mireiarchive | Entries tagged with title:watchdogs

Hiyori: I’m hooome! Here here here, my darling Bloodstained Mary! Your Master has returned to you!

Ibara: Welcome home, Your Highness Hiyori! This Saegusa Ibara has spent every second of the day awaiting your return! Salute~ ☆

Hiyori: Yes yes, I have finally arrived! Ooh, I’d love a “Welcome Home” party!

Jun: A party’s a bit much, you know...

Nagi-senpai helped look after Mary too, right?

Thanks so much for taking care of her. I hope she didn’t cause any trouble for you guys, was she all good?

Nagisa: ...Yes. Bloody Mary is a good girl.

...I enjoyed myself, spending time with her. It was very worthwhile.

Hiyori: You sure look happy, Nagisa-kun! If you’re smiling, I can’t help but feel happy too!

I want to hear all about what happened while I was gone! Jun-kun, go get some tea for us, please!

Jun: Yeah, yeah. We should take out some of the souvenirs we brought back, they’d go well with some tea.

There’s rice crackers filled with mugwort. They’re just plain delicious, I have to say~

Nagisa: ...I wonder what they taste like. I’m looking forward to them.

...Would I be able to hear from both of you as well?. I would like to hear about what you saw and what you experienced.

Hiyori: Of course! I shall delve into all the details of my glorious adventure!

Nagisa: ...Adventure? Weren’t you in the countryside?

Jun: I’m sure we’ll be here for an hour or so. This one here got lost on some mountain behind the lodge that were we staying at~

We searched for him like crazy. And of course, when we found him, our runaway in question was frolicking around in a spring.

Hiyori: It was the discovery of the century! The locals even told me they had no clue about it!

Hiyori: They named it the “Hiyori Spring”! I’ll take you there someday, Nagisa-kun!

Ibara: (...At long last, the weight has been lifted.)

(I’m through with looking after animals. I’ll have to secure a pet sitter capable of working on short notice, so that I never make this mistake again.)

Yuzuru: Good work, Ibara.

Ibara: ...How unpleasant. Why are you of all people congratulating me?

Yuzuru: I simply saw how hard you worked. I thought I’d praise you, even from an outsider’s perspective. ♪

How was it, spending time with that dog—er, Bloody Mary? Do you have any desire to keep your own pet, now?

Ibara: ...That might not be the worst idea. Dogs are obedient, and if I train up a competent breed, it could serve as a shield for when the time comes.

You never know when a two-faced dog will turn its fangs on you, so you can never let your guard down.

That being said, I believe I’ll hold off. I am occupied with idol work and acting as the Vice President, so I don’t have the spare time to be fussing over animals.

Ibara: Besides, isn’t it much more amusing to have control over people, rather than a dog?

Yuzuru: Say what you will, but it seems they quite like opening up to you, don’t you think?

Ibara: ....Hmph. That is just some willful attachment on their part. Dogs are those sorts of creatures, after all.

Ibara: (They do say that dogs are a man’s best friend. In my case, my closest friend is no one but myself.)

(That’s right, I don’t have the free time to be concerned with such things. For the sake of a promising future, I must power through the battlefield with nary a glance away!)

(I will survive, using everything that can be used! Assault! Invade! Conquer! Ahahahaha...☆)

<Prev | End.

Saegusa Ibara’s childhood, on the training grounds of the private military facility

Ibara: (Reaching the target location. Now, on standby until the target arrives…)

(I’m dead tired and starving. I wanna just get this extermination over with and go sleep for a few days…)

(….Nn, something’s nudging my foot.)

Ibara: Who—! ...Oh.

It’s just a dog… Food? You saw I was hungry and thought to bring me something?

How humiliating, being shown mercy by a dog of all things… Who in their right mind would eat that.

You’re getting in the way of my training, so get lost! Shoo, shoo!

… Why’re ya stickin’ to me like that. I told you, go away~

Ugaah!? Ughh, don’t lick my face…!

Ibara: (Agh, yuck… there’s some lukewarm stuff slobbered all over my face now…)

Ibara: ...Whether it be a dream or reality, I certainly am being licked.

Good morning, Bloody Mary. It’s good to see you perked up again.

Are you hungry, perhaps? Alright, there’s nutritional food I received from the clinic—Oh.

I must have misplaced it… Perhaps I left it behind in the common room.

Since you’re in better spirits, let’s go there together.

Ibara: Even this early in the morning and you’re scarfing it all down. Well, I suppose this is better than having no appetite at all.

