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

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 - Chapter 36: Weaving a Future Together

“Ah, welcome back. You were late.”

As soon as I opened the entrance door, Mom greeted me and Kohaku with a full smile. We had only stepped out to say goodbye, so I left Yorikoma and Chizuru waiting outside.

“Yeah, I’m back.”

“It must have been tough in the village. Are you tired? The bath is ready, so go take one soon.”

“…Sorry. We came to say goodbye for a while…”

“Eh…”

As soon as she heard my words, the smile vanished from her face.

“We’re thinking of going after that woman.”

“No! That’s too dangerous!”

Her reaction was as expected. But, I couldn’t back down now.

“I know it’s dangerous. But, there’s something I have to ask that woman. I’ll worry you, and I won’t be able to do my duties as a deity. But, please… I’m asking for your permission…”

“No. Whatever the reason, I absolutely won’t allow it.”

Mom’s usually gentle voice turned cold and sharp. Anger flared in her eyes. It was similar to when she came to my rescue, yet slightly different.

Both times, it was out of concern for me. But then, it was instinctive anger, now it was rational, logical anger.

“But…!”

“You’re still a child. Just listen to what your mother says. There’s no need to take risks.”

“But, I feel like I can’t go on like this… Just living without understanding anything. I don’t think I can move forward with these feelings…”

“Maybe… but… I… don’t want to lose you, my precious child.”

Before I knew it, she was crying, her words mixed with sobs. She looked so frail, like she might break… I couldn’t help feeling guilty…

She was crying for me… Having someone cry for you is a very precious and happy thing. Something I never experienced when I was in Japan… It’s something I gained by coming to this world…

I, as Mashiro, received unconditional love through a miraculous power. I took what was meant for Mashiro.

I don’t deserve to disregard such love. Even if I was sent to hell, I couldn’t complain. But… I have to ask that woman. To return her love to its rightful place.

“I’m sorry… but please, let me go…”

“Mashiro…”

“It’s okay. I’ll definitely come back. I promise.”

“But…”

“I have so much I want to tell you, Mom… So much I need to say. I can’t die until I do. So, I don’t plan to die at all. And the more I travel, the more I’ll have to tell you. That only makes me want to live and see you more… I’ll definitely come back… So please…”

“Uu…”

Mom collapsed to her knees, crying out loud. She looked like a child… I hadn’t expected to see her so vulnerable.

I thought she’d send me off without tears, even if not with a smile. But, that was a huge mistake. She’s a parent, after all. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her child. I’m ashamed I didn’t realize how hard it was for her…

“…Mashiro.”

“Hm?”

“…Take care.”

“…Yeah.”

I wiped her tears. I know it’s not my role, but it’s all I can do right now.

“Kohaku… please take care of Mashiro…”

“Yeah, leave it to me.”

Seeing Kohaku’s smile, she wiped her own tears and managed a smile again.

“…Take care.”

“Yeah… I’m off.”

Though it’s not a final goodbye, it might seem a bit dramatic, but that’s how a mother is, I guess.

I hugged her. Tightly, very tightly.

Because she might be someone I’ll never see again…

“…Thank you.”

“Yeah…”

Her warmth left my body, leaving a lingering sensation within me.

　☆★☆

“Are the farewells over?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, shall we go?”

“By the way, do we have a specific destination?”

“We do!”

Chizuru, having regained her spirits, answered energetically. It was hard to believe she had been crying so hard just a moment ago.

“Our destination is to the northwest. The Forest of the Phoenix!”

“The Forest of the Phoenix?”

“Yes. A deity named Phoenix lives there, said to be able to see the future. So, we’re going to ask the Phoenix about the future to find the whereabouts of the barbarians.”

“I see…”

Relying on a god… It might be more realistic than predicting that woman’s actions. After all, Mashiro could stop time, so it wouldn’t be surprising if there were a way to see the future.

“Then, let’s set off right away.”

“Sure. Just don’t be surprised by my incredible speed!”

With those words, Chizuru dashed off like a gust of wind. And then———— Thud!!

As expected, she ended up face-first on the ground.

“Eehh…”

“You don’t have to rush… It’s okay…”

I wonder if it’s really going to be okay… Nothing but anxiety…

“By the way… I forgot to take care of the ‘monthly matter’…”

“Eh!? After coming back for that, what were you doing!?”

“I was so caught up in talking with Mom that I completely forgot… But going back now is a bit…”

“Well, if you’re prepared for that… It’s your decision.”

Yorikoma’s gaze was cold. My anxiety was heightened.