Leaving the Merchant’s Guild, the town was already bathed in a warm, reddish glow.

The buildings cast long shadows on the ground, and the streetlights along the main road were starting to flicker to life.

It’s gotten late. I wonder if Koko is worried about me.

I only came to town to enjoy some good food, but somehow, it ended up being a very long day.

I met Zeke and the others in the forest, then came to the town of Lints. Later, I helped Zeke and Alex’s brother, the rabbit-eared man, Herbert, by defeating the basilisk to prevent his petrification.

Wow. Thinking about it, it feels like I’ve been on a full-blown adventure, doesn’t it?

Calling for Persio, I decided it was time to head home.

“Well then, thank you for everything. I’ll come visit again soon.”

After saying our goodbyes, Herbert told us, “Feel free to come by anytime.”

Since I joined the Merchant’s Guild, I can now enter the town just by showing my guild tag at the gate.

Normally, I’d have to pay a toll because I’m not a resident, but they’ve granted me honorary citizenship, so now I can enter for free.

Yay, lucky me!

“I’d like to visit Mei’s home someday, too.”

“You’re always welcome. Zeke, please come by again.”

Being in that house alone all the time can get pretty lonely.

Visitors are always welcome!

Promising to meet again, I boarded the carriage.

As I waved from the window, everyone smiled and waved back.

Come to think of it, these are probably the first friends I’ve made in this world…

Hehe. It makes me happy.

“See you again!”

With that farewell, the carriage started to move slowly.

As Persio galloped, we rose higher and higher toward the sky.

Watching everyone shrink in the distance, I waved once more before leaning back into my seat with a satisfied sigh.

“It really was a fulfilling day, wasn’t it?”

There were so many things today that I almost forgot about my quiet days up until now.

“But I got to eat delicious meat, so I’m more than satisfied♪”

Placing a hand on my still-full stomach, Ermine, sitting beside me, twitched her whiskers contentedly.

“Mmm, it was delicious.”

“Woof!”

Robo, sitting on my lap, looked quite pleased as well after eating premium beef.

“Oh! I forgot to buy a souvenir for Koko!”

That’s right, I remembered something important!

What should I do? I didn’t get a souvenir for Koko.

“I did bring back lots of meat; maybe I can give that to Koko as a gift?”

Since it used to be a dragon, I’m sure Koko would eat meat, right?

“Koko mostly eats golden fruit. She might have sweets sometimes, but she doesn’t eat meat. That’s one of her vows with the World-Crossing Witch.”

What?! So the meat won’t work as a souvenir.

What should I do?

“I don’t think Koko really needs anything.”

“It’s not that simple…”

“In that case, why not make her some ice cream? I bet she’d love it.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

Next time I come to town, I’ll buy some sweets, not just meat, to take home.

With newfound resolve, I remembered something Ermine had mentioned earlier.

“Wait…? A vow, as in… does that mean there’s more than one?”

“Yes, like protecting that garden and its owner.”

Ermine didn’t tell me the details, but it seems like there are other promises as well.

“Is there any chance those could be broken?”

I mean, Koko lost the fight against the World-Crossing Witch and was forced to obey, right?

Maybe she was restrained while the witch was around, but now that the witch is gone…

I wonder if Koko could turn the tables and try to get revenge.

“The vows are binding, even a god couldn’t break them. But Koko seems to be enjoying life as it is now.”

“Really?”

“Yes. She used to act out because she had nothing to do, but now she has plenty of responsibilities, like patrolling the forest. She actually seems to enjoy it.”

“That’s good to hear.”

So, there’s a chance Koko could get unruly if she ever has too much free time.

I’ll have to make sure Koko doesn’t get bored.

As I nodded to myself, I spotted our familiar red-roofed home.

Sitting atop the roof like a weather vane was Koko.

Persio gracefully landed the carriage in front of the entrance.

“Thank you, Persio. I’ll see you next time!”

“Neigh!”

After I unhitched the harness, Persio lowered his head slightly to Koko, who had descended from the roof, and then flew off into the sky.

“I’m home, Koko!”

“Bawk!”

That familiar cry made me feel at ease.

Ah, this place is truly my home now.

I’m back!