Guronde named the Orthrus pup Ol.
Ol took up residence in Guronde’s room. She had laid out a blanket in the corner for him, and he seemed to have taken quite a liking to the spot. However, whenever Giral was around, Ol slept out in the hallway. I suppose the weight of the dragon’s glare was too much for him. He looked a bit pathetic out there all by himself.
Under normal circumstances, Ol was Guronde’s constant shadow. He followed her everywhere she went. Of course, even he couldn't follow her into the outhouse or the bath, so he would simply sit in front of the door and let out mournful whines. Guronde usually reacted with a smile that was equal parts amused and troubled.
He was also barred from following her when she taught the children’s classes. This was mostly because the children tended to mess with him. At first, he tried to endure it, but the moment he reached his limit and barked, Kuro’s children—who were acting as guards—would promptly surround him. Eventually, he was reduced to whimpering sadly while hiding behind Guronde’s legs.
After that, Ol stopped going near the children. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say he wasn't allowed near them. Consequently, whenever it was time for Guronde to leave for her lessons, Ol would plant himself in her way to block her path. He knew he’d be scolded if he actually caused a problem, so it was mostly just a performance. Once Guronde stroked his two heads in turn, Ol would reluctantly step aside and go off to sulk and nap.
After napping for about an hour, he would begin his true daily routine.
Ol’s personal mission was to find a creature lower than himself on the totem pole. He was quite particular about this; his targets were strictly limited to those who lived on four legs. This meant that the slimes and I were exempt from his scrutiny.
His targets included the Inferno Wolves, the Fenrirs, the Centaurs, the horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats... and even the turtles and cats. He put in a lot of effort, but his search yielded no results. Even the lions from the hot spring area and the Dungeon Walkers from the Great Tree Dungeon were out of his league.
Lately, I’d often seen him staring off into the distance, looking quite melancholy for such a young pup. I wanted to do something for him, but I wasn't sure what would help. I wondered what the typical lifestyle of an Orthrus was like.
When I asked Lu, she gave me a lead. "They’re often raised as guard dogs for cattle."
"But he challenged the cows to a fight and lost," I pointed out.
"Well, even between the protector and the protected, there needs to be a clear hierarchy, right?"
That made sense, but it left me in a bind. Based on Lu’s suggestion, I considered putting him in the ranch area to guard the cows, but I ultimately decided against it. He’d even lost to the goats; I was worried he’d just end up getting bullied.
If that was the case... maybe I could build a small, private ranch for him to practice? One of the cows looked like she was willing to cooperate with the idea.
So, I set to work. I built a 5-meter square simple ranch within the residential area. Guronde brought Ol over to see it. He looked a bit disappointed by the small size of the enclosure, but his tails were wagging with all their might. When Guronde officially ordered him to "protect the cow," he let out a joyful bark.
My name is Ol. I am a proud Orthrus, given my name by my Master.
Master is incredibly kind and incredibly strong. I can tell just by her scent. That is why she is my Master.
The man they call the Village Head, however... he is trouble. His scent is terrifying. He reeks of wolves and spiders. Of course, if they were ordinary wolves or spiders, I wouldn't be afraid, but these are far from ordinary. I don't feel like I could ever win against him. Furthermore, I cannot bring myself to directly serve a man who commands so many terrifying creatures. It’s not that I’m trying to defy him; it’s just that the ones already serving him won't even give me the chance.
If only I were stronger... No, it’s not that I dislike my Master. Master is the best. Even if her husband occasionally comes around and kicks me out of the room, I am happy with her.
Currently, I live in a place called the Village of the Great Tree. My goal here is to prove my strength. If I am not strong, people will mock my Master, and I cannot allow that. That was why I started picking fights—exclusively with four-legged creatures, mind you. Spiders are out of the question, and flying things are just cheating. Two-legged creatures? Who in their right mind would challenge them? You see my point.
And so, I challenged them all. It was a relentless string of defeats.
Losing to the Inferno Wolves and the Fenrirs was expected. They are wolves, and I am a dog. It’s frustrating, but I can accept the loss. The Centaurs, too—their upper bodies are like the two-legged ones. I can accept that I’m no match for that kind of cunning.
However, I cannot accept that the horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats are so strong. Aren't they the ones I'm supposed to be guarding? Why are they stronger than me? Is it because I'm still a pup? No, that’s no excuse. The horses and cows simply ignored the fire magic I unleashed and charged straight in to kick me away. The pigs, sheep, and goats all formed ranks and stood their ground against me. Are they veterans of some war? Or is it just my lack of experience? Dammit, what do I have to do to win?
And don't even get me started on the turtles and the cats. Why are they so strong? I can sort of understand the turtles; they don't seem like ordinary reptiles. But the cat? The one with the jewel glowing on its forehead? Should I just assume everything here is abnormal? Is that the only way to make sense of this?
Perhaps seeing my internal struggle, a child of the Minotaur race once mimicked a cow and challenged me to a fight, then lost on purpose. I appreciated the kindness, truly, but it only made my heart ache more. I was at the very bottom of this village’s hierarchy. When I was with my Master, I didn't mind so much, but it gnawed at me whenever I was on my own. I had to do something.
Then, one day, my Master took me to a tiny ranch. It was truly small, with only a single cow inside. But there, my Master gave me a mission.
"Guard this cow."
Oooooooooooooh!
A rush of pure exaltation swept through me. I felt like I could do anything.
Master! Leave it to me! I will protect this cow with my life! Even if I am at the bottom of the ladder, and even if this cow is technically stronger than me, I will fulfill your command. That is my pride as an Orthrus!
...Hm? What is it, cow? You mustn't open the gate on your own. What’s that? It’s time to go back to the main ranch area? I suppose it would be difficult to stay here overnight.
Umm, what should I do? Should I stay with the cow? Should I go back to Master’s side? But my orders...
Ah, Master came to pick me up! Yay!
A few days later, I spotted Ol working hard in the ranch area. He seemed to be getting along well with everyone, which was a relief. I’ll withhold any comment on the fact that the simple ranch I built was abandoned after just three days. I’ve since converted it into a flower bed.
"Hm?"
I saw the cows and Ol moving together in a group. Ah, they were heading to the hot spring area.
"Be careful on the way!" I called out. "And Ol, make sure you don't get lost!"
He let out a sharp bark as if to say, "How rude!"
He seemed to have truly settled in, which was the best outcome I could have hoped for.
Since he’s an Orthrus, his name is Ol. I wonder if Guronde’s naming sense is on the same level as mine?
Guronde and Village Head: "How rude."