Chapter 163

Chapter 163

163 : Trick and Treat / To put it simply, the story went like this. A few years ago, as the royal family of the Kilkard Kingdom reached out for the Etheric Herbs, the price of the herbs gradually soared in the base cities near the Great Forest. Originally, Etheric Herbs were popular for their efficacy in strengthening the body, but their price remained reasonable. Even if it was a spiritual herb that had accumulated natural energy for decades, the effect was not significant if the person who consumed it was an ordinary mortal. If one did not have the skill to manage the accumulated internal energy, the gathered natural energy would slowly flow out of the body. Moreover, in this world where martial arts were rare, the concept of managing internal energy was faint. Naturally, the value of Etheric Herbs was not properly established compared to their worth. However, the situation changed after the Kilkard royal family intervened. The royal family began to purchase Etheric Herbs in large quantities, and naturally, the price of the herbs began to rise little by little. It was around that time that thieves began to run rampant. Not everything in the world flows like perfectly fitting gears. Everything has gaps and loopholes, and especially state-level bureaucratic administration, foolish mistakes, and greedy corruption were repeated errors. The affairs of the royal family were not much different, and honest thieves who kept their limits drank the royal gold that flowed out through those gaps. Of course, the royal family of a country is not a group that would just be taken advantage of. While the kingdom’s local officials and those in charge were desperately trying to cover up the holes in the finances with accounting manipulations, the Kilkard royal family announced a way to transport the herbs more safely and economically. If the existing transportation was done sporadically from each base city to the royal family, now they would designate an intermediate stop, and from there, the royal family’s knights would form a special escort to transport the herbs directly. In simple terms, the Etheric Herbs purchased from various base cities would gather in one city in an instant. In a way, it was a policy that properly demonstrated the royal family’s view on Etheric Herbs. They were dispatching knights, symbolizing the royal family’s power. And Aiden had a plan to steal those Etheric Herbs. “…That sounds incredibly dangerous.” “Yeah. If we get caught, it’s probably a death sentence.” “And you still want to do it?” “Sometimes you have to do dangerous things, right?” I understood Aiden’s feelings. Unlike the demonic energy of monsters, which is toxic to humans from the start, Etheric Herbs, which have gathered minute natural energy for decades, are one of the few safe ways to obtain tremendous internal energy in this world. To a martial artist, martial arts are as precious as life, and the elixirs that enhance those martial arts are equally valuable. I understood why he said we had to do dangerous things, but I had a slightly different thought. “Isn’t it too dangerous? Besides…” I pondered over the things Aiden had said one by one. The increase in the royal family’s demand for Etheric Herbs. The formation of a royal family’s direct escort. That meant that the Kilkard Kingdom had found a new way to use Etheric Herbs, and the effect was so attractive that the royal family had to intervene. It was obvious who had found the method. The Kilkard royal family’s knight princess, Triscelina Lu Reinishis. One of our old friends who possessed knowledge from another world was probably behind it. Otherwise, there would be no reason for the value of Etheric Herbs, which had been quiet until now, to suddenly skyrocket. “…No matter how I think about it, it seems like the knight princess is involved?” “Probably. That’s why I’m worried now.” “Whether to steal the herbs or not?” “Yeah.” “…Do you have the confidence to steal them?” “Hey, I’m pretty good, you know?” Aiden shouted back, but I thought differently. If the escort is the royal knights, they will most likely operate the Dragon Knights. With subspace artifacts and the Dragon Knights, they could move a lot of herbs in an instant. Would it be possible to sneak through them and steal them? And even if it was possible, if Triscelina was involved in this process, I would be reluctant. If she was the architect of this plan, or even slightly involved, there would be damage. …But, if you think about it differently, there is a way. “It would be good to meet and discuss this issue together.” “Meet together?” Aiden tilted his head at my words. Did he not understand who I was suggesting we meet with? I felt the need to be more precise and opened my mouth. “I’m talking about Triscelina. The knight princess.” “…What?” Aiden looked bewildered at my words. “You said there’s still time before the herbs arrive, so why don’t we just ask the owner if we can steal them?” “Wait, you’re saying we should ask the owner of the goods if we can steal them?” “That’s right.” When I affirmed his question, Aiden looked thoughtful for a moment. After a while, he nodded as if he understood. “That’s…not entirely unreasonable.” Even if she is a member of the royal family, she is just a princess. She cannot carry out royal-level projects on her own, and especially purchasing large quantities of expensive Etheric Herbs is not something that can be done without a good reason. “No matter how precious the herbs are, if the royal family is forming an escort, it’s too much for an individual to use. There’s no reason to allow the princess to use that much personally. If the royal family is buying that much Etheric Herbs, it probably means…” “…She has revealed a method to apply it to other knights as well. And quite effectively.” Aiden