CH 51

Chapter 51: A quiet story, I am a wolf, Part 4

Hey, long time no see, it’s Mikolash. Thanks for hanging out with us.

Speaking of which, an audience is an important duty in which the king listens directly to the petitions of the people and reflects them in his reign.

It has been ten days since Ivan has been in bed, and it seems that there are a lot of people who want an audience. Ellie, considering her personality, naturally offered to take care of it when she heard about it.

It was Ellie’s first audience, so she was quite nervous, which was unfortunate. That’s why I’m currently by Ellie’s side, watching her work.

“So, landslides occur frequently in your territory. Is rain really the only cause?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure. It’s true that we’ve had more rain than usual, but I don’t think it’s proportional to the frequency of landslides.”

“It could be a geological problem. It’s also possible that reckless cultivation is at play. I’ll consider sending an investigation team, but first we need to talk to the locals—”

But maybe I was just meddling too much. I sprawled out next to Ellie. She only stiffened up at first. Now she’s bravely facing the nobles as their equal.

Oh, here comes a common woman. There are all kinds of people who come to see us, so we need knowledge to handle them appropriately. How are you doing, Ellie?

“Our livestock’s milk production has been low…what can I do about it?”

“Milk production. Is that on your farm?”

“No, it’s throughout the town. If this continues, our town’s main industry will stagnate.”

“It’s urgent, then. Hmm, milk production is greatly influenced by environment. The quality of air and noise——”

Wow, she’s good. She knows a lot…it’s like she’s lived in a regular town before.

While I was impressed, citizens came in one after another, making various requests before leaving. Of course, some were demanding that Ellie fix things herself, but she remained courteous and polite throughout.

“My Queen, thank you for today. This is freshly caught deer meat. Please accept it.”

“Oh, is it okay? Something as valuable as this.”

There are guys who are thoughtful like this. It’s just meat. Maybe I’ll get some too.

“Of course. Our village’s specialty product as hunters. It would be an honor for My Queen to eat it.”

“Thank you. I’ll gratefully accept it. I’ll cherish it when I eat it.”

When Ellie smiled at him, the young man from deep in the mountains turned red.

Yeah, that cuteness might be too much for the mountain folks. You’re a high flower for him, so don’t fall in love.

The young man bowed repeatedly and left, and the audience finally ended. Rougena came from the corner of the room and showed deep respect.

“My Queen, thank you for your hard work. I’m afraid, but you made remarkable decisions.”

“I was nervous. Thank you, Rougena, for being with me.”

Ellie let out a sigh of relief.

You did well. You really did an excellent job.

“Thank you too, Mikola. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

As Ellie patted my back, I closed my eyes. If that’s true, then being here was worth it.

“Oh, that’s right. Mikola, let’s have you eat this meat too. We need to thank you.”

Meat! Yes! Ellie, you’re such a good person!

“Understood. I’ll cut it up and bring it to your room, so please wait there.”

Rougena left the audience room, holding a lump of meat wrapped in linen. Werewolves, even the females, are strong and reliable.

“I’m looking forward to it, Mikola. Shall we go back to the room?”

Yeah! Let’s go back!

❂❂❂

As soon as they returned to Ellie’s room, they brought in the sliced meat. Ellie said it was for dinner, so it was just for me for now.

Wow, this meat is so delicious! No wonder the deer from the cold region tastes so fatty!

“Fufu, is it good, Mikola?”

I think Ellie was probably smiling broadly, but I couldn’t look away from the meat being too delicious. She seemed to have sensed my impression from my reaction and her voice sounded light from above.

“That’s great. Hey Mikola, you really saved me today. I was so nervous that I was even amazed at myself…I was really grateful that you were there for me. Thank you.”

I see, she was so nervous. I couldn’t tell, but maybe she was trying to hide it.

“Ivan is amazing, isn’t he? Doing something like that three days a week. I wonder how much pressure it is to be a king.”

Ellie’s voice suddenly contained a sense of sadness. I finished eating the meat and raised my face to confirm what her tone meant.

“I wanted to help Ivan, but that wish cannot be granted. It’s so lonely…”

What’s wrong, Ellie? What are you talking about?

