Chapter 277: I'd Rather Die(2)
Chapter 277: I'd Rather Die(2)
There was no complex reason why my mother recognized me through my disguise. She said she simply knew the moment she saw me, purely by instinct.
Even though I had grown horns with Mora’s help, my physical build hadn't changed much, making the disguise useless against my own mother. She had realized it was me from the start but played along to tease me, only calling out my name to catch me off guard.
And because I had let my guard down at that exact moment, I couldn't help but look back reflexively.
As my past actions might suggest, even when I maintain a stoic expression, I tend to be a bit slow and dense. My face is an open book whenever I try to act, which is why people around me always tell me I need to practice controlling my expressions.
Regardless, the reason for the disguise—even with Mora’s divine help—had vanished. There was no point in hiding now that everyone knew I was Isaac.
However, Mora mentioned that the transformation would last for a week. In other words, if Hirt hadn't stepped in, I might have had to live as a woman for an entire week.
The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I offered another silent prayer of thanks to Lady Hirt. I wasn't joking when I said I’d rather die than be turned into a girl.
Following that series of events, I returned to the royal palace still in my demon form, with my mother in tow.
Perhaps Cecile had already sent word via communication magic, as the people in the palace merely looked at me with curiosity but otherwise treated me no differently than before.
"Do you have any idea how shocked I was at first? If your face had looked even slightly different, I might not have recognized you. Did you girls notice?"
"I realized it immediately because he lacked black mana, Mother," Cecile replied.
"What about you, Sir Cross?"
"I... well, I knew it was the Young Master instantly. It would be stranger not to know, wouldn't it?"
Somehow, my mother ended up visiting Helium—specifically the royal palace—and Cecile began to serve her with the utmost sincerity.
Showing up without any prior notice is a blatant breach of etiquette. However, my mother had never intended to visit the palace in the first place. It was Cecile who had invited her. Even if it was an impromptu decision, she held the authority as the Princess of Helium.
More importantly, this was her husband’s mother; she could overlook such a minor lapse in protocol. Besides, a fun little event had unfolded because of it, so she seemed quite satisfied. Even now, seeing her enjoy a peaceful tea time with my mother, it was clear she was having a good time rather than feeling offended.
"By the way, Isaac. Is anything... uncomfortable?"
Just when I thought we were moving past the incident smoothly, Mari, who was sitting beside me, suddenly chimed in.
Mari hadn't been there when the incident occurred, so she had been startled when she first saw my transformed appearance. Fortunately, thanks to the explanations from those around us and her unique ability to discern the truth, it didn't take her long to accept that it was me.
Did she say it was 'actually better' this way?
She had praised my new look, saying the atmosphere was completely different and that I looked even more handsome than usual. This was a sentiment shared not just by Mari, but by the others as well. While living like this wouldn't be the worst thing, I felt much more comfortable in my original form.
"Nothing is particularly uncomfortable. Why do you ask?"
"I’ve heard that Lady Mora is quite the prankster. I was worried she might have done something strange to you."
A prank... Right before she turned me into a demon, she had actually tried to change my gender. Fortunately, that plan was scrapped after she received a "back smash" from her mother, Hirt.
But since turning into a demon, nothing had really changed. Even the horns were more like accessories that I could just take off later; only my appearance had been altered.
Well, that and the scent coming from my body. Because I had been doused in Mora’s divine power during this incident, I now smelled of peaches instead of lilacs. It was a natural fragrance that proved I had received Mora’s "love," and it was much more intense than the peach scent that occasionally wafted from Cecile.
"Ah. I almost forgot about that. I was a victim of Lady Mora’s pranks once, too."
Cecile interjected after hearing Mari’s question. At the mention of her being a victim, everyone’s eyes, including Mari’s, turned toward her.
I had heard this story directly from Mora. She had once stolen all the fat from Cecile’s chest—her pride and joy. Even though it was a prank, Cecile had become so depressed that even Mora had felt bad and returned it quickly.
"A victim? How?"
"My chest became a flat board. There was absolutely nothing to feel."
Instinctively, everyone’s gaze drifted toward Cecile’s chest. Their eyes were filled with doubt. It was hard to believe that such a substantial layer of fat could just vanish.
However, our Mari was a girl who always had whimsical thoughts. As if a fun idea had struck her, she wore a mischievous smirk and tossed a comment at Cecile.
"Wasn't it the opposite? You were originally flat, but with Lady Mora’s help..."
