-Wolf Territory - Marshlands-

As the fourth noon quarter approaches its end in the middle of Black Wolf Tribe, the Sun laid upon the land its last vestiges of warmth and the night creeped just behind. The temperature began dropping below ten degrees and a cold wind started blowing from the south, picking up speed.

On the Southern parts, in the middle of a group of a dozen green and black wolves, a purple-blue Dragon sat upright, looking down between his forelegs at a white-haired human girl between his hind legs. His scaly hair cascading down swayed occasionally. His scales rustle lightly with each movement.

After the revelation of their legal relationship, the girl grew worried about his silence when the perplexed Dragon finally spoke.

"A-are you serious?"

"Yes! You didn't know anything?!"

"No..."

"B-but you said we were like married--"

"I just joked about it!"

"Haaaimm... Nefi, you dummy. I warned you not to get tricked by Dad."

"Huh?! What do you mean tricked? Your Dad has let us do whatever we want! He elevated my status--he's only helped us..."

"Hmph! Like he had much choice." Shaila dismissed while shaking her head. "You think he could afford to oppose me...?"

"...Hey, even in his position, even I wouldn't let my daughter near a weird Beast like me so easily. Trust has to be earned, usually with time..."

"Mm... I guess it was too fast. From our perspective. Dad is good at reading and using others... I mean, here you are defending him again."

"Grrrruuuu..." The scalie groaned.

"And who knows what else is on his head... Good thing one of us found out days before the Pledge..."

"Hmm... I just didn't ask... Still, whatever he arranged must be to protect you. It should be fine."

"Haaim~ Nefi, it makes your pretty scaly head a big Target for Assassination." She said, running her fight hand on his muzzle.

"What?! That's-... No, wait...that's kinda inevitable as your Protector."

"And I appreciate that of you. But what I mean is: Even if I get taken away to another Country or under the Sea, legally or not, or even brainwashed--probably won't work for long unless they kill you first."

"...What the hell??!!"

"Hehe~" She chortle. "Told you~"

"Why...?!"

"Well, first of all, because the Partner Union Contract has an Option to give you Authority over my relationships, and mine over yours, especially formal."

"Uh-huh..."

"Like, um, I can't marry a Human without your consent. Not even--"

"WAIT! You can still Marry?!"

"Yep. Of the five biggest relationship Contracts in the World, Partner Union has the fewest restrictions and is more broad."

"Hmm... I thought we were like Married with this... Did I get the meaning wrong? But Liana said--" He mumbled in disappointment.

"We will! It's the closest thing!" Hurried the girl to comfort along some patting. "It's just that...Marriage Contract is strictly to make a Family. And we can't-... But Partner Union is better for us! You'll see."

"Ohh... OH! Then I can Marry whoever I can reproduce with?"

"...Yesss, if I approve..." Hissed the girl mildly annoyed.

"Cool~ And multiple Females too?"

"...Yessssss, if you can also provide for them and meet other conditions..." She explained with a glare.

"Coool~ F-for those that want a Harem..."

"Mmmm, I think I will also choose the option to approve who can Mate with you..."

"Whaaa--!! Not cool! Whyyyy...?!"

"Because you--would Mate with every Female that you can! And also because Dad already gave you that power over me..." And because this will tell me if you care about me...

"...Haaarsh..."

"Harsh? Harsh would be being with such a philandererous Male!" Exclaimed the upset girl as she pulled an elongated scaly ear. "You think that would be good for you too? What if you get forced...? Mhm?"

"Alright, alright. Don't get angry! I get it... It might be necessary...and fair..."

"Mhn." She nodded in approval and released him.

He then added in a stern tone. "But be reasonable. I have a Mating Season and drives..."

"...Of course, Nefi... I'll just keep you from overdoing it. Or choosing bad females..."

The corner of the scaly Beast's lips arched in a smile.

"Hm... But just in case, I will also take the option that entitles me to an Eighth of your Attention."

"...!! Oiii!"

"...Too much? Then just a Seventh."

"...That's still too unfair to my future Beast Mates."

