A Barn Girl from the Human Empire 1

“I see… So that’s what happened. Proctor Miriara, you sly hag. I’ll make you pay triple when I get back.”

To cut the long story short, I was a test subject for a teleportation device without a failsafe. As expected of Proctor Miriara. Before I looked back at them I could already hear faint voices of Morgianna shouting at Proctor Miriara. Something must have happened back then right before the portal closed.

Some error on calculations?

Morgianna just want to rant because she can’t join me?

I won’t be able to return?

I was teleported right at enemy territory?

“Hahaha! I won’t like the latter two… Hahaha!!”

I looked at the road not far from me and saw the carriage filled with sacks of milled rice and was being guarded by two humans clad with heavy plate armor and the carriage being driven by another human.

“…Unless…”

I hurriedly lowered my body to hide myself at the tall wheat near the road so they wouldn’t be able to spot me even from afar. The color of my robe really contrasts the daylight and the color of the fields so either they would treat me as a scarecrow, or they would torture me or sentence me to a public execution or maybe just send me back to my country.

“That would be nice, yeah, but to think that I’d skip the basics first.”

At capture, of course questions first before torture.

“But of course, a demon wandering around at the human empire. Not to mention I’m the Maou…”

I would immediately get sniped by their magicians from afar (which I could not avoid to retaliate and kill a few before fleeing). But I’d rather not fight with them. Not at that crucial time where I needed to rack my brain and abilities to come up with a way to escape my current situation.

“Okay… so…”

I pulled out the small pin-like material I hid at my robe before setting foot at the platform. It was the supposedly support items she gave me.

---

“Here, have this pin. It would serve as a communication device. This device should connect to our channels here, so we would be able to communicate with you if ever any link between the spaces gets cut. Welp that’s the worst case scenario. Ha ha ha!!”

---

“Ha Ha Ha my ass!”

That’s what she told me… It seemed that she’s looked into the possibility of the portal getting cut immediately after entering. Well, nothing to do but to try out.

I’ve applied mana on the small device and it changed its form, like a fluid jelly taking the shape of my ear like an ear bud or something. Once the material completed its transformation I’ve put it to my ear and applied mana to operate it.

Ksssshk! Kssssshk!

I’ve heard static for a few bit until the line clears out. I’ve heard several people talking at the background.

“Hello? Proctor? Hello? It’s me. Fred.”

“Oh. Son. What makes you call at such a blissful day off?”

It’s my dad. Curses, Proctor Miriara…

“Oh, yeah, such a blissful day, esteemed Father. My bad, It seems that I’ve called a wrong number.”

“No worries. Just remember to take a rest. It’s your precious day-off. Seems like you’re very busy right off the start of the day.”

“Ah, yeah, actually… About that… Hehehe…”

“Yeah, I know. You’ll be out for another set of days. Okay I’ll attend the meetings on your behalf.”

It’s a good thing my father have been supporting of me even without being knowledgeable of any of the things we’ve been doing. It’s a secret research club after all. As long as I bring results and meet up the expectations of the demons around me, it should be fine.

“Yeah, sorry esteemed Father. And thanks… Also, uhm, are you by any chance with Fervus?”

“Ah, yes. We’re currently lifting weights.”

Eh? Since when did they become body-building buddies?

“Can you please do me a favor and tell him to contact Morgianna? They might be needing his assistance with something.”

“Oh. You’re not with Morgianna? Seriously? But I thought you’re already living with her.”

“No dad. She’s a sibling and will always be a sibling… Remember? She is my little sister and she will always be my little sister. So please just focus on lifting weights and always keep in mind that Morgianna will just always be my little sister. It’s a boundary I won’t ever cross… Please just do the favor. It would be really helpful. Thanks. I’m going to hang up now.”

Then there’s no more reply. The line was already cut and beat me to it.

Kssshk!!

“Ah, there! I’ve patched through. Hello?!”

“Figures… Proctor Miriara, you’ll be receiving punishment once I, the eight-generation Maou, gets back there.”

“Save that for later. We need you to follow the instructions for you to get back.”

