Chapter 46: Ears Covered in Blood

So thats how it was?..Zest-sama, Im sorry.

Its okay. The jealous you was rather adorable too, so I am fine.

Zest-sama..stop it.

Bea was hitting my arm repeatedly.

Yes, weve reconciled.

I explained her that I was in charge with serving refreshments to the guests, during the armys party.

That Albert, Ill make sure to carefully train him some more later.

Still, when looking at Bea and the spirit playing with each other, they really seem like theyre sisters..or, mother and daughter.

Children, huh?

While in Japan, I never got married, I was always single, but now, Ill get married soon for the first time in my life and Ill also have children.

I must protect them no matter what.

I gazed at the two girls cheerfully playing with each other, when our eyes met.

Zest-sama, wont you choose a name for this child already?

.I completely forgot.

I wanted to decide on it together with you. Did you think of a good name?

Good, I managed to successfully deceive her.

She smiled with her whole face.

With an adorable smile, she started to talk.

Actually, I have one in mind.Will it be all right to call her Toto?

Toto?.I wonder why she choose this name.

Toto?.Does it have a meaning?

My question made her blush excessively, but she answered nonetheless.

It comes from both our names.. (1)

Damn it, this girl is way too cute.

She made it up from both our names

(Master, is Toto my name?)

The spirit asked, her eyes glittering; I grinned at her and answered.

Thats right. From now on your name is Toto. Do you like it?

She looked down for a while, her little body trembling slightly, then raised her head energetically.

(I am Toto! I like it very much. Thank you Master and Master.)

And then, she hugged Bea and started to rub her little face against hers.

However, calling us Master and Master is a little too confusing.

Toto, calling us Master and Master is too confusing. Can you think of some other way to call us?

Toto seemed to be troubled.

(I know! Can I call you then Dad and Mom then?)

As expected, I didnt see this coming..

At such a surprise attack, both Bea and I started to blush excessively.

But we both created this spirit, there shouldnt be any problem for her to call us that.

II dont mind..What about you, Bea?

Me too. I dont dislike it..

(Theeeen, Dad and Mom! Thats what Ill call you.)

Toto concluded, her face covered in smiles.

We too got influenced by her radiance, and started to smile as well.

Is this what family feels like.?

Thinking about that, weve spent some really happy moments together.

However, at that point, the unexpected hit me.

Zest-sama! What is the meaning of this? Why doesnt Toto have any other clothes?

Yes, Toto has no other closes, except for her original attire.

She only had that.

Incidentally, she doesnt wear panties either.

Youre wrong! I only saw that when she was sleeping, its not like Ive deliberately checked.

Nonetheless, she seems fine without having another change of clothes, but from a girls perspective, this is unacceptable.

We must go to the tailor right away. Well, Zest-sama?

If I were to say no at that point, it wouldve only meant hell for me.

Yea, lets go right away.

I offered an immediate reply, not wasting time on thinking.

The maids prepared a carriage for us and we departed towards the castle town.

The castle towns clothing shops..well, theyre all tailors shops.

Were going to a shop that my mother-in-law uses frequently.

This shop works for the Frontier Counts Household, so it should be safe.

When the carriage stopped in front on the shop, I saw the employees standing in a line outside, waiting for us.

Welcome, Beatrice-sama. Its been a very long time.

An old woman with strains of white hair saluted.

Yes, its been a long time. I came today together with my fianc.

Oh! The much rumored next 1stRank? Its a pleasure to meet you. Im the shopkeeper, Tania.

She held her dress and bend one of her knees in a formal bow.

The next 1stRank, you say?

You sure know a lot..Well, for a merchant to be slow in hearing the news would mean a great disqualification.

Im Zest. We want to make some clothes for this child today.

Sitting on my shoulder, Toto smiled and waved her little hand vigorously.

Well, well, its a great pleasure to meet you, lovely spirit-sama. Ill prepare the best materials for you. Please, come inside.

We followed Tania inside the shop.

I entered first and Bea was supposed to be right behind me..But she wasnt.

Whats wrong? Did she find something delicious-looking and went to try it out?

Shes such a glutton.

I turned around only to see someone taking Beas hand.

An unknown man was making a ruckus about who knows what.

Huh? Who the hell is that?

.Wont you let go of me already?

Dont be so cold, lovely young lady. Oh! Your skin is so silky. Wont you give me the pleasure of telling me your name?

An unknown man was grasping Beas hand, grinning broadly.

Good! Ill take it as a declaration of war.

I slowly approached the guy.

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(1) Toto = how can it come from Zest and Bea, you might wonder? Well, in Japanese, Zest would be Zesto and Bea would be Beato, therefore Toto