Chapter 30
I couldn’t shake off the shock and muttered to myself bitterly.
Why is that kid so forward for someone his age? He hugs people so casually and even brushes their hair in that weirdly sensual way.
He’s such a “Confucian boy” that he wouldn’t even share a bed with me when I was a pony, but in moments like that, he’s bold as anything. Doesn’t he even realize what he’s doing? Honestly.
Holding my head in my hands, crushed by a wave of self-loathing, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let that flirtatious younger man toy with me ever again.
Seeing how I’d suddenly gone quiet, Luan spoke again.
“Is that all you’re curious about?”
“Yes. That’s all.”
I answered vaguely, secretly clutching my hair under the table, and after a short pause, Luan continued.
“Are you… purposely not asking?”
His voice was low and deep—maybe because it was nighttime.
I hadn’t asked everything, but I could tell what he meant right away.
He was wondering why I hadn’t asked about him—why he’d collapsed in front of my house, how he’d turned into a beast, or what his true identity was.
Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious…
“About what?”
I feigned ignorance and asked in a deliberately casual tone.
Then Luan made it clearer.
“A human turned into a beast.”
“But you don’t turn anymore.”
“We don’t know when it might happen again. That curse doesn’t disappear so easily.”
I was a little surprised at that answer. It was the first time Luan had directly called it a curse.
And he wasn’t wrong. Normally, when I absorb demonic energy with Artica, the creature automatically gets recorded in the Monster Codex—but that hadn’t happened this time. And besides, I’d lost consciousness then, so my memory of it was fuzzy.
Well, it’s not like I’ve ever seen something like this before anyway…
Lost in thought for a moment, I replied.
“Well. If that happens again, I’ll just absorb the energy with Artica.”
“But you said you can’t remember what happened. If you turn into a beast again, it might be really dangerous.”
“It’s fine. I’m strong. I’ll just knock you out if I have to.”
“No, but really—don’t you think it’s strange? A human turning into a beast? That’s just…”
Luan trailed off.
Was he about to say a monster?
Even if it was a monster, I don’t believe that’s what Luan really is. That’s just a setting the game assigned to its main character—a kind of trial, really.
“Well… even if that’s true, Luan is still Luan.”
I spoke lightly on purpose.
Luan was Luan—handsome, kind, and occasionally, annoyingly seductive.
He fell silent for a moment, then stirred and sat up. Turning his head, he stared quietly at my face. In his violet eyes, I saw my own reflection, and for a while our gazes locked, unbroken.
Then Luan was the first to look away. His voice was tight, as if he was holding something back.
“Zoe, I…”
“Yes?”
“No, it’s nothing. It’s late—you should sleep.”
Whatever he’d been about to say, he swallowed it and lay back down. I didn’t press him either and lay my small body down as well.
“Good night, Luan.”
“You too, Zoe.”
His voice, strained and unsteady, was filled with turmoil.
If his transformation really was a curse, then there must be a way to break it. I resolved to find the key to that curse.
Watching Luan toss and turn, unable to sleep, I prayed silently.
Please, at least in his dreams, let his heart be at peace.
* * *
“The name to register under is Zoe Blanche, correct? Please confirm one more time!”
“Yes, that’s right. Register it under that name.”
At sunrise, Luan and I arrived at the Merchant Guild and successfully completed the merchant registration process.
Ruby, just wait a little longer. Big sis will bring back lots of delicious meat.
I was already exhausted from the morning, having had to stop Ruby from tagging along even though she could barely keep her eyes open.
“All confirmed! Please just fill out this form, and come back in an hour to pick up your certificate—uh, I mean, please come back!”
When we’d first entered the guild, I’d wondered if this would even work, but after Luan met with the guildmaster alone, everything proceeded like lightning.
Once again, I was reminded of the power of connections—and good looks.
Though honestly, even without that, Luan probably could’ve managed. Why?
“Amelie, did you see that guy’s face? He’s even better-looking up close. And you stole the registration from me!”
“I think I just fell in love… How can someone that beautiful exist in this backwater town? I feel dizzy…”
“Wait, isn’t registering under someone else’s name illegal?”
“Technically yes… but who cares? The guildmaster said it’s fine. And look at him—he’s so handsome. It’ll be fine.”
“True. Someone that good-looking can’t be just an ordinary person. He’s probably from some noble family.”
Every single female receptionist in the guild—without exception—had fallen under Luan’s spell. Even now, a little fan club of sorts had gathered, passionately discussing the glory of his beauty.
I couldn’t even blame them. Since coming here, I’d realized just how extraordinary his looks really were. You could tell just by walking down the street.
He’s definitely one of the main characters in this game. Which means… there has to be a key somewhere to lift that curse.
Thinking that, I sat on the waiting-room chair like a doll, quietly watching Luan fill out the paperwork.
“Oh my gosh, how cute! Hello there. You look so unusual—your mane’s pink, too…”
Just then, one of the receptionists came over and patted my head.
“Sophia, what are you doing? Wait—what is that? A foal?”
“Yes! A foal with pink mane and tail! Isn’t it adorable?”
Following her lead, another girl with green hair—apparently named Amelie—joined in.
Sophia? So that’s her name.
Sophia had bright orange hair braided neatly down her back and a dusting of freckles under her eyes. She looked younger than the others and more innocent. She carefully lifted me into her arms and hugged me close.
“Oh, that handsome guy brought you in earlier, right? You must be his pet foal.”
“Really? Hello, I’m Sophia! What’s your name?”
Oh, come on. Do you really think someone would keep a foal as a pet?
Feeling humiliated at being treated like a pet again, I teared up a little.
“Why aren’t you three working? Huh… what’s this? It really does look unique.”
“Julie! Go back to your desk!”
Another one—this time a brunette named Julie—joined the circle. The three exchanged glances and then started poking and patting me all over.
“Kyaa, it’s so cute!”
“Look at its belly—it’s so soft and squishy!”
S-stop! It tickles!
But as they petted me, it actually started to feel… kind of nice. My eyes drooped, and my mouth fell open.
A little higher… yes, right there…!
Just as I was closing my eyes to enjoy it, Luan appeared, having finished the paperwork.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
His tone was calm, but his eyes were cold as ice. The girls froze instantly, and my moment of bliss ended.
Damn… Did he see that?
Awkwardly, I glanced up at him.
“Ah, um… sorry! It was just so cute…”
“Don’t touch it without permission.”
Luan’s voice was sharp as he glared at Sophia.
“Y-yes… I’m really sorry.”
Luan walked over and snatched me out of her arms. His predatory gaze made poor Sophia shrink like a frightened rabbit.
Okay, that was… a bit much.
It was unexpected—Luan was usually so even-tempered that seeing him angry was rare.
“Luan, I’m fine.”
I mouthed the words quietly so only he could read them, and finally, the hardness in his eyes softened.
“Let’s go to the market.”
Holding me securely in his arms, Luan whispered softly.