...I’m glad that you’re back to your usual self. If anything had happened, I would have rather not had to lower my head to His Highness Hiyori.

*yawns* Hnn…

Yuzuru: ...Oh. How rare to see you yawning like that.

Good morning. Fufu, this truly is quite the peaceful sight.

Ibara: Yuzuru...

Yuzuru: I assume you’d like to ask me what I am doing here? After yesterday’s events, I decided to pay your dormitory a visit and see how everything played out.

I had figured you would be in the courtyard, and thus my suspicions were realized.

Ibara: ...Hmph. I bet you thought you could ridicule me for being out of sorts?

Unfortunately for you, Bloody Mary is in perfect health, as you can see.

Yuzuru: Why must you twist my words so… I am relieved to see you both in good health.

It is completely removed from any sort of malintent. As your former instructor, I simply did not want to see you in such a pitiful state, genuinely at a loss for what to do. ♪

Ibara: Ahahaha ☆ If you’d rather not see that, then perhaps I should gouge out your eyes for you?

Yuzuru: Why don’t you give it a try. I’ll gouge out your life itself before you even lay a finger on me.

Aaah, that dog is coming this way… What is the matter—did I do something, perhaps?

Ibara: Looks like she wants you to take her for a walk. Why don’t you take her around for a bit?

Oh, now she’s coming over to me… Would you like me to accompany you as well?

I must refuse. Run along with Yuzuru, now.

Yuzuru: ...It seems she would like your company as well, like it or not. What shall we do?

Ibara: Aah, fine… I understand. Just this once, especially for you.

Yuzuru: Fufu. You’ve thoroughly submitted yourself to that dog, haven’t you.

Ibara: She is His Highness Hiyori’s beloved dog, so I must be devoted to her. And by the way, Yuzuru… it’s “Bloody Mary”.

Yuzuru: Hmm…?

Ibara: Bloody Mary. It’s her name, you know. Calling her “that dog” is rude.

Isn’t that right, Bloody Mary.

Saegusa Ibara’s childhood, on the training grounds of the private military facility.

Ibara: ……….

Ibara: (Looks like I’m starting to get hungry… just my luck to be out of rations. Unless my life’s in grave danger, I’d rather not start chowing down on bugs, though.)

(Haaah… how many more hours do I have to sit here on standby?)

(...How much longer do I have to keep crawling around in this hell?)

(...Hn? Sounds like a dog’s bark.)

(Ah. They’re doing drills with the military dogs on the training grounds nearby.)

( Of course, for our drills, even the grown-ups are worked until they admit defeat. Must be nice to be a dog—you put in just enough effort and right away they give you treats.)

(Aah, how annoying...)

Ibara: ...Here, have some food, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: (Because His Excellency looked after her, I was able to get a bit of rest. I’m feeling quite refreshed now.

(Almost too refreshed. Having a dream like that might be the consequence of sleeping too long.)

(...Compared to back then, this place is heaven.)

(Spending day after day with my life on the line, my mind and body being worn down. How many times did I fantasize about choking the life out of Instructor-dono...)

(Even he, that damned drill sergeant, is nothing more than a collared pet dog now. Wagging his tail for his master, that disgraceful little pet.)

(Haaah. If this were the battlefield, I would put him down as soon as I could.)

Ibara: ...What is it, Bloody Mary?

Another helping? Really, what a glutton you are. I’d like you to staunchly resist and learn by my example, from how I was in my childhood. If you keep acting like that, Instructor-dono will―

...Ah, yes. Ufufu, I believe I’ve had a wonderful idea… ☆

Ibara: (...Heheh. Looks like I’ve found you.)

Ibara: Well, well, if it isn’t Yuzuru! What a coincidence, seeing you in a place like this.

Yuzuru: ...Ibara. You must be quiet in the library—ah!?

Ibara: Oh, is something the matter?

Yuzuru: That… furry little creature you happen to be carrying...

Ibara: Calling her furry is rude, you know. You should refer to her as a living jewel.

Her name is Bloody Mary—the beloved pet dog of His Highness Hiyori.

At the moment, His Highness is off somewhere far away. Unworthy though I may be, this Saegusa Ibara has been entrusted with looking after her!

However! I am a newcomer to caring for animals, and so I am quite troubled...

And! So! That is why I thought to implore you—Yuzuru, the most elite of all butlers—for guidance.

