Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #57

 

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #57

Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain

 

 

*Baron Guillaume’s POV

Crows.

A kind of bird that flies in search of death, eating corpses, and making unpleasant eerie squeals like scraping sounds of metal.

If it was before the coronation ceremony of the current Emperor, it was a bird that Baron Guillaume would not help but despise. However, after the shocking coronation ceremony, the bird was no longer a stranger among the nobles.

In front of him was the crow favored by the Emperor and was the one that appeared at the coronation ceremony. If the person hadn’t seen a bird with both the appearance of a human and a crow, the person would have heard of it. The rumors spread quickly.

Baron Guillaume was the former. He had personally seen a crow transform into a human. His shock at that time was immense!

How can I explain the possessiveness I felt at the time when the bird I thought was only ominous changed into a beautiful and alluring figure that I couldn't find anywhere else?

However, at the same time, I thought that it was not suitable unless it was an emperor’s because it’s so beautiful and rare, so I could easily suppress my possessive desire.

But that doesn't mean that he doesn't feel sorry for himself, so he went to the slave market with the slave he loved and went to buy the slave he liked.

Baron Guillaume swallowed his saliva and looked carefully at the crow.

---It is wearing a gold necklace with sapphire on it. If my memory wasn't wrong, I'm sure...

"Marquis Namuel. I'll take the liberty of asking. Is that crow..."

"Your prediction is correct. It is the bird that His Majesty especially cherishes."

"Well then...! Can you show me the evidence?!"

The Baron went on to say while stroking away his cold sweat with the back of his hand. The appearance of the crow and the subsequent appearance of Marquis Namuel could not be taken lightly.

Even now, Marquis Namuel was still looking at the crow and paying attention to it

...that said, there’s a very high possibility that the crow is really the Emperor's bird. But that doesn't mean the situation is bad.

Slaves are always the property of their masters. Of course, since there is no reason to oppose the greater power, it is not bad to bow my head and sacrifice my slave, but he’s too precious for me to do so. Yes, unless the Emperor himself is involved, there is no need for me to hand this slave over to anyone.

After all, a noble is a noble. Whether they have power or not, they could claim the basic rights of nobles.

And so, Baron Guillaume clenched his fists as he uttered words that might have been reckless.

 

*3^rd person POV

Hearing his words, Namuel narrowed his brows as if he was displeased. Namuel was a noble with so little influence that he could be not remembered immediately. Of course, he was indifferent about it since he was a wizard, and the influential nobles were essentially familiar with his appearance and basic information. But...

‘He recognizes His Majesty's bird, but he still dares to question it?’

With that thought in mind, Namuel began to ponder how to cook the nobleman in front of him.

"Caaw!"

A cry was heard. Not only the two men’s eyes, but the eyes of those who were away of some distance were also drawn to the crow.

Namuel shook his head at the sight of the crow who cawed as she tilted her head.

"...No, Rainelle-nim. You don't have to show yourself."

As Namuel spoke to the crow politely, Baron Guillaume's complexion and the faces of the onlookers changed.

The baron's face grew whiter little by little, but the majority of the onlookers said, “isn't that guy crazy?”, which was a very natural attitude.

Baron Guillaume: ‘Who would be polite to a mere corpse-eating ravenous bird? Is this the Emperor’s bird? Ha! No way!’

The crow clenched her beak in dissatisfaction. Then, in the next moment, something happened that surprised everyone present.

It was because the crow's body grew large in an instant, and the bird soon changed into a human figure.

The appearance of a beautiful woman in a dress made of black feathers shocked everyone, including the slave who was beaten.

"Rainelle-nim..."

Namuel, the only one who was not surprised, called the crow, no, the woman, as if worried. But Rainelle responded by shaking her head.

“Now you believe?”

"Yes! I'm sorry for being rude!!"

Baron Guillaume lowered his head so much until he almost hit the ground and shouted.

Baron Guillaume: ‘It really is, truly, His Majesty's bird!

The bird was so beautiful and rare that he didn't even dare to touch her.

Savoring the feeling of being thoroughly betrayed by his own doubt that remained in the corner of his heart, the baron’s body shook.

Noting that the being in front of him would be the next Empress, he warned himself not to act rude.