"...Fiiiine... Fifty-one percent then."

"...Well...alright... You did get me first... Waaaait! Did you just 'Big-Ask' me that?!"

"Nnn~ehehe~"

"Cheeky girl... And what about your attention?"

"You get half as well?"

"Oh... And the other half...?"

"Family and friends-..."

"Right..."

"And our Kids..."

"...WUT?!!!"

"Pfft! Caught you offguard, eh?"

"You think?! A little girl saying that-..."

"Hehe. It's my Future, Nefi. I had to know and think about everything..." Shaila shrugged in response.

"Hmm... Do parents normally tell children these things?"

"Umm, I'm not suuure... When we are able to comprehend? When necessary...I guess? Nobles have to be fairly educated. I've known many things since little... Though...I'm not a normal case..."

"Oh... Right..." Affirmed Nefiru, feeling guilty of reminding her the trauma.

But the girl didn't mind. Assuringly caressing his cheek, she explained. "They actually didn't want to tell us until the Pledge day, to avoid information leak. I just found Liana talking with Lester about it the other day, I pressured them and Liana told me some things. Then, after my 'Bleeds' appeared, she told me many more things. Like Adult things. You two sure don't hold back... It's uncomfortable sometimes."

"Sorry... Just tell me so..."

"I know, it's okay. Not knowing has always been bad for me..."

"...Gotcha. Sooo...about kids, didn't your Dad restrict, uh, Love-making until one of us reaches Divine Rank? Like he told me...?"

"Egh... No, that's just common sense." The girl said with a shake of her head. "He doesn't know that you can use a Puppet now..."

"Avatar!"

"Not unless it has your Life Code! I thought about it, and it will be recognized as a Puppet. I won't accept it either unless it feels like you."

"Hmm... Fair enough. It will be DNA and Spirit-compatible then." And with more sensations-... It's still far from a real body...

"Good. And I want it to be fluffier than a Foxman! Maybe a beastly Wolfman?"

"Uhhh, like a Furry? Nah, I prefer a scalie Humanoid... Dealing fur and hair is annoying..."

"No! I want Huggable Nefi! I'll take care of it..."

"What--you want a Toy Boyfriend?!"

"What's a--? Yes!"

"Uhh... Come on, shameless Shaila. Your Grandma is bringing Draconians here. If they really are my descendants, they will be compatible... It's gotta be my Destiny to have a Draconian Avatar."

"Yes, yes. Make it your second Avatar then."

"A third body?! No... Even if we find a way...it's not a good idea to treat bodies like casual skin suits. I feel like I would lose identity or something..."

The girl dismayed. "Do-do I not deserve this?" She pleaded with upturned eyes.

"..." Unmovingly, the Dragon kept a quiet stare.

"Um, Nefi?"

"...Cute puppy-eye expression."

"Agh! So meeeannn..."

"Haha, alright, I will try to indulge you. But I want a Foxman instead... Tired of being a Human anyway."

"Umm, you do like Fox people... It's like you identify more with them or something... Oki."

"Haha... Well, we don't even know of any Wolf people. But there is a large variety of Fox people around. Elmyra's Tribe probably has millions! Maybe we can even get their Divine to help us make it."

"Hm... I don't trust those Foxes. Let's just go to the Guild first. There's probably someone registered that grows bodies somewhere..."

"Sure, but that's also risky... Hmm, but we could use a Proxy..."

"There you go." Approved the girl, before recalling. "Umm, but Nefi...about this body thing... Dad wrote something unpleasant in the Contract."

"Hm?"

"He wants us to pledge on having three 'Pure Human Children' first. Either with you getting a Human body or...allowing 'it' with a Noble Man. They have to reach adulthood and at least one has to be a Magician."

"What the hell?!! Seriously?"

"Yes. Can you believe it? How dare he force me to have Human children! Uurrghh! And the nerve to coerce you to abandon your Beast body after all that have been sacrificed for it-..."

"Yeah, all that is messed up... But don't worry about it. We can wait as many years as you want, right? And I'll probably just need Human 'Seed' anyway."

