Chapter: 142
‘An Apostle, huh?’
“An Apostle? That Sloppy Perverted Fox?”
“Right. If having Bon-Nyeo by your side is burdensome, then let Bon-Nyeo become the Lord’s Apostle.”
The Sloppy Fox acted like it was giving up something huge, but I couldn’t respond to that.
Claiming to be an Apostle was enough to elicit such a reaction.
In Soul Academy, being an Apostle is kind of like having a pet system. You tame a specific beast and use it as you wish.
Just like all such systems in games, you can’t tame every beast, and the stronger the beast, the harder it is to tame.
Especially beings with the lofty power of a Forest Master can’t be made Apostles.
How could a being that commands an entire forest bow to another creature?
Having tried to tame all creatures in Soul Academy, I can assure you,
Those kin of the Forest Master would choose death over becoming a human’s Apostle.
The Sloppy Fox before me was no different. This lunatic might seem like a pervert, but in any case, it held a position governing an entire forest.
And yet, it had volunteered to be my Apostle.
Right now, it was grinning to itself and mumbling “my lord,” but that decision probably had a lot of contemplation behind it.
…It must, right?
I can’t be sure with this Sloppy Fox, though.
I don’t know if it wants to be my pet or if there’s some real intent behind it, but having the Sloppy Fox as my Apostle would lessen the burden of having it around.
According to what I know about Soul Academy’s settings, during the process of forming a contract, a lot of things can be defined.
Since it’s a contract with a being stronger than me, I can’t force much, but if I could at least rein in the perverted behavior, that would be enough.
After all, even if I reject it, the Sloppy Fox isn’t going to follow me around anyway. If it wants to wear a leash, then that’s just an illusion.
‘Alright then.’
“Okay. Since you want to be my pet, I’ll put a leash on you. Sloppy Fox.”
“Thank you, my lord. Here, I’ve prepared a leash…”
Ignoring the words of the Sloppy Fox, I entered the room and picked up Grandpa.
‘Grandpa, has that Sloppy Fox done anything weird?’
[Are you preemptively judging it?]
‘It couldn’t have done nothing.’
A pervert asking a kid much younger than it to step on it surely has done something.
Come on, Grandpa. Just be honest. What did it do? I’m prepared for anything.
[It did nothing. Amazingly.]
‘Liar.’
[It’s true. I pledge my honor on this.]
Huh?
Are you saying it really did nothing?
Really?
But there’s no way a stubborn noble and Holy Knight like Grandpa would defend that perved beast’s honor.
If that’s the case, it means the Sloppy Fox really behaved properly. That’s a bit surprising.
[More importantly, are you going to form a contract as its Apostle?]
‘Yes. I’ve already been chosen. I should at least put a leash on it.’
Because I don’t know what it might do otherwise. I want to place at least minimal safety measures.
‘So, Grandpa, help me out. You’re the expert in this stuff.’
Whether it fights for me or not is totally unimportant.
Most threats can be dealt with by my own power, just like I’ve done so far.
So please prepare the contract in a way that minimizes the Sloppy Fox’s perverted acts.
Since we’ll be accepting the contract on their side, I can’t force much, so I need to prepare as thoroughly as possible!
[I understand. Please wait a moment. I had some ideas since I heard that story.]
As soon as Grandpa heard my requests, he started suggesting the direction of the contract as if he had already prepared everything.
[Let’s focus on preventing criminal acts first.]
‘Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted!’
[I don’t know how far we can go with the contract, but for now…]
He was suggesting a direction that would reduce the discomfort I felt toward the Sloppy Fox as much as possible.
I couldn’t change her basic nature, but I could at least block any sexual harassment.
Grandpa’s the best! I’ve been counting on you! I’ll postpone my exploration of the Academy for next time!
As I recited what Grandpa had told me to the Sloppy Fox, it visibly showed disappointment.
“What’s this, my future lord? Don’t get too close. Don’t follow me secretly. Don’t peek at me. Otherwise, there’ll be no reason for Bon-Nyeo to come all the way here.”
Is it really that hard to not do perverted stuff? Fine. I guess it could be hard for you.
‘If you’re that displeased, why not just leave? Please, I beg you.’
“No? Then leave. I don’t need a Sloppy Perverted Fox like you. Actually, it might be nice not to hear your disgusting voice.”
“Mmm….”
But the Sloppy Fox had no choice.
You suggested being an Apostle! Tough it out!
