《Reincarnated as a Sheep – Path to Becoming the Strongest Demon Lord》


 Chapter 1 – New Horizons

    My eyes hurt.


    Wait what?


    As I continued to blink, occasional pockets of sunlight would fill the void as my eyes closed and opened. It was another restless night a moment ago. I literally had to take a small overdose to cut myself from that cycle you know? Supposedly, the often-repeated promise of life gets better after education proved to be false as my hateful school life just transformed to a hateful work life. I was never one to be particularly bullied but being the quiet kid meant nothing interesting ever happened either. Being continuously ostracized, my emotions became quickly mixed with irritancy and sadness when interacting with others driving me past the point of no return.


    If I did lose my life though, how could I see the sun? I¡¯d like to think it would be heaven but ¨C


    Damn, there¡¯s a lot more greenery than I expected ¨C smells quite nice too. I thought it would be more yellow light or eternal darkness. I was certain I blacked out but I¡¯m lying in the emerald plains.


    Might as well enjoy it! I said trying to stand. where are my hands? Where are my fingers?


    ¡°Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa,¡±


    Why did my scream come out as a bleat!


    ¡°Baaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡±


    ¡­


    Rising on all fours, I tilt my head down.


    ¡­


    Two tiny black legs were poking right below my white fluff. I¡¯ve turned into a sheep?! After a couple minutes of awkward walking, I think I got this.


    With my newfound skill, I execute a turn ¨C only to see 5 other sheep, a small house and generous fencing.


    I see.


    So, I¡¯m a farm animal.


    So, I¡¯m going to be sold and eaten?


    Never!


    A new life, a new start!


    I¡¯ll redo my mistakes, live arrogantly and enjoy it to the fullest!


    Bending my neck to the ground, I bite the grass.


    *munch*


    It actually tastes really good.

 Chapter 2 – Failed Escape

    With these ¡°upgraded¡± taste buds so to speak, grass tastes really nice.


    As my fellow sheep also rose, we together feast in the endless plain of greens as if we¡¯re razing it. Honestly, this is surprisingly satisfying. The farmer even left a wide wooden crate filled with water so I can also enjoy some ¡°refreshing beverages¡±. The space is pretty large so you can even do some sort of exercise if you want to run around! I wonder why there are so few sheep though. You¡¯d assume this place to have at least a couple dozen of us but it¡¯s only 5. None of us are rams or lambs either. I¡¯d really want to thank the farmer for this but I¡¯ve yet to even see him so far.


    I mean I can¡¯t communicate with him but I¡¯m sure sympathetic bleating will be just as effective. Probably not. But if the farmer is sparing this much, there might have been a whole lot of us before or he just wants us to grow ¡°perfectly¡± before being slaughtered. Shuddering at the thought, I really do need to formulate some escape plan ¨C but how do I get around with such an inflexible body?


    Trying to bend my two front knees my face slams directly into the grass. Honestly, it¡¯s going to take a while getting used to this height just as much as the body. Why did I have to be a sheep! I cry out.


    ¡°Baaaaaaaa¡±


    ¡­


    Lifting my head from the green nirvana I slowly make my way through to the fence. It¡¯s completely wooden with a minute gap between two planks. Okay, this should be easy enough! I use my front right leg to bend against the fence and slide my head through it. Now, my left side and done!


    I try to kick with my bottom legs and ¨C


    *thump*


    Huh? Trying again-


    *thump*


    I really can¡¯t move, am I too fat for this? I guess I¡¯ll try to move back.


    *thonk*


    Ow! Without bumping my head this time, I move back to my original position and collapse on the floor in dismay. Maybe if I reincarnated here there¡¯s magic? It was a popular trope or maybe not, I¡¯m in an extremely ordinary farm with nothing peculiar other than the run-down house next door. I guess it¡¯s worth a try since my situation is weird to say the least. Fire!


    ¡°Baaaaa¡±


    And nothing came out...


    Maybe if I imagine it properly? If I think of the ignition of oxygen and then ¨C fire!


    ¡°Baaa!¡±


    Nothing at all. I guess I¡¯m a perfectly normal sheep. As I walk to the crate to drown my sorrows in water, the door of the shack slams open. A weary middle-age man enters, the owner of this place I assume, followed by a well-clothed man. A merchant?

 Chapter 3 – Problematic Journey

    The owner¡¯s face was hard to understand. He appeared despondent and worn out, yet at the same time his smile seemed genuine. His clothing choice however belonged in medieval times, wearing a plain, torn and brown tunic. A complete contrast to the elegant seeming merchant who had a white shirt and what appeared to be a green robe.


    The owner briefly looked and asked a completely undecipherable question to the merchant who replied with a nod and without a moment¡¯s notice the former pulled out a whistle for his pockets.


    *Tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet*


    Ouch. My ears. What an obnoxious device. As I went to look at how the other sheep reacted, they immediately began dashing towards the man.


    Being sold so soon? My heart really does ache.


    I was the first to arrive out of all of them. It may have been a given since I was right next to the door when he came but I was still the first. Not recognised though. Am I too insignificant compared to the others?


    ¡°Baaaaaaaaa!¡±


    The startled owner jumped and went back a few steps while the merchant laughed and spoke:


    ¡°@&¡ê$ %*(¡ê¡±


    Which would be returned by something equally incomprehensible.


    As the rest of the sheep gathered, the merchant gave a tap on his ring with a red-blue gem and spoke a phrase. What appeared was an herb pouch and a couple of silver coins. So, magic does actually exist! I just didn¡¯t know how to use it, I guess? I mean I can¡¯t even speak yet, so it¡¯ll be a while I suppose.


    After the owner and merchant shook hands, the latter turned towards me and began another gibberish chant.


    I closed my eyes in anticipation. Please don¡¯t cook me alive. Please, please¡­ please¡­ I feel kinda tired...


    Huh? What¡¯s that light?


    I guess I wasn¡¯t eaten yet. As I try to take a bite


    *chrk*


    This isn¡¯t grass? And I¡¯m moving?


    Looking around I see my fellow sheep were stuck with me in the back of the carriage. The wooden floor rumbled upon bumps quite a bit, like honestly who could even stay asleep on this for so long? Although maybe this is the place where I can finally escape. Getting up on all fours, I made my way to the front of the carriage where the merchant was driving the carriage. The wooden spine was surrounded with cloth and there was virtually nothing to stop my escape.


    *creak*


    I¡¯m not this fat it¡¯s just wool I swear. Anyways, the man driving me to my doom hasn¡¯t seemed to realize it yet, but I¡¯ve almost secured my future. Time to-


    ¡°Baaaaaaaaaaa¡±


    I tripped over due to another bump. He¡¯s begun to slow his carriage screaming something to the horses.


    After bringing the carriage to a halt, he turns around pointing the ring at me, but I¡¯m prepared this time.


    *chomp*


    Bit his ring finger ¨C literally. I didn¡¯t want to eat his finger since I doubted that he tasted nice but at least I drew the magic ring out of it! He screamed something incoherent and slapped me in the face.


    *gulp*


    ¡­


    I swallowed the ring.


    All of his materials. Gone. Money? Probably gone. I wouldn¡¯t have long to enjoy the victory though; this magic stone or gem was ruining my stomach ¨C or rather my entire body. It felt as if needles were being pressed from the inside out across my entire body while I was in some torture mechanism to stretch my limbs.


    While I had to endure this pain of eating a foreign substance, the merchant wouldn¡¯t stop yelling at me and began kicking my stomach trying to retrieve his precious ring. As I scrunched myself into a ball and put one hands to protect my stomach and another to protect my head I screamed out.


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡±


    As I imagined a hurricane blowing them away, a small gust of wind picked up, but that was all I could do. Wait a second¡­ I can speak words? Never mind, eyelids too heavy.

 Chapter 4 – New Form

    ¡°Baaaaaa¡±


    Wha-


    I fell asleep for the 3rd time in the same day.


    My head was rested against one of the sheep while I sat down.


    Sitting down? Looking down, I saw a brown rag covering my body, with two mounds on my chest. Why do I have breasts? I never paid attention to it as a sheep but was I actually a girl? Trying to move my hands to find out resulted in failure as the brute of a merchant had locked my hands in wooden cuffs. My bountiful wool which had stopped me from escaping on day one was now only confined to my wrists and what felt like my ankles. For hair, there definitely was a lot. It went down to at least my waist and was blue with occasional red strands creating a mellow purple.


    As nice as this body was, I lost my chance to escape.


    ¡°Urgh why!¡±


    That voice¡­ was mine. Great I¡¯m definitely a girl now. I haven¡¯t ¡®confirmed¡¯ what lies underneath but it might as well be set in stone.


    It sounds cute though.


    *thonk*


    I slap my face with the piece of wood to wake myself up. I really need to learn how to prioritize goals instead of admiring myself every couple of seconds. So why did I collapse last time? Because of the gem maybe? Or maybe the crappy spell I tried?


    So, if it works by imagining it in your head and try to create it to happen like last time if I imagine a flame engulfing the chain-


    ¡°Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch-¡°


    I threw myself on the carriage floor and just rolled around until the small lighter-like flame that appeared went out. This was already exhausting me to my limits despite being a fraction of what I tried to create. All that was done was the small area around my wrist had become charred. While I pondered, the carriage entered a town.

 Chapter 5 – Finally arrived

    As we entered through the gates of the town, the merchant was stopped and had a conversation with one of the guards. Though I couldn¡¯t exactly tell, seeing the merchant flustered as he subconsciously tapped his ring finger made me giggle a bit. The guard was dressed in plain and boorish metallic armor with a small emblem to his side? Maybe he would free me? I looked quite human after all.


    So, while the villainous man frantically searched his pockets for something to find, I took the time to walk-


    I almost tripped. How did I already forget what walking on two legs felt like?


    Anyways, as I approached the front of the carriage and frantically waved my hands that were locked towards him, he just stared at me before smiling and patting the villain on the shoulder accompanied with a hearty laugh.


    Huh?


    Was this normal?


    Shocked as I was, the merchant eventually handed a couple of coins to the man and turned to me.


    ¡°¡ê$%@~# *&^!¡±


    My poor ears¡­


    I don¡¯t even know what he said but as soon as the journey was resumed, I fell off and landed on my butt.


    I swear to god I will end this man.


    The town itself, while not holding a single candle to modern cities, was vibrant and filled with stone-wooden buildings, multiple stalls selling anything from fruit to flour to food and jewellery. I guess this was one of the more prospering areas with large quantities of individuals in fashionable clothes.


    While the journey continued, the vegetation became thicker with there being less but larger houses until a mansion was in sight. Like a palace, it had a grand entrance with a well-decorated garden on either side foreshadowing the estate. Needless to say, the gardens looked extremely appetizing.


    As the carriage slowed to a halt for the second time, the merchant was greeted by an elderly man with a suit. A butler? He was together with 2 other men in much more rough clothing. As they entered the carriage, they put a collar with a leash on each of the sheep and-


    Why is one approaching me?


    ¡°I¡¯m not one of the goods you idiot!¡±


    As he tried to put the collar on me, I began kicking my legs and flailing in frustration up to the point of tears.


    *smack*


    ¡°@#¡ê$ %^&*¡ê¡±


    My cheek seared. This bastard. Before I could even attempt a counter, he put the collar on and tied the leash around my arms so I couldn¡¯t even move them anymore before picking me up and carrying me out.


    This absolute humiliation that I¡¯m forced to endure.


    How I wish the tables could be turned.


    As this brawn-in-rags carried me down and towards the entrance of the estate, the merchant looked at me with a disgusting smug smile on his face as he gives a little wave before guiding the horse somewhere with the butler.


    The mansion itself was majestic. With a stereotypical red carpet, paintings on every corridor as well as statues. I wouldn¡¯t have minded living here at all. If it was mine.


    Swiftly I was laid of the brute¡¯s shoulder and forced to stand in front of an elaborately dressed blond  ¡°gentleman¡±, with a suit with golden buttons and red attire to fit the feel of the building next to ¨C his children?

 Chapter 6 – The noble

    The very personification of a noble next to three children, two boys and a girl. Am I being sold to cannibals who get kicks from eating human-like people? My eyebrows droop as I break the ice with a sigh. This really is a pain. I tried to wiggle my arms, but the thick rope denied my attempts. The noble crossed his arms as he walked towards me and


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    What?


    What is he even grabbing? It feels like my ear is being grabbed but also not. It¡¯s quite firm? Wait do I have horns?  It feels like strikes of lightning are constantly shocking my body as he constantly rubs his hands around them. I lift my face to meet his gaze.


    ¡°Please stop doing it!¡±


    Was what I wanted to say but got cut in half by his awkward and displeasing expression. Without a word he handed a gold coin to my captor and the muscle-brained servant left.


    The noble with his glowing expression raised a hand and¡­ and pointed towards himself?


    ¡°Viclam.¡±


    ¡°Viclam?¡±


    He nodded before asking what sounded like a question. How do I reply? I tried to move my arms to do a cross shape to convey my thoughts, but the rope wasn¡¯t relaxing anytime soon. The youngest son somehow understood I was struggling and started untying the rope. The noble stood silent while his siblings tried to gesture him to stop doing it, but the little one did so anyway.


    Thank you, honestly, the binds were horrible. I stretched my arms and broke into a yawn, then patted the kid''s head and thanked him ¨C he probably didn¡¯t understand though, but anyway, time to test the power of sign language!


    Turning towards Viclam, I met his and the boy¡¯s elder brother and sister¡¯s stares.


    ¡°Viclam¡­¡±


    I started then pointed towards him and tried to mimic him speaking with my other hand before drawing a cross. I guess he understood what I tried to say since he started tugging on my collar-


    Why am I treated like someone¡¯s pet dog? Sighing, I followed him up the stairs. The mansion''s interior was extremely decorated with eccentric paintings, portraits and jewelry all lying around. I wonder if I could use one for spells like that stupid merchant was doing. I mean, I got this form from literally eating it right? If I put magic into the gem then eat it like the merchant''s ring, would that mean I could use more magic?


    *Bump*


    And I hit the wall, bravo me!

 Chapter 7 – Noble’s Pet

    Repositioning myself, I followed Viclam the noble to a study, I guess? On top of the table there was a pricey crystal green orb.


    Viclam pointed at the green gem and dragged my hand towards it before repeating yet another incoherent phrase. As the orb reacted, it grew brighter before flashing completely forcing me to close my eyes.


    ¡°Can you understand me?¡±


    Huh?


    What?


    I can understand what he says now?


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    I replied. Wait. This no longer sounded like English. Oh, how I could enjoy my life now, if I weren¡¯t sold to him.


    ¡°Follow me¡± was the last thing he said before pulling me by the leash down the stairs.


    My poor neck¡­


    Just like before, the three kids were still in the same place they were at before we even left to go upstairs, but unlike before, I could understand what they¡¯d actually say! For better or worse.


    As we walked down, he asked me for my name.


    What a good question! I don¡¯t even know my name.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡±


    At least in this life anyway.


    He stood still for a moment, before continuing.


    ¡°From today on, you¡¯re Alice.¡±


    I felt a little spark of energy drill into me as he said that. Isn¡¯t Alice a female name?...


    I completely forgot¡­


    How irritatingly average as well¡­


    ¡°Alice, from tomorrow, you¡¯ll be the -¡±


    His bland face revealed a sinister smile.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be my children¡¯s toy.¡±


    Huh?


    Excuse me?