"It was not! I inherited this from my mother! Don't talk nonsense."
It had been a while since I’d seen Cecile get so worked up. It meant Mari’s jab had landed perfectly. Mari, knowing this, giggled like a naughty child. Cecile, her face slightly flushed with indignation, quickly changed the subject by questioning me.
"Anyway, Isaac, you should go and check if anything else has changed. You know what I mean, right?"
"Go check quickly, if only for our sake."
I had a pretty good idea of what they were implying. Even Adelia, though she remained silent, had a similar look on her face. They were likely teasing me because it could be deeply related to their nights together. Given Mora’s playful personality, it wasn't an impossible concern.
I headed to the restroom to double-check. To be honest, after hearing Cecile’s story, I felt a bit uneasy myself.
Fortunately, nothing had changed. It seemed Mora really had only changed my appearance after being scolded by Hirt. The horns on my head were a bit annoying, but they didn't interfere with daily life. I carefully examined my reflection in the mirror before returning to my seat.
"Well? Is anything different?"
"Surely the part we were worried about hasn't... changed?"
"Not at all. You don't have to worry."
The three women looked relieved at my firm answer. Judging by their reactions, they had been genuinely concerned.
Instead of feeling absurd, I felt a bit embarrassed. After all, my mother was sitting right there with us. But my mother just smiled warmly and elegantly took a sip of her tea.
"Every time I see this, I can't help but think our Isaac is quite blessed with women. It’s strange, considering your older brother and sister have no interest in the opposite sex."
"Maybe I take after Father?"
"Your father did meet me, didn't he? If anything, you're exactly like him."
"Me?"
I blinked at the suggestion that I was like my father. In my eyes, my father was the epitome of a devoted man who only had eyes for my mother. Even now, their relationship was so harmonious that Lily’s birth was proof of how much they were meant for each other.
On the other hand, look at me. I already had three women I had spent the night with, and I was dating them all simultaneously. In that sense, saying I was like my father felt like an insult to him in many ways. At least from my perspective, my father was the definition of pure, single-minded love.
"You might not know this, but your father was just as popular as you are. Think about it. He was a commoner who rose to become the Commander of the Navy Knights through sheer martial prowess, and he was ruggedly handsome to boot. He was like a knight straight out of a fairy tale; there was no way he wouldn't be popular with women."
"...You're not saying I have half-siblings out there or anything, right?"
My mother waved her hand dismissively at my anxious question.
"That was only during his hot-blooded youth. He exercised self-restraint once he got older and gained a sense of responsibility. That was when he met me."
From the sounds of it, my father’s life seemed just as eventful as mine. I didn't know the exact details of his past, but I had heard how he met my mother. Though I didn't know the specifics, they had apparently fallen for each other at first sight.
Furthermore, my mother was the one who had comforted his soul when it was ravaged by PTSD during his time as Commander. Her support had continued since his active duty days, so my father’s love for her was unwavering. I suspected there was more to the story of why he disliked noble power struggles and chose to accept a barony and a rural estate.
Still, seeing them so passionately in love even past their forties, the term "soulmates" didn't seem enough. I watched my mother, whose face softened just at the thought of my father, and asked a question that suddenly piqued my curiosity.
"Mother, was Father your first and last man?"
"Of course."
"Did you ever get confessed to by other men?"
"There were a few, but I rejected them all. Every single one of them was weaker than me. On the other hand, look at your father. Isn't he such a reliable and wonderful knight?"
"..."
She was truly head over heels. But I wondered just how strong someone had to be to meet my mother’s standards. This was a woman who could crush fruit into oblivion with her bare grip. I was starting to get curious about how those two actually met.
It wasn't something like dropping a bear, like in some manga, was it?
Since this was a fantasy world, it wasn't entirely impossible. Regardless, they seemed like they would be happy until the day they died, so there was no need to worry about their future. Perhaps this was why the gods had reincarnated me into the Maishal family. I offered another silent thanks to the gods.
"So, Isaac, you should make sure to satisfy your loves without showing favoritism. Your circle might grow even larger in the future, so make sure to keep exercising regularly."
"I don't really plan on adding more..."
"Let's see. Let me count them—"
"I'm sorry."
"If you're sorry, then repay your brides-to-be with love and affection. Love isn't something that can be divided, but it can be quenched like drinking water when you're thirsty. If you respond with indifference, their thirst will only grow deeper."
