“Meownnn…!” The day before departing for Renald to collect the earth dragon corpse—Stella’s previous form—Tama stretches contentedly as he awakens in a room of the inn in Labyrinthos. Hmm, my master and the others are still asleep. I should get up and groom myself. It’s morning—Aria and Stella are sleeping peacefully next to Tama as he begins his daily grooming ritual. He licks his front legs and paws to get himself clean all over. Even in his past life, Tama took great care with his appearance. He washed his face every morning and tidied up his long silver locks (whose beauty his partner at the time was very jealous of) and tended to his silver armor before heading out to work. Even now that he’s been reincarnated as a behemoth…or rather, a behemoth cub who looks like a kitten, he still has the same preference regarding his self-grooming habits. Furthermore, even though Tama was once human, he has no qualms about licking his fur clean thanks to his feline instincts. Okay, I’m done cleaning up. Time to wake master. Tama makes his way over to Aria after he finishes his feline grooming diligence. He goes in to rub his face against her cheek while she sleeps, breathing quietly—however… Master’s face is so lovely, no matter how many times I see it… She’s truly an angel… Reflexively, Tama swallows a lump in his throat, astounded by Aria’s beatific, sleeping face. Even though he should be used to it by now, when he lets down his guard, he is still captivated by her appearance. Aria’s looks are a truly miraculous combination of sweet and gorgeous. Tama has never seen a girl as fetching as her. Oh no. As my master’s knight, I must not allow myself to be this captivated by her. Tama quickly manages to return to his senses. As Aria’s knight and protector, for him to gaze transfixed upon his master’s sleeping face would be inexcusable. Tama uses his chivalry to rein himself in and takes a deep breath, then proceeds to rub his face against Aria’s cheek to wake her. “Mmmm… Good morning, Tama… You woke me up again today, huh…? ” Aria’s eyes open after Tama rubs his head on her cheek a few times, and she calls his name lovingly. Aria adores Tama, and being woken by him is the happiest moment of her day. She pulls Tama closer and hugs him to her ample bosom. My master is always rather heavy-handed with the touching… Yet obeying her desires is my duty as a knight. I cannot refuse. Tama makes excuses in his own mind and slides between Aria’s breasts. “Awww… Tama, you are so darn cute… I really want you to grow up so we can meow together all night, but I really love fawning over you when you’re so tiny like this, too…” Aria still mistakenly thinks that Tama is an elemental cat, a kind of magical beast with which she can crossbreed. She’s always thinking about how she one day wants to bear his child. That said, the fact remains that Tama’s cub form is unbearably cute and lovable as is. Aria is conflicted—she loves him as a kitten but also wants him to grow up so she can have her way with him. She’s still a young woman, but she can be lustful beyond her years. “Meown—” Mmmm, wow, master’s touch is as incredible as always… Aria rubs Tama’s head as she clutches his tiny body. It feels so good, and Tama cries out despite himself. She feels so soft, her touch is so adoring, and the sweet scent she gives off in close quarters envelops Tama in her motherly affection… There is no way the cub Tama can resist reciprocating like a child. “Mmmm…” Shortly after Aria starts fawning on Tama, Stella’s voice can be heard from the next bed. She’s awake. “Good morning, Stella.” “…Hmph! N-no fair, you’re holding Tama again!” Stella yells out—even though she just woke up—when she sees Aria hugging Tama against her breasts. —Stella, lower your voice. You’ll disturb the people next door. —Grrr… I don’t get it, but if you say so, Tama, I have no choice but to be quiet… Stella obediently complies with Tama’s telepathic command. “……?” Aria looks perplexed as Stella quickly falls silent with a perturbed expression. “Fine. At any rate, Stella, let’s wash our faces and go get some breakfast.” “…! Okay! I love washing my face! And I love breakfast!” Stella’s face lights up in an instant. She is obsessed with eating, and she’s grown fond of washing her face—well, really her whole body. When she was an earth dragon, she either lazed about or lost herself in the joy of crushing feeble enemies—that’s it. However, after meeting Aria and everyone else, Stella had her first bathing experience and now understands