-Morning - 26th Day of Winter's first Quarter - Ragefire's estate - Shaila's POV-

The sunrays of dawn entering through the eastern window illuminate my room on the third floor, and brings me to consciousness once more, facing yet another winter day which entices one to remain in the comfort of the bed until later in the morning. I leave behind pleasant dreams of running free as a wolf, and strange ones in a room that doesn't feel like me but still make an effort to retain the contents as it is the third time I recall having such dream since that rainy day in the forest, 14 days ago.

Nngh... That dream again... How many times has it appeared since our conversation in the forest. Although I couldn't identify much this time either since it's too blurry, and only the knowledge of being there, it doesn't seem to be me... Well, Nefi would love to hear about it, but not all dreams are supposed to be memories anyway, so let's remember it but pay no mind to it. I determined before slowly opening my eyes.

Uuh... it's late morning already... I judged by the brightness over the white sheets covering me after adjusting to the dim light. Hmm... It's hard to get rid of the old sleeping habits even if the days aren't as tedious anymore. I asserted looking forward to the new day. Grandma was right when she said that brighter days would come and that I would deserve this happiness... I remembered her encouraging words.

There is never a dull moment now when my partner makes sure there's always something new to do or learn every day, and I wish it continues like this, but Nefi warned me couldn't last forever. I affirmed recalling Nefiru's storytelling after teaching sessions. Ah... So many unheard stories that leave me wanting for more, and try to memorize as much as possible with the improved memory at my Rank, but it will take some time... Although apart from entertainment, Nefiru deemed it was important knowing all those plots since it gives a new perspective on social interactions, and will help me avoid certain schemes. I review then used magic to protect my eyes.

What more could I want? I ask myself. Freedom and peace of mind, considering I can only experience this here and now. Sighs... just like most beautiful things that are frail, don't last long, or are built on top of something horrible. I concluded moving under the blanket to the right side of the bed.

I sit up before slipping out of bed in my nightwear, walking barefoot on the cold stone floor, and gaze through the middle window at the rising sun from the East while indulging in the pleasant warmth.

Mmm... I may not have a more convenient magic for daily life, but at least I don't have any problem with illumination considering there aren't any candles in my room, though that would be dangerous with the stacks of paper anyway. I appreciated my magic arts in the sunshine wondering if the blue dragon slept in our estate last night.

I walked around the bed avoiding the papers lying on the smooth but cold floor and reached the northern glass window, then removed the curtains to peek outside.

Ooh! Nefi's still sleeping. I observe the dragon slumbering on the woodpile that was restocked by the guards after we finished constructing the northern gate. Nefi was probably hunting until late at night, but he must have missed me too since he's been sleeping here less every day after building a fort with his siblings in the forest. I guessed placing my left hand on the glass.

Ah! Toilet... I should wash and change myself too while I'm at it. I realized then turned around and headed for the closet across the room. Ugh...the water must be freezing, but I shouldn't bother sister to take care of me all the time, and I don't want to hear reprimands about going in nightwear to the kitchen because guards might see... I affirmed opening the closet's doors to pick the usual clothes when my hand stopped in hesitation.

NO!! Enough black clothes that symbolize my sorrow! I have grieved plenty about what happened, and I'm also getting tired of wearing black for an entire year. I resolved myself to change once more and searched for a different color dress. Ah... I never got to wear the set of this pink silk party dress with matching sandals, and underwear that sister bought for my birthday last year, but it should still fit since it was purchased a little loose besides not growing much after all this time. I decided after counting on the upside to grow slowly. Also, Nefi hasn't seen me in different clothes from what I usually wear, or ride with, and he said it was alright to act my age like a spoiled little brat... I look forward to the dragon's compliments.

I grab the expensive clothing, and carried it folded in my left arm while holding both sandals with the hand, then closed the doors before heading to the bedroom's exit.