Baron Guillaume: ‘But because of my petty pride and selfishness that I don't want to lose this slave, I had already done something rude!!’

The baron's face was drenched in cold sweats as his body shook in fear of what punishment he would receive. His face turned white, then blue, then purple.

"Hey, why were you beating him?"

A clear voice reached his ears. The baron, who raised his head, leaned back in surprise and fell on his butt. It was because Rainelle, had come close, squatted, and was looking down at him before he realized it.

"That, that, that, that---!! Um, slave, without knowing gratefulness, tried to run away..."

"---Can't he run away?"

"Slaves belong to their owners, Rainelle-nim. It is unacceptable for an object to run away on their own will."

Namuel explained on behalf of the bewildered, stuttering baron.

Namuel's gaze went downwards and then turned to the slave who was watching them carefully.

 

*Namuel’s POV

Among slaves, looking like that, he should be classified as a special product from the highest class. The skin is fine except where he was hit.

And, seeing that there are no calluses, he is probably a sex slave...

He looked quite smart, and seeing that he was accustomed to the treatment, he might have been a slave from birth.

When he thought about it that far, he seemed to understand why the baron was whipping him. He was brought up after great ‘care’, but he dared to dream of escaping, so it was bound that the baron would be angry.

No one would even care if his head was to be cut off on the spot. To slaves, freedom was not an area where they were not allowed to dream unless their master gives it to them.

But Rainelle didn't seem to understand. As she frowned, she said,

"Isn’t he human?"

"He’s a slave."

"That human, the humans watching, Namuel, and that person all look the same. Then why?"

Namuel, who was momentarily speechless at those words, shut his mouth. Rainelle fixed her clear purple eyes on Namuel as she really didn't seem to understand and still asked why.

"---I think you can think of it as human culture and rules..."

"...Really? Got it."

If you asked more ‘why’, the explanation will be more and more difficult, but Rainelle nodded calmly and said ‘got it’.

"But, I don't like him being hit... what to do?"

"...it's up to the master, I can't do anything about it..."

Rainelle puffed up her cheeks at those words, and her gaze turned to Baron Guillaume.

"Did he escape? And so, you hit him?"

"Yes, yes."

"Then you don't need him?"

Baron Guillaume could not answer hastily. Because he could sense that something was wrong with the atmosphere.

And it must have been the same for Namuel because he said to Rainelle as he frowned slightly.

"Rainelle, do you like that slave?"

"If he doesn’t want this slave, I'll take him."

"...I guess it's a matter of asking the master and His Majesty the Emperor..."

"You said you were going to help me choose a present. Can't we just say that we decided on that?"

Namuel looked flustered as he saw Rainelle’s desire to take the slave away by force.

It was because he expected that she would choose, in his opinion, flowers and trinkets which were strange and beautiful in the eyes of crows but of no great value to humans. However, it deviated greatly, so he couldn't help but be puzzled.

We cannot solve this problem on our own…

Of course, it wasn't that difficult to buy a slave. It was a little different when the other person is a noble, but if you pay a corresponding price, it was normal that the slave would be given without any complaints. And Namuel was able to pay for a slave no matter how expensive the slave was.

But the problem was that the gender of the slave was male.

The next empress -a crow- brought a male slave as a gift for His Majesty the Emperor? Furthermore, the slave is likely to be a sex slave?

...He couldn't even imagine what would happen after that, so Namuel took the most rational and neat way that he could choose.

"Oh, excuse us. We haven't asked who you are until now."

“Yes, yes! My name is Guillaume de Nicolai, I hold the baron title!”

"Okay, Baron Guillaume. Can you come to the Imperial Palace right now?"

"The, the, the, the Imperial Palace?"

"Yeah, it's probably best to bring this matter up to the Emperor directly, so we can both be satisfied."

At those words, Baron Guillaume looked at Namuel with his mouth wide open without even protecting his dignity.

"Well, that means..."

"We'll talk about the details on the way. There are too many eyes here."

Indeed, it was. Rainelle was constantly looking around, perhaps uncomfortable as more and more spectators flocked in. The Baron realized that this was not the time to find an excuse, so he nodded hurriedly and ordered his entourage to bring a carriage.

Is the situation crazy for the slave? He sat there blankly. After returning to her original form, Rainelle landed on the slave's head and he blinked.

