Scrape a piece of wood.
“Hmph…”
It was a small piece of wood that could fit in the palm of your hand, but now that it had been carefully carved out with a claw, it had turned into a fine kokeshi doll.
“Okay… it’s finally finished!”
On the floor, there are a number of half-built but abandoned kokeshi dolls lying around.
It was a failure because the overall balance was a little off, and the face and other parts were just another piece of workmanship.
We cannot afford to compromise on the finish.
Because this doll is special.
But I think I did well this time.
I’d say it’s a worthy product.
“Then let’s line them up right away…”
After nodding with satisfaction, I placed it on the window sill.
Now the number of dolls has increased by one, making it four.
Starting from the beginning, it’s my mother, Eri, myself, and Shimei, who I added this time.
“I wonder what Shimei is doing these days…”
I picture his face.
What came to mind was a sharp and firm expression.
But he might even be sneezing by now.
Because this is how I remember it every day, without forgetting even for a moment.
“Wah. I miss you…”
I hug a pillow made of fur.
I hugged it tightly and rolled around on the bed.
The date has changed and today I was digging deep into the inside of the tree.
What I am doing is expanding my home.
“I wonder if the stairs are like this?”
Actually, I was thinking of making the hollow house a two-story building.
The purpose is to add more guest rooms.
After all, having only one room makes it inconvenient when someone comes over.
Especially when Shimei comes… it’s troublesome.
After all, it’s still embarrassing to sleep in the same room.
The stairs turned out nicely.
Next is the guest room itself.
I wonder how I should make it…
“Hmm. Since I’m here, maybe I should build a loft or something?”
I had an image of the finished product in my head.
I have a feeling it’s going to be a nice room.
“…he….hehe.”
I couldn’t help but indulge in fantasies.
I’m sure I’ll spend some time relaxing with Shimei in the completed guest room.
“…Okay. Well then, let’s continue!”
I’m full of motivation.
While thinking about the future I would spend with him, I continued to carve the tree with my claws.
Today I invited Corona to the hollow house.
We promised to have lunch together.
“Wow, that’s amazing. Did you build the second floor?”
Waiting time until the meal is ready.
She went up to the newly built guest room.
“Yeah! What do you think? I’m thinking of using this as a guest room.”
“Isn’t it pretty nice? The windows are big and bright, and the view is great.”
It seems to be quite popular.
Because I made it with great care.
Mainly for Shimei.
“Ah, but Corona should stay the night sometime!”
“What do you mean ‘but’? If I feel like it!”
“Ehehe. I’m looking forward to it. Let’s have dinner then.”
We go down to the first floor and sit at the table.
Today’s meal is wild vegetable mushroom hotpot.
When I looked at the stove, I saw that the stone pot that had been set on the fire was just beginning to boil.
I bring it to the table and place it on the trivet.
“Well then, itadakimasu!”
The two of us eat dinner together.
After all, hot pot tastes better when eaten with someone.
I stuffed my mouth with mushrooms and wild vegetables that had been cooked until they were dry.
The crunchy texture of mushrooms is kind of fun.
“Ngh, mmm… This is going to work pretty well.”
“Right! Eat more, Corona!”
“Thank you. By the way, you…”
Corona is staring at me.
What on earth is it?
“…Isn’t there something you can do about those clothes?”
“Huh?”
What she was looking at was my clothes.
I’m currently wearing clothes made from fur.
Molded fur is wrapped around the chest and waist.
It’s a bit… or rather, to be honest, it looks a lot like a primitive woman.
“What happened to your usual clothes?”
“Ah… If that’s the case, I broke it the other day…”
I point to the corner of the room.
Torn village clothes were left there.
“…Haa. Again?”
When I transform into a dragon, I forget to take it off and tear it.
In fact, this has already happened several times.
“It can’t be helped, Asahi…”
“I-I’m sorry.”
“Here, go ahead. I’ll sew it up for you again.”
I give her the torn clothes.
I wonder how many times I’ve asked for sewing like this.
I’m sorry for always bothering you.
What you really need to have is friends.
“Thank you as always…. Ah, that’s right! Could you please let me thank you?”
“No, it’s fine. Don’t say thank you.”
“That’s not going to happen! You’ve always been so kind, Corona, so let me do something to thank you!”
After I say this firmly, she lowered her eyes diagonally.
Her face is a little red.
She looked up and let her gaze wander around the room.
Her eyes caught a glimpse of the kokeshi doll next to the window.
“…Hey. What is that?”
“Those are dolls called Kokeshi dolls. They are dolls of people I care about and lined up in a row.”
“…An important person…”
Corona, who heard the story, was deep in thought.
Did I say something strange?
“More than that, Corona! Thank you, thank you! What do you want?”
“I-I see…? If you’re going to say that much…”
She clears her throat.
She moved his lips and began speaking in a voice that seemed like it would disappear.
“…In that case, would you make a doll for me too?”
“Huh…? Is that okay?”
“No, it’s okay! When it’s finished, I’ll line up my dolls properly by the window!”
I can’t help but turn my head.
Would that be a thank you?
This is a completely strange Corona.
But if she’s satisfied with that, then I’ll do as she says.
I gladly accepted the request.
A trivet is a small stand to place a pot on.
So Asahi didn’t return to the kingdom with Shimei. That’s smart, but surprising when compared to the development of most web novels I have read.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading!
