Does a Doll Deserve to Live a Happy Life? (Patreon)

Chapter 3: A Mischievous Fox {Caster!} I called out through our newly formed telepathic link, eyes scanning the darkness. My grip on the sw

Chapter 3: A Mischievous Fox

{Caster!} I called out through our newly formed telepathic link, eyes scanning the darkness. My grip on the sword tightened. {We need to retreat—this place isn’t safe. If we fight here, we’ll draw even more attention.}

‘Figures.’ I clenched my jaw. ‘Of all the people to notice me first, it had to be him. If I remember right, the only one who uses guns in this war is Kiritsugu Emiya. Just my luck.’

Tamamo responded after a beat, her mental voice laced with irritation. {Tch... fine. If that’s your order, I’ll hold back. But—!} Her tone turned sharp, almost dangerous. {If I ever see the bastard who dared interrupt our moment and tried to kill you... I’ll tear him apart myself!}

I sighed inwardly. That was about as close to a “yes” as I was going to get from her.

{Understood. Follow me. Once we’ve shaken them off, I’ll take you to my hideout.}

{Fufufu~ I look forward to seeing our future love nest, Master~} she teased.

I ignored her cheeky remark, focusing instead on the new strength coursing inside me. A moment later, strength surged through my limbs like lightning through steel.

No time to waste.

I bolted, boots pounding against the earth, and Tamamo was right behind me, not missing a step.

{Fufufu~ As expected of my Master~} she cooed through the link, clearly pleased with my inhuman speed and stamina.

Ordinarily, I’d need a Command Spell to transform into Siegfried to perform at this level. But the Company didn’t do things halfway. The moment I became a true Dragon, my body changed—inside and out.

Even if I still looked human… this strength said otherwise.

While I could try my hand at Reinforcement magic—especially now that I had an affinity for all things arcane thanks to the Dragon Scale perk, not to mention the inherited memories of Sieg and his experiences with it—I wasn’t keen on testing it out while dodging sniper fire.

Maybe later. Preferably somewhere not under threat of death.

Once we got back to Pocket Apartment, I’d let Kiara and Tamamo supervise my attempt. Just in case I accidentally blew off an arm or something equally inconvenient.

Tamamo deflected a few more rounds behind us with elegant precision, her tails snapping like whips and her ofuda flickering midair with bursts of shimmering force.

Then, as we finally broke through the treeline into the deeper woods, her voice slipped into my mind, calmer now. {They’ve stopped following us. We’re clear, Master.}

I slowed to a jog, breathing steadily despite the adrenaline still surging in my veins.

“Finally,” I muttered, glancing over my shoulder.

Tamamo, still alert, gave me a quick once-over, eyes softening slightly. “Next time, you let me burn them to cinders, okay~?”

Feeling a bead of sweat trickle down the back of my neck, I gave a small nod. “Ahem… Right. Caster, please astralize for now. I’ll lead us to the hideout.”

Tamamo pouted ever so slightly, ears drooping just a bit. “Aww… no moonlit walk through the woods with Master? How tragic~ But I suppose I can wait. Ooooh~ this gives me time to plan! Maybe I can try some cute outfits once we settle in? Fufufu~ I can’t wait~!”

With a teasing wink and a dramatic flourish, she vanished into spirit form—but not from my senses. I could still feel her presence, warm and humming at the edge of my awareness like a candle in the night.

With that, I turned and made my way toward the nearest portal that led to my Pocket Apartment. Hopefully this time I would remain unnoticed.

=====

Half an Hour Later

It had taken longer than expected to reach the portal. I made sure we weren’t being followed, doubling back a few times and only moving forward once Tamamo confirmed the area was clear. Satisfied, I turned toward her.

“You can materialize again now, Caster.”

With a shimmer of golden light, Tamamo appeared beside me—only to tilt her head in confusion as she took in our surroundings.

“Hmm? This isn’t a hideout… Is this a school? Master, where exactly are we?”

“Over here.” I reached for her hand and gently pulled her along.

She gasped, delighted. “My~! Master is so bold~!”

Before I could say anything, she slid up to my side and guided my hand straight into the curve of her chest, hugging my arm possessively.

Jeanne had never been this forward and added with my own inexperience with woman—which was none mind you—the reaction that came next was expected.

I flushed crimson, trying my best to ignore the softness pressing against me. “I-It’s necessary! The entrance is hidden, and I have to be touching you to bring you through it.”

“Fufufu~ of course, of course~” she cooed, clearly unconvinced but enjoying every second of it as she snuggled closer.

Soon, we approached what looked like an ordinary brick wall. Tamamo slowed, brows furrowing. “Umm… Master? You do see the wall, right?”

