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 –

*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?