Another World Fluffy Cafe

Chapter 24: Reunion with the Commander

“Whoa!”
“Wow, it’s fast!”

Snow, pulling the carriage, was faster than a horse. The Flower Bear had a gentle temperament but was strong and dependable. Excluding the fact that it was a magical beast, it was a reliable companion.

Taichi was seated in the driver’s seat, while Himeli sat in the cargo area with the other summoned beasts. Next to Taichi was Luke, and Halulu was in the cargo area. Cerberus was left at home, keeping watch.

“Hehe, I’m so glad to be useful!”
“I had no idea Snow was this amazing. Thank you!”
“I can help with this anytime.”

Taichi’s cheeks relaxed at Snow’s reassuring words. When the new fluffy café was completed, Snow would likely help with the moving tasks.

“Oh, Taichi! I think there’s a dragon somewhere beyond the mountain!”
“Wait! No way, we can’t! We’re heading to Koroguri Mountain, and we don’t have time to hunt for food!”

“………”

Upon hearing Taichi’s words, Luke gave him a sidelong glance.

(Wait, are there really that many dragons around!?)

Luke casually mentioned beyond the mountain, but he had no idea how far it actually was. If he accidentally agreed, they might end up taken far away. That wouldn’t be good.

“Then how about dragon jerky for a snack…?”
“Oh, we could probably go together tomorrow night!”

They had already finished off the dragon jerky, so they had none left on hand. Even though there had been a lot made from one dragon, Taichi wondered where it all went. Well, most of it had gone to Luke, but the other summoned beasts and Taichi had eaten quite a bit too.

At Taichi’s words, Luke puffed up his chest, saying, “I’ll accept that deal.”

(My sleep time…!)

Taichi sighed, feeling that he wouldn’t be able to rest for a while.

After being rocked by the carriage pulled by Snow for a few hours, they finally arrived at Koroguri Mountain.

“It wasn’t that far, but it feels nostalgic, kyuu.”
“There are lots of Halulu’s friends here, right?”
“Kyuu.”

Taichi and the others watched from a distance as Halulu and Snow gazed at Koroguri Mountain with a sense of nostalgia.

“I don’t know what they’re talking about, but it seems they’re reminiscing about the mountain,” Taichi remarked.

“That’s nice,” Himeli smiled.

“Yeah. While Halulu and Snow take their time, let’s find a suitable acorn tree.”
“Right. But if it’s too big, it would be hard to carry back. I hope we find some smaller ones that haven’t fully grown…”

However, they needed the trees to bear acorns, which made it difficult. The trees around them were all tall, making it a challenge to bring any back.

“Ugh. If only there was a tree about my height…”

It seemed that things weren’t going to be that convenient. As Taichi looked around, the Commander popped his head out, asking, “What are you doing, kyuu?”

“Long time no see, Commander! I’m so glad to see you. We came here today to plant an acorn tree in the café’s garden.”

After explaining the situation, the Commander nodded.

“I see, kyuu. Indeed, we Koroguris have a habit of returning half-eaten acorns to the soil. It makes us feel at home, kyuu.”

So, the Commander said planting acorn trees was a great idea.

“There’s a small tree a little further up the river from here, kyuu!”
“Oh, thank you for telling me!”
“That’s no trouble at all, kyuu!”

With a proud look, the Commander puffed out his chest and wagged his tail, indicating that he would lead the way.

“Everyone, the Commander will guide us to a good acorn tree!”
“As expected of the Koroguri Commander, you’re reliable!”
“Thank you, kyuu!”
“Leave the carrying to me!”
“Then let’s hurry up and go!”

With that, they all followed the Commander along the animal trail.

(This is going to be quite… difficult…)

When they had been able to investigate previously, the Greeds had led the way, making it easier to walk. But now, no one was helping to even the path. Gradually, Taichi found himself out of breath.

“Ha… Is the river still far?”
“Hmm, we’re about halfway there, kyuu.”
“Yikes.”

He thought they were almost there, but that was far from the truth.

(But if Himeli, who’s younger than me, is doing her best…!!)

He couldn’t afford to look uncool. He tried his best to keep walking, but Luke came up next to him, lifted him, and plopped him onto his fluffy back.

(This is heaven…)

Luke’s fluffiness seeped into Taichi’s tired body.

“Seriously, how lazy can you be!”
“No, I could walk…! Thank you, though!!”

Luke ignored Taichi’s protest and began walking briskly. They were moving at least double the pace from before.

“Hey, Luke, slow down! More slowly, please!”

Otherwise, Himeli wouldn’t be able to keep up. Taichi worried about that, but when he looked at Himeli, she was following along easily with a cool expression. It seemed she still had plenty of stamina.

(Himeli’s amazing…)

Though she was working part-time at the fluffy café, he often forgot she was an adventurer. She must have run along trails like this and fought magical beasts.

“Ugh, I’m sorry for walking so slowly…”

As Taichi mumbled apologetically, Himeli, who had been walking behind, came up beside him.

“Hehe, it’s okay! I’m used to being in the mountains, so it’s no problem for me. You’re doing great at managing the café, so it’s just a matter of suitability!”

Himeli’s warm words made him feel that he had many strengths beyond his stamina. Was she an angel?

“Only you would say something like that, Himeli. Thank you.”
“You’re exaggerating! …Oh, look, I can see the river!”

At Himeli’s words, Taichi looked around and heard the sound of flowing water ahead.

They were almost at the acorn tree they were aiming for.