    ¡°Wh-¡°


    Without his smile faltering, he poked his head next to my ear before whispering, ¡°If the little one hadn¡¯t paid you any attention, you¡¯d be doing something a lot dirtier, so I suggest you don¡¯t talk back.¡±


    ¡­


    I nodded.


    Blank mind.


    Did I hear that correctly?


    Me, some rich kids¡¯ pet?


    I just couldn¡¯t think properly. I get turned into a sheep. A female sheep. Then in a human form. Now a slave. My poor ailing heart.


    Returning to the original starting position, he introduced them one by one. The youngest boy was called Emil. He had a red jacket like his bastard of a father and blond hair with dark eyes. His sister, probably the second eldest, Marie had brown hair and eyes which shone like rubies and lastly the eldest one: Lloyd. He embodied every feature of the aforementioned scum noble with his blond hair and lifeless blue eyes.


    ¡°Emil, Marie, Lloyd, this is Alice. Think of her as your pet.¡±

 Chapter 8 – New room

    With that small introduction I swallowed my pride and gave a little bow to the crappy noble¡¯s kids. They all had straight faces, other than Emil, who had an innocent smile splattered across his. So, blessed. Saved from a permanent career as a sex slave. Haha¡­


    I can¡¯t really joke about something that was so close to happening. My first future victim, Viclam, led me to my room, before immediately exiting. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t have to sleep on the floor. It was more extravagant than what I had expected. The room was again flooded with gems, a wardrobe with-?


    I peeked at what lay waiting for me. Maid clothes and a bikini. Or was that underwear?


    A full-length mirror was also present. I took off the robe and stood in front of the mirror.


    My blue hair went all the way down to my waist and had dark black horns right above my ears. I had such cute ruby eyes! Way better than that Marie girl anyway. Why was I blushing from looking at myself? I pinched my cheeks again to remind me that this is my reality.


    And this means?


    I look at my chest section and there it was ¨C breasts! I stared at them a bit before grabbing them.


    ¡°Ahhh.¡±


    An ecstatic feeling spread through my body. Too dangerous. This could get addicting. Maybe one more time though?


    Too many sounds are escaping my lips and why do my insides feel itchy. I look down before immediately looking away; that could be saved for another time. Opening the wardrobe, I put on the underwear to free myself from the mirror¡¯s chains.


    The bottom half was fine, but the upper section? I didn¡¯t know it was that hard. I¡¯ll just tie the ends! It rubs against my back, but it¡¯s good enough for now.


    I take a look at my reflection again.


    Do I look cuter this way?


    I¡¯ll go all the way and put on the maid outfit too! The humiliation of wearing that while pretending to be some noble¡¯s animal! The father has to go, then the merchant and then maybe the entire estate? I¡¯ll keep the outfit and the garden though.


    The room had a lot of gems though. They were just stuck as ¡°ornaments¡± to the object. Maybe I can use these to get better at magic?

 Chapter 9 – Magic Gem

    Time to use the gems to power up! Despite the chair being made purely of wood with a wool-


    Ignore the shiver that ran through my spine.


    It was a really simple chair, but it had a small emerald gem stuck at the top of the backrest. Trying to pinch it with my fingers ultimately resulted in failure with my wool cuffs entangled to the chair. Maybe something sharp would work.


    Wait don¡¯t I have something sharp? I feel my horns.


    ¡°AHH!¡±


    That was not supposed to escape from my mouth. Even if the shape was curved, the edges should be good enough. Okay! I just need to pull the gem off. I sit on the chair backwards as I face my green objective. I just need to pull it off¡­ just take it out¡­


    Urgh.


    I blink and try to slide my poor horn through it.


    ¡°Wah!¡±


    That was mortifying. I pet them a little myself before stopping immediately.  I was able to get the gem I so needed so now what do I do? I just had to chant something while thinking about it into the emerald right?


    Maybe something windy or earthy to match its colour. Wait a second!


    I clutch the emerald in my palm then whispered,


    ¡°Make the lushest of grass appear before me.¡±


    It might sound lame, but it¡¯s unironically the perfect trial. The glass stone shined in front of me before dimming again. Although I used my magic force, or whatever magic uses, I didn¡¯t feel as fatigued due to the basic spell.


    And now-?


    If I concentrate or rather imagine, my blood flowing from my hand to the gem then ¨C


    *Sniff*


    A gourmet piece of grass will appear! Eating it refreshed me a bit more than how I felt before, so I guess using gems really does make you efficient.


    Now what if I eat this crystal now?


    *gulp*


    I looked at myself in the mirror to see if I can find any changes. I look really cu-


    No noticeable change. What if I use the grass magic?


    ¡°Raise grass!¡±


    And in my hand? Two strands of grass. Too tasty. The crystal tasted bitter, but it really reduced the energy required to treat myself like this.


    As I raised my hands in celebration while standing on the chair, a young Emil came in.

 Chapter 10 – Trip with Emil

    Why did this kid have to come in right now?


    ¡°Uhh-h Mrs. Alice¡­¡±


    Did I look that scary?


    ¡°What a-are you d-doing?¡±


    Emil was too flustered as he kept staring at me, who was still on top of the chair. I got off and tried to give a genuine smile.


    ¡°Nothing!¡±


    He replied with a meek nod. I didn¡¯t have to be extremely courteous to him. I think. His shitty dad could have at least said more about what I was supposed to do, but I also don¡¯t really want to see him ¨C ever. Oh, this poor Emil is trying to talk again.


    ¡°Was there something you wanted?¡±


    I got down from the chair to face him directly, but he still had to stare up. I guess he really is young. I was five foot at best, and I could just rest my head on his.


    ¡°C-could y-you e-escort me to t-town?¡±


    I arrived in this world a couple days ago and this place, an hour ago. Why am I constantly being forced to travel? Moving around the building was painful enough. I sighed internally before nodding, at least it¡¯d provide some more experience walking properly. As we exited the mansion with no bodyguards whatsoever.


    Emil was this pretentious man¡¯s son so why wouldn¡¯t he have protection, despite there being a group of guards in every corner.


    ¡°Em- Master Emil, do you not have guards who escort you outside?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he¡­ brother told me I didn¡¯t need them.¡±


    Ah. Lloyd was just as bad as his father. It must run in the family to trouble others. Whatever, I can at the very least be supportive of Emil while I try to use the gems for more useful magics.


    After exiting the mansion, the number of houses began to slowly increase the further we were from it ¨C still only filled with humans.


    ¡°Hey Emil, are there any other people that are like me?¡±


    If someone was trailing us, please don¡¯t report me for discourtesy.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ Probably not here ¨C oh ¨C but I heard father say that they normally reside in the Demon territories!¡±

 Chapter 11 – The Town

    The demon territories?


    ¡°What did you mean by normally found there?¡±


    I asked. There are demons in this world? I know I wasn¡¯t really a human, but how many different species were there?


    ¡°Apparently they can¡¯t use magic so some get kidnapped and sold into slavery!¡±


    Emil answered enthusiastically. I couldn¡¯t tell if he was this excited to be able to talk to people or it was some way to demoralize me from escaping. Ideally, it was the former, but if it were the latter, it still wouldn¡¯t apply to me! Also, I just couldn¡¯t wrap my head around the concept of Emil being rude to me.


    Really though, what would that make me? Maybe there are cases of animals using magic?


    ¡°Can animals use magic?¡±


    I said while being as nonchalant as I possibly could.


    ¡°Are you referring to mana beasts? Of course, they can! They have mana in their name!¡±


    Was I being openly mocked right now? But does that mean I count as a mana beast and not as a demi-human? I guess that¡¯s the closest thing to describe what happened. Do I pat him on the head to reward him back for this?


    *Pat*


    Brushing his head, I express my thanks. Wait.


    Are his cheeks red?


    Is he blushing?


    Why?


    I¡¯m not his mother or girlfriend.


    Speaking of which, would it be acceptable for me to be with another girl? Not like it¡¯d stop me though. Maybe someone super attractive in the demon pl-


    *tug*


    Huh?


    ¡°Alice, we still have more to see stop standing still!¡±


    I spaced out. Hopefully, there isn¡¯t someone following me with the sole intention of reporting my every slip up to Viclam.


    ¡°Aye aye.¡±


    I said giving a salute. Why did he look so flustered? Without even letting go he continued pulling my hand. Geez.


    The town itself was interesting. A lot of outdoor markets were present like a bazaar and the population was much larger in this region. In some regards it felt like being at a small town with a great diversity in wealth and clothes. There were a lot of vegetable and jewellery stalls and despite the wooden architecture, they were surprisingly colourful. Only downside were the stares I received, but I think some were directed at Emil too. Was he some sickly kid who didn¡¯t go out a lot? What were we even doing here if he wasn¡¯t going to buy anything? Does he have something in his pockets?


    ¡°Alice, uhh¡­ uh¡­ wh-what¡­¡±


    Back to being shy? It was more enjoyable when he spoke freely.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°What d-do you l-like to eat?¡±


    Grass. Almost replied instinctively there. That was probably not what he wanted to hear, but would it be better to just be honest?


    ¡°Anything goes for me.¡±


    I replied, trying to smile. He just replied with a disappointed look and looked at the ground.


    I don¡¯t want to be demoted back to a manual labourer.


    ¡°Actually, I really like grass!¡±


    Do I lose my job now? Wait, his face just lightened up? Before nodding, he took off from the crowds and turned into an alleyway.


    Why!?


    The single most dangerous place in the entire area and he managed to run there?


    I dash to try to keep him in my sights ¨C


    *huff*


    Running is definitely not something I¡¯m used to at all. I just started walking two days ago! Crying to myself internally, I continue the chase.


    After a few more corners, he runs into a mossy patch with a tree in the middle and some grass? There was plenty of grass in the garden he could have just use that¡­


    He picked some up and offered his hand with a gleeful look.


    ¡°Here you go Alice!¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you¡­¡±


    He holds it directly up to my mouth.


    Thank you for the treat, but we should leave before some depraved alleyway thug comes in. If modern cities have them, aren¡¯t they guaranteed to exist in a medieval world?


    I still bite instinctively¡­


    ¡°Well, what do we have here?¡±


    Lady luck may despise me a lot, but I think I hate her much more than Viclam or the merchant now. Born as a farm animal. Finally gained a human form and some new powers? If only I didn¡¯t test the stupid gem on grass magic. Maybe I can test out some blinding or binding spell?

 Chapter 12 – Swift Flee

    Why was this world so inconvenient? Did someone pay for them to appear? These indigent people were waiting right next to this place in the blind hopes that people would appear. Wait. How far did Emil run? There¡¯s no way he would run to the centre of the slums in the town, right?


    ¡°H-hey Emil, why did you come here?¡±


    The beggar-clothed thugs were slowly approaching, but I guess they aren¡¯t expecting anything from us since they had a repulsive grins plastered across their scarred face.


    ¡°Last time we came to the outdoor markets, my sister told me that there was a hidden garden at the deeper end¡±.


    I looked around. There was a lot of moss on the rundown buildings, which were mostly made up of wood at this point and a small patch of grass. Some hidden garden this was. Whatever!


    I¡¯ll deal with Marie¡¯s lie later.


    For now, though, do I just try to talk or act?


    ¡°Uhm, hi! We¡¯re lost do you know the way out of here?¡±


    I tried saying with a smile on my face.


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry lady, just leave the boy to me and follow my friend here, ¡± The tattooed one replied, pointing towards the man next to him with scars.


    Not even offered a chance to bargain.


    Is it possible to grow something thorny like a rose with the grass spell?


    I try to imagine a thorny elongated rose appearing at the bottom of their feet and wrapping around their hands and legs.


    ¡°Grow rose.¡±


    And a rose did grow! Only to the size of an average rose though¡­


    Wait, what if I just do a flash of light? I don¡¯t have a lot of magic in me in the first place, so I hope it doesn¡¯t use too much.


    If Emil realises I¡¯m using magic, will I be reported as a mana beast?


    I¡¯m overthinking, it should be fine. I can do a simple flashbang type magic without fainting. I hope.


    I cover Emil¡¯s eyes before closing mine.


    ¡°Flash!¡±


    *bang*


    It was a success! Instead of collapsing, it feels like my weight has increased tenfold this time.


    The men groaned as I opened my eyes,  seeing them try to recover. Before Emil can even question what happened, I take his arm and run.


    ¡°Alice wh-what is happening?¡±


    ¡°Just tell me the way to the market!¡±

 Chapter 13 – Return Home

    After Emil shouted a couple of rights and lefts we finally ended up where we started. Lovely. His eyes seemed to be on the verge of flooding. Why though? I doubt he understood the intention of the thugs in the first place. But he described the directions perfectly as well.


    ¡°Em-¡°


    ¡°You were so cool!¡±


    Huh.


    ¡°Alice you were so amazing! You did a weird bang noise and managed to distract them to let us escape!¡±


    I forced a smile and put a finger on my lips,


    ¡°Keep this a secret okay?¡±


    He gave a nod before repeating the sign.


    ¡°Why did you have to cover my eyes though, I wanted to see it!¡±


    I did it so it wouldn¡¯t have blinded you¡­


    Crouching slightly to reach his ear, I said:


    ¡°It was a magic trick!¡±


    He opened his mouth as if to say woah before smiling and giving a nod. Honestly, I was too tired to continue, but for the sake of this dumb, dumb child, I endured the rest of the tour.


    It was just the repetition of the same wooden stalls with a coloured cloth over it to block the sun. His face was glued to the stalls ¨C did he not even consider bringing any money?


    Wait!


    The merchant¡¯s ring was what he stored his money with, so if I do this correctly¡­


    Please just give me some coins inside the storage thing!


    I thought to myself as I kept one palm open and¡­


    A golden coin!


    I don¡¯t know how currency worked in this world so ¨C


    ¡°Emil, since you keep looking at the stalls, take this money and buy something you like.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Alice!¡±


    And he ran off. I honestly can¡¯t keep up with my current state, but as long as I don¡¯t overexert, I should make it till I get back.


    Drifting again, my mind began to think of all the possible magics I could put into the crystal to become stronger for next time. At least enough to beat the mansion¡¯s guards or the thugs ten times over. Maybe I could become the next head if I take over the estate?


    *tug*


    ¡°Arisch lwet¡¯s go!¡±


    Again, I was being pulled on the road by an Emil who this time had his mouth stuffed with meat and was holding ¡­ cotton candy? Despite my stomach demanding some as well I just slammed my fist against it and sighed. Even though I was this kid¡¯s pet, my pride wouldn¡¯t let me sink lower.


    As we walked back, my thoughts lingered to what Marie had told Emil. Why would she point towards a garden in the middle of the slums? Could it be that she herself completely guessed the location and just pointed towards the middle of the slums?


    Oh well, we¡¯re finally here.


    After saying my compulsory thanks to Emil and a short bow I return to my room and collapse on the bed. None of the servants or guards were even present to check his safety ¨C I guess he is a tossed child.


    Leaving my sympathy to one-side, I should just tear apart the rest of the jewels I have in my room. Some more red jewels? Fire magic? What if I accidentally burned the place down? Maybe interrogate Marie first?

 Chapter 14 – Fire Magic

    ¡°Ah¡­.a¡±


    Slowly holding my breath for no good reason other than to keep my mouth closed, I utilize my horns to tear off a ruby marble on the top right side of the mirror. God bless medieval nobles and their obsession with shiny things - four crystals in one mirror!


    Only three more remains¡­


    Bracing myself, I try to complete the daunting task as soon as possible.


