Road Home and the Wolf's Sudden Distance
There was still some leeway before the bed communication deadline, so all I had to do was show up at the Alchemy Guild soon and prove I was alive. But there was a problem with that.
Would they even recognize me as Asha?
...If I went with my master or Veronica, maybe that could be sorted out. If worst came to worst, I could ask Claire... and she'd probably help?
So that part didn't worry me too much. It was doable if I set my mind to it.
The biggest issue was... if I did that, there'd be no hiding the fact that my body had changed.
They wouldn't blab about it openly, but rumors would spread under the table inevitably.
...All I could do was pray it didn't reach the princesses or my family's ears.
Besides that, what nagged at me was... maybe because I hadn't found a way back yet? Telling the guild that "Sha'a" was actually "Asha" felt like driving a nail into the truth that I'd become a woman. It just didn't sit right.
But what choice did I have? I couldn't turn all my potion buyers into illegal purchasers.
I had no option but to go through with it.
...If someone asked if it was all about the money, I'd shoot back, Of course it is—what else? No money means starving, right?
Ahem, anyway. If I had any sin, it was being too busy with life. They were the bad ones for not reaching out. I was just too swamped to even contact them, and now it's illegal? What kind of bullshit law is that?
"Enough with the nonsense—pack your things."
"...Yes, ma'am."
Either way, it was time for another big move.
My master and Veronica had to come along to vouch for my identity, of course. And if I was going, Claudia would tag along automatically. I couldn't leave Cecil alone at Master's hideout, so... naturally, we were all heading back to the capital.
...I hadn't exactly been dying to eat at that restaurant again, but thinking back on those meals did make my mouth water.
The sweet-salty-spicy flavors I'd forgotten about. And those crisp veggies. Now that I knew the taste, it terrified me even more.
We set off the very next day. Leaving Master's hideout, we reached the forest entrance to find the carriage waiting. Lucky timing—it lined up with when Master usually contacted the outside.
The carriage was packed with women, which filled it with a nice scent. Sniffing around, I could pick out everyone's different fragrances—kinda fun.
Though mixed in was something sticky and cloying.
Asking what it was... would be suicide, right?
We took breaks now and then on the way to the capital. Claudia used those stops to stretch, doing what you'd call training more than exercise.
Eh, same difference.
Watching her move on the flat ground, I couldn't help thinking how she handled those jiggling fat blobs so well. The abs peeking through her flapping clothes sparked more awe than lust.
Our eyes met, and she grinned before pulling off an aerial spin. I clapped without thinking, and she bowed like a performer.
...Did I get too excited?
Glancing at Cecil clapping beside me, I felt a bit embarrassed.
Post-workout Claudia approached, wiping sweat. Maybe from the exertion, her cheeks looked a little flushed.
I handed her a drink as she plopped down next to me.
"Can't you rest at least when we're in the carriage?"
Gulp, gulp. I heard Claudia chugging the drink.
Some spilled from her hurried gulps, dripping onto her chest. Feeling oddly embarrassed, I averted my eyes—and spotted her tail swishing this way and that.
I reached out and stroked it without thinking.
Twitch.
Her tail tensed, so I yanked my hand back. Claudia's voice followed.
"...Sha'a. Warn a girl before you touch."
"Ah... sorry. Reflex."
Normally she'd smirk and tease, You wanna touch? But this time, she grumbled with a slight growl.
Panicking and sweating bullets as I apologized, she looked "oh crap" and patted my head before climbing onto the carriage roof—literally the roof.
Now she was saying she'd stand guard up there, something she hadn't bothered with before.
...What was that about? Did I piss Claudia off?
It didn't seem like anger... she patted my head, after all.
But I couldn't stop her if she insisted.
So the carriage rolled on with Claudia on the roof.
Puzzled, I stared out the window—then Master, smoking her spirit grass, spoke up.
"Did you two fight?"
"No, nothing like that..."
Smoke billowed from Master's mouth, carrying a calming scent.
"Hmmm... well, I'm past the age of meddling in friendships."
"You sure treat me like a kid sometimes..."
"Oh? Feeling neglected? Want some milk then?"
She cupped under her breasts, and I flushed.
"No—why does it always jump there?!"
"Just kidding. Kidding. Why so mad?"
"Veronica's right here. Don't shatter her illusions."
"Huh? Me?"
Veronica's eyes went wide at the sudden mention.
"Sorry, what were you saying? Was lost in thought."
"...Nothing."
I glared at Master's chuckling face, then adjusted my shoulder so Cecil—now asleep with her head on me—would be comfy. Stroking her hair, I closed my eyes and drifted off quick.
The gentle rocking lulled me into a half-dreamy state, and I felt a hand petting my head.
...Master, obviously.
I sank into deep sleep, waking only when we'd reached the capital. Stepping down with the sunset at our backs, my body felt stiff from the nap.
After some half-assed stretches, we headed to that restaurant from last time for dinner. Too late for the guild anyway.
I treated Master to the soul-comforting Korean food, then we crashed at actual Veronica's workshop for the night. Last time, we'd followed Claire's stubborn ass and skipped it, so I was curious.
Stepping in full of expectations... it was plainer than I'd hoped.
Well, it was impressive and full of Veronica's personality, but compared to home facilities, my place was better. Alchemy-wise, Master's hideout won. So maybe my reaction was fair.
Still, having a place in the capital was huge—prime real estate.
Truth be told, Claudia's presence made it hard to take in the house. Ever since hopping on the roof, she'd kept this weird distance.
She smiled when our eyes met, so not mad... but it bugged me.
And yeah, when someone who always stuck to you suddenly pulls away without a word, of course it nags.
...If this was a ploy to make me hyper-aware, it worked.
We might stick around longer than expected—guild report, checking records here. This awkwardness sucked.
What worked in times like this? A drink, maybe.
No chances in this life, but old life's media showed booze fixing cold spells or unexplained blues.
Why not everyone? But Master was tired from the rare carriage ride and passed.
Cecil fidgeted at "beer"—probably still saw it as bitter nasty juice. She warred internally: follow me or avoid beer?
Master took pity and dragged her off.
That left Veronica...
"Got stuff to handle while we're here... sorry. Next time."
So just me and Claudia.
...I'd hoped for a buffer. Now it was just us.
Seeing her awkwardly scratch her head before bailing... felt off. Like being ditched.
Head knew better, but this body made me sappy.
Not a kid anymore.
On a petty rebound, I hit a pricier bar I'd normally skip. Make her regret not coming?
...Who am I kidding.
So, with the awkward Claudia.
Just the two of us.
Sitting face-to-face in a private room.
Maybe a good chance, actually. Things to talk about.
...Would it get more awkward?
...Hell if I know.