the comfort of cleaning her body. She heads straight for the sink in their room and twists the faucet, washing her face vigorously. “Stella, no, no—you’re a girl, right? You have to wash your face more gently…” “Mm…? It feels good to wash your face with gusto!” As Stella furiously scrubs, Aria explains how to wash up properly, but Stella doesn’t get it. “Stella. Girls need to take good care of their skin. Tama, you like girls with beautiful, healthy skin, right?” “Meown—!” “Mmmph! In that case, I will wash gently! I am a girl who knows how to take care of her skin!” Seeing Tama’s reaction to Aria’s words, Stella starts washing her face gently. She was an S-ranked monster in a past life, but in Tama’s presence, she’s a lovestruck young woman. “Good girl, Stella. You have to make sure to dry your face with a towel gently, too, okay?” “Got it! I will dry my face with care!” As instructed, Stella gently wipes the water from her face. Seeing this, Tama is impressed as he thinks, Wow, master can be very fastidious… “Okay, now it’s time to change our clothes!” “Right! And once we change, we can eat!” Stella instantly throws off the negligee that Vulcan bought her. She’s desperate for some breakfast. Aria chuckles as she watches. Stella still has a long way to go in acting ladylike. Aria comes close to cautioning her about this, too, but…in the end, she gives up, realizing that chiding Stella about every little thing and trying to rein her in too much will only cause her stress. As long as she gets used to society bit by bit, right? Aria looks at Stella fondly and starts changing herself. Whoosh— Aria silently takes off her stark white negligee. Neither Stella nor Aria wears a bra when they’re sleeping. Aria has nothing but a black thong on now, and the sunlight through the window casts a warm glow on her body. Her porcelain-white skin is flawless, and her platinum-blond hair falls down to her waist, her semitransparent ice-blue eyes shining like precious gems. “Meown—!” So gorgeous… Before Tama’s thoughts can even edge into seedy territory, he is utterly fascinated by Aria’s excessive level of fairy-tale-like beauty. Ahhh… Tama’s giving me that look… Aria’s cheeks flush pink. She gets excited simply from her beloved Tama’s attention. She brushes her private parts over the top of her ultra-tiny panties. …I’m…definitely going to need to change my panties now… Aria is much more aroused than she realized… By the time she finishes breakfast, her body will be flushed, and she’ll be dripping with “honey.” She decides to return to her room and change her underwear. “Okay, Tama, come here.” “Meown—!” Even though she’s aroused, Aria has finally managed to don her bikini armor, and as she opens her arms, Tama jumps up onto her chest. Boi-oi-oing— As she catches Tama, Aria’s chest bounces up and down, looking so pillowy soft. Of course, Tama leaped into her arms with the utmost care in order to not hurt Aria’s chest at all. “Grrr! I want to hold Tama, too!” Seeing Tama comfortably ensconced in between Aria’s breasts, Stella is already grinding her teeth. “Well, if it isn’t Aria, Stella, and Tama! You guys are early again today!” “Good morning! We’re thinking about heading out on a quest again.” “Meown—!” The proprietress of the inn greets the party at the first-floor restaurant. There isn’t a single customer yet. Aria and her roommates are the early birds. “Mmmm…! That smells so good!” Stella is so entranced by the delicious smell wafting from the kitchen, she doesn’t even realize the proprietress has greeted them. She sniffs the air repeatedly as drool dangles from the corner of her mouth. “Ha-ha! Stella, you’re just like a little kid. Eat as much as you want again today!” “I’m going to eat a ton! The cuisine here is delicious!” The proprietress greets Stella with a laugh at the young woman’s childish bearing, and Stella doubles down. Seeing this, Tama can’t help but chuckle. Aria says, “Stella, you learned a new word!” praising her like a mother for using “cuisine.” “Okay, I’ll bring out the cuisine now, so just wait a minute.” The proprietress heads back into the kitchen. “I can’t wait to see today’s cuisine! When I lived in the labyrinth, I had to catch my own prey for food, so this place is like a dream!” “‘Your own prey’—?! Oh my, Stella, did you eat monsters in the labyrinth?” Aria looks totally shocked by this revelation about Stella, already holding a fork and knife, her eyes surging with excitement. Confounded by the obvious nature of the question, the former