Mob MC 281.1

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Chapter 281.1. Dream Of Waking Up From A Dream

-Tamamo's POV-

"Qualifying rounds were a breeze, weren't they~?" 

Mischievous fox-girl Aburage Tamamo, with her familiar Kon-chan perched on her head, effortlessly swam through the wide bath.

Tamamo was in the newly built inn of Takano County. She was soaking in the spacious hot spring, relaxing and healing her fatigue. 

Despite being a hot spring that could accommodate dozens of people, it was made from the expensive magical wood known as Elder Hinoki, and the fragrance of Elder Hinoki permeated the air. It must have cost several hundred million yen to construct this hot spring.

The water smelled of Holy Flowers and had a pleasant scent. Its effects were supposed to include MP recovery, but it was undoubtedly related to mana.

Em-chan and Yamiyo-chan were washing their bodies, covered in foam. Watching them, I floated in the water, her tired body gently warmed by the hot water. 

She relaxed her face and let out a yawn. She felt like she might fall asleep just like this.

"Yes, it seems we've become stronger than expected. Thanks to Tamamo-san's scouts and the illusion magic that confuses enemies." 

Yamiyo-chan replied while gently washing Em-chan's hair.

"Hehe~ It's because Yamiyo-chan had the power to break through the front lines and defeat the enemies for us." 

Tamamo said with a mischievous smile, briefly revealing her fangs. It was all thanks to the synergy of our two magic abilities. 

Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to run through without worrying about detecting the elusive Dire Wolves. 

We would have had to proceed slowly and cautiously like the other parties.

"I wish I could have participated too. I wanted to join with Yamiyo-chan and Tamamo-chan." 

En-chan said in a dejected tone while getting her hair washed. We had all planned to participate in the tournament together.

"Em-chan, you can't activate your magical armor unless you're attacked for some reason. I wonder why." 

It was quite disappointing because we could have participated together if it weren't for this mysterious quirk. Why couldn't she activate her magic armor? 

I knew she was strong when she fought, but we didn't know how strong she had become. 

It had been a long time since I had seen her fight seriously. If she were as strong as she was back then, maybe I could have caught up with her. But as I had grown stronger, Em-chan would have too, so it was uncertain.

"Kyaa-, it's cold!"

"I'm sorry, Mii-sama. I accidentally changed the shower to cold water."

Yamiyo-chan hurriedly rubbed Em-chan's body to warm her up after messing up the shower temperature.

It might have looked like a mistake, but Tamamo couldn't be fooled. She had done it on purpose!

"I'd prefer a warm shower. Where's the lever?"

Em-chan, who couldn't see due to the foam in her eyes, fumbled around to find the shower lever, but she couldn't locate it.

"Well, I guess it can't be helped. Tamamo will help you."

[Iron Hot Water]

Tamamo used her magic to create hot water from her palm and directed it towards Em-chan.

"Splash! I'm going to drown!"

"Maybe I used a bit too much."

"No, Tamamo-chan, you can't do this without treatment afterward."

With laughter, the 3 of us ended up splashing each other with water, and a little while later, when our mom entered, they scolded us.

After leaving the hot spring, it was time for dinner, and soon it was time to sleep. 

Of course, I shared a room with Em-chan and Yamiyo-chan. 

The room was a traditional tatami-matted Japanese room with futons laid for the 4 of us. The 4th person was my little brother, Haru. 

Haru seemed to be a heavy sleeper, his face was already red, and he was fast asleep.

Yamiyo-chan was diligently drying Em-chan's hair. She seemed to take joy in taking care of her. I had told Ranko-san and the others that I would take care of it myself and had sent them away.

I, too, began to dry my hair. Maintaining my fluffy, glossy blonde hair was quite a task. 

I used magic to dry it, making sure not to damage it and checking for split ends. After spending quite some time styling my blonde hair, I let out a sigh. Beautiful blonde hair was one of my pride. I left it fluffy when I was in my fox-girl mode to make it easier for Em-chan to fluff.

"We should also keep our skin moisturized."

"Kyaa-, it tickles, Yamiyo-chan."

"Tamamo will join too~."

Since Yamiyo-chan was applying a potion, which my Aburage Viscounty had created in collaboration with the Druids, to make the skin plump and smooth, I decided to join in. 

It turned into a playful tickling match, and we laughed as we applied the potion.

After a while, when we had settled down and finished preparing for bed, it was time for some chat.

"Tomorrow's dungeon attack will be tough, isn't it? In the finals, the dungeon changes, right?"

Hugging her pillow and lying on top of the futon in her cute Moomoo Cow pajamas, Em-chan asked as she kicked her legs playfully.

"Yes, but with Tamamo-chan and I, there shouldn't be any problems. We'll cut down any enemies that stand in our way." 

Yamiya-chan puts her hand on her cheek and smiles coyly. She seemed full of confidence and didn't appear to be feeling any pressure.

I was a little nervous myself. After all, everyone around me was older, and they were veterans.

"Tamamo-chan, are you nervous?"

"Yeah, it's my first time in a tournament aiming for the championship, so I'm trembling~"

"That's true... But when morning comes, I'll bless you both! If anyone bullies you, I'll stand up for you, and if you get hurt, Doctor Mii-chan will come to your aid!"

With a determined expression, Em-chan said it. I could trust and rely on what En-chan said. 

She had cured my little brother's magic disease, and we were always together, so I knew she valued her friends. Of course, I cherished Em-chan as well.