Stealing food is wrong.
I’ve told them that time and again. If they want something, they should just say so. I offered these words of caution while looking down at the culprit.
It was Miel, one of the older sister cats.
Technically, Rael, Uel, and Gael were also involved, but only Miel stood before me now. The reason was simple: she hadn't escaped in time. I was surprised Miel of all cats would be caught, but... well, how should I put it? The fish she had clamped in her jaws was so massive that she couldn't make a clean break. That’s what happens when you get greedy.
Furthermore, it seemed the scales of the massive fish had hooked onto her just right, because even when Miel opened her mouth, the fish wouldn't detach from her fangs.
......
I mustn’t laugh. This was supposed to be a stern lecture. I tried to pull myself together, but the pathetic, muffled sound Miel made while trying to ask for help forced a snort out of me.
Good grief.
Rael, Uel, and Gael, apparently worried about Miel, returned with their own stolen fish, so I helped unhook the one caught in her mouth. I freed her, but that didn't mean I’d forgiven them.
"All four of you are banned from the kotatsu for the time being."
Hey, don't try to win my sympathy with those little performances. And you, Demon King, don't join in on their act.
By the way, Demon King. What’s with that massive tiger behind you? I don't recognize him. Is he one of your subordinates?
No? He’s just a normal tiger? He was a gift from a local noble who heard rumors of your obsession with cats?
A tiger isn't a cat, you know.
Apparently, that noble also thought it was a cat when he sent it. It must have grown during the journey, arriving as a full-grown, magnificent tiger. I imagine the noble who sent it was quite surprised himself.
And you brought it here to show it off to me?
No? You want me to raise it in the village?
This place isn't a zoo, you know. Where does this idea that you can just dump unusual animals on this village come from... Well, setting that aside for now, does this tiger bite? Does it get violent? Can I touch it?
It's fine? So it's docile. True, he’s huge, but he’s acting as meek as a timid kitten.
When I reached out to pet the tiger, Miel and the others moved in to block me. They seemed to be demanding that if I was going to pet anyone, it should be them. You lot only let me pet you when you’re in the mood for it anyway. Don't get jealous of the newcomer.
However, if I didn't pet Miel and her sisters first, they would sulk for ages, so I gave in and pet them. I know, I know. Focus on the back; the belly is off-limits. And the base of the tail... Oh, you're allowing that today? There, there.
But don't think this is enough to lift the kotatsu ban. Don't look at me with such a shocked expression. The fish you made off with were ones the High Ogre maids worked hard to catch for Alfred and the others. Yes, they went out and caught them in this freezing weather.
So even if I were to forgive you, Ann certainly won’t. You’d better show some genuine remorse for a while.
...I’m glad they seemed to understand, but is it really okay for them to be more terrified of Ann than they are of me? Well, I suppose it’s hard to argue with the person who prepares your meals every day.
Once I was finished dealing with Miel and her sisters, I finally petted the tiger.
Hmm, this pattern... I'm no expert on subspecies, but this is definitely a tiger. He remained as still as a statue, though. He might just be nervous because he’s in an unfamiliar environment. It would probably be best to provide a place where he can feel at ease.
Given his size... maybe one of the spare rooms in the mansion would do? Ah, but it would be a problem if he started marking his territory with a smell.
......
It was a clear day outside. High Elves, Mountain Elves—everyone who was free, gather 'round!
We built a tiger house in the ranch area. Only after it was finished did a thought occur to me: would this tiger attack the other animals? Tigers are carnivores, after all.
"He would never do such a thing," I was assured.
Hmm. Well, it’s true that Kuro’s children don’t attack them either. All right, I’ll trust him. I’ll make sure he's properly fed, but I told him to let me know if it wasn’t enough.
"For now, try living in this tiger house for a while. If there’s anything that needs fixing, let me know."
......
What’s the matter? You don't like the tiger house? That's not it? You're lonely?
Er... so, until the tiger gets settled, he ended up living in one of the spare rooms in the mansion. I told him I’d appreciate it if he tried not to mark his territory inside.
I figured the tiger house we had gone to the trouble of building wouldn't see any use until spring, but the goats occupied it almost immediately. You guys already have a goat shed, don't you? What’s the deal? You just like the smell of new construction?
......
"Only until spring, okay? Try not to make too much of a mess."
A few days have passed since the tiger arrived. He hasn't been particularly active, rarely even leaving his room. I was worried he was still having trouble adjusting, but then I found him sleeping soundly with the older sister cats. It looks like he'll be just fine.
......
Wait. You girls aren't just using the tiger as a substitute for the kotatsu, are you? You're actually becoming friends... right?