“How long will it take?”

“This might take a whole day. That’s the fastest we could get you out of there.”

I’ve made a rough estimate of the time since I haven’t looked at it since being transferred to my current location.

Hmmm. Let’s see…

I looked at the direction where the shadow of the trees and the grass were pointing. I estimated it’s not yet the middle of the afternoon since Morgianna had woken me quite early.

“It’s just past the 9th hour. Can’t you see through it that I could get home this 12th?”

“Hmmm… Well to be honest that would be impossible, even with Fervus in here.”

“Geez. It’s fine. But really, to mess up the coordinate calculation at the very last second. That’s so like you. Proctor Miriara. Or simply, you’ve just planned this from the start.”

“Now, now… This is not really the time to think like that. Of course I’d prioritize your safety first.”

“I thought so.”

I suddenly heard a loud static, like the communication device was suddenly grabbed by someone. Morgianna suddenly talked, all worried like a mother separated from her child at the marketplace.

“Where are you! Don’t worry I’ll rush over there and get you back at once.”

“Whoah! Morgianna. Don’t worry. I’m fine, for now. Besides, I think I’m currently at the other side of the continent. It would still take a whole week even if you fly full speed right now.”

“I knew it. The proctor’s up to no good. Should I punish her right now?”

“Morgianna, get ahold of yourself. This is not the perfect time to be fighting among ourselves. I’d hear what she will have to say once I get back there, but for now, she’s the one who knows how this mechanism works. Let’s put trust in her now. She may always be up to no good, but she makes sure it won’t do me any harm.”

“…”

Her response took longer than expected. I never thought the situation had taken too worse to make even the ‘always obedient’ Morgianna to think carefully before answering.

“Promise me you’ll be back.”

“Yes.”

“Promise me you won’t do anything rash.”

“Yes.”

Then I haven’t heard from her for a few more seconds. Proctor Miriara then spoke. I was surprised she’s got much less to say to me than the normal at times like those.

“Okay. So let me explain the situation. It really was my intention to create a waypoint from the demon capital to the human empire. But the distance was too great that the cost requires a lot. As much as I would like to refrain you from being the test subject for this, I really don’t have a choice. Please forgive me.”

“I’ve told you, save that for later. Cut to the chase.”

“Okay then. The waypoint was really headed towards somewhere at the borders of the human empire, but I did not expect the mana source to get cut off at the middle of testing. It’s not supposed to happen here and I saw no indications that we have lacked the mana required to supply the mechanism. That’s what is getting me worried.”

Then… That would only mean…

It was an external force that cut the portal.

“The mana source has not been cut from here, but from there. Be careful there. Somebody even stronger than me, or General Orcas, or Morgianna… Or even you, is currently near you right now. There might be an enemy nearby.”

I gulped. I could feel the droplets of sweat drip down from my forehead to my temple.

There were times battles couldn’t really be avoided. And it should be fine by me. But that’s really because I’m confident with my skills in battle. That’s why I’ve managed to overcome every battle I’ve been through so far.

But it was different.

The scenario was simple: I’ll be the one to trigger opening the portal and the three will sustain the portal open, even for a very short time. Maintaining it already taxed them a lot so It would be best to not wander too much since it’s just the preliminary testing. But somebody from the other side had force-closed the portal. It meant that being used the same amount of mana I, and the other three used, combined altogether.

There’s somebody, even more formidable than the enemies I’ve encountered before was around the area. It would cost me everything if I were to fight that being at my current state. I would be exhausting my everything. Worst case, I might not even be able to put up a fight and die on the spot.

“You should already know by now. Your only choice is to either flee, or defend yourself until we’re able to summon you back.”

“This is not the right time to be prideful and die in vain. They would immediately know I come from the royal bloodline just by looking at me, not to mention there might already be a directive to catch me dead or alive. You’ve put me on a really tight spot right now, do you know that?”

The situation left me with no other choice.

“Tell me, Proctor Miriara. What should I do.”

“Okay, I know transformation magic usage is not really your thing, it’s not on your bloodline, but it’s your only choice.”

“You… You’ve really planned this far?”