Seeing her puffing up her feathers and swinging her tail feathers like she really liked the progress, Namuel let out a long sigh inwardly.

...I have a feeling that today is going to be a long day.

Was his foreboding right? Suddenly, someone spoke to them,

"Heh heh... I thought this side of the market was buzzing for some reason... if it isn't Rainelle-nim."

"---!! Myrdin-nim!"

Namuel replied in surprise. The person who smiled faintly while stroking his silver beard was the head of the Imperial Mages¹, Myrdin.

In an unexpected place, in such a situation, Namuel lost his composure due to an unexpected person that he met.

Was it fun to see him like that? Myrdin said softly,

"It's an old man's pleasure to see young people in a lively place. I came here thinking that something interesting has happened..."

The eyes of the old wizard fell on Rainelle. Upon receiving his gaze, the crow cawed and bowed her head to greet him. Myrdin smiled and held out his hand.

Then, as the crow flew and landed on the old man's arm, a small smile appeared on the edge of the old man’s lips and creases appears on his face.

"I've seen the situation earlier, so I've got a rough idea. Rainelle-nim, do you like that slave?"

A satisfied smile appeared on the corner of the old wizard's lips as the crow nodded while cawing.

"I see. Then this old man should step up and help you."

"...Yes? M, Myrdin-nim will?"

Namuel called him in a fluster, but the old wizard just stroked the crow's black feathers with an inexplicable smile.

"Now, now. Let's try to sort things out. What's your name?"

"I, I'm Baron Guillaume de Nicolai."

“Baron Guillaume. Can you sell that slave to me?”

The Baron's expression distorted at those words. However, that did not make him crazy enough to spit out harsh words to the head of the Imperial Mages.

"Ha, but I cherish this slave very much... It's a slave I brought up with a lot of effort."

"Well..., it's difficult to make the best slaves."

"Yes, yes. So it's a little difficult to sell this one..."

While wiping his cold sweat with a handkerchief, the baron seemed to have no intention of stepping down. Seeing him like that, Myrdin slowly stroked his white beard and looked at the Baron and the crow alternately, then he spoke again with a smile,

"Is that one slave really worth that much? More than a fair price from an Imperial wizard and winning the favor of the next most honorable being?"

The Baron's gaze focused on the old wizard and the crow. A being who the Emperor himself directly said to be the next Empress, and an Imperial wizard who had served the Imperial Family since the time of the previous emperor.

The Baron's eyes trembled so much as he looked at them. Then, slowly, he opened his mouth…

***

 Notes:

1  I think we’ve never mentioned this, so… A mage can be a female or a male magic practitioner. A wizard is a male magic practitioner while the female magic practitioner is called a witch. ^↩

 

Previous chapter | Novel page | Next chapter

Feel free to help us keep our spirit up by buying us Coffee

 

 

 

 

 

Read More

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #56

 

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #56

Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain

 

 

*Rainelle’s POV

Nervous, I unconsciously clasped Namuel's arm with my feet. It was only when I saw his eyes narrowing sharply that I realized how hard I gripped it, which made me feel sorry.

The wizard smiled faintly as I relaxed my feet and looked into his eyes. Then he said while tapping the tip of my beak as if not to make me worry,

"You don't have to be so nervous."

...it's easier than done. I mean, I'm still worried. Look! There are so many people!!

As if to show off that this was a fantasy world in a game, people with colorful hair were busily coming and going.

The large street was filled with people of all kinds: dressed in leather robes, shiny thin armor, and sturdy-looking fabrics. Some had long ears (looked to be elves), and some had ears or tails (looked to be hybrids).

The sight of fantasy unfolding into reality was strange. It felt like the sense of reality was falling, but the feeling of fear was stronger than that.

What, what if they stare at me?! What if they throw stones?! What if they just grab me and twist my neck?!

Feeling scared, I unknowingly took a step sideways and climbed up onto Namuel's shoulder.

"...Rainelle-nim?"

Without realizing it, I leaned my trembling body against Namuel's cheek. With the feathers flattened on my body and my tense body, Namuel felt the seriousness of the situation, so he grabbed my body with both hands.

"Are you scared? Do you want to use your human form?"

I shook my head.

Although this was hard, I knew very well the beauty of that form. I think it was better to stick around like this rather than to make a fuss as a human.

