Special Original Story: Together with Felter
The sun’s warmth was comforting. The sky was clear without a single cloud, and the occasional gentle breeze felt pleasant.
Even within the academy, there seemed to be a more peaceful atmosphere than usual.
“Ah, Sensei Aoi!”
“Hello.”
“Hello!”
Their innocent smiles and cheerful voices were radiant. Even with just a simple exchange of greetings, these lovely girls in their early teens shone like jewels.
The academy grounds were vast, and as I walked around, I came across a beautiful garden filled with blooming flowers. If I remember correctly, this was where students from noble backgrounds gathered. While discrimination based on background, birth, or status was prohibited by rule, factions representing the six great nations inevitably existed within the academy.
This particular place seemed to be frequented by those from the Bushmills Empire. One of the characteristics of the Bushmills Empire was its diverse population compared to other countries.
As a result, many beast-folk nobles could be seen in this garden.
Unfortunately, since beast-folk with an aptitude for magic were rare, only Shenley and Felter attended my classes. In other words, I had never conversed with the beast-folk students gathered here.
I walked on the grass, feeling somewhat conflicted as I observed the beast-folk students engaged in scattered conversations around the garden.
Seeing the dog ears and fox tails of students lying on the grass and chatting, I desperately resisted the urge to pet them.
The fluffy-looking tails, the glossy fur on their ears… I wanted to stroke them all to my heart’s content.
But of course, I couldn’t make such a request to strangers.
Sighing, I ventured further into the garden. Suddenly, I felt the presence of people diminish. The area ahead had more trees, creating a space that obstructed the view from the surroundings.
Feeling as if I’d discovered a secret hideout, I looked around and noticed a large wooden park bench.
And there, I saw a large student sitting alone.
“…Felter.”
When I called his name, Felter, who had been resting against the backrest, turned his face towards me.
“…Hm, Aoi Konominato. Why are you here…”
Without really answering me, Felter voiced his question with furrowed brows. However, he quickly averted his gaze from me and turned his face to the side.
As if pretending he hadn’t noticed me, Felter remained still with his face turned away. I observed him as I approached.
As I got closer, I could see Felter’s triangular ears peeking out from his bushy, standing hair twitching slightly.
Felter had a rather intimidating face for a teenager. He was tall, and his muscular build gave off an imposing aura. He was probably a terrifying presence to his fellow students, who might cower just from his glare.
However, surprisingly, Felter’s fine fur was fluffier and more resilient than that of other beast-folk students.
So, it was an irresistible force that made me unconsciously pat Felter’s head as he sat there.
The moment I stroked his soft, fluffy fur, Felter shuddered and quickly stood up from the chair.
“…What are you doing?”
“Ah, sorry for the sudden action.”
I apologized as I sat down on the bench.
“…Why are you sitting on this bench?”
“There were no other benches around.”
After I answered, Felter let out a small growl, glanced around, and made a gesture as if thinking with his arms crossed. Then, with a resigned look, he sat at the edge of the bench and took a comfortable position, leaning on the armrest.
A few seconds of silence passed.
With stray cats, if you stay close without interfering for a while, they gradually become less wary.
In Felter’s case, I wondered how much time would be needed.
“…May I touch your ears?”
“Why? I refuse.”
I was quickly denied.
Perhaps it was still too soon. With stray cats, the standard approach is to meet them daily and gradually close the distance.
Food is also effective, but in the case of stray cats, it might be irresponsible if you can’t actually keep them.
Thinking about such things, I waited quietly for a few dozen seconds.
Then, I gazed at Felter’s head as he looked off into the distance, observing his twitching ears.
It was unconscious. Impulsively, my right hand reached out towards Felter’s head.
Grab.
With a grip so firm you could almost hear the sound, I grasped Felter’s ear.
Perhaps it was my desire to touch them and my determination not to let go.
“Gyaa!?”
Even hearing Felter’s surprised cry, I couldn’t let go.
“L-Let go!”
“…Just a little more.”
“What do you mean, ‘a little more’!? Have you cast some curse!?”
To protect Felter’s ear as he struggled, I grasped his head with my left hand to hold it in place.
“Ugh!”
Suddenly, Felter broke out in a cold sweat and stopped moving.
This was the perfect opportunity.
With one hand, I stroked and squeezed his ear. Ah, what an elegant texture.
“Uh, aaah…!”
Noticing Felter’s agonized expression, I finally came to my senses.
This is dangerous. It might violate compliance.
Such thoughts flashed through my mind, and I reflexively let go.
Immediately after, Felter kicked off the ground with a speed that surprised even me, rolling on the ground as he started running. As I watched Felter’s back quickly shrinking into the distance, I recalled the many failed encounters I’ve had with stray cats.
“…Next time for sure…”
I muttered to myself as I was left alone.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT LOCALIZERMEERKAT.PAGES.DEV
Afterword
Thank you very much for picking up this work. I’m Mitsuru Inoue. As this is my first publication with Earth Star Novel, I’m feeling quite nervous.
By the way, this is also my first book featuring a female protagonist. To be honest, I’m filled with anxiety. Even though it hasn’t been released yet, I’ve been spending my days writhing in imagined harsh words from readers.
However, I’m also trembling with joy and emotion that surpasses such anxiety and fear. After all, the illustrator is none other than the renowned Suzuno-sama. Right now, as I write this afterword, before my eyes are the adorable yet beautiful figures of Aoi, Shenley, and Eliza drawn by Suzuno-sama… Of course, there are also illustrations of the incredibly handsome Strass, Rocks, and Felter. They look super cool.
Having the characters from my story illustrated is extremely delightful. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this alone is enough to maintain the excitement to live each day.
I began writing this story from the perspective that it would be interesting to focus on a fantasy world school, where a female teacher with extraordinary powers surprises her fellow teachers and students, and runs circles around evil nobles. Although there were many challenges, such as rarely writing a female protagonist and incorporating my own new attempts, it was a very enjoyable work to write.
And now, this work is being published by the renowned Earth Star Novel! Moreover, the illustrator is none other than Suzuno-sama! I’m beyond shocked and even frightened by the good fortune that has come my way.
Probably, when I see the completed work on bookstore shelves, I’ll faint while standing. If you see such a suspicious person in a bookstore, please think, “That must be Mitsuru Inoue.”
Now, let me conclude with some words of gratitude.
To everyone who read this on “Let’s Become a Novelist.” Thanks to you all, I’m able to write this afterword. Thank you very much. And to S-sama from Earth Star Novel who picked up my work and provided various advice and helped refine the composition for book creation. To Suzuno-sama who drew such wonderful illustrations. Thank you so much.
Thanks to all of you, this work has come to fruition. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
And to everyone who picked up this book and read this far. Thank you, truly thank you. I wrote this story hoping that readers would enjoy it even a little, and if you found any enjoyment in it, there’s no greater joy for me.
If possible, I sincerely hope we can meet again in the next volume.
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