Chapter 75 Daily Gratitude
The port town of Euphemia was thriving, but its surroundings were covered in deep forests.
It's not so much that the roads haven't been maintained, but rather that for beastmen, these kinds of forests seem to be a more comfortable environment.
The port town is visited by people from other countries, so they must have made improvements considering that.
The village where the Emerald Cat clan lives is said to be located deep within the forests, near the border, and we are currently walking towards it.
To my eyes, it looks like there isn't even a beast path; it's a roadless road.
I've been amazed by Ms. Jamielee, the monkey beastwoman, who smoothly navigates without getting lost.
"Lady Jamielee, how are you navigating through this forest without getting lost? Is it just your sense of direction?"
I'm being carried by Lisa since I can't move well in a wheelchair, and I ask Ms. Jamielee, who is ahead of us.
Without showing any displeasure at my question, Ms. Jamielee explains to me with a kind expression as if she's looking at her granddaughter.
"Heh heh heh, even beastmen can get lost if it's just about sense of direction. Take a look at the ground."
"Uh...? "
I look down as she suggested.
...There's nothing particularly special, just ordinary grass.
"This is it."
Ms. Jamielee crouches down and picks a flower.
It doesn't seem to be anything special, just an ordinary flower, but what does it have to do with anything?
"This here is a 'Yumia flower' that blooms year-round, regardless of the season, and it emits a unique scent. If you plant it along a safe path in the forest, all you've got to do is follow the smell to get to the next town."
I see. Since they are also planted around towns and villages in the same way, even if you lose the flowers due to some accident and wander off the path, you should still be able to reach some sort of human settlement.
"Do beastmen all have a good sense of smell?"
"Basically, it's a bit difficult for children who aren't used to walking yet, or elderly people whose sense of smell has diminished, to travel alone, but in those cases, the beastmen around them lend a helping hand."
It's not just about guiding the way; it's about carrying those with bad legs or searching together for those who got lost... Anyway, it seems that the beastman have a strong sense of mutual assistance, helping each other out and supporting one another.
"No matter who they are, everyone relies on adults when they're children, and as they grow older, they'll again need care. Helping each other out is only natural."
"Hehehe, I like that kind of thing."
The whole country is like one big family, one big community.
Hearing this way of life in Euphemia, Ms. Jamielee nods vigorously.
"Ah, it's our pride. That's why we can't forgive those who deceived the Blue Wolf..."
"Huh?"
"Ah, it's nothing, just something on my mind."
I feel like I heard a slightly unsettling word, but it seems there are various circumstances, so it's probably best not to dig deeper.
Perhaps sensing the atmosphere from Ms. Jamielee, Lisa decided to speak instead.
"Don't worry, young lady, I will take care of you for life. I'll make sure you won't get lost, and I'll carry you properly."
"Lisa, thank you... but wait, that makes it sound like I'm someone who gets lost all the time! That's not true!?"
"Didn't you often get lost in the Royal Palace?"
"T-That's because... the Royal Palace is just too big!"
"The forest is much larger and more complicated, young lady."
That's what I meant when I said I couldn't say anything back.
Monica called out to me.
"Hehe, don't worry! If you come to the Belmont house, we'll build you a palace just for Ms. Yumie so she won't get lost! Two of us can live there!"
"I don't understand what you mean!?"
What do you mean by a dedicated palace!?
What does Monica think I am!?
"Um... If it's okay with you, I'll guide you around a lot, Yumie, is that okay? Euphemia has many other places too..."
"Thea..."
While tugging slightly at my clothes, Thea modestly makes her appeal.
Thea is such a good girl.
She brings me daily comfort.
"Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to it."
"...mm..."
As I reach out and pet Thea, her expression softens with happiness.
What is this adorable creature?
Once she gets better, can I take her home?
"I think it's unfair that you're so sweet only to Lady Thea. Please give me some rewards too, once in a while."
While I was being healed by Thea's cuteness, Lisa made such a request.
It's true that I haven't expressed my gratitude to Lisa enough, even though she takes care of me so much.
It's fine to be taken care of, but thinking it's a given is a no-go.
I need to express this through both words and actions.
"I am properly grateful. I love you too, Lisa."
"Huh, young lady...?"
I wrap my arms around Lisa's neck and give her a light kiss on the cheek.
Surprised, Lisa's eyes widened as if she never expected me to actually do it.
"Thanks to you, Lisa, I was able to become a proper family with Elder Brother and the others. My current happiness is all because of you, you know? So, I think of you as an incredibly important family member. Thank you always, and I hope to continue relying on you."
In order to convey my feelings to Lisa as much as possible, I rub my face against her as if I'm pampering her.
Lisa was stunned for a while by my overwhelming expression of affection... and hugged me so tightly that it hurt.
Ugh.
"I love you too. I love you, young lady. I'd rather just eat you right here."
"Lisa, you won't find me tasty if you eat me..."
I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable now.
I'm happy with the sentiment, but could you take it a little easier?
"Wait a minute, it's not fair that you two get to have physical contact with Ms. Yumie! I'll carry Ms. Yumie myself until we get to the village!"
"It must be tough to keep carrying around the young lady with Lady Monica's physique. Since I've handed over the wheelchair, it's only natural that handling situations like this falls on me as her Maid."
"N-no way, you just casually gave up the role of the wheelchair, anticipating this would happen...!?"
"...heh."
"You just laughed, didn't you!? I've been lenient because you're Ms. Yumie's personal Maid, but it seems it's time to seriously recognize you as a rival, right!?"
"What are you two fighting about...?"
It might be that they want to cuddle and adore me, the cute me, but we need to do that nicely in order, okay?
I mean...
"Ms. Monica, you have been hugging me a lot at night, and you give me goodnight kisses, so I don't think there's any need to be so envious."
"Ah, wait, Ms. Yumie, that's a secret!"
"...Lady Monica, it seems we need to have a little talk..."
It seems my involvement has only added fuel to the fire.
Seeing the two of them start to argue even more, I can't help but let out a wry smile.
"You are well-loved."
"Ahaha... I'm sorry for being so noisy."
"It's alright. It's that side of you that probably saved Thea."
Ms. Jamielee has graciously accepted their battle (?), but...
Maybe I'm responsible for all this noise?
"Okay, it's fine to make noise, but we've arrived."
While we were doing that, we left the forest and arrived at an open area.
In the port town, there were many wooden houses, but here, the charm is even more heightened, with round houses made of straw and wood scattered throughout the village.
It was a laid-back place where people with green hair and cat ears and tails wore unique traditional clothing wrapped in cloth as they passed by.
"This is the village where the Emerald Cat clan primarily lives. Now, Thea and Yumie will receive treatment at a clinic a little further ahead; just a little more to go."
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