earth dragon replies, “Of course I did! Wyvern meat is the tastiest!” “Stella… From here on out, I’ll feed you even more delicious food, okay…?” Hearing how rough her friend had it in the past, Aria promises to feed Stella the best food possible, tears welling in her eyes. They are planning to leave on the merchant Leis’s quest the next day, but Aria has no particular intention of taking it easy. Starting tomorrow, she won’t be able to delve into the labyrinth for a while, and she’s worried she’ll get rusty. That’s why Aria wants to accept a quest today, too. The other reason is because Stella’s rampage meant that she didn’t really make a profit, but…she won’t mention that. That’s just Aria’s kindness at work. “Good morning, Vulcan!” “Hey now—Aria, Tama, and Stella—good meowning!” Before heading to the guild, Aria and company stop at Vulcan’s Outfitters. By the way—Aria did end up going back to her room at the inn to change her panties. But let’s forget that for now. Vulcan’s Outfitters is located quite close to the guild, and the party planned on meeting up with Vulcan before heading there. Vulcan is completely prepared. She’s wearing overalls with nothing underneath, as usual, but today she has on mithril alloy gauntlets and leggings, along with her trusty battle hammer, of course. “Hey, Aria. I know you just got here, but can I hold Tama?” Watching Aria hold Tama, Vulcan reaches out to her with a “meowww…!” and asks for a turn. Her side boob bounces up and down, looking velvety soft, when she stretches. Her gorgeous, tanned underarm is fully on display at the same time. Any gentleman with a thing for dark-skinned girls would be drooling. “Of course you can! Tama, let’s have Vulcan hold you, okay?” “Meown—!” Tama answers Aria directly. Obeying their master’s orders is a knight’s duty. Tama willingly accepts being passed to Vulcan. “Meow—! Tama’s fur is perfect, as usual—so fluffy and with a great sheen. It feels amazing!” As she holds him, Vulcan thoroughly enjoys how good Tama feels in her arms, and she admires his fur. There’s no greater comfort than cuddling a fastidious creature like Tama. Meown—I’m so jealous that Aria gets to live with this adorable and strong male feline! When Tama gets bigger, I wonder if he’ll meow all night with her…? Vulcan pictures the scene in her mind. Quite a few beings in this world choose to intermingle with different races. As a member of the tiger-eared species, Vulcan herself is of mixed animal blood. If she finds a strong, attractive male, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a human. Above all else, Tama has saved Vulcan’s life in the past. Because she doesn’t have any issues with interspecies relations, that alone is enough for her to fall in love with Tama. …? It looks like Vulcan is staring at Tama with tears in her eyes… Aria realizes her friend looks a bit off but doesn’t think to consider that she has fallen in love with Tama. “Grrr… You are keeping him all to yourself…! Not fair!” Stella grinds her teeth again—she can’t count how many times she has today. “Hey now, if it isn’t Aria and party. Morning!” “Good morning, Anna.” “Good meowning—!” “Meown—!” Arnold greets the party the second they step inside the guild. Aria, Vulcan, and Tama all reply enthusiastically. Stella is watching carefully for a chance to pounce on Tama to hold him, but she’s staring directly at him, and Aria knows what she’s up to. “Could you possibly be here for another quest, even though you’re going on a long-distance assignment tomorrow?” “You’re correct, Anna. Do you have a quest that’s light and easy?” “Hmm, let’s see… In that case, how does this sound?” Arnold takes a single quest card out from underneath the reception counter. “Um, this is… Urgh…ropers…?” “Yes, we had a request to collect roper tentacles. Apparently, there is demand for them from doctors in the city. They gave a deadline of this evening, but the pay is quite exceptional. ” The quest card Arnold presents is indeed for the delivery of roper tentacles. It may seem odd, but ropers’ mucus and tentacles are used in a number of different medicines. It’s likely the doctor requesting the raw materials has received a refinement request requiring them. Just yesterday, Aria had a hell of a time at the hands of ropers thanks to Stella running off on her own in the labyrinth. Recalling what happened, the elf releases an audible groan. “The pay is definitely good, meow. What do you think, Aria? We can have Stella go berserk until the ropers appear on the third level, and