After returning from the Land of Harmony, I had a good night’s sleep for the first time in a long time. It seemed that the same was true for Kagali-san, who slept even more than I did.
Perhaps, like Sakura, she had not been sleeping much since she learned that the Orochi’s resurrection was near. And she was alone, guarding a place where the Orochi could revive at any moment. Perhaps she was more nervous and tired than I thought she would be.
I got up from the futon when the sun was just above the horizon. Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear were sleeping comfortably on the bed. As I was getting up, Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear tried to do the same.
“You can go back to sleep if you’re still sleepy.” (Yuna)
When I called out to them, Swaying Bear and Hugging got up. Apparently, they want to follow me.
Then I checked on Kagali-san, who was sleeping in the next room, and she was still asleep. I felt sorry to wake her up, so I ate a late breakfast/early lunch by myself. I gave Swaying Bear and Hugging bread with lots of honey on it.
Having finished eating, I retrieved the bear gate in the elven forest. I thought about calling Ruimin, but she might be exhausted from using excessive magic, too. I’ll come back next time.
“Ugh, I’m starving.” (Kagali)
When I returned after retrieving the bear gate, Kagali-san, dressed in an oversized kimono, came into the room, dragging the hem. Do I need to get some clothes for her later?
Do I have to go out and buy some? Or should I contact Sakura and ask her to prepare clothes for her in the Land of Harmony?
I had asked Jeremo in the town of Mereera before to buy some kimono from the Land of Harmony before, but they didn’t have any Kagali-san’s current size.
Kagali-san sat in a chair, not seeming to mind her oversized clothes.
“Are you fine with bread, or you want rice?” (Yuna)
“Inari. (お稲荷)” (Kagali)
“I don’t have it.” (Yuna)
“You’re not well prepared.” (Kagali)
“Do you want to leave? I’ll open the door.” (Yuna)
“I’m sorry. I’m just kidding. I’d like to eat rice if possible.” (Kagali)
I took out the rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and pickles from the bear box.
“Oh, that’s quick.” (Kagali)
Kagali-san ate the breakfast (lunch) laid out on the table.
“The rice is delicious, and so is the miso soup.” (Kagali)
“I’m glad you liked it.” (Yuna)
I’m not copying Kagali-san, or anything. But, maybe next time I can make Inari and give it to Fina and the others.
“Kagali-san.” (Yuna)
“What?” (Kagali)
“When will you return to your original form?” (Yuna)
“I don’t know. Maybe today, tomorrow, a year, or a hundred years?” (Kagali)
“Is that so?” (Yuna)
“I used up all my strength. It placed a great toll on my body. So I don’t know when I’ll be able to return to my normal form.” (Kagali)
It seems that the burden on her body was greater than I thought.
“But why are you asking that? Could it be you’re trying to get rid of me?” (Kagali)
“Well, there’s also that. But the clothes you’re wearing right now are too big. Isn’t it difficult to move?” (Yuna)
“It’s certainly hard to move, but if I’m riding on top of Swaying Bear, there’s no problem.” (Kagali)
`Ku~u ~ n’
Swaying Bear cub, who’s sleeping on the couch, made a cry of denial.
“What’s that, Swaying Bear’s cub? It’s small and cute. Though not as cute as the fox.” (Kagali)
`Ku~u ~ n’
Again, Swaying Bear voiced his denial.
“That’s not Swaying Bear’s cub. That’s Swaying Bear himself.” (Yuna)
“What are you talking about? Isn’t Swaying Bear a big bear?” (Kagali)
“He can get smaller, just like Kagali-san.” (Yuna)
What do you mean? You’re saying this little bear is that big bear?” (Kagali)
“My bears are special.” (Yuna)
“But if they can turn big, there’s no problem. When I need to move, I’ll just have to ride on the back of Swaying Bear.” (Kagali)
“In Kagali-san’s country, are bears allowed to walk through the streets?” (Yuna)
In Crimonia, Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear were gradually becoming known, so it’s okay. But in other cities, it’ll be impossible because they’ll freak out if they see a big bear approaching.
“No, it’s not.” (Kagali)
“Then I reject the idea of riding on Swaying Bear around town. I’m going to ask Sakura for some clothes, or do you prefer to wear something from here?” (Yuna)
“Are you telling me, a fox, to wear bear clothes?” (Kagali)