Published at 31st of August 2019 11:50 am

Volume 7, Chapter 03: Pampered Puppy

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

The sensation of round breasts pressing against the back of my head. A sweet fragrance tickling my nasal cavities. Long, red hair hanging over my shoulder.

“Hey, Shinobu, what’s that?”

Sticking close to me and resting her chin on my head, Machina peered at my hands.

…Earlier she had docilely played with the portable game console on my bed, but in this situation now I couldn’t concentrate at all.

Leaking a sigh in my heart, I hid my agitation and answered her question.

“It’s a report Sougo-san wrote for me.”

“…If I remember right, Sougo-san was Hijiri’s father that was on bad terms with Elni?”

“Yeah, unlike my random gramps and dad, he’s a serious person.”

While feeling the indescribable elasticity of her voluminous breasts, I continued further, not paying all too much mind to it.

“You remember that Kaorun came over yesterday, played a game with Nazuna, sexual harassed Luna, took a nap in my bed and then peacefully went home, right? She gave me this report at that time.”

During summer vacation, Sougo-san apparently couldn’t clear his schedule at all and thus couldn’t give me any exorcist training. So instead, he wrote a summarizing report about the exorcists spells and devils, mailing it here from his job.

When I told Machina that, she made an agreeable “Mhm” response while resting her chin on my shoulder this time. And pressing her soft breasts against my body, she once more looked down on the report.

…I was repeating myself, but I couldn’t concentrate in this situation at all.

“Uhm, Machina-san? As you can see, I’m studying.”

“So what, I’m not really bothering you, so it’s fine.”

Replying with an intimation of sulking, Machina clung to me even stronger.

Could it be she was bored? Or did she just want attention? Either way, it didn’t look like I couldn’t ignore it. I should put my studying on hold and play with her.

When such thoughts crossed my mind, the ring tone of my cell phone suddenly sounded. …Such bad timing, who was it? When I got away from Machina and took the cell phone in my hand, it was a call from my classmate and friend, the pervert Asada Kouta.

“Hello? Here’s the elegant English Gentleman, but which pervert am I speaking with?”

“Hello, I’m the fairy-like pervert that lives in the Asada valley in Midoriyama. I called today to hear the voice of my beloved darling. I wuv you, Darling.”

“…Drop dead. I’m busy right now. I’m hanging up if nothing is up.”

