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Volume 4 Chapter 1-1: Carriage

At the break of dawn I would set off for Erin with Lucy, Kuu, Roleau, Kona, and one Fire Fox that Kuu had recommended.

I planned on having a long term business relationship with Erin, so as the Chief I couldn’t head out of Erucy every time we wanted to trade. So for that reason I would be teaching them the ways of business so Roleau and the rest could handle it in my stead.

The reason I was using two members from Nettle, was those I chose required the ability to protect themselves or things would go poorly. Elves and Fire Foxes were in danger whenever they left their villages so I would make commerce a job for Nettle to handle as well.

We had to set off early so I wanted to go to sleep quickly, but I couldn’t help but worry about the situation next to me.

「I-it hurts」

I heard Yukino groaning.

Lucy was sleeping peacefully while tightly hugging Yukino to her chest. She looked extremely satisfied. Originally Lucy had been very doting on her little sister Rikka, so it was possible that she was overlapping Yukino with her image.

Yukino had an expression that showed how uncomfortable it was so it appears she was being hugged too tightly.

The moment Lucy’s grip weakened, Yukino made her escape. She shook her body roughly and rubbed her eyes. Then she quietly entered my futon and hugged my arm. Then, happily smiling, she promptly fell back asleep. Even her tail was coiled around my leg. I could feel the wonderful softness of it rubbing against my skin.

「I should warn Lucy to be more gentle with Yukino…」

It’s fine that she cares for her, but if she came on too strong then she might end up hated.

Yukino was a delicate girl so you had to pay attention properly.

「Someday she’ll grow up and find someone she loves…I’ll have to protect her til then.」

I patted Yukino’s soft silver hair and went to sleep as well.

She was my precious little sister and without a doubt one of the pillars of the next generation of Fire Fox….and Erucy. Someone who we needed.

As her elder brother I had the duty to guide her.

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「Chief we’re all set to go」

「Un, we’re alright to head out any time.」

The carriage sat in the entrance of the village and was filled with maple syrup, Erucy wine, our food and water, bags of money, and horse feed. Roleau and young blooming Fire Fox Rera called out to me.

「Good work. Are you alright with a long journey Rera?」

「Yes, I’m used to it. I used to be a singer who traveled to many different villages after all.」

She had a very laid back manner of speaking. Rera was a gray Fire Fox who was around 19 years old. She was quite voluptuous and various parts were more grown than Kuu. Her eyebrows were thick and sloping, giving off the impression of a gentle young lady.

According to Kuu, despite her appearances she was quite sharp and could be trusted enough to even take on Yukino’s responsibilities despite not being a special silver fox as well as being dependable for practical matters.

「That’s good. You’ll have to go out fairly often because of this.」

「Cyril-kun, you don’t have to worry. If it’s Rera then we can leave it to her. She’s my master. Both her knowledge and hand-to-hand fighting ability is above mine.」

「Ara~, Kuu-sama you’re being too humble. I no longer teach you, I’m sure you’ve already surpassed me.」

「Whether you’re better than Kuu or not, it’s relieving to hear that you were her Master.」

If Kuu trusted her that much then it should be fine.

Fighting arts that may surpass Kuu and someone with greater knowledge. Despite that she chose Yukino to participate in the war instead most likely because Rera was only a gray fox.

The amount of magic power and Fire Magic suitability was determined by their hair color. Kuu and Yukino who were gold and silver had outstanding abilities, but Rera was a gray fox whose power fell behind. Such a difference wasn’t something that could be overturned with simple effort.

「Well, everyone’s gathered.」

「Un, everyone’s here Cyril.」

「Shall we set off Cyril-kun?」

As planned Lucy, Kuu, Roleau, Rera, and Konna were all here and ready to set off.

「Cyril-niisama do you best」

「Can I look forward to a souvenir?」

「Kuro, will be a good girl and wait!」

My three little sisters had come to see us off. Looking a bit more I could see that both Kemin and Kurone were sporting red foreheads. It looks like Yukino had taken her revenge.

I’d have to properly think of some souvenirs for my cute sisters.

That’s when I felt some discomfort. I felt as if someone was directing a wicked gaze towards Yukino…

「Roleau, let’s go」

「O-okay」

Roleau panicked as I called out to him.

………it can’t be. Alright, let’s check the carriage.