I gave her a reassuring glance. “Trust me.”

She hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded. “Alright, I’m trusting you~”

With a final step, we crossed the invisible threshold. What should’ve been solid stone shimmered and dissolved, revealing a warm, tastefully furnished apartment within.

“Wha—?”

Tamamo blinked in astonishment, but I didn’t have time to explain as we were suddenly greeted by two familiar voices.

“Welcome back, Sieg-kun~” Kiara’s sultry voice lilted from the living room.

“Good to see you again, Sieg-san,” Aoi added more softly, offering a gentle smile.

“I’m back, Kiara. Aoi-san.”

“…”

Tamamo, still clutching my arm, slowly turned her head toward me, eyes shut and smiling sweetly.

“Master~?” Her voice was melodic, dangerously so. “Would you mind explaining why there are other women living in our love nest~?”

Kiara and Aoi stood before us now, both clearly picking up on the sudden shift in atmosphere—and looking just a bit nervous.

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, I was relieved when she didn’t pull away. Taking that as a sign, I began.

“Before I start… were you told anything about the current situation?”

Tamamo tilted her head, eyes opening slightly as her ears twitched adorably. One hand rested under her chin in a thoughtful pose.

“Hmm… All I know is that a Grail War is currently happening. Not that I care much for such a relic.” She shrugged, then looked at me with a small, warm smile.

“I only answered the summons because I felt a kind and gentle soul calling out. By the way, Master—what’s your wish for the Grail once we win?”

“That’s just the thing, Tamamo,” I said, a grimace tugging at my expression.

“The Grail is corrupted. Nothing good will come from making a wish on it. That’s why I intend to destroy it—and bring an end to any future Grail Wars for good.”

My voice had grown more passionate near the end, my feelings—and Sieg’s—rising to the surface at the mention of the Grail.

“Oh?” Tamamo’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “And how did you come by such knowledge?”

She still hadn’t let go of my hand. That comfort gave me the strength to speak.

“…This is where my story begins. You see…”

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I began to tell her everything.

I spoke of my second chance at life. How I had been born blind and frail in my first existence. How, one day, something beyond my understanding had transported me into a new world—and forced a new destiny onto me.

Tamamo listened silently, her bright eyes fixed on me with a patience that made it easier to keep going.

I explained how I wasn’t from this world originally. How, despite the miracles and blessings I had received, there were still responsibilities I couldn’t ignore.

“I chose Kiara because I needed someone I could trust to heal, to protect those who would inevitably be hurt along the way.”

I sent a thankful look toward Kiara, who smiled back faintly.

“And I chose Aoi-san because… there’s a little girl suffering right now. Someone who needs a real family and Aoi-san agreed to raise her."

Tamamo’s fingers tightened around mine slightly. When I glanced at her, I saw an unreadable look in her eyes—part tenderness, part sorrow.

I pressed on.

“I’m not perfect. I don't have some grand destiny written out for me. But if I can stop even one tragedy from happening… then I’ll consider this second life worth it."

The room fell into a peaceful silence after my words. Only the faint hum of the refrigerator in the apartment filled the air.

Finally, Tamamo let out a quiet, almost fond sigh.

“My, my… you really are a foolishly kind Master, aren’t you?” she said, her voice light but her gaze soft.

"But I don’t dislike that. No, not at all."

She smiled—gently, genuinely—and leaned in just a little closer.

“In that case, I’ll follow you, Master. No matter how foolish the road ahead might be."

Before I could even properly thank her, Kiara stepped forward with her usual serene smile, her hands gracefully folded in front of her.

“My, my… it seems our little home is getting livelier by the day,” Kiara said, her voice light and teasing.

She glanced at Tamamo with a glint of amusement in her eyes. “I do hope we can all get along, dear Caster.”

Tamamo immediately straightened up, her ears twitching as she gave Kiara a measured look.

“Fufufu~ Of course! As long as you know your place,” Tamamo said sweetly, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Aoi, sensing the sudden spark between the two, wisely stepped aside, pretending to busy herself with rearranging some cushions on the couch.

I sighed internally but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips, unaware of the look they were unconsciously sending each other.

Despite the light tension, it was oddly comforting.

This — the bickering, the clashing personalities — it made this strange second life of mine feel just a little more real.

“Let’s all get along, alright?” I said, squeezing Tamamo’s hand gently again.

She blinked, then flushed just a tiny bit and nodded. “Y-yes, Master~ Of course!”

Kiara just chuckled softly, her eyes glittering with amusement.

And like that, our little mismatched family grew by one more.

After things settled down a little, Tamamo finally let go of my hand — though she looked a little reluctant — and began to glance around the apartment with curious, excited eyes.