You’ve been more than helpful to him. Ivan is laughing these days because of you. Everyone is grateful to you and holds you in high esteem.

You’re doing great work, and above all, you’re supporting his heart. Don’t you realize that?

“Hey, Mikola. I think I like Ivan.”

I felt my heart stop.

What should I do? I’ve heard some crazy shit, but this was the first time I heard it directly from her.

I see, I see, Ellie. Good for you. Ivan must be happy with these mutual feelings——

“I know that Ivan doesn’t feel the same way about me, though.”

…What?!︎

Wait a minute, what did you just say?

Seriously? Ellie couldn’t understand the most obvious behavior that even made me embarrassed?!︎

“But it’s okay like this. It’s more than enough… Haha, sorry. I wonder what I’m saying. You probably don’t understand even if I talk about it.”

Ellie ended the conversation with a sad smile.

Well, sorry, I actually understood pretty well.

Wait, wait, give me a break… are you serious? I’m so shocked I can’t think straight.

I mean, they’re such a thick couple that it’s almost identical. What’s wrong with you guys? Are you toddlers?

As I stood there half-dumbfounded, Ellie came over and leaned on me without saying anything. She snuggled up against my stomach, burying her face in my proud fur.

“Thank you for listening. Mikola is so warm…”

Ellie fell silent after that, and soon after, I could hear her quietly breathing in her sleep. So I closed my eyes gently as well.

That Ivan, making Ellie sad like that. It seems like this child is quite dull, so I’ll have to convey it clearly with words.

Damn it, I’m so frustrated. I want to do something about it, but I can’t just go and say it myself…

With hopeless feelings, I eventually gave up on my thoughts. Ellie looked so comfortable sleeping next to me that I also became sleepy.

❂❂❂

I woke up to the sound of the door opening.

I struggled to open my eyes while still groggy. Finally, my vision became clear, and Ivan, dressed in his pajamas, was standing in a fighting pose.

What’s with this guy? Why does he look so grumpy?

As I looked around suspiciously, I suddenly understood. There was Ellie, who had become a sleeping beauty buried in my fur.

“I came to see her after hearing that she had an audience… You’re a good company, Mikola.”

Ah, damn it, he’s mad at me after all. His low voice feels like he’s really serious.

[Hmph, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Ellie and I are good friends. It’s your fault for not being a wolf in front of your wife.]

“Really? I don’t know what you’re saying, but I know that you’re trying to pick a fight with me.”

Ivan’s gaze became sharper and sharper. Yup, this guy understands what I’m saying pretty well.

As I became more and more irritated, I barked at him. I took advantage of the fact that he wouldn’t understand the nuances and expressed myself freely.

[Seriously, can’t you just stop? You’re so annoying! If you love her so much that you’re jealous of a wolf, then show some manliness and let her have a look! You’d just have to kiss and mate! I’ll bite your face off!]

“Nm… Mikola?”

It was at that moment that Sleeping Beauty rubbed her eyes and woke up.

Oh no, it’s not good to have her calling me in such a cute sleepy voice. If you do that, Ivan will——.

“Good morning, Ellie.”

“…Huh? Ivan?”

Oh, I’m dead now.

Stop making that scary face, please. What’s with that intimidation?

“Why are you here…? You’re hurt?!”

“It’s already healed.”

“Are you kidding me?! Wait, did I… fall asleep?!”

Ellie was all red and flustered, and it seemed like she had misunderstood the cause of Ivan’s anger. Although she seemed to be in a hurry about various things, I think it’s something that doesn’t matter to him.

“I’m sorry…! I know it only makes you angry to hear it from me, but Ivan said he hasn’t slept yet… Ahh?!”

In the middle of her words, expressing concern for his health, Ellie was picked up by Ivan.

“What are you doing?! Anyway, put me down! You’ll hurt yourself!”

“Shut up. Just stay quiet for a while.”

And so, Ellie was taken to the bedroom.

I don’t think he did anything suspicious because of who he is. Don’t worry.

In the end, it seems like Ivan decided to get back to work as it is. I feel like he is pushing himself a bit too much, but he probably couldn’t leave Ellie alone.

Geez, they’re such a hopeless couple. Oh well.