A week has passed since. We finally reached a large human city by heading further east. With Kanko’s lead, we trekked through the forest with swiftness and ease. I hope she regains even a bit of her self-confidence, as she played a major role in leading us towards the right direction throughout our journey.

[https://i.imgur.com/CdH0BUM.png]

All the while, I gained a lot of time to think about how I should go about searching for the others... It would be a pointless endeavor to go about it aimlessly, so I plan on focusing towards the most unlikely places rather than places which they are mostly likely currently at; slave houses for example.

As we slowly walk towards the entrance of the city, I decided to let Kanko remain on my shoulder. I am sure she will attract attention, but I deemed it was much safer than hiding in a bag that could be stolen. I have always considered my clothes’ pockets, but I would feel bad for cramming Kanko into such small spaces for long periods of time. Another reason to add on top of that is her loss of mobility. It will be much more difficult for her to escape by herself if a chance arises. Having Kanko this close to me also makes me feel more at ease.

As I enter, the guards look at me with surprised expressions.

「Is that a fairy!? It's my first time seeing one… They still exist...」

I turn my gaze to Hana. At least Kanko will be catching most of the attention away from her. I was worried she might start receiving stares of scorn and disgust as we enter the city.

“......” (Hana)

Hana starts smiling happily. She seems to be fine for now.

“Hana, move closer beside me. You too, Juyu.” (Meirou)

“Y-Yes, Master Meirou. (Hana)

“Ok, Master.” (Juyu)

Weird… I didn't really pay much attention to it, but it really does seem like I'm unable to receive any further thoughts conveyed from these three… As those thoughts run through my mind as I walk down the street, as expected… All attention was focused on Kanko. Well, I'll just ignore them as I go. I will not make ‘that’ mistake a second time. I carefully keep an eye out as I act laidback. I've gotten familiar with my psychokinetic waves surrounding my body, so I should be able to tell if someone is being hostile behind me if there is a disturbance in the waves I'm emitting. I was constantly being directed with hostility by monsters in the forest, so i was forced to get a grasp on what kind of feeling it is.

“Hey, do you know the nearest inn here?” (Meirou)

I walk towards an apple stall being run by a 40 year old-looking man.

“Hm? Just turn left down that alley right down there. You will find an inn at the end of the alley.” (Shopkeeper)

“Thank you.” (Meirou)

I ignore his surprised expression towards Kanko, and continue down the road. I enter the inn and walk towards a table. The two slaves stand behind me as I sit down.

“Both of you can sit down.” (Meirou)

This table is fit for four people, with two chairs on both sides. I would want them to understand that I plan on treating them not as slaves, but as companions. Even a familial relationship is not out of the question. Hana reacts to my consideration with worry.

“Master Meirou, thank you, but everyone is watching us from the corner of their eyes. It's best if we act our positions when inside a city… or it will cause you problems.”

“You don't need to min-” (Meirou)

“I do mind! I've seen masters treating their slaves like an equal while in a city before, and they were ridiculed and even physically abused because of it. I don't want to see Master Meirou go through that...” (Hana)

“I see… so this is the reality of becoming a slave. Because Master was so kind up until now, I nearly forgot I was a slave...” (Juyu)

Juyu looks down at her hands, opening and clenching them. She turns to face me with a sad smile.

“If Hana says so, then I will act as how a slave normally would. I won't change my mind even if Master says so. Master will have to 「order」 me if Master wants me do as you say.” (Juyu)

“......” (Meirou)

Kanko looks at me worriedly.

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“Thank you you two.” (Meirou)

As I turn my back, I silently voice my gratitude for their cautiousness and worry towards my safety and well-being. They have probably figured out my personality from the time we've spent together in the forest, so they might've already expected I wouldn't disrespect what they decided on. As I order and start eating, I turn to look behind me from the corner of my eye; I witness a pair of energetic slaves eating their food from a single plate on the floor. You wouldn't think they are slaves at all, and this is just some kind of play. Only the collars give it away what they really are. This is honestly making me feel as if I'm abusing them, but this isn't my old world. I rip a portion of bread, and hand it to Kanko on my shoulder to eat as well. Kanko seems to have fallen to the enjoyment of tasting food, because of my cooking.

“Oi, you.” (???)

Hm? I look up towards a middle-aged man walking towards my table. He is wearing a distinctively formal attire… a noble I assume, huh? He stands in front of our table.

“Where did you find that fairy?” (Noble)

“Who knows, it was deep in the forest somewhere towards the west.” (Meirou)

I raise my guard, and answer vaguely. I'm not exactly lying either.

“I'm willing to give you a nice price for the fairy, what do you say? Enough for you to indulge yourself in luxury for most of your life.” (Noble)

“No thanks, I'm happy with my current life.” (Meirou)

“I see that fairy is missing a wing, I can help restore the thing’s other wing you know? There is a magic scroll I hold at my mansion, which can heal permanently-disabled injuries.” (Noble)

“...What's in it for you?” (Meirou)

The noble crudely smiles.

“I get to spend time with a supposedly-extinct species. I have always been extremely curious about them, and now one sits on your shoulder. Why would I let such a rare chance go? It's been around a decade since the last fairy sighting, and I haven't seen one before in my lifetime. So? How do you think of my offer?” (Noble)

I… can't receive any of his thoughts. I know my blessing is still working as I am, even now, still receiving thoughts from the onlookers. Putting my companions aside, this noble is singled out. Is he wearing some sort of magic to block out my blessing’s ability? I can't say for sure… I make eye contact with Kanko.

