puck, happily chirping on my lap.
And soon after, the girls return from the kitchen. Yomogi sets the main dish on the table in front of us, and Kimberly does the same with the desserts. Chantal places the plates, Salacia brings in Heiligeichen's red wine, and Pinna helps with the wine glasses.
"Motegi-chan, Manas, dinner is ready. We made beef Wellington tonight."
With that, all of us lean forward, and as soon as all of us take the first bite...
"Mmmmm!!"
I close my eyes for a moment, letting the flavors blend, the flaky pastry mingling with the earthy duxelle and juicy, savory meat. And I immediately praise Yomogi.
"The meat's so tender. Yomogi, this is seriously amazing!"
"Hehe... thank you, Motegi-chan!"
Then, Yomogi turns her attention toward Manas.
"How about you, Manas? Do you like it?"
Manas finishes her bite with a small nod, then speaks.
"Aye… this be a dish most befitting a king's table. Worry not, for I am most pleased."
"Really? Thank you!"
Kimberly lifts her eyes to me.
"I prepared... the duxelle… did it please you, Motegi-sama…?"
"It's fantastic, Kimberly! Truly."
"Thank you... I feel... proud... of myself..."
Her cheeks turn pink as she takes another bite, clearly savoring her own handiwork.
Chantal is already munching her way through.
"Mmm… this pastry's so crunchy!"
Then, she turns to the little ball of fluff sitting on the table with a small piece of the beef pastry in a plate.
"Hey, Puck… you want some?"
Puck happily nibbles it and chirps cutely.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
"Hahaha… look at that! You love it, huh?"
Pinna takes her bite and swallows before speaking.
"Pastry structure is optimal. Internal moisture of the beef is preserved. Conclusion: highly satisfactory."
Salacia hums contentedly, cheeks puffed.
"Mmm~ I can taste everything in this~! They're all dancing on my tongue~!"
After we finish the main dish, Kimberly slides out the dessert plates.
"I made... lemon soufflé... for the... final course…"
With that, all of us take our spoons, and as soon as all of us take the first bite, the same thing happens again.
"Mmmmm!!"
The soufflé is soft, tangy, just barely sweet, and melts on my tongue like citrus air.
"Kimberly, this is amazing..."
"Thank you, Motegi-sama..."
Even Yomogi, Chantal, Pinna, Salacia, Manas, and Puck are equally pleased, as the latter has a small portion on its plate.
"It's rich, but not too sweet… it's just right!"
"Totally nailed it, Salacia! This is crazy good!"
"Mmm... it's so tangy and airy~! It feels like sunshine in my mouth!"
"Acidity and sweetness are well-balanced. Structural fluffiness is ideal. Overall, this functions as an exceptional dessert after a dense meal."
"'Tis a wonderful dish… sweet, yet noble in its restraint. Thou hast done most excellently, Kimberly."
"Kyuu!"
Kimberly smiles proudly.
"Thank you, everyone..."
And she takes a bite of her own, clearly pleased with herself. Once we're done eating, we raise our glasses of wine as I make a speech to officially welcome Manas and Puck to our household.
"To Manas and Puck, and our growing home. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"Kyuu!"
Puck chirps joyfully as it looks at everyone.
MOMENTS LATER
After dinner and letting our stomachs settle, we take a bath together. The girls have been soaking for a while already, but I'm still doing something at the washing basin.
"Hey, Puck... don't move too much, okay?"
But Puck suddenly springs upward, shooting straight above my head and rolling its soapy body midair.
"Kyuuuuu!"
"Hahahaha!"
A spray of lather rains down on me. I burst out laughing, throwing an arm over my face as bubbles splattered across me. And then, Puck settles on my lap again as I rinse its fur.
Once we're done, I stand up and make my way toward the main bath. I slip into the tub between the girls with a sigh of relief, letting the heat melt into my muscles instantly.
"Haaahh..."
And then...
"Kyuu!"
SPLASH!
Puck jumps right in after me, sending droplets everywhere. Yomogi and Chantal watch how Puck gives a relaxed little chirp, stretching its tiny limbs as it glides across the water like a fuzzy lotus.
"Ahaha... look at how happy Puck is."
"Seriously, it already looks like it owns the bath."
"Kyuu…"
Kimberly smiles softly as Pinna nods.
"Bathing… with such... a creature… it feels so... special…"
"Puck's presence increases relaxation levels significantly. Its buoyancy stabilizes surface tension, and its calm behavior enhances the overall tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion: this contributes greatly to the soothing effect."
Eventually, the floating fluffball drifts toward Salacia and immediately attacks Salacia's tentacled hair, curiously but joyfully batting it with its paws like toys. And Salacia giggles playfully.
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
"Don't play with my hair like that, Puck. It tickles~..."
Across from me, Manas watches the scene with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
"Mine king… I still cannot fathom this. A pilus follis, shy beyond measure and wary of human hands… yet here it be, frolicking about as though we be its kin. Pray tell, what hast thou done?"
"Honestly… I don't know either."
Yeah, I'm really clueless about this.
I just happened to rub that egg with [Fluffmaster] constantly with that hope of hatching faster, and it worked. But somehow, I also deduce maybe that action has created a bond before Puck was even born, given by how it already knew me the moment it opened its eyes. And if my guess is right, then [Fluffmaster] is more than just a silly petting skill. It's not just guided me toward wanting a pilus follis egg and pushed me to search for one, but also brought Puck into our lives.
And I'm very grateful about it.