My mother’s nagging was rooted in her concern and affection for me. I listened to her words intently. She wasn't wrong. Indifference is worse than harassment; humans are creatures that crave affection.
Even if they feel a sense of favoritism, indifference is the one thing that must be avoided. In fact, feeling favoritism is often a result of not receiving enough attention. This advice applied not just to me but to my lovers sitting at the table, drawing everyone’s focus.
My mother slowly won them over with her characteristically gentle and thoughtful way of speaking. Her words had a power that naturally drew people in.
"So, you girls should also be understanding even if Isaac’s women increase. Understood?"
"Don't worry. I spent the night with Isaac knowing full well what I was getting into," Cecile replied.
"Me too. I became the woman of the savior who rescued the demons, so I'm the one who ended up with a man far better than I deserve."
"I-I feel the same. I just... I just like the Young Master..."
Thanks to my mother’s ability to command the atmosphere, a warm and harmonious scene unfolded, leaving me with no room to intervene. But since it was a pleasant sight, I decided to just relax and drink my tea. It was then, as I took a sip of the sweet-smelling tea, that Cecile spoke up.
"Oh, that’s right. Isaac?"
"Yeah?"
Cecile, who had been laughing and chatting, called my name. I set down my teacup and looked at her, wondering what she had to say. As soon as our eyes met, she stared at me intently, her face flushing slightly before she cleared her throat.
Seeing her reaction, I tilted my head in confusion, and she asked me, "Are you sure nothing else changed? Like... something getting smaller or anything like that?"
"Nothing. I even checked in the restroom earlier."
"Are you sure? I'm going to check tonight, you know."
"I'm telling you, I'm sure."
"Hmm. That’s a bit strange."
What was strange? Everyone, including myself, looked at Cecile with questioning eyes. She took in our gazes and explained the oddity she felt.
"When Lady Mora plays a prank, it doesn't usually end with just that. You can tell just by looking at how your hair stays long instead of getting shorter."
As Cecile said, this hair of mine showed no signs of getting shorter. No matter how much I cut it, it would grow back at some point. I had practically given up on it and stopped caring, but thinking about it now, this was also Mora’s preference.
"For someone like her to give you a simple disguise... Honestly, she’s not the type to pull such a mundane prank."
"Cecile, are you worried your chest is going to disappear again?" Mari asked. She seemed to have grasped what kind of goddess Mora was through our conversation.
"Even back then, I don't know what kind of future she saw, but I got it back immediately."
"Maybe you got a little extra—sorry."
When Mari tried to tease her, Cecile’s red eyes shot her a sharp glare. Mari immediately apologized and looked away, pretending to be busy with something else.
As I suppressed a laugh at the rare sight, Cecile sighed and continued.
"...Anyway, Lady Mora isn't one for trivial pranks, so I'm just saying this out of concern. If there really is nothing, I’ll have to go to the temple and apologize."
"Hmm..."
Cecile was asking because she had been burned by Mora before. In fact, Mora had tried to change my gender before I turned into a demon. If Hirt hadn't stopped her, I would have been a victim without question.
I took a sip of tea and thought about it, deciding it wouldn't hurt to mention it. It was in the past, after all.
"It’s not like there was nothing. She showed me another form before I turned into a demon."
"Another form?"
"Yeah. She tried to change my gender. Fortunately, Lady Hirt stopped her..."
I had to stop mid-sentence because of the barrage of stares suddenly directed at me. Being hit with so many different colored gazes at once was quite flustered.
The common thread among them was a deep, intense curiosity. I couldn't help but stammer with a bewildered expression.
"W-what? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"That’s actually a little..."
Mari, who was staring at me, slowly turned her head to look at Cecile.
"I might be curious. What about you, Adelia?"
Cecile, taking the baton from Mari, turned her gaze toward Adelia.
"I'm also a little... What do you think, Mother?"
Startled by the attention, Adelia stammered before shyly passing the question to my mother. Finally, my mother stared intently at my face, then spoke with a bright smile.
"Shall we go back to the temple?"
"..."
I’d rather choose death.
Perhaps noticing the resolute determination in my expression, my mother waved her hand and joked.
"It’s a joke, a joke. I'm curious, but if Isaac hates it, there’s nothing we can do. Instead, can you just tell us?"
"Tell you what?"
"About the appearance. Since you refused so vehemently, I'm sure she must have shown you what you’d look like."