Yuzuru: I—I see…

Ibara: Why are you stepping back? There is no need to worry, Bloody Mary will not bite you.

Ibara: Isn’t she lovely? Look, look~♪

Yuzuru: St-stop that this instant. I can see her perfectly well without you coming any closer…!

Ibara: (Heheh. I had some suspicions, but it seems he really does dislike dogs.)

(Even during the drills at the military facility, he tried to keep a distance from them. His weakness against them is still rooted deep in his mind.)

(He is a man who could withstand being alone in the midst of the enemy army… And yet, why is he still weak to something so trivial as dogs…)

(Perhaps it’s disdain from comparing their circumstances to his own, and yet refusing to acknowledge that they are ultimately similar.)

(...Well, I don’t really care about the reason behind it. Whatever, I’m just over the moon to be able to harass him!)

Ibara: The Himemiya residence also keeps a dog, yes? By all means, I ask for your advice… ☆

Yuzuru: ...You could say that, but I wouldn’t know either. Though I am tasked with caring for him, typically those duties are entrusted to someone else.

Since I moved to the Seisou Hall, I have not been involved with it in the slightest.

Ibara: Is that so~. And here I had high hopes for you.

Ibara: (...As if. This is exactly what I expected from you, Yuzuru. Since I’ve managed to enjoy that look of disgust on your face. ☆)

Yuzuru: If it is concerning dogs, I would imagine that those in the “Animals” circle would be more well-versed than I.

Though it may be for the time being, you possess a life in your hands. Do commit yourself lest you lose your focus, Ibara.

Ibara: (Hmph. Who does he think he is…)

Ibara: Aye, aye ♪ I shall embody the perfect display of care. Ah ha ha… ☆

Around 1:00 p.m.

Ibara: Now then. Let’s begin your afternoon exercise, Bloody Mary!

...Hmm? Why are you cocking your head like that? You like exercising, don’t you?

Ibara: (I still remember the way the military dogs did their drills. So much so that I see them in my dreams.)

(Though their breeds may be different, they are dogs just the same. Deep down, her lineage lies with hunting dogs, so Bloody Mary should be glad to take part…)

Ibara: Of course, I will have you doing fundamental physical training: building up your hunting skills, and drawing out your latent potential.

Come now—run like the wind, Bloodstained Mary!

In the park

Ibara: (Aah, we are getting further from the dorm…)

(When can I finally escape from this dog walk?)

… Your Excellency, over there. The target— I mean, Akehoshi-san is there.

Nagisa: … Yes, Koga-kun is also there. Just as Tsukasa-kun said, they're playing with the dogs.

… You want to go there, Bloody Mary? I understand, I’ll be putting you down.

… Hm, She immediately ran to them as fast as she could.

Koga: Here, Imma throws the ball. Three, two, one…

Guh!?

Who da hell dared to tackle me!

Subaru: Oh, Mary! Hey hey~ as always, you look so cute today♪ Come closer, I’m going to give you a hug!

Koga: Did you come here alone? How careless~ where’s your owner?

Subaru: Mary, where’s Junjun? What about Ohii-san?

… Ah! Barry and Nagisa-san are coming here! Oiii~~♪

Ibara: (… Two humans, two dogs. Toys scattered all over the place. It seems that they’re in the middle of a game.)

Oh well, well! Good afternoon, Akehoshi-san and Mr Oogami! Mr. Daikichi and Mr. Leon too. Salute~☆

Koga: Hah? Oi. You. How do you know about Leon, huh?

Subaru: Huh, did I ever tell Barry about Daikichi? I don’t remember doing that.

Ibara: aHaHaHa. I at least have information on the pets that are living in the dormitory.

Subaru: I see. Barry~ you really like observing things.

So today is Barry and Nagisa-san’s turn to walk with Mary? Is Mary the child of Eden?

Nagisa: … No, she is the child of Eve. She is Hiyori-kun and Jun’s beloved daughter.

… They are away for work, so we are here to take care of her.

… Bloody Mary seems to get along with everyone here.… Interesting. Is it because they have a dog’s instincts so they can get along well?

Koga: Like hell it’s that. Even between dogs, there is a thing called chemistry. If their personalities don’t click then they can end up fighting.

Mary is no exception~. She was so scared when she first met Leon and the others, right?

Subaru: Yep yep. She kept hiding so close to Junjun and wouldn’t leave his side.

I heard she’d get stressed when there’s a lot of other dogs around, so we only greeted her lightly when we first met.

