Chapter 12: I can give a name to a pet but only a few give it to an insect.

Then after a while,

『For the time being, is it fine if you stay on the first floor? 』(Jiryuu)

To sum it up, after some discussion, the ant will now be living here.

Well, it's okay if it's only the first floor.

Also, when I said that it can use all the floors up to the fifth floor as it like, it deeply bowed to me.

You don't need to overdo it. You're an ant.

I have more than five floors and since I hardly went there anyway, you may use it as you like.

When I asked it about the food, it said it can manage it on its own.

Well, even though it lost its home (because of me), at least it can live and make its own nest here.

I don't think there's a problem with that.

The ant respectfully lowers its head.

『The upper floor is already enough for me. Actually, Jiryuu-sama…  』

『What is it? 』

『Can I ask of you one thing? 』

『Depends on what you ask I guess? 』

Hey, as long as it's not an absurd request.

I do feel somewhat responsible for what happened to you and your nest, but still, there's a limit to it.

『I want you to grant me a name. 』

『A name? 』

『Yes. By getting a name from the Dungeon Master like Jiryuu-sama, I can properly become the subordinate of a dragon. 』

『Really? 』

Hmm, a name. Just a name right…

If it's only that, sure.

Besides, without a name, it would be hard for me to call it if anything happens.

Hmm. Wait.

By the way, is it a male or female?

I can't give a name unless I know which one it is.

A male can't go by the name Elizabeth or Ekaterina, conversely, female can't be named Taro or Matasaburou.

What did you say? My naming sense is bad?

How rude.

『Hey, I have something to ask. Are you a male or female? 』

『Umm, female I think. Yeah, female. 』

Fidgeting, the ant answered.

So ugly.

Female is it? So, you're actually a girl.

Well, you don't look like one.

Now then, a name…

Ah, it's too much trouble to think up something good.

Suitable and appropriate. I don't have to think so serious about it.

An ant… Ant?

In English it's called Ant, so Ann…

Yosh, that should do it.

『Alright, from now on, you'll be "Ann". 』

『Yes, thank you very much! 』

Ann immediately lowered her head.

The next moment, Ann's body began to s.h.i.+ne.

Uoh, so bright.

It's bright but I don't feel any heat at all.

A cold light?

But what is it?

Strangely, the moment I gave her a name, I feel tired all of a sudden…… Guess my mind is just tired.

Since there's a lot of things going on today. I'm all worn out.

After s.h.i.+ning for several seconds, it finally subsided.

『Ah, it feels like I've been reborn… 』

Ann seems to be ecstatic?

I can hardly recognize her from before.

Her appearance has changed after I gave her a name.

She is now almost twice as big and her fangs and claws have become sharper.

Her body colour has somehow changed from dull black to light grey, making her looks like a breed between a black ant and a termite.

Even more notable is her abdomen.

Nearly half of her body is made up of a huge swollen abdomen with cob-like bulges all over the place.

The cob itself is black in colour and pulsing with thumps.

Eww, gross.

『O my Lord, I swear to protect you even if it cost me my life. 』

While declaring so, Ann reverently bowed.

Hmm, the fact I'm being respected by an ant, it doesn't make me happy at all.

『O-, Oo. Right, do your best. 』

『Yes. I hope I can live up to your expectations. 』

She's unusually in high spirit. Did I say something weird?

『Then, I'll be returning to 13th floor now. I leave the top to you. 』

Somehow my words startled Ann.

How the heck? After it changed, it became easier to understand her emotion and expression.

『…Okay! Have a nice day! 』

Ann was looking at me until I disappeared from her view.

Scary.

I quickly run away and bury myself inside.

Haa, so tired.

I don't know how but strangely I feel tired.

I did say so a little while ago.

…..For the time being, I'll stay inside.

And rest.

Let's do that.

After taking a long break, maybe I should challenge making the greater masterpiece of stone statue series.

As if turning away from the reality in front of me, I went underground.

However, at that time I have yet to understand.

If I frequently came to see Ann, without turning away, at least it will not have happened.

And thanks to that, I end up hugging my head tightly, but that will not happen anytime soon.

TLN: Next chapter gonna be Ann side story.