    ¡°Waha¡­¡±


    *Panting*


    At least I got all four. I put three on the desk while holding the fourth in my palm and before I know it, I¡¯m glued to the mirror again. My reflection¡­


    Furiously shaking my head, I step away and take a seat. Since I¡¯ve already burnt a lot of energy, I don¡¯t want to collapse on the floor or risk lighting my current bed on fire.


    Okay!


    Following the colour code, fire magic? Trying to test it out before putting it in the crystal, I close my eyes like last time to try creating a small ball of fla-


    ¡°Owww¡±


    As I break my concentration the orange light dissipates leaving only a slight burn at the very centre. I¡¯ll start with some heat resistance first and then try to put it on the crystal? I wonder how much it can hold. What happens if it can¡¯t though? Maybe it just shatters like glass.


    Ignoring my previous trial I tighten my grip on the red crystal and try to create an image of some sort of fire immunity and some sort of temperature negation.


    It started glowing!


    *Yawn*


    It¡¯s the middle of the day but I¡¯m going to knock myself out if I¡¯m not careful with this. Just one more spell to manipulate fire and that¡¯s all for today. At least it¡¯s the maximum my body can handle before forcing me to take a snooze.


    Focusing the ruby, I use what feels like the remaining magic I have within me to put fire into it.


    I did it!


    The gem glowed again to indicate my success! And now-


    *Monch*


    Still has a bitter taste, but I feel slightly more refreshed now!


    So, if I try to summon a small flame in my hand now?


    Yup! It works perfectly and I don¡¯t even burn myself in the process now. Changing its size and location? Piece of cake now and barely feels tiresome to maintain it.


    I deserve a reward for this!


    Motivated, I left for the garden.

 Chapter 15 – Marie Encounter

    How luscious, it¡¯s as if that rich noble didn¡¯t have enough opportunities to demonstrate his wealth so he cut the forest into rectangular blocks.


    Oh well, I¡¯m just here to have the lunch I missed due to the abrupt men disturbing us.


    Crouching, I directly pull some grass from the roots. If I saw someone do this before becoming a sheep, I¡¯d have thought they went insane-


    *Munch*


    It tastes undeniably good in this body¡­


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    And a complete stranger addressing me on what I do.


    ¡°Eating,¡±


    I reply, completely unphased. Considering how many people stared at me today outside, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if the maids were equally shocked.


    They murmured something b-


    Wh- what¡¯s this foreign feeling?


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    My horns?


    As my face began to warm up, I turned away and slapped the air in an attempt to remove the hands harassing me.


    And they stopped doing it. Is this the first person other than Emil that actually listens to me?


    ¡°How insolent!¡±


    Did the weather just get colder or am I shivering for another reason? Turning around I see a frown directed at me with red eyes and blonde hair. The bastard noble¡¯s daughter. The one who tried to kill Emil and I guess me at the same time. Marie.


    What do I do in this situation? I needed to get stronger before I left the mansion but right now both my stamina and the amount of magic, I can use are extremely short.


    I kowtow immediately. Even though I might be able to overpower a few people with fire magic, it would be unlikely that I¡¯d be able to use it effectively enough to safeguard from the number of guards here.


    ¡°Please forgive me!¡±


    It¡¯s a minute price to pay for not being degraded further, but my pride really can¡¯t take any more than this.


    ¡°Follow me to my room.¡±


    What have I done¡­?

 Chapter 16 – With Marie**

    I mindlessly nodded before following her. Didn¡¯t she try to get Emil killed?


    Ahhh, who did I anger?


    Climbing up the stairs, my legs remembered the fiasco earlier and started aching all over. I let out on audible sigh. How much will I have to go through before I can take a nice long rest. Preferably for half a day.


    Marie tilted her head giving me a disapproving stare with her red eyes ¨C I mean I have red eyes too, but my gaze won¡¯t hurt people¡¯s hearts like this.


    ¡°Already bored?¡±


    Did she misunderstand my sigh? I was just tired!


    ¡°N-¡°


    Completely ignoring the leash present, she started tugging me by the collar all the way until we entered her room.


    If we considered my room to be littered with jewels, this place was like a treasure trove. The space itself was already at least five times bigger covered with paintings, gems, rings, and necklaces all being hung up for decor.


    H-


    *slam*


    Before it was just my legs, but now it¡¯s my back too. Why is the rest of Emil¡¯s family such trash? Would you ever shove your pet dog on the floor?


    Without even letting me breathe, Marie sat on my stomach and then moved her hands up.


    Her neutral expression turned into a devilish grin as she started trying to tickle my horns.


    ¡°Mnh!¡±


    As she kept mercilessly caressing them, I couldn¡¯t supress my voice at all. She gave a smug-looking smile before repositioning one hand to my breasts. I tried to bite my lips, but I just couldn¡¯t hide my moans from echoing.


    After a while, she paused for a bit before leaning towards the side of my head.


    ¡°You should have let me do as I please at the garden¡­¡±


    She whispered gently before getting up.


    ¡°¡­ humanoid mana sheep.¡±

 Chapter 17 – Next Morning

    Did Marie know I was a mana beast?


    Emil¡­ I thought you agreed to keep this a secret!


    Internal panicking aside, I really need to do a good poker face here to play this off well enough. It¡¯s too early for my head to be rolling on the floor.


    Forcing a smile, I poke my cheek with my finger.


    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s that?¡±


    Returning the gesture with a grin reminiscent of a horror film, she closes her eyes before giving a laugh.


    ¡°Hahaha, the only thing you need to know is that if you want to keep breathing do what I say. Do see yourself out.¡±


    What a shitty household.


    Dragging my head downstairs again towards my room I undress immediately before collapsing onto my bed.


    This day was too long. Time to finally drift to sleep!


    That was such a nice rest. After consecutive blackouts, I¡¯m pretty satisfied about the change of pace. Stretching my arms, I pull myself up. I need to get to a position where I can safely escape this place and head to that demon continent region.


    Getting up, I try to find the underwear from yes ¨C I never took it off. I put on the rest of the maid clothes again and start my all-new daily routine of absorbing magic crystals.


    Are the three stones still there? Yes, they are!


    I pick one up. This time, I¡¯ll go for temperature control! It¡¯s not directly related to fire, but it¡¯d be nice to be able to control the temperature of it right?


    Closing my eyes, I start to ponder about what sort of thing I should try to recreate in my mind to implement it to the crystal. The sun on Earth was 5000 degrees, right? Maybe if I use the same template it wi-


    The crystal cracked. I guess that¡¯s too much for this small red square. Maybe I can still put some sort of thing into it although it¡¯s broken? The colour is red, but I¡¯ll have to go with just creating basic drinkable water and for the other half¡­ oh! For cleaning!


    After a very bitter breakfast, I pick up both the remaining ones. I¡¯ve supposedly done heat immunity and fire as a whole so what would compliment it? If we can¡¯t do temperature control what about something that has a set temperature? Blue fire? Even though I slept through a lot of my chemistry classes in high school that was the hottest colour of fire right. A clear sky-blue flame.


    Urgh.


    That was an expensive spell.


    I swiftly swallow it to rejuvenate myself.


    What about the final crystal? What can I do with it? Maybe just inject magic into it then eat, to boost my overall mana usage?


    And done!


    *Knock*


    Huh? Who was it now?


    ¡°Ms. Alice? Sir Viclam has invited you to join them for breakfast! I¡¯m here to guide you to the dining hall!¡±


    An unfamiliar voice ¨C from an actual maid.


    Quickly swallowing the final one, I exit my room and followed the maid. She herself was cute. Not as much as me, but her brown twin-tails complimented the black and white maid outfit so well. Maybe I¡¯m just weak to twin-tails?


    She eventually stopped in front of the room and gave a bow.


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve brought in Alice.¡±


    She said, and with a single wave she calmly exited the room.


    I surveyed the long-elongated table, but there wasn¡¯t a single seat for me in the vast empty space and instead a plate on the floor.


    ¡­

 Chapter 18 – New Goal

    I understand why some people used to stare at mirrors and shower themselves in compliments. I sat on the floor and started eating. The eldest, Lloyd, didn¡¯t even bother acknowledging my presence while Viclam just gave a nod before starting to eat.


    Emil was warm enough to give a small smile while Marie¡¯s gaze just pierced into my soul. Whatever, she had no reason to expose my situation right now so I can just eat normally right? I sat cross legged on the floor and just pick up the plate full of a golden stripes and grass. I never knew that hay tasted exactly like grass but drier and a bit salty.


    As I was on the verge of finishing the food, a foreign hand picked it up and shoved it into my face. Emil holding the grass against my face.


    Reluctantly I just ate it off his hands. I¡¯m not a horse okay?


    And now, another hand? Completely empty. No food whatsoever. Why did they bot-


    ¡°Lick it.¡±


    The voice, it was Marie¡¯s. Obediently, I did as she asked, my cheeks burning from embarrassment as I did so. Every time she said something, it felt like I was being held at gunpoint. Without saying another word, her hand slid in, stretching her fingers in my throat.


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah¡­¡±


    It wasn¡¯t like I couldn¡¯t breathe but it just forced my gag reflex to act to the verge of tears rolling across my cherry cheeks.


    ¡°Sister, stop it!¡±


    Without even hesitating Emil pushed Marie away, breaking her complacent attitude. Completely taken off-guard, she left sulking.


    Even though my breathing stabilized, the tears still wouldn¡¯t stop and the water wells kept flooding. Reality struck. Leave this place before I¡¯m reduced to a shell of an actual pet. Without being hunted afterwards ideally.


    I slapped my cheeks together to hype myself. While destroying the entire estate would be a dream come true, it was also unrealistic that I would live long enough to see the result. But, before that, I could at least get used to desensitizing myself to the action.


    I hope. Who knew I¡¯d have a use for the magic already?

 Chapter 19 – Meeting Lloyd

    After breaking out of my idle daydream, I went upstairs to the library to find some information after reassuring Emil that I was okay. He had a worried look but let me go as I pleased. Inside, I saw Lloyd. Like at breakfast my presence meant nothing to him. Whatever, this was better for me anyway.


    As I browsed through the bookshelves scanning the ones with labelled spines, I found what looked like a geography textbook? Why am I even surprised that a family that owns a forest for a garden has textbooks?


    The book itself was completely bland with a mahogany cover and was filled to the brim with minute text and the occasional picture.


    Flick, flick, flick, flick.


    Finally, something that says ¡°Continent¡±.


    ¡­


    I don¡¯t understand any of this. Which country was I even in and where was the country of demons? I took a glance at Lloyd. He wouldn¡¯t care if I asked him. I think.


    I walked up to him cautiously.


    ¡°Si-¡°


    ¡°Master,¡±


    ¡°-Master Lloyd, could you help this one¡¯s understanding of the world map in the book?¡±


    Releasing an audible sigh,  he gave a nod and put his book down. His poker face refused to yield. At least he won¡¯t  try something weird.


    I laid out the book in front of him and he pointed to a medium sized country on the bottom right corner called ¡°Kingdom of Yildaz¡±.


    ¡°We live here in Dazia, a decently safe place in comparison to our neighbours to the East.¡±


    I assume he meant safe because of the distance away from the demon territories, but I wasn¡¯t just content with that. I needed to know where the most ideal area to go would be.


    ¡°Master, why is it safe?¡±


    Lloyd stared at me as if he knew the reason as to why I wished to know.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty far from the upstart demon lords in the east who start shameful conflicts to seize fresh land for themselves. While there aren¡¯t many, most of the elder ones have lands completely disjointed from the East. If there could be anything as a ¡®good demon¡¯, they would be the ones who fit it the most. Any areas with lordship in the name are the ones usually governed by Demon Lords with the exception being the island continent ¡®Strala¡¯ or the demon continent which refers to itself as an empire¡±.


    ¡°I see,¡±


    That was quite a bit to take in, I didn¡¯t expect him to provide such a long description considering his aforementioned attitude.


    His face went from emotionless to one garnering sympathy.


    ¡°You must have missed your parents, huh?¡±


    I stood still, suppressing the urge to laugh at his misunderstanding, before nodding.

 Chapter 20 – The Preparations

    Lloyd must have thought I was kidnapped from my village or something. In reality, I¡¯ve been here for a couple days. Well, I have the map of where I would need to go now. Going East to the frontier would be a pain, so I decided to settle for the nearest one, the Rin Lordship.


    Giving my thanks, I do a short bow and go downstairs to my room. I really needed to check what I swallowed from the ring.


    Maybe there¡¯s a way to bring a list of items like the list of apps I had on my phone? I close my eyes.


    Focus.


    Focus.


    Focus.


    Nope, nothing. Oh well, old fashioned but:


    ¡°Empty all!¡±


    Without a sound, multiple sachets appeared along with-


    So many crystals?


    I grabbed a random one. So, can I input energy to this?


    No, I can¡¯t.


    It immediately dissipated into dust. Did someone already absorb all the lingering mana inside it? Wait, it was probably me who absorbed a bunch of the crystals. Moving on!


    There were multiple sachets filled to the brim as if they each looked like they would explode. I lifted up one to face level.


    *Drop*


    How heavy¡­


    For now, I¡¯ll just return these to the storage.


    I look around my room. What I initially thought was littered with gems, only few more actually remained. Two emeralds for each of the closet handles and a small sapphire one on the door.


    Without wanting to subject my poor horns to anymore ¡°trouble¡±, I just dig my nails in as much as I can to rip it out. So, what will I do with this one? I grip the crystal and try to recreate my idea of draining mana through contact. A blue light shimmered and-


    *munch*


    Now I more or less have something to deal with my fatigue!


    Time to go outside!


    Wait, would it be too suspicious if I went outside by myself?


    Now where would Emil be? Even Marie or Lloyd would be fine, as long as they let me ¡°explore¡± freely. Time to exit my room-


    *wack*


    Huh? Emil?


    ¡°Master Emil, are you alright,¡±


    I rush to aid him stand.


    ¡°Uhm, I-I¡¯m fine!¡±


    Why was he so nervous?


    ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t mind, could we go to town again?¡±


    The only person who still treated me with respect¡­


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Time to see if I can settle the score with the alleyway thugs.

 Chapter 21 – Back to Town

    As we were leaving together, Marie was at the door, ready to go. Why did she have to come with us? The only person that knows my identity and the only one that¡¯s consistently given me heart-attacks. Her elaborate frilly and puffy dress made Emil¡¯s plain white shirt and trousers get-up resemble an outfit of a commoner. Come to think of it, why did he always dress in such a manner? While he wasn¡¯t offered protection, no one actually mistreated him.


    I¡¯m garnering too much sympathy for someone who¡¯s house I¡¯ll burn down soon¡­


    Back to Marie¡¯s abrupt appearance.


    ¡°Brother, I¡¯m deeply sorry for my behaviour. My actions were unbefitting of a well-educated noble. I¡¯m not expecting forgiveness but¡­ would it be acceptable for me to come with you?¡±


    She apologized - to come with us?


    Marie had completed her apology while having teary eyes and a slight raise of her skirt as she bowed.


    I bit my lips to hold a scream. This girl perfectly played Emil into her hands. I¡¯m sure in his na?ve heart he had already forgiven her ¡°mild¡± facial assault during breakfast.


    ¡°O-of course sister! It¡¯d be a pleasure to have you!¡±


    It would not!


    I force a smile. This witch just made it harder for me to execute my plans. Emil why are you such a pushover? Although, if he wasn¡¯t, it¡¯d be just as hard to get the combat experience I wanted. Wait, couldn¡¯t I just leave Emil to Marie while I go to the alleyway?


