The tall fox before me has pink tails, and I barely catch her scent.

More importantly, why did this person allow herself to be attacked fatally?!

Instantaneous teleportation right in front of me or an incomprehensible speed?

She wasn't harmed by Captain Alcina's strike. This... this... how can I explain it? These foxes are way too abnormal.

“Is this the new mighty hero of Gaia? Is this a new way to greet someone nowadays?"

Even though I didn't catch her full image, her voice carries the heavy tone of an overlord!

The murderous aura directed towards me dissipated instantly and was replaced with pure terror!

So ominous! This monstrous aura makes Captain Alcina paralyzed to the point where she stands!

If I were confronted with this, I would surely pass out.

Hey, my listener. I don't know who you are. Do you know what it feels like to be surrounded by hungry lions in all directions?

"!!!“

Just what extreme world do I reincarnate into? Only the fittest survive in this world. If so, then

"Calm young one, please take a seat over here. Alcina, sit next to Her Greatness and attend to her needs. Put your blade down now! "

Gran Elder Izzalla directed me towards a chair right at the head of the table and Captain Alcina to a corner of the dining room.

"... Huh?"

Her greatness? Is she…

For a moment, I doubted my own eyes. This pink fox woman was an existence far superior even to her kin, the chairman of the gran elders of the Gaia Kingdom: the Arch King of Laxxia Foxes, Klee Amelia, who Captain Alcina was just telling me about before I set foot here in the kingdom.

Rather than the color pink, they call themselves laxxia foxes.

The same goes for other fox variations: gold color for golden foxes, silver to gray color for silver foxes, and so far, that's what I understood.

Captain Alcina said there are other variations, like bloodlust foxes that have a red color, most of which are on the opposite side of this kingdom.

They're known as the fox warriors, blessed with strong physical capabilities.

As for her frightening yet very calm presence, under normal circumstances, she would never be found in a place like this since she is the kingdom's proxy and more of a direct subject to the supreme leader of the foxendom, but it seems they organized a meeting here.

“What’s wrong? Get moving already. "

Gran Elder Izzalla showed no sign of being fazed as she nonchalantly ordered Captain Alcina along.

Captain Alcina nodded with teary eyes and headed towards the seat opposite to me.

When the laxxia fox woman went near Gran Elder Izzalla, she hugged her happily. But the fox person in question was slightly nervous, making a single point of agitation in the peaceful room. Gran Elder Sarissa smiled contentedly at them.

Gran Elder Sarissa Fracess, the cheerful golden fox, had already placed all the delicious-looking foods on the table, which weren't familiar to me, and I wondered how she managed to cook this quantity in a short amount of time.

But most importantly, what is this awkward atmosphere?

After taking my seat, I looked over at the laxxia fox, and Captain Alcina curiously redirected my gaze from right to left.

Three seats for the three gran elders: the Chairman of Gran Elders—Klee Amelia, the golden fox Sarissa, and the silver fox Izzalla.

“Now that all the preparations have been completed, I would like to start the meeting here in the dining room. As we have invited a foreign yet strange young lady as our guest on this occasion, we will progress in the lingua franca, "

Gran Elder Izzalla said, declaring the start of the meeting. Just for this meeting, they would hold the proceedings in the common language of the world out of consideration for me.

Every region has its dialect, so it makes sense. So far, I haven't encountered any unfamiliar dialogues other than the English language.

“Now, my dear, I would like to extend my apologies for calling you out here today. And I thank you sincerely for attending.“

“I should be the one saying that. It is an honor to be invited here. "

I bowed lightly.

“I already introduced myself to you beforehand, but for official sake, I am Izzalla Fracess, one of the Three Gran Elders of the Gaia Kingdom. I am sure you are familiar with my daughter Alcina already. This golden woman here is—" Gran Elder Izzalla stood and began to introduce the fox sitting beside me.

“It’s Sarissa Fracess. Hehe. Nice to meet you, lovely lady," she interrupted, introducing herself.

Uhmm... lovely. Is she teasing me?

