The Silent Pact of a Wolf Babysitter
Chapter 81: Great Fashion Contest

Chapter 81: Great Fashion Contest

Coastelle... was healing itself.

The trenches we carved during battle, the scars we left behind—they were all mending right before our eyes.

It was frustrating that Levi, who was supposed to own this place, looked just as surprised as I was.

I asked Platform for answers and got hit with a surprise:

Coastelle was probably... literally alive.

But that’s a topic for another Chapter.

Right now — I had more pressing matters.

I had a crab to cook! To reclaim my honor as the Supreme Lord!!

"Hey, Trigger!" I called. "Untie those four immediately!"

For some reason, the Phantom Fangs were being bullied by the others.

Especially the leaders. (Hachiman aside, of course.)

Once freed, I asked the four to assist me with the food preparation.

I didn’t know why... but I was really excited about this.

And honestly? That’s all that matters: I’m excited.

Therefore—everything goes!

Looking down at myself, I realized something.

I was shirtless.

And my pants were in tatters.

I bet Levi was just waiting for them to crumble completely.

Seriously — ever since they tore off, she kept sneaking glances at me, making me feel practically naked.

And that’s saying something, considering I never used to care about nudity before.

Strangely enough, I was beginning to appreciate humanity’s decision to invent clothes.

Sorry, humans, for calling you dumb about that!

Now... how to get new clothes...

Pluto only ever gave me this one outfit, and despite everything, I felt strangely attached to it.

Maybe I’ll keep the pants as an heirloom.

Alicia needed clothes too — she couldn’t just keep wearing this.

Levi could go naked if she wanted.

Speaking of clothes—

I realized the Phantom Fangs were already dressed when they gained human forms.

When I asked them about it—so I’ll copy them—Levi’s face drooped sadly.

Their answer made my heart skip a beat. And not in a dreamy way.

Apparently, they used "Shadow Creation."

A type of Creation Magic that had been... abilitized.

Now that I thought about it, Trigger, Hachiman, Shizuka, and even Tamayō had it as part of their arsenal too.

But I just chalked it up to them being weird irregularities.

I glanced over the Status information for every Mumoko no Kiba on deck—and WOW.

They all had Shadow Creation.

Like it was some kind of cult requirement to join.

Actually, now that I thought about it, I remembered that time on the surface—

when the Phantom Fangs started pulling blades out of dark space, insisting they were ready to fight Jorō.

But, hey, now that I think of it—

(Platform, has anything changed since I last fought Jorō?)

It felt like... I’d grown taller or something.

Not that this pervert-designed vessel Pluto gave me would ever actually age a day, but that’s the feeling I got.

{I’m surprised you noticed, Master. You didn’t realize it back when Trigger and the others were made.}

Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?

Are you calling me an airhead?!

{Indeed. Changes have been made. Perhaps it’s due to holding the Divine Amulet in the Shadow Realm, but now all my operations are running more smoothly.}

(So the enchantment can work on me after all?)

{The enchantment can work on you—even from Shadow Realm. I simply prevented its blessings in order to prevent you from abusing it.}

(...That’s called harassment. And now you’re abusing it yourself. Also, Operations? This is the first I’m hearing about any operations.)

{Whenever I’m not tasked with your petty requests, Master, I spend the majority of my time optimizing your abilities for better use.}

(Oh, really? That’s really thoughtful of you. Thanks.)

{...}

(Ehhh? Is that a blush I smell?)

{Negative. It’s your imagination.}

Hehehe. Platform suddenly sounded like a golem.

I’ve decided to at least thank her for her work, every now and then.

Not like I could pat her head or give her a hug. She’s actually a strange, suspicious voice living inside my mind.

(Okay, Platform. So all the weird feelings I’ve been getting lately—that was you tinkering with my abilities?)

{...I suppose. But... there’s something else. Though it’s incomplete right now.}

(Oh? Really? A new ability? Give me a spoiler!!)

{It’s another special summon. And there are more additions coming to Mumoko no Kiba.}

(EH?! These guys weren’t enough already?! Platform, what exactly are you plotting?! Are you trying to make me take over the world?!)

{Master must be absolutely prepared for anything. If a nation decides to wage war against you, these summons would be your only reliable army.}

(Scary. Why would a whole nation want to fight me? I don’t plan on kidnapping any princess. But seriously, just how many summons are you planning to make? I might not even remember all their names.)

{...}

(What?)

{Back in Gihon, Master, you never cared about the names of your subordinates.}

(Ah. Right. I used to think of them as beneath microorganisms. I guess... I’m changing somehow. You don’t like it?)

