After handing the troublemakers over to the military police, Wolf headed back with Miche.
In front of the house, Miranda stood, anxiously looking down the street.
As the long shadows of evening stretched toward the old woman's feet, she turned to face the pair with slow, fearful movements.
Seeing Wolf and Miche, Miranda covered her mouth. The moment tears began to well, she wiped her eyes as if suddenly remembering something. Her usual sour face returned almost at once—but her jaw, which she'd held tight, shook slightly.
With a soft step, step, step across the stones, Miche came near.
After a moment of silent staring, Miranda spoke first.
"Where the hell have you been, you stupid cat! Do you have any idea what time it is?!"
Miche lowered her head and let out a mew. Wolf understood what she'd said, but Miranda didn't have a clue.
"Hey, Wolf. You can understand Miche, can't you? She clearly wants to say something—translate for me."
Wolf nodded and stepped between the two.
'I'm sorry, Miranda.'
"Hmph. At least you sound sorry. Next time, don't just—"
'…The one who killed your husband… it was me.'
"……!"
The confession came out of nowhere. Miranda froze, mouth open. Even Wolf, who'd translated, was shocked.
'It was as good as murder. I ignored his orders, and in the end, I let him die. I knew he was weak. I knew his body was failing. But I still wasn't at his side. So I'm sorry… Miranda.'
The famous phantom beast once called the [Thunder King] lowered her head.
Miranda stared blankly at the back of the cat's head. Eventually, leaning on her cane, she slowly lowered herself to the ground and pulled Miche into her arms.
"You're such a fool… carrying that guilt around all this time?"
She gently touched Miche's head. From Miche's different colored eyes, clear tears spilled freely. Miranda held her like a child. In the fading sunset, their shapes looked like mother and child.
"I never blamed you."
'But—'
"If I know him, he probably caused you plenty of trouble too. That time, you just happened to ignore his orders—and he just happened to draw the unlucky lot. …That's all."
'I can't just accept that. Your husband is dead.'
"I was ready for it. My husband—he was the famous thunder beast tamer, Rocalo Visto. In that weak old body, he took on over three hundred quests a year. Every time you all left the house, I sent you off thinking, 'This time might be it…'"
Listening, Wolf thought. Miranda had also been fighting. The fear that her husband might die. That fear… perhaps it was even more scary than any magic beast. And Miranda had been fighting that fear for years.
Surely, when Miche left with her husband, Miranda had thought about pulling his hand more times than she could count. She must have wanted to stop him—even if it meant locking him up. But she'd held back with everything she had. Because she, too, was Rocalo Visto's wife.
"I was happy, Miche. …That you at least came back to me. Thank you. Thank you for not leaving me alone."
She held Miche tight. Tears poured from the old woman's eyes like a broken dam. Miche howled like a dog, a raw, loud cry.
Beside them, Wolf wiped his eyes too.
(Family really is something special.)
Wolf looked up at the evening sky. Between day and night, a single star shone brightly.
After they'd held each other long enough to share scents, Miranda turned back to Wolf.
"You've been a great help."
"I didn't really do anything."
Wolf scratched his head awkwardly. Miranda tapped her cane and stepped closer.
"May I ask one favor?"
"If it's something I can do, anything."
"I know it's strange to ask after all this… but would you take Miche?"
"Wha—?!"
The word escaped him. But Miche was even more shocked. She'd turned to stone. Her jaw hung open in a face that was, to put it simply, comically shocked—as if shouting, "Give me back that touching moment!"
"B-But Miche is your family! How could you ask me to—"
"You have family you live apart from too, don't you?"
"W-Well, yes, but—"
"Besides, this one's power is needed in the world today. Having her sleep beside an old woman's bed is a waste. Giving her to a skilled adventurer would serve people better."
'W-Wait a minute! Miranda! If I go, you'll be all alone!'
Miche finally snapped out of her shock to protest. The old woman smiled confidently.
"One of my grandkids hit it big in business. Built a big house, and they've been asking me to come live with them. Actually, they're coming to pick me up tomorrow."
'What—! Tomorrow?!'
"How about it, Wolf? She's a cheeky, unfriendly cat, but I promise her power. Would you take her on as part of your adventuring work?"