“Aww, you’re so cold, Darling. But, that’s what I love about you <3” “That’s what I love about myself as well.” “…You’re so screwed up that it’s cool.” Returning to his self and retorting, Asada cleared his throat with a cough, changing his tone into a serious one. “Hey Nanjou, sorry that it’s so sudden, but I have a favour to ask.” “A favour? I don’t know Machina’s three sizes, you know? Ask someone else.” “No problem, I already know them. From top, 92 - 59 - 88, F-cup. It’s saved in the gentleman folder in my brain. If you want, I can tell you the three-sizes of all females at our school, regardless of class, year, student or teacher…. What do you say?” “Nope. If I really want to know them, I’ll ask the person in question myself. That’s how a gentleman rolls.” It wasn’t like I had no interest, but Machina looked a bit doubtful with “…What are you talking about?”. I should better get back on topic. “So, Asada, what’s that favour about?” “Yeah, actually, I want you to look after our pet dog.” “…I don’t want to look after you.” “I’m not a dog! Though I do want to become the dog of a pretty miss! But that’s not what I meant!” Then what did he mean? I had visited the Asada Household a few times to hang out, but I didn’t see them keeping a dog. I was doubtful, whereupon Asada made a sigh and explained. “Remember that day where there was that huge storm? At that time, I found an abandoned dog.” “…And you, picked it up?” “What else could I have done. It was still a puppy, I couldn’t leave it alone. I wanted to search for someone to take it in, but my mother and sister became rather attached to it, so in the end, we kept it.” According to Asada, his mother and sister were smitten by the puppy. However, the Asada family had plans to go on a family vacation during summer vacation and they couldn’t take the puppy with them. Therefore he wanted that I looked after the puppy while they are on the trip. Once I heard all the circumstances, I suddenly asked curious. “Hey Asada, I get you, but when are you leaving for that trip?” “To.mor.row<3” “…Sorry but there’s no tomorrow for you. Farewell.” “Noooo! Wait a sec! Don’t turn me down! Even I know it’s sudden! Actually our neighbours were supposed to look after the puppy, but…” “But what? They made a run for it?” “No, idiot! Don’t say something so sinister! They’re all down with a cold!” Oho, so that was why he called me today. I comprehended in my heart, whereupon Asada raised the volume of his voice with “Therefore”. “I only have you, Nanjou! Please! Just for a little while! Look after our dog! I’ll give you my treasure books if you accept! Like the one with the blondie or the blondie or the blondie or some that I don’t need…” “…Don’t limit my tastes to blondies! And don’t push your unwanted erotic books on me either! Even without these, I’ll look after your dog.” “Eh? Really? You sure?” Even though I gave him the okay, Asada leaked a perplexed voice for some reason. “Ehm, don’t you have to consider things as well? After all it’s really sudden, shouldn’t you ask your folks about it?” “None of your concern. The great me allowed it. Don’t waste your time on unnecessary worry and just think about flirting with your beloved sister on your trip!” “…Tsundere sure a nice.” “Huuh? You said something?” “No, nothing.” While saying so, Asada snickered and continued with a soft tone. “Thanks, really. You’re a great help, Nanjou. I’ll come over tomorrow morning, so until then.” “Yeah, if you actually live to see a tomorrow that is.” Getting a bit bashful, I said something suited and hung up. There Machina tilted her head and came closer. “Shinobu, it seemed like a fun conversation, but who was it?” “The pervert.” “Wh- Which one? Kaoru? Or Asada?” M- Mhm~ That reply was unexpected. Kaorun shouldn’t be grouped together with Asada. I felt a bit sorry for her. Feeling a bit sympathetic for Kaorun, I answered to Machina’s question. “The call was from the true pervert. Seems he started keeping a dog recently and we’re going to look after it while he’s on a trip. I’ll tell the others about it when mom comes home… But you don’t mind, Machina? You don’t hate dogs or anything?” “No. I’m completely fine with them. Anyway, when’s the dog coming? What’s it’s name? What breed? Is it small? Average? Or big? And is it true that dogs get angry when you touch their tails?” Readily leaning over her body, Machina bombed me with questions. …If she were a dog, I would totally touch her tail now. With that impression, I called Asada, so that I could answer her questions. I asked for the gender, breed and name of the dog…. * * * The usual dinner time. Luna, Elni and Nazuna happily chit-chatted. While giving the slightly restless Machina a side-glance, I waited for the right opportunity to call out to my mother. “Hey Mom, my friend from school asked a favour of me…” “Eh? What? You had a friend?” “Surprised, huh?” I replied to my mother, who had rudely widened her eyes, with a composed smile. “It might not look like it, but I have friends, like a Pervert, a perverted Maid, a sullen perverted black-haired cool beauty, a F-cup erotic girl or other strange fellows.” “…I’m quite worried about your social intercourse, but what did that friend ask you of? I don’t want any favours like your dad’s, who brought a suspicious foreigner over with the words ‘Hide him for a while’. It’s too much of a pain…” “Well, I’m more worried about dad’s social intercourse. This isn’t such a heavy favour. From tomorrow on he just wants me to look after his dog for a while… is that okay?” “Of course it is.” Regardless of the suddenness of the topic, my mother smiling gave the okay without hesitation. Well, in a way, I already predicted this outcome. Surprisingly enough, my mother loved animals. When I picked up a kitten in the past, she also allowed me to keep it without any opposition. That cat was now away with dad on his business trip, but I wondered if it was doing well. Divagating into thoughts about our cat, I cheeked upon the reactions of the others. Upon that, no one seemed to be opposed to it. The girls were all smiling and specially Nazuna had sparkles in her eyes while she raised her hand full of energy. “Brother, Brother, can I touch the puppy’s nose when it’s here?” “…If he allows it.” However, why did she want to touch it’s nose? I tilted my head doubtful, whereupon Elni remembering said “Reminds me”. “I heard that a dog’s nose is quite wet and when it becomes dry, the dog has a cold.” “Hee, is that so.” Giving an agreeable response, I softly touched Elni’s well-shaped nose tip. “….Mhm, it’s dry. Elni, you have a cold?” “Ohh, no wonder that your face looks so weird then, Shinobu.” “Now you have said it.” While replying so, I lightly poked Elni’s nose. There Nazuna frowned lightly and gave a light warning. “Geez, Brother, that’s rude. Even El-chan will get angry if you treat her like an animal. Right, El-chan?” “…Eh? Ah, yeah. E- Even I’ll get angry! Bark, Bark!” Most likely she herself wasn’t bothered at all by it. Elni started to howl at me with a kind of forced expression. …Kind of cute. Inadvertently forming a smile, I petted Elni’s head and at the same time asked as a joke. “By the way, Elni, you’re technically handled as the Mad Dog here, but do you think you can get along with the dog?” “Tomorrow will be--- war!” “…El-chan is all pumped up for a fight.” Elni replied to Nazuna, who made a slightly worried expression, with a big nod. “Mad Dog vs. Puppy, an all-out war. A raid. Survival of the fittest! Graaar!” For some reason Elni started to threat. Watching over her, I asked wearily. “…Actually, do you have any chance of winning?” “None! Not the slightest! I don’t feel like I can win!” Elni grandly declared the pathetic. “Such a disgrace for the name of Mad Dog…” But well, Elni should be fine with the dog. I was also glad that I got my mother’s permission. I made a sigh of relief and called out to Luna as well, just in case. “Luna, are you fine with it? I remember that you were half in tears when the dog from Satou-san chased you some while ago.” “I, I was just surprised because it suddenly jumped at me. I am fine now.” Faintly flushing her cheeks, Luna threw out her big chest with confidence. “I get along quite well with Satou-san’s doggy now. I believe Tomoe-san advice about being stern with it helped. Lately, when it sees me, it shows it’s stomach right away.” …If I remembered correctly, dogs showed their stomach to show obedience or playfulness. However, that wild dog did it for Luna? It didn’t even do that for it’s owner. Just what did Luna do? Quite curious, I send my mother a glance. “….Luna-chan is surprisingly suited as a domina…” Okay, I was a bit scared, so I better didn’t ask. I closed my mouth and resumed my dinner. Incidentally, Machina used the computer after dinner to watch pictures of dogs on the internet for a long time with a smile, as she was really excited about the dog’s arrival… * * * The next day. Like he said on the phone yesterday, Asada came over in the morning. Reminded me, before the girls came here, Asada had visited to hang out a few times. Reminiscing over the past, I opened the front door after the chime rang, whereupon my vision fell onto a guy with a handsome face that hugged a puppy to his chest and was shouldering a big luggage over both his shoulders. It was the guy, who would be popular if he didn’t say anything, Asada Kouta. For starters, I let Asada into the house and shifted my gaze to the puppy. If I remembered correctly, it was a female with the name Momo. A small body, white fur with brown spots and adorable round eyes. Asada had told me over the phone yesterday that she was a crossbreed and apparently she was quite affectionate. When I reached out my hand, the puppy--- Momo wagged her tail and licked my finger. …What a cutie-pie. I felt my cheeks forming a smile, whereupon Asada placed the luggage onto the floor while opening his mouth. “Nanjou, this is the dog toilet. Then there is Momo’s food and some snacks. Also, her favourite toys. A manual for a troubled pet owner and…” Asada continued his listing with a serious expression, but suddenly closed his mouth and hugged onto Momo while trembling a