She Professed Herself The Pupil Of The Wiseman (WN)
Chapter 286.2: Lost Wild (Part 2)

Contrary to its name of Wild Buddy, the store was painted in soft pastel colors, giving it a cute appearance. Mariana had to explain that in the past it used to reflect its name more.

Wild Buddy used to sell items for hunting pets, which accompanied adventurers. But as the times changed, more people began having pets for companionship, which eventually overtook the market. Mariana had heard that directly from one of the employees.

The store had followed the trends of the market, and had been renewed into its current appearance, welcoming cute pets.

「They seem to be doing well too.」

There were a lot of customers visiting the store, even outside on the street, either because it was such a popular place, or because of the sale. Mira and Mariana also joined them and slowly made their way through to enter the store, but they hit a snag almost right away.

The reason for that was Luna, who was still in Mira’s arms. The people there would never overlook such an adorable animal, which was also rare to see.

「I knowww, she’s so cuteee. Also she’s called Luna.」

「I’ve never seen a Pure Rabbit from so close up, it feels like a dream come true!」

For a moment, all the people there forgot about the store and were looking at Luna instead. But that only lasted for a few minutes, as Luna soon got overwhelmed, not being used to being surrounded by so many people.

Luckily, the people there understood and respected pets, so when Luna squeaked and rolled up into Mira’s chest, they stepped back and went on their way.

「I knew you could do it Luna. You managed to stay calm!」

「Yes, Luna did very well.」

Mira was proud of having the cutest rabbit, and Mariana agreed with everything she said.

Seeing that reaction from both, Luna understood that being called cute would make both of them happy like that, and a growing desire appeared in her mind. And that would push her to get over her skittish nature.

That was something that would happen way into the future, but in a way this was the moment that gave birth to Luna’s future as a rabbit idol. Either way, that was not something that would come into play yet.

「This looks even better inside.」

Once they made their way inside of Wild Buddy, Mira looked around and admired its construction. Everything was painted with soft pastel colors, really making it look like a fancy shop for women.

That was something new for Mariana too, as before it was remodelled, the store was going more for a hunter’s cabin look, with strong woody accents.

It really was a dramatic change, but seeing the customers’ reactions, it was clear it had been a positive one. On top of that, they had added various accompaniments for pet lovers.

Mira and Mariana began looking around, searching for something new to give Luna, and along the way they noticed the new additions.

First was a cafe, which allowed people to spend a nice time together with their pets. And obviously enough, they also had a menu for pets. The items on both were roughly just as varied and numerous, with the cake section being especially big.

「It’s quite expensive too…」

Mira was shocked to discover the items on the pet menu were priced nearly the same as those for humans, likely because of how much work went into preparing them. When she looked around, she realized that actually the pets were the main clients there.

It was a bit strange to see so many people gathered who were all spoiling their pets as much as possible. But when she looked at Luna’s twinkling eyes, Mira realized that Luna also wanted to try that food.

「Do you want to eat too, Luna?」

That also reminded Mira that Luna’s diet had been mainly vegetable sticks as of late, so she wanted to know if Luna wanted to try something new, and she replied with an excited squeak.

「I see, I see, so you do want to try something.」

Luna’s eyes started to twinkle even more, showing her emotions. So Mira decided that it would be nice to stop there and have something before heading back home.

「In that case, I could make a cake for Luna tonight.」

But then Mariana interrupted them.

That was something that happened very commonly when going out with one’s mother. When seeing something good served by a shop, they would just say they could make it at home.

Usually, that was accompanied by a feeling of disappointment, as one wanted to eat the one from the shop. But in contrast to that, Luna actually seemed even more excited. And Mira understood why.

Knowing Mariana, she would make something even better than the cafe.

「Aren’t you glad now, Luna? We’ll have cake tonight~」

Mira spoke to Luna, and then began mumbling, 「A cake…hmm…I’m also craving something sweet now…」 while making sure the key words were audible.

「We’ll have to buy the ingredients on our way back then. And it’ll be…a carrot cake for Luna, right? And a Mont Blanc too while I’m at it.」

Mariana had noticed the items Mira and Luna had been looking at on the menu, and deducted what they wanted to eat. But just to make sure, she said that out aloud, which was met with a happy nod from Mira and a squeak from Luna.

With that sorted out, they resumed looking around the store.

Other than the cafe, other additions to Wild Buddy included a gym and pool to workout, and a photography studio. And all of them were made to be enjoyed together with one’s pets.

And that was just the side additions, it was still a store packed with items for pets, and Mira had already picked up various toys she wanted to buy for Luna. Mariana had also picked up more essential things, like litter for Luna’s toilet.

「Hello there, Mariana.」

After they passed through the checkout line, someone approached them, who turned out to be the store’s manager.

Mariana had already become a recognizable client of the store, as a proud owner of a Pure Rabbit. Because of that, she was granted a special early access ticket to some of Wild Buddy’s new facilities.

That was a pretty generous gift, but there was a proper reason behind it. Pure Rabbits were extremely rare, especially as a pet, so if the store became known as a place frequented by the owner of one, it would attract a lot more clients.

Then again, at home, Luna could only go between Mira’s room and the aide’s room, so she could use some more space. Knowing there was a place she could come to play around safely was something that made Mira feel at ease.

(A pool… That sounds perfect for this season. And Luna is such a good swimmer!)

Mira was happy that she had found new ways to play with Luna. But then she caught sight of something in a corner of the store.

That was the only place of the store that was not painted with soft pastel colors, and it preserved its original forest appearance. There was a burly looking man there, clearly a hunter, who was accompanied by a black wolf on a leash.

Seeing that, Mira realized that first and foremost, Wild Buddy’s primary target was a store for hunters who had animals helping them.

As she looked more closely, she also saw what kind of items were sold in that corner.

There were nets to catch small animals, wire rope that could come in handy in many situations, strong armor that could withstand strikes from monsters, various hunting knives, Magic Wares, and even actual weapons.

Everything was also centered around the concept of hunting together with a pet, so once that black wolf was fully equipped, he would also be a force to be reckoned with. Or at least that was what Mira saw, seeing that experienced and strong man with his wolf.

But at the same time, she began to wonder what it felt like to be in that corner, when the entire rest of the store was so colorful and cutesy. It was like being in a small bubble living in the past.

And yet he was there, a serious look on his face as he looked through the armor on sale. Mira almost felt bad for him, carrying out a lifestyle that was starting to feel antiquated.