I’m just a bit nervous... After a while, I think I'll be fine.

At my action, Namuel kept his mouth shut. Then he sighed briefly and brought me into his arms.

"...Caaw? (Namuel?)"

"You're afraid, aren’t you? Is this all right?"

I looked around as he hugged me. I was a little relieved to see that the people didn't seem to pay much attention to me, contrary to what I thought.

Still, would it be safer to be in Namuel's arms? Wouldn't it be better to be prepared to fly at any time?

No, no. Namuel took care of me, so let's just stay in his arms.

As I nodded to indicate that it was okay, Namuel smiled faintly and began to move.

"The capital of the Wolfric Empire is called Lunaren. It's right here. We're in the Southern District now."

As he walked slowly, I listened to Namuel's explanation and looked around.

After all, it was also the capital of the Empire. There was so much to see that it was rather hectic. I turned my head around and around.

There were people in armor with a long sword that shone under the light, and there were people with long ears that looked like elves who carefully examined something that looked like dried meat or were trying to buy food.

There was also a purring person with animal ears who sniffed with their noses, perhaps a cat hybrid, that looked at a necklace, which looked like it was made of imitation jewelry —otherwise, it wouldn't be sold at the kiosk— with an awkward smile.

It was like entering a medieval market. And yet, this was a fantasy world. -My feathers swelled up at the sight that could not happen in reality.

That's right! Look, those flying paper airplanes! Normally, it's normal to fall after a short while, but they’re flying around like they’re heading somewhere! Besides, those people have animal ears! And I don't think it would be possible to get hair color like that no matter how much money you spend! So colorful!!

I opened his beak slightly and turned his head wildly at the sight that I couldn't take my eyes off. How long have I been looking around? Namuel's voice then reached my ears.

"Are you feeling better now?"

Yeah! I’m totally fine!!

I nodded my head to convey that. Then the wizard nodded to me and relaxed his arms slightly.

Graciously accepting his consideration, I spread his wings and flew slightly, then I sat down on Namuel's shoulder.

"Now then, let's go find the present."

Good! That's what I came here for anyway!

I puffed my feathers and examined things closely.

Accessories made of imitation jewels, pass! It's shiny, but I don't think it's as attractive as a real gem.

Food? Hmmm... I want to try the snack food, but I wonder if Karmeut will like it. Haa, I want to try those meat skewers!

My eyes hardly fell off the skewers.

Did he feel my gaze? Namuel asked me,

"...would you like to have grilled skewers?"

...Uh, I want to eat, but I can't nod my head because I'm not Karmeut. I said I'd buy a present after all!

I couldn't nod my head because I was so conscious. However, I couldn't take my eyes off the grilled skewers.

Ah, ah, ah, it looks delicious... Look at that steam rising, heh..., slurp, I’m drooling...

When Namuel suddenly moved, I was startled and gave strength to my feet, then released them quickly. He walked towards the stall selling the skewers and opened his mouth,

"How much is it each?"

"Chicken skewers are 5 bronze, pork is 7 bronze! If you pay extra bronze for each skewer, we'll give the only meat ones to you!"

“Give me one chicken and one pork.”

"Would you like some salt or some sauce?"

"Sprinkle less salt, please."

Swish, Namuel took the two skewers in an instant and headed to a nearby bench. After tearing the paper bag containing the skewers and spreading it out wide, he said as he laid down the meat on the paper,

"I didn't know which one would be better, so I bought both. You can have it if you like."

---Oh really. Target character buff is awesome... How do you stimulate women's hearts like this? You bought both because you didn't know which one I would like?! What---I!

Anyway, if you leave food, you'll get punished. Thank you for the food! I'll pay you back later!

Because I wasn't human, I couldn't eat it quickly. So, I carefully tear it apart with my beak...

Oh! Aww! Hot, hot!

I grabbed the meat with my feet to tear it apart with my beak, but then I jumped. When Namuel asked me if I was ok in surprise, I nodded.

Oh, it's hot! But it smells so delicious... I can't give up! I need to cool it down somehow... Should I flap my wings? Oh, yes!

I hurriedly summoned the spirit. Mui, who appeared from thin air in response to the call, hugged my beak and rubbed it while giggling.

