Piku

Figaro: A purple sapphire and gold coins are far better than a pet that goes brazenly nosing around its owner's affairs like that.

Murr: Purrr, meow! Oh, Figaro, cheer up already~!

I tensed up for a moment, worried Murr's brazen teasing would sour the mood all over again, but……

It seems those worries were completely unfounded.

The jabs they traded held no malice or bite. It was just playful bantering like teasing a cat with a feather toy.

Murr: Gilbert!

Having fawned over Figaro in a sweet, coaxing voice, Murr spun around—his hair swaying with the movement—and turned back to face Mr. Gilbert.

Murr: Indeed, residing by Lord Figaro's side is so much more entertaining!

So just give up on me!

— —

—A few days later. In Shylock's quiet, sparsely filled bar, Murr was running around in a great mood.

Murr: Look, look, Shylock! Isn't it a gorgeous purple sapphire?

Shylock: Indeed, it is a magnificent, large gem. One could easily get lost in its brilliance.

In the end, Gilbert decided to return as many of the pets he had taken in as possible back to their original owners.

And to say “Thanks to you two, I have finally come to my senses” he gave Figaro and Murr the purple sapphires as a token of his gratitude.

But that purple sapphire…

Akira: So in the end it wasn't a shard of his soul, but just a nice-looking rock….

Figaro: Good grief, even after I went through the hassle of being Murr's owner, just for it all to end up being a complete letdown.

Well, I can't say I'm surprised.

But this whole thing really made me realize just how amazing you are, Shylock—and what a nightmare it must be to deal with and tame a guy like him all the time.

Shylock: You flatter me.

Thank you both for your hard work. Please accept this small token of my appreciation.

Shylock set down a cocktail for Figaro and a drink for me, offering one to each of us.

Sacrificium: ……..?

What Sakitty peered into, as if conducting a thorough inspection, was—

Akira: It's just like the purple sapphire....! Thank you, Shylock.

Figaro: Oh, how wonderful. I was just thinking I'd love to have a quick drink.

I wonder if Mitile would forgive me for having just one glass.

Akira: So much happened back at the party, after all...... So once again, please let me say this.

Figaro, thank you so much for all your hard work.

Figaro: Thank you. You worked hard that day too, Master Sage.

Since our stylish host was kind enough to treat us, let's raise a toast together in gratitude.

Akira & Figaro: Cheers.

Murr: Cheers~!

Akira: Eh, Murr!?

Before we even realized it, Murr had reached an arm out from behind us, joining in on the toast.

Figaro: Well, there goes the peace and quiet... And here we were, having such a nice, cozy moment to celebrate our hard work together.

Murr: Celebrate with me too! We're owner and pet, after all!

Gilbert's probably done with that gig, but I'd say it was a pretty decent party for me.

I got the purple sapphire, and had a great time being Figaro's pet!

Figaro: Right, well I wasn't feeling particularly pleased about a whole lot of it.

Uttering those words, Figaro brought the glass to his lips.

Murr: Ahaha, you’re still holding a grudge? Which part are you referring to?

'I'd love to slice open that complex heart of yours and peek inside.' ?

‘No matter how much you hate my guts, your logic gets in the way and stops you from killing me outright. I think you're entertaining, Lord Figaro!’ ?

Akira: That's a rather disturbing way to put it.....

Murr: Really? Then let me rephrase it like this.

Figaro knows I'm a threat to the community, but at the same time, he realizes that if I were to turn to stone, it would be a tragic loss for the whole world.

That means no matter how much I piss him off or make him despise me, Figaro can't lay a finger on me for the sake of the world!

Akira: Um, I have a lot of questions, but I'll hold off on those for now….

When you say 'Figaro,' does that mean the other wizards don't feel the same way?

Murr: I reckon everyone's different! For example.....

Take the twins, for instance. Even if they intellectually grasp that turning me to stone would be a waste, they're exactly the type who might just go, 'Oops, my hand slipped!'

Akira: (....C-Come to think of it, he might actually be right...!)

Figaro: If you understand that much, then show a little restraint. Honestly, you're an insufferable man through and through.

Figaro looked at Murr with an exasperated expression and let out a deep sigh.

Completely unbothered by his attitude, Murr leaned in close toward Figaro.

Murr: How about it, Figaro?

Now that we've spent so much more time together and talked so much...do you think we finally understand each other?

Figaro: ....I suppose so.

I've come to perfectly understand that we will never understand each other.

Murr: Then tonight, let's drink until dawn, just the two of us, and talk the night away! Who knows? That might change your mind all over again.

With a mischievous grin, Murr slid a cocktail foaming with lemon yellow right in front of Figaro.

Shylock had mentioned to me once before that much like the language of flowers, certain cocktails carry hidden meanings of their own.

If I remember correctly, the meaning of this cocktail was..... — 'I want to welcome tomorrow with you.’