"...Ah! O-of course you came to that conclusion..." Uttered the girl slightly bashful and feeling relieved. But just after, his casual attitude annoyed her.

"Haha... But still, that's...another odd demand of his. He wants you to stay a human too... I didn't expect your Dad to be so obsessed over his race."

"...Ermm, it's not that strange."

"Really?"

"Yes, the purity of the Human race is normally maintained like that, especially for Aristocrats."

"Urgh! Sounds enforced..."

"It can be sometimes, yes. But it's usually just promoted or protected. How else you expect Humans to remain 'Humans' in this World?"

"Ugh! With discrimination. How typical of humans..."

"Don't be so prejudicial, Nefi. It's not just Humans. You should ask Elmyra how Foxes treat Humans on their Land."

"...!! Seriously?"

"Yep. Like second class too..."

"..." Nefiru fell silent. Seconds later, he recalled. "Right... I didn't see any Human in their invading force, despite them saying they have Human Parents. Though that group was odd..."

"Yes. They probably don't want humans in Leader positions either. Probably something about Foxes representing Foxes better..."

"Hmm... And even the Fox Divine wants the Wolf's Mana Vein for some artic Foxwoman. Similar seeks similar, huh... I wonder how many Souls of former Foxes such union attracts..."

"Oh! Did you notice how Elmyra feels like a Beast?"

"Seriously?! I didn't... Explains a lot though."

"We should ask Erina. Her Spirit senses are better than mine."

"I see... Well, at least Souls don't get discriminated... Hmm, it's also extremely ironic that Souls discriminate based on their current vessel. It's stupid! Like me hating humans for their body! ...I like humans. They taste pretty good."

"Hihi~ It's normal, Nefi. We learned at School how almost every Species or Race prioritizes its own proliferation. Inevitably discriminating. Because many that didn't--are no longer around..."

"Seriously?! Are there actual records of extinction like that?"

"Yep. Too boring to read though."

"Sheesh...! I want to read them... Can't be that bad."

"But it's true. It's probably happening now--Ah! This reminds me. A three-hundred year old year old Teacher once asked us: How would you feel if your descendants didn't have any resemblance to your current body?"

"...DAamnn... I never thought about that... I guess...I would feel like my existence was pointless. Like, I was just a stepping stone for another creature... It's sad..."

"Exactly. Most creatures think similarly. Not to mention, Species like yours have put a lot of efforts into improving their bodies over many years and to pass knowledge onto their offspring for survival. To lose it all-..."

"Would be a terrible loss for the World, yeah. Life is something that evolves..."

"Oh, um, and another thing every creature wants to avoid--are Birth defects."

"Ah, right! Genetics... Beast people have latent Beast DNA..." So, the Human DNA must be base then...

"Yep. And Beastfolk can survive more diseases too--Ah! This reminds me of some drama from a few years ago when Grandma found some tiny defects in me."

"!? Nonsense! You are flawless from head to toe. Inside and out."

"Aww~ So sweet~ But nup. I do have thinner spots on my Skull and a little abnormal Spine base."

"No way! I didn't notice... Let me check!"

"Later!" The girl protested and slapped away the incoming Spirit with her own.

"Ow!"

"Anyway. I remember Grandma saying that if it wasn't an affair, it had to come from Father's side. Even though he didn't have any abnormalities. But he's an Orphan and nobody knows about his parents..."

"Erm... Defects happen, Shaila. Even on Earth people were born with all sorts of defects. But it's not all bad anyway."

"Really? Well, I'm not surprised. Which is why it was dismissed as a minor thing and forgotten. But now...I wonder if Dad's absurd demand is related to that incident. Like, what if I'm not a pure Human? Will children with the wrong Beastfolk have defects? Do I have to end imperfect babies? How imperfect? Not flawless? Is that why I only have two Siblings? Uuugh... I hate this..."

"Hmmmmmm... It does seem like he could be hiding a lot of complicated and troublesome things."

"Yes... But you will ask him, right?" Suggested the girl with a troubled face.

