The wolf’s food and his own meals.

"..."

The fact that Sergei did not argue back was likely because, despite being warned by Qiong Xing before, he had once again been overworking himself.

Working tirelessly without regard for sleep or meals was admirable in a way, but a person’s body was their foundation.

While it might simply be a matter of feeding the wolf, he could just as well eat at the same time.

"Its body temperature is high and warm, and its fluffy fur is quite appealing."

He was not saying it should be used as a body pillow, but Qiong Xing did sometimes hold Fenrisúlfrl while taking naps.

"But raising it myself is..."

"Then you can rely on others. Aside from meals and sleep... well, if this child seems bored, Captain Narka and the others said they would play with... no, train it."

When he added that he had already gotten permission, Sergei made a bitter expression.

"You should learn to rely on people a bit more. Being able to handle everything on your own is impressive, but because of that, you end up taking on unnecessary work as well."

"...I know."

Sergei was likely aware of it himself, but given his personality and past experiences, it was probably not so easy to change.

"And also—"

"What?"

"Having someone by your side who trusts you no matter what can ease your heart."

"..."

Qiong Xing knew that Sergei trusted him.

However, Qiong Xing could not always stay by his side.

The same went for Katarina and the others. People needed something to lean on emotionally.

"What will you name it?"

"...Howlie."

It seemed even he lacked any sense for naming.

Qiong Xing feels a bit sorry for the pup, so he decided to name it Ranga instead.

...

"Having someone by your side who trusts you no matter what can ease your heart."

He had lost.

Even for a moment, he felt ashamed that he had been drawn in by its charm.

Qiong Xing must have noticed as well, which was why he had asked what name he would choose.

Though the name he came up with had been rejected.

"I have already done some basic training, so there is no need to worry about that. For today, let us focus on helping it get used to you, Prime Minister."

As expected, Qiong Xing had thought things through and did not simply dump the responsibility onto Sergei all at once.

Since there was some leeway in his work, they decided to take a walk as a way to relax.

"It is an unfamiliar place, but it does not seem anxious. Still, please hold it, Prime Minister."

He was handed the pup, but having never touched an animal in his life, he had no idea what to do.

When he honestly admitted that, Qiong Xing did not mock him and instead showed him how.

Though awkward, he managed to hold it, and the pup looked up at him with a puzzled expression.

"I hear that wolves do not have very good eyesight, so let it recognize you by your scent."

Relieved that it did not seem to resist, Sergei relaxed slightly, but when he was told to pet it, he froze.

Pet it? This wolf?

He had never petted anyone before.

Seeing him hesitate, Qiong Xing let out a soft chuckle, took his hand, and guided it toward the pup’s nose.

For a moment, he wondered if it might bite him, but that did not happen.

The pup sniffed his hand curiously, then looked up at him again.

"It is alright. It is a smart child. Once it understands you are not an enemy, it will not bite."

Encouraged by those words, he slowly reached out and awkwardly petted the pup’s head.

It rubbed against him as if it felt good.

Not bad.

"It is cute, right? Its fluffy fur is very soothing too."

Perhaps because Qiong Xing had been taking care of it, its black fur was surprisingly soft.

While holding the pup as instructed, he headed toward the military unit.

As usual, Captain Narka was there energetically training his muscles.

"Oh? Looks like you won. Not bad!"

He must have meant the wolf.

Sergei did not like the way he phrased it, so he silently stepped on his foot.

"Ouch! What was that for!"

No matter how much he trained his muscles, it seemed even he could not toughen his toes.

As Sergei tried to walk away as if nothing had happened, the pup in his arms suddenly struggled, so he set it down.

It wagged its tail happily and ran in circles around Narka.

"Oh, good for you. You found yourself an owner."

"Woof~"

"..."

Were they actually having a conversation?

As Sergei and Qiong Xing watched the wolf and Narka.

"Their minds are not all that different. In a way, he is wild too."

With a sigh, Rohen approached them.

When Sergei greeted him, Rohen smiled warmly and said it was good.

"What is?"

"I was thinking that this might mean you will not push yourself alone anymore. If there is anything I can help with, please tell me. I have caused you a great deal of trouble until now, so if there is anything even someone like me can do, I would like to help."

"..."

He had no memory of doing anything particularly special.

Even so, being thanked and told that someone would lend him a hand left him confused.

Sergei had only ever done what was expected of him as the prime minister.

Everyone around him had taken that as a given, and doing what was natural had never earned him gratitude from anyone.

"This country still stands largely because of your efforts. That is why we did not want you to push yourself too hard."

He had not realized they had been worried about him, and it surprised him.

"After Qiong Xing started coming around, the captain and I were saying how your complexion and overall presence have improved."

...Had they?