Story Reader / Event Story / Magpie's Fortune / Story
At daybreak, the street remains hushed, free of its usual bustle. A few early visitors arrive with the morning breeze, bringing a spark of life to the tranquil marketplace.
Camu clutches a scribbled sketch, navigating winding alleys in search of a hidden teahouse few ever notice.
Camu suggested this teahouse, took care of the reservation, and even offered to guide you. But so far, your trip doesn't seem to be going so well.
This is strange... We should have reached it by now.
But somehow... things just keep getting stranger.
I can find it myself.
No one's around at this hour.
Woof, woof...!
As if answering Camu, a small dog darts out from the depths of the alley with a wooden sign in its mouth.
Woof!
The sign reads, "If you want to go to the teahouse, follow me."
...Should we go after it?
Surprisingly, the little dog leads you with pinpoint accuracy, slipping through narrow side streets like it's done this a hundred times. Before you know it, you're at the teahouse entrance.
Once you reach the teahouse, the dog sets down the small wooden sign it's been holding in its mouth, lets out a soft whine, and settles by the porch.
An elderly man with snow-white hair emerges from the back of the teahouse and takes over from the little dog. He leads you two to a table and invites you to sit.
I'm sorry I couldn't greet you myself. I have trouble getting around these days, so I sent my dog in my place. You didn't run into any problems on the way, did you?
No problems at all. If anything... this dog is incredibly smart.
Is this... the fabled guard dog everyone talks about?
You are not sure if it's just you, but Camu looks a bit... excited right now.
It's incredible how accurately it handles guiding. It must've gone through all sorts of specialized training.
Hmm... I really want to know what kind of lessons it usually takes.
Haha, actually I haven't given it any formal training. I just let it help out with a few day-to-day chores.
Anyway, make yourselves comfortable. I'm going back to the counter now—come find me when you're ready to order some tea.
After the teahouse owner leaves, Camu crouches down. The little dog seems to pick up on his intention and lifts its head with a mix of obedience and pride.
Camu naturally reaches out and pets its fluffy head, then moves on to stroke its ears, its neck, and finally its paws...
Time passes quietly—before anyone notices, five minutes have gone by.
Mm!
As if suddenly recalling there's someone behind him, Camu springs up in a hurry.
Hmph. I think that by watching this puppy's behavior, we can figure out what kind of training it normally gets. That's why I've spent so much time on it.
This is a crucial reference for how we should approach and tame surface animals moving forward.
...Yup.
Camu goes quiet for a few seconds, then suddenly takes your hand, pulling you down to squat side by side with him in front of the puppy.
...Try it yourself.
His voice is so firm it leaves no room for refusal.
Just give it a gentle pat on the head—it won't resist.
Because this is a mission rehearsal, you're joining as well, Commandant.
Following Camu's lead, you rest your hand on the puppy's warm little head. The moment your fingers brush its silky fur, you're instantly immersed in its comforting softness.
Gently stroke, rub, and hold... Feeling a lively little creature beneath your hands is both thrilling and reassuring.
The early morning sun settles softly on you two seated side by side, casting a wavering patch of light on Camu's face.
He doesn't even notice the dawn's arrival; he's too focused on your hand, closely observing each movement and offering quiet guidance.
Yes... just like that... now, give a gentle rub behind its ears.
This pressure feels perfect. When an animal's comfortable, it makes this kind of face.
As he speaks, a gentle smile spreads across his face—one he doesn't even realize is there.
Commandant, you really know how to handle animals.
Me?
He hears the remark and immediately looks a bit embarrassed again.
I just...
He can't find any excuse this time. After a brief pause, he confesses.
Ahem. I used to want a puppy.
I mean... when I was still human.
Back then, I imagined a little puppy lying at the door, just waiting for me to come back...
Maybe that would make a place truly feel like "home."
But I had spent my life roaming the surface, fighting wherever war leads me, always skating along the edge of life and death—so it never felt like a real possibility.
Now?
He stops what he's doing, his hands frozen in place.
So... are you saying...?
...we can actually raise a puppy together?
...
Camu closes his eyes, as if picturing something—or maybe weighing his options.
Maybe sensing the shift in your conversation, the dog on the porch lowers its ears and huddles in a corner, making no further sound.
...No, Commandant. I've made up my mind—I don't need any companion-type mechanical pets.
Camu opens his violet eyes again. There's no trace of doubt in his tone.
If we're going to get a dog, let's wait until all of this is over. We'll have a real one as our pet when we can finally live on the surface.
After thinking it through, I realize that only a true "guard dog" belongs in our home.
Commandant, they say... today's the perfect day to make a promise.
Camu gently grasps your wrist with a strength no human can break free from. Soft yet unyielding, he etches an invisible mark into your palm.
I promise you, when the time comes, we'll pick out a dog just for us.
And then... when that moment arrives, ahem...
His voice trails off again, but his resolve still rings loud and clear in every word.
When that day comes, you will become my family, too.
You're not allowed to refuse—after all, you just promised me.
