After Gender Swapping, I Became the Daughter of a Yandere Mother with Animal Ears—With the Help of My Yandere Mom and Powerful Sister, I'll Live as a Fox Girl

“…What should I do?”

“Ah, so annoying. Do you want me to make sure you never speak again?”

“Ah… Uh…”

How to stop her crying. If I were still the loner I was back in Japan, I probably wouldn’t have thought of anything. But now, after coming to this world and experiencing the warmth of people, I feel like I understand a bit. The hugs from Mom, Kohaku’s words… I’ve changed, even if it’s just a little bit, from touching the kindness of others.

“…Don’t cry.”

I gently stroked her head. If I were still a thirty-year-old man, this would be a creepy sight. But now, as a beautiful girl, it should be acceptable… or rather, I can’t think of any other way…

“Uh… Sniff… Eh?”

She looked up with a surprised expression, her eyes wide.

No wonder she’s surprised. Anyone would be if they were suddenly stroked on the head.

But I felt that this was the most comforting thing to do. Embarrassing as it is, when that woman stroked my head gently, I felt calm, and my tears receded quickly.

My stroking is probably awkward and clumsy, far from her soft touch. Maybe I’m making her uncomfortable.

But this is all I can do…

“I’m sorry… really sorry… But I won’t hurt you… Please don’t cry.”

Drip… Drip…

The symphony of tears and sobs began to quiet down slowly.

“Uh…”

“Crying is important sometimes. But if you cry forever, you can’t move forward. If you’re frustrated, just stand up again. Even if it’s tough now, something good will wait for you as you move forward.”

I tried to make a smile. It’s probably strained since I rarely fake a smile, but I did my best to give her some comfort.

“…”

She stayed silent for a while and then nodded once.

The last tear fell to the ground, and the symphony came to an end.

“…Yeah.”

I thought I saw a slight smile on her face, like a blooming flower, making even my face lighten up.

I reached out my hand, and slowly, she grasped it. Her hand was larger and warmer than mine.

“…Thank you.”

She whispered in a barely audible voice and stood up.

“By the way, we’re not barbarians from the village. I’m Mashiro, this is Kohaku, and he’s Ikomakoma.” “Not… barbarians?” “No, we’re not. We just came here for some business.” “Oh… I see…”

She sat down as if drained of energy.

“…I’m sorry… I misunderstood…”

“Don’t worry about it. Are you hurt?”

“No…”

“That’s good.”

Looking up at her, I felt embarrassed but also happy that I could be of help.

“I’m a priestess from the Phoenix Shrine… My name is Chizuru…”

Her face no longer bore any clouds of sadness. The tears she shed formed a rainbow, adding color to her smile.

“Nice to meet you, Chizuru-chan.”

“Yeah…”

She firmly grasped the hand I offered.

From being the one who needed help to the one offering it. Have I really changed?

“Let’s go home. No barbarians here.”

“…I can’t go back.”

“Why not?”

“I can’t return to the shrine until I defeat the barbarians…”

She must have been given a mission. But with her abilities, she wouldn’t stand a chance against those she’s after. If things stay this way, she’ll never be able to return home… or might even get killed by them. I want to prevent that at all costs.

“Actually, we’re also after those barbarians. Why don’t you come with us? It would be more efficient…”

“…But”

“Don’t worry about your pride. It’s not shameful to ask for help. And it’s safer and more fun to travel together. That is, if you don’t mind…”

“I don’t mind… Take me with you…”

Her soft, proud voice was clear enough for me to hear her determination.

“Then it’s decided. Let’s work together.”

“…Yeah.”

She picked up her large hat from the ground, dusted it off, and put it on her head.

“I thought it was going to be a journey just with Onee-chan, but more and more people keep joining…”

“Would you say that out loud…”

Kohaku puffed her cheeks, turning away. But her tail was wagging busily. She didn’t seem to mind too much.

“Ahaha…”