"Hmm... Am I seeking too much attention?" I ponder grabbing the door handle with my right hand while holding the garments on my left. "Nah, it's his job to praise me! Haha..." I affirmed with a chuckle before leaving the door closed behind me, and started walking down the corridor towards the stairs.

Still... it's rather nostalgic, something from before that time... When I was a typical girl with girly dreams of wearing things like these fancy clothes which mother approved to impress Noble boys from another family, and buying cute dolls with my big sister to decorate our rooms. But now... I'm seeking attention from a Beast while my big sister collects different kinds of toys to decorate her room. Well, I offered myself to a magical beast that became my friend, teacher, and partner, then all the dolls were replaced with stacks of papers or books as we pursue greater heights in our evolution, so I can't judge anyone. I reviewed the unreal turns my life has taken. This past year felt much longer than it actually is even though nothing exciting happened, but everything changed so much in quite a short amount of time after meeting Nefiru that it's hard to believe I was such an ordinary girl before. I realized reaching my sister's room halfway in the corridor to my right.

*Creak...* I pushed open the white wooden door enough to peek inside.

Sister Liana is sleeping quite late too... I stare at her figure covered by the blanket on her bed. Perhaps she was hunting last night too... men in the barracks again! Hehe... I snickered at my sister's perverted habits prevailing for over a year already.

Sighs... It's ironic that such...activities are considered natural for people, and sister Liana can't go ten days without doing it, yet merely thinking about it brings nothing but terrible memories for me. I compare my sister on another thing we are opposite before closing the door slowly and stopped to stare at father's empty room to my left. Well, even if I'm curious about the right side of that experience... the idea of letting someone solely touch me is disgusting. And it's still a few years too early according to sister, but also my partner who was approved by father... could take over a hundred years. I realize the difficulty in my life to achieve things resuming my advance towards the stairs. In any case, I shouldn't let the perverts influence me too much like what happened on that rainy day in the forest since this will have to be a closed chapter in my life for a long time. I concluded reaching the stairs after my sister's room.

I climb down the wooden stairs, then approach the door to the left and peek inside the studio where Brother is working already.

"Oh? Already awake... Are you going to play with the dragon?" Brother asked after noticing my presence.

"Mm-hmm." I nodded before showing him the dress in my left hand. "I'm going to the bathroom then change into these since I won't be riding today," I informed my plans for today as Lester tries to identify the garment.

I think... that contrary to sister Liana, brother looks rather lonely after losing his engagement and being forbidden from visiting the capital where his friends are which aren't allowed to visit us by their families either. I assumed watching his expression while feing guilty about what he did.

AH! Now that I think about it since nobody in our family is currently engaged... once I'm 12 years old which is considered adulthood in our society, the nobles obsessed with seeking marriage for our blood will cause us even more trouble. So... instead of reaching Rank 7 by the next mating season, we need to reach high ranks within three years, and be able to defend ourselves before leaving this place, but... Nefiru doesn't need that extra pressure when he's already doing everything possible to rank up. I deduced things of concern that coming of age might cause.

"That's... your birthday gift from last year..." Lester asserted before switching his gaze to my face. "You... decided to wear it." He spoke with astonishment.

"Yes. I think it was about time to stop wearing black, and also... I want to be complimented since nobody ever does that anymore." I responded with an accusing glare.

"Ah... that I... haven't had the opportunity..." Brother reasons with his position that keeps him busy. "But why would you want to be praised by a beast? I'm your brother, and even your sister want to commend our little sister too!" He complained getting up from his chair behind the desk.

Indeed, Sister always said that girls have the right to be complimented, even broken ones... I affirmed recalling the reasons. However, before a year ago, anything the nobles said was just pretense to leave a good impression, but all that ceased since I just wore the same thing, and without meeting new people. I realized things that made me an average girl were also filled with falsehood.

"Well, Nefi's not the best at it, or poetic like the nobles, but he's my partner and can't lie to me," I explained with a slight smile.