She did show me. Very kindly, in a full-length mirror. It was what I would look like if I changed gender, and also what Lily would look like when she grew up.
Did I really have to say it out loud? But looking at their expectant faces, it was hard to refuse. After agonizing over it for a long time, I let out a deep sigh and reluctantly began to explain.
"Even if I changed, it wasn't much. I just looked like a shorter version of Nicole, but with red hair."
"What about the figure? What was the figure like?"
"The figure, well..."
At the question about the figure, I reflexively looked at Cecile. Specifically, toward her chest, which boasted an overwhelming presence.
Should I tell them it was even bigger than that? Cecile’s size was already hard to believe; if I said it was bigger than hers, they wouldn't believe me easily. But being naturally unable to lie, I spoke the truth.
"What’s certain is that... a certain part seemed bigger than Cecile’s."
"Oh my. That much?"
"Hey. Don't joke. I've rarely seen anyone bigger than me, let alone someone like me."
Not just my mother, but Cecile also reacted with disbelief. However, Mari seemed to have a different thought. She appeared to be deep in thought for a moment, then quietly stood up and approached Cecile. Since Mari was sitting on my left and Cecile on my right, she had to get up.
Cecile looked puzzled as Mari approached her. Then, at Mari’s gesture to lend her an ear, she did so without suspicion.
"...Aha."
Cecile nodded as if she had realized something. I didn't know what they had talked about, but she looked convinced. Mari didn't stop there and whispered something to Adelia as well. Adelia also showed a look of understanding.
I had no idea what was said, but seeing how Cecile and even Adelia were glancing at a certain area, I could guess the gist of it.
"Oh my, oh my."
"What do you think? Doesn't it make sense?"
"It’s a very plausible story."
Finally, even my mother reacted with interest. Unlike the others, she just giggled like a young girl and didn't look at any inappropriate places.
I watched their reactions and silently drank my coffee. At the same time, I made a firm resolution.
I must never tell them that’s what Lily will look like in the future.
If I did, I might truly have to choose death then.
"Isaac."
"Yes, Mother."
"I won't ask about Jin’s death, so can't you just change once? This mother of yours is asking."
"I'm not dying."
And if I had to choose between death and spoilers, I’d choose the spoilers.
For now.
I had successfully extended my life for the moment. Thanks to that, the pleasant atmosphere continued until the end of tea time.
*
"No! It’s my turn today! Why are you suddenly changing it?"
"Well, my mind changed after seeing the new Isaac. How can I stay still after seeing him like this?"
Instead, a fierce battle broke out at night. Normally, today was Mari’s turn. But Cecile, who seemed to have taken a real liking to my new appearance, tried to hijack it. Apparently, my demon form appealed to her so much that her latent desires were stirred up.
For these reasons, I was caught between Cecile and Mari, my arms held by both as I was pulled back and forth.
"Adelia! Help me out! Don't you think Cecile is being too selfish?"
Mari appealed to Adelia for support, her voice full of grievance. Adelia, having spent a passionate night with me yesterday, had been planning to step aside today. But she was just as flustered. Being particularly shy in these situations, she could only hover anxiously.
"Um... please, both of you, calm down. You're making the Young Master uncomfortable."
"What would you do if you were in my shoes, Adelia? Isn't it unfair?"
"W-well, that’s true, but..."
Life in Helium continued very peacefully.
"Then it can't be helped. We’ll just have to do it together. Adelia, you join in too."
"What?"
"Cecile?"
"Isaac is a public good, so we should share him fairly. Seeing as he even smells like peaches, he must have received plenty of divine power from Lady Mora. He can probably handle it, right?"
Truly.
"Hmm... it’s annoying, but that definitely makes sense. It’ll be better for stamina distribution."
"Mari?"
"Why that face? You brought this on yourself, so you have to deal with it. Don't you agree, Adelia?"
"I, I..."
"As the primary wife, I'm giving an order. Join us. Don't you want to get even closer to us?"
"...Understood."
A re~ally peaceful (exhausting) summer vacation continued.
*
At that time, Gartz, who had brought Isaac’s mother, Anna...
"Sir Balak must be feeling wronged. How could he refuse a request from his benefactor’s mother? But he must be punished for putting our benefactor in a difficult spot. Don't you agree?"
"...Yes."
"Then hand over all the signed copies. We’ll consider that the punishment."
He was undergoing a punishment that was hardly a punishment at all.