'Yeah, nice to see you too! But can you cool this down a bit before we play together?'

Upon hearing my request, Mui nodded and moved back and forth on top of the skewers. Then, the steam rising up and down gradually became lesser and then disappeared completely.

I wondered if it was okay now, so I nudged a chunk of meat with the tip of my feet.

---Whoo! It's ok now! I'm smart too! I'm not losing my intelligence to the level of a bird's! Well, crows are smart, too!

Yes! Though my thoughts seem to have become simpler since I became a crow, I am still a human being!

I grabbed a piece of meat with my feet, grabbed a corner with my beak, and ripped it to eat. Then, I swallowed.

It must have cooled down really well, it wasn't hot or cold. It was perfect.

As expected, chicken skewers! I haven't tried the pork! Let's not jump to conclusions! Next is the pig, the pig~

This time, I held and tried the pork one.

Oh, oh, oh! This is good, too! Meat is the truth, regardless of pig or chicken! It's better thanks to the saltiness!

I was happy to eat only raw, unsalted meat for health reasons, but cooked and salted meat was really delicious.

Mui was playing on my head and back, giggling to see if I was just having fun, even though I was eating meat to my heart's content.

Namuel was looking at me with a smile on.

Is it your first time seeing a crow eating meat? Oh, is it the first time seeing me? I have only eaten cookies or dried fruits in front of Namuel.
Well, I've never had grilled skewers with this body before. Heu heu, it's delicious even though I know it!

After eating both skewers with so much excitement, I wanted to clean my beak and feet, so I looked around for something that can be used.

"Well, here you go."

Oh, thank you! You're so smart to give me a handkerchief!

I wiped my beak and feet with the handkerchief. As I puffed my feathers in a good mood, Namuel smiled and held out his arm.

Okay! Let's go look for the present again! Since I ate snacks, I’m going to look carefully!

***

"Um... I'm confused. Don't you like anything?"

I was very sorry for Namuel who asked that with a slightly tired look, but I nodded my head. I don't really like anything.

There were a lot of accessories, weapons, groceries, and so on...

…but there’s nothing that I want, so what do I do? Uhm...

---It was when I seriously thought about whether I should just go back to the Imperial Palace and pick flowers from the garden,

"Keugh!!"

"Hurry up, hurry up! Can't you move faster?!"

A shriek that was so sharp then ripped through the air. Startled by that, I raised my head and looked around.

What, what?!

"---A slave. It seems that he’s a slave of a noble family."

No, I know he’s a slave, but... Is it okay to whip people like this in public?

Each time he was hit in the back with a whip, blood and flesh spattered. When my feathers deflated so much at the sight that brought upon a frown, Namuel turned around.

"Do not look. You are the one who will stain your eyes."

No, it's definitely an uncomfortable sight, but...

Although I was grateful for Namuel's consideration, I spread my wings and flew slightly.

Perhaps surprised, Namuel’s eyes opened wide and his eyes trailed on me until I was above him. I looked at the slave that was being whipped.

He was not that young. Twenties? No, maybe he was in his late teens. It was the first time I had seen pink eyes with water-colored hair. The tears in his eyes made the handsome man's handsome face even more pathetic.

...but this isn't important. I think I've seen that face somewhere!!

I tried hard to think about where have I seen him, but nothing came to mind.

But the thing is, I can't let such a handsome man get whipped! Such a handsome man must be protected! Maybe he’s a target character I don't remember!

"Caaaw! (That guy, let's help him!)"

"...Rainelle-nim?"

After I hovered over Namuel’s head, I grabbed the hem of his sleeve with my foot and pulled it. I flapped my wings hard, but oh, it was heavy! There's no way a crow can move people by flapping its wings! But please understand my intentions!!

Namuel let out a long sigh as I repeatedly whined while pulling his sleeve, trying to take him to the slave who was crouching on the floor while being whipped.

"---Alright. Get on here, please."

When I was told to get on, I sat down on his shoulder. Then, with a pounding heart, I looked at the slave who was getting closer.

 

*Baron Guillaume’s POV

Baron Guillaume huffed and swung his whip. This guy was the one who beat the slave of his house.

I was cherishing the boy because he has a pretty face and fair skin, but how dare he!!

"Are you trying to run away?!"