bit. With tears in his eyes he shouted. “I’m worried after all, so I’m not going on the trip! I’ll live her together with Momo!” “I’m afraid, we don’t allow Perverts in our house. Hurry up and go on your trip. Otherwise I’ll scatter salt over your stupid face.” “No! Stop! If you do that, I’ll melt!” “…Are you a slug or what?” Retorting wearily, I pushed on Asada’s back. However, Asada was sick for worry about Momo. “Nanjou, don’t forget to feed her. Don’t forget to praise her as well when she’s behaving well. Also, when she’s barking sadly, call me. I’ll sing her a lullaby over the phone…” Displaying a perfect idiotic parent play like that, Asada left with a regretful expression. On the other hand, Momo was watching the front door, in spite of Asada having gone outside already. There I petted Momo’s head lightly, then called out to her softly. “Asada will be back soon. Come here.” I beckoned her lightly, whereupon Momo trotted over to me, albeit looking a bit worried. …Cats were like that as well, but dogs sure showed a lot of expressions. Actually, when you kept a pet, you just end up talking to dogs or cats on reflex. Such thoughts crossed my mind. “Oh, a dog!” A lively voice from above my head. When I faced it, there was Elni coming down the stairs with sparkles in her eyes. Showing a smile, she approached us and started to gently pet Momo’s head. “Ohh, her fur is so tufty!” Saying so, Elni then hugged Momo to her chest and spoke to her with “Woof, woof”. Upon that, Momo gave a small bark in return and Elni nodded understanding to it. It really looked like they were having a conversation. That made me smile a bit and I called out to Elni. “Hey Elni, what did she say?” “Yeah, she introduces herself to me with ’I’m Momo’. And she asked ’Where did Kouta-chan go?’.” “I see. Tell her that Kouta went on a trip… wait, hold it. I haven’t told you the dog’s name yet? How did you know it?” “Mh? I just said that Momo told me it.” “No, no. Momo told you? …You can understand a dog?” When I asked certainly surprised, Elni triumphantly puffed up her chest. “I’m a Goddess after all! Of course I can talk with animals! A dog once shared his food with me when I was hungry in the past!” “…You sure are going through a lot of troubles, even though you’re a Goddess.” Still, talking with animals, huh. It didn’t seem like Elni was lying or joking… She unexpectedly might be amazing after all. When I stared at her face, Elni tilted her head a bit. “What’s up, Shinobu? Something on my face?” “Yeah, eyes, ears and a mouth.” “…Technically I got a nose too.” “Ohh, it was so flat that I overlooked it. Sorry.” As a matter of fact, Elni’s nose wasn’t really flat. But, for some reason I lightly poked on Elni’s nose teasingly. Instantly, “Graaar!” As I made her angry, Elni bit onto my hand. However, it was just as hard as play-biting and didn’t hurt at all. For now, I apologized to Elni once more and shifted my gaze to Momo. With “That aside”, I changed the topic. “Where’s Machina?” Yesterday she looked like she could hardly wait for the dog’s arrival, but I yet had to see her this morning. When I asked a bit curious, Elni showed a wry smile and replied. “I think she’s still sleeping in her room. She really looked forward to the dog. It seems she had trouble falling asleep last night from the excitement.” “…She behaves like a kid on the weirdest things.” Hooked on by Elni, I also gave a wry smile and when you speak of the devil, she shows up. This time Machina came down the stairs. Machina rubbed her eyes drowsy. “Morning…” There she gave us a low-spirited morning greeting. Then she was about to head for the living room, but as soon as she noticed Momo, her sleepiness was blown away and she stopped with sparkles in her eyes. “O- Oh, it’s already here.” Happiness was mixed into her short sentence and my heart involuntarily skipped a beat on Machina’s smile. But I hid that fact and called out to Machina while petting Momo’s head. “She’s quite affectionate. Do you want to touch her as well, Machina?” “Yes, I would like to pet her head.” Nodding honestly on a rare occasion, Machina squatted down. Following, she reached out her hand for Momo and started to pet her head, but Momo quickly got away from Machina’s hand. “Grr.” Without changing her expression, she bit onto the hand. “…Oh my? You were so happy that you bit me? Geez, you’re so helpless--- wait, it actually hurts! Why do you bite me!? Stop it!” When Machina shouted hastily, Momo quickly got away from her and pampered snuggled up to Elni. “Ehm, Elni, why did Momo bite Machina?” I was perplexed at this unexpected turn of events, whereupon Elni started to talk with Momo again and then faced Machina with the same perplexed look as me. “Somehow, she wants you to stop, since it messes up her hairstyle.” No, but it didn’t bother her when I petted her. I retorted with that in my heart. “…I see. My way of petting was wrong. I’ll pay attention to that.” Surprisingly enough, Machina reflected on her action. Reaching out her hand for Momo once more, she petted her much more gentle than before. However, the result didn’t change at all. “Grr, Grr.” Momo bit on Machina’s hand, then faced Elni again while wagging her tail. While Machina was perfectly petrified, Elni talked to Momo in dog language, then said unfortunate. “…Momo said she hates Tsundere.” “Wh- What the!” As that really offended her, Machina stood up with attitude. “Fine! I also hate such a selfish dog! Nazuna or Elni are way cuter! Hmpf!” Facing sideways along with her words, Machina left with swift steps. Yeah, speaking sharply with teary eyes wasn’t convincing at all. Besides, Machina’s back looked really sad. For some reason, even I got sad. “…For all that, she was so excited.” Making a small sigh, I turned my gaze back to Momo. There Momo approached me while happily wagging her tail, but… she was quite picky, wasn’t she? What if she bit Luna and the others as well? Getting a bit worried, I took Momo and moved to the living room together with Elni… * * * In the end, my worry was unwarranted. For some reason Momo only hated Machina and got along well with Luna and the others. Even know she was happily playing with Luna and Nazuna in the living room. I joined them and tried to give her the orders “Sit” and “Paw”, whereupon Momo perfectly responded to it without confusion. Upon that, Luna smiled and petted Momo’s head praising. “You are so smart, Momo-chan.” “Yeah, she might be even smarter than Nazuna.” “Yeah, right.” “No, no! Object it! I wanted you to object it!” As Nazuna had affirmed it with a smile, I replied with that right away. But well, it was certain that Momo was clever. She properly used the toilet where I set it up and she basically listened to everything I said. “You really are smart.” There I also praised Momo, whereupon Elni, who was watching us from the sofa, suddenly stood up. And, in opposition to Momo, she jerkily pulled on my sleeve. “Shinobu! I’m also smart! An elite!” Mhm, while I knew it was rude, I didn’t believe that. To test it, I threw Elni a question. “Elni, 2x2=?” “Flying squirrel! Strong!” “What an energetic answer. 8x2=?” “Caution! It hurts when stabbed!” “Yeah. You’re right. 8x8=?” “Hiccup! Europe! Check-up!” “Oh, you made a rhyme. But you know, I’m afraid that isn’t right. There are even chimpanzee in the world that can multiply. Guess you’re stupid after all?” I dared to say so in a gentle tone, whereupon Elni nodded small. “I certainly might be stupid. But I have rap, so it’s fine! YO, YO! Not forgetting to rhyme, not forgetting before heading out.” “…Your rap isn’t really good either.” As such I talked with Elni while Nazuna held out her palm to Momo with a smile. “Momo-chan, give me your paw too.” So she requested, but Momo rested her chin on Nazuna’s palm and wagged her tail, as she wanted to play. “M, Mhm~ Momo-chan, not your chin, but your paw, you know? C’mon, paw.” Nazuna softly advised her, but Momo broke her sitting and started to lick Nazuna’s cheek. Upon that, Nazuna faced us with a smile, as she had given up. “Momo-chan isn't feeling well today.” “…Nazuna, try touching Momo’s nose. It’s wet without doubt. She’s perfectly healthy.” When I replied so half-wearily, Luna pressed her index finger against her cheek and opened her mouth. “It might be better to ask for it more sternly.” While saying so, Luna suddenly changed her tone. “---Momo-chan, sit!” Calmly with a smile, yet with an aura that didn’t allow disobeying, Luna ordered Momo. In that moment, Momo drooped her tail and sit down instantly. At the same time, Nazuna and Elni also sat down formally on the spot. Thoughtlessly I was about to sit down formally as well, but I returned to my senses and stopped. ---Luna-chan is surprisingly suited as a domina… Suddenly my mother’s words from yesterday floated in the back of my brain and I got the feeling that I somewhat understood them now. It might be, that our natural erotic big sister has a S side to her. Speaking of, previously when Luna drank alcohol by mistake, she erotically chased everyone in a drunken frenzy. It was quite likely that she had a S element. While such thoughts crossed my mind, Luna demanded “Paw” from Momo. Not just Momo, but also Nazuna and Elni held out their hands. “You are all great.” She must have thought of it as a joke. Luna petted Momo’s head, then she embraced the slightly trembling Nazuna and Elni with a smile. There I made a wry smile and felt a sudden glare on my back. …Who was it? Bothered, I took a peek behind me, there I noticed Machina sneaking a peek on our situation from the gap of the faintly opened living door room. She was looking at us with great envious and tears had dwelled up in her eyes. She must have really wanted to play with Momo as well. Machina slowly closed the door with her shoulders dropped dejected. When I closed my eyes and perked my ears, I could hear faint footsteps, so she most likely went back to her room. …Momo seemed happy with Luna and the others, so I should go play with Machina. I just couldn’t bear to see her like that. After asking the others to look after Momo, I headed to the room, which Machina and Elni shared. However, Machina wasn’t there and even