Diana's Story

Chief Diana! Are you home, Chief Diana?

Chief Dianaaaaa!

Why, hello there, Butter. How can I help you?

Butter, Butter heard something super interesting!

Dear me, what's the rush, dear? There, there, have a glass of milk before you begin.

*Gulp, gulp* Ahhhhhh! This milk is suuuuper delicious!

Take it slow with that. There's more where that came from.

Y'know what Tig told me? Tig told Butter that you're the strongest werebeast, Chief Diana!

Ohoho, did she now?

Is it true? She said that you were an amazing warrior when you were younger!

Ohoho.

It's getting dark. Are you not cold?

Erm... Butter does feel a bit chilly, maybe...

Wanna hear a story, Butter?

A story? Is it fun? Hooray!

Ohoho. A long, long time ago, a little werebeast was born.

*Ba-dump, ba-dump!*

They say that the moment that young werebeast came into this world, she was able to do spinning kicks and split firewood...

Even with her eyes closed... that werebeast could feel the presence of intruders in her domain...

And then...

E-Eeek!

She would move silently.

Towards the intruders...

*Gulp...*

To knock their teeth out.

The intruders had their teeth knocked out...

The werebeast then took their teeth, strung them up, and decorated her antlers with them.

*Hiccup...!*

And this werebeast... would always hone her antlers to maximize their damage. Ohoho...

Y-You mean... she ground the end of her antlers... to make them sharper...?

What makes you think that?

Um... because they need to be sharp... to do the most damage...?

Sometimes, Butter, subtlety prevails. Blunt weapons leave no marks.

...Th-This story... It's not about you, is it, Chief Diana...?

Ohohoho...

It really isn't about you... right...?

Ohoho, I'm glad that you like it.

I'm glad you like it. Here, have some more. Ohoho.

Did you just say... that you can't differentiate between roe deer and red deer?

Why, of course I am smiling, Master.

How does one tell the difference between a roe deer and a red deer, you ask?

Ohoho, is that so?

Alright then, please enlighten me.

I hope...

You're not going to say something like how the shape of the tail is different or something, are you?

The tail? Surely you're not thinking of checking my tail, aren't you?

So, you're saying that you don't know, yes?

You're sorry, eh...? Children who have done something wrong must be punished...

Ohoho. This roe deer or red deer you speak of... It is said she maintained her position as the strongest from the time young saplings grew into giant trees.

Oh dear, are you thirsty? Would you like some more milk, Master?

Ah, my... The jug is broken...

Yes? What is it?

Hmm, well, that was merely an old tale, but...

It would be best if Tig got to learn some manners, don't you think? Ah, would you like some more milk?

Ohoho...

...It must be discarded.

...It must be discarded...

Hmm? Hello, Master. How can I help you?

Ah, you mean this?

I have to cut something.

Huh? What do you mean?

I was just trying to open a can of chow.

Ah, I needed to sort recyclables.

I'm sorry? Master, I think you're confused about something, but is there a reason for me to explain myself to you?

Hmm... yes, there are a few more left. I'm trying to recycle these. Might as well finish them all since I've already started.

Could you give me a moment? Or is it urgent?

Some of those belong to others. Since these are canned goods, we often overlook them.

Not only do these harm the environment, but the young werebeasts may try to dig these up again for scraps. Therefore, I must recycle them properly.

Of course, I am trying to educate the young ones to recycle as well...

Sorry? I was not chiding you or anything, Master.

Ah, I have finally finished. Please wait a moment, I will be back after discarding these.

Sigh... That rascal, Tig... She's always causing trouble so I'm sore all over.

It would be nice if we could all just get along with each other.

Is that right? I see... hmm. Her charm, you say...

However... although being rough around the edges may be her charm, I'm not so sure about her as the next chief...

I suppose a rough stone can be ground into shape, eh...? Hehe.

Ohoho.

Oh dear... Drinking water doesn't help?

Oh, dearie, dear... here, try some of this.

It's a salad.

And the sauce isn't sweet, either.

Hehe... You noticed? This is a salad with a lemon sauce and salt dressing.

Oh dear... would you like to try this too?

Oh dear, that's all? Finished already?

Yeah? I guess it's because I have so many little ones to look after.

Oh, you're being too kind. Here is your dessert.

Oh dear, but we're just getting started.

Hehe, it made me happy seeing you enjoy it so much, too.

Okay, here's dessert.

It's a drink made with plums. Fragrant, isn't it?

Hehe, it's lovely to see you enjoying it.

Yes?

Oh, it's a snack.

Desserts are desserts, and snacks are snacks.

You're nothing but skin and bones, Master. You need to eat more. I still have more food to give you, so please relax and stay a bit longer.

Excuse me? You will be leaving now?

Since you had that drink to help digestion, there'll be more room in your stomach soon, right?

Sigh... Oh dear, oh dear...

I'm worried about the future of Werebeast Village...

Hmm? You want some sweet potatoes too?

Hmm. That's not what I'm worried about.

I mean, I'm getting on in years... and I'll have to pass on the village chief post to someone someday...

But no werebeast is suitable for this... Tsk, tsk...

I wonder when I'll be able to enjoy a peaceful retirement...

There was...

Sigh...

No, not yet.

Sigh...

Maybe I failed her as a teacher.

Sigh... I think it went wrong when she was a child.

I must say, I was a little harsh on her.

First of all, until she was able to walk on her own two feet...

I made her chop firewood with a fruit knife.

Yes. Until she could walk.

A greatsword would've been too heavy.

Maybe I should have made her do it with a greatsword, after all... sigh.

Then... maybe that?

To enlighten that little rascal to the ways of the world...

I left her in the middle of the forest, with nothing but the fruit knife she wielded for cutting firewood.

She had just taken her first steps, yes.

It was to teach her a very important lesson.

It was the best way to teach her that we're all part of a cycle... that one is all, and all is one.

Of course, I kept myself hidden and watched over her.

Sigh... Maybe that was the issue? That I was there with her? Maybe I should have left her there by herself...? I'm too soft, you see.

You're not far off...

Just now.

It couldn't have been anyone else. Wait until I get my hands on her... I'm going to...

I'm going to have her reflect on her actions and take responsibility for them, of course.

Are you involved in this mess too?

Then why are you feeling sorry for her?

Well, I'll let it go and take your word on that for now, Master.

Now, where has this little rascal gone...?

I'm going to find this little troublemaker first... Then she will know what's coming...

I'll have to educate her, of course.

It seems I have been too soft on her. It might be time to take a firmer approach.

Perhaps it's time for 'that' to make an appearance.

A special beating stick. I've had it made for situations like this.

It's made from a Yggdrasil branch; it's tough enough to resist almost any impact. Hehe...

Sigh... It's not like I want to use corporal punishment...

But Tig just makes so much trouble.

That's exactly the point. She's too old to be causing so much trouble...

Sigh... When will she grow up... It's so frustrating.

I try to avoid using corporal punishment when I can, but... that Tig...

Right. It's really upsetting.

Sigh... Still... corporal punishment isn't the right way to educate, so I'd prefer not to take that route.

It is. I try one way, something always gets in the way. I try again, and a new hurdle appears... Some things get easier with age, but others never do.

I wonder what would be good here...?

So... just trust her and wait?

Yes... perhaps you're right.

You've brought some comfort to my troubled mind, Master. Thank you.

Yes?

Oh, it's nothing, hehe... I am just glad that Tig has a good friend.

You being such a good friend to her really eases my mind.

Since you and Tig are such good friends, you'll clean up the town square here, won't you?