When I saw the fox’s face emerging from the bushes, I tilted my head.
Why is it showing up here?
I knew that vain fox liked to wander around looking for attractive people, which is why the academy was allowed to use this forest for its field trip.
The deal was simple: the vain fox enjoys gazing at beautiful students, and in exchange, it grants permission for the field trip to take place.
If all it wanted to do was sit around and watch the forest get chaotic, it wouldn’t have allowed something like a field trip.
But when it usually comes out to observe, it uses one of its clones.
Even as the ruler of this forest, it knows what it should and shouldn’t do.
But now... Is that its real body?
Could I be wrong?
Am I under some sort of illusion?
<Why would the ruler of the forest appear so recklessly?>
It seemed that the problem wasn’t me, but the vain fox.
Even if I was mistaken, the old man wouldn’t be. If he says it’s odd, it must be.
The white-furred fox, which had been peeking out from the bushes, stepped forward and positioned itself in the center of our resting spot.
“What a cute fox.”
“I feel a divine energy coming from it.”
It’s not that the vain fox never revealed its true form in the game. It did, but only under specific conditions.
The condition was simple.
If the combined charm of the party reached a level that the fox couldn’t resist, it would show up in person.
If your charm stat was high enough, the fox would appear, unable to suppress its desires.
But this is strange.
Is the charm level of our party really that high?
Sure, it’s probably somewhat elevated.
Joy and Faybi have extremely high charm stats.
Frey isn’t as charming as them, but her charm is still not low.
And me?
Judging by Arthur’s reaction last time, my charm is probably on par with Joy’s at best.
So, in short, our charm is higher than average, but it shouldn’t be enough to drive that fox to reveal its true form.
So why is it here?
Is there some other variable I’m not aware of?
While I was lost in thought, the fox walked on all fours and stopped in front of me.
Mew, mew, mew.
It cried softly to get my attention, then started rubbing its face against my feet, clearly showing affection.
“Looks like the fox really likes Lady Alrn.”
The rest of the party watched the scene with amusement, but I couldn’t find any joy in it.
I knew all too well that this wasn’t just some cute fox—it was a creepy old pervert with ulterior motives.
Why is this old pervert doing this to me?!
There are so many other pretty people around, so why come to me and show affection, you crazy fox?
Don’t tell me... you have the same tastes as that loser god?! Are you into kids?!
Is there some hidden lore that wasn’t revealed in the game?!
Sigh. Well, I guess this is a good thing in some ways.
When I lifted the fox by the scruff and looked it in the eyes, the fox smiled.
Even though it’s hard to read expressions from a different species, it was clear that this vain fox was pleased.
Do you really like me that much, vain fox?
‘Hello, oh great ruler of the forest.’ “Vain fox, are you really enjoying being treated like a pet by a girl hundreds of years younger than you? Pathetic.”
The moment I hinted that I knew its true identity, the fox’s smile froze.
It tried to act innocent, wagging its tail and crying out like a normal fox, but that wouldn’t fool me.
<There’s no doubt it’s the ruler of the forest. With such power in its body, trying to act cute is meaningless.>
To be more precise, it wouldn’t fool the old man.
‘You’ve already been caught.’ “You didn’t think you’d get away with it, did you? Losing your judgment in your old age, loser~ Dementia~”
“...How did you know?”
When I said that, the fox finally spoke in a human voice.
“Huh?” “The fox is talking?!” “Amazing.”
The three others were shocked, but the fox slipped out of my grasp and did a flip in the air.
Smoke billowed, and when it cleared, a woman stood where the fox had been.
“As expected of one who is wrapped in divine energy. You saw through my disguise with ease.”
She was dressed in silk, an unlikely sight in western fantasy settings, fitting her role as an NPC from the game.
Narrow eyes, a relaxed smile.
White fox ears on her head and nine tails waving behind her.
And, of course, a body that demanded attention.
This alluring, dangerous-looking woman rubbed her chin as she gazed down at me.
“Not only is your insight impressive, but your voice is pleasant too. I’m starting to like you even more. Will you say more things to me?”
‘Sorry, but your gaze is creeping me out.’ “Vain fox, your eyes are disgusting and revolting. Could you stop staring?”
“Haaah. I like this too. That rebellious attitude is so charming.”
All of that was before the fox opened its mouth.
In terms of appearance, she was among the top tier of Soul Academy characters. Unfortunately, her personality was a major drawback.
As I mentioned before, she’s a face fanatic.
Despite her looks, her nickname stems from her obsession with attractive people.
If your charm is high, she’ll find everything you do delightful.
I wasn’t worried at all about how I spoke because once she shows interest, she’ll brush everything off with a smile.
She was annoying in the game, and it’s even worse now that it’s real.
Especially since I’m the target.
