"Little brother, I shall introduce to a special someone today~ ♡"

My big sister smiled mysteriously. Knowing her vast connections and ubiquitous recognition, this creature probably had a similar preeminent status.

"Who is it?"

"An old friend. I specifically requested for her to be your personal bodyguard during the High Elves Campaign."

Campaign...

I still can't believe I'll be going with Lord Amae.

I wonder what it'll be like.

Part of my mind trembled. Because like Amae said yesterday, the outside world was cruel. A battlefield filled with constant bloodshed and carnage. A plain human like me had no place in the warfare of superior species, especially those that could use magic that resembled fantasy mangas and light novels.

Sensing my emotions, Amae kneeled down and patted my head gently. Her hazel eyes glazed over me with overwhelming support.

"You do not have to come with me, little brother. Your endearing thoughts alone already filled my heart with happiness."

I shook my head and glanced at my older sister.

"I will go with you."

Gradually, my feet regained its strength and matched height with the almighty demon lord.

"I want to help you. I want to be someone who can stand beside you rather than behind you."

She let out a sigh of defeat and smiled warmly.

"Ara~ I guess it can't be helped then. I can't possibly say no when you are this determined."

Unexpectedly, Amae pulled me into her embrace. She gently patted my back while I snuggled deeper into her chest, hearing her faint heartbeat. This familiar vanilla scent. The subtle warmth from her body. The absolute security that wrapped me like a blanket. It was as if time froze, offering us two this intimate moment.

There was only one word to describe this feeling.

Home.

"Little brother, remember our vow — I will fight the entire world to protect you."

♦ ♦ ♦

Four foxgirl maids were already waiting inside the grand chamber. They executed respectful bows to me in unison as soon as I entered the guest room.

"Welcome, Master-!" They said collectively, standing parallel in twos from each other.

Maid cafe vibe.

No. More like a Kitsune cafe.

Ah. I wish big sister could have come too.

"Come forth, human."

A mature yet seductive voice called out in the middle of the servants.

I stepped inside slowly and scanned around.

Purple incense enveloped the air, creating a mysterious and misty feel to the once familiar setting. Although it made my vision slightly blurry, the fume did not make me feel nauseous or impair my judgments. On the contrary, it made me feel relaxed.

"Come closer. Stand close so I can see your face."

"Yes!"

At the center of the contingent was a stunning foxgirl. She wore a figure-hugging white kimono, paired with a short red skirt that revealed her enchanting white thighs. With silky and flowing snow-white hair, her upper body and arms were adorned with a constellation of accessories, seemingly ancient and divine by its shimmering runic inscriptions.

Shrine maiden outfits...

If Amae was the morning sun, then this lady before me must be the lunar crescent.

Although the other foxgirl maids wore similar outfits, none of them were comparable to their master. Perhaps it was the absolute confidence she exhibited or the subtle gold trim on her attire. Or maybe she was the only one who had nine fluffy tails, spread out behind majestically like a paper fan.

Whatever it was, I knew she was a creature of extreme status. Far beyond what I could imagine.

"My name is Ahri, the current Shrine Priestess of the Fox Spirit Clan."

Relaxing casually on an elevated bamboo mat, Ahri held a thin smoking pipe at the tip of her fingers, which contributed to the purple fragrance.

I bowed to show my respect.

"Arise."

I obliged and glanced up, finding that Ahri had leaned forward into my personal space.

So close.

"I heard that you will be embarking on our next campaign."

"Y-yes."

I stammered because the eloquence in her voice sounded absolutely proper. My heart trembled at what I might say to offend her. Thus, I remained silent and listened.

"It still surprises me now that the Demon Lord Amae performed a Love Contract with a human. Life sure has its twist and turns. But because of you, she will be changing this world for the better."

A loving smile dawned on her face.

"I'm glad my old friend was able to find true love."

In a manner befitting of a bold ruler, Ahri deftly twirled her pipe and announced:

"I swear on behalf of the Fox Spirit Clan that we, the Mikos, will protect you with everything we have."

"This we swear!"

The four maids bowed deeply to show their loyalty and obedience to her command.

"I sniff a troubling emotion inside you, human."

Ahri tilted her head in contemplation while her fox ears wiggled in a concerned manner.

"No need to be afraid. Tell me, what is your inner desire? I will fulfill any requests as the symbolization of my vow."

"Your tails look so fluffy... I want to pat it."

I surprisingly obliged to her request. Maybe it was the incense, but I thought nothing of my words.

But the four vassals widened their eyes in absolute shock as the air suddenly turned tense. I could hear their murmurs and the slight disdain in their tones.

"A human... touching the Shrine Priestess's tails...?!"

"Such a foul and absurd request-!"

"He's gone mad."

"..."

Oh no.

What have I done...?

Ahri waved her hand majestically, silencing her maids in one swift motion. I gulped as she examined me with an inscrutable expression.

"You do realize your request is equivalent to touching one's private parts," Her lips curled into an astute smirk. "After all, our tails symbolizes our livelihood."

"I'm sorry-!"

I quickly apologized, realizing the implication behind my words. Instead of reprimanding my foolishness, Ahri spoke tenderly.

"Apology accepted."

Then all nine of her tails vented forward as they laid in front of me. Studying up close, I realized that were indeed fluffy and probably felt utterly amazing to touch.

"Like I stated earlier — if it's in my power to fulfill your request, then I shall."

"Priestess!"

Ahri held her hand up, stopping her maids.

"I do not mind. After all, a Shrine Priestess always keeps her promises. Alas, it's been a century since I had physical contact."

"Are you sure...?"

Ahri extended her arms forward and patted her tail.

"Come. Touch my fluffy tail. I will allow it for this special occasion. Alas, you should know that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many would actually kill to be you, human."

The fluff.

The white-tail.

Is private part...?

"I can't."

Ahri raised her eyebrows as all four servants seemed to have a similar shocked reaction.

"If it's like you said earlier and that it would be touching your private part..." I stared at her straight in the eyes. "Then I will not because that would be cheating."

Ahri paused before letting out a chuckle.

"To think I, of all foxes, was rejected! You really are an interesting one. I'll be looking forward to our time together, human."

♦ ♦ ♦

The scary meeting with the Shrine Priestess was finally over after an hour. I let out a resounding sigh as Amae and I sat in the dining hall, eating our last meal in the palace.

My big sister was currently indulging in her favorite meal — a bowl of my handmade udon.

Although exhausted, the expression on her face was filled with utter bliss.

She specifically requested for comfort food after her earlier intensive meeting with the Commander and Guardians.

Sometimes, the things that matter the most are right in front of you.

I wonder what journey awaits for us both.

"How was Ahri?"

"Too scary. I didn't realize asking to pat a foxgirl's tail could have such dire consequences."

Amae laughed. Her mirth came from the bottom of her heart.

"Ara~ Little brother, only you would be insane enough to ask such request from the Shrine Priestess. On a first meeting too!"

"I'm glad she was nice about it."

"Certainly, she telepathically communicated me after you left. But do know that if you were any other monsters, you would not be alive."

Alive...?

"And you have the wrong assumptions."

"What do you mean?"

"Patting a foxgirl's tail is more like a hug. A tight and cozy hug." Amae finished slurping the last bit of noodles. "That is not cheating as you told Ahri earlier."

A hug...?

Did I just miss my chance to touch the fluffiest tails in the world?!

Amae's lip curled into a playful smile, "But for showing your fidelity towards me, I shall let you touch my wings as much as you desire tonight."