After they got to meet each other a couple times in the courtyard, she seemed to start opening her heart to them.

And now she’s besties with Daikichi and Leon! Let’s keep getting along, Mary☆

Koga: Hm? What’s wrong, Mary? … Oh. You interested in Leon’s ball?

If you bite it, it’ll make some noises like pyo~pyo~, y’know. Sounds cool right?

Subaru: Since it’s rare to see Mary here in the park with us, let’s play together, Mary! Is that okay with both of you?

Nagisa: … Yes. Please go play with her.

Koga: Oi, oi. Are you just going to watch from there? It’s only natural for the master to play together too.

Here’s the ball.

Ibara: Eh? But I...

Subaru: Do you prefer the frisbee instead? Alright, I’ll lend you this☆

Ibara: (That’s not what I mean...)

Nagisa: ...♪

Ibara: (His Excellency is staring at me with an expectation, I can’t refuse this..)

… Well then, please excuse me. I will be the one doing the first throw.

Assault, invade…conquer~!

Koga: That's really a weird thing to shout out...

Leon, catch it!

Subaru: Conquer～☆ Daikichi, go get’em!!

Nagisa: … Go for it, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: (… I see. So they still have fighting instincts?)

(Even if they are now rotten pets, they are still dogs. It appears that they can still run that fast. But…)

Subaru: Poggers! It's Daikichi’s win!

You did great~. I’ll give you lots of praises, yosh yosh☆

Koga: That was so close Leon, no losing next time, okay? … Here you go!

Ibara: (In the end, she can only run behind the other two. She can’t hunt at all.)

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary seems to be having so much fun. I’m glad to have brought her here.

Ibara: … Yes, you are right.

(Did she lose the sharpness of her fangs due to His Highness doting on her?)

(Well, with such an appearance. There is nothing we can do if she is bad at exercising…)

Koga: Nice catch! Aren’t you good at it Leon~. As expected for a Herding Dog♪

Ibara: … A herding dog? With that look?

Koga: That look? Oi, you have a problem with that?

Ibara: Oh, no. My apologies, I should’ve phrased it better!

Mr. Leon looks really adorable. At first glance, I didn’t expect him to be a hound...♪

Koga: Heh. It’s better to call him cool, but it's not a bad thing to be praised~.

Leon is a Welsh Corgi, he’s a herding dog that chases after cows and sheep. It’s his job to guide them so they won’t escape the ranch.

If their bodies are too big, he might end up being kicked by a cow, right? That’s why people choose this breed for this job, since they have shorter legs.

Ibara: I understand. Choosing the right person for the right job, I see.

(Speaking of that. Mr. Suou called Bloody Mary a “Yorkshire Terrier” before. )

(Just like the Welsh Corgi, I wonder if this breed also has a particular job that they have been designated to. Let’s look it up on my smartphone.)

(… What? Vermin hunting dog? This breed is used to hunt rats in factories and other things…)

(It’s written that over the time they ended up being treated as pets)

(They’re supposed to be good at hunting, but with that look… What a pitiful dog.)

In the side walk, several minutes later

Ibara: (...Speaking of which. How long does it take for a dog to be satisfied with a walk? Does it depend on the time? Or rather, does it depend on distance?)

(The longer we walk Bloody Mary, the more we are straying away from the dorm. Considering we have to walk back, I guess turning back here would be a good idea.)

Your Excellency, maybe we should—

Nagisa: … Ah, Tsukasa-kun.

Tsukasa: Good afternoon. I caught sight of this Yorkshire Terrier so I came closer to see her, and it turns out Ran-senpai is the owner.

She is truly adorable, what is her name?

… Whoah!?

What’s wrong with her!? She’s barking at me! Guhh, you little beast…!

Nagisa: … Her name is Bloody Mary. She is Hiyori-kun’s child, not mine.

Tsukasa: Bloody Mary? Naming her Bloodstained; what a dangerous-sounding name.

Nagisa: … But she is a very good girl. She is very cautious so she was just scared.

… It's okay, Bloody Mary, Tsukasa-kun won’t hurt you.

Tsukasa: Her eyes perk up as if she is asking “for real?”. I might be a Knight, but I will not swing my sword blindly♪

Bloody Mary-san— you who are named after the late queen who once ruled England; will you please allow me to touch you?

Nagisa: … Fufu. It seems like Bloody Mary is walking closer to you.

Tsukasa: That’s totally cute♪. Ah, I really want to pet her to my heart’s content…!