Figaro: ………

Gazing at the cocktail in silence, Figaro slowly reached out his hand to the glass.....

Figaro: ....Fine.

—Provided Shylock joins us, that is.

Like a master withholding a treat, he smiled with icy cruelty and cold indifference.

Murr: Aww! But I wanted it to be just the two of us!

Raising his voice in protest, Murr somehow still looked like he was having the time of his life, despite just being turned down.

Just like back at the party, he looked for all the world like an untameable beast—gloatfully reveling in every lash of his cold owner's whip.

Even if Figaro never turns to look his way again, Murr will undoubtedly keep chasing after him anyway, completely unbothered.

You could never say they're compatible...... And yet, they’re so formidable and reassuring, I'd love to see the two of them join forces again someday.

Figaro: As for your proposal earlier…, I, too, must decline.

After all, it looks like this stray cat of mine isn't planning on ever leaving my side.

Gilbert: …Ah.

Murr: Hey, Gilbert. Is that life you were talking about earlier... really meant to satisfy me?

Even if you throw all the gold in the world to make another man's pet, your own will never fill the void in your heart.

Neither I nor any of your other pets are the Jeff you once loved.

<<Eanul Rambul>>

As Murr spread his arms and chanted his spell, the heavy, sealed doors of the audience chamber burst open with a resounding thud.

Shino & Cain: …..!?

Beyond the open door stood a well-dressed man, his long hair pulled back into a single bundle, jewels catching the light at his ears and chest.

And surrounding him were a white dog, a long-haired cat, a snake, a donkey, and vibrant, colorful birds…

Animals of every shape and species filled the room, giving it the appearance of a small private zoo.

Gilbert: …W-What are you…!

Murr: You bought those pets from the party guests in exchange for money and gifts, didn't you?

Gilbert: …!

Murr: Gilbert Attlee. You were testing how much those owners really loved their pets.

To forgive yourself for the decision you made ten years ago.

Akira: To forgive himself for the choice he made ten years ago…?

Shino: …All these animals are pets you got from the guests at the party…?

So every single one of these animals was crowned 'Best Partner' in previous parties?

Cain: If that's true… then those chosen pets never died after all. It means Gilbert was keeping them here all along.

Akira: Then those rumors were wrong……?

Figaro: They probably made up those rumors to cover their tracks—too ashamed to admit to everyone that they were blinded by gold and mementos when they sold off their pets.

Murr: It has nothing to do with curses or calamities. It's just a story of plain, everyday human nature.

Gilbert: ……Ugh

With everything exposed and no room left for excuses, Gilbert collapsed to his knees.

Murr: This is far too elaborate to be a mere hobby or pastime. For him to be this obsessed with these animals, there must be a deeper reason.

What happened to you ten years ago?

Gilbert: ….Ah….

Prompted by Murr, Gilbert who was still down on his knees, began to speak weakly.

Gilbert: …Honestly… I didn't want to give up Jeff either…

But for the sake of the Attlee family's prosperity... I had no choice…

Ten years ago, Gilbert was reportedly begged by a child of high nobility—a youth with royal blood in his veins—to hand over the pet he was keeping at the time.

He resisted at first, naturally—but faced with an astronomical fortune offered as a reward, intense pressure from the high nobility, and relentless demands from his own family, swayed by the gold……

Left with no choice, he ended up surrendering Jeff.

Murr: ―And since that day, you've been hosting parties to gather pets and their owners together.

You selected those bound by the purest love, tempted them with unimaginable riches, to put their loyalty to the ultimate test.

All so you could force those other owners into the exact same position you were in back then.

Gilbert: ………

I desperately wanted to tell myself... that what I did wasn't wrong…

That it doesn't matter how deeply a master dotes on their companion. Put money and authority on the line, and the vast majority will trade their pets away.

Just like me... who abandoned Jeff and ran to save my own skin…

A pained tremor choked his voice as he covered his face with one hand.

Gilbert: …So I wasn't the only one! Anyone else would have done the exact same thing! I was not in the wrong back then…!

Yes…… that's what I so desperately wanted to believe…

Akira: ….Mr. Gilbert…

Murr: What you sought to escape your guilt wasn't the true worth of a pet, nor the depth of an owner's love—it was proof that you were never in the wrong.

But you can never prove your innocence by relying on the failures of others.

After all, the one who decides if you made a mistake isn't other owners, or pets, or Jeff himself…

It's you, Gilbert. You, and no one else.

Gilbert: ….Ah

Murr: The past where you gave up Jeff, the present where regret consumes you, and the lonely future ahead…

Continuing down this path will never change anything.

Gilbert: ……It is just as Sir Murr says.

No matter how many times I do this, it won't bring Jeff back to me. For ten years now... my soul hasn't known a single moment of peace…

How utterly foolish I was… I knew the agonizing grief of losing a pet better than anyone, and yet…

Gilbert lifted his head, his gaze heavy with sorrow as he looked out across the animals gathered in the audience chamber.

