Episode 6
The document was yellowed at the corners, as if it hadn’t been touched by human hands for a long time. In Melis’s eyes, the title read: “Extraverted Transformation Magic – Characteristics of Beastfolk.” Vivian silently examined the document for a moment. As Vivian turned the pages carefully, a subtle emotion seemed to flicker across her face.
A little earlier, Melis had found the leaf Garulus had been playing with and thought about disguising herself entirely as a beastfolk. Hearing this, Vivian, saying she had something that could help, brought them here.
“This is a spell I almost completed but gave up on, so I think it can be finished in a day or two.”
“Really?”
Her mouth fell open in surprise. She had only imagined a simple disguise, yet she could get magical assistance. Still, Melis felt a twinge of bitterness. She, as a human, could hardly imagine the feelings of young Vivian, who had studied this magic and then abandoned it.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect much. Thank you, senpai.”
“You know it’s only possible because it’s me, right? Ah, if only I weren’t a hybrid… by now I’d probably be mentioned as a candidate for the next generation of Magi Tower masters.”
Vivian, back to her usual self, spoke casually with a teasing grin. Garulus, sticking close by her side, tugged at his clothes.
“I want to become a mantis. Isn’t there something for that?”
“Huh? Well…”
Melis picked up the document, her face full of tension.
She was really going to the Duchy of Severus. It still didn’t feel real. The reality had been overwhelming, but now that she had found a clue, she exhaled in relief. Perhaps, just perhaps, a new life was beginning to take shape.
“So… how about this time?”
Time had flown, and it was now their last night here. Conveniently, Vivian’s potion had just been completed. After taking the fifth potion, Melis hesitated and stood before the two.
With flowing light blonde hair, rounded ears, and sharp teeth, Melis appeared as a clumsy lion beastfolk, awkwardly smiling.
“I expected it, but it really doesn’t suit me.”
“I’ve never seen such a kind-looking lion beastfolk in my life.”
“If it were a real lion, it would have been culled as a cub.”
“Not threatening at all.”
“You’ll be found out immediately if you try a carnivorous beastfolk. Try a herbivore instead.”
“Tch…”
Melis clicked her tongue and reentered the room after the flood of criticism.
In front of her, twenty different kinds of potions were lined up. Of course, some had side effects. Earlier, she had taken one that turned her into an eagle beastfolk, only to have her head completely stripped bare.
Melis glared at Vivian laughing while clutching his stomach but had to admit his incredible ability. No one in the kingdom—or the entire continent—could probably create a potion that allowed transformation into a beastfolk.
“What on earth should I choose?”
Frowning slightly, she rifled through the potions. She had assumed any beastfolk form would do, but she was mistaken.
Most beastfolk transform to resemble humans during growth, but subtle animalistic traits remain, giving each species a unique aura. But seeing her as a carnivorous beastfolk, both of them shook their heads; there was not an ounce of predator spirit to be found.
Additionally, the species had to be commonly seen in the empire, and its characteristics had to be noticeable enough. The conditions were trickier than expected. Recalling the earlier advice, Melis chose the first herbivore potion she saw.
“…Elephant?”
Her ears became enormous, fluttering at the slightest movement, and small tusks barely the size of fingers jutted out. Rubbing the base of her tail, she felt a tiny tail compared to her ears.
“Hmm. Cute.”
Looking in the mirror, it felt less awkward than when she had appeared as a carnivorous beastfolk. Proud of her satisfactory result, Melis confidently threw the door open.
“How about this time!”
“Pffft!”
But again, their reactions were unexpected. Vivian burst into laughter, clutching his stomach and rolling on the floor, while Garulus pointed at her with his mouth wide open.
“Puhahaha!”
“Me-Melis!”
“Why! This one’s really fine!”
“Yo-Your nose! Your nose is dripping all over!”
“W-What? Kyaa!”
Realizing her nose had extended, Melis clutched the overflowing appendage and hurried back into the room.
“Guh, this is driving me crazy! Melis, just kill me already!”
Even with the door closed, Vivian’s laughter echoed from outside. He had warned there might be minor side effects, but a flowing nose was hardly minor!
“You fraudulent magician!”
Stomping her foot, Melis grabbed the next potion. If it had side effects again, she planned to make Vivian drink the elephant potion and tie his nose to the front door.
However, as soon as the next potion’s power began to take effect, Melis couldn’t help but stare blankly. In the mirror was the perfect beastfolk form.
Her once bright blonde hair had turned a warmer cream color, and her dark forest-green eyes had become a clear oceanic blue. The only major changes were the yellow ears sprouting from the sides of her head and a rounded tail slightly longer than her palm. Even with such small differences, her human form felt entirely distinct.
“Wow…”
So natural was the transformation that she couldn’t help but marvel. Only now did she fully understand Garulus’s words about the aura of each beastfolk. Carefully, Melis stepped outside.
“How about this time…?”
“Oh, it suits you very well!”
“Really good!”
Garulus approached her, examining her from all angles. Vivian, who usually gave harsh critiques, also looked unusually serious.
“All right, Melis.”
“Yes.”
Before her, Garulus was more serious than ever. With arms crossed and no hint of a smile, it was clear he was concentrating. Stepping forward, furrowing his brows slightly, he said:
“Say ‘ee’.”
“Ee.”
Melis opened her mouth wide, revealing her teeth. Garulus raised an eyebrow suspiciously and pressed her front teeth with his short finger.
“Hmm, this time, say ‘ah’.”
“Ah.”
Garulus leaned close as if to put his face in her mouth. Her large ears brushed against his cheek, and the earthy smell from his tail wafted to her nose.
“G-Garulus, you’re too close.”
“Stay still! One, two, three…”
After inspecting all her teeth, he finally stepped back, satisfied. The salty taste lingering in her mouth made her expression odd.
“Good. Exactly like me! No canines, teeth are very even!”
“Is that enough now?”
“No! This time, turn around. Like this!”
Garulus jumped up, hands on his sides, lifting his hips as a demonstration. When his curly brown tail swayed in front of her, Melis let out a small laugh.
“Pfft.”
“Huh? Laughing now? Be serious! The world of beastfolk isn’t a place for clumsiness!”
He shouted sternly, and she responded with an apologetic smile, turning around with fists on her sides. Garulus let out a small amazed sigh.
“Like this? How is it?”
“Oh! Incredible! A tail really grew! May I touch it?”
“Of course.”
With permission, Garulus stood on tiptoe and gently tapped the tail. Melis flinched at the unfamiliar sensation.
Even though it was her own form, it felt strange and foreign. Unlike Melis, Garulus clapped and cheered excitedly.
“Perfect! No human scent at all, exactly like a female beastfolk!”
“Really?”
“Yes! I guarantee, no one will notice you’re human! Vivian, you truly are an amazing magician!”
Hearing Garulus’s confident words eased some of her anxiety. Melis swallowed nervously, staring at her unfamiliar reflection. Right now, the only reliable support she had was Garulus, a beastfolk.
By tomorrow, she would head to the Duchy of Severus. Just thinking about it made sweat prickle on her hands and feet.
If the duke discovered that a human had infiltrated his territory disguised as a beastfolk, the punishment would be death. At the very least, death.