“As you can see, she is rather blunt. I apologize if she offends you in any way, and to my daughter, uh, for being violent. On another occasion, I will introduce you to the other gran-elders from nearby fox kingdoms.“

Gran Elder Izzalla let out a bitter smile, yet a small smile, as she was still being hugged.

You don't need to force yourself,

"Thank you for your consideration. It’s nice to meet everyone. My name is Maria. "

Yeah, in heaven, I remember that moment when the fox girl I admired gave herself a name before she pushed me and we separated.

Thank you for allowing me to live again, Maria.

I stood up, smiled, and bowed deeply after that simple self-introduction.

“What a wonderful name. There is no need to humble yourself, Young Maria. You are a guest and benefactor of ours. For the trouble my daughter has caused from her violent tendencies, as well as for the knowledge that there are others like us outside, I offer you my deepest gratitude and apologies. "

Except for the laxxia fox, everyone in the room stood up and bowed their heads towards me.

From their sincere postures, I judged that their words of gratitude and apology were genuine. However, having those with clearly more life experience than me all bowing at once made me uncomfortable.

But I know that rejecting their sincerity is disrespectful. Although Captain Alcina tried to kill me, I couldn't vent when her mother asked for forgiveness.

“I accept your words of apology and gratitude. In regards to the apology, I was also at fault for recklessly overstepping the boundaries through my selection of words, which is unacceptable for Captain Alcina. I'm still alive and complete, so as long as I can move freely, I don't believe it will be an issue. Let us forgive and forget it. Please, raise your heads, "

I, of course, said to those with as calm and polite a demeanor as possible.

----Narrator's POV

The gran elders, including Alcina, swallowed awestruck breath at how mature Maria acted, contrary to her undoubtedly young and innocent appearance.

The laxxia fox woman released Izzalla and sat.

"We are sincerely thankful for your selflessness," Izzalla began with a bow of her head, "but it is a fact that we returned the favor we received from you with ill-treatment. Thus, we would like to do something for you in return to express our regret. Is there anything you desire, Young Maria?"

She continued, finding it somewhat difficult to voice her words. The gazes of all gathered on Maria.

----MC's POV

"A desire..."?

I don't understand why... do I deserve this treatment?

“You can name anything. Because of our differences, we weren’t sure how to best express our gratitude to you. Though some were worried about what you would ask for, "

Gran Elder Izzalla said with a strained smile. I caught the slightly guilty expression that appeared on the faces of these elderly, and I nodded in understanding.

As for Captain Alcina, she's miserable to look at, but this isn't the time to console her.

“If it is possible, could I request that you accept me into your care for a while? My objective was to return to where I came from...“

With seriousness, I bowed my head towards them, and they seemed rather taken aback by my words. Did I say something wrong? My listener, I don't know anymore.

I came to realize that being alone is my ultimate destiny.

Whatever... I can live to the fullest without friends—after all, I promised her and am determined to fulfill that.

Don't lose hope! I may be the loneliest person alive, but that doesn't mean I have no right to be happy!

Yes, that's right! As long as you breathe, Maria, you can do whatever you want.

“Hmm... But for young Maria, that is one of our desires. If anything, it is something we should be requesting from you, not the other way around. You could ask for something more. "

Gran Izzalla sighed, letting a wry chuckle escape, but I think I'm fine now, even if she insists.

“You may say that, your greatness, but I was the irresponsible one when I put my one-sided opinions forward even though we have different views. If it is at all possible, if it’s not just my wishful thinking, right now, this humble fox before you all wants to learn everything she needs to become a civilized fox. That is why…”

“I beg you, young one. Say no more. At least let us be the ones to make the request. How about it? Would you like to live here in the palace? You are under our protection. "

I was struggling to find polite words, but she took over my dilemma.

“That is... truly generous of you. Is it all right? "

I reluctantly said, implying how my being the only white fox might cause an issue.

"Worry not, haha. We discussed everything a few hours ago, and all the gran-elders in Foxendom have already consented to it. We would love to have you here, hehe "

Gran Elder Sarissa, who silently smiled at us for a while, confirmed it decisively.