    ¡°Dumb Alice are you sleeping with your eyes open? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    This annoying brat. Marie tugged on my arm while Emil just held my hand.


    Despite the annoying start, the journey progressed surprisingly smooth. Although my arms felt like they were being pulled to the ground, both of them stayed more or less quiet.


    Finally, a crowd appeared ahead of us. Now was the time to make use of the unexpected event. Considering that I was carrying several sachets of gold coins in my stomach, I could maybe make a couple appear in my hand?


    I closed my eyes until the gold coins in my mind appeared.


    I put one in the palm of Emil and another one to Marie. As I was giving it to her, my head poked next to her ear.


    ¡°Look after Emil while I¡¯m gone, I¡¯ll bring back a present so don¡¯t complain.¡±


    ¡°You dare? Wait!-¡±


    Her words would be cut short by me running into the alleyway solo.


    As I walked closer and closer to the centre, the more excited I became to test out my newfound strength.


    ¡°How strange, the maid is back alone without the 10-year-old bodyguard this time.¡±


    I smiled to myself.

 Chapter 22 – Test of Strength

    I looked left.


    He was alone as well, without the scarred man present last time. My heart was beating so fast, I could finally unleash the anger I had pent up from working for Viclam. I say work but I was both unpaid and mistreated.


    I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.


    ¡°Already accepting your fate, Lady? What happened to your tenacity from last time?¡±


    The tattooed imbecile taunted as he approached me.


    I swallowed the fire magic stones for this sole moment. Making use of the heat immunity, I tried to channel mana to coat it in fire. Fortunately, the mana usage was efficient enough to not drain me dry. Opening my eyes, my right hand was inside an orange flame. I looked at the thug. He seemed surprised but didn¡¯t back off.


    ¡°Nice party trick little Lady. Don¡¯t underestimate my knowledge ¨C demi-humans can¡¯t use magic,¡±


    I returned his ugly smile with a smug expression.


    ¡°I know!¡±


    Maybe I can change the colour of the fire to make it look more intimidating? I try to force my mind to utilize a way to change the colour of the fire to a cool looking blood red.


    ¡­


    I just changed colours why does it tire me so much! I stare in awe at my red hand. It looks cooler though.


    I started walking forward to the man. I couldn¡¯t hear his shocked mutters as he gently stood still, allowing me to approach him without overexerting myself.


    *Ssssssst*


    I slashed the arm the man tried to grab my wrist with. Steam was released along with an arm which plopped onto the ground. No blood spilt; it was all evaporated with the flesh still attached to his body melting to close the hole.


    It was like slicing tofu. My confidence skyrocketed. The few days I spent glued to my room weren¡¯t for waste. Everyone who mistreated me better watch out!


    The tattooed ¡°mister¡± stood frozen. It took him several minutes to register what had happened before his knees gave in. It felt like I was playing a game of fruit ninja. No blood showed and an ugly villain was  in front of me.


    Was this what being drunk on power felt like? I stared at the now pitiful man bawling his eyes out, completely given up on life. On one hand my subconscious was mentally vomiting from what I had just done, while another side of me wanted to enjoy this much more.

 Chapter 23 – New Impulses

    I stared down on the now pathetic man. His expression was shattered into a thousand pieces as he kept holding the part where his arm was supposed to be. In complete contrast, a vile grin was plastered on mine. As I adjusted to the view, I kneed his face. Why? I wanted to. When his head crashed to the floor on impact, the blood from his nose covered some of his tattoos like a warm blanket.


    Oh, he was still conscious. Might as well clear the issue of there being a ¡®wonderful¡¯ garden here.


    I sat on his tattered chest.


    ¡°Do you know why this place is said to have a beautiful garden?¡±


    Wait, did I break his jaw? I bent towards his mouth and ran my free hand across it. Nope, it feels fine. Along with the stench of alcohol and cherry cheeks. I won¡¯t judge your early drinking habit but why are you blushing when I¡¯m about to kill you?


    ¡°It¡¯s... An idiom¡­ told to rich tourists,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°It was a myth, started by some blond chick who used to live here¡­¡±


    Marie came from the slums? Did Viclam adopt her or was she an illegitimate child? Either one wouldn¡¯t surprise me since her features stood out the most.


    So, Mister Tattoo and the other friend (and possibly more) patrol this zone to find suitable people to kill and loot. I was hoping for something more fantasy like an underground guild or something which I could have fun decimating but turns out they¡¯re just domestic bandits.


    ¡°Would you mind telling me where your ¡®hidden treasure¡¯ is before you pass away?¡±


    The bastard gave one final smile before replying.


    ¡°Yes, I would mind,¡±


    Wait why did I say that I was going to kill him? It escaped from my mouth! Did I suddenly develop a craving for lives? Or was this some form of sadism I always had? I should just go back before this becomes more problematic.


    Wait what if I give him a flashy death before I leave? Maybe I¡¯ll strengthen my legs and step on his heart. Or just drain his energy completely beforehand? It was too hard to focus on wh-


    Why am I having these thoughts? Did my transformation make me more attracted to violence?


    *Szzt*


    Huh? I jolted up. Something was burning. I saw a shrivelled face, along with a mangled, deformed body with the occasional burn.

 Chapter 24 – Back to Normal

    My stomach churned.


    Why do I have to feel bad about this? He was the one who attacked me! My body couldn¡¯t stop shivering. I looked down to see myself. No blood spilt on my outfit and one of my hands were still in fierce flames.


    I closed my eyes and tried to relax my breathing before freeing my hand. Wait, how long did I leave Emil and Marie together for?


    Urgh!


    I sprint out of the alleyway slums as fast as possible. Wait what about the body? I¡¯ll just leave it to someone else! No way a fragile ¡°mana-less¡± lady like me can cause such gore!


    Haha¡­  I''ll just pretend today never happened! Until I do it again!


    ¡°Wah, uh¡±


    I pant a bit from the brief exercise. Ah, really needed to get the physical reinforcement magic to cut my pain in half. As I wept inside my head, I tried to scout out where Marie and Emil could have possibly gone. How long was I out for? I can only pray that Marie doesn¡¯t make me regret leaving.


    Before too long, I found them sitting together, nibbling on a skewer. Could they develop a friendship? Maybe she became a more agreeable person? I approached them and gave a wave ¨C if  I used this opportunity to run away, I wouldn¡¯t be able to get the body reinforcement magic gem at home. Well, temporary home to be more accurate. But that¡¯s beside the point!


    ¡°Alice! Where were you?¡±


    Oh yeah, what should I say in this situation. While Marie won¡¯t buy anything I say, other than the truth, I can protect Emil¡¯s innocence.


    ¡°I just went to get a snack myself,¡±


    It was honestly difficult to force myself to smile like this, but I think it worked.


    ¡°Unfair! Take me next time!¡±


    ¡°Haha, sure¡±


    I faced Marie after to see her reaction but all she showed was pent-up contempt that I¡¯d have to face later. Can¡¯t wait to go back¡­

 Chapter 25 – Back Again

    Like last time, we didn¡¯t stay for too long in the town hall and swiftly returned after they ran out of interesting foods or wear to buy. I never studied how much a gold coin was worth but considering the number of skewer sticks and random jewellery bought, it must have been quite a bit. Just the sight of returning back to them was enough for me to lose all the tension that was built moments ago ¨C did I develop some psychopathic itch that requires me to take out my bloodlust?


    I sighed, so much to do and understand. Do I practice it on bandits or on wild animals or the mana beast monsters? Wouldn¡¯t that be the same as killing my own kin? But how come the others don¡¯t look human? My mind is going to explode.


    For now, just got to focus on getting some more gem upgrades and running away to freedom. Maybe take revenge as I go as well?


    Wahahaha! One day, the situation will reverse!


    *Yank*


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Not right now I though¡­


    ¡°We are already back you stupid sheep dog, open the door!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, sorry!¡±


    ¡°Sister don¡¯t be so harsh!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s supposed to be our pet, not guest!¡±


    I wanted to leave this scene as fast as possible.


    ¡°Yes exactly! How could you treat your pet so harshly?¡±


    Huh? The only person who somewhat recognised me as a human was the eldest brother Lloyd and even that was from some half-baked sympathy. Emil, I had such high hopes for you!


    ¡°Hmph! Alice, wash yourself then come see me!¡±


    And with that, Marie left stomping on the ground. I don¡¯t want to get punished though! I just killed a tattooed thug but why is this girl so threatening? Still so much to do. Washing myself sounded nice but I don¡¯t even know where the bath is in this place.


    Whatever, it¡¯s her problem ¨C her wrath can¡¯t be worse than what happened last time. At worst, my horns will get molested by ¨C never mind that¡¯s actually pretty horrible.

 Chapter 26 – Mini Accident

    Still hung up by Emil¡¯s words I sulked on my way to my room after giving a bow and my thanks. Honestly, one of the greatest pains in this life is forcing myself to be polite. Well, the roles should eventually be swapped someday, right? Oh well, time to just continue my cycle of getting a crystal, putting a spell into it, and then swallowing it. Only one more remained in my room. I wonder if taking any of the ones outside would arouse suspicion? But would they even suspect me? I don¡¯t have a place to run and cash all of the gems in before making an escape. Yet!


    Trying to pull the crystal-clear gem out of the candle holder, I felt a growing pain under my stomach. Ignoring it, I slid my horn to push it out like last time.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    I jolted a bit before grabbing it in my hand. Why was there a pain where my groin should be though? Was it that time of the month? Do sheep even have periods?


    Biting my lip, I decided to soldier on and put the physical enhancement magic into the crystal first. Unlike previous times, the lethargy and exhaustion which accompanied the previous attempts I did doing this were far smaller. Wahaha! The amount of magic I could increase grew!


    *Monch*


    I wish the taste improved though...


    Subconsciously I grabbed my stomach. What was causing me to be so irritated. I rushed out of the room to run to a maid sweeping the floor. It was the brown haired one with the cute twin tails from last time!


    ¡°Uhhm¡­ Miss¡­¡±


    ¡°Ava. No need to add the ¡®miss¡¯ though, do you need something Ms. Alice?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ Ava, do you know where to go if I¡¯m in ¡®that¡¯ time of the month?¡±


    My cheeks were stained in red as I pleadingly looked at her.


    She became flushed before giving a head-pat before nodding and grabbed and started walking to the opposite side of the room.


    ¡°Yup, follow me!¡±


    That was a quick change in attitude, but it was appreciated. The head-pat felt nice too.


    ¡°This is where it is, please come again if you need anything else!¡±


    She smiled before leaving as I rushed in before taking of my skirt. God, I wish I had modern appliances. This was just a ceramic pot shaped like a chair with a hole. As I stood above the seat, I stopped trying to suppress my insides and ¨C oh. I just needed to pee¡­ and now my thighs are wet too. I like how I look but this is just so inconvenient. After drying myself with flames, I exited.


    ¡°Oh, so you were hiding here.¡±


    Why is Marie here?!

 Chapter 27 – Quick Bath

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hiding, I just had to ¨C¡°


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear your poor excuses!¡±


    I wasn¡¯t making an excuse though ¨C I had to go to the toilet! Not like she¡¯ll listen to me¡­


    ¡°Take her, clean her and then bring her to my room.¡±


    ¡°Yes Miss Marie,¡±


    Wait was she addressing all of this to Ava? As the recipient of the order came in, I was greeted again by the fabulous maid with twin-tails. Without uttering another word, she calmly grabbed my hand and dragged me along the maze of doors and corridors until arrived in a desolate room, bar for a small boat?


    ¡°Miss Alice, please get in,¡±


    ¡°Huh? Alright.¡±


    All the formalities that were gone minutes ago were back in full swing, with a much more robotic voice. As I walked towards the boat thing I was stopped. Ava held my shoulder firmly, before breaking out of her role and laughing.


    ¡°Have you never taken a shower before? Take of your clothes!¡±


    This was a bath? Was Ava going to wash me on the bath as well? I think my heart might melt from this. I slowly took of my clothes trying not to infatuate myself with my body. I know I¡¯d get used to it eventually, but it¡¯s still only been a couple days. After taking my underwear off as well, I hop into the bath.


    ¡°Ava?¡±


    Did she leave the room? Why do I feel disappointment? I hope someone would bring water though, I¡¯m just sitting in a white tub naked.


    ¡°You called for me?¡±


    Ava!


    ¡°Where were you?¡±


    ¡°I had to fetch you the bathwater, sorry for leaving without a word.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, no worries.¡±


    Immediately, I was dumped a bucket of water. Oh, it¡¯s scented with flowers too. I guess it¡¯s a replacement for shampoo. Not too bad.


    ¡­


    Silence. Should I just try to start some small talk?


    ¡°Ava-¡°


    ¡°Yes Miss Alice?¡±


    ¡°Just call me Alice please,¡±


    ¡°As you wish Mi- I mean Alice,¡±


    Could I flirt with her?


    ¡°What do you think of Marie?¡±


    Why did I ask this instead? Of course, the second I wanted to try my luck my brain short-circuits and asks this instead!


    ¡­ but no answer?


    ¡°Lucky.¡±


    ¡°Why lucky?¡±


    ¡°I heard she got adopted one day by the Marquis. Imagine going from a slum dweller to a noble you know!¡±


    So, I get ¡®adopted¡¯ and treated as a ¡®pet¡¯ while she goes from poor to powerful¡­ I¡¯m not feeling bitter¡­ not at all¡­


    ¡°God, I wish that was me,¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha same,¡±


    I¡¯m glad our opinion of Marie wasn¡¯t high, but was she allowed to talk about her employee¡¯s daughter like that? After she styled my hair, I got up and dried myself with the cloth there.


    *sniff*


    I really did smell like flowers.


    *mun-*


    ¡°Argh,¡±


    Why did I have to bite my arm like this!


    Ava¡¯s face was burnt crimson as she was handing me my cloth-


    What the hell were these? It was more encompassing than my previous underwear, but don¡¯t I have anything else? I became flustered. All I was wearing now was a short-skirt and something like a crop top? Did these even exist during these times?


    With an apologetic smile, I was led back again to Marie¡¯s room.

 Chapter 28 – Unexpected Development? *

    Building up my confidence, I enter Marie¡¯s room. Got to stay calm and not let her treat me like a toy. Inside, Marie was sitting down on her desk with a weary expression.


    ¡°Do you know how long I¡¯ve been waiting for you?¡±


    ¡°Not very long?¡±


    ¡°Wrong! I¡¯ve been waiting ever since we came back, yet you always seemed to be too busy to spare some time for your owner.¡±


    She walked up to me menacingly and closed the door behind me before grabbing my left wrist and pinning it to the wall.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    ¡°Wrong answer again.¡±


    *slam*


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s too much to expect an apology from a mon-¡°


    ¡°Sorry!¡±


    I blurted it out immediately. Maybe it¡¯s finally time to use the strengthening magic I just absorbed? Closing my eyes, I try to concentrate in the brief grace period and just as I try to materialize the magic-


    Nothing happened.


    I felt a hand circling my lips while the other one was still stuck to mine against the wall.


    ¡°Tut, tut, tut. ¡¯Pet¡¯s¡¯ shouldn¡¯t use their magic against their masters. I sealed all this magic in this room.¡±


    My composure broke, but unlike previous times instead of being more submissive, I wanted to break free from her grip and reverse her momentum.


    ¡°Ma-rie?¡±


    ¡°Ye-¡°


    *Bonk*


    I tackled her chest with my head successfully knocking her of balance ¨C wait she¡¯s still holding me.


