You And Your Father (Krish’s POV)

“Is it true that he’s managed to make plants gigantic?”

“If true, that would be an incredible ability. Future research might even lead to the recovery of the Tree of Life.”

“I hear he’s even created new species of plants. If that’s the case, couldn’t we further evolve the Tree of Life and enhance its effects?”

In a room that wasn’t very spacious, members of Felix-sama’s family had gathered, chattering away with their opinions. Usually, they locked themselves in the mansion, leaving the difficult questions about the Tree of Life to others, yet they seemed to enjoy interrupting Felix-sama during such discussions.

I had suspected they would eventually catch wind of it, but this time it was unusually swift. It may have been a mistake to assign new knights to the search in the fields. Apparently, they had overheard some chatter at the tavern after work.

“He should be able to walk by now, right? In that case, you should call him in and order him to cooperate.”

“Yes, bring him in tomorrow.”

I nearly clicked my tongue in frustration. Just how much of our discussion had leaked? The knights hadn’t been placed under any strict confidentiality about this incident. Given the numerous witnesses who saw the forest appear suddenly by the main road, it was better not to hide it and provoke public curiosity. But the fact that even Shinobu’s recovery had been mentioned was concerning.

The young knights likely didn’t realize they were leaking information. At the end of the day, they were just chatting over drinks about what had happened during their missions, trying to bolster their spirits. They were still inexperienced, but I believed none of them would intentionally leak information for money.

However, in their inexperience, they sometimes forgot that knights have a duty of confidentiality. They assumed that no one could hear their conversation over the tavern noise, leading them to slip up.

I would need to emphasize this point in a stricter manner next time.

“Have you been listening all this time?” 

If I could yell at these self-important old foxes for their reckless comments, it would feel so satisfying but I didn’t have the right to speak up in this situation. All I could do was stand behind Felix-sama.

Felix-sama, enduring a barrage of criticism from the old foxes, remained seated, motionless, with his eyes closed while listening. The way they smirked, thinking the young man was intimidated, was amusing, but I could sense the truth.

Felix-sama was angry. Silently, like a rock standing in the forest, he was deeply agitated.

“If you say you can’t handle it, you can leave it to us. We could send someone to summon that otherworlder, Shinobu, tomorrow and make him comply.”

“That sounds good. Felix is busy preparing for his next journey. Leave the troublesome matters to us and go look for a replacement plant for the Tree of Life, which we don’t even know exists.”

So they planned to chase Felix-sama out and make Shinobu obey, intending to take credit for reviving the Tree of Life for themselves.

It seemed they wanted to secure their status as representatives of the family.

I was truly fed up with these people, who were so obsessed with status.

“After all, it was too much for someone from a branch family to be the representative of the clan. If the previous head were still alive, you would have never become the head. Given the current situation, this is unavoidable. But having ability alone isn’t enough.”

I caught a glimpse of Felix-sama’s shoulder twitch in the corner of my eye.

“Haaaaa.”

A deep sigh escaped simultaneously from both Felix-sama and I. The old foxes had crossed a line. I realized how foolish it was to inadvertently provoke Felix-sama, who rarely expressed anger. He was probably using his anger towards them to diffuse his own frustration.

Our simultaneous sigh echoed louder than expected in the cramped room.

Hearing this, the old foxes seemed offended, their previously smirking expressions twisting into scowls.

“And then?”

With both elbows on the desk and fingers interlaced, Felix-sama’s low voice changed the atmosphere in the room.

“Summoning Shinobu against his will, what do you intend to make him do? Please explain in detail again.”

He didn’t use harsh words or shout in intimidation. Yet, his calm but powerful voice caused several to recoil.

“W-What? You really didn’t hear? How rude!”

“I did hear, but I thought my ears were malfunctioning from the sheer stupidity of what you were saying.”

“Stupid!?”

The old foxes erupted into noise, and Felix-sama waved his hand dismissively.