If you don’t like it, just disappear! Go back to the forest you lived in!
Thinking about it now, it’s rather strange. Is my favorability that high?
If the Sloppy Fox is this obsessed, that means I’ve maxed out my charm stats, yet people’s reactions toward me haven’t been that great.
If that were the case, despite having some bad factors, surely people’s perception would be favorable.
…Could it be that my reputation is so trashy it devours my high charm score?!
Is that really it?!
No matter how trashy my reputation is, is it really that terrible?!
“I get it. I accept it.”
As I realized the cruel reality and fell into despair, the Sloppy Fox reluctantly nodded.
It seemed to think that it was better to become my Apostle despite the various restrictions than to leave my side.
I wonder how much the fact that it can call me “my lord” affected that decision.
“Then let’s proceed with the contract.”
The Sloppy Fox said this and pulled out an amulet from within her clothes.
“This is an amulet imbued with my power. Hold this and silently recall the contents of the contract. And…”
The contract details she explained were similar to those that played as cutscenes in the game.
There was nothing new, but there was a bit of excitement that there was nothing new. I could recreate something from the game.
However, that excitement quickly faded. Unlike the dazzling effects in the game, the reality of the contract was plain.
After holding the amulet and doing as the Sloppy Fox instructed, the amulet turned into light and sank into my body, and that was it.
It was magical, but coming from someone who knew the glorious effects from the game, I couldn’t help but mumble, “Is that it?”
Reality can sometimes be disappointing.
As I gazed at the spot where the amulet had vanished in regret, a bang! echoed beside me, and smoke began to rise.
What’s this? What’s happening? Is there an explosion? Did something go wrong in the contract process?
So there was a reason for the plain effects, huh?!
“Is this how it goes?”
The moment the smoke cleared, the Sloppy Fox transformed into a tiny fox.
She sat on the floor, turned to check her new appearance, and then looked up again.
“Don’t worry, it’s not a failed contract. It’s just that your power isn’t strong enough yet to fully reveal my form. Over time, as time passes…”
…Wow.
I never thought I’d be saying this to the Sloppy Fox.
Thinking this is a hit to my pride, but also—
It’s cute.
Those sparkling eyes.
Those tiny paws.
That fur that looks extra soft.
That swaying tail.
Total doll vibes.
Fluffy! Fluffy!
“My lord?”
The fact that the Sloppy Fox is trapped in there is quite bothersome, but if I could just erase that part, it wouldn’t be so bad.
I’ve always liked animals! And if it’s a tiny one, even more so!
“My lord?”
Seeing the tilted head, I momentarily lost my sanity.
Like how I used to pet my friend’s dog at home, the warm and soft feeling filled my hand.
This is it!
The warmth and softness that I can’t feel through the monitor!
Since the Sloppy Fox’s original form is also well-kept, it’s fur is incredibly fluffy.
Isn’t this the kind of fur you could find in the highest class of pelts?
Getting addicted to that unique sensation, I kept petting her until the Sloppy Fox suddenly jumped up and darted away.
‘Where are you going?!’
“Sloppy Fox! Where are you off to?!”
What do you mean where?! As my Apostle, you should be offering me your fur and warmth like a good little Apostle!
“Wait… Wait! Uhm. Is it? Too close?!”
What’s she saying? Until now, she was sticking to me, but now that I want to touch her, it’s a no-go?
You should be enjoying this! This is exactly what you wanted!
Why are you suddenly running away like a pure person?!
Come back! I’m chasing after the Sloppy Fox to feel that fluffy fur even more, but she was dodging my hands and scampering away.
What the heck! Why is she so fast? My stats should be pretty high right now, how is she faster than me?!
Is she saying she’s the Forest Master or something?!
Knock knock.
While I desperately chased after her, someone knocked on my door again.
Who is it this time?! I’m busy right now!
If you’re going to interrupt my fun time with some lame excuse, I won’t forgive you!
“Ah. Young Lady? Is there something you need?”
Opening the door while huffing, I was greeted by Karl.
‘What is it?’
“What? Sloppy.”
If he interrupted my chase for no reason, I won’t let him off easily. I glared at Karl with that sentiment, and he continued talking while stealing glances at me.
“Ah, I received a message from Alsatine. They said they found the information you requested, Young Lady.”
Alsatine?
…That sounds urgent.
Haah. There’s no choice. Anyway, the Sloppy Fox is my Apostle now. I can feel her fluffy fur later.