Pouring through the open doors, the animals roamed at will—some wandering aimlessly, others bounding and jumping with carefree joy.

Perhaps unused to visitors, a few curious little ones wandered over to inspect the guests.

Akira: Ah! A tiny bird just perched right on my shoulder……!

Shino: Hey, cut it out. Don't lick my face so much.

Cain: Every single pet here has a beautiful coat, and they're all so friendly. They really were loved and cared for in this mansion.

Even so…… nothing can ever replace their original owners. These poor animals were torn away from the owners they trusted, without ever understanding why.

Shino: Still, it’s those owners who broke their trust. They got blinded by big money and handed these pets over.

Honestly, they might be happier living here than with owners like that. Talk about irony.

Figaro: Human hearts stray easily. Not everyone can stay unswervingly devoted.

Even if they let them go in the end... I don't think the love they felt until then was a lie.

Murr: Huh, have Figaro's experienced it too? I didn't know that.

Do you still regret it, even now? Do you believe it was a mistake?

Figaro: ……….

A chill ran down my spine, yet I couldn't help but stare at the two of them.

Frying me bruh CXS WHAT IS THAT DANCE

ALSO LI TIANCHEN'S BACK <33

Figaro: Well now…… You've got me in quite a bind.

Are you really so eager to have this little one that you're willing to offer such a vast fortune?

After all, you don't even have proof he's the actual Murr Hart.

Gilbert: …Yes, I am fully aware, and it makes no difference to me.

It is precisely this Sir Murr—bearing the likeness of the century's greatest genius, yet behaving like a whimsical cat—that I desire.

If the sum is insufficient, I am more than willing to add to it. So please…

Murr: Do you want me that bad?

So if you make me yours, what's in it for me?

Gilbert: I assure you an existence of pure splendor. You shall never rue the day you stepped into my estate, nor find a single spare moment to recall your past.

Exquisite meals, a bed of the finest quality… I shall even provide you with grooming brushes crafted by the most exceptional artisans.

Whatever toy strikes your whim shall be yours. and should you feel lonely during the long nights, I would be willing to keep you company.

Murr: Hmm? So that's how you treated your pets, Gilbert.

Gilbert: ….Eh…..

……Whatever do you mean by that?

Figaro: Ah, sorry about my little one here. He's an innocent soul, so he tends to blurt out whatever comes to mind without much filter.

He likely just found himself curious after hearing a rumor that you surrendered your most beloved pet ten years ago for a certain reason.

Gilbert: A-Ah…… Is that so? Please, think nothing of it…… It is all in the past now, after all.

……Ahem. To return to the matter at hand, Sir Figaro, Sir Murr…… What do you say?

Might I ask you to consider the matter we just discussed? You will find, I assure you, that the terms are exceedingly favorable for you both.

Figaro: ……….

— —

Akira: Pardon me, but please let me into the audience chamber! If we don't hurry, it might be too late……!

Servant with glasses: As I've already explained repeatedly, entry is restricted strictly to those explicitly called by Lord Gilbert.

Polite servant: Since you have received no such summons from his Lordship, I cannot possibly let you pass. Please return to your quarters.

The servants blocked the door to the audience chamber, refusing to let us in.

No matter how I pleaded, they refused to listen to a single word.

Shino: It's no use. We're getting nowhere.

Akira: What do we do? At this rate…!

Cain: Since it's come to this, we have no choice but to force our way through, no matter how rough it gets.

Hardening his expression, Cain turned back to face the servants with an authoritative, commanding air.

Cain: Listen closely. We are the Sage's Wizards.

Servant with glasses: The…… Sage's Wizards?

Polite servant: I've heard rumors of your feats. How you saved Cortese territory —Her Majesty's birthland—from ruin……

Cain: Indeed, we did. And as the Sage's Wizards, we must ask for your cooperation.

There is a chance that the effects of the <Great Calamity> have brought about strange anomalies within this manor.

So, could you please let us in so we can conduct an investigation?

Servants: The effects of the calamity…!?

Polite servant: ……Hey, what should we do? If something happens, we'll be in hot water—should we just let them investigate?

Servant with glasses: But Lord Gilbert strictly ordered us not to let anyone through…

Shino: Are you sure about this? Every second we waste here could be putting your master in harm's way.

The servants traded uncertain glances at Shino's warning. Before long, they hesitantly stepped aside to open the way.

Servants: ……Very well. You may pass.

— —

Figaro: ………

As we barged into the audience hall, our eyes immediately fell upon Figaro and Murr.

And beyond them, a grand and lavish door, dazzling with gold ornamentation.

From beyond that door, a deep male voice spoke out.

Gilbert: Have you made up your mind yet? As to whether or not you will yield Sir Murr to me……

Shino, Cain & Akira: …..!

Akira: ….Wait…!

Just as I was about to call out for them to stop, a different voice cut me off.