Haha... come to think of it... Nefi doesn't have clothes, or... any possessions, but likes to have his body praised too. I affirmed the vanity of magical beasts.

*Thump!* Brother hit the desk with a palm startling me as his face contorted in anger. "He's not a person!" Lester shouted with disdain. "I do not approve of such strange arrangement, and I don't know why Father would either..." He declared grimacing.

"Uh-huh..." I recognize his opposition raising an eyebrow.

Father decided because he reached his own conclusions after hearing all our conversations, just as I have my theories about meeting Nefiru here... I think it might have been decided before I was even born, and something that happened in my past wolf life could explain why I'm a human now. Although it doesn't feel good being treated like a pawn by those powerful beings who brought related souls closer to Nefiru without our approval, I'm not against the alternative of simply having countless reincarnations without a purpose. I analyzed the arrangements that altered my fate for Nefiru's sake.

At any rate, one day I'll have the opportunity to modify my body which Nefiru said wasn't efficient to make a big vessel at Divine rank because we require armors for protection, but it would be interesting visiting as a giant wolf! The look on brother's face would be priceless! Fufu... I noticed a good prank for the future

"Then what if I wasn't meant to be a human either? What if I want to become a beast too?" I pose the scenarios.

I love brother, but if he wants to oppose my decisions, then there has to be a better reason other than just because it seems appropriate for me. I perceive the conflict between what is good for a girl my age and what I wish for my future.

"Sighs... I know you are using that dragon as emotional support, and I'm glad you are so lively now, but you are too obsessed with him." He announced with a saddened expression.

"I know," I admitted lowering my head with a slight embarrassment.

After all... I would sleep with him if it weren't for the comfort of my bed, and the danger of being squashed, though I wonder if it's possible to attach a bed once he's big enough... Anyway, I also have a collection of his scales next to my bed which other intelligent beings would find creepy, and I want to gather some of those hairs too, but they don't come off easily on their own, or perhaps I should cut them with a laser. I affirmed my odd behavior without intention to correct it.

"However, it's best for everyone if you don't oppose it. Besides, it won't be wrong anymore if one of us reaches Divine." I stated before leaning on the door frame.

"But Shaila, even if that's possible, it will still take many years, and you would miss what's left of your adolescence in society following a Beast as if you are the pet instead." Lester disapproved and sat back down leaving both hands over the desk. "I... thought of ways to keep you safe, and I haven't proposed anything, waiting for you to recover enough..." He revealed picking up some papers from a side.

"Oh?" I uttered inquisitive.

"I've exchanged letters with my trusted friends who have brothers around your age, and some of them are willing to marry you just in name, should you accept after an arranged meeting. They won't do anything until you heal enough to accept a proper relationship, and this way, you'll be safer living with the chosen noble family in the capital. There, you will experience a relatively normal life with other girls, or perhaps even attend school again, and the dragon can visit you sometimes." He explained his method.

So... I'll be like a pet closed indoors with maids paid to play with me while they pity me, be indifferent or hate me for my social status, then Noble girls would laugh behind my back, and use their creativity to think of nicknames to call me? Also, going to the school where fellow students already gave me a hard time before that event, only now, it will be much worse, and to do what exactly? Listen to nonsense or teach the spoiled rich brats and teachers myself? He has good intentions, but nooo thank you! I scoffed inwards at the torturous idea. That disastrous proposal would only go nicely if... I was dumb. I concluded recalling a similar suggestion.

Although the blue dragon was blunt saying it was okay to have a human boyfriend in the far future to um... feel like a woman, it's almost the same terrible idea, but Lester's requires giving up all freedom and just being some trophy. I compare the methods proposed to experience something normal.

"Sighs... Nefiru already said that I needed something like that." I informed shaking my head.

"Say wha-- He did?" Lester leans forward with an astonished expression. "And what was your response?" He inquired with curiosity, and expectation.

