CH 93

Chapter 93 – Izu’s Power

“―Welcome home, Master.” (Izu)

After teleporting to the front door of my house, I was immediately greeted by Izu. I had informed her beforehand that I would arrive at this time.

“Puuu~? This is the new Familiar, Master?” (Sol)

“That’s right, Sol. Let me introduce you. This is Izu. I’ve entrusted her with managing the island.” (Bouchi)

“Nice to meet you. Sol is Sol!”

“…I’m Izu.”

“Wooow~ I’m so happy that we’re both bird types!” (Sol)

Sol was flapping her wings happily on my shoulder. But then…

“Ahem! Sol…san? How long are you going to keep touching Master like that?” (Izu)

“Huh?” (Sol)

Sol stared at her, puzzled. I also accidentally let an ‘eh?’ slip.

“You’re a Familiar, you know? You should know your place a little bit, shouldn’t you?” (Izu)

“U-Uhhh… Izu?” (Sol)

“Would you please stop speaking the name that Master so thoughtfully came up with for me in such a negligent manner?” (Izu)

No, it’s not like I really put that much into her name. It was easy enough to think of from the little excerpt about her… It was the same for Sol and Shiki.

“I will permit you to refer to me as Izu-sama.” (Izu)

“W-Why should Sol refer to you as ‘sama’?!” (Sol)

“That’s because I have received more of Master’s trust than you!” (Izu)

“How shameless. It’s simply deplorable for Familiars like us to lay our hands on the things that belong to Master.” (Izu)

“W-Wuuu…” (Sol)

“Enough about that, just hurry up and get away from Master. I will not tolerate such envi—impudent behavior such as touching Master so openly, okay?” (Izu)

Huh? You were about to say ‘enviable’ there, weren’t you?

“Puuu! Master doesn’t mind it so it’s fine!” (Sol)

“Master is kind so he won’t say it. I wish you would stop defiling Master by rubbing on him with that smelly, feather-covered body of yours.” (Izu)

“F-Feather-covered! Aren’t you exactly the same, Izu?!” (Sol)

“Like I said, don’t call my name so lightly. And don’t lump me in with you. Each and every one of my feathers are as beautiful as gems.” (Izu)

Indeed, Izu’s pure white feathers were lustrous and beautiful. She made for quite the picturesque appearance based on looks alone.

“Don’t you know that Wise Claws were considered a prized epitome of beauty, loved by many famous artists? Even a single one of my feathers was sold for a high price. But on the other hand, what about you? A sonic owl… that’s all you are, just an owl who can fly fast.” (Izu)

“Muuuuu~!” (Sol)

Oh my dear Sol. Her cheeks were puffed up in a pout so big that she looked like a pufferfish.

Anyway, I didn’t think that they would disagree this much. I guess they were both birds, so maybe they just didn’t like each other because they were similar to each other.

“But…! But Master calls Sol cute!” (Sol)

“Oh, you poor soul… You don’t even know that that was just an expression of Master’s sympathy.” (Izu)

“Puuuuuuuuu~!” (Sol)

….My, my. I guess it’s about time to step in.

“Come on now, leave it there, you two.” (Bouchi)

“I apologize, Master. I will restrain myself.” (Izu)

“Puuu! But Master!” (Sol)

“Ara, Master’s orders are absolute. How unfit of a Familiar are you to even protest against Master?” (Izu)

“See? Look at this! I’m getting so angry! Ugh, ugh, ugh!” (Sol)

No, I get why you’re upset, but can you stop flapping around on my shoulder? Your talons digging into me kind of hurts…

“….Sigh. You two, that’s enough. Continuing to waste any more of milord’s precious time would only serve to make you the one unfit as a Familiar.” (Shiki)

“…That’s true too. I will take that painfully into account, Shiki-dono.” (Izu)

“Puuu… Fine.” (Sol)

As expected of the mature Shiki. What a reliable guy.

“Well, there will always be people whose personalities don’t match. I’m not forcing you to get along with each other, but please don’t get into fights that will cause trouble for those around you.” (Bouchi)

I would feel even more unwilling to get along with someone if I was forced to, so I didn’t want to impose on them what I couldn’t do myself. I just needed to make sure that they understood that we were all on the same side and not enemies.

Well, as long as they maintain a sense of distance from each other, things should work out.

“Then let’s hear your report, Izu.” (Bouchi)

“Yes. We have finished clearing the land for the village, and we are now working setting up crop fields and waterways.” (Izu)

There were also tents, albeit simple ones, made of thatch and wood.

“In just a single day… Izu, don’t forget to give them breaks, alright?” (Bouchi)

“Naturally. Sleep is a vital part of labor. Besides, have you forgotten what I’m capable of?” (Izu)

“…Ah, that’s right. You had that, huh?” (Bouchi)

Izu nodded and breathed in a deep breath before beginning to sing.

“[―<Waltz of Vitality>.]” (Izu)

Her clear, sonorous opera-like voice flowed throughout the entire island. And what happened then? The monsters heard the song and began to move as if they had forgotten their fatigue.

This was the effect of Izu’s <Sing>.

The <Waltz of Vitality> that she just used had the effect of invigorating the listener’s body and energizing his or her spirit. There were songs with a variety of other effects that she could make use of, granting healing, vitality, or sleeping effects.

She was loved by many because of this power.

“Hm, as expected of a Wise Crow. Although she doesn’t excel in combat power, her ability to support is truly unparalleled.” (Shiki)

That was exactly why I chose her as a Familiar and put her in charge of managing the island.

“Puuuu… Sol can sing, too! Laalalalaabaabaaaan!” (Sol)

“Bfffuuu?! W-What are you—Could you stop please, you chibi?!” (Izu)

Izu, who was displaying her beautiful singing voice, choked at Sol’s singing, directing an angry glare at her.

“Eeehh? It’s more fun to sing together though, isn’t it?” (Sol)

“If a tone-deaf person like you sings, it’ll just defile my song!” (Izu)

“I’m not that bad! Right, Master?!” (Sol)

“Eh? Ahh, well, I guess.” (Bouchi)

…In reality, it was supremely bad though…

“Master… It’s a virtue to be kind, but there are times when it is in your own interest to speak the truth.” (Izu)

“No, well… Hahahah…” (Bouchi)

“Ugh! Master likes Sol’s song! Watch…! Mmmmmm! Laaalalala~ BrUunrbuTnrararaarbbEeeenenebn~”

“Like…I… said… It’s just a bunch of noise!” (Izu)

“Awwww…” (Sol)

“Hey! You aren’t even producing your sound correctly. Listen to me. Laa~lalala~” (Izu)

“La~lalanlanlaa~” (Sol)

“How did it become that?! I said, it’s like this! Laaa~lalaaalala~ ~lala~lalala~” (Izu)

“Laa~lalanlaaaa~” (Sol)

“Open your throat more!” (Izu)

“…? Laa~lalaa—cough, cough!” (Sol)

“How did you end up coughing?! Ah, come on, get it together!” (Izu)

In her attempt to teach her, Izu patted Sol on her back as she coughed.

Somehow… it seems like things might work out between them?

Inside, I felt relieved to see the two of them like this.