Chapter 1357

“So quickly? Can’t I have more time?” I muttered.

Then again, why did I feel rushed at all? What was even happening? I shook away that confusion and stepped through once again. This time I ended up in a small village. Besides the village was a graveyard. The foxkin had come a long way from the animalkin who were scared of their own spirits. Miki had seemingly morphed them into a village of shepherds. Their ability to work with spirits even outstripped the church.

Using the power of their spirit tails, they were able to resurrect people even long past the point where death would be permanent. They also weren’t afraid to enter dungeons and attempt resurrections in there. They had truly become a positive force throughout the kingdom.

I followed a trail leading into the village, only to find a massive shrine built in the middle of the city. There was a long line of people in front of that shrine, and at the top of the steps was none other than Miki. I ignored the line of waiting people and continued to the top. As I reached it, I could see a couple. They were crying while holding a bundle that looked to be children’s clothing in their hands.

“W-we don’t have the money, but out child...” The man was saying with tears in his eyes while the woman wept on.

Miki raised her hand. “How long has it been?”

Her simple question caused the man’s expression to fall, his body shaking, and the woman to weep even harder.

“We... didn’t have the money to travel here either. We had to come on foot.” The man croaked. “I thought that... perhaps... if it was you.”

“How long?” Miki exuded a peacefulness around her that seemed to ease the hearts of everyone nearby.

“T-two months.” He barely could get the words out.

She gave them a sympathetic look. “The body?”

“Those damned priests wouldn’t give it back! They said it was disrespectful to drag the body across the country on a hope...” His teeth clenched, and he shook for an entirely different reason.

“Hello, cupcake.” I smiled. “What are you two still doing over here anyway? You know, your big sister’s birthday is coming soon.”

She nodded her head. “We’ll come! Mommy just wanted to do a bit more work before she came! She’s always working.”

I noticed she had a hint of displeasure in her voice.

“What your mommy does is important, you know.”

“I know....” She responded flippantly.

“But... you also don’t want to miss the celebration! Your big sister would be angry!”

“I know!” her eyes grew big. “If I don’t come, she’ll floof my tail! I hate it when she floofs my tail.”

“I see...” I nodded. “Well, you should never let anyone floof your tail that you don’t want to do it.”

“R-really?” She asked. “But daddy floofs mommy’s tail all the time?”

I coughed. “Well, that’s a special thing only daddy can do to mommy, understand?”

“Yup!” She nodded, although it was clear she was just saying what I wanted to hear.

By the time Miki walked up to me, I heard a bell gong for the third time.