"Oh, I just got furious, yelled, and punished him until he felt like crying tears of blood." I casually said while grinning. "Why? Because it's not what I WANT!" I explained with a grave tone raising my voice a little which made him shudder.

"I-I see..." He stuttered acknowledging.

Ugh... To have this uncomfortable conversation after waking up.... I definitely don't want to have it again. I determined and confronted him.

"I don't want to have this discussion again, okay?" I declared separating from the door frame.

Brother nodded a few times denoting he fully understood there wasn't any room for argument, and I turned around closing the door behind me.

Nefiru said it's best not to speak more than necessary or it will cause trouble, so I think it's best not to tell him I plan to leave the state just yet, in case he comes up with another dreadful method. I affirmed heading to the bathroom.

I walked down the corridor to the west, past the stairs, then reached our bathroom made entirely of polished white stone, and finished my necessities before undressing to enter the tub where four adults could fit in. The heated water in the kitchen this morning was already cold, but used the same trick from the forest, and radiated most of my body in high-intensity light that also served as illumination before submerging in to bathe. Afterwards, I dried my hair, combed, and tied it all behind my head into what Nefiru calls ponytail before putting on the dress that almost reaches up to my ankles with a bell-like shape, then headed for the kitchen down the corridor past the study to the east.

I reached the kitchen and opened the door to find the two employees in charge of the place poorly illuminated by a glass window on the east and the burning fire of the two fireplaces.

"Morning Hila, Meruna." I greet them closing the door behind me.

"Good morning miss Shaila." Hilda greeted back from a table to my right. "I haven't seen you in that dress before.... You look beautiful." Hilda nodded appraising before resuming peeling vegetables.

"Thank you. I wanted to try something new today." I explain the reason before its asked.

"Casually wearing a party dress more expensive than our yearly salaries... You look good though." Meruna commented spitefully before praising. "So, are you here for lunch?" She asked sarcastically as my arrival was in the middle of the morning.

"Agh!" I cringed under her glare. "Breakfast would be okay, please." I requested sitting down on the table to the left.

She nodded and moments later brought an enormous brown bread with a big glass of Kerbo milk.

"Uh... this is more than last time..." I remarked at the absurd amount of food.

"Well, YOUR pet wants you to eat all that now," Meruna said pointing towards the food in front of me. "He told me you are hardly gaining any weight, and that maybe you'll grow in some places." She relayed Nefirus message from conversations using the fourth bracelet.

"Guh! M-meruna!" I almost spilled my milk and stuttered after the improper remark.

"His words, not mine." She reaffirmed tending the fire with her back turned to me.

"Hmm... I'll try to fit as much as possible before exploding...then I'll bring the leftovers to him." I muttered rolling my eyes before started eating.

Mmm... toasty. I enjoy the crunchy bread while observing the red-haired woman controlling the fire to cook at the proper temperature. It must be nice being a fire magician, but it's quite the handy magic to become a chef since getting burned is not a problem unless one is careless, and being able to control the fire allows for cooking food flawlessly which results in the creation of unusual dishes. It's a profession with no trouble finding a job everywhere, and even Meruna gets paid more than royal soldiers despite being only Rank 4, but they also have no reason to improve when their lives are already comfortable. I admire our chef's abilities realizing how lucky our guards are she also cooks for them.

"Hmph! The dragon probably wants the miss to fatten so he can have a good meal." Hilda commented with spite.

Meh! She openly expressed disliking Nefiru before, but I understand she feels enmity towards him because a wild beast destroyed the town she grew up. I call to mind the cases where wandering creatures made human settlements into a feeding grounds. I admire her though, for going through many hardships, including being captured by the same bandits from a year ago, and recovered from everything much faster than me, but being a plain girl with no expectations of her probably helped. Anyhow, she's not a bad company which is why we hired her, and now is having an easy time living with us. I recalled the life story of the unfortunate woman.