    *collapse*


    I wanted to floor her, but then I ended up falling on her instead. Lovely. Exactly what I intended. Lying on her stomach was strangely comforting though, maybe on the inside she was actually a gr-


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? You stupid idiot! You hopeless animal! Rotten monster! Just let me have my way!¡±


    I¡¯m not finishing my sentence. Without another word she sat on my stomach last time but instead of harassing my horns she just tore of the only top I was wearing, exposing my breasts¨C


    Wait, did this mean she was going to do ¡®it¡¯ with me?


    Her personality was rotten to the core and I do want to kill her, but is this-


    She just rested her head there.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go for today, but just return the attention I¡¯m giving you, okay?¡±


    Was I hearing this correctly? The girl who tortured me for her own fun was letting me go scot-free after I knocked her to the ground and tried to fight her? Is this character development?


    She patted my head, ignoring my horns like Emil.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t, I just might report you though.¡±

 Chapter 29 – Light Read

    The Marie I know and love. No time is gone without a reminder that she¡¯ll get me killed if I try to resist her will. How do I counter a magic nullifying space though? Can I eat it? Or resist it? Maybe if I go to my room, I¡¯ll be able to find another jewel? Wait, I used all of them up already!


    Do I just take from the ones in the other room? Or beg for some from Marie? I think the bandit thieve people from the slums had a bunch of stolen goods, right? I¡¯m looking forward to tomorrows trip~


    But for the time being, back to the library! No Lloyd this time, how nice. I¡¯d rather not have people find out that I¡¯m trying to find out more about monsters in order to learn about myself.


    Browse, browse, browse, browse and? ¡®Compendium of Monsters¡¯.


    I pull it out and take a seat. First problem ¨C this is all handwritten. Was there a famous monster hunter here who took a record of these things? Cold sweat began to accumulate. Calming myself down, I started reading it.


    ¡®All monsters originate from animals who go senseless from absorbing magic¡¯. Well, this much I already know, but why do they become senseless? I was never big on reading previously so reading something like this was excruciating. I need pictures! After flipping pictures, I came across a few neat sketches of wolves. ¡®In order to understand if this process could also be man-made, mages experimented on wild dogs. Within a short while, they evolved into wolf-like creatures with threatening crimson eyes¡¯. Here I was thinking my eye colour was due to the bastard merchant¡¯s crystal. The sketch turned what looked like a husky into a creature seven times its size with a spiky mane and larger claws. I flip a few more pages. A case of a pet dog evolving into a werewolf. ¡®Reason: unknown¡¯. How useless. Maybe there¡¯ll be something on magic?


    Oh, found it! ¡®A monster¡¯s source of strength is found in its core ¨C a crystalized form of the previous animal¡¯s heart. Unlike other creatures which seem to have a separate area for storing mana, for monsters it is in all parts of the body, but it¡¯s solely limited to the ones originally gained in the evolution¡¯. So, this is why I struggled so much when trying to use other magic!


    *Yawn*


    How long have I been reading for? I hope the thieves didn¡¯t cash in all the jewellery stolen.

 Chapter 30 – A bookstore?

    I close the book and stretch my arms.


    *yawn*


    The book was useful, but due to the large space it took I put it back in the shelf to avoid rousing suspicion. Until I can find an equal substitute to hide, I¡¯ll just keep coming back. Looking out of the window, the sun had already set with an ambient blue sky present. The view of the front garden was so nice, why couldn¡¯t I be the owner and not a pet? How nice would it be if I were the one giving orders instead of Marie?


    I leaned on the window to burn the view into my eyes. I had many opportunities to escape thus far so why didn¡¯t I escape? Did I develop some sort of Stockholm-syndrome in my time here?


    *shake*


    No, no, no!


    I was a proud monster who wouldn¡¯t develop feelings to the people who treat me like this! They weren¡¯t treating me that badly now though¡­


    Wait, why did I have to leave alone? I could probably convince either Marie or Emil to leave since they don¡¯t have anything to inherit in the first place and then ¨C bam! The roles reverse!


    Would be nice¡­


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Wah!¡±


    Lloyd? I think my soul jumped out of my body from the surprise.


    ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t expect you to be so attached to the view outside.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a nice view, I think so at least.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I agree but a little variance isn¡¯t so bad every once in a while.¡±


    Was this a loaded question, or was he just bored of living here? I turned around to analyse his facial expression. Rather than the face of a nostalgic genius, I¡¯m greeted with a flushed guy with an ugly expression staring at my ¨C


    I was still wearing the crop-top and skirt Marie had prepared for me. Staying as cool as I could I tried to change the situation.


    ¡°Sorry about that, Marie took my maid clothes to get them washed so I¡¯m wearing these for the time being.¡±


    His face still looked awkward while trying to laugh of his initial reaction.


    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m deeply sorry for my behaviour just then, I hope you didn¡¯t mind it too much.¡±


    That was a surprisingly good defusal by him. I can¡¯t blame him though, for the past couple days I also stared at my own reflection for quite a long time. After a bit of silence, he spoke up again.


    ¡°Do you like reading books?¡±


    I nodded while smiling. Manhwas are books too right?


    ¡°Maybe we can go¡­ shopping for books together?¡±


    At a bookstore?


    ¡°Here?¡±


    ¡°I was thinking of some border town with Emil and Marie?¡±


    At least Viclam wouldn''t be present.


    ¡°Sure!¡±


    Wait, why did I agree to this? I¡¯ve only lived her for three days at best and I¡¯m already moving!


    On the other hand, this might be the perfect opportunity...

 Chapter 31 – Baahh’d Habits

    I drifted slowly to my room. Too much stuff happened. Brain full. Another busy, being tossed all across the place with little free time. I shouldn¡¯t complain though since it¡¯s not like I couldn¡¯t run away nor am I living a painful life ¨C unless I was still going to be eaten one day.


    *droop*


    Resting my head against the wall, I sulked. Was there any need for me to go along with this plan? As long as I was able to remove all the magic inhibiting crystals in the building, it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult for me to rebalance the order of things ¨C but could I really overwhelm all the guards here?


    I just need to relieve the stress I built up just thinking about it ¨C


    ¡°Baaaaaaa!¡±


    That was quieter than I anticipated, but maybe that was for the better? I didn¡¯t have something like a watch on me, but it was quite dark outside. As I was going to go down, I saw Ava.


    ¡°Oh, are you okay Mi- Alice?¡±


    ¡°Yeah Ava, just very, very tired.¡±


    ¡°Ha-ha I can assume so from your reaction, did both Marie and Lloyd do you harshly?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, there actions were weird and made me so confused!¡±


    I wanted to go on a cruder rant about Marie¡¯s harassment, but Lloyd was just incomprehensible. He was the coldest yet warmest at the same time?


    Wait why was Ava blushing.


    ¡°Alice, you did ¡®it¡¯ with both of them?¡±


    Now I was the one who turned beet red. Why would she assume that though? I looked down again. My top was ripped before I left Marie¡¯s room.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Using the remainder of my energy, I walked down the stairs as fast as possible and hopped naked into bed. Please don¡¯t let me wake up from this!


    *Knock knock*


    *Yawn*


    And now another day began with another peculiar event. I went to open the door. Oh, it was Ava ¨C and she had my maid clothes washed and dried anew!


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! Have a good trip!¡±


    Huh?


    *Slam*


    She slammed the door and ran away? Oh. I really need to pay attention to my clothes before I turn this exhibitionism into a habit ¨C my wool only covered my wrist and ankles in this form. Wait could it be possible for me to manipulate the strings on the cuffs? I¡¯ll have to test it out but first, breakfast!


    As I rushed to put on my beloved maid clothes, I walked to the dining room and...


    Lloyd, Emil, and Marie all at the entrance as if I was late for something.

 Chapter 32 – Already leaving?

    If this were back on Earth, I¡¯d have guessed it to be a trip to the beach considering how they look, but what¡¯s with all these bags if we¡¯re just going to go to a bookshop?


    Oh well, I¡¯ll make the most of it. Lloyd must have planned the entire thing pretty swiftly.


    ¡°Geez what took so long! Worthless pet! Be grateful we¡¯re taking you with us,¡±


    Was Marie¡¯s personality ever going to change?


    ¡°Good pet! Marie doesn¡¯t appreciate her enough!¡±


    When was Emil going to see me as¡­ a person?


    ¡°A pet should be completely sub-¡°


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for this morning, continue you when we¡¯re in the carriages please.¡±


    Lloyd gave a deep sigh before awkwardly dragging both of them outside. After a moment or  so, I followed them out.


    My arms directly went to cover my eyes from the burning rays of sun. The familiar sight of the plain grassy entrance split in half by the road was blocked by two carriages. One was black with gold ornaments around it with the latter being just a plain looking wooden carriage, upsettingly similar to the one I came in¡­


    Too similar to the merchant¡¯s one.


    ¡°Sorry Alice, but you¡¯ll have to take the wooden carriage instead of the golden one. It¡¯s specially reserved for nobility.¡±


    Thanks for your empty words Lloyd. What was physically stopping you from letting me on? Your sister assaulted me multiple times and I had to play the role of babysitter too. Is what I wanted to say.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Sheepish nature too strong to firmly stand against what he said¡­


    Begrudgingly I got into the wooden carri-


    ¡°I want to go with Alice!¡±


    Marie? Lloyd just stood there looking at her unexpectedly before giving his usual expressionless face and nodding.


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    ¡°Huh, no fair! I wanted to play with Alice!¡±


    Emil let out his complaints as he was dragged to the noble carriage by Lloyd. The wooden carriage was different to the one the merchant used though. At the very least, the interior had some sort of cushioned seating across the sides. I decided to lie down taking half a column on the right side of the ride.


    ¡°Lazy pet.¡±


    Marie commented as she sat right next to where my head lied.


    So far, I think the most exciting time of my life was the fight with the bandit guy. Aaaaa, just let something fun happen on the way!


    ¡°Miss Alice, you shouldn¡¯t lie down like that, you¡¯ll catch a cold!¡±


    Ava?

 Chapter 33 – Long Journey

    Bahahaha, Ava¡¯s presence at least blocked Marie from doing something too questionable!


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Ava, sheep are immune to these things,¡±


    I replied while continuing to lie down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me if you start coughing later!¡±


    I was expecting her to sit across Marie, but she sat at the ¡®driver¡¯ seat, directly behind two brown horses. Wait, was she going to steer the carriage? She was certainly capable when it came to ¨C bathroom tasks, but also able to drive carriages? Might be nice idea to work on talents other than killing thieves on the street. Before long, the plain carriage set out, probably following the golden black one the brothers were using. Despite the plainness of the ride, it was much better than the one the merchant used. The white


    Oh well, time to close my eyes and hit the hay and contin-


    A bolt of electricity travelled around my entire body as blood began to group up inside my cheeks. My head was briefly lifted before being placed on a comfy warm pillow. It was nice, but why did Marie have to hold it by the horns! I opened my eyes and pouted.


    Marie slid her finger on my lips as if she wished for me to stay silent. Should I just bite her. I wanted to just let her do as I please in return for a relaxing slumber . Not that my sensitive horns would let me. Pushing her finger away, I opened my mouth to speak, but I was caught sandwiched by her hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re cuter when you don¡¯t talk, you know?¡±


    She said moodily looking into my eyes, before leaning closer ¨C was I going to get a kiss? I clenched my eyes, before opening them only to feel her breath in my ear.


    ¡°Also, don¡¯t think of raising your voice against me when we¡¯re with Ava¡±.


    She uttered quietly, before toying with my hair this time. Ah. I guess there was a reason why previously Ava had changed her tone when Marie had abruptly arrived at the scene. I nodded quietly. As long as she moved her hands away from the two reactive spots I wouldn¡¯t mind for today and decided to remain silent. Was I enjoying this treatment? Maybe.


    Before long, the sun had set. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be at the ¡®border¡¯ and a relatively ¡®close¡¯ area? Why was it taking this long? The other sibling¡¯s carriage was also completely out of site. Outside, I saw Ava taking out the only items in our bag to set up a camp, but there was no food present, at least for them. Just some blankets and hay. Were we abandoned here? Did they just leave us?


    With the navy sky upwards, the scenery was quite fresh too. In comparison to the quartered artificial garden in the back of the estate, this was filled with grandiose trees of every caliber, each reaching to various heights and filled with vibrant vegetation. My attempt to wriggle free and venture outside was in vain however, as someone had locked me into a hug as if I was a body pillow. This girl¡­


    Wh-


    Why was Emil sleeping next to us as well? Better to be worried over nothing I guess.

 Chapter 34 – Journeys End?

    Why was it so hard to sleep? Being used as a body pillow made the job infinitely more difficult and the piercing moonlight was definitely not helpful either. At least Ava and possibly Lloyd were silently sitting in front of the campfire, unlike the orange glow from the windows. There were no sleeping pills on hand ¨C or did they even exist in this world?


    Maybe counting sheep?


    ¡­


    No.


    Wait. What about ¨C sleeping magic! Even if it failed, I¡¯d only feel drowsy from the inefficient burning of magic. Bahahaha. So, if I close my eyes like last time and try to physically create a powder inside my mouth and ¨C


    *gulp*


    No chance to even taste it¡­ but maybe for the better?


    ¡­


    *shake*


    ¡°Wake up you lazy bastard!¡±


    ¡°Sister, don¡¯t use such words against poor Alice, don¡¯t treat your pets so roughly!¡±


    What a sight to rise to. Blinking a couple times, my eyes adjust to the morning light. A worried look from Emil, and an irritated look from Marie.


    ¡°Morning,¡±


    I said gently, trying to hide my yawn. I can¡¯t believe that the magic helped me continue my slumber through the shaking of the carriage. Huh, carriage? We were on the move again for the second day, except with Emil on board and poor lonely Lloyd in solace with the butler.


    *pat*


    It¡¯s only been a few days, but I¡¯ve already gotten used to Emil¡¯s affection. On the other hand,


    ¡°Do you know how long it took for you to wake up? You missed breakfast and even when Lloyd came to specially see you, all you did was snore! Insolent beast!¡±


    Ava turned around to only give an empathetic smile which I could only return with a painful one. I guess she was too scared to speak up. Not to blame her though, I was too. At least in front of everyone here. Her words were literally something along the lines of ¡®don¡¯t make a fool of me in front of people¡¯. Like this, the journey continued until we reached the border town.


    After a few more painful hours of dealing with Emil and Marie¡¯s arguments, we safely arrived in the border-town.


    While definitely not large enough to be a city, it was a flourishing town. Much more so, than the one the rotten noble owned. As expected, I guess since all his money goes into splashing empty space with jewellery. This place on the other hand was magnificent. The entrance from our side of the border was extremely well maintained with clean cobblestone roads, each building was at least as large as the ones in the noble district back home and the architecture was reminiscent of 17th century Europe. This was just at the entrance!


    Entering the city, just like the two brats, I was also awe-struck and staring at the window. Did Ava come here before? She was navigating perfectly from what I could tell. Maybe I should ask her to guide me later? Going past the library ¨C easily the nicest building so far ¨C the carriage arrived in our supposed lodgings for the day. The hotel or inn, despite being restricted in size, seemed both luxurious and cosy. After the carriages were parked, we joined together with Lloyd again and Ava and the butler to our respective rooms, to deposit our bags. Well, not my bag since I don¡¯t think I even had belongings outside of whatever I inherited from the merchant¡¯s ring.


    ¡°Marie, Emil and Alice follow me, I¡¯ll give you guys a tour before we all decide where to go!¡±


    Lloyd said, clearly enthusiastic.