“What? No of course! Why do you think everything that’s happening right now was planned by me?”

We were like playing a psychological game of tag.

“Because it’s you we’re talking about here.”

“Ugh… Kidding aside, I’ve formulated something based from your incompatibility with transformation abilities. I just don’t know of the side effects yet.”

There was no time to think about the side effects or later consequences on using a transformation ability. There had been an incident already when I already lost my life due to blood loss when I tried to do transformation magic. It seemed that some ability had been restricted by gods to be used by certain bloodline or race.

I could hear the carriage nearly approaching me. They seemed to not chase after time and just want to deliver the goods to its destination. They passed me, I let out a sigh of relief. But there’s still the pressing issue with the one that force closed the portal.

“Whatever! Give me the chant.”

Every second that wasted, the chance that I would be found rose. I’ve memorized every detail she’s said since me using a transforming ability had always been a double-edged blade. Morgianna and the others could do it. It was just me that couldn’t.

At that time I was already prepared for the worst since the only possible option I could have to escape the situation I’m in was also the worst possible I could have.

I chanted.

Light enveloped me and I felt a sudden surge of mana flowed out of me. When a being with mana affinity was drained out of mana there could be two effects on him: either his soul gets sucked out of him, or he dies.

I was worried because mana had been surging out of me and it could be fatal if not stopped. At the same time, I was afraid that the passing merchants might see the light coming out from my direction. But it’s broad daylight so it must not be much noticeable if they already passed.

“Ugh… AAAAAh!!”

Then a sudden dulling pain hit my body that made me squirmed back and forth like a worm sliced into two and poured salt on. The scenario went on for another minute or two which I didn’t track anymore due to the intense pain I was feeling.

Everything was turning to black. I was blacking out.

After a few more minutes my subconscious told me to get back to reality already. I was like a victim of a heinous crime and was just thrown at the grasslands as soil fertilizer. My dead-fish eyes gained life again. I was still holding out my tummy like it’s about to burst out my intestines any moment I try to move. Tears and snot were flowing out of me due to the intense dulling pain.

“I have to… Get back… Morgianna…”

Huh?...

“My voice…”

It was different from before. My clothes suddenly became too large for me too. It was hard for me to move.

A memory flashed on me when I was still young and was still being allowed to play since the calling of the Maou still had not manifested on me. Those were happy days. Those were the childhood days where I had that tone.

“Creation magic: mirror.”

Nothing happened.

Wha… ugh.. My mana had been drained out to the extent that I can’t make an incantation. That’s really weird. Even my sense of hearing dulled. I wonder what do I look at this moment. Curses. I had never been at this dire situation before. Not even my choices that’s been limited, even my capabilities too…

Upon thinking too much on what happened and what was still to happen, a figure approached me. It was a girl. Her angelic voice gently flowed through my ears like a cool morning breeze.

“Hey kid. Are you hurt? I’ve heard you shouting in pain from afar. Shush those imperial guards. They really won’t care whatever might happen to civilians living at this area.”

She extended her hand towards me.

“Come, stand. Can you? Where are you hurting? Where is your house? I could help you go home. Are you lost? What’s with the excessive clothes?”

“…”

I just looked at her as she talked and talked and barraged me with questions. I could not return a single answer because a question pops out after another.

“Ah! Sorry, what’s your name by the way. We could start with introductions first. My name is Ingretta. Ingretta Von Howartz.”

The golden long hair fluttered as it was gently blown by the calm breeze. Her deep gray eyes stared into mine with sincerity to help. She’s a little girl, wearing a neat white long dress, and a small straw hat on top to protect her face from the heat of the sunlight.

“Fre—Fred… My name is Fred Augustus.” –of course that’s to mask my true identity.

“Augustus… Hmmm… The family name doesn’t ring a bell. Maybe somebody from a nearby town.”

She seemed to treat me like a normal human.

Demons have a very distinct feature that makes them stand out among the other races. It’s the color of their eyes. Well tracing the deepest roots of all other races that emerged through generations it all comes down to the ancient four. To sum it up, us on the royal bloodline have distinct crimson to deep red eyes which depend on the degree of royalty of the clan.