The phantom beast known as the [Thunder King] would become Wolf's. There was no better friend to have. As his rank rose and quests grew more dangerous, Wolf understood he'd need others. No matter how strong you were, working alone had limits—fifteen years as an adventurer had taught him that.
The only real question was whether Miche would accept it.
'Fine. If that's how it is, I'll contract with him.'
"Are you sure?"
'As long as Miranda won't be alone, that's enough. …Besides, I have a reason to return to the battlefield.'
"Revenge for your master? But he may already have been hunted down."
'He's alive. I know it—'
Miche's different colored eyes shone sharply. Still, Wolf objected.
"Are you sure you want me…?"
'No problem. Besides… you're pretty strong, aren't you? I don't know why you're F-class. Well, actually—maybe it's not you who's strong, but whoever made you into that body.'
He'd seen right through him.
Knowing Miche's resolve, Wolf finally accepted. It was more than he could have asked for. No reason to refuse.
Preparations began at once. Contracting a phantom beast needed a ritual.
Miche bit her lip and spat blood onto the stones. As it soaked into the stone, a red magic circle blazed to life.
"What do I need to do?"
'Hold your hand over the circle. Don't move it until I say so.'
Wolf did as told. He swallowed hard. Even he was nervous.
Miche began to speak.
'Hear me, spirits of lightning. I, Miche, your servant—one who has broken from the sky order—swear this contract. The one named Wolf shall be my master. I shall never leave his side. I shall obey his true will. I shall push aside all hate. I shall share his life and fate. This I swear.'
Then Miche looked up. The moment of the ritual's peak arrived—and the phantom beast said:
'If possible, I'd like summer and winter holidays. I want to see Miranda.'
For a moment, Wolf didn't understand. But as the words sank in, the corners of his mouth lifted.
'Ah… permission granted.'
The magic circle blazed bright red, coloring the whole evening town red. Wolf was swallowed by the burning light.
When he came to his senses, a pattern had appeared on his hand, still smoking as if burned.
"Contract complete. Nice to meet you, master."
Miche grinned. Wolf nodded in satisfaction and touched her fluffy fur.
And so, Miche the [Thunder King] joined the adventurer known as the "Dragon Slayer" and "Hundred-Man Slayer."
* * *
"Um… can I ask for something?"
The next morning, Wolf arrived at the Guild with Miche. Having contracted with the [Thunder King], he asked for a rank increase based on that achievement.
The Fang Clan Guild staff member looked at Miche over the counter, cheeks twitching, and shouted:
"Denied! How is THIS supposed to be the [Thunder King]? Where did you even pick up this big, piss-smelling cat?!"
"Meow?!"
Angry, Miche tried to land a cat-punch, but it swung wide. Wolf tried further to convince them several times, but the Guild staff's stern face didn't move.
(This is a problem…)
Thanks to the reward from Miranda's quest, Wolf had just enough money to get back to Nikaras. But phantom beasts were bottomless money-eaters. Since he'd be keeping Miche from now on, Wolf wanted to take on higher-ranked quests in town—out in the countryside, the rewards were small.
To do that, he at least needed to get back to D-rank adventurer…
"No means no. Please leave."
There was no getting through.
Wolf scratched his messy hair with another "This is a problem," when he felt a presence behind him. He turned to find a black-haired, dark-skinned woman smiling.
"Just as I thought—Wolf-san!"
"Oh… it's you, Peddler."
The peddler who'd come to Nikaras. Wolf hadn't seen her in a while, but she looked well—no, better than that. She'd been somewhat poor before, but now she was changed.
A round, flat cap like an artist might wear. A long, pleated skirt. Lipstick, light makeup—she showed a nice charm.
Wolf spoke first.
"What a coincidence. Meeting you here like this."
"I'm here to meet a client."
"Glad to hear business is going well."
"Yes… though something doesn't feel right. Out of nowhere, a messenger from His Excellency the Grand Duke of Rifalas showed up and asked me to handle supplies for the house. My life's completely changed because of it."
"Th-That's—"
Wolf hadn't heard anything since, but it seemed the Grand Duke had kept his promise. Still, her success wasn't just thanks to His Excellency—it was her own achievement, getting safe and tasty food.
Looking at her growth, Wolf narrowed his eyes warmly.
"Oh! You're still using the steel sword I gave you! That makes me so happy. And I've heard the stories—the 'Dragon Slayer.' They say you took down Motherburn."