Murr: I refuse!

That kind of existence holds zero appeal to me. I'm not tempted in the slightest.

Because fine dining, the comfort of a top-grade bed, even the warmth of sleeping next to someone—I’ve known all about those things for a long time now!

……But, you see.

Murr plucked up the chain dangling from his collar, looking up with a sideways glance at Figaro beside him.

Like an untrained beast, he traced a wild, brazen gaze over Figaro, looking him up and down without a trace of restraint.

Murr: No matter how much you despise me, your reason gets in the way, keeping you from killing me as your heart desires……

Lord Figaro, who can never live honestly by his own heart or instincts—the polar opposite of everything I am.

Figaro: ………..

Those emerald eyes, looking up with such sharp provocation a second ago, instantly lightened with childish innocence.

Murr: Inside that heart of his lies a mess of raw complexity—cruel yet merciful, filled with logic and countless contradictions.

I want to know more about you, Lord Figaro. I want to cut open your heart, lay it bare, and interrogate every single thing hidden in its depths.

Why? To what end? When did you come into this world, where were you forged, and toward what destiny do you move?

And if possible, I'd love to try reversing our roles as owner and pet, too!

....So, rather than living under someone where everything is predictable, I'd much rather be kept by Lord Figaro, surrounded by endless unknowns.

Murr crouched down nuzzled his head against Figaro's thigh in a sweet, coaxing gesture.

An astonished voice can be heard coming from behind the door.

Gilbert: …… That's……

Figaro: …………

A faint flicker of surprise crossed Figaro's eyes as he looked down at Murr, who was rubbing up against his legs.

Before long, a faint, wry smile crept onto his face.

Figaro: And so the mask slips at last…

Just like a perceptive owner who reads every hidden thought in a single meow from his beloved cat—. He murmured softly under his breath, laying a tender hand atop Murr’s head.

The moment their voices overlapped, Murr curled the corners of his lips into a triumphant smile.

Murr: Do you know what I was going to say?

Figaro: ...Much as I hate to admit it.

Akira: …..? What are you talking about?

Just then, one of the mansion’s servants called out to Figaro.

Manor staff: Honored guest, please bring your esteemed pet and proceed to the audience chamber.

Akira, Shino & Cain: ..….!

Figaro: Looks like I made the cut. I'll take my leave for a moment.

Akira: W-Wait, please...! What about that rumor…

Murr: Shh.

Murr placed his index finger against my lips, as I tried to stop him.

Murr: Don't worry about a thing. We had a nice long chat, and now we're a perfectly in sync pair.

Manor staff: Right this way, please.

Murr: Oka〜y!

Following the manor staff, Figaro and Murr headed deeper into the manor.

Shino, Cain & Akira: ………

As for those of us left behind, we could only watch their retreating figures.

Akira: (Murr told me there was nothing to worry about, but…)

Figaro was walking briskly, while Murr hopped after him.

Neither seemed to care about matching the other's pace, they looked far too out of sync to pass as partners.

A faint trace of the tension I had felt before calling out to them brushed across my chest.

Akira: Will they really be okay…?

Cain: Let's just hope nothing happens. Though knowing those two, there's probably no need for us to worry in the first place….

Shino: Besides, if push comes to shove, we can always just barge in ourselves.

At that moment, a sudden commotion broke out across the venue.

???: …L-let go of me…! I need to see her...!

Manor staff: Valued guest, this is truly unacceptable...! If you are not accompanied by a pet, we must ask you to leave!

???: Victoria...! Give me back my pet!

Near the venue's entrance, I could tell some kind of commotion is brewing. It seemed like an uninvited man had stormed into the party.

Before long, the man was restrained by several servants who had rushed to the scene.

Man with gaunt cheeks: Move! Don't get in my way…! It's all because of him...! ...Ngh, dammit…!

All because Victoria was chosen... I should never have come to this party…

Leaving those hollow words hanging in the air, the man was led away outside the venue.

Shino, Cain & Akira: ……….

Akira: Could he be... someone who had his pet chosen as a 'Best Partner' at a past party…?

Shino: He looked completely gaunt. He kept shouting that it was all because of 'him'... did he mean the host?

Cain: Just from his voice alone, you could feel the intense grudge he was holding. He was even screaming for them to give his pet back…

Could it be that... his pet was taken away somewhere…?

Shino: And judging by the tone of his voice, it seems like something happened at the party, too.

Akira: Does that mean something happened after they were chosen...?

Shino, Cain & Akira: ………

—Rumor has it that whichever pet Gilbert picked as the 'Best Partner,' that pet doesn't survive long after the event.

That dark rumor crossed my mind.

Akira: …..Ah

If Murr and Figaro are in the middle of being summoned to the audience chamber right now…

Cain: There's no telling if the rumor is true, but we'll be too late if we wait until something terrible happens.

Shino: Either way, we're storming the audience chamber!