"Haaa... I will. Now, stop thinking about it."

"Okay~"

"Hmm... There's a lot of problems with intermingling, huh..."

"Yep. That's why race or species intermingling Worldwide is usually forbidden, restricted or de-centivized, even in our Kingdom that is very accepting."

"I see... But a Human can still Marry a Beastfolk here, right?"

"Yep. It's just harder. More expensive and take much longer in queues. Oh! And it's the same restrictions if a Tiger folk tries to Marry a Fox person. But not the same Kin."

"Interesting... That's not too bad. Since Marriage is optional."

"Aaaactually, Nefi, Marriage is veeery important."

"Oh?"

"I only know a little, but the most important thing--without Pledging a Contract, the Country--or Tribe that adopted this System won't hold anyone responsible for, um...any Baby...nor give them benefits..."

"Seriously?! B-but what happens to the baby? And the Father won't help? What--??!!"

"Nefi, a Magician can prevent, stop or end pregnancy with just a thought. And a Fifth of sentient creatures are Magicians. It's hardly a problem." Ugh! I don't want bleeds next Quaterson. I need to--

"Ohhh, right... But normal people-..."

"Or--or just don't do 'the act' to avoid the outcome. That's why neither the female has to keep it nor the male support them."

"Uhh, it's not...so simple..."

"But the consequences--! ...Ah! Also, casually killing it after a certain growth can be pretty bad. Especially once the Soul settles or when it can survive without the female."

"Oh, I know about that last argument... And I can relate since my Mother almost ate me because I took too long to hatch." Why did she-...

"Really?! Well, that's why many places outlaw, um, killing fully developed babies and Eggs, without a good reason... Especially at the Capital. Do NOT touch a Beast Egg there! Not even with your Spirit. Even if the Female tells you to. People would love to see public executions..."

"Grrlup!" The Dragon swallowed up his long neck. "G-got it..."

"Though you know how loosely enforced Laws can be..."

"Oh, yeah... People die in your Town and hardly anyone cares."

"Egh! Let's hope the Capital Authorities don't care. Lester is dealing with a lot already..."

"Oh, shit... The mess in town-..."

"A-anyway, there are still consequences for disregarding Life. Even when it's not punishable by Law, someone might still do it in the name of justice or whatever. Horrible things have been done to Females because of this..."

"DAAaaamn... That sucks... And sucks to have many abandoned offsprings as a result... Ironic."

"Weell, like you, they are probably glad to be allowed Birth. Aaand the Female may be happier if that happens sooner..."

"So true... This seems rather common..."

"Yup. Which is why it's common sense to Trap a Man with a Contract first!"

"Uhh... You say that too proudly..." Retorted the scalie with a judging tone.

"Hihihi~ It's how other girls were: Contract first, you pay, or it won't happen~"

"Well...that's somewhat fair... And what about our Contract? Does it have those, uhh, 'Options' for Children now?"

"...Ah! Now that you mention it, no... Our Contract is already defined as a 'Life Partner Union' and it's only open at Divine where Mortal laws hardly apply--"

"Wait! What does Life Partner mean?"

"Obviously, companions bound for Life... But I think I'll extend it to future lives..."

"Uhhh, let's just...not die, okay?"

"Hehe... Just in case?"

"Grruu..."

"I'll take that purr as a yes. Imagine raising you like a mother..."

"Uhhh..."

"A-anyway, our type of Contract only supports, umm, Love-making with Matching body types before Divine Rank. It's not even the priority of it."

"Type?"

"You know...Beasts with Beastly-like and Humans with Humanoids. With exceptions. Like some Beastifed folk being more Beast than Human."

"Ahhh, gotcha..."

"So, we'll need your 'Avatar' first to add some Family options."

"Got it... Wait, is there another version or type of these Contracts that's less restrictive?"

"...Yes, the 'Intimate Partner Union' is unrestricted..."

"Can't we add that too?"

"No. And we are not changing ours."

"Bummer... Hold up! Unrestricted? Intimate? Does that mean intercourse with Beasts is allowed?!"

