Part 134: Love Potion #9

MUSIC: Cool Morning



...

What kind of fantasies could Himiko have? Her whole life is fantasy.

MUSIC: Becoming Friends

Shuichi...is your mana attuned properly for the ceremony?

Huh? Ah, what?



Nyeeeh...why did I make a useless guy like you my thrall?

Your...thrall?

You still don't understand? I explained it when I forged the contract. By thrall, I mean...you're my familiar.



...So I'm an animal? In human form?

You've forgotten already? You were originally a wolf.



This is pretty out there, even for a fantasy! Is Himiko's fantasy to be an all-powerful mage...?

So is your mana attuned yet or not?

Ah, um...I'm not done yet.



P-Punishment!?

Don't move! If you move, I'll use my magic to pull out all your hair!

Himiko took a few bold steps toward me, her eyebrows furrowed. What is she doing...? Am I about to be a guinea pig for her magic?



*boop*!



I looked down to find Himiko burying her face in my chest.

What...are you doing?

This is your punishment.

Whoa,hey!



Nyeh... Nyeh, nyeeeh...

She looks like a dog or cat rubbing against their owner... It's kinda cute...

N-No, wait, now is *not* the time to be thinking that!



That's right. I usually spoil you. But...sometimes your master needs to be spoiled.

Himiko mumbled out, her face still nuzzling me. It didn't sound like much of an order...more like a child's pouting.



Ah, okay...

Spoil her... Maybe...pet her head?

Nyeh! Nnn...n, nnn...

Ah, I was right. ...She really is like a pet.



This is your punishment, so...you need to pet me...until I'm satisfied...

More? As in, pet...somewhere else? As if reading my mind, Himiko whispered...

My back...



Hmph, are you going to disobey your master?

...Ah, yes, that's right... It's just like petting an animal! Nothing wrong with that!

MUSIC: Heartless Journey

Only half-convinced, I still allowed my hand to slide lower, down to her back.



She really seems to be enjoying it... Does she like being petted?

Nnnn... Hmhm...

...

Hmhm... Nn, Nnnyeh...





Without warning, Himiko's body went limp and she curled up against me.

Ah! A-Are you okay?

Nyeh...

I managed to catch her before she fell, but just as l was about to set her down...



Himiko's arms sprung up to wrap around my neck, embracing me tight.

H-Himiko!?

AUDIO: The Key to Himiko's Heart

I know what you want, Shuichi...

...You do?



It's...okay... If you want to do...that... I'm just a foolish mage who fell in love with her familiar...

Love...?

I'm ready... If you want me...then I'll become yours...



I felt like...I was put under a spell...



......

...



Last night, with Himiko... Was that a dream? Y-Yeah...definitely a dream...