— — —

Manor staff: Please wait here.

Figaro: …Oh, so this is the audience chamber.

It's truly magnificent. The door itself is like a work of art.

???: …Welcome to the House of Pets.

Murr: The door spoke!

Gilbert: Haha……Excuse me for speaking from behind this door. I am the master of this mansion, Gilbert Attlee.

May I ask for your names?

Figaro: I’m Figaro. And this here is…

Murr: I'm Murr! Woof, woof!

Gilbert: ….! My, what a surprise…

I thought your features looked identical to the Dr. Murr Hart I saw in portraits, but to think you even share the same name…

Sir Figaro, Sir Murr. I am completely captivated by the captivatingly bewitching and exquisite dynamic between the two of you.

……Not to mention, Sir Murr's wild, cat-like adorable nature.

Figaro: We're honored.

Murr: We got praised!

Figaro: Whoops. Hey now, no hugging in public. I'll give you plenty of attention later.

Murr: Yay! I love Figaro!

Gilbert: Ah, a relationship bound in love and grounded in absolute faith... What a magnificent sight…

Just as I expected, you two are wonderful…

Someone, present the item to them.

Manor staff: Here you are, Sir Figaro.

Figaro: …And what might be in this bag……?

Murr: Wow! It's full of gold!

Gilbert: Whenever I gaze upon you two, my heart leaps as if I were in love.

…To the point where I would offer you those gold coins on top of the commemorative purple sapphire, if it meant you would hand Sir Murr over to me…

Figaro: Incredible…… With this much, you could build a splendid mansion even in the Central Country.

May I interpret this as your way of crowning us the 'Best Partners'?

Gilbert: Indeed…… At this current stage, I suppose you could say you are the top candidates……

Figaro: Ah, good to hear that, then.

Because I heard a pretty dark rumor a moment ago, so I was a bit worried about what might happen if we were picked right then and there.

Gilbert: ….A dark rumor?

Murr: Word is that all the pets Gilbert picks end up dying after the party!

Gilbert: ……Haha, how absurd. Such a thing is utterly impossible. It's completely baseless.

Murr & Figaro: ……Is that so.

Figaro: Ah, forgive me then. My mistake for bringing it up.

Gilbert: No, think nothing of it. More importantly, might I consult with you on something?

Figaro: ……And what would that be?

Gilbert: My sincere apologies for my proposal earlier; it was quite improper of me to frame such an offer in so lighthearted a tone.

Allow me to rephrase my offer formally, I wish to present Sir Figaro with the purple sapphire alongside these gold coins as my gift to you.

Murr: Do you hate things you can't control?

Figaro: That's right. People like you destroy communities and rob them of the happiness they once had.

After all, you shattered Master Snow and White's world of just the two of them, as well as destroyed the Western Country that Shylock loved…

On top of all that, you've created something called "artificial mages" who seek to disrupt the very laws of this world.

Murr: You're just shifting the blame. I haven't done half as much as what you and Oz have done.

Figaro: ………….

Murr: Was this world ever yours to begin with? Did it have your name on it? Is the world beyond your reach, no longer the 'right' one?

Figaro: I'm under no obligation to answer. This interview is over.

Murr: Silence is an answer in itself. Now then, it's Figaro's turn! Got anything you'd like to ask me?

Figaro: …………

Why do you direct your interest toward humans? Surely, someone as all-powerful as you isn't watching humans just to learn from them.

Is it like tracking the movement of a toy with your eyes? Or that thing where a cat lightly presses down an insect's wings with its front paw, with no intention of killing it?

Murr: That line was so typical of you. It was utterly wonderful.

For starters, the fact that you asked why I'm interested in 'people in general' instead of why I'm interested in 'you'...

The unspoken feeling that you don't want to get personally involved in a relationship with me comes through loud and clear—I love it!

Figaro: If you've picked up on it without me saying it, I wish you'd just taken the hint and kept it to yourself.

Murr: The other thing is how you called me ‘All-powerful’! Since you have a deep respect for intelligence and culture, it makes sense that an intellectual man like me would look like that in your eyes.

Figaro: Calling you 'all-powerful' was an exaggeration. Considering, you don't seem to have learned a single shred of respect for your superiors.

Murr: Not at all. I admire you, Lord Figaro. And that goes for each and every person...Humans, wizards—I respect them all!

Intellect, technique, physical prowess, beauty. Such qualities are wonderful and easily recognized. They possess a clear and undeniable value.

Yet, what truly holds sublime value is the state of a soul and mind that stays close through every situation—resiliently and admirably.

There is no one who connects with this world, grieves, feels anger, faces despair, and yet still holds onto hope as deeply as you do. That is why I respect you.

Figaro: …That is different from the respect I know. Let alone affection.

What you feel toward me is nothing more than fascination with something strange.

Murr: Ahaha. So that's how you see things. That explains why you hate me.

Figaro: You could say that.