"Haaaim... Of course you would ask that... Yes, Nefi, 'Beastication' is legal here and some other Countries."

"Whoooah..."

"With consenting Beasts or People, mind you. Beasts are Sentient beings too. They can feel. And some may even have Souls of former people..."

"Oh, heh heh..."

"But it is also illegal in many places. Punishments are even left to the same Species to avoid conflict too. I don't know where though."

"Hmmm..."

"Oh, also, intercourse with unintelligent Animals or young Beasts that can't consent is considered Abuse."

"Seriously?!"

"Yep. Beast Rape. Liana said this is punished in many places to avoid conflict with Beasts and righteous people. And to promote same species reproduction. Though people hardly get punished, especially if they are owners."

"Interesting... So many protections, yet Slavery is still a thing somehow..."

"Yes... Unfortunately, free labor and dominion is always coveted-... I-I heard some Countries can't even function without slaves."

"Ooof!"

"And since Bodies can be made, they are considered Property."

"Seriously?! Wait, is that why you Carved 'Shaila's Property' on me?"

"S-sorry... Y-you didn't have a badge..."

"Uh-huh... Just do it on a single Scale next time."

"Really?! Yay~"

"But I also want that Text with my name--on your Butt!"

"Egh! N-Nefiiiii..." Uttered the girl, turning red.

"...And also in Purple."

"...Fine! But I choose where and how big."

"Haha, sure. If I can read it there..."

"Jeez..." Sounded the girl as she looked down, hiding her face and smile.

"Sooo... Can the Soul be property too?"

"No." Shaila shook her head, tossing away embarrassing imaginings. "The Soul is considered Sacred. Something birthed by Nature itself. It is seen as wrong to deny them freedom and Life. Some just don't have ownership of their bodies...or lose it."

"How is that even legal?!"

"I don't know. Probably some Loophole. We'll have to ask."

"Hmmm... Well, it probably just IS. I'm still surprised the, uh, Beastication thing is allowed at all."

"Ah, right, I was about to tell you. That is actually de-centivized and considered morally wrong and dangerous. You know what happens if a Beast gets too excited, right?" She asked and rubbed her face.

"Sorry..."

"I thought you would be more delicate."

"I was! But...it was still painful for Elmyra that's much sturdier than you..."

"I figured... Reason why Intimate Partner Union Contract comes with a deposit for Healers..."

"Haha... You sacrificed her!"

The girl shrugged. "However, we need to tell her not to say anything. It's not as accepted as in her Tribe... You too. Not a peep outside privacy."

"G-got it... Is it that bad?"

"Yes. I don't want more bad rumors. But worse still, we will get kicked out of Places and treated unfairly."

"Damn... And of course, discrimination is legal too. Right?"

"Uhmm...yes."

"Ooof! Are Beastfolk blocked from entering places too?"

"Yes, but not just them. Places with 'Exclusive Entrance' can discriminate anyone or anything."

"Well...that's fitting."

"Yes, but they have to pay more Taxes than places with Public Entrance."

"Ha! That's-... Wait, that's not too bad."

"Yep. A Public Entrance Store or Workshop discriminating on basis other than Merit gets penalized or their taxes doubled and problem gets solved veee~ry quickly."

"Damn... Not even Murderers?"

"Nope."

"Not even Beasts?"

"Didn't you enter that public clothing store?"

"Ohhh..."

"Though, I am responsible if you break anything or hurt anyone."

"...Heh heh heh..."

"!!... Y-you are thinking something mischievous, aren't you?"

"Heh heh~"

"Ugh! Nefi! I'm preparing you with time so that you don't do anything stupid in the Capital. Not so you can prepare pranks!"

"Alright, alright... I got it." Conceded the Dragon before letting out a sigh that blew the flatted grass in front of the girl's knees. "HAaa..." Just as he finished sending blades flying, his jovial thoughts changed to sadness and disappointment before muttering. "...Diversity is beautiful. But the price for it--discrimination and isolation, is sooo...ugly. The pointless hate it creates-... I don't like it."