when we get there, you and I can clean them up, don’tcha think?” “I see—that should allow us to finish up without falling into a similar situation as yesterday…” Aria isn’t super on board with Vulcan’s suggestion, but she nods anyway. It’s true there aren’t that many short, simple quests that pay well. Plus, because ropers always move unpredictably, this is a good opportunity to train and keep her senses sharp. Above all else, someone must be struggling if they put out a request like this. Aria’s heightened sense of righteousness will not allow her to simply ignore it. “That’s correct, Stella. We’ll be counting on you to take care of the enemies on the first and second levels, okay?” “I hate when Aria bosses me around, but if I can go all out, then no problem. Also, I hate ropers, too!” After yesterday, Stella has developed a considerable contempt for the creatures. She has no objections to the way today’s quest is set to proceed. Shrrrring—! A sharp sound pierces the first level of the labyrinth—it’s Stella’s greatsword ripping through the air. It mows down her goblin foes or squashes them flat as a pancake. For enemies on the first level, Stella doesn’t require activating her dragonewt form, much less relying on her Mega Shield. “Mm, Stella’s very strong. But despite that…” “It’s a waste, meow. If she could just cooperate, she’d be the most powerful combination of attacker and tank, meow…” Aria and Vulcan are once again blown away by Stella’s over-the-top fighting style. If only they had the same power and abilities… If only she didn’t have such a problematic personality… She would be the most incredible talent. It would be great if we could come up with a plan to encourage Stella to work with us when she fights, for the sake of tomorrow’s quest… Aria hasn’t given up yet. She plans to get Stella to understand the importance of fighting side by side, no matter what. It’s a critical step to keep her in this group, and if Stella ever decides to venture out on her own in the future, she’ll probably end up joining another party. If by that point she still isn’t able to coordinate with others in battle, she’ll end up alienated. Aria, as her caretaker, is flush with a feeling of responsibility to make sure that never happens. “Well, for meow the path forward has been cleared. Let’s hustle and head to the next level right meow!” They have complaints about Stella, but this is a time-sensitive quest. Vulcan gathers her wits about her and steps forward to lead them down to the next level. The second level of the labyrinth— “Bu-whooooooo—!” As the party enters the next level, an orc—the most common monster inhabiting this area—screams and rushes toward them. It’s holding its trademark club and appears to be very excited. Really, that’s a given—Aria’s crew includes three absolutely bodacious babes, after all. Aria is in her bikini armor, Vulcan is naked underneath her overalls, and Stella is wearing low-rise hot pants and a jacket that shows her midriff, her cleavage, and her under boob… Seeing the three girls dressed this way, the orc—a species known for its rampant lust—will naturally react accordingly. As proof, the thing hanging between the orc’s thighs is pointed directly upward, “ready to battle.” “Stella, right now, you don’t need to worry about coordinating with us like yesterday—just go in for the kill, okay meow?!” “You didn’t have to even tell me!” Answering Vulcan, Stella charges forward. She’s taking this enemy a bit seriously, it would seem—she transforms into her dragonewt form as she goes to attack. Her arms grow several sizes larger, and a huge, rugged tail sprouts from the ass that was just peeking out from her shorts. “This time, I’ll practice my shield while I torment this pathetic soul!” Stella’s expression turns sadistic. She’s feeling a bit stressed from not being able to rampage as hard as she wanted to yesterday. Granted, some of it comes from not being allowed to hold Tama, among other things… Long story short, she’s about to take it all out on this orc. Ka-shinnn— Stella’s Mega Shield collides with the orc’s club, sending sparks flying from the powerful impact. —Stella, perfect timing. I’ll show you how to use your shield. —Tama! You know how to use one?! Just as Stella goes on the defense, Tama shoots a telepathic message her way. In his past life, Tama was highly skilled with a shield. He means to teach her a few techniques, albeit verbally. Even if they can’t work directly in tandem, Tama has decided to at least show her some