Heart-warming Meals with Mother Fenrir - Chapter 26

The first trade of the Elise Trading Company departed this morning.

It seems Rudia is secretly accompanying the trade, leaving only Elise Rese, Cleana, and Croquette at home.

Feeling a bit lonely at night, when Rude tries to approach Elise Rese, she places her head on Cleana's lap and says, 'Sometimes you should lean on Croquette.'

Then, Rude shyly buries his face in Croquette's lap, seeking comfort.

He probably has many things on his mind, causing him some distress.

As Croquette strokes Rude's head, she purrs contentedly and he soon falls asleep.

Once Croquette has petted Rude's head until she is satisfied, she gently lifts him up, bows to Elise Rese and Cleana, and quietly takes Rude to the bedroom to lay him down.

Since Miles and the others are accompanying the trade as guards, Rude has been with them since this morning.

Feeling as if she’s been out with Rude since morning, Croquette's mood is exceptionally good.

Croquette helps out at Mikariel's inn every day as part of her routine.

She finds it incredibly enjoyable to see the Fenrir Pudding and Fenrir Ice selling like hotcakes.

These are the sweet and smooth cold desserts made by her beloved Rude, which have become a topic of conversation in Sea Wales.

By the time it reaches noon, it’s almost completely sold out because of its popularity.

Every day, they set aside four extra for Mikariel, her children, as well as one Croquette.

Once work settles down, she joins Mikariel and her children for a meal.

This was a source of joy for her every day.

As usual, a carriage pulls up beside them.

Stepping out of the carriage was Princess Realiere, dressed as a maid.

She wore beautiful earrings and a simple yet charming ring.

Just that made it obvious she was a princess, not a maid, which was quite endearing.

As usual, she walked straight to the dining hall, focused and with familiar steps.

She ordered her usual request: three servings each of Fenrir Pudding and Fenrir Ice.

With fluid movements, she finished it all in no time.

With elegant gestures (despite her maid’s attire), she wiped her mouth, paid, and left the dining hall gracefully.

Croquette's tail was wagging vigorously left and right.

In cats, such tail movement signifies irritation or anger.

Even cat children know this gesture; it happens involuntarily, against one’s will.

Thus, it is easy for cat people to discern each other's emotions.

Mikariel notices that Croquette is irritated.

She can't help but smile ruefully, grasping the reason without needing to ask, being a woman herself.

Croquette doesn't particularly like Princess Realiere.

While she doesn't hate her, she can only offer a forced smile in response to greetings.

The reason lies in the princess’s attitude toward Rude.

The princess tends to show her happiness with all her might.

She is such a huge fan that she consumes three servings each of Rude’s Fenrir Pudding and Fenrir Ice every day.

Despite being a princess, she doesn’t act arrogantly.

Croquette has asked her butler, Greud, who drives her every day, and learned that she pays for her meals with her allowance.

While these qualities make her likable, her subsequent behavior has not.

When she spots Rude, she literally expresses her joy with her entire being.

She embraces Rude and expresses her gratitude.

At that moment, Rude wears a wry smile, thinking 'it can't be helped,' and doesn’t try to escape.

This is likely due to his consideration, not wanting to offend a princess of this country.

However, when Croquette tries to hug him, he turns red and runs away.

Croquette thinks it's unfair that the princess can hug Rude for so long, while she can't.

Such thoughts occasionally cross her mind.

She wonders if comparing the princess to herself a village chief's daughter is misguided.

However, they are both women, after all.

She thinks that if the princess were a prince, she wouldn't feel this way.

The princess seems to have made it a habit to eat Rude's sweets at Mikariel's Inn almost daily.

There was a time when Fenrir Pudding and Fenrir Ice sold out at Mikariel's Inn while Rude was in Walgard.

During Rude's absence, she would come daily, knowing he wasn't there, only to leave with a disappointed expression.

Eventually, rumors spread about the princess wandering the town in a lifeless state, searching for Rude instead of taking her carriage home.

It might have become something close to an addiction.

Croquette knows this because she was there when sales resumed.

When Rude returned, allowing her to eat the desserts daily again, the princess regained her vitality.

Dressed as usual in her maid's attire, she ordered her usual three servings, paid with a smile, and got up from her seat.

As usual, she hugged Rude.

However, on that day, things were different.

"Rude, it was delicious. This is a token of my gratitude."

To everyone's surprise, the princess kissed Rude on the cheek.

Yet, Rude simply gave a wry smile as usual.