But I do actually like you. To be precise, I’ve come to like you recently. After all, I’ve met so many different versions of you.

Murr: Huh. I know I shouldn't say it myself, but isn't it true that there's nothing about me that you'd find likable?

Figaro: ………….

Murr: Yep, that's a lie.

Figaro: It's no lie. I certainly sensed something pleasant. Even so, going through the trouble of stating it was unnecessary.

Regardless, I've seen so many versions of you. Including a human, ridiculous, funny version of you.

…I feel like. That might be what I like about you..perhaps. If anything.

Murr: What do you even stand to gain from liking me, Figaro?

Figaro: Nothing.But liking or disliking someone isn’t about profit and loss. Because affection is…

…………….

……Shut up. Forget it.

Murr: Ehh?! Was that a genuine reaction just now?!

In that case, now I really like you! By like, 1%! Everything I said about liking you before was a lie!

Figaro: I know! I was lying, too.

Murr: Knew it~

Akira: …Murr, Figaro. Um, excuse me, is it okay to speak to you now?

Murr & Figaro: !

Asking hesitantly as I gauge the situation, Murr and Figaro—who had been standing there talking—turn around at the same time.

Murr: Sure! The showtime for adults just ended!

Cain: For adults…?

Shino: What were you guys doing?

Figaro: Well, er... consider it confidential, so to speak…

Akira: (Just before I spoke up, the air felt a bit tense between them… I think? But now they're acting totally normal, maybe I was just seeing things…)

Figaro: More importantly, thanks for your hard work, everyone. So, did you find anything new?

Shino: Yeah. A couple of attendees who were regulars to this party brought up a few intriguing stories.

First off, this party started ten years ago.

Back then, it seems the master of this mansion—the party's host, Gilbert Attlee—had a beloved pet named Jeff.

However, due to certain circumstances, Gilbert was forced to let Jeff go.

Murr: Was that the catalyst for starting these parties?

Cain: It seems that way. Having lost Jeff, Gilbert decided to invite proud owners and their pets to this mansion to fill the void of his loneliness.

Word is he sought solace just watching the heartwarming bond between the guests and their pets... The lavish gifts are supposedly to be his token of gratitude.

Akira: And... this might be completely irrelevant, but just a little while ago, we saw a man with a white horse…

I recounted how the man brought into the audience chamber was offered an exorbitant amount of money by the host to relinquish his pet.

Figaro: …..I see

Murr: ……….

After hearing our account, Figaro rested a hand against his chin. Murr, too, went quiet, visibly pondering something..

Behind their silence, the joyful chatter of the pet owners and the playful calls of the animals resonated like music.

Akira: (A grand gathering for proud owners to show off their pets, hosted in the dazzling Mansion of Delights…)

On the surface, it radiates warmth, gentleness, and effortless camaraderie—yet beneath it all lies an unmistakable air of strangeness and mystery.

Word is that whichever pet gets chosen as the 'Best Partner' dies after the party ends.

And then there is Gilbert Attlee—the organizer who, long ago, was compelled to surrender the pet he held dear.

On the surface, he celebrates the sweet devotion shared between owners and their companions—yet in private, he conducts heartless bargaining, reducing the priceless bond of a pet to mere monetary value.

Akira: (I wonder just what kind of hidden motives lie behind this party...?)

Figaro: Murr.

Murr: Figaro.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: I see. I had no idea such handy tools existed. I live out in the countryside, so I'm a bit out of the loop with current trends.

This dog named Shino has a well-groomed coat and looks straight into his owner’s eyes. You must really dote on him every day.

Perhaps sensing something in their interaction, the once-bewildered man's expression softened into a gentle smile as he watched them.

There was an air of friendly closeness in his gaze, as if they had held a long, deep conversation.

Akira: (...Wait! Could Cain and Shino be showing off their pets just to get him to open up even more...?)

Cain: Truth is, this is our first time at this party. Is it the same for you too?

Bearded gentleman with a horse: I actually participated last time as well. But, I missed out on first place, so I came back to get my revenge this time.

Shino: Revenge?

Bearded gentleman with a horse: That's right. We came so close.

I was summoned to the audience chamber, where the host passionately tried to talk me into handing over my pet, offering not just a commemorative gift but offering up a lot of money on top of that.

Obviously, I refused.

Yet despite how fond he was of her, in the end, a different pet was chosen. So this time around, I'm determined to…

Cain: I see. So that's what you mean by getting your revenge

Akira: Still, asking you to hand over your pet is quite a surprising request. To go as far as offering up money, no less…

Shino: They must've wanted that horse badly. Just how much extra did they even offer?

Bearded gentleman with a horse: Let's see, I think it was about…

Akira, Shino & Cain: …..!?

The price the man quoted was staggering high, far beyond anything anyone could have imagined.

Cain: They must've really taken a liking to her…

Shino: Didn't you hesitate, even a little? Like wondering what would've happened if you'd given up the horse back then?