"I know, Nefi..." She comforted with a quick caress. "But you shouldn't care too much... I may be a naive girl, but even I know you can't eliminate the ugliness of sentient beings. If you can feel those things, you will. Unless you are forced not to. Which tramples Sentience, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, you are right. But this is something that gets ignored until it's too unfair or requires perspective. I'm sure it's not necessary in many instances. But people would have to care--"

"Nefi, many do have the perspective of why something is wrong. I mean, who likes being excluded? But it can't be helped sometimes. Like boys and girls using different bathrooms. I was even scared to pass by the boys' door!"

"True... Cute... But come on, that's different."

"Oki, not the best example. Umm, it can also happen naturally as it is harder to get along with those that are more different."

"Uhh, sure, but I think that depends more on common values and interests or a common enemy. Look how well we got along with the wolves. Ironically, better than with Humans..."

"Ah, true... Oki, bad example. Ah! But we all have our preferences. I rather have Wolf offspring. Or at least, strong Beastmen that can fight well..."

"Of course you do... But I get it. I also want to see 'little Nefirus' growing up and choosing their path in Life or help us fight..."

"And I want to pet them!"

"Oiii! My offsprings are not pets!"

"Hihihi~ Bu-but you see how we selectively discriminate?"

"Yeah, I get it... It's probably more efficient to focus our Care... But I also want to have all kinds of offsprings. Like lots of cute children with different fluffy ears and tails! And horns... In all colors..."

"Pfft! That's too diverse, Nefi. Hehe~"

"But I like it..."

"But I won't allow that many other Women~"

"Owww... Come onnn..."

"Nup. Your attention would be all over the place."

"True... Well, alright... I would like cute daughters with girly voices like you as well."

"Aww~ You like my voice?"

"You know I do. It's pleasing to hear." Except the shrieks... "I want to hear you sing."

"Eheheh~" She gleefully chuckled towards the base of his long ear.

Then Nefiru continued in a serious tone. "So, I think I'll settle for a few hundred children with you."

The girl's expression hardened and crumbled. "...Hu--hundreds...??!!" She blurted as her thin rosy lips are left quivering in shock.

"Yeah. Many Humans too. I think we should do our best to fulfill the primal responsibility to one's Kin. Return Life to the Life-giver, you know?"

"I-I...I won't oppose, but-... You are bullying me!"

"Bwuahahaha!"

"...Jerk..."

"Haha-... But teasing aside, you are right, it will be hard to have many different children everywhere. The World is not that accepting now."

"...Now? Nefi, with what little I know about the World, I think that discrimination will always exist one way or another, especially by the majority. Isn't that why Tribes and Communities form?"

"Oh, yeah... I guess the best we can do is minimize it. Learn more, increase awareness and do minor changes--"

"Where it matters!" The girl sternly interrupted. "You can't just go around changing the World. And what of other Worlds?"

"Oops! You are right. I got carried away. Gotta prioritize..."

"Hmph!"

"Hmm... Perhaps we should just find a place for our Family. A Safe Harbor from which they can prepare to Sail into the vast ocean of Life."

"Wow! That's beautiful, Nefi."

"Uhh... Brief inspiration."

"Hehe... By the way Nefi, we went WAaay off topic."

"Oh, shit! My bad. Where were we?"

"Ummm... Powers of our Contract."

"Right."

"Yes, soo... Partner Contract also allow us to make a case to separate or dissolve a bad Marriage."

"Seriously?!"

"It's hard though. Especially once Kids are born because the Human Husband may have more legal rights... But I heard this Contract got this to protect against mental manipulations, so there's a way..."

"Makes sense.."

"Another important thing... Like Marriage, we can request help from the Country with our relationship. Like counsel or--"

"Booo! Booo to government intervention in our affairs."

"Jeez, Nefi... You sure dislike authority. But how else would these Contracts be enforced?"

"Uhh, another Organization?"

"Haaim... Stop it with that Earthly bias, Nefi. The Country will enforce what we want, how we want, even some punishments..."

"Hmm... It's gotta be a nightmare to enforce thousands of different Contracts..."