Croquette's tail fluffed up dramatically, standing on end as if ready to shed fur.

Though her face remained smiling, it was clear she was affected by the sight.

"Oh dear......"

Mikariel, watching, thought this might be a problem.

A cat's tail in this state indicates feelings of surprise, fear, or readiness to attack.

The calm expression indicates Croquette's kind-hearted personality.

However, there was no hiding her tail.

It was clear that she was furious.

Quickly suppressing her feelings, her puffed-up tail returned to normal but continued to twitch left and right.

It seemed her emotions weren't truly settled.

The princess boarded her carriage and waved goodbye to Rude from the window.

Rude responded to her wave with a friendly smile.

Once the princess was out of sight, Rude chuckled and said, 'This really is troublesome,' unaware of Croquette's feelings.

Croquette's tail tucked itself between her legs, almost caught in her skirt.

Such behavior showed she was feeling insecure or depressed.

Nevertheless, she kept a brave smile, replying, 'Indeed...'

She didn't want her beloved Rude to know how she felt.

That day, Croquette made a stop at the Elise Trading Company before heading home.

It seemed that Rude had gone to the woods for training.

Not sensing Rude's scent, she hugged Elise Rese tightly.

"Oh? What happened?"

Elise Rese was seated at her desk, working.

Croquette knelt on the floor, burying her face in Elise Rese's lap, resting against her stomach.

Elise Rese slowly ran her fingers through Croquette's hair, soothing her.

Then Croquette began to stifle her sobs, letting out quiet whimpers.

Her shoulders trembled as she cried, sounding incredibly pained.

Croquette’s silent sobs echoed from deep within her throat.

Elise Rese had only ever seen Croquette as bright and cheerful.

Croquette was always trying her best, occasionally offering a wry smile.

This was the first time Elise Rese had seen Croquette like this.

Cleana beside her couldn't hide her surprise.

Seeing Cleana's eyes, Elise Rese had a look that said, 'Let her cry in peace.'

Cleana knelt down and placed a hand on Croquette's back.

Though she wanted to embrace her, Elise Rese decided to let her be.

At this moment, there was nothing more she could offer.

Cleana had never seen Croquette like this before.

As a beastfolk, Croquette was a fully developed adult woman.

Yet here she was, crying like a young girl.

It was clear something serious must have happened.

Croquette was an expressive young woman, her emotions often in flux.

It was unimaginable to see such a girl stifling her cries in pain.

Elise Rese and Cleana could think of only one reason for this.

Naturally, it was about Rude.

After a while, Croquette had stopped crying.

She forced a smile, but her eyes were swollen and looked painful.

"Croquette, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine-nya. I showed a shameful side of myself-nya."

"It's fine. You’re like a daughter to me."

"Mother..."

"It’s too early for that."

She playfully tapped Croquettes head.

"That's true-nya. Lady Ferruida said the same. I have to wait until Rude grows up to call her that-nya."

"That’s right. At that time, you can call me that too."

"Yes, thank you-nya."

"But your eyes are so swollen; it’s about Rude-chan, right?"

"No, Rude is not to blame-nya. It’s just me needing to be patient-nya... I’ll go clear my head-nya."

Croquette stood up and turned on her heel, ran outside.

"That child is quite the worry."

"Yes, Rude can also be troublesome..."

　▼

In the evening, when Rude returned home, he noticed that the usual smell of food was absent.

In the living room, Rude spotted Elise Rese and Cleana seated, looking towards the storm shutters.

Rude moved closer, wondering what was going on.

Elise Rese noticed Rude’s presence.

Her eyes were filled with a seriousness Rude had never seen before.

Rude looked towards Cleana.

She, too, had a look of pity directed at Rude.

Even Rude felt compelled to ask if something was wrong.

"Femrude,"

This was strange.

Elise Rese spoke in a tone that was unusually deep.

She always referred to him as "Rude-chan."

"What’s the matter, Mama?"

"Come here and sit down."

"…… Okay."

Rude was nervous.

He felt as if she looked at him with pity in her stern gaze.

Following her instructions, Rude took a seat while Elise Rese closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

"…… Femrude."

"Yes."

"I didn’t raise you, so I can't be too harsh."

"Yes."

"However, this is truly pitiful. Are you really my Rude-chan?"

"…………"

"What's your reply?"

"Yes."

"You realize, don’t you? What’s wrong?"

"Yes......"

"Do you.... want to become an insensitive man like that 'pig'?"

Rude felt the weight of her words.