"Well, well. You know a lot."
"If you're a person of Rifalas, everyone knows him. The Wolf—the Dragonslayer." A pause, a look. "Though lately, I heard he wiped out that group of Ash-Eating Bear-Slayers—the Grem Grizzly."
"Yeah, well..."
The Peddler leaned in, a little too eager, and asked the question with clear show. Her voice carried—clear, strong, filling every corner of the Guild hall.
It was already pulling attention from the adventurers near the reception desk.
The Peddler must have been watching Wolf and the receptionist's talk.
Wolf looked back over her shoulder.
The dog-faced woman who'd been shouting red-faced just moments ago had gone pale as a ghost. Papers slipped from her shaking fingers, scattering across the counter.
"Th-that's impossible..."
The words came out as a thin whisper.
Then the Peddler stepped past Wolf, moving toward the counter.
"Not impossible at all. I speak for him. This is the Wolf of Nikaras—the Dragonslayer. The One Hundred Man Slayer. Wolf Midres himself."
"But... he's such an old—"
She stopped her mouth, realizing what she'd almost said.
The Peddler's eyes narrowed.
She can make a face like that too? Wolf watched from the corner of his eye, mildly impressed.
"You doubt me? I'm a registered merchant who deals with the Duke of Rifalas's house. And I heard the dragon kill story from the Grand Duke himself. If you're questioning me—are you questioning His Excellency? Shall I go ask him?"
"Wha—no, never! That's not—"
The receptionist began waving her arms, completely confused.
Just then, a heavy man appeared beside her—the Guild Master, by the look of him. He seemed to have understood the situation already, and asked calmly:
"Do you happen to have any ID?"
"Guild Master! Wait. Let me handle—"
"Be quiet for a moment."
He shot her a cold look over his glasses.
Eep. She let out a tiny squeak and went quiet as a mouse.
"No ID on me. But I do have a letter of introduction from the Kara Guild."
Wolf handed the letter to the Guild Master, who fixed his glasses as he read the contents.
"Oh ho. This is from Palsy-kun, is it?"
"P-palsy?"
"Your predecessor. A very talented receptionist. We're training her for management—she's currently at a small branch in the countryside. If she speaks for you, I see no problem."
"B-but... I was just following rules..."
"I don't remember any rule that lets you reject a letter of introduction from a local Guild. At the very least, you should have asked me. We'll discuss this later—with everyone. But before that... I believe we have a matter to attend to, don't we?"
"Eeeeep! I-I'm so sorry!!"
The receptionist didn't just say sorry—she screamed, jumped over the counter, and lay flat on the floor right there. The Guild Master and the other staff stood up, bowing together. "We are very sorry."
"It's fine. You don't need to go that far. I just want to go back to D-class."
"O-of course! D-class, A-class—whatever you like! Please choose your preferred rank! Just, I beg you, spare my life—"
She was completely defeated.
This wasn't the same person who'd been huffing on the other side of the counter moments ago. Her dog ears hung down weakly.
And Miche—the Thunder King herself—took the chance to mark her spot with a little trouble. The cat-beast looked very pleased with herself.
"Are you sure about this? D-class? With your record, even leaving aside your actual deeds, you could easily get A-class."
* * *
Wolf had been invited by the Peddler to a tavern near the Guild. He was drinking a cup of tea while Miche slept under his chair, basking in a patch of sunlight.
The Peddler was right. If he'd wanted it, he could have earned a higher rank.
But Wolf wanted to start from D-class.
He wanted to begin again. From here.
When he explained, the Peddler laughed.
"Still the same as ever. No drive at all. Though... that's what I like about you, Wolf-san."
Was that a compliment? Or a small joke?
Either way, Wolf scratched at his messy hair—a nervous habit.
"Thank you. For back there."
"Don't mention it. We look out for each other, right?" The Peddler looked at the clock. "Ah, sorry—I actually have another meeting. I know I'm the one who invited you, but..."
"No. Don't worry about it."
"By the way, I don't think I ever introduced myself, did I?"
Wolf nodded.
He'd always just called her "Peddler," and that had been enough. It was strange—years of knowing her, and he didn't even know her name.
The Peddler fixed her hat, running a dark hand through her black hair. There was something strange about her smile—a woman who must have been from the southern lands.
"My name is Stella."
