I received a tribute for the first time today.
Huh? From whom, you ask?
Prepare to be amazed. Believe it or not, it came from the animals of the forest.
It has been a few days since I defeated the previous Lord of the Forest, Bear-papa. Out of nowhere, a large group showed up.
It was a massive swarm of Tanuki Monsters.
Slurp.
A literal feast came strolling right up to me of its own accord. I’d say there were at least a hundred of them. That said, they seemed more like ordinary animals than actual monsters. Hardly a threat to me.
I wondered what on earth they were here for. They didn't look aggressive, and it wasn't like they had any other business in this part of the woods. I wondered if these bundles of nutrition realized that marching into my territory as a group was essentially a suicide mission.
For the time being, I decided to observe them. Even if they tried to bolt, I could catch them easily enough.
After a while, a single Tanuki Monster emerged from the Tanuki Army and approached me. It was likely the representative of the pack. It was an elderly Tanuki Monster with a long, white beard, and it drew near with visible caution. It was a full size larger than the others.
It seemed to be the Elder Tanuki of the hundred or so followers behind it. Unlike the animal Tanuki Monsters in the rear, this one was a genuine monster—a Tanuki-type monster known as a Grossmarderhund.
While their combat ability isn't particularly high, it's said that individuals who live long enough possess intelligence close to that of a human. I didn’t know if it was true, but I’d heard rumors that they could show illusions to hunters who wandered into the forest. It was a monster that avoided conflict by tricking its enemies rather than fighting them.
Man, Tanuki Monsters really are cute. I used to see them all the time in the mountains behind my school back when I was a high school girl. When I was a kid, I used to call them "Ponpoko." They never actually grew attached to me, though.
Representative Ponpoko took another step closer. With that long, impressive white beard, it really did look like a village elder. Yes, let’s go with Elder Tanuki.
The Elder Tanuki walked until it was right in front of me and then came to a dead stop. Then, it bowed its head. Following its lead, the entire army of animal Tanuki Monsters in the back bowed in unison.
Wait, what is this? I’m being prostrated to by a pack of Tanuki Monsters.
Are they actually smart? Or is it just the Elder Tanuki that’s clever? It had taken a posture of complete and total submission.
Perhaps they’ve recognized me as the new Lord of the Forest. I’d been calling myself that ever since I beat Bear-papa, but it looks like I’ve officially become the Lord of the Forest in the eyes of others, too.
Well, it doesn't feel bad. Being revered by Tanuki Monsters is actually quite nice. It’s like a loyal knight performing a subject's salutation to the Forest Queen. Has the time finally come for me to class up from a duke’s daughter to the Queen of the Forest?
You Tanuki over there, raise your heads. I shall permit you an audience with the Queen.
However, I won't tolerate any trouble. I just want to live a quiet life in this forest. If this role comes with dangerous responsibilities, I’m not sure I want the job, Queen or not.
As if reading the hesitation on my face, the Elder Tanuki turned back to the followers in the rear. The crowd parted like a wave, and a single Tanuki Monster stepped forward. It was large and had a beautiful, glossy coat, though it was still just an ordinary animal.
The large, beautiful Tanuki Monster passed the Elder and stopped before me. Then, it rolled onto its back. It exposed its belly to me, paws pointing toward the sky.
The ultimate sign of submission. The Tanuki Monster was offering its body and soul to me.
Uh, what am I supposed to do here?
The Elder Tanuki opened its mouth and made a biting gesture. Does that mean it’s okay for me to eat this one?
A tribute... no, this is a sacrifice. I suppose this large fellow was selected from the Ponpoko squad to be a Living Sacrifice.
You’re quite thoughtful to provide such a hearty meal, Mr. Tanuki.
I wondered what the deeper meaning behind this sacrifice was. By recognizing me as the Lord of the Forest, were they declaring that they would live as my subordinates? Tanuki Monsters aren't exactly strong. I bet they spent the entire Forest Age of Warring States just hiding away.
In exchange for not fighting themselves, they seek the protection of a powerful being. And the price for that protection is a sacrifice. It seemed plausible.
But wait, does that mean if I eat this Tanuki Monster, I’m obligated to protect the rest of them? That sounds like a hassle. I’d love to just "eat and run," but that’s not really an option for me. Because, well, I'm a plant.
Hey, roots, don't you feel like taking a walk soon? I know I do. Even though I know it's impossible, I can't help but wish for it.
While I was lost in thought, the Tanuki Monsters continued to stare at me fixedly. Their gaze seemed to scream, "Hurry up and eat it already!"
If I eat this Tanuki Monster, a contract will surely be formed. They’ve come here with the calculated intent of using me as a shield. If an enemy attacks, they’ll lead them here so I can eliminate them.
When I look at it that way, I really only have one choice. I can't move. Whether I eat the sacrifice or not, if they bring an enemy to my doorstep, I’ll be forced to fight anyway.