As for Nefiru eating me-- again. He seems to be over it already which is good because it was quite uncomfortable, smelled gross, looked gross, and was scary, so I don't want to do it again unless necessary. Still, I can't believe I experienced something as absurd as that! I affirmed hoping nobody experiences being eaten alive before answering the chef's assistant.

"Nuh uh! Even fat, I would just be a snack given the space inside his stomach, but I fear he might eat Hilda first..." I teased the black haired maid.

Speaking of eating...I want to know what Nefiru tastes like, and Alphonse said water dragons taste good, so it's only fair that I take a bite too, but I'm gonna have to wait until he's injured again, then practice our combination to improve cell regeneration. I look forward to more than magic training.

"Ugh... I don't want to be eaten and feed a pet for just a day then." She grimaced perhaps recalling bad memories or imagining such scene.

"Nah... He actually likes you, and just plays around." I announced the reason behind his behavior.

"Why would he keep slapping my butt with his tail, and chase me around to hear my screams!?" Hilda complained forgetting her task.

"Obviously, a perverted dragon." Interjected Meruna.

"Hehe... It's because he finds your reactions funny, but you are also easy prey running away all the time..." I point the behavior that contributes to his habit. "He hasn't hurt anyone in our estate, and in case you didn't know, he understands you without the collar, so just talk to him instead of cursing," I advised to get along.

"Argh! I'll keep that in mind...." Hilda noticed she's been aggravating Nefiru instead. "But why would a Beast do things like that at all!?" She solemnly inquired facing my direction.

"Only the miss can answer that since she's the one raising it..." Meruna added.

"Could it be the young miss tell him to harass women like that?" The black-haired maid accused.

"I wouldn't!" I raised my voice denying. "Are you insinuating I would do it out of jealousy or that you are my substitute?" I probe her intentions glaring.

I'm definitely not envious of getting my bottom slapped, it looks painful. I affirmed wanting to retaliate.

"Ah... no... I-I'm sorry. That was out of line." She apologized stuttering.

"That's alright..." I waved the free hand dismissing.

I should get back at her for that, and she's so easy to tease that even a child can do it haha... I hold my laugh while maintaining a straight face.

"I will just borrow one of Sister's whips later for punishment," I announced my prank to the maid.

Not that I would need a whip to punish someone considering what magic can do, but servants are more afraid of the idea of needing punishment, and whips are still used by powerless nobles who want to inflict the pain themselves. I deliberated watching the maid turn around as color drains from her face.

"Ehh!? That's going too far, Miss!" Hilda protested despairing.

"Hehe... I'm joking." I snickered with a hand covering my mouth.

"That's mean!" Hilda complained turning red this time.

"Now you see why it's fun to tease you?" I said with a sly smile.

"Sighs..." Hilda calmed down fetching some water to drink.

"I think it's actually the little miss who's picking up all the dragon's bad habits," Meruna commented before turning around and crossing her arms before gazing my direction.

"Guh! I-I... can't deny it. I'm letting him influence me, b-but he's my partner, and we compromise on things..." I admitted stammering while holding both hands.

"So... a young dragon can be like that after awakening a bloodline..." Hilda muttered recalling what Alphonse told everybody. "Ah! But you mustn't let him do weird things to you, miss Shaila." She firmly advises.

Uhh... What a comeback! I feel my face and ears suddenly heating up becoming conscious of many things that qualify as 'weird.' I think it's too late for that... I retorted as my eyes dart around. Well, we find it hard to oppose each other since that would create constraints that push us apart, and we compromise to avoid it, but I learned that it's more effective just to charge him. Though strangely enough, things have been pretty normal ever since that time in the forest... I guess, he got over it...for now. I deduced nodding at the maid.