Bearded gentleman with a horse: No way! I've never even considered letting this kid go.

For starters, it's not like I'm going to this party just to get a party favor.

It's always fun for pet lovers to get together and show off their pets, and on top of that, it must feel amazing to have everyone praise your own little one as the best.

Shino: Hmm, so that's how it is.

By the way, have you heard the strange rumor going around about this party? They say that any pet chosen by the host ends up dying.

The man tilted his head, with a puzzled expression.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: No, this is the first I've heard of it. A rumor like that actually exists? How dreadful.

…Huh? What's wrong? Are you thirsty?

Cain: Haha. Look at ‘em rubbing her nose against you, begging for something.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: Seems like they're thirsty. Sorry, but I have to get going now. Hope you guys have fun at the party.

Akira: Alright, thank you.

After watching the man go off with his horse, Shino puffed out his chest proudly.

Shino: Hehe. How's that? It turned out pretty well, didn't it?

Cain: Yeah. But honestly you really caught me off guard. I never expected Shino to become my pet.

Was that okay? You said you’d never want anyone besides Heath to be your owner.

Shino: It's just a ploy, nothing more. I'm not that petty. If it's for the sake of achieving our goal, I’ll do whatever it takes.

You'd do the same, wouldn't you?

Cain: Haha... Well, I suppose.

Akira: Thanks to the two of you thinking on your feet, we managed to learn some really interesting information. Like what went down in the audience chamber…

Shino: The whole thing sounded pretty suspicious. Asking to buy someone's pet off, even offering a ridiculous amount of money for it.

Cain: And yet they chose a completely different pet in the end, right? I have no idea what they're thinking.

To begin with, it’s not even clear what the purpose of this party is. It’s not like they’re inviting celebrities to build connections, nor are they stepping out in front of the guests to promote themselves.

Just what is the host, Gilbert, trying to achieve by hosting this party?

Akira: Come to think of it, you're right…

The attendees certainly have incentives to show up, whether it's the lavish party favors or bragging about their pets…

But the host isn't even showing off their own pet. They're literally just observing the pets other owners brought along…

Shino: Well, it is the Western Country. It could easily just be their weird hobby.

Cain: Right then, let's probe into that area as well. We'll keep up the aggressive questioning, just like we were doing a moment ago!

Shino: Just so you know, if the topic of pets comes up again, next time you're the dog.

Cain: Got it, leave it to me. Let's keep it fair and take turns. Next time, I'll be the star pet dog you can brag about.

– – –

Figaro: (......Looks like the crowd is finally starting to clear out.)

Ugh, I'm exhausted... Guess I really shouldn't be trying things I'm not used to doing.

Murr: Liar! That overbearing, domineering vibe as you pinned the other party down was completely second nature to you!

Like when, right after the Sage had headed over that way, you made me kneel down and... mhmph!

Figaro: Right, that's enough out of you. There’s no need to go out of your way to recount the whole thing.

This cat really doesn't know when to shut up. And to think, you never had any intention of being a well-behaved pet from the start…

Even the fact that you sent the Sage away just now, was probably just to suit some other motive of yours.

Murr: Haha! You got me!

Figaro.

It's because I wanted to talk to you alone.

Figaro: Talk? You and me? Whatever could we have to talk about?

Murr: When I invited you to this party, you were on the verge of saying you hated me, weren't you?

Why is that? Why do you hate me so much? What is it you hate, and what do you like about me?

Figaro: …………..

You have a bad habit of trampling all over people's personal boundaries just to satisfy your own curiosity.

Murr: Is that why you hate me? Or is it just a complaint about my question?

Figaro: Interpret it however you like.

Murr: Really?

Figaro: Honestly….These chains are completely useless.

If that curiosity were backed by bad intentions, at least then I'd have a way to control you.

Just like a beast that lives by its instincts, even if you were shackled by chains, not even I could ever tame you.

Figaro: ……How is it? Something like this.

Akira: ...I, uh, somehow felt like I was looking at something I shouldn't be looking at...! And yet, I just couldn't take my eyes off it, so to speak…….

Murr: Yay, it was a hit!

Figaro: All right, let's try to use this approach to get Gilbert's interest.

Akira: (...At first, I wasn't sure how it would play out, but…)

(Looks like they have their own take on the "owner and pet" concept, and they're both fulfilling their roles properly.)

(At this rate, I guess they'll be okay...?)

Tall man with a monkey: ......Did you see that just now?

Lady in a dress with a flamboyant bird: What's up with those two…?

The provocative exchange between the two seemed to draw the attention of those around them. Before they knew it, all eyes were on them.

Bespectacled man accompanied by hunting dogs: ……Huh? That man in chains… He looks kind of familiar….

Long-haired man with a foal: I've only ever seen him in portraits,

but doesn't he look like the Philosopher, Murr Hart?

