odorekijin

“Piggyback Ride”

[West Country—Reception Room]

Akira: Phew… Now that the party’s settled, everybody can finally fly back to the Manor in peace.

By the way, your hard work is commendable, Shino: you lead our investigations left and right, and you even pretended to be a pet… Sincerely, thank you for that!

Shino: Don’t mention it. …Man, was that an eccentric reception if I’ve ever seen one.

This whole “party” showed me that I need to seriously sit down to study that spell. An opportunity like this to learn hands-on won’t come around very often, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Akira: What spell, if I may?

Shino: Shapeshifting into an animal.

I had been practicing just in case for this event, but Faust said that my technique and skills were too unstable to keep going with the lessons for now.

Akira: Really? I didn’t think you’d mull this mission so thoroughly…

Speaking of, what animal were you attempting to turn into?

Shino: A bear. The bigger, the better.

Akira: Ouh, a mighty imposing buddy! I hope I can see you as one, one day.

Shino: Heh, you don’t have to hold back your excitement. If that’s what our Master Sage wants, then I’ll let you do more than just watch.

I’ll carry you on my back.

Akira: On your back!? Are you sure!?

Shino: Yep, you’d inspire respect riding a bear’s back. I can already see it.

Shino: You better be counting down the days for when that time comes around.

Akira: O-Of course I am! I’m already excited just thinking about it!

(Riding a large forest bear, huh… This sounds straight out of the legends about ‘Kintaro’...) (1)

ADDITIONAL NOTE

(1)　“Kintaro” or “Golden Boy” is a japanese folklore hero known for his superhuman strength, even as a toddler, raised in the mountain’s wilderness among the animals he fought and learnt to befriend. (Read more) ↑

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