    ¡°As this is the border of our kingdom, with the Kinai lordship, it was able to prosper greatly due to trade!¡±


    Spare me the economics lesson please. And what. Lordship? Did Lloyd specifically choose a place next to a demon lord territory or was the library of this place just that good? Was this angel actually guiding me to my escape route! While I had plenty of other chances to escape, now the opportunity was handed to me with a silver spoon.


    *smack*


    I slap my cheeks together. Why was I worrying so much about escaping? How did I get attached to total strangers this soon? It¡¯s not like this was a permanent goodbye either! Next time I come ¨C you¡¯ll be the ones calling me master!

 Chapter 35 – Finally Escaped! [End of Arc 1]

    After Lloyd finished his seemingly infinite tour, taking us to every nook and cranny of the town, we were finally given a chance to absorb all of the information. We went past multiple guilds which Lloyd explained was the true reason as to why the town was flourishing. There were two huge marble buildings, one was the ¡®hunters¡¯ guild whose name was self-explanatory. They hunted m-


    *shudder*


    They hunted monsters and sold their cores to the guild which would be exchanged at the merchant guild in return for money. I guess bordering a demon¡¯s territory made it a bustling opportunity for merchants and hunters alike assuming they gathered ¡®rare¡¯ cores.


    *gulp*


    While I¡¯m by no means weak or like my ¡®fellow¡¯ monsters, it wouldn¡¯t stop my stomach churning which didn''t necessarily help with Marie smirking at me the entire time while we visited the building. Though the exterior of both buildings looked the same, their insides couldn¡¯t be further apart, with the merchant guild looking like shiny and rich as if all members were nobles, the hunters¡¯ guild was full of jocks and the occasional average looking person or mage.


    The other buildings didn¡¯t look run down or like the wooden stalls ¡®back home¡¯ by any means, they just didn¡¯t stand out. Other than the toys store I guess which Emil wanted to visit. Oh well, time to catch a breather and leave inconspicuously!


    ¡°Hey Alice, would you like to visit the library?¡±


    ¡°Sure, Ll-master,¡±


    It might be a good idea if I can find some books to take with me once I leave through border.


    ¡°Brother Lloyd, is it okay if I go to the toys shop while you and Alice look at books?¡±


    Emil asked, eyes shining.


    ¡°Of course, Marie look after Emil alright?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Was that an internal sigh I was hearing? After her reaction about his visit to the carriage, this was pretty unenthusiastic. No¡­ could it be¡­ she has a brother complex?


    *shake*


    Marie wouldn¡¯t do this. I hope.


    ¡°Pardon me Alice, but is everything alright?¡±


    I should be more mindful of my actions in public.


    ¡°Yes, sorry!¡±


    ¡°Well then, with that, we¡¯ll be off!¡±


    Giving a wave, we left the duo. Ideally, for the last time in a while.


    The library itself was grand and fully categorised into various sections. Surprisingly close to a modern-day bookstore despite the very large warning in bold saying that there is a countermeasure to thievery. Well, it was time to find what I was looking for! I needed something similar to the one with the map in the estate and the one on monster biology.


    ¡°Master Lloyd, if we may, is it okay if we split up from here?¡±


    I tried to smile as brightly as possible. Last time I¡¯ll have to put up this act!


    ¡°Sure, let me know if you find something interesting!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡±


    And with that, time to find the ones I needed. What was it called? The one on monsters was called the ¡®compendium of monsters¡¯ and the other one? Wooden cover with geography plastered on the title somewhere. God bless categorized shelves!


    After making sure that the geography book had the pages I needed, I tried to find the one on monsters, but to no avail. The closest one was a hunter¡¯s guide ¨C which I refuse to take.


    Checking to make sure my surroundings are clear, holding the geography book I try to absorb it within me.


    Urgh. I clutched my chest with one hand and the other, my stomach. Where was this pain coming from? Closing my eyes, I took the book out and relaxed myself again. Was the book coated in magic or was my internal storage full?


    If I hold the book in my palm and try to absorb any magic-


    No, there¡¯s no reaction.


    This damn merchant filling his ring up with useless rocks. Maybe not useless since I already absorbed them, but my idiotic brain not removing these when I had the chance. I have money with me right now, but maybe I could sell these crystals at the cursed guild if they have one in the demon lord territory. Time for the fated moment. After the absorbing, the book again, as the pain started to return again, I bit my lip and tried to apply the body strengthening magic I absorbed. It failed in Marie¡¯s room, but¡­¡­


    Phew. They don¡¯t have anything that applies it here! I¡¯ll assume that the countermeasure to thievery was something like the detectors in the entrances of markets used back in Earth. If so, I¡¯ll just have to jump out of the window. As I climbed the stairs up to the top floor, occupied by a couple of readers I tip-toed to the window facing another building, opened it and readied myself.


    My heartbeat got faster from the adrenaline as I bent my legs getting ready to spring myself up to the roof of the opposite building. Breathing in for the last time. I think to myself, ¡°thank you for this wonderful opportunity Lloyd and goodbye!¡±.


    *Kick*


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaa¡±


    The body strengthening really allowed me to jump far higher, but since I didn¡¯t test the skill out properly previously, I underestimated it and fell face first to the roof. Hopefully not too many people were alerted. Or at the very least, they don¡¯t look into it. Continuing to scale the various buildings that stood in my way from here to the exit. I finally saw the opposite side of the border we entered through. It was much more heavily guarded with various species standing in lines. On the road with forests on either side. With all of this done, time to take the leap of faith and leave this life of servitude behind!

 Chapter 36 – A New Leaf

    I gulped. The wind brushed my cheeks and hair as I looked down. This was certainly a high wall.  I guess even peaceful demon lords are faced in the same light or all national borders are like this. I stared at the pathway entrance. Apart from your everyday human merchant, there was the occasional de- they looked so similar to me. Their complexions were all over the place, but most of them had one or two horns poking out from their heads. The race hierarchy should just be replaced with sheep at the top! I hope monsters aren¡¯t a delicacy in the lordship though.


    I had both good and bad memories here, but it was time to turn over a new leaf and start fresh!


    How do I jump down? This was much taller than I anticipated. Is my body still strengthened? Yes! Closing my eyes, I jumped into the forest.


    *Crash*


    *Thunk*


    *Slump*


    Haha¡­ I think I caused a couple trees to collapse since the body strengthening worked too well. Despite no obvious wound, it felt like my skin was burning along with the pain caused by storing the book.


    I should have taken another stone to cancel pain or at least heal faster.


    *Rustle*


    Did I already receive this much attention? I wasn¡¯t exhausted just yet, so I ran in the opposite direction. Did the ¡®demons¡¯ live speak another language? Whatever, those issues are ones the later me would have to deal with.


    Now, did I escape? I looked behind me, but the castle walls were long out of my view with incoherent splashes of my footprints littered along the way. I cancelled the strengthening. I really need to by more mindful when using it, but it worked! I was able to escape successfully and now¡­ I was lost.


    After I took the book out of my storage, the pain subsided immediately. I just had to find my way around the forest now!


    What could go wrong?

 Chapter 37 – Forest Fire

    Uhm¡­


    *flip*


    I was in the Kinai lord¡¯s territory. Right on the border with the kingdom of Dazia. So, I was right at the direct edge of the southern border.


    Where am I now?


    I don¡¯t know!


    I¡¯ll just go forward for now.


    Honestly, for a ¡°demon lord¡¯s¡± territory, this place seemed far too normal. Just your run of the mill green forest. The only thing that stood out in particular was probably the weird insects and squirrel type things.


    Wait. Releasing a hiss, the silkworm abomination jumped at the poor things neck.


    I turned my back and continued moving, I saw nothing. It¡¯s okay! I¡¯m too big for these things anyway, I''ll peacefully exit this forest!


    *bite*


    Pain echoed throughout my arm. Looking down, I saw an identical copy of that disgusting stick biting my arm right above the wool cuffs.


    It stung, but no blood could be seen and a vile purple circle which began to slowly expand. This revolting insect poisoned me.


    A small flame, kindled in my palm, quickly spreading until it roasted the bug alive. Picking the charred thing with my fingers I ate it. How does it feel?


    *shudder*


    Revenge was not worth damaging my tongue like this. It felt like jelly with rubber flavouring. Never again¡­


    On the bright side, I guess it was a monster with a magic crystal inside it since the bruise-like circle began to slowly shrink.  Satisfied, I continued walking across the forest. Wait. Why were these bug things everywhere? I feel bad for the squirrel which got caught, these things were everywhere.


    Concentrating on the flames in my palm, I tried to dispel it away from my body.


    *Whoosh*


    Did it work?


    I think I could say it worked a little too well. The entire radius of trees and grass around me were wrapped tightly under a roaring orange blanket, violently spreading. I gasped at what I had created. A forest fire to eliminate the poisonous silkworm nests. Thankfully, being immune to the flames meant that my ability to traverse the cindered terrain wasn¡¯t hindered. I could finally continue my relaxed journey through the Lordship!


    As the flames continued to spread, I walked without loitering. Lost in thought, I considered whether the smoke would alert some sort of police or militia to come? They wouldn¡¯t see me as a monster, right? Just a harmless sheep demi human who had nothing to do with this ¡®little¡¯ fire. My clothes had taken quite a hit from the fire though.


    Looking at my arm, the poison circle was almost fully faded away. The venom itself was like an anaesthetic which made the affected area go numb. If it could be dealt with a simple fire though, why didn¡¯t any of the locals deal with it? If they exist.


    Most of the fire had died down by now, leaving charred trees, a black carpet and thick smoke and given the non-existent number of poisonous caterpillars, I think I successfully wiped out the nest. It was a shame the taste was too bad to not eat them thou-


    A spear was held an inch away from stabbing my neck.


    ¡°Who are you?¡±

 Chapter 38 – Slow Down!

    As the clouds subsided from the gust, the spear wielder¡¯s figure was revealed. Despite being held at gunpoint by a spear, I couldn¡¯t stop myself from staring. She had a tanned and mature look, with a blonde ponytail, and red eyes. Were red eyes really that common in this world? Her ears were slanted upwards, like an elves one I guess, but I haven¡¯t seen any elves in this world yet. Oh, she also had a single red horn pointing upwards.


    The signature trait symbolic of demons. Honestly, was being able to use magic so vital in this world? The only trait that was truly separating demons and demi-humans. Well, I know I wasn¡¯t a demi-human, but being seen as a monster would be more dangerous to my wellbeing.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    She snarled. I almost forgot I was in a near death situation. What do I tell her? That I¡¯m a poor week demi-human or a mana beast? I had some of my clothes ripped so maybe I could play a victim card here? Maybe it¡¯ll work if I force myself to cry?


    Think of something sad¡­ Oh! Clannad!


    ¡°Uwah!¡±


    The girl lowered her spear ¨C it worked? Her expression changed from one bearing malice to one looking irritated. Time to continue the act.


    ¡°I¡­ got kidnapped from humans¡­ when the area exploded, I ran away!¡±


    Whose heart wouldn¡¯t be moved by such a cute maiden¡¯s words? I played my role perfectly! She looked deep in thought.


    ¡°Huh, why would the human¡¯s ride across the cooworm farm in the forest? I thought the venom was poisonous for them¡­ It¡¯s not hard to see the barbarians kidnapping demi-humans though¡­¡±


    It¡¯s not like I couldn¡¯t fight her, but it could be avoided by exploiting her prejudice against humans? Would it be too straightforward to ask her to travel with me?


    Wait. Cooworm farm? They farm those toxic disgusting insects. For what? The taste is horrible! What could they possibly make?


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    I nodded slowly while maintaining my expression, as hers turned to one of disgust muttering ill words of the imaginary human¡¯s who captured me. Before long, she saw the purple circle.


    ¡°You were bitten?¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah, while I was running away from the fire¡­¡±


    ¡°Follow me, I¡¯ll get you treated immediately. Since you¡¯re a demi-human it shouldn¡¯t spread as fast on you,¡±


    It¡¯s already healing passively!


    ¡°Thank you! Very much!¡±


    I said, attempting to feel grateful. I guess the issue concerning my past is over for now. I thought demi¡¯s would be treated worse, but it looks like Kinai¡¯s situation is sorted neatly. She still had a tight grip on the spear, but it wasn¡¯t pointed towards me at the very least. Without another word she held my wrist and began bolting off.


    Please. Run. Slower. I didn¡¯t apply any sort of physical strengthening and my stamina hasn¡¯t been refreshed at all since escaping. Despite my internal cries, we travelled through the rest of the charred forest pretty quickly. After finally reaching our destination, she lightened her grip and I wheezed for air. I¡¯m just going to optimistically assume that the bite was actually serious and she didn¡¯t need to worry me ¨C not that it would have worried me.


    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡±


    She announced as a village had appeared in the horizon. The architecture looked Eastern, consisting of wooden structures with tiled roofs and with some in square shapes elevated slightly from the ground. The wooden fence, much like the ones that the farmer had, were in place with what could be described more like watchmen then guards at the entrance, given they weren¡¯t armed in anyway.


    ¡°I¡¯m back, from analysing the fire. This is a survivor I found.¡±


    She spoke to the two demons and explained my situation. This was quickly met with a nod and her hand was once again stuck on my wrist and instead of running through the woods, now I was running through the village. My cheeks flushed a bit. I wasn¡¯t even fully clothed. I¡¯m sorry anyone who has to see me like this! Unlike in the human town though, I guess they were used to seeing people like me given the lack of stares.


    ¡°This is my home, please excuse me while I find the cure!¡±


    She said, before dashing indoors. The image of the elegant demon was completely ruined in my head now. Looking to my arm, it had shrunk a considerable amount since I was in the forest, so I¡¯ll just pray that this headstrong beauty won¡¯t notice it. Also, I was the one who burnt down your farm! Oh god, if they ever found out would I be tried and executed? I¡¯m sure I wouldn¡¯t go down that easily, but the possibility just played out in my head.


    I was still waiting outside her house though. It was one of the square shaped ones with multiple floors and a bright red and white colour scheme. These all paled in comparison to the mansion I lived in, but in comparison to the smaller plain houses, maybe they were rich and better: they had crystals! After some noise and crashes, she came down. Empty handed?


    ¡°The medicine is indoors! Come in, make yourself at home!¡±


    She tugged my arm this time and pulled me in.  My brain couldn¡¯t keep up with this development. We haven¡¯t even exchanged names yet! You almost carried me to the village and now I¡¯m being let into your house? I was a total stranger!


    Whatever, keeping to my timid tone, I said thanks and walked in. As she had taken of her shoes, I followed the trend. What I had left of shoes anyway.


    The inside was much more modest than the eccentric outlook. The entrance was only a shoe rack and coat hanger and what seemed to be the living space consisted of pillows on the floor with a sitting table with some flowers as well as the supposed ¡®cure¡¯ a towel and also what looked like my ¡®saviour¡¯s mother.


    I met her family before even finding out her name? This all happened too fast!

 Chapter 39 – The Haise Household

    ¡°Please take a seat,¡±


    The woman ahead of me said coldly. She did not look pleased. Rather, she had a strong frown plastered across her face. The unfazed spear girl from before still looked as impatient as ever and gave a smile. Sitting down on the cushioned floor, my bitten arm was abruptly grabbed, and an ointment was rubbed around it, before being wrapped around with a towel. She had a bright complexion with red eyes, brown hair and like mother like daughter I guess since they had their horns in the same location.


    ¡°The ointment will ease the pain and the towel will eliminate the poison,¡±


    What straightforward reasoning.