“Indeed, it is exactly as we wanted to say. We will exert the utmost effort to accommodate your stay here in the palace and make sure it is comfortable. If you find that you need something at any time, do not hesitate to inform us. "

"That’s right. You could even ask for something other than material goods, like the most handsome kid for marriage. How about my cousin, since you're also a good-looking kid?"

She boasted, adding to Gran Elder Izzalla’s words in good humor.

“Don't get too carried away, Gran Elder Sarissa. Are you full already? "

"Hahaha!"

The golden fox boomed with laughter after she reprimanded her. Chuckles stirred among them, instantly brightening the atmosphere of the room.

At the very least, Captain Alcina appears to have calmed down as a result of them.

"Good grief. But that’s how it is, young Maria. There’s no need to hold back. Try searching for something that you want while living in our kingdom, or even in another kingdom, or you may want in the central capital. My apologies, but I must insist on expressing my gratitude somehow.“

"I got it," I chuckled, pacing for a moment before expressing my desire.

“In that case, I would like to request your support in teaching me about basic life skills and your way of living during my stay.“

"I see... That should be no problem at all."

"Hmm hehe. I will personally prepare a gifted teacher for you. "

They appeared satisfied with my request and both nodded.

"All right! Can I get on with my business now that your talk has wrapped up? "

The laxxia fox's bright voice echoed through the room after she ate everything that was in front of her. All eyes in the room shifted towards her.

"Why, of course, Your Greatness. But, if I may, could I please introduce Your Greatness to our young guest first? "

Gran Elder Izzalla asked.

"Sure, go ahead."

She nodded easily in response and drank some water.

“Young Maria, her greatness, has been the legitimate representative of all existing laxxia foxes since old times, a proxy for the supreme leader and the current chairman of Gaia Kingdom, the Great Arch King Klee Amelia. If you recall, I spoke of her just before. "

"Umm... Arch King?"

She had been giving off a deathly aura, but her appearance was so beautiful that even the two grannies adored her... Is it a government position or a sort of honorary title?

"I’m Klee. Pleased to meet you, Maria! Let’s get along, shall we? "

With an innocent smile, she was instantly beside me before I even noticed she was there. With the numerous anomalies encountered today, I do think I can pretty much control myself.

“I’m very pleased to meet you too, madame”

I returned the greeting with a confused face as she held my neck behind me and I felt her cold breath. She... she... crazier than Captain Alcina, but her scent is milder, so I'm kind of disappointed.

"Hmm... I knew it. Though it’s faint, I can scent the purest holy aura. Perhaps your home is an ancient place? "

"...“

“Holy aura? What ancient site?“

I asked, bewildered.

“You bathed in the purest and most holy auras! Yup, does anything come to mind? Ancient places are pretty rare now. You see, those are the places where the Genesis people reside. The same goes for a few ancient sites here in Foxendom."

“Ancient sites? No, I can’t tell if that were the case.“

I shook my head from right to left and was perplexed, as I had no idea what she was talking about. The fox saint I admired had no memory of it being a sacred place; it was just a normal forest like the outside.

“Seriously? That’s strange. Ah, there’s no need to be worried. Are they your ancestors? No, a progenitor must have lived there, or they were consumed in previous wars. This isn't a proper discussion the way I wanted it to be. But do I need to ask or not? No, those are pretty much gone by now, aren't they? Is there a possibility, right? "

She's unable to keep up with her words.

"Uhm..."

“Hey, do you mind if I take a look? It won’t do any damage to your body, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. "

After a brief moment’s hesitation, I accepted her dangerous request.

"Yes, please be gentle.“

“Then, excuse me.“

"Pwersahan makita~”

She chanted a spell (? ), and I felt her sudden craving, gently grabbing my right cheek and then lifting my chin slightly.

Suddenly, I felt the strange sensation of something unfamiliar swirling within me, and I memorized this flow instantly, which seems pretty natural to do.

It was a strange feeling. I could certainly tell it wasn't my blood flow, and it filled in every fiber of my flesh from my head to my feet and vice versa. And they all go in one direction, which makes it convenient for me to analyze them more.