“What part of forcibly summoning a friend from another world, who has just begun to heal from terrible experiences, and trying to manipulate him is not foolish?

Shinobu’s abilities might indeed provide a clue to reviving the Tree of Life, but there’s a proper way to seek cooperation.

He is a victim of this world. Not only has he been unable to return to his own world, but he also offered to forgive our mistakes. Now we want to force him to use his abilities?

I too have considered requesting Shinobu’s cooperation. However, that’s a conversation for a much later time. When his condition is restored to the point where it’s no different from before the incident, we should sincerely ask him to come on a date that suits him.”

“What a leisurely way of thinking!”

One of them slammed their hand on the table, receiving a cold glare from Felix-sama.

“This is unacceptable. If I were to leave things to you, I’d doubt the dignity of the people living in this world.

As your head, I command you: from now on, you are prohibited from getting involved with Shinobu.

Your lives are nearing their end; you need not meddle and burden yourselves with unnecessary trouble. Enjoy your time surrounded by children and grandchildren and continue living quietly in the mansion.

Now, unlike you, I have important matters to attend to. This discussion is over. Excuse me.”

As I followed Felix-sama out of the room, I glanced at the old foxes, their faces flushed and trembling with anger. They had intended to corner the cocky young man but ended up on the losing side, and I could imagine how frustrating that must be.

Putting Felix-sama’s words in my own terms: “Stay out of unnecessary matters and remain docile, just like your useless sons and grandsons.” Honestly, it felt refreshing.

“Krish, I’m sorry for making you waste your time.”

“No, to be honest, I feel much better now. But do you think they will stay quiet from here on out?”

“Well, they might stay quiet for a while. It would be best to prepare our plans before they interrupt us.

Is it alright if I leave the approach to Shinobu in your hands?”

“Of course.”

With how kind Shinobu is, it will be difficult for him to refuse if asked. Even when unreasonable conditions are imposed, he would probably accept them saying, “Because you’ve been so kind to me.” Well, that’s part of what makes him endearing.

I must protect Shinobu from those foolish people.

—

“Krish-san, welcome back!!”

“I’m home. Has anything changed?”

“Nope, everything’s fine. Dinner is ready, but do you want to eat now?”

“Yes, please. Thank you, as always.”

Having someone welcome you home is a wonderful thing. Just seeing Shinobu’s gentle smile makes all the fatigue of the day melt away.

Life with Shinobu since starting work has been nothing short of comfortable. I intended to help out, but instead, he takes care of everything from meals to laundry, making me feel like I’ve married a young wife.

I imagine that if I married Shinobu, I’d be able to lead such a peaceful life, and the thought of returning to living alone makes me sigh.

While it felt like just a place to sleep before, now that I’m accustomed to living with Shinobu. I think I wouldn’t be able to endure the dullness of living alone and would end up spending more time at the tavern.

“Tonight’s dinner is kakiage donburi. I think it’s the first time for you, Krish-san, but I hope you’ll like it.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

I’m aware that I’m enchanted by the home-cooked meals Shinobu prepares. It’s still a mystery how those small hands move so quickly to create delicious dishes.

He happily told me that his grandmother taught him how to cook. I had thought Shinobu seemed to have a weak relationship with his family, but realizing that he inherited not just cooking skills but also love from his grandmother gives me a sense of relief, knowing he’s not entirely alone. I want to thank that grandmother, whom I’ve never met, for teaching Shinobu how to cook.

Recently, having a drink with dinner has become a daily routine. Enjoying the aroma, I popped a boiled broad bean that Shinobu prepared into my mouth. Even though it was just boiled, its taste was far superior to what you find at taverns, likely due to its freshness and the sight of Shinobu smiling joyfully before me.

“I might be able to take a day off soon. When that day comes, I’ll help out with anything you need, so just let me know.”

“Okay, I’ll ask then.”

