Kays Translations

Chapter 71: Kuzuha

　The Demon King put his hand on his forehead and looked up at the sky, unable to keep up with the developments so far. Mari, the Nine-Tails, started to wander around, unable to understand.

They had underestimated Mia's love of fluff.

　Didn't the Nine-Tails say she acted alone?

Should they just give in and bring her along if she's fine with it?

"Enzo-san, if she wants to come with us of her own accord, is it alright to bring her along?"

"...It depends on the personality of that creature. However, the Nine-Tails is highly intelligent. If she can be properly trained and disciplined, it may be possible to take her along. But if any harm is caused, it will be your responsibility."

"I'm a good girl. I won't be a nuisance. I'm sure i'll be absolutely helpful, so you should take me with you."

...What's with this way of speaking?

"Mia, if a fox were to speak, what kind of tone do you think would suit it?"

"A fox... something alluring, perhaps... Just like that, the way she talks."

Indeed, it must be Mia's influence.

　I understand, but there's quite a contrast between her fox form and that way of speaking.

Oh, I just came up with a good idea.

"Can you transform into a human form? It would make it easier to bring you along."

"Oh of course! I'm skilled at transformation!"

As she said that, smoke enveloped her entire body.

Then, a girl appeared who looked about six years old, dressed as a shrine maiden.

She had golden hair and fair, translucent skin.

But why a shrine maiden? And why golden hair?

　Looking closely at Mari, her fur was a platinum white color.

I see, that's why she has golden hair...

"Mia, if a fox were to transform into a human, what kind of clothes do you think would suit her?"

"...A shrine maiden outfit would be lovely. Perhaps it's related to the connection with Inari-sama?"

No doubt about it. This is also Mia's influence.

I thought it was just the translation, but it seems to have various other effects.

Did Mia's imagination run wild along with her excitement?

"Takumi-chi, what do you think?"

"O-Oh. It's cute. But... what is this?"

I touched the thing that looked like bedhead on her head. It twitched, and the bedhead-like thing stood up. It was fox ears.

"Whoa! What are these, ears? Are these the so-called 'kemono ears'?"

"Oh no, oh no! What are you doing? I had managed to hide them so well."

"...And your tail is also showing."

"It's because Takumi-chi touched them. Even though it's strictly off-limits to touch... I'll get Mia-chi to scold you."

She seems angry, but she's cute. I'm concerned about Mia's cold stare, but this was an unavoidable accident.

I wonder if various things get released when she's agitated or excited?

"What are we going to do then? Are we taking her with us? Despite this appearance, she's strong. Don't forget that you have to hold the reins tightly, or it could turn into a disaster."

When I looked at Mia, the two of them were tightly holding hands and looking anxious.

　It seems there's no choice but to take her with us.

"Do you have a name? It's difficult to call her without a name. It'll be inconvenient for our future life, won't it?"

"Yay!"

The two of them hugged each other with smiles and jumped around.

Then, the shrine maiden girl jumped at me.

"Takumi, I love you! I don't have a name. Please give me a name."

"Hmm... Kyuu-chan. Something like 'Nine'... sounds too cliché. Mia-san, please help us."

The kemono ears drooped even more, so it seems my suggestion didn't go over well.

"Fufufufu. Actually, I had already decided on a name. How about Kuzuha? It's the name of a legendary fox."

The kemono ears stood up straight, and a broad smile appeared.

"All right! The name is decided as 'Kuzuha.' Nice to meet you, Kuzuha!"

　Phew... It’s strange though.

I don't know what's happening, but I can't help but think that Mia caused this.

Kuzuha is just too perfect, exactly like Mia imagined.

Could it be... the artifact she fed her wasn't actually an artifact, but just a regular snack?

Did she use the skill 'Deformation' on the Kyuubi during the brushing session?

But judging from Mia's attitude, it doesn't seem like she used it intentionally.

In that case, there's a high possibility that she unconsciously used it while being excited about the fluff. All the fantasies she had during the brushing session, like "I wish I could do this" or "I want to experience that," might have been poured into Kuzuha...

Well, I’ll stop thinking too deeply about it.

Kuzuha has become our companion. That's fine.

...I wanted to pretend I didn't ask, but just to be sure, I should confirm.

"Mia, what's the origin of Kuzuha's name? You said it's the name of a legendary fox."

"Have you heard of Abe no Seimei, the famous onmyoji? There's a legend that his mother was a fox. The name of that fox was 'Kuzunoha.' That’s where I got the name! ”

Guha... Abe no Seimei, such a powerful character!

　What kind of image does that mother have in Mia's mind? I wonder how Mia envisions his mother…

...If Kuzuha had been left here, the world might have been in danger.

The Demon King's gaze has been painfully sharp since earlier.

He doesn't say anything, but there's a face that seems to be thinking something.

Before various problems arise, let's quickly escape from this place.

"All right, let's go soon. Take care of yourself, Mari-san. We're off!"

I took Mia and Kuzuha's hands and hurriedly left from here.

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