Learning to Be Human by Walking Upright

(Ceruno)

[October 3rd (Friday) morning]

Miluno didn't return all night, and more than a day had Past.

As for the Golden, I made her stand as punishment early this morning, and even made her watch me eat breakfast on an empty stomach. As for the reason...

I had repeatedly told her not to crawl over before I went to sleep, but when I woke up, I found her snoring while hugging me. And to make matters worse, her drool soaked Miluno's pillow, sheets, and me! It was all filthy, so I threw it all in the washing machine. I took a shower first thing this morning.

The Doggy, having made a mistake, still barked with its eyes closed:

"Sorry, Master, it smells too good! I couldn't resist!"

She instinctively tried to squat down, but I stopped her.

"Don't move! Stand up straight!"

"Waaah!"

For Golden, walking upright was both punishment and training. The Doggy was not used to it, but that was all.

After all, there's no reason why the human body should feel uncomfortable standing up straight. Just force her to stand up straight first, and she'll be able to walk normally once she gets used to it.

"Ceruno is so strict with Goldie!" Xiaoling said while eating breakfast.

"This is what happens when she disobeys; don't plead for her."

"Actually, Sister Ceruno wants Goldie to live like a normal person, right?"

"Well, it's really outrageous that she's a girl and still crawls around like a dog. Since Miss Sirius has entrusted her to me and Miluno, we have the obligation to discipline her properly."

Xiaojie didn't speak, but she reached out and shot out a warm ray of light, extinguishing the Golden's dissatisfaction.

"Wow, Xiaojie's magic is so sweet!"

It's really comfortable.

Being bathed in Xiaojie's magic felt like getting a massage; it relaxed both my mind and body.

Principal Xiao Yi's idea of a psychotherapy center is indeed very promising, but of course, the "touch-and-go" part should be removed.

Guh--

The Golden's belly protested.

"Master, I'm hungry."

After not eating all night, and without giving her breakfast, the Golden pitifully begged for food, but this hunger was exactly the effect I wanted.

"Then sit down next to me."

Golden straightened up and walked to the dining table, pulled out a chair and sat down; her movements were very standard.

As expected, if you want to do it, you can.

Xiaoling brought a bowl of meat congee from the kitchen and placed it in front of Golden, then sprinkled a handful of chopped dried radish on top. The aroma of the congee filled the air, making it the most mouthwatering breakfast.

"It smells so good! I want to eat it!"

The Doggy, drooling, picked up the bowl and tried to shovel it into its mouth.

"No!"

Despite my repeated attempts to stop him, the Golden asked with a pained expression:

"... What's wrong now?"

"Using this to drink might be too difficult with chopsticks, but a spoon should be fine, right?"

To let her practice using utensils, today's breakfast was changed from a sandwich that she would eat with her hands to meat porridge that she had to use a spoon.

She awkwardly stirred the porridge with the spoon in the opposite hand and tried to put it in her mouth, but most of it spilled back into the bowl.

"This is so troublesome."

Patience is something she also needs to learn.

"Being a human is more troublesome than being a dog."

The Golden pulled out the Stone Mask from behind its back.

"Then I'm not going to be human anymore!!"

"Don't use this old joke while we're eating. Seriously, where did you get your cosplay toys from?"

This mask is quite realistic.

"Oh, that's mine."

After retrieving her cringeworthy gadgets from the Doggy, Xiaoling began to correct Golden's spoon-holding technique.

"Watch carefully, this is how you use a spoon."

Finally, to give the Doggy a reference point, she simply left one hand on the table.

Hmm, he took his right hand off the table and picked up another spoon, then went to the sofa and snuggled up to Xiaojie.

These two girls have a really good relationship; things are going very well for them.

After finishing her porridge with a spoon, Golden wanted to curl up on the sofa and while away her dog-like days, but I wouldn't let her do that.

"Get up, it's time to go to prison."

I want to go check on the situation there. If Betelgeuse is still active, then Miluno should be alright too...

I reluctantly pulled the Golden up, grumbling as it did so:

"No, going out is too much trouble."

The only thing she doesn't do like a dog is that she lacks the enthusiasm to go out for walks.

"Don't be stubborn, let's go."

As a result, I had to drag her out, and she looked uncomfortable walking.

Passing through the Wormhole Device, the warm sun shines on the golden sand. Even in autumn, Nabu Island remains warm. Located near the equator with long hours of sunshine, it is still a great place for a vacation.

Golden looked like she was heading to the "Canis Major" kennel, but today wasn't for her to play with the other Doggy.

She made a puzzled sound as I grabbed her collar.

I reminded them:

"Golden, your identity today is that of a human."

"Can't people play with dogs? Aren't we our friends?"

"Of course you can, but people shouldn't compete with dogs for chew toys."

"Hmm--"

I took her arm and walked towards the prison. The Hawaii magical girl on duty glanced at me, nodded, and let us through, then went on scrolling through her phone.

With such lax security, even if Aldebaran didn't make a deal with Miluno, he could still rescue Betelgeuse and the other witches, right?

In the courtyard in front of the prison gate, a magical girl with short blonde hair was fast asleep, hugging a pillow. She was wearing pajamas, a nightcap, and an eye mask, completely unaware of my approach.

I remember her name was Regil, a witch who could transform into a fluffy giant bat, but I've almost never seen her awake, nor have I seen what she looks like after she transforms.

The Golden also crouched down to examine it closely, and asked:

"She's a golden retriever too! Master, can I hug her?"

"No, that won't work."

"If I treat her like my lover, can I hug her?"

"You need the other person's consent for this."

Although Golden lacks worldly wisdom, it has no problem with aesthetics. It's basically a looks-obsessed person who likes any pretty girl, which can be considered as being true to its heart and desires.

I lightly kicked her butt and scolded her:

"Get up, don't disturb people's sleep. Since she's Bat Witch, she's probably nocturnal, right?"

However, the intellectual female voice replied:

"Heh, as for Regil, he sleeps most of the day, day and night."

Turning around, a witch carrying a thick, hardcover book walked out of the prison.

"Ah! Good morning, Miss Viktorika!"

"Is it only morning at your City School? It's already noon here on Nabu Island."

Good afternoon.

The Book Witch has a black three-strand braid behind her, wears round-framed glasses, and has a calm, scholarly air about her.

She closed the book, looked at me, and said:

"Come on, I'd like to have a talk with you."

"Me?"

To be honest, I'm not familiar with her.

"If I'm not mistaken, you've come about the Time Magic Girl."

"... Hmm, I think she should be back around this time."

"But she hasn't come back yet. Going up there will only be a pointless wait. Why don't you come and talk to me about something meaningful?"

What constitutes a meaningful thing?

She adjusted her glasses with a nonchalant expression.

"A peaceful path that can end war."

Seeing my hesitation, she continued:

"Believe it or not, at least listen to this. I'm practically your father's man. Do you understand what I mean?"

Huh!?