moves. —First, push forward forcefully, then swipe your shield to the side! —Okay! Stella does as Tama instructs. The next moment, the orc’s club is brushed away, and the monster loses its balance. —Incredible! With such little power, you broke the orc’s stance! —Hmm. It was pretty good for my first time. Okay, what’s next…? Following Tama’s direction, Stella waits for the orc to stand up again, without going in for the kill. When it gets to its feet, Tama schools Stella in a number of new techniques to block its attacks. It’s unlikely she’ll be able to master them all in a single day, but if she keeps practicing in the battles to come, she’ll get the hang of it. “H-huh… It looks like Stella’s shield technique is improving—and quickly…” “Aria, you think so, too, huh meow? It’s almost like she’s following someone’s instructions, don’tcha think?” She’s a bit awkward, but Stella is deflecting her enemy’s attacks. Aria and Vulcan are impressed. Is Stella looking at Tama from time to time? It sure seems like he’s staring back at her… Ha, there’s no way. Ensconced between Aria’s breasts, Tama is staring at Stella and nodding each time she deflects an attack. Aria wonders, Could Tama be giving her commands…? but ends up laughing to herself, realizing how ridiculous that is. Squelch, squelch, squee…! A while after Stella’s rampage—or rather, her shield training—finishes up, the party has arrived on the third level of the labyrinth. They immediately encounter a roper, the target of their quest. “Aria, this time, we need to cut the tentacles off at their base and bring them home, okay meow?!” “I am well aware, Vulcan. Tama, this is also training for me. You don’t need to intervene unless it gets dangerous!” “Meown—!” Understood, master! Just as Vulcan says, the roper tentacles have to be severed at the base to fulfill their quest—thirty in total. Ropers have six tentacles each, but cutting them off from the main body is no small task. Not to mention, the creatures will use their tentacles to attack Aria and company and try to impregnate them. As Aria indicated, though, this is a chance for her to train and keep her senses sharp. Until she’s unable to handle them all herself, she doesn’t need Tama’s help. “Grrrr—!” Stella is growling. Ropers are the natural enemies of all females. Even though she realizes she won’t be fighting right away this time, her natural instincts are setting off alarm bells. —Don’t worry, Stella. I told you yesterday, but I am here to protect you. Just remain calm and watch my master fight. —Tama! That’s right! You will protect me, so I have nothing to be afraid of!! Stella couldn’t be more pleased by Tama’s reassurance. Hmm. It seems like she’s calmed down, but her shoulders are still tense. Nothing I can do… Stella has stopped growling, but she’s still gripping her weapon tightly. At this rate, any little thing could send her flying into a rampage. If that happens, this encounter will be yesterday all over again. However, the party has entered the labyrinth with a quest today. They cannot leave without collecting the materials they came for. To that end, Tama decides to ease Stella’s stress even further. He trots over to where she stands…and suddenly jumps up lithely and lands on her right shoulder. —T-Tama! You willingly touched me! —I’m here by your side. Just relax your shoulders. —O-okay, got it! Being held by Stella…is still pretty terrifying, but Tama decides this is okay for now as he jumps up. “Ngh… Tama’s practically clinging to Stella… She’s not exactly holding him, but…” “Meow-ha-ha! Aria, you’re jealous right meow, aren’t you?!” Aria also realizes that Tama has jumped on Stella’s shoulder to soothe her. Even though she knows this, she sees Tama as a man, so for him to be touching her at all is enough to make her jealous. Vulcan is amused by Aria’s jealous sulking. It’s so rare to see the elf envious that Vulcan can’t help but erupt in laughter. “Ugh, don’t tell me you find this funny, Vulcan! …No matter. I’ll take my anger out on the ropers.” Aria leaps toward the monsters, her cheeks still puffed out. “Meown… I might have teased her a bit too much…” Vulcan sheepishly follows Aria, and just then— Sllllsppp—! —each of the ropers shoots a single tentacle with incredible speed toward the two girls. These are much faster than the ones they faced yesterday. They must be older ropers that know the…ropes. Aria can tell they’re higher level. “Acceleration—!” Aria cries out and activates her innate skill, Acceleration, reaching top speed in an