Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Mitia (2): Search! Mithia’s Benefactor
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We were asked by Mitia, an acquaintance of Bianca and a staff member at the research building, to help search for someone. The staff at the research building, treating Mithia like their ‘daughter’, had prepared a valuable military dog for her. Everyone was spoiling her.
I approached the military dog, named Beg. I made a fist to let it sniff before slowly petting it. Since it’s a military dog, I thought it might not warm up right away, but it let me pet it quite easily.
“Oh, Lux, you seem to be good with dogs.” (Bianca)
I don’t know how things are in other countries, but in our country, it’s mostly the wealthy nobles, some merchants, or the military who handle military dogs. Only a very few hunters keep hunting dogs.
“My grandfather had a hunting dog. Though, it was quite an old dog, so it passed away when I was a child.” (Lux)
“Hmmm, a hunter who could have hunting dogs, huh? Now I’m curious about what kind of person your grandfather was.” (Bianca)
He also had a special, unregistered gun with no serial number, and I too wondered who my grandfather really was.
Anyway,
“Would it be better for you to take him? Just don’t let go of the leash. Beg is smart, so I don’t think he’ll do anything strange, but it could be troublesome if something happens.” (Staff)
“Got it.” (Lux)
I replied, accepting the leash. When I looked at Beg, he was sitting and staring at me with a wise look. He seemed to be ready to follow my instructions.
“Well, then, let’s go. Hana, can you take us to a place in Rodon where girls around Mitia’s age tend to gather?” (Lux)
“Leave it to me, degozaru.” (Hana)
“Mitia, stay close so you don’t get lost.” (Lux)
“Okay.” (Mitia)
We said our goodbyes to the research building staff and set off for the city, with Beg in tow.
—
In the city of Rodon, we unexpectedly became the center of attention. The reason, of course, was Beg.
Rodon was a large city, but it was probably not common to see a military dog walking through the streets. Interestingly, children seemed fascinated and cheered, while many adults kept their distance, looking frightened. Beg, however, wasn’t paying attention to any of it. He happily wagged his tail, enjoying the new experience of walking in a different place.
“Beg isn’t really suited for military work. He had a tough time on the front lines, so now he’s responsible for military dog gear fittings and scent detection studies at the research building.” (Mitia)
She seemed to be very fond of Beg, and the way she looked at him was gentle.
“So, Hana, where should we go first?” (Lux)
“Hmmm… The quickest way would be to go to the schools in the city, but… it’s a hassle to visit all four of them, degozaru.” (Hana)
There were two elementary schools in Rodon, one middle school, and one high school. Since Mitia was around the same age, it would be likely that she would attend either an elementary or middle school. However, they are spread out across the east and west, so moving between them seems troublesome.
“So, let’s head to the street where we often hang out after school. Mitia, Beg can track scents if even a faint trace remains, right?” (Hana)
“Yes. At least during the trials, Beg was able to track any scent he learned. But if it rains, the scent disappears.” (Mithia)
“Then, if it rained about a week ago, and if she came here to play afterward, there’s still a chance, right?” (Hana)
“Probably…” (Mithia)
As we continued our conversation, we were led to a fashionable street lined with stores and cafes. Indeed, the ratio of women in this street felt higher compared to others. Here, too, Beg became the center of attention. From all around, I heard whispers like “So cute!” and small gasps of excitement.
“Oh, there’s a new cafe over there. Hana, have you been there?” (Bianca)
“I didn’t know about it either. Want to check it out together sometime? Mitia-chan, if you want, degozaru.” (Hana)
“I’m not too fond of crowded places…” (Mitia)
“Come on, Mitia. You need to get used to crowds eventually.” (Bianca)
“Well, well, Bianca, there’s no need to force her.” (Hana)
Listening to the conversation between the women, I took a step back and walked leisurely with Beg. We wandered around the street for a while, but it seemed there were no lingering scents that matched what we had taught Beg.
“Hmmm, I don’t think this is the place. Let’s go to the closest middle school instead. We can’t enter the building, but is that okay, degozaru?” (Hana)
“If Beg reacts, Mithia can confirm the scent afterward, so I don’t think it’s a problem.” (Lux)
“Then, let’s go, degozaru.” (Hana)
Along the way, Hana told us that she was also a graduate of this middle school. We eventually arrived at the middle school, but it turned out to be a dead end.
As I looked curiously at the school building, Hana asked.
“Lux, is something unusual, degozaru?” (Hana)
“Oh, no. Actually, Rita-san mentioned that, once things settle down, my little sister (Noris) might start attending school next spring.” (Lux)
“Ah, that’s right. Noris-chan is about the right age for middle school, degozaru.” (Hana)
“Yes, that’s true. Up until now, there were health issues, and besides, there wasn’t a school in the southern village. So, Rita-san thought it might be a good idea for her.” (Lux)
“I’m not too familiar with the schools in this city, but if she’s transferring, won’t Noris-chan need to take an entrance exam, degozaru?” (Hana)
“Oh, that’s fine. She spends her free time studying at the city library. She’s always been smart, so Rita-san doesn’t think it’ll be a problem.” (Lux)
“Wow, self-study only? That’s impressive, degozaru.” (Hana)
Mitia, who had been listening to our conversation, asked, “Is she your sister, Lux-san?” (Mitia)
“Yes, that’s right.” (Lux)
As I answered, I suddenly thought that Noris might fit the description of what Mitia had mentioned earlier. It seemed Hana had the same thought. She looked at me for a moment, then the two of us shook our heads at the same time, as if to dismiss the idea.
Just then, Beg, who had been absentminded before, suddenly pulled hard on the leash I was holding!
“Beg!? Did he find something?” (Lux)
I tightened my grip on the leash to make sure I didn’t let go, then started running to follow him!
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