Boku wa Chiisana Maou-sama Chapter 19

Chocola demonstrates a sword dance, Tart uses a bow to hit the bullseye, and Pudding thrust a spear into a straw figure.
Their movements are so refined that the soldier’s in the castle had to acknowledge their superiority.

「Fuaaaaa&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;! Chocola, Tart, Pudding so amazing!! When did you become so strong!?」

Seeing the wonderful movements of the three animals, Dirkhert claps his hands with sparkling eyes.

「The three of them practiced really hard so they can protect Maou-sama, you know?」
「To protect Dirk?」

To Volsung’s words, Dirkhert tilts his head and asks the three.
The three stuffed toys nod their heads, pikopiko move their hands and use their whole bodies to show affirmation.
Volsung and the three animals were sure that Dirkhert would be happy. But, on the contrary to their expectations, a lonely expression floats on Dirkhert’s face.

「You aren’t happy?」

When asked, Dirkhert grasped the hem of his clothes tightly and muttered.

「I’m happy. But you see, I’d hate Chocola, Tart, and Pudding to get hurt for Dirk’s sake. I’d rather have them not getting injured, not getting stronger, not protecting me」

Hearing Dirkhert’s words, the three start feeling down instantly. They did their best for Dirkhert’s sake, but they ended up bothering him instead.
The mood became gloomy. Volsung crouches down to Dirkhert and pats his head with a wry smile.

「Maou-sama hates the thought of Chocola, Tart, and Pudding getting hurt, right?」
「Un」
「But, that also counts for Chocola, Tart, and Pudding, they got stronger to protect Maou-sama so that you won’t get hurt, you know?」
「&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip; Un」
「Then, Maou-sama has to do his best to get strong enough to protect Chocola, Tart, and Pudding」
「To protect them?」
「That’s right. Chocola, Tart, and Pudding will protect Maou-sama, and Maou-sama will protect Chocola, Tart, and Pudding」
「&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip; I will do my best! Chocola, Tart, Pudding, Melu, and Vol I will protect you all! Dirk will do his best!!」

And then, the always eager little Maou-sama trained more than usual.
Of course, Chocola, Tart, and Pudding also worked hard at building their strength so they can protect Dirkhert.
Thus, the little Maou-sama’s Three Animal Knights were born.