Page 103

(Walson)

Later on, I found out that Barella hadn't come to the [Dog House] these past few days because she was experiencing an unavoidable factor of being a woman. So, let's skip her for now.

Melon and Grace didn't have this issue yet, which made me forget about the fact that being a girl would also mean having this issue slipped out of my mind..

Hmm... this morning, I had Grace bring a pot of honey water to Barella. The reason I couldn't go myself is... because the girl dorm is a sacred place for women, where men are not allowed to enter!

But well, in this world, there's a magical item to deal with periods. I'm not sure about its construction, but back when I was in the secret base, I bought some for Melon.

Melon uses them infrequently, which shows the difference between lizardfolk and humans in this regard.

It has been four days since we experienced the battle deep in the Water Labyrinth.

Compared to Sadin Village, which is surrounded by nature, the climate change in the capital city isn't as noticeable. The light snowfall in the gray morning reminded me that winter had arrived.

Honestly, in Sadin Village, snowfall was quite troublesome. Boots would get stuck in the accumulated snow, and if you didn't exercise, you couldn't even open the door, or worse.

But here, entering the City of Water in winter presents a different scene.

Since the water in the canals doesn't freeze due to its continuous flow, it doesn't have much impact on shipping. People are still bustling on the streets, just wearing thicker winter clothes.

There are dedicated street cleaners clearing the snow, so there are piles of small snow mountains on the sides of the roads.

These small snow mountains have become the best playground for children. They climb up and down, showing that children's activities are the same regardless of the world.

With the arrival of winter, it means the end of the semester at the academy is approaching.

What awaits is the presentation event that marks the end of the semester.

This presentation event mainly allows the [Villagers] to enter the academy and experience the facilities and life inside. It's similar to community outreach, with the intention of "treating the [Villagers] well."

Although I feel there's a sense of discrimination, this world is inherently focused on strength, so it's natural to see [Villagers] as more vulnerable.

Returning to the main topic, regarding the presentation event, the condition for participation... is that you must be accompanied by a current student.

So, current students can bring their family members, lovers, and others to visit the academy.

There will be various stalls operated by the [Sun Society], [Moon Society], and [Starlight Society] within the academy on that day.

It feels more like a "fair" than a presentation event, in my opinion.

It's scheduled to be held on the weekend, so I'll go in and take a look then.

Apart from going in once during the [Autumn Harvest Festival], I haven't had a chance to visit again.

Perhaps some people might be curious about the updates on the other companions, so I'll explain.

First is Rifle. I added a roof to its little house and placed a large blanket inside, so it shouldn't have to worry about snow and wind. But considering its previous life in the back mountain, the blanket might be unnecessary...

Rifle has also been significantly affected by my level increase. Its size has visibly increased compared to before.

Its fur has turned into a shining silver color, and its body shows muscular lines that indicate explosiveness. I once again witnessed how the beastkin grows stronger along with their master.

Next is the little potted plant. I discovered this morning that it has grown a fruit that doesn't match its proportions. How should I describe it? It's probably as big as a basketball, and it has flattened its body, which is the stem.

I hope it's not a problem... hmm.

As for me, I'm currently sitting in the study room with Melon.

Since she started attending classes, she has learned more vocabulary, and now she can read books on her own.

...Speaking of which, it's my mistake that I didn't think about letting her learn more words during our time in the secret base.

As a result, Melon can only understand simple sentences when it comes to reading, probably at the level of a kindergarten child back in my previous world.

"Master, how do you pronounce this word?" Melon asked, showing me the book in her hands.

"That's pronounced 'rishuku' and means 'belonging to.' " I leaned over and looked at the text in the book.

"Ah, so 'belonging to' master is written like this..." Melon touched the words on the book, trying hard to remember them.

"Melon, why didn't you go to class today?"

Melon never stayed home for a whole day before. She always filled her schedule with classes and studied diligently.

Even when she didn't have classes, she had adventurer activities.

She really is incredibly hardworking.

Since meeting her, Melon has always been this reserved and serious.

"..." Hearing my question, Melon lowered her head and blushed. "Um... well, that's because... I haven't been by Master's side for a long time... and I've been feeling a bit lonely..."

...

... Damn it, what kind of response should I give in moments like these?

It was supposed to be just a casual question, but now, even my face turned red.

Perhaps it's shameless to say this, but I understand her feelings.

After crossing the final line with Grace a few days ago, I've also come to realize something.

"... Sorry, Melon, can you move back a bit?" I reached out and motioned for Melon to move away from the table.

"Huh? Like this?"

"Heave-ho!"

I turned to lie my head down on Melon's lap.

Melon's knees make a soft cushion...

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry, just let me stay like this for a while."

"Um... if that's what Master wishes, then of course, no problem... Actually, I... am very happy."

Melon reached out and gently stroked my face.

"... Anyway, Master..." Melon seemed like she had something to say since a while ago.

But for now, let's put that aside.

"Okay." I held Melon's hand that was placed near my ear.

I opened the inventory that only I could see.

In one of the slots, there was a Silver-colroed [Engraved Bracelet].

It was made of [Mithril] and embedded with a gemstone.

In this world, the symbol of commitment isn't a ring, but rather, it's something that they call an [Engraved Bracelet].

Although there are engagement versions, I didn't want to suddenly bring up marriage and put pressure on them...

I had originally prepared one for Grace, but I didn't forget about Melon either.

Melon, I think she'll be by my side for the rest of my life.

She has an unimaginable attachment to the role of "my slave."

So, if I'm going to be irresponsible and not give her even a formal recognition... no.

These are all just excuses. I really like Melon.

Maybe you all think I'm a scumbag, but I absolutely don't want to hurt them, whether it's Grace or Melon.

Polygamy is already a system that exists in this world, so please allow me to have a harem like other novel protagonists.

... In that case, If they are going to be my spouses, I have to ensure their happiness, right?

Therefore, when I released Melon's hand, the [Engraved Bracelet] was already on her wrist.

"Huh!? M-Master?"

"Yes, that's right, it's a symbol of our commitment."

"I... I... am just a slave..."

Melon's reaction was far beyond what I expected—she was in a state of panic.

While trying to calm her down, I found her reaction quite interesting.

Melon's blushing face, filled with shyness, was truly adorable.

I stood up and reached out to hug her waist, gently kissing her slightly cool lips... Since she's a lizardfolk, her body temperature is lower, after all.

"Mmm... Master..." Melon let out a soft moan.

Melon's scent was pleasant, filling my lungs and spreading throughout my body, stimulating every nerve.

Hmm... it's a bit too stimulating.

I pulled away from Melon's moist lips. Although the kiss wasn't deep, it left a thin thread between our lips...

Now, even I'm starting to feel shy.

"... Did you have something to say, Melon?" I changed the subject and asked.

"Ah... um... well, that's... um, Master... Do you... need... my... Um.. Services?" But Melon brought the topic back again.

...

...

...

"Melon, turn around."

Since we are doing it during nap time, it's more of a quickie rather than spending a passionate night together, right?