when I looked for her throughout the house, I couldn’t find her. She might have gone out. …I would have tagged along, if she had invited me. Shrugging my shoulders, I scratched my head lightly and returned to my own room, but… somehow, there was someone on my bed. I couldn’t tell who it was, since the blanket was pulled all over the head. However, I had a hunch. Approaching the bed, I pulled away the blanket, whereupon my vision fell on long and pretty red hair. It was Machina after all. I hadn’t even considered that she could be in my room, so I overlooked it, so it surprised me to find her here. When I looked down on her, Machina had buried her face in my pillow and showed no particular reaction to the removal of the blanket. “…What are you doing here?” For starters, I called out to her. “Leave me alone.” Machina replied powerless with her head still buried in the pillow. Mh, if she really wanted to be left alone, she would have gone to her own room. I quietly sat down on the bed and gently petted Machina’s head. Then while I wordlessly continued to pet her head, Machina suddenly said isolated. “…Hey Shinobu, why am I being hated?” Raising her head from the pillow, Machina faced me with wet eyes. “Just what did I do wrong? I didn’t do anything bad, did I? What do you think, Shinobu?” “…Sorry, I don’t really understand dogs.” Since I had a pet cat, I was somewhat knowledgeable about them. However, I had no clues about dogs. So I couldn’t help Machina. But, suddenly I remembered and opened my mouth. “Reminds me, I heard that dogs have a strong sense of smell. Maybe, Momo doesn’t like your scent?” This had no basis and was just the thought of a complete amateur. To be honest, I just wanted to try saying it, but Machina seemed to take it seriously. Sniffing her own scent by snorting her nose faintly, she frowned a bit and tilted her head. “…I can’t really tell myself. Shinobu, sniff me for a bit.” “*sniff, sniff* Oh, it’s the smell of an altruistic Maid.” “Fufu, that’s correct, Master--- wait, what kind of smell is that! To begin with, you haven’t sniffed me at all! Do it properly, Shinobu! C’mon!” Along with her words, Machina got closer to me and pointed out her voluminous chest. …Ehm, she told me to sniff her, but what am I supposed to do? Involuntarily moving my gaze on the soft two breasts in front of my eyes, I shook my head to stop myself. I would without doubt be a pervert if I sniffed her while burying my face in her breasts. Actually, just the sniffing itself was already embarrassing and seemed impossible for me. I felt bad for Machina, but I had to refuse. “…Shinobu, you hate my scent?” Because I had been reluctant, Machina rocked her eyes in worry. …Now I couldn’t refuse her anymore. Left with no other choice, I reached out my hand for Machina’s hair. Following, I picked up her silky red hair with my hand and sniffed it while I felt my cheeks getting hot. “Yeah, a normal scent, I guess. I like it.” “Y- Yeah? Uhm, thanks, Shinobu…” Reddening her cheeks, Machina cast down her eyes. Personally, I thought that would be the end of it, but apparently it wouldn’t go like that. Machina said pleading with upturned eyes. “Well then Shinobu, now try to sniff my body scent.” Okay, let’s escape. That certainly was impossible. I stood up and turned my back to Machina. “Eh? Shinobu? What’s wrong so suddenly?” “I smell danger. Therefore, farewell.” Declaring rashly, I intended to escape right away, but “Wait a moment, Shinobu.” I was clung to by Machina from behind, so it failed. Machina pressed her elastic two breasts on my back while tightly clinging to me spoiled. “Geez, why are you running away? Take this serious, Shinobu. How is my scent? Do you like it?” “…It’s really exciting.” “Eh? Wh- What are you saying out of the blue? Is, Is it your usual joking?” No, because of the sweet fragrance, I just happened to carelessly speak out my mind. But it would be too embarrassing to expose that. To fool her, I played serious and said. “It’s not a joke, Machina. I’m really excited. To use a simile, I’m right in the middle between composure and zeal right now.” “G- Geez, Shinobu, you’re such a pervert… wait, hold it. Now that I think about it, isn’t that a normal condition?” “Indeed. Well, it’s a good scent nevertheless.” Cladding myself in composure, I readily got away from Machina. There Machina showed a slightly worried face, then returned to her serious expression and started to ponder with her arms crossed. “Mhm~ If my scent isn’t the problem, what’s the reason then?” Probably, the sense of smell was different for a human and a dog. However, I was just an amateur. I wouldn’t blunder this time. “Why don’t you ask Elni?” While making such a harmless suggestion, I took Machina’s arm. “It seems she can talk with dogs. I think she’s more knowledgeable about dogs than us. Let’s go talk to her for a bit.” “….Will it be alright to ask Elni?” “She’s the Mad Dog. The other day, my mother said ‘Today I want to eat a hot dog’ to Luna, whereupon Elni shouted ‘Tomoe-san is going to eat me!?’. I’m sure she knows a dog’s feelings well.” “Ehm, I’m only getting more worried after hearing this.” …That certainly might be so. At that time, Elni, who had made that messy foolery, was half in tears because my mother hat cut her allowance. Machina’s worry was understandable. Still, we two couldn’t settle this on our own. I pulled on Machina’s hand and moved to the living room. There Luna and Nazuna told me that Elni had returned to her own room, so we headed to her room, which she shared with Machina, and knocked on the door. “Elni, can I come in? It’s me, everyone’s idol, Shinobu-kun.” “…Are you really Shinobu? The Shinomun? I can’t really tell by your voice. Say the usual password if you want to come inside.” “---God is dead.” She said usual, but it was my first time hearing that a password was needed. I didn’t know it, so I gave a random reply, whereupon Elni raised a dissatisfied voice through the door. “Boo! Wrong! The Goddess isn’t dead. She loves you, so she won’t die! If the password doesn’t work, say something cool.” “Something cool? Okay, that’s my expertise.” Replying instantly, I combed back my hair. “The secret to my popularity? Just look at me! That’s the answer!” “Ahahahaha!” Upon hearing my words, Elni raised a rude laughter through the door. When I faced Machina standing besides me, she pressed her hand on her mouth while trembling her shoulders, as she was desperately trying to hold in a laughter. I felt my cheeks getting hot, then the door opened and Elni showed up with a smile. “Shinobu, that was funny, so you can come in. Also, I request another cool remark.” “---Black? That’s my colour!” Instantly, not just Elni, but also Machina started to laugh. …Didn’t it work because I was not handsome? Embracing a somewhat bitter feeling, I entered the room together with Machina and asked Elni right away. “We want to consult you, Elni. You can understand dogs, right? So could you think with us about why Momo only hates Machina?” “Mhm~” As she was going to help, Elni changed her expression into a serious one and crossed her arms. “This is just a hunch, but I think Momo is just behaving pampered with Machina.” “…Behaving pampered? She bit onto Machina with all her might, you know? Doesn’t she rather think of her as an enemy?” “That’s not true. If she really thought of her as an enemy, Momo would threat her with barks. Momo just might feel uneasy in a new environment. She’s still a puppy. I’m sure she thought her own wilfulness would be understood by Machina.” “…I see.” Even humans sometimes were wilful and troubled a mother or alike. This might be the same. I felt that idea to be convincing. When I nodded impressed, Elni continued “Therefore” with a smile. “I don’t think Momo hates Machina or anything. If her nervousness eases up, she should get along with Machina just fine. Well, it’s just a matter of time.” “…Just for reference, do you have an estimate on that time?” When Machina raised her hand and asked, Elni replied still smiling. “Not really. But I guess a week should work.” “I see. I can only be patient then--- wait, in a week Asada is already back! So in the end I can’t get along with Momo!? I don’t want that!” Drawing closer with teary eyes, Machina grabbed Elni’s shoulders. “Is there no other way? Please, Elni! Do something!” “..Y- You’re helpless, Machina.” Saying so in a weird tone, Elni searched inside the pocket off her hoodie. Following, she pulled out a tool like a certain cat robot. “A dog-ears headband!” “….What about it?” When I interjected wearily, Elni answered “fufu” with her still weird tone. “Good question, Shinobuta-kun. If you want to get along with Momo, you just have her accept you as a comrade. And the fastest way for that is with this. If you wear this and talk in dog language, Machina also will get along with dogs right away!” “Amazing, Elniemon! I’m surprised on this overhasty idea!” “Fufufu, I’m Goddemon after all.” To be honest, I believed that Elni was just making a foolery, but apparently Machina took her for serious. Taking the dog-ears from Elni, she instantly put them on without hesitation. A bit worried, she faced Elni. “How’s it? Will Momo accept me like this?” “Eh? Ah, yeah. Looks good. Don’t forget the dog language as well, okay?” When was the usual retorting coming? Is what Elni might have been hoping for, but it didn’t come true. Machina gave Elni a nod and tightly squeezed my hand. “Shinobu, come with me.” “…You forgot the dog language.” “Ehm, woof, woof!” N- Not good. So frigging cute. Like that I would forgive her anything. While my thought progress remarkable dropped, Machina sprinted out of the room, still holding my hand. And then “…H- Huh?” Hearing Elni’s bewildered voice from behind, as she was still waiting for the retort, I headed to the living room, still being dragged on my hand by Machina. Midway, I spotted Luna preparing lunch in the dining kitchen and Nazuna helping out with it. But, not calling out to them, Machina and I opened the door of the living room. Upon that, Momo was sun-bathing at the window and looked a bit sleepy. However, when she noticed me, she stood up and started to wag her tail.

