Chapter 8

"Hey, Wolf, there's a monster over there!"

"Got it! Extermination Punch!"

Hmm, Wolf, don't you think you should come up with better move names?

It's been a week since we met, and we naturally started forming a party.

Today, we're spending the day beating up monsters deep in the dungeon. Lately, other adventurers have been taking a lot of breaks, so we need to earn as much as we can now!

"Alright, we've taken care of the monsters around here! ...But I'm covered in blood, which is really gross. Sophia, can you get me some water?"

"Fine, I guess."

After collecting most of the materials, Wolf sits cross-legged in front of me, giving me the usual 'give me a shower' sign.

Hmm, it's actually a waste of magic, but I was planning to head back soon anyway.

By skillfully combining fire and water magic, I create a warm shower from my hands, and he looks incredibly pleased.

"Ah, this is just the best! A regular water mage couldn't do this, right? You're such a useful girl!"

"Sure, I'll be the one to raise the temperature for you, you innocent but rude boy!"

"Wh-What? It's hot! I'm sorry!"

Ha ha, I'm not really that bothered, though.

After a week of traveling together, I've learned that this dog-eared prince has absolutely no tact.

When he naturally says things like "You smell good," "Your chest looks soft," or "You'd taste sweet if I licked you," I was initially shocked, thinking, "What kind of weird dog is this?" But later I found out that after losing a war and becoming a slave to the king, he had almost no experience with women.

In other words, Wolf isn't a weird dog; he's a pitiful one...!

Even now, after washing his face with the warm shower I adjusted for him, he's shedding his coat and jacket and starting to wash his upper body without any hesitation.

Considering I'm a woman, he's completely comfortable showing off his toned abs and hard chest, which suggests he has a long way to go before he becomes a normal person.

"Ah, I feel so much better! Sophia, you're not just useful... you're a really nice girl!"

"...Yeah, sure, sure."

"Why are you looking at me with such a gentle expression and petting me? I'm older than you, you know!"

Wolf, with his ears perked up, is angry, but I don't stop petting his spiky black hair, which makes him let out a "Huh..." in pleasure, indicating he really enjoys it.

"Let's head back, Wolf. It's dark, but are you okay? Should I hold your hand, big brother?"

"Because I'm older, I said!"

Hehe. Sorry, Wolf, but mentally, I'm older than you.

We leave the dungeon, chatting happily with the prince whose expressions change so much.

◆ ◇ ◆

"--- Wow. So you became an adventurer to earn money to help the people suffering from an epidemic and unable to pay taxes? That's really admirable, you know."

"Hehe, thanks."

After cashing in the materials and making a good profit, Wolf and I are walking through the sunset-lit streets of 'Stella,' eating from various street stalls and talking about why I became an adventurer.

"I was wondering why someone like you would fight monsters, but it's because of those circumstances, huh?"

"Someone like me...?"

You mean someone who looks weak, right? Wolf, you're still so rude.

After finishing his skewer, he folds his arms and starts to ponder.

"I really think you're admirable, Sophia, working for the people. I used to be a prince, you know."

"Yeah... I was captured by the king after losing the war with this country."

"Right. Our status and honor were taken away, and our country became a colony. ...But I won't give up. I'll definitely regain my freedom and take back the country for the people...!"

With a sharp gaze and a determined light in his eyes, Wolf declared strongly.

...Hmm, I think he's the admirable one. I work for my father and the people because of a guilty conscience.

I've been hunting since I was young and have honed my magic skills to become strong, but I'm still scared of fighting monsters. If it weren't for the battle-hungry Wolf, I wouldn't be able to spend almost the whole day in the dungeon.

Thanks to him, I've been able to earn a lot, and I'm really grateful for that.

"...So, Sophia! When I take back my country, I'll feed you for life as a thank you for all your help! Even if the Gracia territory is poor, I'll buy it and make it prosperous, so don't worry!"

"Hehe, thanks, Wolf! Let's work hard to earn money from tomorrow, too!"

"Sure thing! ...Oh, right. Why don't you stay at the inn I'm renting tonight? Let's sleep together."

Yeah! ...Wait, what are you saying all of a sudden, this guy!?

Surprised, I look at him, and Wolf tilts his head in confusion.

"What's wrong, Sophia? Didn't you tell me before that 'you can only sleep with someone you love'? So it's fine, right? I love you."

"Thank you... No, no, no! Wolf, there are two types of 'love': affection and romantic love...!"

"Is that so! Then which one is my love for you?"

I don't know! And don't say 'I love you' in the middle of a busy street!

Oh no, everyone is looking at us...! Wolf, you have a good face. When a wild handsome guy starts flirting with a girl, it's bound to draw attention...!

"...Anyway, Wolf, we're drawing a lot of attention, so let's go to a side alley for a moment. I'll explain it there."

"Sure, Sophia! You're going to teach me about love in the alley!"

"Wrong, but be careful how you say it!"

Sigh, at this rate, it'll take a while for him to become a normal person...

In front of the happily laughing weird dog prince, my face turns bright red.