instant. She dodges the high-speed tentacles with ease and rushes up to the monsters. “It’s no use, slimeballs—!” Vulcan is already on the move. She sticks her battle hammer out in front of her and skillfully wraps the tentacles around it. Just like that, she pulls with all her might and rips the tentacles from their stem—rrrppplllsh—! “Pi-gyaaaaaaaa—!” What an epic maneuver! The roper screams in agony from the searing pain, and its movements become more sluggish. This is the perfect opportunity—Aria swings her knives at the roper. Her aim is sure as she cuts off three tentacles on its right side in one slash. She turns to slice off the other three on its left but runs into trouble. The roper withstands the searing pain and reaches out to attack Aria with its three remaining appendages… However— “No chance meow—!” Vulcan whirls around to the monster’s left side without her battle hammer in hand. “Enchant Ice!” Vulcan activates her derived skill Enchant Ice, and a layer of subzero-degree ice forms around her gauntlets. Gah-shhhhhh—! Vulcan grabs all the tentacles with both hands, and they freeze solid. It doesn’t quite manage to freeze the roper’s main body, but it’s definitely enough to stop the tentacles from moving. “Aria, do it meow—!” “You got it, Vulcan!” With its tentacles paralyzed, the roper is helpless. It tries to escape but doesn’t have a chance. Vulcan pulls on the monster’s tentacles, immobilizing it. Aria proceeds to use her knives to rip through the remaining tentacles with an audible slash. “Your time’s up! Enchant Flame!” To finish the roper off, Vulcan activates her derived skill Enchant Flame. Her hand becomes a flaming blade and pierces the creature directly in its heart. “Pi-gyaaaaaaaa—!” The roper’s death knell echoes through the labyrinth. In a final show of resistance, mucus audibly sprays from the stubs of its amputated tentacles. “Eeeeek—!” “Oh meowwww! It got us!” Sticky white mucus explodes all over Aria’s and Vulcan’s faces. Both girls are sweaty from battle, their cheeks flushed scarlet, and their breath comes out in ragged gasps. They certainly look like they’ve been finished off… M-master, it pains me to see you in such a state…! Tama stares at Aria despondently from atop Stella’s shoulder. “Well, hey now—welcome back! ” Arnold greets Aria and company as they return that afternoon to the guild from the labyrinth. He sees the tentacles sticking out of Aria’s backpack and is relived that they’ve successful completed their quest. As the guild receptionist, the moments Arnold feels the greatest joy are when he sees adventurers returning safe and sound from a mission. In particular, Aria is someone he’s cared for like his own daughter. Every time she comes back from a quest, Arnold breathes a sigh of relief. “Hi, Anna! We’re back!” “Meown—today’s quest went really well, didn’t it meow?” Aria and Vulcan took down close to ten ropers today, and the satisfaction is apparent in their grins. They both got a thorough workout, and their faces are flushed red, their skin covered in a light sweat. Enveloped in Aria’s breasts is Tama, who’s out cold from the pheromones being secreted with her sweat, lazing away tucked in her soft bosom. “Hey now—Stella, you sure look like you’re in a good mood!” In response, Stella chuckles, “Heh-heh-heh…! Tama jumped up on my shoulder by himself today! This is a step in the right direction!” Stella looks thoroughly pleased with herself. Judging from her disposition the day before, Arnold thought she would point out Aria’s weaknesses or complain she didn’t get to rampage enough, but the day’s happy circumstances enable her to forget these things. “That sounds like great news, Stella! ” Arnold smiles happily at the young woman, who responds with the same self-satisfied expression. “Okay then, I’ll begin appraising your items, so go ahead and relax while you wait, all right?” “Understood, Anna!” “Hey, let’s all get a drink at the bar, meow! We need to give you a boost for your quest tomorrow, Aria!” “Oh, great idea! Let’s do it!” At Vulcan’s suggestion, Aria and her companions proceed to the bar for a tipple while they wait for their materials to be assessed. It might be a bit early for a drink, but they’ll be departing tomorrow at the crack of dawn. In that case, they’ll nourish themselves with some delicious food and a bit of drink before settling in for the night. “Okay, Stella, it’s time to get some food.” “What?! Oh my god, I can’t believe I haven’t eaten yet! I want some meat!” “Hee-hee, Stella, you