But it’s not good to be greedy when we have yet to establish trust between us. She might end up hating me, so I shall restrain myself here.

But a picture wouldn’t hurt… Ran-senpai, may I take a picture of her?

Nagisa: … You may. Hiyori-kun really likes taking photos of Bloody Mary. We end up with so many photos of her in Eden’s group chat.

Tsukasa: Is that so? It sounds just like heaven♪ Bloody Mary-san, please allow me to take a picture of you.

Alright, cheese...☆ fufu, Thank you so much.

And, save… Knights’ group chat is very chaotic. Everyone just posts whatever they want.

Ritsu-senpai sometimes sends blurry and mysterious pictures, Narukami-senpai sends her favourite things, Sena-senpai sends some of Florence's scenery...

Nagisa: … And Leo-kun?

Tsukasa : Leo-san usually sends music scores. It seems that he sends them whenever he wants Ritsu-senpai to play the melody for him.

I don’t get to reply when he sends multiple pictures at once without thinking, so it gets really hectic.

Really, he is so hard to handle.

Ibara: Mr. Suou.

Tsukasa: Uwah!? Saegusa-senpai, since when were you there?

Ibara: (I had a hunch that he didn’t realize that I was here so I tried calling out to him, and it’s just as I thought…)

Oops, my apologies for startling you! I’ve been here since a long time ago, you seemed to be enjoying your talk with His Excellency enough that you didn’t notice me.

Tsukasa: It’s exactly as you said, please pardon my rudeness.

Ibara: aHaHaHa. Please don’t worry about it.

That aside. Both of you seem to be getting along very well, how did you get to know each other? You both are from different agencies so I’m quite curious.

Nagisa: … I see. From Ibara’s view, we seem close.

Ibara: Did I happen to get it wrong?

Nagisa: … I don’t really know. I have only started to interact with other people ever since I came to ES.

… But, it makes me happy to hear that we appear to be close.

… Tsukasa-kun is a fellow member of Biblion. When we have time, sometimes we end up reading books together.

Tsukasa: Ran-senpai has extensive knowledge. His views vary from mine so I find that talking with him is enjoyable.

Just the other day we had fun talking about birthstones, and he gave me an ametrine stone.

I was told that it’d be great to wear it so I try to carry it with me as often as I can.... Look here

Nagisa: … Ametrine means “harmony” and “stability”. I think it's very befitting for the leader of Knights.

… Thank you for always carrying it around. I’m sure that stone is also glad for that.

Tsukasa: Fufu. It’s an honour for me, thank you too for giving this to me♪ From now on I will do my best to be worthy of this stone.

Ibara: (... I understand, so they knew each other from circle activities. I’m glad he’s properly joining the circle’s activities instead of just joining it for the sake of it.)

(The circle itself seems to be helping the growth of His Excellency’s sensibility. Asking him to join circle activities was a good decision.)

Nagisa: … And for Ibara, I will give you a turquoise stone next time.

Ibara: Oh, you are giving one to me too?

Nagisa: … Yes, it’s my hobby to collect them so I have a lot. Although the birthstone itself may vary depending on the country...

… I think turquoise, which means “Accomplishment of Goals”, is very fitting for Ibara.

Ibara: (The effects of power stones are nothing but dubious tales. I will carve my path with my own strength, but…)

I expected nothing less from Your Excellency! You really have touched my heart by

If it’s a stone from His Excellency himself, it must be very effective! The future I have ahead is surely going to be bright☆

… Oh. What’s wrong with Bloody Mary? Why are you tugging on my pants?

Nagisa: … It appears that our conversation has bored her.

Tsukasa: Pardon me for suddenly interrupting your walk.

But it was really fun to be able to talk with you.

Fufu. Seems like today is really the day of the dogs. Just before I came here, I met Leon-san and Daikichi-san in the park.

Ibara: Hm, Daikichi is Akehoshi-san’s dog. Leon is… Mr. Tsukinaga’s?

Tsukasa: No. The name might be similar, but Leon is Oogami-senpai’s dog. He is really an adorable corgi♪

Akehoshi-senpai said that they’ve just arrived to play in the park, maybe they are still there.

Ibara: Your Excellency, we’ve walked a lot already. Both Your Excellency and the dog must be satisfied already.

Nagisa: ... Shall we go, Bloody Mary? It's quite far from here, so let me carry you there.

... Ibara, what did you say?