    ¡°H-how can a towel heal in such a way?¡±


    Both of them stared at me, as if it were the most obvious question in the world. Excuse me? It¡¯s just a towel! How am I supposed to know what it does?


    ¡°It¡¯s coated in holy water. Is this truly your first time seeing this?¡±


    The ¡®mother¡¯ broke the silence.


    I nodded slowly.


    ¡°Your race truly deserves to be where it is,¡±


    She muttered quietly under her breathe before receiving an elbow from the one who dragged me here. Did she truly not expect me to hear that? Or did she despise demi-humans this much. Honestly, all this talk is making me more and more impatient about revealing that I¡¯m actually a monster and can fully use magic ¨C though only some ¨C effectively.


    ¡°Any other ¡®questions¡¯?¡±


    Where is the shortest exit?


    ¡°What are your names?¡±


    Another brief silence. I didn¡¯t care enough about continuing the act anymore, but I¡¯ll try to return the pleasantries then leave. Despite the treatment, they did try to fully heal me.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    The perpetrator speaks!


    ¡°I¡¯m Rio Haise! Or Haise Rio! This is my mother, leader of the Haise clan! Haha, I¡¯m sorry I forgot to before, it¡¯s the spur of the moment!¡±


    Do I call her Rio or Haise? She truly was an eccentric person, but I could tell she didn¡¯t mean any harm by bringing me here.


    I return the gesture and smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±


    Wait what do I call myself. Alice? Maybe something fresh? How about Aria? Or maybe even Mio?


    ¡°¡­ Alice.¡±


    Well, another brainstorm session that went to waste. I guess the ring on it just sounds too nice. The elder Haise muttered something even more silently than last time blocking me from hearing it. Showing discontent for silence, Rio stood up.


    ¡°It¡¯s so nice to meet you, Alice! Since it¡¯ll be hard for you to return to your clan, why not stay here for dinner?¡±


    Eh.


    ¡°S-sure,¡±


    And I agreed. Caught completely off-guard by this invitation. At the very least, I¡¯ll have something to eat. Maybe some meat instead of just grass. Would that taste nice though? Thoughts flooded my head as my stomach grumbled. I guess grass and hay weren¡¯t good enough to fill the void left by delicacies or microwave foods from Earth.


    ¡°Young girl, you must change into our attire if you do indeed wish to participate in our feast. With your current wear, it would be considered shameful to let you out.¡±


    I need to take a deep breathe in. I¡¯m transforming into an exhibitionist! My poor maid clothes. Ripped beyond repair. Which was probably any repair since I¡¯m not wasting energy on sewing magic or something of the like. Swallowing my pride, I answer to Rio¡¯s parent.


    ¡°May I please borrow some?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe we have another choice if you wish to eat.¡±


    Maybe I was growing on her!


    ¡°Rio, give this ¡®thing¡¯ something to wear.¡±


    Maybe.


    Rio gleamed and pulled me upstairs to what I presume was her room. Just like the living room, it was very plain. A wardrobe, something like a lamp on the ceiling, and a bed consisting of two blankets and a cushion. Despite the simplicity, it didn¡¯t have the feeling of suffocation which the mansion ¡®back home¡¯ had and felt comfortable.


    ¡°Okay Alice, strip!¡±


    Wah? My clothes were pulled. Then ripped, being replaced by a T-shaped light blue garment with snowflake patterns on. I couldn¡¯t control my blushing. The only words I could use to describe wearing the kimono was that it was airy. It probably looked a bit like loose pyjamas  but felt as if I was being covered by a tiny piece of cloth.


    ¡°It suits you so much!¡±


    Give me back my maid uniform back! It felt so secure! Where was the persona which completely massacred a thief and burnt down an entire forest? My embarrassment couldn¡¯t be controlled.


    ¡°Rio, don¡¯t you have something tighter to wear?¡±


    ¡°You want to cover your chest with something more than a bra?¡±


    This girl. It was hard to imagine she almost tried to kill me a few hours ago. After running downstairs in embarrassment, then upstairs again when I realised her mother was sitting there. I came across the third and final floor.


    Finally, some peace and quiet!


    Since demi-humans were treated horribly, what if I do some illusion thing where I change my horns and ears to fit demon characteristics. Following the previous steps I took, I closed my eyes, trying to circulate mana through my ears and through my horns. I guess since it wasn¡¯t projecting externally, it didn¡¯t feel like I would run out of the magic anytime soon. Why did I have to waste something on physical strengthening if this was the case?


    Ignoring the previous statement, I try to concentrate again. It¡¯s a success? My ears definitely feel longer now and my horns?


    I¡¯m trying not to voice my pain. It hurts. I can feel that it straightened like the ones the demon¡¯s possessed, but I guess it¡¯s too sensitive to just shape or move around. Releasing my breathe, the magic breaks, returning me to my normal ears and sheep horns state.


    ¡°Alice, it¡¯s time to eat!¡±


    I should decide on what I want to accomplish. No matter how hard I thought about it, the only thing I could truly gain in my time here was a better friendship with Rio.  Nothing else, the reception from the others were either non-existent or completely prejudiced.


    ¡°Girl!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡±

 Chapter 40 – Evening with Rio?

    Following the call from Rio¡¯s ¡®esteemed¡¯ mother, I headed down. It¡¯s incredible how different the two can be. Going back to the bottom floor, I¡¯m ¨C


    Greeted by a beauty?


    Rio¡¯s ponytail was gone and laid flat with a red-blue ribbon right behind her hair.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    Could someone possibly have changed this much over the course of a day? Her earlier ¡®serious¡¯ wear and attitude made her a completely separate person. One would think that they were twins.


    ¡°World to Alice!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tire yourself to communicate with them, demi-humans often have the same intellectual capacity of animals after all.¡±


    I drifted again. Ignoring the remark said by the clan leader, I shook my head and gave a warm smile.


    ¡°No problem at all.¡±


    To which I was met by a smile too. Instead of dinner, could I have you for takeout?


    Walking outside together, with Rio and unfortunately her mother, we were greeted by a darkened sky and brightly lit orange lanterns. Were these here when I had originally arrived? Or were these put up in order to provide some sort of night light? Either way, it accompanied both the wood and red houses perfectly. Though I felt empty, I was walking through town with dignity this time! Fully clothed and assimilated with the local culture. There were much more people outside now too, all clothed in similar robes with various colours. It was satisfying that I was not getting stared at this time. At least in the way I was previously. It was now only a handful number of people, and of those individuals: they were blushing. Both guys and girls. One side I preferred more than the other, but it was oddly satisfying having people fall for you.


    Either it was this or they were just drunk.


    As we kept walking, the areas became more and more crowded until we reached¡­ something like a food court? There were multiple stands where food was being distributed and like at Rio¡¯s home, carpets spread across the floor, each colourful and slightly different with wooden floor chairs and low-levelled tables. I wanted to just run across to see what was being given in the stands, but I feel like someone watching my back always would start another rant about how demi-humans are horrible.


    Those problems aside, I control myself and walk together slowly with Rio. Out of everyone so far. She was the most sympathetic and ¡®understanding¡¯ one. Only person who didn¡¯t treat me as some sort of pet, slave or object, with the closest other one being Lloyd ¨C despite his slight emphasis on respecting nobility, as he - possibly intentionally - let me escape.


    *trip*


    Ouch?


    I didn¡¯t hit the floor. Despite slipping over a branch, I was caught in mid-air by ¨C


    ¡°Look at where you¡¯re going Alice!¡±


    Caught in mid-air by my Goddess.


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°No worries, just be more attentive next time!¡±


    ¡°I will!¡±


    Having been lifted back onto my feet, I looked ahead of me. I was only a few meters away from one of the stands! I guess most people had already taken their plates and sat down, since the queues were so short by now.


    Ms. Haise gave us two plates while we waited and gave instructions to Rio on where to go. Did the coloured carpets symbolise who could sit and eat where? This world truly had a weird hierarchy system.


    ¡°I sincerely pray that you won¡¯t drop the plates.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t get by without a constant comment on every mistake I do. By now, I¡¯d have been extremely fed up with these little insertions, however this time it was more understandable. I did almost fall headfirst a minute ago.


    Soon the queue turned to us, and I was greeted by, fried balls, grilled meat and vegetables? Wait, how did I order the food. I wasn¡¯t paying any attention to the process the others went through. Uncomfortable with the situation at hand, I hid my figure behind Rio. She handed him the plate, before thanking him and standing beside me. Similarly, I gave the man my plate.


    After him placing some grilled meat skewers, two balls and what looked to be mushrooms; the plate was handed back.


    ¡°Thank you for the food!¡±


    The man stood still for a moment before returning the gesture.


    ¡°Enjoy the food little sheep!¡±


    Ahem. I was twenty! At least before coming here. For this world though, maybe around five days old?


    ¡°Heh. Lil¡¯ Alice, follow me!¡±


    Rio you don¡¯t have to join in!


    Bubbling my cheeks, I moodily followed her across the assortment of various seating, until I reached the one with the gold-crimson carpet. Red and yellow seemed to be popular colours here. I suppose it must have been the most important one given my guide¡¯s mother was present. Unexpectedly we walked past her and stopped at the navy-coloured flooring, matching our kimonos. We instead sat together with a small group whose dresses also matched ours despite the difference in designs and emblems.


    Of course, being the odd one out in this feast made me look and feel like a complete outsider. Being given both looks and like before, smiles too.


    ¡°Everyone, this is my guest: Alice! I don¡¯t know how long she¡¯ll stay here but treat her nicely!¡±


    My cheeks flushed. Was it too hard for me to be alone with Rio? This must have been what the new kids all felt like when they transferred schools. Though they seemed too disciplined to step too out of line, with their reactions ranging from one of excitement due to meeting someone new, to more mild reactions consisting of disapproval or bitterness.


    I genuinely believe that I might have preferred to sit together with the clan head.

 Chapter 41 – Show of Strength

    Too many eyes.


    Too many people.


    How do I speak to absolute strangers I¡¯ve never met before? I guess I¡¯ll try to follow Rio¡¯s example and hope for the best.


    ¡°Hi everyone, I¡¯m Alice¡­¡±


    Is that all I say here? Do I add something else too? When it¡¯s with a few people I¡¯m better off but with around fourteen of them? It¡¯s hard to pretend like I¡¯m grateful, joyous and that I don¡¯t want to leave.


    ¡°¡­ let¡¯s get along!¡±


    This was followed by more smiles and nods. At least from most of them. Only three appeared to be displeased by my being here. Despite this, I was being treated as a guest this time and everything here should be ¨C


    ¡°I refuse.¡±


    The fiery blond one raised an objection, surprisingly politely. He was of similar complexion to Rio but had a horn on either side of his head. Standing up, he walked towards me without shifting his glare for a single second.


    ¡°Not only are you a complete outsider here. The humans after you ended up setting fire to our crops! Now the issue herself is here, asking to be treated well when you should instead be apologising and cursing your own lack of strength?¡±


    Invisible sweat formed on my forehead. I hate to break it to you, but I was the one who set fire to your farm. It¡¯s not like the truth would help here though!


    ¡°Yeah! Why should we have to defend the weak? Your fate is just to serve humans!¡±


    A more upstart one appeared, with a single horn in the centre of her long red hair. How clich¨¦ of the aggressor to have lackeys agreeing with his words. But the blond one was correct. I was the root of the problem caused. What about the third one who was displeased? Looking between his legs, the last member was just reading a book, oblivious to the situation.


    After being constantly dragged everywhere by others for the past few days, my mental state must have depressingly gotten more and more used to being yelled at making me unable to flinch by the actions happened. Although shouldn¡¯t Rio or any of the others be defending me by now. Something like ¡®how could you do this to the new kid¡¯ or ¡®don¡¯t you know better¡¯?


    ¡°She isn¡¯t weak though!¡±


    Yeah, I¡¯m not! Wait, why was this the section she reacted to. I was perfectly okay with swallowing my pride.


    ¡°Alice managed to escape from her human captives in her tribe, go through a poison infested forest which was then lit a fire and is here in perfect form!¡±


    ¡°Is that so? She won¡¯t mind proving her strength to me then?¡±


    ¡°Very well!¡±


    Wait. Rio. Don¡¯t speak for me! I didn¡¯t want to get into a fight. Without fire, it¡¯d force me to solely depend on body strengthening and healing. My whole initial story relied on me being captured and now I¡¯m in an idiotic situation where I¡¯m asked to ¡®prove¡¯ myself.


    Slapping my cheeks lightly, I get up to face the cause of these problems ahead of me. He gave a short laugh accompanied by a wry smile.


    Didn¡¯t I say before that this was a new start for me? One event happens and my role is immediately turned into a weakling again. I¡¯ve been trying to be way too friendly with everyone for too long! Maybe other than the bandit. Or the cooworms to an extent.


    Looking around, the people in our ¡®blue kimono group¡¯ had all moved to the edges of the circular carpet, did this happen before? I just wanted to have a meal with Rio! Why are the rest of the groups completely ignoring this scene and continuing to enjoy themselves?


    ¡°Well are you ready? Remember to at least say sorry before you leave¡±


    I turned to face the redhead aggressor. I¡¯m sorry for burning your food source or trade income or whatever the bugs were, but they bit me first!


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    His sneering friend appeared once again. Was it a two on one? Though if they were chivalrous or honourable, I doubt they would take me on like this.


    ¡°Since this greenhorn weakling hasn¡¯t fought before, the individual loses if they fall and can¡¯t rise up or leave the circle. To accommodate the weakling, we¡¯ll also ban the use of magic.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no shame in leaving the circle fragile sheep, though I¡¯ll let you have the first attack if you don¡¯t give up,¡±


    I returned his ¡®kind¡¯ gesture with a mocking smile. If he were limiting himself, it¡¯d help make our state more equal since I too didn¡¯t want to use fire.


    Applying my physical strengthening to my arm, fist and feet, I prepare myself to lunge at him. Pushing the ground beneath me down to the point of ripping the carpet, I leap at my challenger directly in the stomach.


    *fsh*


    Despite the quick impact and the slight burn, it left, I was quickly counter attacked myself right in the rib cage.


    *crack*


    The impact led me to fall on my knees on the opposite side to him. Coughing a little bit of blood in the recovery from impact. Bless regeneration. I should have applied the physical strengthening to the rest of the body. I close my eyes for a ¨C


    ¡°Don¡¯t take your eyes of the enemy, just because you¡¯re a special case.¡±


    Opening my eyes, I instinctively do a front wheel flip to the other side, with the brute where I formerly was.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you go easy on a demi-human? I¡¯m just so fr-ag-ile,¡±


    Another laugh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky because of one good hit. You¡¯ll feel the pain tenfold.¡±


    Aha. This guy wasn¡¯t some walk in the park like the bandit. He had professionally trained his body and was anything but a joke of an opponent. Without fire, it¡¯d be hard to beat him with just physical attacks. I stared at my poor hands empathetically. The robe¡¯s edges were ruined, showing my wool cuffs. How will I give this back!


    *crash*


    Urgh. A kick in the gut this time, throwing me again to the other side.


    ¡°What did I say about being distracted?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to go all out to beat you.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    I wish I could control my words. Why did I aggravate him more?


    Wait. My wool cuffs! If I try to coat my hand like an extremely thin knuckleduster? It works! Though it¡¯s too obvious, to use it on my hand, if I use my ankle cuffs to strengthen my feet, the kicks will be much more fatal! I just must time it correctly!