"Wow... You have a tremendous amount of holy aura hidden within you. more than my mother and me combined. It looks delicious. Are you...? Oh, it looks like I can't access your status information after all. That means you’re older than anyone I know, and...“

She abruptly paused in the middle of her examination and suddenly flinched. Her eyes widened in shock, which alarmed me.

“Did something happen?“

I asked, sensing something abnormal in her state.

“You are far from normal. That's it. You lived in ancient times, perhaps the Genesis-era! Are you a descendant of another king or an archduke? No, maybe because you lived there for a long time? " She asked me with a confused expression.

This caused the room to stir louder than ever before, but I still didn’t get it. She was more composed when she arrived, and now she's completely a different person.

Just by looking at her scarlet eyes, one would see she is troubled about something. And that was because of me.

"Uhm... Sorry?"

"Mm... Judging by that reaction, you don’t know what your lineage status is. ... you don't have a time reference, don't you? Alcina explains it to her.“

It seems she passed on the job of explaining it to her.

"Yes, Your Greatness. So for those who have holy auras, only high-class lineages and above are capable of taking at least a cup of such essence, as the Arch King Klee Amelia. Both my mothers have the lineage of kings, and I have the Archduke lineage. Then, above the Arch King, is the Supreme King lineage, which includes the current Supreme Leader of the entire foxendom, and such existences are extremely rare nowadays in comparison to the ancient and genesis eras. In our historical records, there is a hypothetical bracket we call the Singularity lineage, the highest ones being our true ancestors, the origin of races, and variations. Some say you could count the number of them on one hand as they are the progenitors of each existing race all around the world. Unfortunately, it is debatable for now if we came from a single fox. For such a long time and through countless wars, even though we have longer lifespans, we don't have enough records, and probably all in the highest bracket are long dead by now. The highest lineage officially recorded and acknowledged by our scholars is that of the founders of Foxendom. It is confirmed they are all Eternal Emperors, which is under the Eternal Bracket and believed to be the second bracket next to Singularity. Next will be the Miracle Bracket, then Permanence, Millennium, and finally the edge of Transcendentals, which is the Supreme Bracket. What you encountered today is listed below. Outside civilizations have also confirmed that, in extreme cases, a baby can inherit the lineage of a transcendental. They become heroes, kings, or rulers of their races. After all, the higher your lineage, the more powerful you are, no matter what your parents' status is, and no one will question your legitimacy on the throne or in any political position if certain conditions are met. And then...“

Despite her panic and the earlier murder attempt, Captain Alcina provided a sufficient amount of information.

“And that’s how it is. In short, you probably have a higher lineage. You have so much potential that one day you will have the same amount of power—if not more—as myself.“

After Captain Alcina ended her lecture, she drank a bit of water and started to eat. "...

“Great Chairman, does that mean there is the possibility that she is a transcendental one? Hehe, sounds nice.“

“I guess so. The upper echelon of society in ancient fox history is known as the "Seven Lords of Foxes." They all disappeared over two thousand years ago in the Last Race War, but it’s not like I know every variation out there, either. I wouldn’t completely write off the possibility that the lineage she inherited within her is a transcendental one we know already,"

Great Chairman Klee answered casually, causing a roar of a surprise to sound throughout the room.

I think it is better to hide that Maria hasn't inherited her lineage. Instead, she is the progenitor of white foxes, and so far she hasn't had recollections of having a baby, but she is destined to. But...

why such a worried face?

"Uhm, is there some problem with me?"

I asked her, glancing sideways at the three's reactions.

"Nothing in particular. Oh, but it might be a big deal to the kingdoms and foxes who worship our high lineage through carved statues resembling us. I’m already treated as the second-highest government official next to the supreme king for being an arch king, so if a transcendental or even a king or an archduke appeared, it might cause an uproar. Moreover, you are the first white fox in our foxendom history. "

“Forgive me for the interruption, great chairman. Hehe... we are eager to get to know you, so why not show us your status board and confirm if you are possibly a transcendental?"