While my eyes lowered and the fox’s grin grew wider, Joy finally snapped out of her shock and spoke.
“Um, sorry, but can someone explain what’s happening here?”
Ah. Right.
I got so caught up in dealing with this perverted fox that I forgot to explain.
I thought I’d grown immune to this stuff thanks to Karl, but I guess I’m not.
A true pervert doesn’t care about others’ boundaries.
“I apologize. I lost control of myself for a moment.”
Turning her head towards Joy, the fox dipped her head in a graceful, soft tone.
Of course, since Joy and Faybi have high charm stats, she’s being so polite.
If we had brought along some nameless extra, she’d be looking down her nose at them and telling them to shut up.
“I am Rina, the ruler of this forest. I sensed a divine aura and came to observe. Rest assured, I mean you no harm.”
By “divine aura,” she must mean the energy of Armadi.
First, Nacrad felt something, and now this vain fox does too. I guess people who can sense power feel something odd from me.
And judging by how friendly this fox is, maybe that energy also enhances my charm.
I suppose that loser god is helpful in some ways, aside from his perverted tendencies.
Though it’s his perversion that’s caused me the most trouble.
“Now that we’re here, why don’t we move to a more comfortable spot? I’d like to spend some time with you all.”
The three of them, who had been curiously watching the vain fox, were now growing visibly uncomfortable with each word she said.
That creepy smile and the drooling... Anyone would find it gross.
Even I do.
“I swear I won’t harm you. In fact, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. The forest is filled with other powerful beings, and if I tried anything, they’d chop off my head.”
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As soon as the fox finished, the rest of the party looked at me.
Since I was the one leading them, they expected me to make the decision.
The sudden appearance of the fox had thrown off my plans, but this wasn’t a bad development.
After all, our goal from the start was to meet the fox.
She’s offering to take us to her dwelling, so there’s no reason to refuse.
I was about to nod in agreement when a thought crossed my mind.
This fox, even if it’s because of Armadi’s power, seems to have taken a real liking to me.
She’s even inviting us to her home.
Isn’t that an indication that I’m the one holding the power here?
After all, the one who falls in love first always loses.
And in this situation, it seems like the loser is the vain fox.
‘Alright. But on one condition...’ “Fine, vain fox. But there’s a condition.”
“What is it? Tell me. I’m inclined to agree to whatever you ask.”
‘You have to...’ “Recognize us and give us a reward. If you do that, I’ll overlook the fact that you’re a creepy, disgusting pervert and follow you.”
When I lifted my head arrogantly and said that, the fox narrowed her eyes, as if trying to gauge something.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible. While I hold you and your companions in high regard, a ruler’s recognition isn’t so easily granted.”
Was I too bold?
Even though this fox is a face fanatic, she’s still the ruler of the forest. It was probably naïve to think she’d just give in so easily.
But even if I went too far, she won’t think less of me now that she’s already deemed me charming.
She’ll probably find my confidence appealing.
That’s just the kind of maniac this fox is.
“However, I will allow you to take the trial right away. Normally, you would have to journey deep into the forest to even reach the trial site, but I will bring it to you now. I think that’s a fair compromise, don’t you?”
Of course.
This was more than enough goodwill.
Normally, you’d have to overcome various obstacles to even meet the ruler and take their trial.
Allowing us to skip that and face the trial right away is the greatest favor a forest ruler could grant.
If the other rulers heard about this, they’d be shocked.
‘That works for me.’ “Fine, vain fox. That’s a pretty generous move for an old pervert.”
“What about the rest of you? Are you all willing to take my trial as well?”
The others nodded in agreement.
I had already explained beforehand what the fox’s blessing was and why it was worth obtaining, so of course, they were ready.
No one was going to back down at this point.
“Oh, by the way, the one with the sword—you’re an exception. You don’t qualify to take my trial yet.”
“...Why?”
“You lack charm.”
Frey blinked in disbelief at being told she wasn’t charming enough.
Hah. Now that’s the vain fox for you.
Endlessly kind to those who meet her standards but cold as ice to anyone who doesn’t.
‘Hey...’ “Vain fox. That loser swordswoman is my comrade. Aren’t you a little too petty for someone as old as you?”
Frey is a permanent fixture in my party now.
The stronger she gets, the more it benefits me, so it’s in my best interest for her to receive as many rewards as possible.
I was prepared to pull out some charm-enhancing items from my inventory to convince the fox, but to my surprise, she nodded easily.
“...Hmm. Fine. If you insist, I’ll allow it. Her charm isn’t that lacking, so I’ll let her take the trial as well.”
Wow. How much of a charm boost does Armadi’s power give me for the vain fox to back down so easily?
“Well then, let’s begin. I’ll now present you with the trial to earn my recognition.”
With a snap of the fox’s fingers, a mist rose around us.