Ibara : ... Ah no, I didn't say anything. We are going to the park next, right? Alright!

This Saegusa Ibara will serve you until the end of the time! aHaHaHaHa...☆

ES Dormitory Common Room — After Ibara finished cooking.

Ibara: My apologies for keeping you waiting, here is the Bolognese and Salad.

Your Excellency, we should have lunch too!

Nagisa: … Okay, I will eat. Bloody Mary, you should eat too.

… You must be so hungry, you’re enjoying your food a lot.

Ibara: (...He seems to be absorbed in taking care of that dog. Let's use this opportunity to look up how to take care of dogs.)

(...I see. Despite being omnivorous, it turns out that there are many foods you shouldn’t give to them.)

(It seems like there are some dog-lovers who feed their dog homemade food, but feeding them store-bought dog food is more common.)

(Not only do they provide well balanced nutrition, you can also preserve them effectively. Store-bought dog food is excellent.)

(I value efficiency too, so I prefer these kinds of foods.)

(Though, if I have to point out a flaw in this, it would be how prone it is for other people to ask “can you be full from eating only that?”)

(Food has no other value than keeping us alive. It’s foolish to be particular about how it looks or tastes…… or, so I thought.)

(Recently, that mindset seems to have shifted a bit. Like, it’s no longer a pain to spend time and effort to make it—)

(...)

(Well, there is no cooking that is as good as nutritional supplements and meal replacements! It can be eaten anywhere without dirtying your hands and you can also finish it in an instant. It’s truly most rational.)

(I hope it will be popularized as splendid common food in general, just like dog food.)

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary, why are you tapping your plate with your paw?

… The plate is already empty, do you still want to eat more?

… Ibara, can I give her more?

Ibara: It should be okay if it’s just a little bit. Dogs will usually eat anything we give them, so please be careful.

Nagisa: … I see. Here, eat more, Bloody Mary.

…Are you interested in my food? I’m sorry, but I can’t give this to you. I read in the book that I shouldn't give you human food.

...And, this is food that Ibara has made for me.

…You understood. What a good girl, Bloody Mary.

Ibara: Your Excellency, you haven’t touched your food. Is the food not to your liking?

This is a menu that you once called delicious, but if this isn’t to your taste, then I can make you something else!

Nagisa: … You don’t have to. I was simply too focused on watching her that I forgot to eat.

… Thank you for the food.

… This is delicious. Ibara is really good at cooking.

Ibara: Oh no, you think too highly of me. I am nowhere near Mr. Shiina’s level.

Nagisa: … Ah, Niki-kun, right. Speaking of him, Ibara is learning to cook in Niki’s Kitchen, right?

Ibara: Yes. We learn various kinds of dishes. From a simple dish that is easy to cook without using a knife to a fully prepared dish that is even acknowledged by a top chef. I get to learn a lot of things.

Compared to him, my own cooking is still not good enough. AHaHaHa☆

Nagisa: … Niki-kun’s cooking is delicious, I like it.

… And I like Ibara’s cooking too. Is there really a need to compare it?

… Instead of choosing which one is more delicious, can’t I just say both are delicious?

Ibara: Why, you’re wasting your praises on me! I’m truly blessed by your thoughtfulness!

Nagisa: … I simply stated it as it is though.

… But well, You seem to be having fun there, I’m glad.

Ibara : (Seem to have fun…? Me*? )

(This is inexplicable. Just how did I look in His Excellency's eyes?)

Nagisa: … Hm? Bloody Mary, why are you biting on your leash?

Ibara: It seems like she wants to take a walk, what should we do?

Nagisa: … Let’s go outside after we eat lunch. Will you wait for us for a little longer?

… Thank you. You are so smart, there there.

Ibara: As expected of His Excellency, you are really great at communicating with dogs!

Nagisa: … Bloody Mary.

Ibara: Hm?

Nagisa : … Just like how you are “Ibara” and I am “Nagisa”. This child has a name, which is Bloody Mary.

Ibara: … Ah, how rude of me! I should have called her by her name too.

I’m not accustomed to cherishing animals, so I did not think about it thoroughly. I will be careful in the future.

Nagisa: … Good. The name Bloody Mary is something that was given by Hiyori-kun and Jun. It is a very precious present after all.

… We should cherish it too.

in the sidewalk

Ibara: ...She walks, then stops, walks, and stops. It’s so difficult to read Bloody Mary’s movement.