“I wouldn’t recommend that. Even though she's a foreigner and not bound by our kingdom's policies, that doesn't mean we should break the third universal rule for everyone. Trespassing someone's privacy is inhumane, and sharing your personal information is suicidal unless we deem her a criminal in due process. As a proxy of this kingdom to the supreme king, I can't allow that. "

Great Chairman Klee shook her head, and she did her duties as the proxy, even though she desired it, which I find admirable.

She gave me a soothing smile while Captain Alcina looked fine now and never had that depressing aura of hers.

"That makes sense." I understand.

There were several points she was still curious about, but Great Chairman Klee was being worshipped too by the fox folk, as she said, and it would seem rude if she kept hounding me with questions.

After all, we will need to eat all of this food.

Hmm... this food tastes bland, yet there's a distinct flavor inside that stands out as the victor, and chewing this squishy texture makes it more apparent that the defeated flavor isn't going to surrender and is still fighting.

With these clashes of flavors resulting in a near stalemate, I found the unique combo, the perfect chewing rhythm, and shallow all of it at once! Delectable.

I never thought it would satisfy me so fast.

With just one scoop of this food, I can have an entire day without any worry about a grumbling stomach. The foxendom never fails to amaze me.

Well, my listener, in truth, I have too many questions in mind. I decided to save them for later if there was a chance like this, and I refrained from asking any more at the moment.

I feel bad for not finishing my plate. Is it because I have a small appetite or because the food is way too good?

"Hmm. But if young Maria has a noble lineage at minimum, then we may need to reconsider our conduct toward young Maria herself, "

Gran Elder Izzalla said with a worried expression.

"What... do you mean by that?"

I asked inquisitively.

“To put it broadly, it may be wiser to treat you with respect as a holy individual and our protectee. We won’t ask you to take on any duties and obligations like those of your neighborhood; we’ll simply adjust our perceptions of them on our own accord. You will not be burdened. For these reasons, we can't share them with you. For your own sake, "

Gran Elder Izzalla replied with a wry smile, sensing my doubtful wariness.

“Um, okay. treat me with respect...? No, I don’t feel like I’ve done anything to deserve that. Suddenly, treating me that way will only bother me. "

I said awkwardly.

"Hahaha! Well, don’t let it disturb you. Think of it as the kingdom's giving you an even warmer welcome! Hahaha! "

Gran Elder Sarissa said heartily, as always. She is the brightest star.

“I guess... I'm glad to accept your kindness. "

I could do nothing with that but nod with a strained smile.

Hey listener, do you ever assume that I am in a good position now? A happy ending with a new family?

Hahaha. You are wrong. As of now, I am putting myself in a vulnerable state so they will not notice me.

They think I am easy prey for them. I'm not even surprised if they were the reason why Captain Alcina is depressed.

Underlying that good appearance, each one of them is the nastiest person I ever met.

And another reason why I'm pretty sure of it is that I never swallow anything and the suspicious poisoned food is still in my mouth.

What a good actor I am, right?

A second after I entered this palace, I barely heard the agonizing scream of a person, and it seemed like a torture room was underneath, below the ground.

It is all thanks to Captain Alcina's wanting to kill me on the spot rather than the worst-case scenario.

Yeah, the information about me being a white fox was too valuable.

Their patience was way too short, so I used my vulnerability to at least assure them that I would give them whatever they wanted.

It was all to install time, you see.

Now, what should I do to escape from this pseudo-hell?

Oh, and don't forget this foxendom isn't exactly utopia as you think of it.

A hypersexual dystopian society What a wonderful place it is, isn't it?

Regardless of age, gender, or social standing, all foxes lived on lust, lust, and more lust.

Incest, child pornography, domestic violence, sex dens, you name it.

They put on a good performance to hide all of this in daylight, and all I could hear as I walked beside Captain Alcina towards this palace were the moans of children and adults.

Both pleasure and horror. The beautiful and the ugly. Integrity and deception. The truth and the lie.

Honestly, I don't have any plan guaranteeing I will return in full shape on this night.