“I'll accept any decision you make, Meirou.” (Kanko)

Her gaze was clear. I close my eyes, and carefully consider the risks surrounding this 'too good to be true' offer. I return to face the noble.

“I refuse the offer.” (Meirou)

“...Ah, I see. I just hope you don't regret this decision. There will not be a second opportunity for such an offer.” (Noble)

I maintain eye contact, showing my intention that I am not budging from my decision. A few seconds pass.

“Tch.” (Noble)

The noble promptly turns his back, and walks to the entrance of the inn where two maids seem to be waiting for him. Kanko returns to eating the bread she's holding.

“......” (Meirou)

I sigh in my heart.

 …

As we finish up. We continue down window shopping at a lively district nearby.

“Uwaa!~ There are so many things!” (Juyu)

There were shops selling food, clothes, various accessories, and even weapons. I took a glance at the bracelet Kanko is wearing on her wrist.

“...” (Meirou)

I look around to see if it's possible. Instead of the stalls lined up down the street, I focus on signs that are up and viewable when you look down the occasional alleyways. Ah. I found a shop with a sign similar to that old man’s shop. I sharply turn into the alleyway to the shop. The two panics and tries to catch up behind me when they see me turn abruptly.

“Welcome, how should I help you today?” (Shop Owner?)

“Ah, do you have any bracelets for familial relationships?” (Meirou)

The man who I assume is the shop owner noticed Kanko with a hint of surprise, but didn't inquire about her.

“Yes, I do. Do you plan on giving one for a chilđ? An adult?” (Shop Owner)

I think for a moment. Right as I unconsciously turn to take a peek at Hana and Juyu’s faces, the shop owner narrows his eyes from my expression.

“You're not planning on giving these bracelets to any slaves, are you? I don't want my shop to have a reputation of selling these bracelets for slaves. Get out if that's the case.” (Shop Owner)

I had an inkling that these bracelets aren’t really sold for any races other than humans, from various signs throughout the journey; but to straight-up reject the idea... Maybe it’s because they are slaves? Well, it wouldn’t solve the underlying problem if they weren’t slaves anyway, as they are still beastkin in the end. Should I lie? No, I would prefer to be as true to my words as I can, however vague I end up being.

“I want to see them as family.” (Meirou)

“E-Eh!?” (Juyu)

“E-Eh...!?” (Hana)

I don't deny or affirm his words.

“...” (Shop Owner)

“Please.” (Meirou)

The shop owner sighs.

“Hah… I understand. Do you want two customizable ones?”

“Thank you!” (Meirou)

“I got it. I'll get right to it. You can wait or come back, I'll be done in a few hours. Oi! Tan! Can you take over the front for me! I have a new order to complete!” (Shop Owner)

After asking me a few questions on what should be engraved as the family crest, and the payment, he disappears to the back of the shop. Kanko warmly smiles. Did she already notice what I wanted to do? The two behind me remain silent, but they seem to be fidgeting.

…

After a few hours, the shop owner returns to the front.

“Here you are.” (Shop Owner)

I receive the bracelets, and couldn’t wait any longer; so I turn to face the two standing behind me. I first took Juyu’s hand.

“Juyu, would you be willing to become my family?” (Meirou)

“Y-Yergsh!” (Juyu)

That was a swift reply! Juyu must have been preparing an answer for herself as we were waiting for the bracelets. I knew it, this is the best time to ask them. I crack a smile, while Kanko giggles from Juyu’s awkward response. Juyu takes a few deep breaths, and them slightly calms down.

“I-I mean, yes! I would be happy to support Master from now on, so please let me join Master’s family!” (Juyu)

I nod, and turn to face Hana next.

“Hana, would you be willing to become my family?” (Meirou)

Hana hesitates to answer.

“I-Is it really okay? Are you okay with someone like me? I mean, my brown fur is-” (Hana)

“Give me an honest answer. An answer you won't regret.” (Meirou)

“.....” (Hana)

I patiently wait for Hana to decide. Continuing to hesitate, she opens and closes her mouth a few times. After a few heartbeats, at last she---

“I-If you’re okay with me, please let me join your family, Meirou. ” (Hana)

Smiling from their approvals, I lock the bracelets in place on each of their wrists. Each of them reacted differently, but they both look really happy to have received the bracelets from me. Hana showing a kind and lovely expression, while Juyu showing a lively, energetic smile.

“Ah, H-Hana, you forgot to-“ (Juyu)

“Ah! I-I mean, M-Master Meirou! I’m sorry! (Hana)

“No, I was really happy to hear you say my name without any honorifics. It felt as if we truly became family. Someday, I hope you can call me that from now on. (Meirou)

“No... I am not someone whose worth is good enough to call by your name alone. Until I become more reliable, responsible… someone Master Meirou can walk alongside with; when that days arrives, I will. I want to be someone strong who is able to protect Master Meirou, as Master Meirou did for me until now.” (Hana)

I softly smile. If it’s something she decided, then I leave it to her. Hana, I look forward until that day arrives.

 “...At least do this somewhere where prying eyes aren't nearby.” (Shop Owner)

“Ah.” (Meirou)

The shop owner sighs baffled from my blatant actions, just when he gave his warning. I turn to properly face the shop owner.

“Thank you.” (Meirou)

I bow to him.

“Now that you have the bracelets, leave. Don't come back.” (Shop Owner)

“A-Ahaha…” (Meirou)

I made a wry smile, as the shop owner’s harsh words doesn’t match his neutral expression with a hint of compassion. We leave the shop and walk around the streets for the rest of the day.

…