Long-haired man holding a spotted cat: This guy's a pet? Are you keeping a person as a pet?

Voices filled with interest, confusion, and curiosity surround the two of them.

As if tossing feed to his prey, Figaro, with a haughty expression, grabbed Murr by the jaw and pulled him closer.

Figaro: That's right. He's my pet.

Murr: Meow! Wanna see whether I'm the real Murr Hart?

Young man with a lizard on his shoulder: Did you say Murr Hart!?

White-haired man holding a rabbit: I thought they looked alike, but I'd never imagined. . . .!?

Woman with earrings and a parakeet: He's probably a fake! Afterall, if he were the real guy, why would you be participating on the pet side?!

.....But I did hear rumors that he was a bit of an eccentric…

Following Murr's remarks, many people’s attention finally began to focus on him, and a crowd started to gather around him.

Murr: ….Sir Sage

You might want to head over to Cain and Shino while you still can.

Akira: That's true……

There are definitely a lot more people around now.

Murr: That's one reason, but…

Murr cast a suggestive glance and then leaned against Figaro in a playful, clingy manner.

Murr: From now on, we might end up doing some even wilder stuff…. Right?

Akira: …Y-yes, I understand! Good luck...!?

– –

Shino: …Things are really getting lively.

Cain: Oh, it's Murr's group.

Even if it's for a cause, willingly choosing to become a pet is a pretty wild idea.

Plus, instead of transforming himself into an animal, he’s staying in human form, that's a feat only Murr can pull off.

Shino: Well, if you were a pet, Arthur would probably be a good choice as your owner.

And if I were in that position, I wouldn't want to be owned by anyone but Heath.

Cain: That’s true, but… when I actually gave it a try, I realized something.

That maybe I'm just not mature enough yet to actually enjoy a position where I'm simply being pampered and taken care of.

Akira: Cain, Shino. Thank you for your hard work.

Cain: Oh, Akira. Good job today.

Shino: We met up sooner than I expected. Are things alright with the party?

Akira: I'm leaving it up to Murr and Figaro.

Since things seem like they're about to get even more exciting from here on out…..

By the way, have there been any new leads regarding the rumors?

Shino: Nothing so far.

I tried asking a few people, but came back empty-handed.

Cain: It just so happened that everyone I happened to strike up a conversation with was a newcomer attending the party for the first time.

There are still many participants we haven't been able to speak with. I hope we can get some answers from now on……

Just then, the door to the party venue opened, and a gentleman with a mustache entered, accompanied by a white horse.

Shino: Perfect. Let's go talk to that guy with the horse next.

Cain: …Ah, he's by those doors.

Did he arrive late to the venue?

Akira: We still haven't seen the host. Is it really okay to go around questioning people like this?

Cain: It's no big deal. It's the same as always. Let's go.

Shino: Hey, you there. Can I talk to you for a second?

Akira: We’d like to ask you a few questions…

Bearded gentleman with a horse: What's up, you guys? Is something wrong?

Cain: Sorry for stopping you out of the blue. I'm Cain. Nice to meet you.

What a fine horse. It has such a dignified air surrounding it that I just couldn't help but call out to you. The rosette pinned to its chest looks great on it, too.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: Hey, thanks. She's all dressed up today because it's a party, but she's actually plenty beautiful just the way she is too.

Cain: I bet. Her coat is so beautiful it takes your breath away. She must be very well groomed.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: You get it! I spend time brushing her every day to keep herbcoat looking this shiny.

Do you like horses, too?

Cain: Ah. Until a little while ago, I was taking care of cavalry horses. I was really diligent about cleaning their stable, it ended up being actually cleaner than my own room.

Horses are great, aren't they? If you place your trust in them, they'll always respond to it.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: Oh, you're absolutely right. They're such kind and intelligent creatures. Even if we can't communicate through words, we'll still understand each other better than anyone else.

The two people, who are both horse enthusiasts, are having a lively conversation. The man seemed to be in such a great mood that he even struck up a conversation with me.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: Speaking of which, what kind of pets do you guys keep? That friend of yours over here seems to be carrying a black cat….

Cain: Ah, my pet is over there…

Shino: I'm here.

Akira: Eh?

Cain: ….Shino?

Shino nodded at Cain, who blinked back in response. Before Cain immediately understood the intention behind it.

Cain: …No, actually, that’s right!

Even though he’s changed its appearance with a magical item, this guy’s my pet...Originally, he was a dog with shiny black fur.

Bearded gentleman with a horse: A dog….? This boy…..?

Cain: Oh. Don't let his appearance fool you—he's a feisty, hard-working, and dependable guy.

I'm a little worried about the fact that he tends to be reckless sometimes, but that’s part of what makes him so cute.

Cain placed his hand on Shino's head and ruffled his hair in a rough yet affectionate motion.

Shino: …His petting skills are a little rough, but all things considered, he’s kind and takes good care of me.