really love meat, don’t you?” Aria and company head to the guild bar while conversing. They place an order with the bar maid… That is, they basically order a massive amount of meat. It’s clear to them that Stella won’t be satisfied with a small portion. She also eats really quickly, so they go ahead and order extra from the start. “Okay! I hereby propose a toast to Aria and her party’s success on their long-distance quest tomorrow! Cheers meow!” “Cheers!” At Vulcan’s toast, Aria raises her glass filled with honey liqueur. Stella doesn’t understand what a toast is but exclaims, “Huh, seems fun!” and holds up her glass. Tama mews loudly in front of the saucer of milk he’s been provided. “Sorry to keep you waiting!” Shortly after their toast, just as Stella starts fidgeting nervously in expectation of her meal, a number of dishes arrive at their table. “Wh-what is this, this smell…?! It’s making me unspeakably hungry!” “Stella, this is called steak. This kind in particular is a regional specialty flavored with salt, pepper, and a special sauce, and… Wait, are you even listening…?” Aria tries to explain the dish to her, but Stella is clearly overcome by the incredible aroma. She’s gazing at the plate in front of her with drool dangling from her mouth. “Stella, let’s dig right in!” Just as Stella exclaims, “Yeah! I’m gonna eat so much—!” her hand stops. She’s looking back and forth between the steak stuck on her fork and Tama. Both Aria and Vulcan stare at Stella blankly, completely perplexed. “T-Tama, thank you for making me happy today!” Incredibly, Stella manages to show the little behemoth some gratitude. She looks beyond embarrassed as her cheeks flush red. She then takes her fork with steak stuck on it and pushes it toward Tama. Her hand is shaking ever so slightly. Previously, when she asked Tama to open wide, he turned away from her. She is terrified that the same thing will happen today. —What? I told you that I would protect you. That much is a given. And today, you didn’t even run off on your own. That’s admirable. Tama communicates telepathically with Stella as she stares at him, her eyes wavering, and he chomps down on the bite-size piece of steak. Tama praised me! And he opened wide to eat my food! Stella’s expression brightens. This is her first time being complimented by Tama. That alone would raise her spirits, but she also succeeded in getting him to allow her to feed him, which he refused just yesterday. She is so elated that her eyes begin welling up. “Hmph… Tama cheated on me…” “Meown, Aria, you’re more the jealous type than I thought…” Seeing Tama and Stella gaze into each other’s eyes, Aria puffs up her cheeks and sulks yet again. Hmm? Master, you seem upset… Tama is sensitive and realizes something isn’t quite right with Aria, but he’s unable to read her innermost thoughts. “Bath time, it’s bath time—!” Aria looks positively joyful as she strides down the stairs with Tama in tow. A while after finishing dinner— Aria and company returned to the inn and decided to head down for a bath. Vulcan is with them today; anyone can use the inn’s bath for a fee. “The bubbles in the bath get all foamy and pop! So fun!” Stella is gleefully following Aria down the stairs. After her first bathing experience the other day, she’s already a huge fan. Stella’s really looking forward to bath time as she swings the towel Aria bought her. “Meown—I haven’t been in the bath with Tama for a long time; I can hardly wait!” Vulcan has brought a towel and change of clothes from home, and she can’t wait to bathe with cute little Tama. “Th-these three babes are…” “Gonna take…a bath together…?!” The girls can hear men who look like adventurers whispering to one another from the lobby. They’re creeping behind the girls to see if they can catch a glimpse of them in the bath—or at the very least, a glimpse of them changing. However, they’re quickly stopped in their tracks by the proprietress’s fists. Whoooosh—! In the changing room, Stella instantly sheds her jacket. She doesn’t look embarrassed in the slightest as she rips it off excitedly. The second she does, her bountiful bosom jiggles and ripples with splendor. In the next moment, she’s out of her tiny hot pants, too. She removes her panties in the same swift motion, putting her privates and their lovely hues directly in Tama’s line of sight. He rushes to avert his gaze. Next to Stella, Vulcan is taking off her overalls. She doesn’t wear a bra, and her delectable twin peaks—which are always visible under her overalls—are