"Ugh..."
Stelle covered her mouth helplessly, desperately suppressing the urge to vomit as she hurriedly looked to Theresa for help. Theresa immediately understood the look in Stelle's eyes.
"That's what you get for suddenly wanting to eat dirt. Just because Earth Beasts can eat something doesn't mean humans can, you know~"
Theresa waved a hand at Stelle, clearing away all the sticky mud and gravel in her mouth. With her mouth clean again, Stelle finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thanks, Theresa. I was just curious. I definitely won't try that again—it tasted awful!"
Stelle let out a breath and thanked Theresa. Clearly, the girl did not dare mess around anymore.
"Bzzz~"
The Earth Beast happily watched Stelle choke on dirt. This innocent two-legged creature wanted to eat the same things it did? She was thinking too much!
"Hehe, this big fellow seems pretty happy. Maybe you could try petting it, Trailblazer?"
"Don't be nervous. Earth Beasts may be huge, but they're actually very gentle."
Castorice smiled at Stelle encouragingly. Stelle looked at everyone, and they all returned encouraging looks.
Seeing the Earth Beast's gentle expression, and watching it slowly lower its head toward her expectantly, Stelle nodded.
Stelle took a deep breath and, somewhat nervously, carefully reached out to stroke the area above the Earth Beast's nose.
The tough blue-violet membrane felt strange beneath her hand—resilient, yet warm. The Earth Beast's gentle expression gave her courage, and she reached out with her other hand as well, softly stroking its cheeks with both hands.
"Bzzz~"
Feeling the girl's fresh scent and gentle caresses, the Earth Beast cooperatively closed its eyes, a low purring rumble rising from its throat.
The Earth Beast's comfortable appearance made Castorice's gaze toward Stelle grow even gentler.
"It seems to really enjoy being petted like that.