Episode 43

“…”

“The ears are gone too.”

In response to Zerakiel’s calm observation, I lifted my stiff arms to touch the top of my head.

They’re gone.

Really gone!

The ferret ears that were always attached to my head had completely disappeared. Zerakiel’s pheromones must have been effective.

Realizing this, I was overcome with emotion.

“Yay!”

Excited, I immediately hugged Zerakiel, who was right next to me.

“I can now fully transform into a human!”

“Alright, but calm dow—”

He weakly tried to push me away, but I wasn’t about to be dissuaded.

“Hehe! Thank you, Zerakiel! I take back all the anger I had towards you!”

I was so elated that I hugged him again. Being able to transform completely into a human made me so happy that I wanted to hug someone and sing.

I was clinging to him joyfully when…

“Ahem!”

Zakari cleared his throat and then spoke.

“Isn’t it a bit too early for this?”

Before I could even interpret his words, Zerakiel had already pushed me away forcefully, this time with more strength.

I found myself pushed to the seat next to him and looked at Zerakiel. His ears seemed to be turning red.

Behind him, Zakari clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“Youngsters these days…”

“It’s not like that.”

“Hide your blushing face and make your excuses.”

At Zakari’s words, Zerakiel muttered a low curse and turned his gaze away. His ears were still red, indicating that he couldn’t hide his embarrassment.

Realizing the situation, I too felt my face heating up belatedly.

I had gotten too carried away without thinking.

After all, fully transforming into a human was only beneficial to me.

Feeling sheepish, I lowered my head and touched my cheeks when a hand warmer than mine covered my face.

As I lifted my head, guided by the careful touch, I saw Zerakiel had returned to his calm demeanor.

“Why did you suddenly become gloomy?”

“Nothing.”

“I can never understand what goes on in that little head of yours.”

As Zerakiel looked puzzled, Zakari casually commented.

“You could always split it open to find out.”

What a simple solution.

Forgetting my embarrassment, I glared at Zakari. At that moment, Zerakiel redirected my gaze back to him.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t said this yet.”

“…”

“Congratulations on successfully transforming into a human, Cersia Jabisi.”

Zerakiel smiled broadly. Strangely, his words made my heart swell, and the earlier sorrow vanished instantly.

Had he noticed how embarrassed I was by my late joyous reaction to the transformation?

“This time, you can hug me properly.”

Ready now.

Zerakiel spread his arms playfully. Without hesitation, I threw myself into his embrace. His steady hold was much different from earlier, bringing me a sense of comfort.

* * *

After the council meeting ended rather anticlimactically, something strange started happening.

Everywhere I went, eyes followed me.

“Is that the one? The one who slapped Zerakiel?”

“Not just a slap! Slapped him on both cheeks and even kicked his jaw.”

Familiar faces among the elders whispered as they watched me. It was quite bothersome as they didn’t even bother hiding their stares.

After reluctantly agreeing to the marriage, the elders began hovering around, whispering every day.

The constant gazes were uncomfortable and made me feel scrutinized, as if they were waiting to see how remarkable I was.

Surprisingly, none of them approached me, as if they had been warned off. They only whispered from a distance.

‘Did Zerakiel say something?’

He was the only likely suspect. Given his attitude in the meeting, it was a reasonable suspicion.

“Eek.”

A nearby elder quickly looked away when our eyes met, as if afraid of catching a disease. This reminded me of how my relatives in my past life avoided me, making me feel dejected.

“I’m not a disease…”

Despite my frustration, what could I do? As an outsider suddenly claiming a spot, it was natural for them to be wary.

Regardless, I strolled through the garden with Ayla.

With spring in full bloom, the Jabisi castle was filled with blooming flowers. The fragrant scent lifted my spirits as I buried my nose in a flower.

“Do you like it that much?”

“Yes!”

“Shall I pick some for your room?”

“Can you do that?”

“Of course. Now, everything in this territory belongs to you, Lady Cersia.”

Ayla smiled warmly as she brought her hand to her mouth… then, sensing my gaze, hid it behind her back. Though she couldn’t hide her flaring nostrils, it was still progress.

“Cersia…”

I softly murmured my unfamiliar name.

‘Congratulations on successfully transforming into a human, Cersia Jabisi.’

Suddenly, Zerakiel’s words came to mind. It was inevitable. I gently touched my flushed cheeks.

Zerakiel, who said he didn’t know what was in my head, acted as if he could see everything in an instant. It was strange.

He begs like a madman and then suddenly gets serious. The gap is so wide that it constantly makes me feel ticklish all over.

“Achoo!”

Ah, was it because of the pollen?

I rubbed my itchy nose with my hand. Spring must be making my heart flutter.

As I started picking flowers, Ayla helped me by my side. There were so many beautiful flowers that it was quite difficult to choose.

After watching me for a while, Ayla called out softly.

“Miss Chichi.”

“Hmm?”

“Isn’t this enough now?”

“Huh? …Oh!”

At her words, I looked at the basket. And I was shocked.

‘When did I pick so many?’

I was so absorbed in picking flowers that the basket was now overflowing. Am I going mad just by being in the Jabis castle?

Although I didn’t wear flowers in my hair, I knew my behavior was excessive.

‘I was so happy that winter was over that I didn’t realize.’

Cold sweat broke out.

I felt like I needed to come up with an excuse, so I quickly thought of something and shouted.

“A, as a gift!”

“A gift?”

“The elders don’t think highly of me, right? Wouldn’t giving them flowers improve things?”

And it would be nice if they stopped staring at me so much.

Muttering uncertainly, Ayla’s lips trembled slightly. She frowned as if in pain and said,

“So, you were worried about that.”

“…”

“Don’t worry! If there are any elders who refuse the flowers you give, I’ll risk my life to cut off their heads!”

“But they’re elders…”

“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure no one dares to look down on you, Miss Chichi. You trust me, right?”

Ayla clenched her fists with a determined look on her face. It was a relief that those fists didn’t end up in her mouth.

No, it would be a bigger problem if those fists ended up on the elders’ faces.

I quietly held her hand. I keep forgetting that she’s not normal either.

As someone at least a bit normal, I have to stop this.

“I’ll handle the elders. Ayla, lower your fists.”

“Yes…”

Ayla awkwardly lowered her fists. Glancing at her clenched fists, it was clear she still wanted to do something with them.

And so, the improvised flower delivery began.