Chapter 05
Meanwhile, Michael, who had been sitting with his back turned in protest, felt a moment of confusion at Cynthia’s words.
…He says I smell?
He timidly sniffed himself, then immediately wrinkled his nose.
Until a moment ago, he hadn’t noticed anything at all.
But after hearing her, it really did feel like his own body emitted a foul stench.
If one had to describe it, it was the smell of a wet rag left in a damp place for several days.
It was surprising that he hadn’t noticed it until now.
…I really do need a bath.
Michael cleared his throat softly and lifted his head.
The thought that he had been emitting such a horrible smell made his face burn.
As if reading his thoughts, Cynthia’s voice came from behind him.
“Now that you know, the choice is yours. Either put on the collar and go to the bathhouse to get cleaned, or stay there and continue stinking.”
I have to choose between the two?
Michael flicked his tail irritably.
Neither option was appealing, but if he had to choose, the first one was better.
After enduring a brief humiliation, he could remain clean for a while.
I don’t know when I’ll get another chance, so I might as well comply for now.
“……Grr.”
Michael reluctantly growled and turned his body back toward Cynthia.
When their eyes met, Cynthia smiled warmly and praised him.
“Good boy. You’re so obedient, aren’t you just adorable?”
The voice, as if soothing a puppy, made Michael unconsciously swallow a dry chuckle.
…Is she bold, or just naive about the world?
Most people would be afraid of him and keep their distance.
But Cynthia treated him not with fear, but with ease, almost like a neighborhood dog.
With courage like that, she’s braver than most knights.
Michael narrowed his eyes and studied her.
She was a type of human he had never encountered before.
Curiously, the sensation was more interesting than unpleasant.
“Wait a moment, Cici.”
Just as Cynthia stepped forward with the collar, a voice suddenly intervened.
…?
Michael furrowed his brows at the unexpected interruption.
Glancing to the side, he saw a man with bright red hair blocking Cynthia’s path.
…That must be Eren.
Michael glared at Eren with displeasure.
Light smiles, arrogant demeanor, and a flashy face.
He was the type of person Michael disliked most.
Judging by the way they call each other by name, he’s probably nobility too.
Since he was a veterinarian, he was likely a second son or lower, who wouldn’t inherit a title.
“It might be dangerous, so Cici, step back. I’ll put on the collar.”
Eren smiled at Cynthia and held out his hand.
Michael inwardly snorted.
So he’s risking himself for the princess. How touching their little friendship game is.
Of course, Michael had no intention of joining their “friendship play.”
If it were any ordinary person, maybe. But for a flashy-faced guy like him? No way.
As he watched Eren warily, Cynthia spoke again.
“…I understand your concern, but I can handle this myself.”
She nodded firmly toward Eren.
“Now, please step aside.”
Eren quietly moved back, realizing it was useless to argue.
Good.
Michael watched with satisfaction, but then paused.
…Wait. Why do I feel good about that?
Blinking in confusion, he shook his head.
He must have been dazed from the pain.
Just then, Cynthia was right in front of him.
“Now, it’s time to put on the collar.”
A few minutes later.
“There. All done.”
I stepped back, satisfied after successfully putting the collar on Michael.
Now, hopefully the effect will kick in.
The collar Michael wore was originally a magical tool used by monster hunters to transport large beasts.
According to the manual, the collar had a shrinking enchantment, reducing the wearer’s size to one-third immediately after wearing it.
It also had a strength-weakening spell, making it impossible to even kill a rabbit while wearing it.
When my father bought it, I thought it was useless. Who knew I’d actually use it?
I waited tensely for the collar’s magic to activate.
The manual said it could be used on any creature, but it wasn’t guaranteed.
A few seconds passed.
The jewel on the collar shimmered, and Michael’s body began shrinking rapidly.
Oh, it works!
I marveled as Michael, once the size of a carriage, became as small as a regular wolf.
“……!”
Startled by the sudden change, Michael opened his eyes wide, inspecting himself.
His drooping tail and ears betrayed his surprise.
“Don’t worry. The shrinking magic on the collar is temporary. Once the collar is removed, you’ll return to your original size.”
I explained briefly and checked him over.
Luckily, aside from being smaller, there were no unusual side effects.
The collar is on. Time to head to the bathhouse.
I retrieved the key I had brought and unlocked the cage. With a clatter, the door swung open.
“Come out.”
I stepped back slightly, signaling Michael to exit.
He reluctantly stepped out, eyeing the collar warily.
Once he was fully out, I approached with the leash.
Fortunately, he seemed to cooperate, staying still while I attached it.
…With this collar, he really looks like a dog.
After securing the leash, I stepped back to observe him.
If it weren’t for the occasional flash of fangs, he could easily be mistaken for a large dog.
“Let’s go take a bath.”
I tugged lightly on the leash, and Michael reluctantly stood.
I moved slowly to avoid stressing his wounds, heading toward the entrance.
Outside, a guard looked at Michael with surprise.
“…Where did you get that dog?”
“It’s not a dog, it’s a wolf.”
“Ah, a wolf… no, wait.”
The guard froze, realizing what I meant.
“You mean the wolf from the cage earlier?”
“Yes. He’s a little dirty, so we’ll give him a bath.”
I pointed to Michael’s collar.
“He won’t be dangerous while wearing this, so don’t worry.”
“Even so…”
The guard glanced between us, seemingly aware of the collar’s magic.
“If you’re worried, I’ll follow along.”
I shrugged.
“Fine. Then accompany us to the bathhouse.”
The guard agreed reluctantly.
I shrugged and continued toward the bathhouse.
“Welcome, Princess.”
At the bathhouse entrance, a servant bowed politely.
“Yes. The water?”
“It’s already prepared as you instructed.”
“Thank you. I’ll handle the rest, you and your colleagues may leave.”
“Understood.”
As soon as the command was given, the servants left.
I waited until the room was empty and quietly opened the bathhouse door.
Inside, it was spacious enough for Michael to move comfortably.
“Grr!”
Seeing the warm, steaming water, Michael wagged his tail happily.
Without encouragement, he seemed ready to jump in.
This is… kind of cute.
Just as I admired him wagging his tail, a familiar voice sounded behind me.
“Cici.”
“…What?”
I furrowed my brows and turned. Eren stood there, smiling.
“…Why did you follow us?”
He answered calmly.
“It’s my duty to monitor the patient until the very end.”
Right. He came as the veterinarian.
“I’ll bathe him, Cici. You just hold the leash.”
Eren rolled up his sleeves and entered the bathhouse.
“…You really don’t have to do that.”
I protested. Eren pointed to the guard with a glance.
“If you bathed the wolf yourself, His Excellency would be shocked. Right?”
True enough, I sighed.
“…Fine. I’ll hold the leash. You bathe him.”
“Good. Leave the rest to me.”
Eren smiled confidently, as if to say, trust me.
And ten minutes later…
I would come to regret trusting Eren immensely.