"Ugh!!"

Blood and flesh spattered as the whip fell on the man’s back with a sharp sound. The baron's anger could not be easily quenched even as the man curled up, trembled, and wriggled like a bug.

How much I cherish and covet you! But you betrayed me like this!!

"Wait. That's enough, please."

"What kind of child dares to intervene in my business!!"

The baron's head turned, shouting so much that his saliva sputtered. Then he gasped and took a step backward while holding his breath.

"I'd like to start by introducing myself to you. My name is Namuel. You may have heard of the Duke of Sharmalt."

Duke Sharmalt was the younger brother of the previous emperor. There were no nobles who doesn't know that!

But he is the eldest son of such a duke. Why is he here by himself---?!

A large crow was sitting on Namuel’s shoulder as he took a step closer to the baron, whose pupils shook back and forth in confusion.

The large crow had a sapphire gold necklace around her neck. She spread her wings and soared slightly, hovering several times over Namuel's head, then landed on top of the slave that was whipped.

The crow's tail moved as the slave was crouching and groaning as if she was worried about him. The crow, who had been gently rubbing the slave’s cheek with her beak while making a small cry, turned her head to the baron.

The purple eyes of the bird were blaring as she stared at the baron.

***

 

Previous chapter | Novel page | Next chapter

Feel free to help us keep our spirit up by buying us Coffee

 

 

 

 

Read More

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #55

 

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #55

Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain

Translator(s) note: Here’s the 55^th chapter! I want to thank @jira and @Alice for the support! The coffees are delicious!

 

 

*Rainelle’s POV

I said hello, but I also tilted my head, not knowing why Namuel was here. It was the same for Namuel, because he did not hide his curiosity.

"Hello. Mm, can you turn into a human? Since it’s difficult to communicate like this."

...I can't refuse such an intelligent handsome man who spoke so politely!

So I nodded and immediately changed into my human form.

"Is this okay?"

"Yes, thank you."

The appearance of Namuel bowing his head in greeting even looked elegant. I couldn't take my eyes off the handsome man who gave off a different feeling from Karmeut.

Wow, seriously... I know he's the main male lead character, but was it like this?

"By the way, what are you doing here?"

"...? Well, since it’s a garden, I flew here for a walk…?"

Hearing that, Namuel frowned.

...huh? Did I say something wrong?

"You mean this place? This is the Imperial Palace Herb Garden..."

"...Huh? Is it? But the flowers are pretty...?"

"---You're not talking about that yellow flower, are you? A flower with soft petals and golden pollen?"

I nodded my head with “that’s right” meaning, then Namuel’s eyes opened wide and he hurriedly approached me.

"Rainelle-nim, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?! Do you feel dizzy, nauseous, or--?!"

"Um, no? Why, why? Is that flower strange?"

I said no, but Namuel still reached out to me with a serious face. Surprised by the blue light emitted from his hand, I stood still. The light swept over my body, then soon faded.

"Ha... that’s a relief."

He breathed out a long sigh of relief. Namuel opened his mouth as he turned his gaze to the flower I was about to pluck,

"The flower's name is Priscynthia. As you can see, the petals are beautifully layered and the pollen shines like gold dust. But..."

His green eyes gleamed seriousness. I gulped at the gaze that felt somewhat intimidating, but I heard Namuel continue,

"That's a poisonous flower. The petals, pollen, stems, leaves, and even the roots all contain poison. Not to mention birds, even medium-sized monsters who eat it would have their life threatened."

I was horrified by that statement.

Poi, poisonous plant?! If eaten, even medium-sized monsters will be killed?! It's very dangerous!! Why is such a thing here?!

"It, it’s so dangerous?!"

"It's poison, but if mixed with other ingredients with the right amount, it can make effects that no other ingredient can replace. Above all, it's on the rare side, so it's grown in the Imperial Palace Herb Garden."

While saying so, Namuel's fingers gently moved his hand through the leaves of the Priscynthia flower. I was still dumbfounded.

Poison, poison?!

Oh, right. It was said that the difference between poison and medicine was slight. Pufferfish poison can also be used as a painkiller if used in an appropriate amount...

Anyway, my heart pounded in a different way than when I was with Karmeut.