now fully exposed. Her back and stomach are both a healthy shade of golden wheat, while the small mounds at the center of each peak are nicely pink. She’s wearing tiger-striped shorts perfectly suited for a sprightly beast girl. Beside Vulcan, Aria is also undressing. She carefully strips off her bikini armor, exposing her favorite tiny black bra and thong panties. Her muscular yet plump figure boasts perfect proportions. Even when she removes her lingerie, her breasts and rear end don’t budge. Nothing about her undergarments belies the figure beneath them. “Meown—! Your breasts are so big, Aria! Stella and I have big boobs, too, but you’re on a different level!” “Grrr, is the reason Tama is always being held by Aria because she has the biggest boobs? Or because they’re the softest? I must find out!” “Eh? Wai— Stella, what are you…? Ahhh! Don’t rub my breasts!” “Shut up and sit still!” As Vulcan admires the size of Aria’s breasts, Stella starts massaging them out of curiosity. The elf tries to resist, but Stella overpowers her, pushing into her breasts forcefully, kneading and twisting her massive twin peaks like potter’s clay. “No fair meow! I’m joining in!”’ Vulcan gets carried away and joins the fray, sliding around Aria to knead her breasts from behind. Ah-ahhh… No! Tama…Tama is watching! He’s watching me getting groped! It was meant only to be a little mischievous fun among girls… When Aria sees Tama looking at her worriedly, though, she becomes more stimulated than ever before. She pants seductively and begins rubbing her thighs together. “Meown?! Aria, don’t tell me you’re…” Seeing her sudden transformation, Vulcan realizes that her friend is getting aroused. The girls have gone too far, and Vulcan starts to tell Stella, “Okay, that’s enough meow.” However… “These breasts are unbelievably soft! I better find out how soft these are, too!” …before Vulcan can stop her, Stella reaches for Aria’s nipples—erect and perfectly light pink—and squeezes them between her index fingers and thumbs. “—……—!!” Aria squeals wordlessly, her knees knocking together from the spasms. “Meownnn—?!” Master?! Tama cries out in shock at the sudden turn of events. “N-no… Tama, dun lookit meee… ” Tama approaches Aria in a panic, but she barely manages to say “don’t look” in a sultry voice. Her breath is ragged, and her cheeks are flushed. Tiny pink hearts float in her gorgeous ice-blue eyes. “Wh-what’s going on?!” “Meownnn—?! Now we’ve really done it…!” Aria crumples to the floor, knock-kneed. Between her erratic breathing and the look on her face, she has completely and utterly surrendered to her most carnal emotions. Stella looks absolutely perplexed by the spectacle, while Vulcan, who knows exactly what’s happening, puts her head in her hands and moans, “What have we done?!” She can’t believe a little girl-on-girl prank would do this to Aria… Vulcan can’t help but feel responsible for going overboard. “Ughhh… That was awful. And they did it in front of my beloved, of all people…” Twenty or so minutes later, Aria has managed to recover and curses her companions under her breath as she soaks in the bath. “W-we’re so sorry, meow! We had no idea that would happen, really we didn’t…” “Urgh… I don’t get it, but I am sorry…” Vulcan apologizes to Aria, looking positively remorseful. Stella is soaking in the bath next to them and offers her own teary-eyed apology. She has a huge bump on her head—Vulcan rapped her with her knuckles for escalating the situation too far. Stella didn’t expect Vulcan to get mad at her and is shocked. She wasn’t told exactly why it was wrong but understands she did a bad thing and is remorseful. “Meown—!” Master, are you okay…? Tama mews worriedly at Aria while floating in the bath. He hasn’t realized what actually happened to Aria. He’s concerned she’s sick. “Hee-hee… Tama, you are such a sweetheart. Come over here, okay?” Aria squeezes Tama tightly from behind, and the soft sensation causes a mew replete with relief to escape him. “Grrr—! Not fair! I want to clutch Tama to my bosom, too!” “Meown—! Tama’s face looks so cute when he’s tucked between your boobs, like he’s at complete peace.” Stella puts her index finger to her lips and stares enviously at Tama. Vulcan, meanwhile, is crushing hard on Tama’s adorable little face. Tama, someday…when you get bigger, let’s meow together all night, okay? Aria grins from ear to ear as she stares at Tama, sleepily floating in the tub, and imagines what possibilities the future might hold…
Chapter 19
32 min read