This was the true appearance of the strongest magical beast, Fenrisúlfr.

"They are very beautiful."

The fact that Qiong Xing could simply accept it like that was terrifying to Albe.

At this point, maybe all he could do was give up and accept it.

"At this rate, they might even agree to a contract. Why not try asking, just in case?"

There was no point expecting common sense from Qiong Xing anymore.

Since they were already so attached, Albe suggested it half jokingly, but just as expected, Qiong Xing immediately asked the Fenrisúlfr.

Was that not strange?

Why was he asking so casually?

And why was the Fenrisúlfr nodding happily?

Was he the strange one instead?

Just watching all of this was exhausting, so Albe went to prepare the meal so they could eat as soon as it was ready.

"Albe! They said they will do it. Please teach me how."

"...I just want to go home and sleep."

Albe had never imagined he could become this tired in just a few short hours.

"At this point, are they even Fenrisúlfr anymore or just dogs?"

That question lingered in his mind.

...

Cari’s thoughts spun in circles.

What should he do, what should he do, what should he do.

He had said he would protect him, yet instead of protecting him, he had been the one protected, and Qiong Xing had gotten hurt.

He could not help but wonder if the wolf had bitten Mama because he had attacked first.

The thought that Mama might be angry at him weighed heavily on his mind.

"...Mama, do you think Mama hates Cari now?"

When he asked his older brother who had been preparing the meal with him the boy looked at him in surprise.

"Huh? Why?"

"I could not protect Mama. And I hurt that wolf."

In the end, everything had turned out alright, but the thought that it might have been his fault scared him, and he could not bring himself to ask Qiong Xing directly.

"That is not true. If I were in your position, I would have done the same thing. Besides, that was Qiong Xing being reckless and abnormal."

He was told that normally, no one would ever think of trying to tame a Fenrisúlfr.

"But Mama did it."

"Yeah, that is because it is Qiong Xing. I am telling you, it only worked because it was him."

His brother told him not to try and imitate it, but Cari had no intention of doing so anyway, so he simply nodded.

"Caribert, you were just trying to protect the Mama you love, right? There is no way Qiong Xing would get mad about that. If anything, he would probably thank you."

"Really?"

"That is what I think."

Was that really true?

Would he not get angry and say, what have you done?

Would he not blame him and say it was cruel to hurt them?

Would he not say that even though he claimed he would protect him, he had done nothing at all?

The more Cari thought about it, the more his mind drifted toward the worst possibilities.

What if he was told he was no longer needed? 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

What if he was told he was no longer his child?

All the happiness he had known until now could disappear in an instant.

It was scary. So scary.

"Mama... what if he says he does not need me?"

"He will not."

Really? The fear would not go away.

As he lowered his head and on the verge of tears, he felt something warm touch his head.

"I promise. Qiong Xing is not like that woman. He would never abandon Caribert. He saved you even before he knew you could use magic, right? And he always said it, did he not? That he loves you, that you are his precious Cari, and he would hug you while saying how cute you are."

That was right.

He always said it.

That he loved him, that Cari was precious to him.

Every time he heard it, it made him happy, and he came to love Mama just as much, never wanting to lose him.

"If you still feel like you did something wrong to Qiong Xing, then just go apologize. It will be alright. He will definitely forgive you."

A warm hand that was different from magic power gently stroked his head.

"...Will you come with me?"

Still lacking confidence, he asked, and his brother smiled and nodded.

Even as he trembled, the hand holding his gave him courage.

When he finally stood before Mama, he honestly apologized.

"I am sorry."

"For what?"

Qiong Xing looked back at him with a puzzled expression, showing no sign of anger.

"I could not protect Mama. Even though Mama was hurt... Cari could not do anything."

As he cried and apologized over and over, Qiong Xing reached out his hands and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"You do not need to apologize. Cari did nothing wrong. It was because I was a bit reckless."

"B-but... Cari could not... do anything... Mama will not need Cari anymore, so—"

"There is no way that would happen. Cari always tries his best. I love that about you. I have never thought you were unnecessary. Not even once."

Really? Could he stay? He was not unwanted?

"I am sorry for scaring you. But thanks to you, I was able to decide to save those wolves. Because of you, I could save them. Thank you for doing your best. Thank you for trying to protect me, Cari. I love you."

"Waaah!"

He loved him.

He loved his Mama.

As he clinging tightly to his neck, he cried and repeated over and over how much he loved his Mama.

"There is no need to rush. You do not have to hurry to become stronger or to grow up. As long as Cari is Cari and stays well every day, that alone makes me happy."

He had always tried his best so that he would not be told he was unwanted.