Chapter 268: Woodsorrel’s Circumstances
Is this an illusion?
No, youre wrong. This is a transformation technique, a secret art known among the demon fox race.
Having transformed into a human-like form, Woodsorrel was now speaking with her own voice, not through telepathy. It seemed like she wasnt just disguising her appearance with an illusion spiritual art; she had physically changed her bodys structure.
Seeing me frozen in shock, Woodsorrel chuckled mischievously like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank. Though she now appeared to be in her late teens, similar in age to Chris on the inside, she might be closer to Leo or Magna.
Wa-Wait a minute!
Ueeh?!
Woodsorrel, who had been laughing, was suddenly hit in the face by something. It wasnt a piece of cloth. but clothing that was thrown by Chris whose face was now beet red. The reason for this was probably because Woodsorrel was completely naked.
According to the values of the human species, it was embarrassing to be seen naked, and it seemed that it wasnt something that should be shown lightly to the opposite sex, even to ones own comrades. While I knew this as a fact and had adopted the custom of wearing clothes myself, Woodsorrel hadnt considered it which wasnt surprising.
However, Woodsorrel seemed to be aware of clothing. And she slipped her arms into the sleeves of the clothes handed to her by Chris with a slightly annoyed expression on her face.
Chris had thrown a coat intended for the larger members of the former republics demon soldiers. When Woodsorrel wore it, it looked like a connected top and bottom outfit on her, except the sleeves were far too long and hung loose, greatly exceeding her arms length. Woodsorrel began playfully twirling the excessively long sleeves with her hands.
So shes the one in question?
Yes. I never knew she could transform into a Furu race member, but shes definitely an acquaintance of mine.
Chris watched Woodsorrel, who was innocently playing, with a complicated expression. She didnt seem to know whether to trust her or not. This uncertainty seemed to extend to Woodsorrels comrades as well. They exchanged glances while occasionally sneaking peeks in our direction.
As I pondered how to bridge the gap between us, Lappy, yawning and apparently having fallen asleep during her studies, walked toward us. Her steps were unsteady as she approached me, but then she seemed to notice Woodsorrel. With a sleepy tilt of her head and rubbing of her eyes, Lappy made her way to Woodsorrel.
Hmm who are you?
Im Woodsorrel, from the demon fox race! And who might you be?
Lappy is Lappy. Eiiy!
After she introduced herself, Lappy made an attempt to grasp the wildly swinging sleeves that Woodsorrel was wearing. Despite Woodsorrels quick efforts to flick the sleeves away, Lappy, with her superior dynamic vision, effortlessly caught the tip of one.
Hmm, not bad! But I wont lose!
Hmm. Play together.
Perhaps irked by being caught, Woodsorrel became determined, moving the sleeves in all directions, trying to outmaneuver Lappy. Yet, Lappy easily managed to catch them again, leading to a playful battle between Woodsorrels attempts to keep her sleeves free and Lappys determination to catch them.
Though Woodsorrel appeared older, the two began playing as if they had been friends for a long time. Watching them made any sense of mutual caution seem utterly ridiculous. Handing my twin swords to Chris for safekeeping, I approached Woodsorrels companions.
Im Antares. I met Woodsorrel about eight years ago. Do any of you know about her from that time?
Thats right. We rushed out as soon as we heard misters message. We tried to stop her, but she was already here by the time we caught up.
. That must be tough, huh?
. Its nice to know you understand.
The monkey agreed with a tiered expression on his face. The monkey was probably used to being led on wild chases by the free-spirited Woodsorrel. Not just me, but even Chris, who was sitting beside me, seemed to sympathize as well and silently refilled our goblets with more fruit water without a word.
So, what will you do now? Arent you in trouble for leaving your post without permission?
Thats the problem. We need to bring big sister back, but
The monkey hesitated to continue as its gaze fell on Woodsorrel, who was playing around with Lappy. Perhaps it was reluctant to dampen the spirits of someone who played so innocently. It seemed that Woodsorrel was well-loved by her subordinates.
It appeared that I was destined to play the role of the villain. Rising from my chair, I approached and caught hold of the back collar of Woodsorrel as she attempted to escape from Lappy and successfully captured her.
Ugh?! What are you doing!
Maybe its time to go home? You came here on your own, didnt you?
Id like to say its fine but youre right. If we stay too long, therell be trouble. Lappy! Lets call it a draw for now!
Hmm. Well settle this the next time we meet.
In the brief time they had spent together, the two had seemingly come to respect each other as worthy rivals and exchanged a firm handshake. Its probably a good thing that they became friends.
As I released Woodsorrel from my grasp and let her stand on the ground, she did not dispel her transformation art and instead lightly leaped onto the bears back. It seemed she was tired from having run all the way here and then playing with Lappy. She lay face down on the bears back, completely exhausted.
Well then, Ill be heading back for now. Ill report that you were an acquaintance of mine after all. I suppose that might even get you a pass?
That would be helpful.
Oh, and I havent forgotten the promise to bear you a child. Lets go!
With those parting words, Woodsorrel tapped the bears back to signal their departure. Ah, thats right, she said something like that the last time we parted. I had forgotten about it, thinking it was impossible.
As I was recalling this, I felt a prosthetic hand placed on my shoulder. Since it was a prosthetic hand, it had to be Chris but the hand was gripping my shoulder so tightly that it creaked as if it was about to tear off my flesh.
What are you doing, Chris? Thats quite painful
What did she mean by bearing a child? Youll explain it to me, wont you?
I turned around to protest the pain in my shoulder, but my voice of complaint faded away. The reason being I felt intimidated by Chris, who was standing there when I turned around.
Chris seemed to be smiling broadly. However, her eyes were not smiling at all. At that moment, Chris felt more terrifying than even the descendant of god. I found myself explaining the meaning behind Woodsorrels words, almost as if I was making an excuse.