"Bloodline?" Meruna scoffed not believing the explanation. "I'm not an expert on the subject, but judging by his intelligence, the speed he's ranking compared to a typical dragon, and the human-like way he acts... He's probably the offspring of an ancient dragon and a human." She assumes the rare case of beasts procreating with other races. "Isn't that right miss Shaila?" The red-haired woman asked confirmation for her theory.

It's a good deduction on the cheating dragon, as brother calls him... I recall how the Ranks of Dragon depend on factors like bloodline, parents, intelligence, and Affinity talents. However, even dragons from bloodlines without a teacher, enough prey, and a mana source could still take many years with their limited knowledge. Also, according to Nefiru who studies his own siblings, instincts can get in the way of learning or doing different things outside of the comfort zone which provides safety, yet is essential for ranking up fast. Still, they are creatures more equipped to survive than humans individually, and some can live long enough to reach Rank 5 like Nefiru after a hundred years whereas he took less than half a year. I analyzed Meruna's reasoning.

"Well..." I hold a finger on my lips pondering how to answer. "I suppose that's one way of looking at it, but it's more complicated than that." I shake my head. "Nefiru himself chose the explanation of the bloodline because it's closer to what actually happened, and there are other reasons why Alphonse approved of it too." I elaborated the convenient explanation of my pet's origins.

"I see..." Meruna nodded with her eyes closed then opened them. "So, he awakened into a pervert then." She concluded with a smile.

"Pfft!" Hilda held her laugh.

"Haha..." I laughed out loud.

It's funny because it's true! Though, I may have stimulated such behavior during the rainy day... I determined while feeling a little guilty.

"In any case, it's good to see the Miss full of life now..." Hilda said before resuming her work.

"Indeed. The 'You' from the past year just wanted to fade away." Meruna supplemented.

Un... I concur death is quite appealing to escape torment... I recall embracing such thoughts.

"Yeah..." I nodded at them being glad for my weird pet.

Still, I wonder what would have become of my life should Nefiru never appeared? How long would I have remained in that state, and what of my life after recovering enough to accept my life as a noblewoman? I wouldn't want to just give birth to high talents as a second wife while lacking affection because of my lack of charm as a woman, and my childhood traumas. I recalled the girl talks at the school to hypothesize about my future.

*Kon! Kon!!* The wooden door in front of me sounded, and Hilda stopped working to answer it.

"Okay, I can't eat anymore," I announced placing down the empty glass of milk hearing the door open.

"Oh! Good day, miss Hilda." Marlo greeted then moments later looked into the kitchen. "Ah... good day, ladies." He spoke with embarrassment after realizing he had spectators.

I nodded before getting up from my chair to wash my hands in the sink, and grabbed a folded paper bag on the table, then carried the rest of the bread with me towards the door.

"Aw... I told you. Just 'Hilda' is fine." She rebuked softly.

"Ah! But you are still a 'Miss' until someone takes your hand." He said gently insinuating she's still unmarried. "Ahem! Anyway, I'm heading over to the town, so I was wondering if you are done with work to go with me on a horse." The black-haired man offered.

"Erm... I'm not done--" Hilda answered but was interrupted.

"I'll finish for you. Go have fun." Meruna said and winked at me.

Hilda nodded and took off the apron before she went to change clothes in her room.

Hmm... Nefiru said these two are in love, and Meruna seems to know too, but I don't see it... I evoke the explanations of the matter. According to Nefiru, Love is just a chemical reaction in the brain which alters emotions and triggers odd behaviors while Sister says it's a deep affection for someone who is very special which makes everything look more beautiful than before. Either way, it's hard to believe what she went through when she's like thay with a man already. I stop thinking about the elusive feelings heading towards the door.

"Excuse me." I address the guard blocking the doorway.

"Ack! Sorry, miss Shaila." The black-haired man apologized after stepping aside.

As if I wasn't even here... Is this the so-called 'love'? Nefiru is right... it's like they are drugged with something. I ponder passing through.

"Mm-hmm." I nodded once outside the door.