Chapter 537 - Bear-san, Explains.

Bear-san, Explains.

Cereille began to speak slowly.

A hazy recollection of the man’s words from the time her mother was murdered. The possibility that the man could have appeared before her on her 16th birthday. The possibility that if she told anyone, her brother would have been killed. That she had carried a sword and learned magic in order to protect herself and avenge her mother.

Cereille’s father silently listens to Cereille’s narration as she speaks of her past.

And today, Keith was kidnapped, and there was a letter in his room. That Cereille went alone as per the letter’s demands. Then I added to the explanation that I saw Cereille rushing out and felt uncomfortable, so I went after her.

“I’m sorry. I thought you were trying to be strong after your mother was killed in front of you. I didn’t think it was for when the person who killed Shulia would show up.” (Count Fornitz)

“I, too, have told Father that I was simply protecting myself.” (Cereille)

“When I read the letter tucked into the book, I knew you were ready to die. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you and Keith, so I ran after you.” (Count Fornitz)

“Father……” (Cereille)

“I gave you a hard time.” (Count Fornitz)

“You’re not to blame, father. Mother’s murder was like a nightmare. I didn’t understand at the time that it was real. But I couldn’t tell anyone, even though I was very young, because I knew that if what the man had said was true, I would never be able to tell anyone. All I could do was learn to use a sword, learn magic, and wait for my 16th birthday.” (Cereille)

Thinking about it, it was already a long time. If it were me, I would’ve gone crazy.

But, at last, something that she has carried for many years has come to an end. Cereille is only 16 years old. Her life is just beginning.

“So, the man……” (Count Fornitz)

To that question, Cereille swallowed her saliva, looked straight at her father, and slowly opened her mouth.

“I killed him.” (Cereille)

Cereille’s father rose from his chair and slowly approached Cereille. Cereille stiffened her body. And he gently hugged her.

“I’m really, sorry.” (Count Fornitz)

“Father……” (Cereille)

Tears streamed down Cereille’s eyes.

Good, really good. However, I felt that the girl dressed as a bear next to them was ruining the emotional atmosphere. It’s ruining it image-wise.

Then I explained what happened here with Cereille and me, while also describing some of the things that happened as vaguely as possible.

“Manipulated the monsters… And she had single-handedly defeated those a.s.sembled monsters…” (Count Fornitz)

In the end, there was no way I could cover up the monsters lying outside, so I told him that I had defeated them. At first, he thought it seemed incredulous, but after I explained to him about the monsters and showed him my guild card, he was convinced that my adventurer rank was C.

The only thing I kept hidden was about the worm and the wyverns.

Just talking about controlling monsters was already unbelievable, but there was no need to talk about the worm and the wyverns, you know.

“Speaking of which, Yuna. The man said he threw the magic stone into the lake, how did you find it?” (Cereille)

Cereille asked me as if she had just remembered. Of course, I can’t answer that. So I replied.

“That’s a maiden’s secret.” (Yuna)

“…You mean, you are a maiden?” (Cereille)

I am dressed as a bear, but I’m still a maiden.

Cereille gave me a subtle look, but did not ask me any more questions. Perhaps she sensed that I did not want to talk about it.

Well, that’s the whole story. Cereille’s father couldn’t seem to take it all in, but he didn’t pursue it any further because Cereille and Keith were safe.

“Yuna-san, was it? Thank you for saving my daughter this time.” (Count Fornitz)

He bowed his head towards me.

“I’m just glad Cereille and Keith are safe.” (Yuna)

That’s the most important thing.

Then we discussed what we were going to do. Mainly about the monsters outside the bear house.

I offered that I’ll handle it, but Cereille’s father shook his head.

“Both of you must be tired. We’ll leave two guards here. Then I’ll request the Adventurers’ Guild to take care of the monsters.” (Count Fornitz)

“Father, I just heard from Yuna. It seems that every year at this time he gathers the monsters and there are no adventurers.” (Cereille)

“I’ve received reports about it. I’ll let the guild officials take care of it. They should at least have enough hands to deal with the monsters.” (Count Fornitz)

Indeed, in Crimonia, the Gentz-san, and the other guild employees were also dismantling monsters. The guys here should have a lot of free time during this time of year, so they might be glad to get some work done.

I would probably want to enjoy my free time, though.

“But how are you going to explain it? I promised not to mention Yuna.” (Cereille)

I asked them to keep quiet about me because it’s a ha.s.sle.

“If the one who subdued it cannot be found, then it will belong to the one who found it. We can keep her involvement a secret. Besides, they will not look into my request too deeply.” (Count Fornitz)

Well, he’s the lord of this city. They won’t ask too many questions.

Also, the material from the monsters would be given to me in monetary form.

Well, I don’t have a problem with money, but I decided to accept it gratefully.