“Oooh~? So this is Master’s secret base~?” she chirped, her tail wagging lazily behind her as she padded around the living room.

She leaned over to poke one of the couches, then gasped happily when it bounced back.

“Master has good taste~! It’s so soft!” she praised, throwing herself onto the couch and sinking into it with an almost blissful sigh.

I chuckled lightly at her antics while Kiara and Aoi exchanged small, knowing smiles.

Tamamo wasn't done yet though. In the next moment, she popped back up to her feet and began inspecting every little thing — from the small bookshelf, to the kitchen, to even peeking her head into the hallway that led to the bedrooms.

Every discovery was met with another adorable sound of wonder.

“Ufufu~ Is this a futon I spy? Oh, Master, are we going to share it someday~?” she teased, glancing at me with half-lidded eyes that made me flush deeply.

I quickly turned away, pretending to check the kitchen area for... absolutely no reason.

“You’ll have your own room,” I mumbled under my breath, hearing her giggle mischievously behind me.

Still, despite all her teasing, there was something genuine and warm in the way she admired everything — like she truly was happy just being here, with us.

As I tried to regain my composure, pretending to busy myself near the kitchen, Kiara strolled up beside me with that all-too-knowing smile.

"My, my~ You certainly work fast, Sieg-kun," she murmured, her voice silky with amusement. "Bringing a bride home the same night you summon her… I'm impressed."

I tensed. “It’s not like that,” I muttered, refusing to meet her gaze.

She giggled behind her hand. “Oh? So she wasn’t calling this her ‘future love nest’?”

My ears slightly burned.

From the living room, Tamamo’s cheerful voice rang out, “Ne~ Master~ Since there’s only one other room, does that mean I get to sleep next to you~?”

Kiara smiled even wider as I felt my soul begin to leave my body.

‘...Wait. Does this technically count as cheating on Ruler…?’

Suddenly struck by a thought, I turned toward Tamamo again, my earlier embarrassment forgotten. “Tamamo… would you be interested in regaining some of your original strength? Up to three tails worth of it?”

Her ears twitched, but rather than excitement, I caught a flicker of unease in her eyes. She tilted her head, offering a curious yet guarded smile. “Hmm? What do you mean, Master?”

“I possess the means to fully incarnate you—to restore you to your prime. That would free you from relying on my mana to remain in this world,” I said calmly. “Not that it’s been an issue… My reserves are more than enough, being a dragon and all.”

Her smile faltered for just a moment. She looked away, her voice soft. “I see… So that’s an option.”

I didn’t press her. The tension in her posture said enough.

Glancing toward Kiara and Aoi, I gave them a silent look. Thankfully, they understood and quietly stepped out of the room, giving us space.

“Tamamo, there’s something more I want to explain.” I stepped closer, gently took her hand, and led her into our shared room.

I paused as the door opened. The plain space I remembered had transformed—wooden flooring, warm-toned furniture, and sliding paper doors. I made a note to look it up later, but for now, I led Tamamo to the center where a few cushions were laid out and motioned for her to sit. I took a seat across from her.

Looking into her eyes, I began. “Tamamo… I know that you’re a divided spirit of the sun goddess Amaterasu.”

Her eyes widened in panic, her posture stiffened—but before she could speak, I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, never having let go.

“You won’t become that being again… even if you regain all nine tails,” I said softly.

She blinked, confused. “...What do you mean?”

“Whoever gave me these powers also gave me certain protections. One of them prevents corruption—of the mind, soul, or anything else. If you ever choose to reclaim your full strength… you’ll still be you, Tamamo.”

Tamamo stared at me for a long moment, golden eyes searching mine for something—doubt, fear, hesitation. But there was none. Only quiet resolve.

“…How certain are you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “About this protection. About… me not changing.”

I didn’t look away. “As certain as I am that the sun will rise tomorrow.” My voice stayed calm, grounded. “Even if I don’t fully understand how everything works… I believe in it. And I believe in you.”

Her expression wavered, and her free hand curled into her lap. “You say that now… but if I ever did change—if I became her again—what then?”

“Then I would remind you of who you are. And I’d stay by your side until you remembered.”

Tamamo blinked, lips parting in surprise—then slowly lowered her gaze, shoulders loosening as she gave my hand a gentle squeeze in return.

“…And if I choose not to take back that power?” she asked, softer this time. “Would you still accept me as I am now?”

My answer came without hesitation. “Of course. You're not here because of your power. You're here because you were kind enough to answer my call. That's something I will always be grateful for.”

Her breath hitched faintly at that. Then, slowly, she looked up at me again. Her smile returned—not radiant, not teasing, but soft. Real.

“…You’re too kind for your own good, Master.”