Nagisa: … Fufu. Isn’t that just like humans? In the path called life, humans will also walk here and there, suddenly stopping only to continue again.

The unpredictability is similar. Even if we think we do, understanding everything about them is still difficult.

… But that is why they are interesting.

… It is really peaceful here. It is very calming, and there are no signs of conflict around.

… Though, this could be boring for someone like you, who loves war and politics.

Ibara: It's certainly not! Being able to spend time with His Excellency and her is a great luxury! I’m thrilled and delighted! ahahaha☆

Nagisa: … That’s what he said. Isn’t that great Bloody Mary?

Ibara: (I wonder why His Excellency keeps trying to talk to that dog every time. It is not like she will respond to him or anything.)

(... I said that just now, but if I’m being honest, this atmosphere is making me lose it.)

(The place where I belong is none other than the battlefield that rains with bullets. I just want to be released from this pet-sitting job as soon as possible.)

Nagisa: … Ibara. Bloody Mary wants to take a walk on the street over there.

Ibara: ( … Well, if His Excellency gets to take a break then I'll let this pass. A proper rest is also part of taking care of your health.)

Aye aye♪ I shall accompany you wherever you go!

NOTE :

* Ibara use 俺 here instead his usual 自分 when he refer to himself. He usually use 俺 when he speaks true to himself

Dormitory Common Room — One day in Autumn.

Ibara: (... Finally, the day has arrived.)

(It’s a special program where idols experience life in the countryside. It’s an honorable job from the local government, but...)

(I wonder what kind of judgement they had to pick Eve out of all the countless idols in this place that is surrounded by many stars.)

(Putting Jun aside. It’s just far too unsuitable for His Highness—Hiyori to be living in the countryside.)

(With His Highness being His Highness, I thought he would refuse, but when I asked him about it—)

("Sounds like an interesting job, you should definitely accept it!" He even emphasized that.)

(I repeatedly advised him that he will not be able to do field work or herding while he’s in his vacation mood, but it all fell on deaf ears. It seems that he was counting down the days until this day too.)

(... Well, the fact that he is very motivated is good. If the clients are happy, then it will also be beneficial for future activities.)

(He will most likely leave the bothersome work to Jun anyway. If it’s Jun, he will definitely complete the task that he has been entrusted with—even if he has to throw up blood.)

(I also heard that there will be a lot of staff assigned on-site. I guess I too should just push the responsibilities to Jun and enjoy this brief moment of peace. )

(Oh, is that His Highness and Jun talking…?)

Jun: — Like I said, if it's impossible then it is impossible. Please stop and give up on it.

Hiyori: Jun-kun is so stubborn, I said I don't care. Look at her eyes, Mary is also saying I’m right. Jun-kun should be the one giving up here!

Jun: No no no, this isn't something that can be solved just because I give up on it….

Ibara: … Well, well. I’ve been waiting for you, Your Highness! The shuttle car has already arrived. Please get in when you are ready!

By the way, what are you both debating about? Has Jun done something, perhaps?

Jun: Why are you accusing me~? It’s always been Ohii-san who’s done something when anything really happens.

Ohiisan keeps insisting on bringing Bloody Mary to work and won’t listen to me at all.

Ibara: And what is wrong with that? If His Highness wishes so, then there should be no problem to do as he pleases.

Hiyori: Did you hear that, Jun-kun? Ibara is saying something good for once, I will praise you for that🎶

Jun: I wasn’t done talking. Uh... I thought it would be troubling for them if we brought her without informing them, so I told them in advance. ―

I was told that the farmer who will take care of us is allergic to dogs. Though they said that the symptoms are mild, it should be okay as long as we don’t let her out when we’re indoors, but...

We don’t want to bother them more than we already are, so we decided that it’s better if we don’t bring her in the first place.

Hiyori: Non. Non. The one who made that decision is Jun-kun. She will still go with us. After all, I took this job for her!

Ibara: For Mary…?

Hiyori: That's right. My dear Bloodstained Mary is already like my own child. I wanted to show our child all kinds of scenery!

Let's take a walk on the empty road of the countryside~ Mary, chu~chu🎶

Jun: (Sighs)... Ibara, can you say something?

Ibara: (Even if you say that to me, betting on winning games has been my way of life for so long.)

(Although they said that it was mild, it would only ruin His Highness’s image if he brought the dog despite us knowing that someone is allergic.)

… Your Highness, as an inexperienced person, it's difficult for me to say this but, can you please leave the dog — Mary here?