We decided to head back to the city.

“Now then, I’m going to change, so wait outside for a minute.” (Yuna)

Cereille’s father understood the meaning of my words, and after carrying Keith on his back, he walked out of the bear house. Cereille followed him.

Once I saw that they were outside, I took off my bear suit.

`Ha~a~’

It’s cool. I knew I shouldn’t be wearing a bear suit over my uniform. I’m sweating a little. I need to take a bath later.

I put my bear costume in the bear box and left the bear house.

When I got outside, Cereille came to me.

“Yuna, I’m sorry, but could you show that man to my father?” (Cereille)

Apparently, he wanted to see the man’s face before we left. The coffin has a tight lid that won’t come off.

I turned my back on Cereille and went to the coffin on wheels. At that moment, Swaying Bear, Hugging Bear, and Cereille shouted.

“Ku~u ~ n!”

“Yuna!” (Cereille)

I turned around.

“What!? A monster!?” (Yuna)

“No! Your panties! Your skirt is rolled up!” (Cereille)

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear covered my front and back, then Cereille rushed over to fix my skirt.

“Did you perhaps see it?” (Yuna)

“No, I didn’t see any bears!” (Cereille)

“!?”

She’s not denying it. I think my face instantly turned red. I ran into the bear house as if to escape.

They saw the bear panties.

“Yuna, it’s okay. Only Swaying Bear, Hugging Bear, and I saw it. Neither my father nor the others saw it from their positions, so it’s fine.” (Cereille)

From the other side of the door, Cereille did her best to explain.

“Really?” (Yuna)

“Really! Everyone was looking at the coffin. And when you turned around, Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear were behind you, right? Before anyone realized it, Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear were already protecting you. So, no one saw the bear’s panties.” (Cereille)

Cereille delivered the killing blow.

I knew it! She saw it!

But I can’t stay cooped up in the bear house forever, so I changed my mind and left the bear house.

When I looked at everyone, they seemed to be looking away.

That’s right, since Cereille shouted panties, panties, of course, they’ll look away.

For the time being, I maintained my composure and opened the coffin’s lid again. Cereille’s father did not look at me at all, but checked the man’s face.

“I don’t recognize him. From what I’ve heard, he may have been a student at the same academy as Shulia.” (Count Fornitz)

Cereille’s father was apparently three years older than his wife.

One of the people who came as an escort had to pull the coffin with a horse. I did not explain the mini bear golem, so he tilted his head when he saw it. If he said he would pull it, there was no need for me to do it, so I put the mini bear golem away.

Then I put the bear house away in the bear box. As you can imagine, when I did that, everyone was surprised.

“I was very surprised when it suddenly appeared, but it was still a surprising thing to see when I see you put items into your item bag.” (Cereille)

“Don’t tell anyone, okay?” (Yuna)

Cereille’s father then instructed two of the four guards to stay here and the other two to return to the city and ask the Adventurers’ Guild to deal with the monster corpses.

Cereille’s father rode his horse with Keith on his back. There’s no sign of him waking up, is the drug still in effect?

If possible, I would like him to sleep until he gets home.

Cereille rode on Swaying Bear, and I’m riding on Hugging Bear.

Then we moved to where Cereille’s horse was.

“Thank you, Swaying Bear.” (Cereille)

`Ku~u ~ n’

Cereille dismounted from Swaying Bear and moved to her horse. She lightly pet the horse’s neck then she gets on the horse. The horse also looked happy to see Cereille was back.

Then, without any further incident, we returned to the city, but the gatekeeper stared at Hugging Bear and me.

Well, if a girl showed up on a white bear, anyone would be surprised.

Cereille’s father interceded with him about Hugging Bear, so we never got into trouble.

As expected of the lord of the city.

“Well then, I’m going to Noa.” (Yuna)

“Yuna, thank you so much. I will treat you tomorrow as my thanks, so be sure to come by.” (Cereille)

I tried to refuse their thanks, but Cereille’s father also insisted, so I couldn’t say no. They had a lot to do today, and Cereille was tired, so it was decided that the treat would be tomorrow.

Most importantly, Cereille must be physically and mentally exhausted.

“Go get some rest.” (Yuna)

“If you put it that way, Yuna, you should be more tired than I am. How many monsters do you think you have defeated alone?” (Cereille)

Cereille was worried about me, but I’m not tired at all.

At the very least, my bear shoes will keep me from getting tired even when running at full speed.

I parted from Cereille and the others and went to the academy.

Noa, I hope she’s not mad at me.

=====

Author’s Note:

There’s a bear next to a parent and child having a serious conversation. (lol)

But now we can finally go back to Noa’s side.

[Notice] As I mentioned in the postscript last time, I will be posting late this week. Please understand.