"Oh, hehe, yes. But it's a Paid Service. They are incentivized to do a good job."

"Seriously?!!"

"Yep. I was getting to that. The benefits depends on the money you give... With what Dad deposited, even if you fly away from me to another Continent, I or whoever I appoint, can send Trained Guards or standby Mercenaries to fetch you. Even Assassins!"

"Woah, woah! Why do you say that so proudly?!"

"Hehehe~ And if you do inappropriate things or violate the Contract, they can help with your punishment!"

"What the hell? I'm still a slave then?! That is almost worse than Marriage on Earth!"

"Hihihi~ Ahhh~" Done with their fun, she turned serious and assured. "But it's both-ways, Nefi. And the punishments are things like hard Labor or Services for a period of time..."

"MmmMh... Then, your punishments will be in electrified Spanks--naked!"

Imagining, the girl shivered. "ACK! Y-you wouldn't!"

"But you have a spank-able butt? Not too hard, not too soft, and roundish!"

"Ugh! So meeean... I'll negotiate that!"

"...!! Hahaha! Alright, alright..."

After a pause and switch in thought, Nefiru conjectured. "But this is what your Dad was after, huh? Official insurance..."

"Yep. No one else would help us..."

"I see... But shit...being your Gate-keeper will make them focus on me... And Faust knew I care too much about you to reject this."

"Sorry, Nefi. Even I took you for granted... At first, I thought that it wasn't a big deal since you risk your life for me anyway. But struggling to capture that Wolf alive made me realize how harder it is..."

"It's a disadvantage." Interjected Nefiru. "Focusing on whom they want alive gives us more room to retaliate. Er, 'gave' us."

"Um, no Nefi, this is still a secret. Dad wants to reveal it at only the right time."

"Ah! That's better then."

"But you--my shield, have the right to know everything. To see the danger coming. To prepare. It's abusive..."

"Yeah, well, your Dad's plans are terrible like that."

"Agreed. He's just a shrewd jerk that takes gambles with lives... Liana said that it's because that has worked for him."

"I see... But this is still very good for you."

"...Yes... Although Lester doesn't want. He wants me to marry one of his Friends' little brother so that his family can protect me. I said no. So, he'll probably pressure you to approve that after."

"No way! I'm not letting a pointless Boy near you with a political marriage."

"Hehe." The girl briefly chuckled, and feeling glad of his jealousy, she remained grinning widely. "Don't worry, if Brother doesn't cooperate then I will pressure him."

"Got it."

""...""

"Hey, can't we Marry if I have a compatible Avatar?"

"Umm... Good quessstion... I'm not sure. But I think it needs to be inhabited by your Soul to be recognized as 'you.'"

"Uuuh... That's...uh, impossible... Unless--! My Beast Core always felt Spiritually strong. If my 'Dormant Spirit' is concentrated there as Erina said, it should have a separate connection with my Soul. If I can transplant it to my Avatar--"

"STOP!" Yelled the girl sternly, silencing the Dragon and startling the Wolves around. "Messing with your Core is really bad. I-I read it's even a punishment to rip it out of Beasts. They can lose Spirit Volume and weaken physically."

"Se-seriously...???!!! Whaaa... Oh, right... If the connection is severed--Ooof!"

"And that's just all I found... Besides, Marriage Contract have other strict requirements that disqualify us."

"Like what?"

She counted with her fingers. "Like, umm... Both need to be compatible biologically consenting Adults. Which your Avatar won't easily be. The Male has to be a Provider and a Protector too. And you don't even have a Job tilting fields."

"Oof! I just leech off you..."

"Pfft! Kidding~ It's at least one of us. Besides, your Potential and Knowledge is priceless."

"So cheeky..."

"Hehe~ Annnd... We would need consent and signatures from both Parents if we are dependent. Which Mother is very likely to reject."

"Oof! Yeah... Wait! You have signatures too? Like scribbles?"

"Yep. It's a convenient identification. Though the Magic ones that are harder to falsify, cost more. You'll see. We have to sign it too. Dad already did."