took my words. It felt like we were on the same page. “Yeah, maybe she can use alchemy.” “Elixirs…well, that’s a possibility too. If it’s a decent orthodox martial art, there will be a few secrets that even beginners can use.” Alchemy, which turns elixirs into pills, is the easiest way to strengthen mortals into superhumans. To those who do not know martial arts, Etheric Herbs are just slightly better herbs, but the story is different if you know martial arts. Since there is almost no natural energy in the world, Etheric Herbs are not comparable to the legendary elixirs in knowledge, but they are still elixirs in their own right. It is enough to make humans stronger. “…In the end, the key is how involved she is.” “That’s right. We need to discuss that part.” If Triscelina directly led this herb transportation, we cannot steal it. But even if, by any chance, someone other than her led this plan, there is a glimmer of possibility. If she is being checked by someone within the royal family… ‘…No, that’s too far.’ I shook my head, denying the thought that came to mind. You can’t predict everything with just guesswork. At this stage, the only information we know is that Triscelina is our friend, and that the Kilkard royal family came to purchase the herbs because of her, but everything else was vague. “Haa, damn it. I made such a big noise…” “It’s okay. Sometimes you can’t keep your promises.” Aiden sighed and grumbled, but I comforted him. “Is that what you call comfort?” “…Then shall I comfort you in a different way?” “Ah, no. That’s okay.” When I asked slyly, Aiden shook his head in embarrassment. But it’s too late to back out now. I had intended to sleep with him from the start. However, there are still things to talk about. “I’m going to leave for the Lanche barony soon.” “…Lanche, as in, Kim Ah-ram?” “Yeah, she was admitted to Perzanta, but it seems like life there was a bit difficult.” “If it’s there…that’s to be expected. If you don’t have money or power, you won’t even be able to pick up the bones.” I haven’t heard the exact story, so I don’t know what happened, but it seemed clear that she was mentally exhausted. I don’t know what I can do, but I was thinking of going and listening to her worries. “Then, I need to find a way to contact the knight princess in the meantime.” “Oh, right. I’ll ask about that while I’m there.” “…Ask?” “Lucy said she talked to her directly. I’ve had suspicions for a while, but she caught the evidence.” If she revealed that she was a friend from a past life, she would have left a way to contact her somehow. If I go to the Lanche barony and communicate with her, I might be able to ask about the herbs. “…Then, what are you going to do about the herbs?” When we came to a certain conclusion, Emily, who had been listening to our story, asked. I haven’t made a decision on that part yet, but Aiden answers as if he has already made up his mind. “For now, I’ll have to move with Ryla too.” Does that mean he’s going to accompany me to the Lanche barony? When I looked at him with a questioning gaze, Aiden nodded as if my guess was correct. “You never know? She might give us permission to steal them.” “…” I can’t say that’s wrong. And, as for me, it’s not bad if he accompanies me. I can introduce another friend to Lucy, and it won’t be boring on the way if he’s there. As the story ended and silence lingered for a moment, Emily, who had been sitting quietly, asked a question. “So, is the story over?” “It seems like it’s mostly over. The rest is information that we can only know by finding out directly.” I nodded to Emily and took the Kali she was holding and placed it on the cushion on the floor. “Gyarung…” I stroked the sleeping Kali once and looked at Aiden. He had a thoughtful expression on his face. Was he also having complicated thoughts? Well, since he had learned new things, he would have to revise his plan as well. It’s only natural that he’s having complicated thoughts. …But, the story isn’t over here yet. I cautiously spoke to Aiden, who was contemplating. “You’re going to stay tonight, right?” “…Huh?” He asked back as if he had heard unexpected words. Looking at Aiden like that, I burst into laughter. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. This is a brothel, right?” “That’s true, but…” “You slept with Emily, but you weren’t going to do it with me? I’m a little sad.” “Wa, wait a minute. Why is the story going that way?” Seeing Aiden flustered, I felt amused. Is it inevitable that I find that appearance cute? In some ways, it would be fortunate. Even though I am a woman who can only crave the affection of men, I can think of Aiden as a little special. Not only Aiden, but all of my friends from my past life are special, but among them, the fact that Aiden is a man is important. “Well…I’m very fond of men. So much so that I can’t live without them.” “…How did you become like this?” “I don’t know either.” To Aiden’s surprised question, I answered with a bitter smile. When did I become like this? I don’t know. However, I was sure that it was inevitable that I would become like this. Originally, freshness does not last long. It was only a matter of time before the clarity of the mind after awakening became blurred. Rebirth is to evolve humans to suit martial arts. Since the mind flows along with the body, I could not resist the martial arts engraved on my body. It was only a moment of regaining my senses, and at some point, I needed men again. “…Are you okay?” What was the reason for that question? Looking at his worried expression, I smiled and answered. “Of course, I’m okay.” // The reason why I consider Aiden special is simple. Even though I obtained the body of a demon through rebirth, I didn’t have many opportunities to experience that body. In fact, it was practically non-existent.