As for me…

Does my eyes not stand out? Or it changed color? I really need to take a look on my appearance right now.

“What’s wrong?...”

I didn’t notice her as she gotten too close to me. She was crouching to level herself towards me. That should make talking a lot easier than bowing down. She found her comfortable position and continued talking to a lying stranger in pain.

“I… I’m fine…”

“Whooooaaah… No matter how I look at it your deep red eyes really look’s so cool. Is it on your family?”

Ah… I guess the eye color didn’t really change at all. Damn you Proctor Miriara. Of all the important things you should miss.

“Hey. Say, are you willing to let me help you? It seems like you’re not from here. Maybe my parents know something. But they really told me not to just offer help to every stranger I see. What should I do…”

I looked at her.

She’s a kid about the age comparable to when I was still a little kid, playing at the demon palace without any concern of burden to carry. She’s had tan lines from her shoulders, an indication that she’s always outside either to play with friends or to help her parents with the fieldwork. But I’d pick the prior. She’s still a kid, she should have been playing all day long. That’s how it should be.

“Hmmm? You’re deep lost in thoughts again… You should speak up. How would I know what you’re feeling if you won’t. Come, speak. I won’t eat you. Fu he he he…”

She cracked a silly oldies joke and giggled. It must be to cheer me up.

I looked at her again. I’ve been starting to feel better since she arrived so I could now focus on examining her. Her face looks very delicate. A human child with in a plain white dress, and a straw hat.

“—te…”

I hadn’t notice I’ve been whispering odd words that’s not supposed to come out.

“Cute… You’re cute…”

“Awawa~~”

“Eh?”

Eh? Really?? Eh?? EEEH??!!

“Ah, no, sorry… Nevermind that. I’m just really out of myself right now.”

She’s blushing of course. But that’s not the issue. I’m blushing! For God only knows where in the seven hells did I spout such nonsense.

I’m not onto kids,

I’m no pedophile.

She pulled a distance as she saw me making twisted expressions of self-conflict. She might be a blockhead but she could still distinguish what’s safe or not. Yes, a true little girl.

“Ah, no, no. I really have no ill intentions about that remark. I promise!—ughk!” –the pain caught up on me as I thought it’s already gone. I looked up with her again after catching up with my breathing.

“I swear…”

“Puhahahaha!! It’s fine. I was just kidding. Hm… I’m shocked a bit. But it’s fine. Come. If you could already speak then you should be better than your state a while ago.”

She stood up and again, extended her hand for a reintroduction of herself.

“Here, take my hand, come with me for a while. I’ll find a way to get you home. I promise.”

The sincerity of her smile pierced through me. It seemed like I’ve encountered someone so pure-willed and straightforward to helping others. She did not need anything in return. She helps when it should be needed. She would just extend her smile and give her hand towards anyone in need. She’s not like those elite kids I used to play back at the demon castle, where everything had been given to them on a silver platter. Of course they would know very little about the word responsibility. Not like I’m one to talk, since I was once like that too.

I shook my head again to clear my thoughts.

What the hell is happening to you Fred. Clear your mind. You could do better than this.

My pride tells me not to accept it but I still accepted the offer. I reached out for her hand.

“Whoopsie daisy!”

She lifted me up with minimal effort. I wondered how she managed to do that despite me being an elder demon at my prime. I’m supposed to weigh several tens of kilos but she still managed it like a guard from a town’s border gate.

It happens to struck me when I was already up and standing.

“Okay so…”

“Hm??”

I went down to make another self-introduction of myself inside my head:

My name is Fred Augustus. I’m a human, six years of age. My height is…

“AAAAAAAAH!!!”

I held my head with both my hands and screamed from the top of my lungs like my dulling pain didn’t exist in the first place. I could still feel it but it didn’t matter. I needed to scream the sudden stress that hit me after realizing what I have become after my transformation.

“THIS IS NOT EVEN TRANSFORMATION MAGIC!! CURSE YOU PROCTOR MIRIARAAAAAA!!!”