“Hey, Machina— No, I mean, Momo, come here.”

“Hey, Shinobu? Why did you mistake my name with the dog’s? At least mistake it with Elni’s.”

“…What are you saying? Right now, you’re my dog. Where’s you usual ‘Master’ and ‘woof’?”

“I, I’m sorry, Master. I’m your pet dog. Woof, woof— wait, who are you calling a dog! If you want to own me, put a choker on my like with my sister! Buy me one as well next time!”

…She was angry, wasn’t she? Or was she happy? It was hard to tell without a tail.

Tilting my head in my heart, I lightly pushed Machina’s back.

“C’mon, Machina. Why don’t you try out Elni’s idea just in case?”

Machina was cute like this. It might work out. On my urging, Machina approached Momo with a slightly nervous face, got down and called out to Momo.

“Ehm, woof, woof. Woof, woof.”

…Aw, damn. Such a failure. Why didn’t I prepare a video camera?

I felt a strong regret in my heart, whereas Momo surprisingly— no, calling it surprisingly is rude. Momo wagged her tail and got closer to Machina.

Instantly, Machina smiled happily and reached out her hand with “Woof, woof”, but

“—Woof!”

Momo barked once seriously. She bit on the extended hand. And while Machina froze up with a smile, Momo passed by her with an indifferent face. As if nothing happened, she came over to me.

“…It was no good after all.”

The moment I uttered that carelessly,

“Hey, Shinobu! What you do mean after all!?”

Machina turned around with attitude and shouted with tears dwelling up in her eyes.

“Say so first if you already know the outcome! Why are you so mean to me!? Stupid Shinobu! Idiot! Shinobu‘s—”

“mother has”

“an outie!”

When Machina badmouthed my mother with my interjection, my mother raised a low voice from behind, as who knew for how long she had stood there.

“…Machina-chan, what did you just say?”

“Eh? T- Tomoe-san? Uhm, you got it wrong! Just now, Shinobu added that, it wasn’t what I meant! Really! But I’m sorry!”

Machina apologized flustered, but my mother sharpened her look and replied.

“I don’t feel any sincerity in that. Properly apologize in dog language.”

“Okay, woof! Woof, woof— wait, how is dog language sincere!? Why are even you teasing me, Tomoe-san!”

As she was sulking, Machina puffed up her cheeks lightly. Seeing that, my mother smiled faintly, approached her and petted her head.

“You’re really cute, Machina-chan.”

While saying so, my mother moved her gaze to Momo.

“Hey, you can’t bite Machina-chan.”

Along with her words, she lightly clapped Momo’s head.

Instantly, Momo barked sadly and cast down her face dejected.

Upon that, Machina showed a sad expression for some reason and hastily made a follow up for Momo.

