Another World Fluffy Cafe

Chapter 19: A New Companion!

After finishing their meal and settling down, Taichi brought up the topic he wanted to discuss.

“Actually, there’s talk in town about how the Flowerbear coming down from the mountain might be dangerous… That’s why we came here.”

‘From the town…’

Upon hearing the explanation, the Flowerbear immediately apologized.

‘I didn’t intend to attack anyone.’

“Yeah, I understood that when I met you. I’ll make sure to tell the guild that.”

‘Thank you very much.’

The Flowerbear sighed in relief, clearly feeling reassured. Then, looking at Taichi, Luke, and Cerberus, the Flowerbear made a request.

‘Could you make Koroglis your familiar, big brother?’

‘Kyuu!?’

“Huh?”

The one most surprised by the Flowerbear’s words was Koroglis.

‘Why kyuu? Is it because I’m weak and can’t stay with you kyuu…?’

Tears welled up in Koroglis’ eyes as she looked at the Flowerbear. The Flowerbear hurriedly shook its head.

‘No, that’s not it! I’m still just a kid, and while this year was fine… I have to hibernate in winter, and I might not be able to protect you. That’s why I want you to be in a safe place.’

‘Kyuu…’

The Flowerbear likely thought that if Taichi, who had tamed a Fenrir and Cerberus, took care of Koroglis, it would be safe. On top of that, with delicious food and healing magic, Taichi had a kind and gentle personality.

However, Koroglis shook her head vigorously.

‘I don’t want that kyuu! My only friend is the Flowerbear kyuu!’

She clung tightly to the Flowerbear, hugging it as if she would never let go.

(There’s no way I can separate two creatures that care so much for each other.)

Though Taichi would be happy if Koroglis became his familiar, the priority should be the Flowerbear’s feelings.

(But still, I’d like to find a solution or something…)

The Flowerbear had a point—Koroglis was small. And considering what the boss had said about Koroglis being weak, her combat abilities were likely below average. It was understandable that the Flowerbear was worried about her safety in its absence.

(Mountains with monsters are definitely a concern…)

But it would also be difficult for Taichi and his group to regularly come to Korogri Mountain to protect her. It might be simpler to create an environment where the Flowerbear and Koroglis could be together, perhaps by providing them with food.

Now, what should he do?

‘Then why not tame both of them?’

‘That way, there’d be no problem at all!’

‘Adding more companions is always a good thing!’

“Huh… would that really be okay?”

Just as Taichi was seriously mulling it over, Cerberus’ suggestion quickly solved the dilemma.

(Wait, wait, wait!)

Of course, if he could take both of them with him, that would be fantastic! He’d be happy to welcome them! But surely the Flowerbear had its life in the mountains to consider… Yet when Taichi glanced at the Flowerbear, its flower-tipped tail was wagging excitedly. It seemed very happy at the idea of being tamed.

“Uh… Flowerbear, Koroglis, do you want to come with us?”

Although his guild rank hadn’t gone up yet and space might be tight, it would surely be fun to live with the two of them.

(Also, maybe it’s selfish of me, but I can’t just leave them behind…)

As Taichi reached out to them, the two slowly approached him.

‘Are you sure we can come with you, big brother?’

‘Can I stay with the Flowerbear kyuu?’

“Of course. If you’re okay with it, why don’t you come along? We’ve got lots of other companions at home, too.”

When Taichi smiled and made the offer, the two jumped with joy.

‘Please take care of us!’

‘I’m so happy I can stay with the Flowerbear kyuu!’

“Alright then, Flowerbear and Koroglis—【Taming】!”

When Taichi used his skill, light enveloped the two of them, and the taming was a success.

“Your names will be… how about Snow for the Flowerbear, and Haruru for Koroglis? What do you think?”

‘Snow! Thank you for the name, big brother!’

‘Haruru is so cute kyuu~!’

It seemed both of them were pleased with their new names.

Naming always made Taichi nervous. If they didn’t like it or thought it was weird, he’d feel pressured.

(Especially since they can talk…)

Luckily, there were no complaints.

‘Alright, let’s head back.’

‘Yes, let’s!’

Luke’s voice was met with an energetic response from Cerberus, though Taichi noticed that Daisho looked a bit downcast.

“What’s wrong, Daisho?”

‘Taichi…’

“Yeah?”

Seeing Daisho hesitating, Taichi tilted his head in confusion. It looked like Daisho had something to say but found it hard to express.

“Oh, are you not getting along with Haruru or something?”

‘Well… I can’t completely say no to that, but that’s not it.’

Taking a deep breath, Daisho looked at Taichi with serious eyes.

‘I… I want to stay in the mountains and take care of everyone kyuu!’

“—! Oh, right, you’re the leader of this mountain.”

Taichi recalled how the other Koroglis looked up to Daisho. He must be a pillar of support for them.

(It wasn’t right of me to just try to tame him…)

Daisho’s body trembled slightly, showing how much courage it took for him to speak up.

“Thank you for telling me, Daisho. I’ll respect your decision.”

‘Taichi…’

Daisho’s eyes glistened with emotion. While Daisho loved Taichi, he also cared deeply for the other Koroglis on Korogri Mountain.

Having to choose between the two was tough.

‘Thank you, Taichi! I’ll stay here on Korogri Mountain and protect my friends kyuu!’

“You’re so cool! I know you can do it, Daisho.”

‘Of course kyuu!’

With that, Taichi and Daisho bumped fists in a sign of mutual respect and encouragement.

“Alright then… Just to clarify before we go: you’re going to stay on the mountain while remaining my familiar, right?”

‘Are you really okay with keeping me as your familiar kyuu?’

“Of course. As long as you’re okay with it…”

Taichi had no issues with keeping Daisho as his familiar. In fact, there were skills he could only use with his tamed companions, so it was better this way.

‘I’m so happy kyuu! I want to stay your familiar forever kyuu~!’

Daisho, overcome with emotion, clung tightly to Taichi’s leg, repeatedly expressing his love with a teary, heartfelt ‘I love you kyuu!’