“I’m not sure I’m in any place to talk about being ‘kind.’”

Tamamo tilted her head, puzzled.

I looked away, my tone steady, but subdued. “I’ve barely lived. My first life was spent in a hospital bed, and as Sieg... I was alive for less than a year before I gave it up. I don’t think that makes me a good person. Just someone who didn’t have many chances.”

There was silence for a heartbeat—then Tamamo’s fingers tightened around mine.

“Fufufu we make quite the pair huh?” She muttered softly. “A Dragon of the modern era and a divided Divine Spirit.”

“I guess we do.” I muttered back just as quietly.

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward. It wasn’t empty either. It was full—of unspoken understanding, of slow-building trust, of two people beginning to lean toward something they didn’t yet have the words for.

Tamamo shifted then, her sleeves brushing softly as she adjusted her posture. She didn’t let go of my hand. “Master… may I ask something selfish?”

I blinked and turned to her, meeting her eyes again. “Of course.”

“If I… ever get scared again,” she said, her voice gentler than usual, “will you remind me that I’m not her? That I’m not… alone?”

I nodded without pause. “Always.”

A small breath left her lips. It sounded almost like a laugh, but there was no amusement—only relief.

She scooted a little closer, her knees brushing mine. “Then I think I’ll be okay.” Her ears twitched once, and her golden gaze softened further. “But… what about you, Master?”

“…What do you mean?”

She leaned in slightly, tilting her head. “You carry so much alone. Even now, you try to comfort others when you’re the one who should be comforted.”

I hesitated. That… was harder to answer.

“I don’t know how to let people in very well,” I admitted. “I’m still learning what it means to live. And part of me still feels like… I’m just borrowing time.”

Tamamo’s hand reached up—not forceful, not demanding. Just a gentle touch to the side of my face, her thumb brushing faintly along my cheek. “Then let me remind you too. You’re not just ‘borrowing’ anything. You’re here. You’re alive. And you’re allowed to ask for warmth too, not just give it.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, leaning just slightly into her hand.

“…Thank you.”

She smiled, a little brighter this time, though still quiet. “Now scoot closer. It’s cold and we’ve already had a long day.”

I gave a faint nod and shifted beside her, not quite leaning but not pulling away either. For the first time in a long while, it felt like maybe—just maybe—I didn’t have to keep everything inside.

Not with her.

“By the way Master, in case that wasn’t obvious. The answer is yes. I accept,” Tamamo said quietly, her voice carrying a quiet conviction. “This will also give me the ability to better protect you in this war.”

I blinked, caught off guard for a moment. I’d nearly forgotten the reason I’d pulled her aside in the first place—everything that had just passed between us had shifted the tone of the evening completely. Still, I nodded, sitting up a little straighter.

“Very well,” I said gently. “This won’t hurt you, but I will need a bit of your blood for the ability to work.”

She blinked. “Blood?”

I gave her a small nod, my tone steady. “It’s part of the process. I won’t take more than a drop.”

Tamamo’s golden eyes searched mine, then she held out her hand, fingers unwavering. “Take what you need, Master.”

I hesitated for just a moment—long enough to honor the trust in her gesture—then leaned forward and pressed my lips to her palm. My teeth grazed her skin delicately before I bit down with care, just enough to draw a single drop of blood.

It hit my tongue like warm lightning—rich, ancient, and tinged with something more. I swallowed, the essence of her spirit flowing into me briefly before dispersing with a pulse of power.

Then, with a faint shimmer of red light, a mark began to etch itself onto the back of her hand.

Tamamo let out a soft gasp as she watched the design take shape—an exact replica of the Command Spells that adorned my own hand. The sigil glowed briefly, then faded to ink-red, as if it had always been there.

She touched it with her fingertips, brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t… feel any different.”

‘That makes sense.’ I thought privately. With the Delayed Response Intensity, I wouldn’t receive the credits until tomorrow. Then thanks to Treasure Hoard, the binding which normally took three days had been shortened to just five minutes—but even so, the effect itself wouldn’t activate for a full twenty-four hours due to the former.

“You won’t. Not yet,” I explained, voice calm and low. “The effect is delayed. It’ll take hold in 24 hours. From then on, you’ll no longer need to rely on my mana to remain in this world.”

She nodded slowly, still tracing the lines of the tattoo. “…It’s beautiful.”

“You’re the one who made it so,” I said simply.

Tamamo’s eyes widened faintly, and she looked up at me with an expression I couldn’t quite name—somewhere between wonder and disbelief.

Then her lips curved into the softest of smiles.

“I suppose I’ll see what tomorrow brings, then,” she whispered.

I nodded, folding her hand gently between mine.

“We’ll face it together.”