Alchemy Conference (3)
The hotel lobby, adorned with lavish decorations, was surprisingly quiet late at night. Terria handled the greetings from the mages with surprising skill, checking in for the conference in a flash. The problem was me. Or rather, my body. The few people still lingering in the lobby couldn't help but stare.
"Hey, isn't that Ariel? First time seeing him bring someone along."
"Looks like a slave attendant. A beastkin, maybe? Fox beastkin?"
"No way. What the hell is a beastkin doing here? They should've all just died off, those filthy things."
Even Terria hadn't anticipated this; his face showed clear discomfort. Beastkin were treated worse than slaves these days. Without Terria in my body there, I might've been kidnapped and sold to a brothel on the spot. That was one reason I'd kept him locked away as much as possible. He'd had humanization magic on back then, but it could've worn off.
What was funny was how those initial thoughts evaporated once they got a good look at the slave. She was just that stunning.
"Damn, but she's gorgeous. You know what I mean, right?"
"Has to be. Mr. Great Mage, always acting superior—turns out he likes women after all."
"Hell, if I had a slave like that, I'd fuck her senseless every night. Tsk, lucky bastard."
I could hear every word, you creeps. My ears were sharp as hell. Disgusting perverts. Even pulling my hat low couldn't hide my face because of these ears. They were talking about this body—which used to be Terria's—so she should be the one embarrassed, but he looked totally unfazed. In fact, he was smirking faintly. What the hell was he thinking? And why were my cheeks burning like fire? Even my tail felt flushed.
I couldn't take hearing more; it'd drive me insane. I tugged at Terria's sleeve as he walked ahead. He glanced back, and I whispered in a mosquito-like voice.
"Let's go... quick."
But Terria's expression hardened, his voice stiff. "Say it again."
Shit, mistake. His eyes demanded I play the act with people watching. I corrected myself in a panic.
"Qu-quick... ugh. Please, go quick..."
"That's better." My tongue tripped over the words. Terria shook his head pityingly. For some reason, I felt a twinge of shame.
We headed to the front desk to confirm our reserved room. Then came the bolt from the blue.
"Lord Ariel, room 306."
"Uh... is there only one room provided?"
"Yes. Your registration listed one attendee, so the organizers assigned just one."
Terria hesitated mid-conversation with the staff, looking thrown. Or maybe, given how he'd acted all day, he was thrilled.
"Any spare rooms?"
"Sorry, none right now. Should've come earlier. Want priority if one opens during the conference?"
"Yeah, do that."
Terria took the key and headed for the stairs. I trailed after him like a lost puppy. One room, but two beds. Should I be relieved or bummed? I couldn't decide.
From leaving the lab, Terria had nailed my persona perfectly in front of people. No one would guess a woman was inside. I recalled those lobby comments.
Any guy with a dick would pounce on a slave like that...
Adding in how he'd toyed with my body so far, fear hit me. Nah, no way. He wouldn't. Right? Probably not. If he wanted to fuck, he could've done it anytime today. In the end, there was nothing I could do. I just hoped he'd keep his male ego in check. Getting raped by a man sounded utterly, horrifyingly awful.
I collapsed onto the bed the moment we entered the room and passed out instantly. Physically and mentally exhausting day. I slept so deeply, someone could've carried me off unnoticed. When I woke, it was morning.
The view from the window was nice. The conference must've booked a decent hotel. The whole world was white. Snow poured down, blanketing everything like a fresh canvas. That canvas whispered to live a new life in this changed body, a completely different existence.
No way. I'd swap back for sure. Day two in this body; lying in bed, I made a silent vow no one would know.
"Awake?"
"Eek?! You scared me..." My heart dropped at the voice behind me. Turning, Terria stared intently.
"If you're up, wash up. We've got stuff to handle first."
"Mm... you?"
"Already did. Hungry, and we need breakfast. Better hurry."
"Got it."
Clock said ten. Conference started afternoon on day two, I recalled. Terria waited in a linen shirt and suit—suited him well. Made me rethink how good my body looked in formalwear.
I grabbed clothes and a towel, heading to the bathroom. His soap scent lingered, tickling my nose. Washing was a chore. I pinned back my perky ears to keep water out while shampooing. The golden hair swaying to my waist was so soft and shiny, I wondered if it even needed washing. Truth was, it was a hassle. Drying that length was no joke. I got why Clechia only rinsed her bangs. Sniff sniff. I smelled my hair. No odor. Well, a faint puppy-like sweetness, but that was body scent—wouldn't wash out.
I glanced in the mirror. My tail hung limp, soaked. The hips attached to it looked wider than expected—probably the slim waist's contrast. Made my breasts seem even larger. The perky pink nipples on those teardrop-shaped mounds were cute. Does Ariel like big tits? Clechia had asked once. Couldn't remember caring much; I'd said whatever.
And between my legs, that tight pink slit. Sealed shut like it'd never known intrusion.
"Ngh..." Pure curiosity—nothing more. I slipped in a finger, but it was snug, resistant. Still, probing a bit hit a barrier. God, please let that hymen stay intact.
It felt ridiculous; I shut off the water and toweled dry. Magic would've made it instant, but this body was a pain even to dry. Hair aside, fluffing the fuzzy tail was work. Then I spotted the magic hairdryer.
Pretty fancy hotel. Even has this.
Drying slowly, the door suddenly opened.
"Done?"
"Wh-what?! Why come in...?"
"Pfft, why so jumpy? It's my body anyway."
"...Still. What do you want...?"
Terria snatched the dryer from my hand without answering. Cool air rushed in as moisture evaporated; I shivered.
"Takes forever to dry. I'll do it."
"Hey... at least put on clothes. Get out a sec."
I had no idea why I said that. It was my body I'd seen for over twenty years, now housing a woman named Terria. Mumbling, I cooled my inexplicably flushed face.
"Embarrassed?"
"...No. Just get out. Dry it outside if you're gonna."
Terria chuckled, stroking my hair again. "Jeez, so cute."
"Ah, stop! Out!"
Damn annoying bitch. Grumbling, I dressed. Lingering dampness made the clothes cling uncomfortably. Out in the room, Terria beckoned to a chair in front of the mirror. I sat dazed, feeling the heat on my scalp and fingers combing my hair, staring at my reflection. A man drying a dainty beauty's hair—only his neck visible, expression hidden.
"Feels good?"
What expression was mirror-me making? I saw it, but my brain wouldn't process. Visible, yet invisible.
"Uh, yeah..." I'd never even dried Clechia's hair. What was this situation?
The faceless man chuckled shortly. My fogged mind snapped alert. Wait, what'd he just say?
"Wh-what? Feels good? Fuck no, don't ask stupid shit."
"Watch your mouth. I'm even drying your hair."
"Whatever, scram. No one asked."
Feels good? Really? Turning me into this and brazenly asking—it was absurd. Hair still damp, I shoved his hands away, stood, and threw on my outer coat. Crazy bastard. Anyone with a conscience wouldn't say that. What the hell did he want?
Terria's actions were beyond my understanding. Confusing. I eyed my luggage, settling on neat, slave-appropriate clothes that could pass for a research assistant's—neutral style. No way a skirt.
"Done. Let's eat."
We stepped out. Instantly, I regretted not waiting a minute. "Hey, Ariel? Long time. Who's that... oh, your slave? Wait, why're you two coming from the same room?"
Grinning as he spoke was the Red Tower Lord, Lucas.