“Tomoe-san, Momo is still a puppy. You don’t have to be so harsh with her…”

“No. Dogs are animals that value hierarchy. At this rate, you’ll always be thought as someone lower as her, Machina-chan.”

“…Someone lower as her?”

When Machina asked back like a parrot, my mother explained properly.

“Apparently a dog can see through a house’s hierarchy. As it stands, she sees you as someone lower than Nazuna or Elni. I guess she thinks of you as a servant or something. You have to be more strident or she’ll look down on you.”

“Wh- What’s up, with that…”

As she was angry, Machina trembled her shoulders all over.

“Lower than Elni? A servant? That’s too much! If that’s how she thinks, I no longer want to get along with her!”

Facing sideways with teary eyes, Machina left with the dog-ears still on her head.

…I really couldn’t stand to watch this. Once Machina had calmed down, I should play with her for sure.

While I thought so, I called out to my mother a bit curious.

“Hey Mom, did you ever keep a dog?”

Judging by her earlier words, she seemed to be knowledgeable about dogs. And apparently my guess was right. On my words, my mother nodded while petting Momo’s head.

“In the past, we had four dogs at my parent’s house.”

“Four even? Impressive. Out of curiosity, what kind of dogs were it?”

“Dobermans. They looked scary, but were really cute.”

As she remembered about the dogs, my mother showed a smile. On the other hand, I felt a cold shiver on my spine.

…Ehm, the Doberman was a selective bred kind of dog for guarding, wasn’t it? I heard of that on TV or somewhere else, but why would they keep four of such dogs at home?

Reminded me, my mother seemed to have cut contact with her parents and I never met my grandfather on my mother’s side. I smelled some kind of danger from the current conversation.

I was a bit scared, so I decided to quickly change the topic.

“A- Anyway, it’s my first time hearing about a dog seeing through hierarchy. I guess, Momo considers you as the boss of the house after all, Mom.”

“…What are you saying, Shinobu? The boss is obviously Luna-sama.”

Mh? Somehow, my mother said something weird with a straight face.

“Uhm, Mother? What you mean with Luna-sama? That joke isn’t funny, you know?”

I replied with a casual tone, but my mother opened her mouth with somewhat distant eyes.

“…A while ago, I made Luna-chan drink alcohol as a prank. Fufu, then hell broke loose…”

Trembling lightly, my mother rested her hand on my shoulder and gave me a warning.

“Shinobu, Luna-chan actually becomes an affectionate S at night. Be careful.”

“…And how am I supposed to be careful of that?”

Even when I asked, my mother just gave me a vague smile and didn’t answer…

After that we ate Lunch, then I invited Machina and decided to play a game with her in the living room.

However, Nazuna and Elni were playing with Momo in the living room and Machina couldn’t help but be concerned with it. Even now she stole an envious glance at them.

In regards to that, the foolery guys didn’t notice it, as Nazuna was talking to Momo with a smile.

“Momo-chan, I’ll throw the toy, so go fetch it. There!”

When Nazuna threw the dog toy like she had said, Elni jumped up before Momo and caught it perfectly.

“Got it! I got it! Praise me, Nazucat!”

“Geez, El-chan, you can’t. El-chan, sit!”

“Woof!”

Obeying the words, Elni sat down formally on the spot. Hooked on by that, Momo also sat down besides her. Seeing one human and one dog doing so,

“El-chan, Momo-chan, you’re great.”

Nazuna smiled and petted their heads.

Watching over that, I shrugged my shoulders wearily.

“Dogs sure have it easy. With just sitting down or giving paw, they get praised.”

Well, I wasn’t really envious though.

I added that in my heart, when Elni came over trotting, as she heard my voice.

For no apparent reason, she once again pulled a dog-ear headband out of her hoodie and placed it onto my head. Then she held up her palm to me with a smile.

“Shinomun Dog, paw.”

“Woof.”

I had lot of things to say. But, for now I obeyed her order.

Upon that, Elni made a sparkling smile and started to pet my head. For some reason even Machina held out her palm to me with a smile.

“Shinomun, your paw for me as well.”

For a moment, I considered resting my chin on her palm like Momo had done it, but I felt sorry for her, so I didn’t do it. I properly shook Machina’s hand.

Instantly, Machina showed a bright smile and started to pet my hand after Elni.

“You’re so smart, Shinomun. Good boy, good boy.”

I wanted to mimic Nazuna and shout “Who’s bad!” right away.

However, I suppressed that impulse and accepted Machina’s action.

“Fufu, unlike Momo, you’re cute, Shinomun.”

Machina even rubbed her cheeks against mine with a smile as a result. Certainly getting embarrassed, I raised a low growl, warning her to “stop”.

There Machina tilted her head and faced Elni.

“Hey Elni, what did Shinomun say?”

“Yeah, he said ‘Call me a dog’.”

“What kind of M guy do you take me for! Like hell I would make such a rash remark! It‘s over now. Over, you hear!”

While retorting, I roughly removed the dog-ears.

But, Machina quickly snatched away the dog-ears from my hand and along with a bright smile, she put it onto my head again.

…There was the incident with Momo, so I should tag along for a while.

Making a small sigh, I kept playing Shinomun Dog as Machina desired, as I didn’t have a choice.

“Sh- Shinobu-san? What are you doing?”

As she finished cleaning up lunch, Luna showed up from the dining kitchen. As soon as she saw me, she widened her eyes and was somewhat perplexed.

“…Woof.”

For now, I sulky talked in dog language, whereupon Luna flushed her cheeks for some reason.

“So cute.”

And she clung onto me spellbound.

In that moment, Machina started to cling to me with a smile as well, which made me become unable to suppress my embarrassment… Shinomun Dog returned to the usual cool guy after a few minutes.

* * *

It has been two days since Momo came to our house. Wanting to take Momo out for a stroll, I left my room and went down the stairs, whereupon I suddenly heard Machina’s scream.

“O- Ow! Why are you only biting me!? Stupid dog! Shinomun is way cuter!”

I leaned over the handrail of the stairs, whereupon my gaze fell on Momo, sitting in the hallway, and Machina’s hunched back.

…Ever since, Machina seemed to have tried to sneaking get along with Momo, but to no avail. Lately, she put the dog-ear headband on me quite often and treated me like a dog.

“—As you can see, because of you, I’m becoming quite tired.”

Approaching Momo, I said so, but she just wagged her tail happily.

“…You don’t get it at all. Well, whatever. Anyway, what about my clothes? Do they suit me?”

As such I sought an impression, but obviously Momo didn’t show a particular reaction.

“Yeah, no way that someone, who wears fur even in summer, would have a fashion sense.”

While saying so, I headed for the front door and took the dog lead for the stroll.