Hiyori: Hm, really, even Ibara is going to go against me? I shouldn’t have praised you!

Ibara: I deeply apologise about this. But please try to think it through.

The majority of the field work that both of you will experience later will be your first time working on it. Your time will mostly be spent on it and you might spend very little time with Mary.

Leaving her in a new place alone will make her lonely. How about bearing with it now for her sake and going on a trip to the countryside on another day with her?

Hiyori: Mary will be lonely …

… I don't have any choice then. If you say that much, I will go along with it.

But, Ibara has to take care of Mary!!

Ibara: … What?

Why, me…?

Hiyori: Because the one who told me to leave her is Ibara, so you will have to take responsibility for it! Right, Jun-kun?

Jun: Well, I guess that's right~. Mary isn't scared of Ibara; leaving her to someone that’s already like family is also more relieving.

Ibara: She wasn't scared of me simply because she smelled the scent of both of you on me, not because she’s used to being with me.

(But if I refuse here, His Highness will definitely bring that dog to work. I would rather prevent that to avoid other problems…)

(... Hm? Ah, there is a good way to solve this. It takes a snake to know a snake. I will accept the responsibility and then I can leave it to a specialist later…)

I understand, I will be responsible and take care of it.

Hiyori: That's great. Think of her as my child and take good care of her!

Jun: Oh, it's already this late… Ohii-san, it's better if we take our leave now.

Hiyori: I got it. Mary, be a good girl and wait for me!

Jun: Then, we’re leaving.

Ibara: Yes. I entrust His Highness to you.

(... Finally, I can send His Highness off. Jun will definitely take care of the rest later.)

(Well, time to look up a Pet Sitter...)

[30 minutes later]

Ibara: (... I tried to contact everyone I found, but all of them are saying that a prior reservation is required. At this rate, I'm going nowhere.)

(If it comes to this, should I ask someone I know instead of using the service of specialists…? Someone who is good at it would be…)

Nagisa: … Ibara, there you are.

Ibara : Ah, Your Excellency. Were you looking for me?

Nagisa: … I received a message from Hiyori-kun just now. I heard you are going to take care of Bloody Mary.

… Ibara, do you know how to take care of a dog?

Ibara: No. But please rest assured, I will leave it to someone who has experience 🎶

Nagisa: … Why do you want to leave her with someone else?

Nagisa: …I heard Ibara will be the one taking care of her. Are you planning on breaking your promise with Hiyori-kun?

Ibara: Certainly not! I would never do such a thing. I just simply think that it will be better to leave it to an experienced person to take care of it.

I believe that it’s better than leaving it to someone inexperienced like me. It’s for her sake too.

Nagisa: … Do you really think that's for the best?

… I heard from Hiyori-kun that she is a really shy girl. Perhaps it’s because she was an abandoned dog, but she always seems to tremble in fear when she’s around strangers.

… Even if you’re inexperienced, isn't it better for her to be taken care of by you, Ibara?

Ibara: But, I...

Nagisa: … If you can't do it, then I will do it.

Ibara: Eh? Your Excellency, do you have experience raising animals?

Nagisa : … If it's rabbits, yes. I raised some back in school.

… I'm also interested in raising dogs. I want to try and practice the knowledge I learned from the book I read.

… Come here, Bloody Mary.

… You seem energetic, you are shaking your tail. Is there anything you want?

… Is it lunch? Please wait here, I will look for it.

Ibara: (Oho. He wasn’t all talk after all, his execution is good too.)

(I want to leave everything to him like this, but His Excellency has a full schedule tomorrow.)

(... Also, I was the one who promised His Highness after all.)

Nagisa: … This is troubling. Where did they put Bloody Mary's food?

Ibara: I think it's on the shelf right here. I've seen Jun taking out the pet food before.

Thank you for reminding me earlier. If it were not because of His Excellency, I would've broken my promise.

If you don't mind, may I also help take care of the dog?

Nagisa : … You don't need my permission for this.

… Come, Ibara. Let's take care of her together.

Next>

Frontline Watchdogs
[MASTERLIST]

JProofer : Peach
TLer 1-4 : Mirei
EProofer 1-4 :Skyress

Hiyori insisted to bring his dog--Bloody Mary on a TV show filming trip to the country side. After Ibara manage to persuade him to give up, Ibara end up having to take care of her in his place.

Frontline Watchdogs 1
Frontline Watchdogs 2
Frontline Watchdogs 3
Frontline Watchdogs 4