Oh Lord, I'm dying! Whether it’s the Styx River¹ or whatever, it’s time to go to the underworld!

I placed my hand on my chest and took a deep breath to calm my pounding heart. When I caught the sight of Namuel's bitter expression while looking at me, I felt ashamed.

"So, why do you go near the Priscynthia?"

"Ah... Just because it's pretty, I was going to give it to Karmeut as a gift..."

It is poisonous, it is poisonous! If I make a mistake, I can die, and I can kill Karmeut too?! It won’t be a repayment of favor! Argh! That's why people say knowledge is power!

"A gift...? You mean to His Majesty the Emperor? Excuse me, but may I ask why?"

"Oh, that's--- Karmeut does a lot of things for me, but I don't think there's anything I can do for him... Since I’m out, I'm going to look around, but I'm afraid to go out into town."

"Well, that's true. Humans' judgment of crows is not very good."

Yeah, I know that. A crow is a carcass-eating bird, so it is often considered ominous. ---Oh, wait. Should I ask why?

The extent of my knowledge is from my former world, right? Of course, since this place was created based on human thoughts, I decided that it would be no different, and it seems that it’s right, but---

It's different to hear it directly.

"Um, I have a question..."

"What is it?"

"I know that humans hate crows, but why is that? Mythology? I heard stories about black birds too…?"

Namuel smiled faintly.

"Hmm, of course there are several theories. Still, the bad perception is because they eat corpses. It's also mentioned in mythology, but don't crows eat corpses?"

"...? But crows aren't the only ones that eat corpses? No matter how valiant carnivores are, if they have nothing to eat, they also eat corpses."

"But don't crows have wings? Plus, they're black, which makes them stand out. It wouldn't be pleasant, but when people saw a flock of black birds flying away, they would think there were corpses. Moreover, unlike other animals, crows are corpse scavengers that were often seen on the battlefield."

---I had nothing to say.

I sighed lightly, feeling half relieved and half bitter at his words which retold the facts that I already knew and made them clearer.

"Ugh. We're hungry too, so we're eating."

"Heh--- that’s true. Don't worry too much. At least the people won’t think lightly of you."

What does that mean?

But I shut my mouth.

...Are you talking about me being mentioned by Karmeut as the future Empress? Maybe.

Ugh, that makes me feel even more grateful! That's why I feel like I need to do something more!

"Um, then I really want to give him something..."

"You mean the gift?"

I responded by nodding my head.

For now... let's find something else other than Priscynthia.

I looked around, wondering ‘what else are there?’, when a voice reached my ear,

"If you don’t mind, may I help you?"

"...Huh? Really?"

"Of course. Well, I think that the best thing is for Rainelle-nim to approach His Majesty the Emperor in your human form... ---But looking at your face, it seems impossible."

My face burned when he said suggested me to approach him in my human form. Namuel, who was looking at me, smiled a little and held out his hand to me.

"Would you like to go out to town? Maybe you can get something better there."

"Uh... But I don't have any shiny…? Humans exchange round and shiny things."

I said that on purpose when I talked about money because I feared that he would suspect that I was too knowledgeable.

Blinking my eyes and interlacing my fingers as if I knew nothing, Namuel shook his head and said,
"Don't worry about that. I'll provide it."

"...Is that okay?"

"Of course. But, if you don’t mind..."

"...?"

"---Can you go in the form of a crow? It may not be possible to communicate, but..."

It wasn't something that would come from a person who asked me to change into a human form to communicate. But knowing Namuel’s character, I nodded.

He is the son of a duke, who is the younger brother of the previous Emperor, and Namuel is also a wizard, but he doesn’t trust humans. That was why he was the most difficult character to be targeted, yet a rewarding character if the approach was successful. ...that is Namuel.

I don't know if it was because I possessed a crow, but I was more comfortable with my original form than my human one. So I returned to my crow's form and flew over to Namuel’s arm.

As the smile on his lips softened, I let out a small cry.

...Certainly, his expression is more natural and softer than before. He isn’t great with people, but he like animals?

"Do you mind if I pet you?"

To his act of slowly reaching out his hand while asking politely, I responded by raising my head and rubbing my head lightly on his hand.

A clumsy but careful hand stroking my feathers followed. It was different from Karmeut's touch, but I really liked Namuel’s touch too, which showed that he cared enough.