Instantly, Momo wagged her tail wildly, as she understood that it was time for a stroll by just that, and circled around me.

“…Here a stroll ends with three steps. Would you get angry if I said that?”

I made some stupid monologue, when the door of the living room opened and Luna showed up. When she noticed Momo and me, she came over with a smile.

“Shinobu-san, if you are going on a stroll, can I come along as well?”

“Yeah, sure. Actually, I’ll take you on a stroll.”

Suddenly getting a prankish urge, I attached the lead on Luna’s choker as a joke. …Oh, you could really attach a lead to this choker. I was a bit surprised, whereas Luna titled her head puzzled, then

“Woof, woof.”

She suddenly raised a cute bark for whatever reason and clung to me playful.

Her voluminous two breasts pressed onto my body and her sweet fragrance abashed my heart while her warm body temperature tempted my reasoning.

I, I didn’t expect this reaction. I thought for sure that she would reprimand me, but Luna raised a “Woof, woof” voice once more in a happy mood.

“Uh- Uhm, Luna-san?”

“I am not Luna-san. Right now I am your doggy. Please order me anything.”

…How did it turn out like this? I wished she would refrain from saying such things. I was desperately trying to keep my reasoning here.

I mentally buried my head in my hands, whereas Luna, unaware of my feelings, said pampered.

“Shinobu-san, please hurry up and give me an order. If you do not, I will lick your ear. Also, I will stay like this.”

“Ehm, well, then that?”

“Mh? That? What you mean that?”

“Boobs!”

…Yeah, time out for a minute. I was afraid that the earlier remark was not an imitation by someone. Without doubt that word came out of my own mouth.

E- Even stupidity had a limit. Just how cracked was my reasoning? Luna had to be astonished for sure.

“Ehm, Shinobu-san, could you crouch down for a bit?”

“Ah, yes.”

Not giving it too much thought, I obeyed her words reflexive.

But, that wasn’t good. Luna hesitated for a bit, then twined her arms around the back of my head and pulled me closer, leading me into her big breasts.

As a result, my face got buried into Luna’s voluminous breasts.

“H- How is it, Shinobu-san? These are boobies.”

“Boobies, indeed.”

“Does it feel good?”

“The best.”

I knew I had to get away right away, However, Luna’s soft and elastic breasts just felt too good that I didn’t move at all.

I would like to stay like this forever… wait, was my reasoning that fragile?

I was surprised myself. However, it really was about time to get away from Luna.

Somehow, Momo was coiling around my feet for a while now, so I should take her on the stroll already.

Such thoughts crossed my mind, when I suddenly heard the front door opening and Nazuna’s energetic voice reached my ears.

“I’m home! What’s for dinner…”

Nazuna spoke humming, but as she saw us, she stopped midway in her sentence and raised a surprised voice.

“Wah! Wawah! S- Sorry! I bothered— wait, Uwah! Momo-chan, stop!”

Mh? What was up with Momo? Did something happen?

Spurred on my worry, I swiftly got away from Luna, whereupon I saw Momo’s back, as she had jumped out of the front door into the garden. Following, a surprised “Uwah!” voice was raised outside.

When I hastily got outside, the house gate was open, as Elni returned just now as well, and Momo used that chance to slip by, running outside with attitude.

Seeing that, Elni changed her expression into a pale one.

“Wh- Where are you going, Momo! I don’t really get it, but I admit it was my fault! Come baaaaack!”

Elni chased after Momo, like one would chase a runaway wife. Right away, Nazuna, Luna and I followed as well, but even though she was still a kid, a dog certainly was fast.

When we reached a corner, Nazuna and I, who had been the vanguard, had lost sight of Momo. …This was quite bad. Nazuna and I stood there dumbfounded, whereas Luna and Elni, who caught up with us, dropped her shoulders, as they guessed the situation.

Amidst that, Nazuna said worried with tears dwelling up in her eyes.

“What now? Momo-chan might get lost.”

“No, don’t worry about that, Nazucat. Dogs have a homing instinct. Even from far away, they find their way back home. But…”

Midway in her sentence, Elni dropped her gaze and continued hesitant.

“A lot of cars are driving by here, so we have to find her quickly.”

…Indeed. The possibility for a traffic accident existed. Most likely everyone understood Elni’s words. Nazuna turned a bit pale and Luna opened her mouth with a serious expression.

“Momo-chan might still be nearby. Let us split up and search for her.”

“Yeah, right.”

Replying to Luna with a firm nod, I called out to the others while turning around.

“I’ll go check if Momo has gone back to the house. Call me if there’s anything.”

Also, if Momo wasn’t home, I should get Machina to help searching as well. I sprinted back home, searching for Momo.

But, without finding her, I reached the house.

I dropped my shoulders lightly, then I headed for Machina and Elní’s shared room and knocked on the door to ask her for help.

Upon that, Machina showed up from the room right away and smiled a bit upon recognizing me.

“What’s up, Shinobu? You want to play together again?”

Machina pulled out the dog-ear headband in a good mood. Usually I would have retorted here, but it wasn’t the time for that. I asked Machina with a serious tone.

“Machina, Momo ran away. We’re all looking for her separately now, but will you help as well?”

“Eh? Run away… Why?”

“I’ll explain that later. For now, come with me. If Momo happens to get into a traffic incident—”

“H- Hey! Don’t jinx it! Stupid Shinobu!”

As she pictured the worst case, Machina changed her expression into a pale one and tears dwelled up in her eyes. Then she passed by me and went down the stairs with attitude.

“…H- Hey, wait a sec.”

Hastily turning around, I chased after her, whereupon Machina sprinted outside through of the front door in a heartbeat, looking for Momo on her own.

…Even though Momo had been biting on her so often. She was really kind.

While feeling my heart get warm, I told my mother the circumstances as well and asked her to call me on my cell phone if Momo should come home….

After that, I once more left the house and started to look around, but I couldn’t find Momo anywhere. My mother hadn’t called me either, so she didn’t come back home.

Earlier Elni had said that dogs have a homing instinct, but was that really true… Mh? Wait a moment. Maybe, for Momo the home wasn’t our house, but Asada’s?

Suddenly thinking of that, I headed for Asada’s house to verify it.

On the way, my vision suddenly fell on a large dog at the crossroad.

Did it get separated from it’s owner? The dog wore a chocker with a lead still attached to it and when I casually followed his gaze, there was Momo.

Momo was hiding behind a telephone pole and trembled all over with her tail drooped, as she was completely terrified.

On the other hand, the big dog happily wagged it’s tail and slowly approached Momo.

From what I could tell, it didn’t look dangerous, but I should intervene anyway. After all, I finally found her. It would be troubling if Momo were to run away again.

Such thoughts crossed my mind, when suddenly footsteps sounded.