"Oh, okay... Annnd... How can we Pledge Partner Union without your Mother's consent?! It's like getting married..."

"Ah! It's because I'm a Woman already. In body and mind."

"Uhh, no...I'm pretty sure you are a little girl."

"Nu-uh~ I had my 'Bleeds' already. My Body entered biological maturity. A little late too."

"Oh, right. Cuz of the Soul's influence..."

"Yep."

"But only that shouldn't make you an Adult, right?"

"I knooow. It's Mental Maturity. And I will be tested for it. Especially because I'm a Noble."

"Say whaaaat?!"

"Yep. What did you think?"

"...A consent age? Behavior? Appearance?"

"Ah, um... There's a big maturity gap. Especially between magicians and non-magicians. I think it's like Fifteen years."

"That much?!"

"Yes. But adulthood tends to coincide with, um, the end of that horrible process--Puberty."

"Haha, I see..."

"Appearance is not the best indicator. Even older people can fail the test..."

"Ouch! Will you be okay though? You do act like a typical little girl half the time."

"Ack! D-don't doubt me! I have matured! Even Dad thought I can pass the Test since before-..."

"Haha, alright, alright.... You are pretty smart."

"Humph! ...By the way, you will be tested too."

"Seriously?!"

"Yep. You are a young Draggie~ You could be exploited by a mischievous girl that mistreat her Pets and realize later..."

"Funny. But...that could expose my human side..."

"Ah! Umm... Do your best?"

"..."

"D-don't worry, I'm sure we can pass. Our Contract has little qualifications anyway. It doesn't even have age restrictions. Both parties just need to be sentient and understand what it means to be bound for life."

"Oh... Good then."

"Yep. If not, we can always try to Bribe the Mentalist. Like some high class people do."

"Seriously??" A Psychologist?

"Some of them are impossible though. So, it's risky."

"Uhhh, let's not be stupid... On that note, can the Contracts be falsified?"

"Uuuh, that's difficult... Three identical Plaques are inscribed. I keep one. You hide another. And the last one is kept by the Guild or the City Lord or whoever is in charge of enforcing them. In our case, we have to take it back to the Capital..."

"Oh? That's quite secure... Oh! And how do we break a Contract?"

The White-haired magician frowned.

"Mocking you in three, two-..."

"...That...goes in the Contract too. Takes both to break. But if the conditions are met, one side can annul it and compensate whoever needs to be compensated, depending on even more conditions. It's so hard, most don't want to do it..."

"For real?! Sheesh... I thought I would just be able to keep half of your Wealth or something."

"Pfft--! Leacher!"

"Yeah, well, guess why I never married on Earth?"

"Oh, hehe... Well, it used to be like that hundreds of years ago. But Couples were killing each other over resources. Even the Country's Workers got killed by magicians."

"Yikesss!"

"And so, it was changed for the better... Hurray for history class!"

"Uhh, okay... But in any case, your puny Wealth doesn't compare to your value."

The girl tilted her head and raised her right brow. "Umm, that's both insulting and complimenting.."

"Haha! More praising. You are very worth having. Just hard to keep..."

"Oh, hehe..." Shaila lightly chuckled before turning serious again. "Nefi, about breaking the Contract, I will tell you something else to think about."

"Sure..."

"These Contracts aren't to test if a relationship can work out, it is to make it work."

"...Understood... I'm fine with it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'll ask more on Pledge day. Let's leave it there now." Nefiru declared and lifted his head up high. Staring into the blinding horizon, his pupils narrowed into slits. "Oh, shit! The Sun is about to set... Shaila! Time to wash."

"Ugh! Already..." Grumbled the tired girl, unwilling to move.

"Where the heck is Sexless...?" Muttered the Dragon as he scanned the field to the left. Oh, there! Hm?! After seeing the multicolored canine approaching from the Marsh, he noticed the wolves around looking up at the northern skies and followed their sight.

Shaila also noticed the change in atmosphere.

"What is it, Nefi?"

"...Something is coming..."

"Ugh! Not bugs please..."