For the first time in his life, he was being scolded by Elise Rese.

Knowing this caused him to feel ashamed of himself.

"Absolutely not."

"Then, you should find this odd, right?"

"Yes. Croquette-oneechan isn't here."

"Exactly. The reason Croquette hasn’t come back is because of your behavior. Even though she’s family, she’s still a girl. Consider the reasons she is here and dedicates herself to you. Become a man who can understand women’s feelings better. Become a man who can be kinder to women. You won’t grow up by merely relying on others."

"Yes."

"Young master."

"Yes."

Sitting next to him, Cleana opened her mouth.

"If I may be so bold, I would like to say this: in everything I do, I prioritize Mistress Elise Rese who has helped me. But, Lady Croquette prioritizes the young master above all. She isn’t just with you because you have helped her. She is with you because she truly loves you. I love the young master too, but the meaning of 'love' for me and her is different. Please make an effort to understand her feelings. She loves the young master as a man, after all."

"The difference in the meaning of love... I never thought about it."

"That’s something to think about later. Now, Lady Croquette is waiting for you. Off you go."

"Yes. Mama, Cleana, I’m going to look for Croquette-oneechan."

"Yes. Hurry up. Make sure you find her."

"Yes."

Rude ran out of the house just like that.

"Did I say too much?"

"No, I don’t think so. I also apologize for overstepping."

"It’s alright. But honestly, he’s grown so big yet is still a child…"

Elise Rese scolded her son for the first time in his life.

It was very painful, but she believed it was necessary.

Cleana often did this when Elise Rese was feeling down.

She tenderly wrapped her arms around Elise Rese from behind.

It was a loyalty that never changed and a kindness like that of a sister.

Elise Rese gently placed her hand over Cleana's.

　▼

Rude left the house, searching for Croquette's scent.

There was no way he could forget; it was the same as back then.

Just as he had when Croquette was kidnapped, he began to search by following her scent.

Back then, he traced her scent from her belongings.

But now, there was no mistaking the scent of the girl who treated him kindly every day.

When he left the house, he noticed a variety of smells in Sea Wales.

It began with the scent of hot springs, followed by the salty breeze from the sea.

The differences in scents from humans here for tourism, those involved in trade, and beastfolk.

Of course, he could also distinguish the scents of Elise Rese and Cleana.

Amidst all those mixed scents, he could faintly recognize Croquette's scent carried by the sea breeze.

There was no doubt it was emanating from the coastal area.

That scent was not moving.

Rude made his way through the town to the shoreline.

In Sea Wales, summer beach activities are a major tourist draw besides the hot springs.

Thus, the sandy shore is kept beautifully, like a well-maintained beach.

Rude moved along the beach, guided by Croquette's scent.

Being summer, the beach was dotted with numerous barefoot footprints.

Among those footprints, he spotted one that felt out of place.

It was the footprint of the sandal-like shoes Croquette wore.

This footprint veered away from the beach’s shoreline, heading towards the windbreak.

The footprints made by people who are likely to be tourists gradually decreased as he followed.

Soon, only that sandal print continued towards the windbreak.

From that direction, he could smell the scent of Croquette, his beloved family member.

Without a doubt, she was there.

It was dark all around, illuminated only by the starlight.

It might be hard for human eyes to recognize, but Rude could see its shape clearly, if not distinctly.

Rude's precious family member.

She had a gorgeous coat of black fur, with ears and tail, face always adorned with a smile.

She was a gentle older sister with a delightful fragrance.

It was as if he were using night vision goggles; he could see her form clearly.

She was sitting on the sand, hugging her knees closely.

Did she notice Rude’s presence, or was it his scent that caught her attention?

She jolted slightly and turned to look at him.

It seemed catfolk could see in the dark, even with minimal light.

Her make-up free, older yet cute mouth opened to speak.

"…Unyaa. I've been found-nya."

"Croquette-oneechan."

"Nya ha ha ha. You can always find me, Rude-nya, just like when you helped me back then, by my scent alone-nya."

"Of course. I couldn’t possibly get it wrong."

Croquette’s eyes were no longer swollen.

Her eyes gazed up at Rude.

Her catfolk's long, slender pupils looked as if they were glowing faintly.

They were beautiful eyes.

Those eyes were focused solely on Rude.

"You know, Croquette-oneechan."

"What is it-nya?"

"I got scolded by Mama for the first time in my life."

"Unya, so you were scolded because of me-nya?"

