As the Chamberlain, I had—as usual—begun preparations for the day’s cleaning. The so-called “Sofa Quarter” of the kingdom was included in today’s plan, so I gathered my tools and quietly approached the area.
…And then.
What met my eyes was the majestic sight of Princess Hina, our second royal, having claimed the very center of the sofa— like a monarch upon her throne.
Her dainty front paws were softly resting upon her chest, and her belly fluff glistened like silk in the afternoon light. Her gaze was direct… and yet carried a subtle challenge.
To me, it clearly said: “Behold this fluff, and know your place.”
The royal “fluff belly” is, without doubt, one of the kingdom’s greatest cultural treasures— and also one of its most sacred, untouchable domains.
As a loyal Chamberlain, the wisest course was to retreat at once. And yet, deep within me, a treasonous whisper stirred:
“Just once… may I fluff it…?”
But the princess had foreseen it all.
With a single glance, her eyes conveyed a firm decree:
“This fluff is not for your hands.”
In that instant, I relinquished all desire, and bowed my head… deeply, and without protest.
Let it be recorded this day: The sofa has become a sovereign territory of fluff, its rule absolute and unquestioned.
Cleaning? …Naturally, it has been postponed.
── Tales from the Fluffy Kingdom Yours in loyal service, The Chamberlain
