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“…So, are you going to the Republic, Arje-san?”
“Yes. Discreetly. I don’t want to draw too much attention.”
“So that’s why we are heading toward that mountain. That’s right…once you cross Maritat, it’s the Yotsuba Republic.”
“Merry Tight?”
“Maritat. That’s the name of that mountain.”

Kuzuha-chan zips up the backpack as she answers.
The small backpack she’s holding now is a simple storage pouch she had her clones make while she was eating.
It has a single strap, so it’s more of a shoulder bag than something you carry on your back. I think they call it a sling bag
Inside were items like dried meat—which couldn’t fit in the blood box—and a comb, things that were more convenient to have readily accessible.

“Well then, shall we head for the Habitat?”
“It’s Maritat.”
“That’s right, I’m sorry. Well then, I’ll go call Behaki.”
“…Um, I was thinking this yesterday too, but is that really the name of that horse?”
“Yes, it’s the name I picked for him. It’s one of my best works.”
“Arje-san… Actually, no. Never mind.”

She was about to say something, but Kuzuha-chan held back in the end.
Since it didn’t seem like she had anything important to say, I summoned Behaki.
All I had to do was mentally tell him to come, and he’d understand, so I just had to wait a little while.
It didn’t take long for his black coat to appear before us.
With a gait that was both elegant and somehow powerful, Behaki came toward us.
It gradually slowed down and finally stopped right in front of me. When I stroked its face, it let out a soft snort—a gesture that seemed somehow satisfied.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Arje. That outfit fits you well.”
“Thank you. Behaki, do you need food or water?”
“Just some water, please.”
“Understood.”

I took a bucket about the size of my arms from the Bloodbox and poured water into it.
I don’t remember the exact total, but since we secured a considerable amount of water in the forest Oswald-kun was guarding, I probably don’t need to worry about what’s left. I’ll know when it starts running low, after all.
I believe a horse drinks about twenty liters of water a day, so this is a necessary expense.
As for me, I have almost no need for food or water, so I can just give the water and food to Behaki and Kuzuha-chan. We should have plenty to last until we cross the border and reach civilization.
As for food, Behaki mostly eats the grass around here, and Kuzuha-chan says she can hunt wild animals, so I don’t need to worry about that any more than I do about water.

“Would you like a refill?”
“No. That’s plenty.”

Since he seemed satisfied, I returned the bucket to the Bloodbox.
With that, all the basic preparations are complete. There were some unexpected twists, but nothing particularly major.
If anything, I’m grateful to have gotten some clothes. It’s about time we set off.

“Arje-san, I didn’t realize you could understand what the horse was saying.”
“Yes, I have a language translation skill. Kuzuha-chan, please get on Behaki.”

To be honest, walking is a hassle, but I felt bad about making a child—especially a girl—walk while I rode a horse, so I urged Kuzuha-chan to get on.
Since I’ve been a vampire for less than six months, in terms of years, I’m probably younger than Kuzuha-chan.
I don’t know her exact age, but there’s almost no way she’s younger than me.

However, counting from my past life, I’m about to turn twenty.
My physical age is younger, but my actual age—or rather, the age of my soul—is older.
If asked which one I should consider myself to be, it feels more natural to go by the age I’ve actually lived.
Since I’ve finally got legs, I’d prefer to ride and get around if possible, but as the older one, I should probably prioritize the child.
If we were both adults, it might be acceptable for me to ride as a privilege of being older, but she is a child.

“I’ll walk.”
“Don’t you worry, Arje-san. Could you please hold this for me?”

I reflexively caught the backpack she suddenly handed me, and Kuzuha-chan nodded once, looking satisfied.
She closed her yellow eyes and took a deep breath.
What is she planning to do? By the time I asked myself that question, Kuzuha-chan’s body had already begun to change.
The young girl’s already small body shrank even further. No, it wasn’t just shrinking. The shapes of her limbs and face were clearly changing.
From bipedal to quadrupedal.
From the face of a young girl to the face of a beast.
Her kimono stretched and clung to her entire body, transforming from red blossoms into fox-colored fur.
When all the changes were complete, what stood there was a kitsuné.

“Well? With this, we can ride Behaki-san together, can’t we?”

The fox looked up at me and said this with a hint of pride.
To be honest, I was a little surprised, but it was true—with this, it seemed we’d be fine riding Behaki together.

“Are you okay with it, Behaki?”
“I had no problem carrying two of you to begin with. If she gets lighter and smaller, I welcome it.”

Having received Behaki’s permission, I climbed onto his back. Just as I was settling into position, Kuzuha-chan arrived.
Kuzuha-chan settled herself into a spot nestled between my thighs. Leaning her back against my stomach, she let out a satisfied sigh and said,

“Behak-sani, am I okay here?”
“Behaki, is Kuzuha-chan’s position okay?”
“As long as she doesn’t dig her claws in.”
“He says it’s fine as long as you don’t dig your claws in.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Well then, shall we go?”

Since Kuzuha-chan and Behaki can’t communicate, I act as a sort of translator to facilitate their mutual understanding.
I have language translation skills, but they don’t, so there’s nothing I can do about it.

“I’m going to sleep, so just do whatever you like for the rest of the time.”
“You’re going to sleep on the horse!?”
“That’s right. Vampires can’t muster their strength unless they sleep on a horse regularly.”
“I see…!”
“Arje, don’t teach her lies.”
“Look, even Behaki says it’s true too.”
“I didn’t say that!?”
“If even the horse says so, then it must be true!”
“Don’t believe her, girl!?”

Oh, what should I do? This might actually be pretty fun.
Ignoring Behaki, who was shouting for me to correct her, I closed my eyes with a half-smile. Hang in there, Behaki.
Come to think of it, Behaki has started calling me “Arje” out of nowhere. I wonder why. Oh well, whatever. Good night.