"Yeah. When I got home, you weren’t there. Mama had a look I’d never seen before, so stern. I think she was angry because I was being pathetic. So, um, I’m sorry..."

Rude bowed his head sincerely.

Feeling embarrassed about having cried so much at the Elise Trading Company, she couldn't go home and was cooling her head, but she never expected Rude to come.

She was taken aback by Rude’s gesture of apologizing to her.

"N-No-nya! Rude hasn't done anything wrong-nya!"

"I think Mama was angry because I did something. But I don’t know what I did, so I thought I should ask you, Croquette-oneechan. Can I sit next to you?"

"Ah, yes-nya..."

Rude sat down next to Croquette, leaving a space for one person in-between them.

"So um, I guess I did something to you, Croquette-oneechan?"

Rude gazed directly into Croquette's eyes.

His worried expression was conveyed, but it pained Croquette.

Rude was pure, straightforward, and never lied.

Such pure emotions were quite painful for her.

"Rude hasn't done anything wrong-nya. It's not your fault, but maybe it could be-nya?"

"I don’t really understand..."

Rude had a very complicated expression on his face.

Croquette felt a little happy about that.

However, she understood that her feelings weren't communicated to Rude.

Rood was honestly a bit dense in that regard.

She thought he wouldn't notice unless she said it outright.

So she had to say it straightforwardly, without any subtleties.

Croquette looked up at the night sky and quietly began to speak.

"Um, for the first time in my life, I felt jealousy-nya."

"Jealousy?"

"You know, Rude, you run away when I try to embrace you, right?"

"…… yes."

"But when the princess hugged you, and even kissed you-nya, you didn't run away-nya..."

"Ah, yeah..."

"I don’t really like the princess-nya. She’s too clingy with you, Rude-nya. I was really frustrated today. But it seemed like Rude didn't mind since all you said was, 'That’s a bit troublesome, right?'"

Rude finally realized what he had done.

He felt it was good to have listened sincerely.

This also meant that Rude had been insensitive.

This must have been the reason why he was scolded by Elise Rese.

"You know, Croquette-oneechan..."

"Yes-nya."

"I must have made you misunderstand, I’m sorry... Princess, Realiere, is just a customer of mine."

"…… What-nya?"

"She’s a beautiful lady, but for me, she’s simply a regular who enjoys my Fenrir Pudding."

"……I don’t understand at all-nya?"

Literally, Croquette was confused about what he meant.

"Well, making and having people eat sweets is my job outside the house. It’s work, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about."

"……I still don’t understand-nya."

"Even while we’re outside like this, you’re my family, Croquette-oneechan, right?"

"Yes, indeed-nya."

"As family, it’s okay to express my embarrassment, you know..."

Even though it was dark, Croquette saw everything clearly.

Rude's face was bright red as he looked down.

At that moment, something finally clicked for Croquette.

Rude was fine with it since it was his job.

Even when hugged by Realiere, he never lost his smile, but he didn’t return the hug.

In contrast, he showed genuine reactions to Croquette.

Croquette felt her cheeks heating up too.

At that moment.

"Hmm, ... eek!"

Rude suddenly hugged her.

She couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

Rude’s hands were pressing firmly against Croquette's back.

The pleasant scent of Rude’s hair wafted to Croquette’s nose.

"I’m sorry for making you worry."

Croquette hugged Rude tightly.

"Unyaaa…"

She was filled with happiness.

It was the first time Rude had hugged her.

This was probably Rude’s clumsy way of expressing his feelings.

It conveyed the meaning, "You’re my precious family."

A sound that didn’t fit the mood reached their ears.

Croquette's stomach let out a growl.

"Oh."

"Unya!"

"…I think we’re both hungry."

"I’m feeling hungry now-nya."

"Shall we head home?"

"Yes-nya."

Rude's hand that had been on her back was now pulling away.

She felt a little disappointed.

At that moment, Rude stood up first and extended a hand.

"Here, Croquette-oneechan."

"Ah, thank you-nya..."

Rude gently pulled her up by the hand.

He continued to hold her hand while leading the way.

Their footprints lined up, leaving marks in the sand.

Rude's stomach also let out a growl.

"Ahaha. What a funny coincidence."

"Yes, it is-nya."

The two walked along the sandy beach illuminated by the stars.

Croquette's steps felt lighter than when she first arrived.

Her heart felt as light as if it had sprouted wings and was about to fly away.

When Croquette squeezed Rude hand, he squeezed it back.

That alone was enough for Croquette to feel content for now.

Chapter length 9476 characters.

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