She paused, enjoying the moment.
"Stella Vist."
Summary:
Wolf contracts with Miche the Thunder King after emotional making up between Miche and Miranda over Rocalo's death. Miranda gives Miche to Wolf, showing she'll join her grandkids tomorrow. The Guild denies Wolf's rank-up request, but the peddler returns with news of money and a feeling of unease.
Wolf is openly recognized as the famous Dragonslayer at the Guild, causing the receptionist who insulted him to panic and beg. The Peddler defends Wolf's name and shows the Guild Master's respect for him. After choosing to stay D-class, Wolf learns the Peddler's true name is Stella Vist, setting up a new dynamic for future arcs.
Trivia:
Miche and Miranda had a happy reunion before the contract.
Miche specially asked for summer and winter holidays to visit Miranda.
Wolf is currently F-class but was previously S-rank with names like "Dragon Slayer."
The peddler got a sudden request from the Grand Duke of Rifalas.
Miranda's grandchildren built a big house and are picking her up tomorrow.
Miche's different colored eyes are mentioned many times.
The Guild staff is Fang Clan and refuses to think Miche is the Thunder King.
Wolf still carries the steel sword he gave the peddler.
The receptionist has dog ears and is dog-faced, making her animal features a running joke.
Miche the cat-beast is called the Thunder King and purposely marks territory on the receptionist as fun payback.
Wolf previously wiped out the Grem Grizzly, a group of Ash-Eating Bear-Slayers, which the Peddler mentions as recent news.
Palsy is a former receptionist who now runs a small branch Guild and spoke for Wolf via letter.
Stella Vist is from the southern lands, hinted by her dark skin and strange smile.
The next arc will feature Reminia's "In Papa's Name" arc followed by Wolf's S-class Magic Beast battle.
Notes:
• Miche - A magical cat-beast called the Thunder King. Friend to Wolf. Playful, takes fun revenge on the receptionist. Famous phantom beast known as the [Thunder King] (Regulus). Different colored eyes. Former familiar to Rocalo Visto. Feels guilt over Rocalo's death. Can speak human language and is understood by Wolf. Fluffy fur. Howls like a dog when emotional. Phantom beast in the form of a Persian cat. True form is a huge white beast called Eregil, the Thunder King. Served her late master for over fifty years before being taken in by Miranda. Struggles with sadness and guilt over her master's death. Uses rough, casual speech with cat-like sounds. Phantom beast looking like a white cat with nine tails. A lynx or nekomata type creature. Has long fur, short legs, and a scary presence. Was owned by Miranda's late husband and is very bad-tempered. Phantom beast lynx with different colored eyes (purple and green). Long-lived but emotionally young. Speaks with a rough, country dialect. Conflict with Miranda comes from guilt over her husband's death. Tsundere nature.
• Wolf - A 42-year-old former A-rank adventurer now operating at SSS-rank levels, he retired to Nicalas Village to raise his daughter, Reminia, as a humble farmer and craftsman. Though soot-stained and calm, this protective, curly-haired father possesses immense, beyond-human strength. A pragmatic, understated mentor, he leads by example, balancing quiet devotion with the quiet authority of a seasoned guardian.
• Miranda - Older widow and Mike's owner. Former beast tamer's wife. First strict but shows deep love for Mike. Sees Mike as family and the only remaining link to her dead husband. Older wife of the famous thunder beast tamer Rocalo Visto. Lives alone in a big house. Uses a cane. Stern face that softens around Mike. Grandchildren have built a big house and are coming to take her in tomorrow. Owner of the manor where Mike lives. Mike's master's daughter. Appears only through others' words and memory.
• Vist - Miranda's family name.
• Rifalas - Job: Grand Duke title holder; Relationship: Henri's family; Note: Noble house.
• Palsy - A receptionist at the Karas guild branch. A member of the "spotted cat tribe" (possibly a beastman). Known for her cheerful smile and warm demeanor. Handles reporting and paperwork diligently.
• Reminia - Fifteen-year-old Great Hero of Straval and researcher of the Double World Theory, this willful, intelligent girl sports striking red hair, amethyst eyes, and a slender build. A dedicated protector of her father, Wolf, she balances a tomboyish exterior with immense, limited-use magic—including holy relics and teleportation. Her speech shifts between analytical precision and deep devotion to him.