Humans in this world are susceptible to superstition, despite the existence of magic. Perhaps it’s because of magic that they’re so superstitious. Moreover, the presence of the Holy Order, spread throughout the continent, also plays a part. They despise monsters, and it’s obvious they’d drool over me, who looks like a monster at first glance. Therefore, I couldn’t reveal my true form carelessly. But it’s different in front of Aiden. “I’ve heard I’m a bit different?” “…Different?” “Looks like you haven’t heard.” I glanced at Emily, and she shrugged, adding, “I thought you should tell him yourself.” “…Is that so?” There’s nothing harmful in telling him first. It wouldn’t bother me if she revealed everything about me, but I appreciated the consideration. “…Well, my story is a bit shocking for the one receiving it.” “Right. To be honest, I was a bit taken aback by the salamander thing.” “…Hey, wait a minute. What’s with the salamander?” Aiden asked, sounding ominous, during our conversation. But Emily and I just looked at each other and smiled, not answering him. I figured he’d guessed to some extent from his ominous question, but it would be fine to tell him the specifics later. After laughing like that, I warned Aiden. “Don’t be too surprised.” “About what?” “What’s about to happen.” I said lightly and then released the transformation.

-Swish.

With the feeling of something peeling away from me, I returned to my original purple skin after a long time. It was like the liberation of throwing off uncomfortable clothes that covered my whole body. Shapeshifting isn’t difficult. However, if it lasts for a long time, something unnatural is bound to be felt. That’s why I sometimes secretly returned to my true form. And Aiden, seeing me like that, looked stunned and dazed. “…..Huh?” It’s no wonder he’s surprised. Eerie purple skin and yellow eyes that shine even in the dark. The black pupils are far from human characteristics. If someone you thought was a friend from a past life suddenly turned into something grotesque, wouldn’t you be surprised? “Amazing, right?” But even if he’s surprised, there’s no reason to be scared. I’m still Seohyun and Laila. And Aiden completely lived up to my expectations. “….Is this, for real?” The emotion on his face as he asked back wasn’t fear, but bewilderment. That was the emotion I wanted from him. I would have preferred lust if possible, but this isn’t bad for now. “It’s fantasy. We have knight princesses, so wouldn’t it be okay to have a demon or two?” “When you put it like that, it’s convincing.” “Right?” “But why are you the only demon?” “That’s… I’ll tell you later. It’s a bit of a long story.” Aiden shook his head as if he couldn’t understand, but whether he understood or not, my appearance wasn’t going to change. I stood in front of Aiden with a subtle smile. “How is it? Does it turn you on a little?” “….” He doesn’t answer. What answers is his erect lower body. “Hmph, looks like you like it.” “….Damn it. Yeah. It’s fucking hot. Happy?” “No, not yet.” At Aiden’s honest admission, I smiled deeply and twisted my black hair, bunching it up near my temples on both sides. Emily, who was next to me, seemed to realize what it was and smiled, but Aiden tilted his head, looking at me. “…What are you doing?” “I’ll show you something fun.” It wouldn’t be fun if I said it in advance. I answered briefly and then injected internal energy into the bunched-up hair, transforming it. Through the cells of the doppelganger, which can be manipulated freely, I hardened the hair, which was originally soft, and connected it to my skin and bones. I hadn’t just been playing around either. My martial arts had improved, but my shapeshifting skills had also improved just as much. As soon as I created two horns on my head, Aiden opened his mouth in shock. “….You, don’t tell me.” “Hmm, do you perhaps know what this is?” “…..” Is that hesitation him pondering? He must know that the moment he hesitates, it becomes an answer. “…Horns.” “No, these are handles.” I corrected Aiden’s words, which he uttered with difficulty, and then sat down in front of him. At a height where the man could look down at me. And at a height where he could reach out and grab the horns formed on my head. Aiden, seen from that height, resembled a boy suppressing his desire. “….” A chilling anticipation ran down my spine. What’s about to happen will be different from the other relationships I’ve experienced before. I’ve never been held by a man in this body yet. Since it’s an unknown experience I’ve never had before, the anticipation swelling in my heart is indescribably great. With that anticipation, I delivered the final blow to Aiden. “Oh, by the way, I can change the inside of my mouth too?” …There was no need to say more than that. / ———= Author’s Notes ———= Slightly modified the content.