As I tilted my now half empty glass, I felt Shinobu’s gaze on my mouth. He’s an adult man now, and though he usually doesn’t drink, I thought I’d test his interest in alcohol by offering him a sip. He hesitantly took a sip.

“It’s really not sweet. It’s… somewhat strange.”

I was able to think about how cute his red tongue looked peeking out, but that was as far as my thoughts went. I never imagined Shinobu would be this weak to alcohol.

It wasn’t particularly strong, and it’s a drink popular with women you could find in any tavern, so I let my guard down.

After tasting it once, maybe reassured, he tilted the glass more and swallowed, his throat visibly moving.

“Hehe! Krish-san, the alcohol isn’t sweet, huh?”

“…Shinobu?”

“Yes?”

Shinobu’s smiling face was bright red. Though he didn’t seem unwell, his speech was a bit slurred. When I thought that maybe this wasn’t good, it was already too late.

“Alright then.”

Thinking he might have been called over, Shinobu stood up slowly and sat down facing me on my lap. He wrapped his arms around my neck to stabilize his swaying body, and his cute, relaxed smile was enough to make me lean back.

For me, who is infatuated with Shinobu, this felt like a real trial.

“Krish-san’s Adam’s apple is cool, isn’t it?”

“Shinobu, should we move a bit apart?”

I gently held his hand, which was poking at my Adam’s apple, and his smiling face crumpled into a sad expression.

“Is it not okay to touch you, Krish-san…?”

Dropping his shoulders, Shinobu climbed down from my lap and trudged towards the sofa, curling up there.

“Since I can’t touch Krish-san, I’ll turn into a pill bug.”

What should I do? I couldn’t predict his actions at all.

It’s not that I disliked being touched; I just thought I might misinterpret his innocent touches. I wondered if Shinobu might also have feelings for me.

The fact that his lips were in reach, having been touched many times while he was unconscious, didn’t help. With the rise in temperature, I felt the urge to touch those vividly colored lips.

“If you curl up like that, your arms and legs will fall asleep.”

There was quite a bit of space on the sofa where Shinobu was curled up. I sat beside him and gently stroked his lonely back. He moved slightly, looking up at me. I was startled to see his eyes wet, and I quickly scooped him up. I never intended to make him so sad he would cry.

“I’m sorry, Shinobu. My way of saying it was wrong. It’s not that I don’t want you to touch me.”

I placed him back on my lap. While facing each other again, he tilted his head and gripped the fabric of my shirt tightly.

“Can I touch you then?”

“Of course.”

“…Ehehe.”

Overwhelmed by how cute he was as he hugged me and rubbed his forehead against mine, I instinctively hugged him back. I wasn’t sure if this state of consciousness was acceptable, but this was the first time we had embraced while fully awake, aside from when we moved.

“I really like being held by you, Krish-san. It’s warm, and even if you let go, it’s fine. I feel like I can float away, and it makes me go ‘Waaa!’”

“I see.”

I didn’t quite understand, but he seemed to like it.

“When I was little, I envied my friends when their dads would carry them on their backs or shoulders, so I’m really happy.”

“Your dad… huh.”

I was once called “uncle” the second time I met Shinobu. If Shinobu looks like an adult, it’s natural for me to appear to be of the same generation as his father.

However, being seen as “like a dad” by someone I’m infatuated with is quite painful. I can barely suppress the bitterness rising in my throat.

Vulcus told me to make an effort to convey my feelings, but it seems I can’t become a romantic interest for Shinobu.

After thoroughly rubbing against me, Shinobu began to doze off. I stood up carefully so as not to wake him and carried him upstairs to the bedroom, but he didn’t let go of me.

Holding his warm body close, I let out a deep sigh.

“Like a dad, huh…”

It seems I was quite shocked. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep tonight.

The next morning, Shinobu didn’t remember his “dad” comment from the night before. When I asked if he said anything weird, it felt like digging into my own wounds, so I could only avert my gaze and say, “Nothing happened.”