Slowly, I closed my eyes and let out a pleased cry without realizing it. A faint sound of laughter followed as I rubbed my head against the palm of his hand while puffing my feathers.

"Then shall we depart? Of course, His Majesty will be surprised if you just leave, so I'll have to tell him first."

Huh, are you going to tell Karmeut? No! Then there is no point in giving a present!

I bit his sleeve with my beak when he was about to walk forward and then I shook my head desperately.

No! Surprising gifts are the best!

Due to my reaction, Namuel burst out into laughter. As he tried to his suppress laughter until his shoulders were trembling, I stared blankly with my beak slightly open.

Cra, crazy. Namuel can have such a look on his face! Camera, camera!! Oh, I'm a crow now! This is a world without cameras! Uhuhuhu!! Such a shame!!

Not knowing that I was struggling with grief inside, Namuel gently stroked my head with his index finger.

...hagh, no, that’s not the point!

"Don't worry. I'll pass the message to a servant or attendant. Don't you think gifts should be worth the surprise?"

As he said that, I nodded as I felt my eyes get purified by the smile on the face of this handsome and intelligent man.

Yes! You know what I think!!

Seeing me nodding vigorously, Namuel laughed again. Then he stopped one of the servants passing by, telling him to relay the message to the Emperor that he was going out with me, and proceed to walk.

Namuel and I went out of the palace in a carriage. I looked out the window with a pounding heart.

...Am I doing things wrong?! Karmeut might be surprised, but, why did I just relax and straightly go outside with Namuel in the first place?! There's no certainty that he isn't like Luwellin!

It was then that my thoughts went crazy. I glanced at Namuel, then he smiled.

"Are you nervous?"

I nodded my head vigorously.

I’m nervous in many ways! Did I really have to risk my life to give Karmeut a present?!

"...don't worry too much. You're safe as long as I'm here, as I've sworn to protect you, Rainelle-nim."

...Eh? Swore?

I looked into Namuel's eyes at the sudden remark. But he didn't seem to be lying.

...maybe it’s because of Karmeut?

That was the only thing that came to mind.

I mean, I don't think he'd ever swear to protect me.

With those words, I could feel the tension ease away. I smiled involuntarily as Karmeut’s presence could reassure me even when the person was not here.

I nodded as a sign of understanding and rubbed my cheek on his fingers. Unlike Karmeut’s, the fingers that were gently caressing my cheek as if in response to my action were firm but smooth.

"You seem to have calmed down. Then, have you thought about what to give as a gift?"

No.

When I shook my head full of that meaning, the wizard nodded.

"Well, it's difficult to choose a present for His Majesty. He’s the ruler of an Empire after all."

I know right.

I breathed out a deep sigh without realizing it and my feathers deflated, then I felt a hand stroking the tip of my beak.

"Don't be too gloomy. His Majesty will be happy to accept any gift from Rainelle-nim."

"...Caaw? (Really?)"

"Yes, really."

Even though it must have been just a crow's cry, Namuel answered ‘yes’ and smiled while stroking my back. I blinked, feeling the clumsy but soft touch that meant as if to soothe me.

Ha, it's really fun to watch. An intelligent handsome man with a borderless smile is petting me!

But... well, it's still not as good as Karmeut. His touch is kind of awkward, his hands are smooth without calluses, and, ummm...

It felt good, but not the best. However, I was feeling sorry to assess the person who came out like this for me, so I bit his finger playfully and smiled with my eyes.

The smile on Namuel's lips thickened. Then, a softer, more relaxed voice came out through his lips,

"...I think I can see why His Majesty the Emperor loves Rainelle-nim."

Huh? What does that mean? No, I think you’re misunderstanding something. You have delusions where he truly fell in love with me?!

"Ah, we’ve arrived. ---Don't be far from me."

Huh? We’ve already arrived?! Oh, it's true! Whoa! Hold on a second!! What should I do if you open the carriage door and go out even though I am not even mentally prepared?!!

***

 Notes:

1  Styx River: In Greek mythology, Styx River is a river that forms the boundary between Earth (Gaia) and the Underworld^↩

 

Previous chapter | Novel page | Next chapter

Feel free to help us keep our spirit up by buying us Coffee

 

 

 

 

 

Read More