    ¡°What did I say about distractions? Don¡¯t make light of me you demi-human bitch!¡±


    He began directly charging in my direction, more sluggish than previous times. Feeling the strings wrap around my feet and become strengthened, I try to accelerate myself in the ample space left before our collision, I launch myself into a spin before jumping. Now in mid-air, one more spin and connect the kick!


    *tik*


    It landed on his side. Finally knocking him out of the ring. Heh. It resulted in my gasping for breath though. I guess applying strengthening to the cuffs require a lot of energy. I didn¡¯t even have an opportunity to eat lunch yet.


    ¡°Alice has beaten Takuya!¡±

 Chapter 42 – Hungry Sheep

    I staggered on the floor in exhaustion. I won! It felt meaningless and unnecessary since I was planning to leave regardless, but I still did it! On one hand, I can use my wool cuffs infinitely more effectively this time which may come incredibly handy. On the other, I¡¯m going to be crushed to death by this girl on top of me.


    ¡°Rio¡­¡±


    I uttered out. After I survived this far, being killed by ¡®hug from a cute girl¡¯ would be too embarrassing.  The crowd, excited from the results did return to eating instead of spectating me fortunately¡­


    ¡°Hehe, sorry!¡±


    After my weak cry, she got off me, completely giddy by the results achieved meanwhile I was still starving over here. The few things that I did consume today were just grilled cooworms. Not something I¡¯d return to the forest to ¡®snack¡¯ on. Standing up, half-tired half-sleepy, I try to locate my plate and just I as I was going there, the demon who I just had a duel with, Takuya was there bowing in front of me.


    ¡°I¡¯m deeply sorry for disrespecting your strength madam. It is not a surprise to see how you were able to escape from your captors.¡±


    Huh.


    Madam?


    Apologise more! At least for the fight. Sure, I won and came out unscathed, but the guy didn¡¯t show any signs of care or concern on whether I¡¯d die. We¡¯ll just ignore the fact that I burnt down their farms. Anyways, right now all I wanted to try out was the food and not waste my time with Takuya for another second.


    ¡°Uhm, it¡¯s fine, just treat strangers more kindly next time.¡±


    My stomach yelled at me. I have more pressing matters then conversing with you, Takuya, just leave! With my eyes on the plate, I just tried to walk past him ¨C


    *grab*


    ¡°All I wanted to do was make sure there were no risk of humans coming to destroy our clan, please do not think too badly of us.¡±


    My arm was locked firmly. Just let me go past you, insistent brat! There was never a risk of humans coming to attack your village anyway! It was me! Why did this lie go so out of hand? I just wanted to get back on this poison worm infested forest.


    ¡°Is that so? Let bygones be bygones, right?¡±


    My arm wouldn¡¯t budge. Just let go!


    ¡°If possible, could you please teach me how to do that leg technique from earlier? It looked extremely useful and in my pursuit of ¨C ¡°


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Alice, me too me too!¡±


    ¡°Okay! I will!¡±


    Finally, the grip loosened.


    ¡°Very well, please sh- ¡°


    *munch*


    I really couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. My mana exhaustion from cheating in the fight meant that I needed something to sustain myself. Ignoring the joint attack by Takuya and Rio in order for me to teach them a move I did on a whim by pure luck, I had leapt to my plate and begun snacking on the grilled mushrooms. It had an orangey-white sauce over it, but it tasted a bit like mayonnaise and the taste of char-grilled barbeque was high quality. In comparison to just grass, this was much more flavourful. The fried balls had something slightly chewy inside them, but I couldn¡¯t make out what they were. That one was frighteningly hot though. If it weren¡¯t for the heat immunity buff, I would have had to immediately drink water or create water inside my mouth. Now for the meat skewer. The most important part. Was this sheep meat?


    ¡°So, teacher, when do we start?¡±


    The two had reapproached me while I was stuck staring at the skewer. They were plenty strong anyway and I even had to cheat in the duel to win. Why did I need to teach them this?


    ¡°Later.¡±


    ¡°But Alice, how much later?¡±


    Rio exclaimed. Why did she have to get corrupted by this aggressor turned ¡®student¡¯?


    Pretending I didn¡¯t hear the question, I bit the skewer and began eating it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it today!¡±


    She sat on her knees and began to toy with my cheeks as I just tried to eat. Where¡¯s mother Haise to say ¡°you don¡¯t need things from a demi-human¡± when you need her. Continuing to ignore her, I finished the rest of the skewers. Before I could completely decline her offer, my stomach rumbled again. The food I just ate got instantly converted into energy, so I guess I won¡¯t be able to store any food for the future.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the guy to get you more food if you want! All you have to do- ¡°


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Reluctantly, I agreed to her offer. She may have been a princess like beauty, who did ¡®help¡¯ me in a way, but I don¡¯t think it would be wise to be taught how to fight someone who knows only a handful of martial art moves from his past life. She looked too cute when happy though. Maybe this was, okay? I sighed and loitered while waiting for more food to come. I really did use too much mana this day. With today¡¯s consumption, it made me feel the inefficiency of just eating food. Or anything that wasn¡¯t rich in magic. Is that why monsters would often target humans instead of other wildlife? Since they were richer in magic?


    Throwing all past experiences aside, should I ¡®experiment¡¯ with eating them as well?

 Chapter 43 – What comes next?

    After finishing six more meals I let out a sigh. It felt like everything that went down evaporated immediately, slowly getting back my energy. I should have just left a snarky reply, but Rio just had to but in. All I had to do was say a snarky comeback and that would have been it. Why do I have to always create such problems for myself.


    Should I just aim to leave? I do have a continued aim of wanting to get stronger, but is it something I can progress here? Honestly, I wonder what Marie and the rest of her family are up to now. Never mind. They¡¯re probably in the list of people I don¡¯t want to see. Coming back to the topic of strength, I don¡¯t really have a wise understanding of people¡¯s power in comparison to mine. Other than probably mana.


    *Flick*


    Hmm? Rubbing my cheeks, I turned around to find the culprit of the act. My new friend and now student, Rio was standing there smiling cheerfully with another plate in one hand.


    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡±


    I calmly reached out for another plate to fill my energy shortage, before it was immediately swung away.


    ¡°Rio!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go back on your word to teach me the cool kick you did!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Yes! Just give it!¡±


    Seriously this girl. I already agreed to teach you! Aggressively taking the plate, I dig in for my seventh meal of the day. The food here, like my experience with grass, truly tasted excellent. The explosion of flavors from a single bite made each one, made me more ravenous than the last. I must have gotten lost in thought for a second since normal food would most likely taste far superior to human flesh ever could. Maybe the mana beasts¡¯ flesh would also taste both like meat and contain a handful of the magic substance for replenishment. I¡¯ll think about it more if the time comes to it.


    After finishing my seventh plate, I felt slightly more recharged but still sluggish. Where was I going to sleep today? If I was going to sleep. If I could physically enhance my wool, would that mean I could just give myself a super comfortable bed? Or at least something like a futon. Unfortunately, I¡¯ll have to think of a training plan for tomorrow too. What can I even teach them? ¡®Grow wool and use it to strengthen yourself¡¯? Though more importantly-


    ¡°Hey Rio, since I¡¯ll be giving you lessons, do I get a place to stay?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be sharing a bed you dummy. I was the one who brought you to the town, where else will you stay here?¡±


    I nodded. I wasn¡¯t expecting to stay the night and I certainly wasn¡¯t expecting lady Haise to allow me to stay here for the night in the first place. Wait¡­ sharing beds? Well, I¡¯m a girl now. A cute one at that. This isn¡¯t the first time so no need to feel shy! Right?


    Ignoring the volcanic eruption on my cheeks, I walked back to the red building while planning what in the world I would teach them tomorrow.


    Frostie

 Chapter 44 – Lady Haise

    While walking to the building, I could still see Rio brimming with excitement. Despite the other groups of people disappearing slowly to their own houses, the elderly sat still with solemn expressions discussing what I could only assume were serious matters. After we entered, we went upstairs to Rio¡¯s room.


    After a hectic day and duel, I was finally able to get a goodnights sleep! There was no real mattress, and we were sleeping on top of a layered blanket, but this too was comfortable in its own way. It was slightly chilly but felt like laying on pillows. I didn¡¯t think Lady Haise would be completely fine with my stay too. However, I guess that¡¯s only if I wouldn¡¯t linger for too long of course. Though Rio had gifted me some of her nightwear, unlike last time, we changed together. The sense of shyness from earlier was completely gone. Either due to the sleepiness or lack of mana. Oh well, I should at least plan about what to do for the fated day. What If I just teach them some taekwondo kicks? Or would they need to learn the basics?


    ¡°Goodnight Alice,¡±


    ¡°Night Rio, sleep well.¡±


    I¡¯ll leave that for the me of tomorrow to work out. Time to sleep!


    ¡­


    Except I¡¯m having some trouble doing so. Was this what stress felt like? It felt like I had an upset stomach from eating too much though I doubt that was the case.


    Wait. The pain. It felt reminiscent of the time where I ate the book from the library Lloyd took me to. Holding my hands up to the ceiling, I try to summon the book, in front of me.


    Ah¡­


    Clutching it with my hands, the built-up pain I shouldered was gone. I thought I¡¯d have released it, but since I didn¡¯t have some sort of bag with me, I must¡¯ve subconsciously re-absorbed it in order to free my hands. Either the book must have been coated with magic or my storage capabilities is limited to a small amount. Despite the irritancy disappearing, my wish to sleep hadn¡¯t returned and I was still cursed with minor insomnia. I wonder, do I not need sleep as long as I don¡¯t use large amounts of mana?


    Leaving the book, I stood up. It was pitch black. Having lost track of time, I couldn¡¯t exactly be sure if Rio was asleep or not, but I¡¯ll guess the latter. Wearing the long sleeve kimono like dresses from earlier, I try to get myself some sort of night vision. How do I do that though? Imagining light passing through my ¨C


    Urgh. No. Bad idea. It¡¯s too bright. Like staring at the sun.


    Let¡¯s try something else. Putting up my right pinky, I created a tiny flame. This should suffice for the time being. It was silent and too small to create the aroma of air burning. Deciding to satiate the rest of my curiosity for my area of stay, I went to check upstairs.


    Huh?


    When did she come? I was awake for the entirety of the night, and I couldn¡¯t hear a single footstep across the stairs or door.


    ¡°Hello, my ¡®demi-human¡¯ guest, do take a seat.¡±

 Chapter 45 – Negotiations Failed

    I stood frozen. The emphasis on the demi-human part. Her poisonous words paralyzed me. I thought she was still in a discussion along with the rest of the elders.The feeling of sudden cold sweat swept over me along with a flood of thoughts. What would I do now? Run? No, there was no point. If I¡¯m in the demon territories, I won¡¯t be treated as a beast. Right? If even demi-humans can stay, surely one that looks the part and has the strength to stand on top of a true demon clan would be fine. If I stand my ground, it should be fine. I need to build up confidence one way or the other!


    ¡°Thank you, Lady Haise,¡±


    I tried to keep a smug looking smile after sitting on the chair facing the bed.


    ¡°Heh, was your earlier cowardice just acting? Truly did fool me, mana creature.¡±


    No! This was the real acting!


    The lady kept her composure without emitting any sort of aura. She just stared, while maintaining her complacent expression.


    ¡°Well, why are you here? To claim more nourishment for yourself. Though it is exceptionally rare to find one which can communicate.¡±


    That¡¯s because I¡¯m from another world! I guess I sort of lucked out because of Viclam directly giving me a slight cheat when it came to talking. Though at the same time, I was forced to put up with it to prevent risk to my livelihood.


    ¡°Since I was running from humans -¡±


    ¡°Like that would fly. You beat our clans¡¯ top stars with barely any magic usage.¡±


    Do I mention coming from another world? No. Not yet at least. Just need to remember to maintain my expression.


    ¡°I was taken as a demi-human slave and was forced to become a noble family¡¯s pet!¡±


    Lady Haise seemed to give up on my attempts at explaining the truth. Doesn¡¯t something like truth magic or serum or at the very least some sort of lie detector exist? No need to pull out a knife!


    ¡°Hey! Sho-¡°


    My word was cut in half by her leaping towards me going for my heart. Did I have a heart ¨C wait now¡¯s not the time!


    Strengthening myself and my cuffs, I move myself into a sideways stance with my right hand aimed at catching the dagger, while I tried to get a firm hold over her arm with my other one.


    *slash*


    Aaaaak!


    That was not a normal dagger. My hand, though coated by a thin layer of strings, was bleeding nonetheless. The pyjamas were ripped and although it wasn¡¯t a deep cut, it certainly went in much deeper than I predicted it would.


    Lady Haise gave a mocking smile.


    Hmph!


    Pulling her arm and hand over my head, I managed to chuck the murderous psychopath into the wall. Standing up in front of her while she was taken off-guard by the move, I summoned a fiery blue fireball and aimed it at her.


    ¡°Feel like continuing the conversation now?¡±

 Chapter 46 – A Bitter Development

    Lady Haise sat still against the wall, revealing a wry smile towards the blue plasma aimed at her, she dropped the knife. Despite acquiescing, the elder portrayed no looks of defeat! Sure, I had no intention of killing her. For now, at least. Why should I have to spare someone who constantly tries to murder me?


    ¡°Haha, I never thought a monster would try to threaten me to cooperate,¡±


    What an extreme mood swing. At least bloodshed was mostly avoided this time. I¡¯d be able to leave this village eventually without causing too much commotion. I really need to get my thoughts in order after this.


    ¡°Have you even talked to one before?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    ¡°Exac-¡°


    Huh? There were more cases like me? I guess there was no exception when it came to demi-humans being able to utilize mana. Though I didn¡¯t expect there to be other human looking monsters like me.


    ¡°You met monsters who posed as demi-humans?¡±


    This was completely off-topic, but my curiosity got the better of me. It was already difficult to conceal the visible surprise on my face.


    ¡°I have indeed, though they weren¡¯t as civil as the one I¡¯m staring at.¡±


    Hmpf. Still not recognized properly as an individual.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for your little brawl, you might have passed undetected. Normally the beasts can only speak a few words to come closer to their prey.¡±


    ¡°I see. Though I¡¯d extremely appreciate it if you could count me as an exception for the next time around.¡±


    ¡°Very well. however, Don¡¯t take your time leaving.¡±


    I squeezed my palm into a knuckle. Was it this hard to be treated as a normal person? The similarities of demons and demi-humans should be difficult to distinguish so why can''t I just be recognized as the former? Will I be eternally looked down upon for being supposedly unable to use mana or be seen as a constant threat?


    *crack*


    Well, the opportunity for a leisurely life is lost here. It¡¯d be ideal if I could go to a demon city while shifting my horns to match to the current standard of the demonic race. How many times will I have to start a fresh new leaf until the ideal life is achieved?


    ¡°W-will you l-l-let go?¡±


    Huh?


    Where was the pleading voice coming from? Opening my currently closed eyes, I saw a rather frightened Lady Haise floating?


    No.


    With an iron grip, I was holding her up while it was burning. Immediately releasing the grip, the once confident elder slumped to the floor. There were a few burn marks, but it seemed as if the grip itself hurt more than the actual fire. The event caused me to feel slightly hollow, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t feel any sort of genuine remorse.


    She did already try to kill me right. Why should I feel guilty? The elder was shaking.


    This only happened once before with the guard. I really need to avoid these situations when getting into deep though, but first I should leave before this becomes a problem.


    Facing the exit, I see an eye ¨C shaking too ¨C across the door crack.