Since the result is the same either way, I might as well enjoy the meal. It’ll be easier to justify defending them if I've actually been paid for my services. It would be annoying to have dangerous enemies sent my way for free, after all.
Alright, I get it. I inherited the title of Lord of the Forest when I killed Bear-papa, so I have to accept the perks and the pitfalls. Besides, I haven't had a real meal since Bear-papa. I'm running low on nutrients.
And so, I’ll dig in.
Chomp.
Yeah... one Tanuki Monster isn't nearly enough.
The Elder Tanuki bowed respectfully once more and prepared to lead the group away.
Wait, hold on. I'm not satisfied yet.
The Elder Tanuki is the leader, so I'll let him go, but I’m going to need a few more of the younger ones to keep me company.
I activated the mass of vines I had hidden underground. From the Tanuki Monsters' perspective, it must have looked like a nightmare as countless vines suddenly erupted from the soil.
You young ones there, how about two or three more of you stay behind?
I used my vines to snag them. The Tanuki Army descended into a total panic. I scooped up the frantic stragglers one by one. It was an all-you-can-eat Tanuki buffet.
Mr. Tanuki, Mr. Tanuki, let’s play, shall we? Oh, you’re busy running away? I see, I see. But don't worry, I don't mind. I’ll be the "it" for our game of tag.
If you get caught, you get eaten. It was the start of the ultimate game of tag.
Ignoring the trembling Elder Tanuki, I tossed the younger ones into my lower mouth.
Munch, munch.
Yeah, that’s better. I’m satisfied now. I ended up taking quite a few of them. Well, I’ll make sure to work hard enough to earn it. If anything happens, don't hesitate to let me know.
The Elder Tanuki retreated step by step, shaking uncontrollably. And just like that, I brought the Tanuki Monsters under my thumb.
Feel free to come play anytime you're bored, Mr. Elder!
However, the sacrifices didn't stop with the Tanuki Monsters. I wondered if this was some ancient law of the forest. From that day on, various animals began offering their comrades to me. Foxes, wild dogs, wild cats, squirrels, rabbits—all sorts of species. There were several other instances where a monster led a group of animals, just like the Tanuki Army.
It was as if they were all saying, "Please protect our clan in exchange for this."
Even now, a Deer Army has come for an audience to offer a sacrifice. Honestly, it’s strange. I can't move. I’m a plant. As long as they stay away from me, I’m no threat to them. And yet, they go out of their way to provide me with nourishment.
It has to be because I’m the Lord of the Forest.
The Lord of the Forest is tasked with protecting the woods because they are the strongest entity within them. By giving me these offerings, they’re hiring me as a bodyguard. Bear-papa must have protected the forest from external threats, too.
Maybe Bear-papa felt the same way I do now. When they go this far to appease you, you don't really know how to say no. Even if I try to send them away, they stubbornly refuse to leave until I’ve taken my "payment." They have a terrifyingly firm resolve to make sure I accept the contract.
It’s actually a little scary. They’re demanding I play the same role Bear-papa did. They sacrifice their kin just to keep me in a good mood.
After all, there are no other "strong" beings in this forest right now. If adventurers or village hunters start pouring in, none of the animals will be able to live in peace. They’ll likely guide those external enemies straight to me and expect me to wipe them out.
It’s just a theory, but I’m pretty sure I’m right.
Well, if that's how it is... if someone has to protect the forest, it might as well be me. I’m the one who killed Bear-papa, so the responsibility lies with me.
With that in mind, I’ll dig in!
Chomp.
Munch, munch. Hmm, still not enough. I need more nutrients.
You folks over there, why don't you leave two or three more behind?
I triggered my trap. Using the vines hidden beneath the earth, I snagged about ten more deer. Ah, I might have overdone it again. Well, no big deal. I’m in a great mood when I’m well-fed.
Welcome, welcome!
Munch, munch, gulp.
Oh, wait a second. Just one more. Actually, why don't I just invite your whole clan into my stomach? No?
—And, I was rejected. The rest of the prey bolted.
Well, I suppose I "let" them go. If I eat them all at once, there won't be anyone left to reproduce. Come back once you've multiplied!
Now then. Since I’ve taken the lives of their comrades, I suppose I’ll help them out if something happens. Call it a favor between neighbors.
Alright! I’m officially graduating from being an unemployed flower. From this day forward, as the Lord of the Forest, I shall protect everyone here. It’s my first time on the job, but I’ll do my best.
If things go well, I can look forward to days of quiet photosynthesis surrounded by my delightful animal subordinates. It’s the dream! My ultimate goal is finally within reach.
At long last, I can live in peace. A lot has happened since I was betrayed by that shitty Apprentice Saint junior and my fiancé, the Hero, but I can finally settle down. I’ll be able to live a stable life and really branch out. Since I’m a plant, you see.
And so, my new life as the Lord of the Forest began.
I’ve made some slight corrections. I plan to update twice tomorrow as well.
Next time: From Today, I’ll Become a Bagworm.