{...I...do not. Becoming so unreasonably familiar to menials would only damage respect owed to Master.}

(Hehehe. Don’t worry. I don’t plan on riding on my Supreme Lord high horses.

I’d rather be pals with them than command mindless machines of war. On that front, thanks for giving them personalities—however you achieved that.

If they ever start acting up though... you’ll handle it, right?)

{Sigh... You’re so naïve, Master. But you are correct. I shall never allow anyone—even you—bring harm to Master.}

(Y-You say some pretty embarrassing things so shamelessly, don’t you? Anyway, I’m counting on you, Platform!)

As for my clothes, Levi, Alicia, and a few of the high-ranked Specter Wolves insisted on making some for me.

I knew a bit of Creation Magic myself. Why don’t they just let me do it?

And apart from Levi, only Tamayō came close to my magical ability—and even then, it was just barely half of mine.

And Alicia shouldn’t be able to use such high-level spells, yet.

Creation Magic is by no means a party trick.

It wasn’t just "high-tier" — it was practically God-tier magic: creating something from nothing.

And it drained a ridiculous amount of magical energy.

The more intricate the creation, the more energy it devoured.

Making something as small as a necklace or bracelet would kill a normal human instantly.

Also, Trigger added that he had the upgraded version of Shadow Creation.

It even had an ominous name: [Birth from Void]. It’s apparently his Supreme gift.

With it, he could not only create stuffs, he could also replicate items he’d seen before—though the quality would drop by about 20%.

Still way too high if you ask me. Totally unfair.

Anyway, they all entered the fashion competition.

Trigger, our Faction Master, had already formed a small team of elites—excluding the Phantom Fangs, for some reason.

I still don’t know why they were oppressing Swanir and the others.

Levi, Jobina, and Alicia teamed up, combining their ideas.

Phantom Fangs, after I gave them some encouragement and cheers, also formed their own faction.

Maybe they were being scorned for obtaining human forms?

No way... that’s too petty of a reason, right?

And really, who would even want this human form anyway?

Tamayō, however, stood alone.

Not sure if she chased everyone off or if she was the one rejected.

Either way, it was just like her.

In less than a few minutes—by the time night fell—they all lined up to present their creations.

And as you could probably guess, many of them were... absolute disasters.

I mean, seventy-five percent of the garments were made for females!

What do they even think of their Supreme Lord?!

And the few male outfits?

They were clearly made for small boys.

Tamayo made some, well, male ones. But they were too flashy and ostentatious.

Not something I’d comfortably walk around in.

It’s unlikely, but... could it be my followers see me as some adorable symbol instead of the being of sheer power and grace that I am?!

Alicia’s group was the worst offender of all.

All their designs were female outfits—and some were even more risqué than cute!

Absolutely unacceptable.

And then finally...

The team most worthy of my affection—the Phantom Fangs, my favorites—stepped forward.

Their creation screamed "Dark Leader," with just the right hint of adorableness.

It was a black, short-sleeved shirt with wolf-style embroidery tracing the edges.

It even had a hood.

I wonder where Specters like them got such fashion sense.

The dark pants were plain but fitted, hugging me just right.

"Yup! I choose this one!" I hopped excitedly.

"Thank you, Swanir, Bladir, Chiyama, and Fangstrong!"

As I chanted their names, they teared up.

I bet they’re happy I remembered their names, huh?

Except... I didn’t actually know who had which name.

I’ll take that little secret to my grave.

Although, now that I think about it...

Maybe they were tearing up because of the nasty haze of murderous intents being thrown their way?

At each name I mentioned, the Mumoko no kiba stared in disbelief, Tamayō even striking her claw into the ground calmly.

"C’mon, you guys!" I said, pulling the Phantom Fangs into my embrace.

"Don’t bully your comrades!"

...And that somehow made the bloodlust escalate even further.

I don’t get it. Why?

Wasn’t this supposed to be a wholesome moment?

Well, at least Swanir and the others would be helping me with kitchen work, so their lives were guaranteed.

Meanwhile, Alicia and her sulking party had turned into a progressed pouting party.

Ah, right. That reminds me.

"Alicia, Levi," I called out to them. "Why don’t you girls go take a bath in the mountains nearby? Before the food is ready."

"Hm? But there’s a lake closer?" Levi asked, needlessly innocently.

"I... I know." I stammered. "But the mountains will be safer."

"Safe from...what?" Alicia tilted her head suspiciously.

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