“Hey you, what are you doing?”

Machina showed up with kind of heavy breathing and called out to the big dog.

As she didn’t notice me, she swiftly approached Momo and softly reached out her hand, embracing Momo just like that.

Upon that, Momo showed no real resistance, as she must have been really scared, and still trembled in Machina’s arms. And the big dog, as it wanted them to play with it, wagged it’s tail even more and approached them, whereas Machina showed a wry smile and responded.

“Geez, she’s still a kid, so don’t scare her.”

Machina advised softly, but the big dog didn’t seem to listen. Snuggling up to Machina’s long legs, it continued to wag it’s tail.

“…Quite cute, aren’t you. Your fur is all tufty as well. Fufu, woof, woof.”

Smiling happily, Machina started to pet the big dog’s head with one hand while holding Momo against her chest. Mh, Machina seemed to have fun, but Momo was certainly scared of the big dog. Being close to the big dog made her trembling even worse.

But well, that settled the incident. Maybe, Machina and Momo might get along now due to this incident.

Holding this impression, I pulled out my cell phone to call Elni and the others, but

“Unlike Momo, you’re so obedient. And you’re cuter than Momo.”

It was in the moment when Machina said so to the big dog with a smile.

“*bite*”

“Mh? Oh my? Momo, you want to play— wait, why are you biting me again! Just what are you displeased with!?”

Bitten by Momo, Machina raised a sad voice.

…Judging by this, it still might take some time for them to get along. I shrugged my shoulders a bit and operating my cell phone, I called Elni and the others.

By the way, afterwards the big dog was found by it’s owner and went back home and Momo stayed in Machina’s arms until we got back to our house, in spite of her biting onto Machina…

* * *

That night, I made a small sigh in my room.

These days, as she was hated by Momo, Machina often came to my room.

However, this hadn’t come tonight and it was quiet in my room.

Thanks to that I could leisurely read the report that Sougo-san wrote for me, but for some reason I got a bit lonely before going to bed.

…I should talk to Luna for a bit before going to bed. I was sure that she would chat with me with a smile. I stood up and headed for Luna’s room, but when I knocked on the door, there was no reply. Seemed like Luna was already asleep.

“I, I’m not lonely or anything!”

…Acting Tsundere all by myself was just vainly.

Sleep then. I moved to the dining kitchen and drunk some tea, then I wanted to return to my own room, but I suddenly noticed that the lights in the living rooms were on.

A bit curious, I opened the accordion curtain of the dining kitchen and went into the living room.

There my eyes fell on Machina, sitting on the sofa in the living room. On her laps was Momo, who was sleeping by emitting small sleeping sound while resting her chin on Machina’s lap.

“…You’re still here?”

She might have been here ever since she got out of the bath. When I asked a bit surprised, Machina nodded with a small smile.

“Because she’ll be all alone when I return to my room.”

“No, I think she’ll be fine alone at night.”

Putting herself aside and replying so, Machina then cast her eyes down and changed the topic.

“…Hey Shinobu, she bites me, but she’s behaving in front of you guys, right?”

“Yeah, she is. Unlike her owner, she’s smart.”

When I affirmed with a nod, Machina a somewhat sad expression and opened her mouth.

“Why do you think such a well-behaving girl ran away?”

“…Sorry. I really don’t know anything about dogs.”

I answered truthfully, whereas Machina faintly dropped her voice and told me.

“I heard it from Elni that this girl thought ‘I might be abandoned again’. So she run out of the house and looked for Asada.”

…I see. Reminded me, Momo was picked up.

Maybe, she was sad from being abandoned by her original owner. Continuing to wait in the rain for her owner that wouldn’t come… How hard must have that been. Amidst that, Asada had reached out for her. She must have felt incredible happy.

Asada was treating her, an unwanted and abandoned dog, as a precious family member.

There might be no better happiness than that for Momo.

“…I’m sure, she loves Asada very much. So she was constantly worried. It’s really lonely not having your beloved person by your side.”

While saying so, Machina gently petted Momo’s head.

Upon that, Momo faintly opened her eyes, as she had woken up, then bit onto Machina’s hand like always.

However, Machina didn’t really say anything and continued to pet Momo’s head with her other hand.

Instantly, Momo let go off Machina’s hand and licked it, then closed her eyes once more, falling asleep on Machina’s lap.

While watching that, Machina said softly.

“It’s reassuring for her to have someone by her side when she wakes up, so I’ll stay by her side at night.”

“I see…”

Making a short agreeable response, I softly sat down besides Machina.

“Mh? Shinobu? What’s up?”

“Aren’t you bored by yourself? Actually, I’m bored right now. Will you talk a bit with me?”

I petted her head along with my words, whereas Machina faintly flushed her cheeks and looked down. She said isolated with a small voice.

“…If you can act nice like this, then treat me nicer normally too…”

I didn’t quite understand what Machina said, but not paying it too much mind, I started to talk with her then…

* * *

Afterwards, Momo still bit onto Machina, but she always followed her around and hovered over her.

On the other hand, Machina accepted that pleased and went on strolls or took baths together with her. She was smitten by Momo. Even now she was playing with her in the living room.

Luna and I watched over that with a smile, but Elni, who sat on the sofa just like us, sulky puffed up her cheeks a bit.

“Recently, Momo only plays with Machina. I also want to touch Momo.”

“I understand your feelings, but make do with Luna.”

I tried to crack a joke, but Luna didn’t seem offended at all and clung onto Elni with “Woof, woof” and a smile.

But, Elni lightly patted Luna’s head, then made a small sigh.

“I knew it, the real one is better.”

“I was cast away!”

“Ohh, poor girl.”

To comfort her, I petted Luna’s head this time, whereupon I suddenly got an idea. I asked Elni half-prankish.

“Hey Elni, could it be, you’re actually lonely because you can’t play with Machina?”

“…It was that obvious?”

Elni admitted it readily.

“You sure are honest. Wanna play with me if you’re sad?”

“Yeah, play with Shinomun!”

Nodding with a smile, Elni pulled out the dog-ears headband from the pocket of her hoodie and held it out to me.

For now, I took it and softly placed it onto Luna’s head.

“Oh, really cute.”

If Luna were to wear maid clothes now, she would be the greatest dog-eared maid.

Such stupid thoughts crossed my mind, when Luna blushed and grabbed the sleeve of my clothes.

“…Shinobu-san, are you going to order me again?”

In that moment, I escaped from living room right away…

Incidentally, on the day when Asada came back from his trip and we had to part with Momo, I thought for sure that Machina would cry, but she behaved surprisingly composed, just saying “See you”.

However that night, Machina came into my bed, as she was indeed lonely, and continued to cry for a long time, not leaving my bed…

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