Philana Saw Brother in Her Own Body, While Nina Couldn’t Accept It
My body is gradually changing into a complete woman. The time limit is approaching. I was informed by the Kooshi King that once the transformation is complete, it will be difficult to reverse. Philana, who has accepted her current form, will likely change even faster. Perhaps it’s already over.
And the two of them haven’t returned at all.
“I’ll go look for them. We can’t get anything done if everyone isn’t here.”
“Indeed, that’s right. I’ll go with you. They’re probably wandering around in a dangerous area.”
I told everyone to stay in the room and left the inn at dusk the next day. Sharin and I walked through the town, the setting sun at our backs. It felt strange. This time, I was the woman and Sharin was the man. Yet, strangely, there was no sense of unease. It was as if it was natural for him to be by my side.
“They’re probably hopping from one gambling den to another.”
“That’s right. The sun is setting soon. They should be starting to get active. Speaking of which, didn’t they mention something about street fighting?”
That’s right, they said they were going to earn money through street fighting. If so, let’s go to the gambling dens first and gather information. That’s Karubene’s usual method.
The town at night showed a different kind of liveliness. Women trailing perfume walked, hand-in-hand with men, illuminated by streetlights, while laborers with cigarettes in their mouths downed sake on the street. It was quite the scene.
We passed through the gates of a random gambling den. Inside, people who had finished their work were cheering and lamenting at cheap games while drinking. I looked around the establishment, but couldn’t find them. I sat down at the bar counter and ordered a beer. In exchange, I asked a question.
“Excuse me, have you seen a Dark Harpy man and a Satyr woman around here? One of his horns is chipped.”
The bar master shook his head, saying he didn’t know. Of course, he wouldn’t. Customers come and go all night. After that, we hopped from one gambling den to another.
Each time we ordered a drink, by the time the night deepened, we were both stumbling.
“Ugh, it was no use. What a wasted trip.”
“Mmm, should we continue?”
No, it’s getting pretty late, so let’s retreat. They might have returned by now. By the way, the alcohol is starting to kick in, and my head feels fuzzy. My core is warm, and I feel good.
“Hey, have you met Philana? Her body is amazing. She has so much muscle in her upper arms. Nina’s cool too, even if she doesn’t realize it herself. I, on the other hand, was always weak, and now I’m even more scrawny.”
Once I started talking, I couldn’t stop. It’s rude to them, but I just can’t help but keep talking.
“Veronica must be amazing.”
As I was about to say that, I suddenly felt an arm grabbed.
“Ouch!”
I involuntarily pulled my hand away. Her golden eyes met mine.
“S-sorry!”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize. I said something rude.”
I got carried away and said something I shouldn’t have. After that, the alcohol completely wore off, and we returned to the inn in silence. When we got back to the room, Karubene was there, drinking alone. The light was off because the other members were asleep.
“Oh, Karubene, where have you been?”
“…Yo, Brother.”
He looked up at me with whiskey in hand. His face looked somewhat tired.
“Hey, what about Veronica?”
“Who knows? She’s probably having a drink with her friends right now.”
Huh? Friends? Aren’t you her best friend?
“I see. Then take me there. I have something to say. I think we should go to the Sage as soon as possible. If this continues, the time limit will…”
“Hmm.”
He just let me vent, taking a sip of his glass, as if it were none of his business. Anger rushed to my head.
“What’s with that reply? Don’t you care if Veronica doesn’t get back to normal?”
“I think she’d be fine with it, Older Sister.”
Wh-what is that? They were getting along just yesterday, what happened?
“Hey, what’s wrong? Did something happen with Veronica?”
“No, it’s just… She doesn’t need me anymore. She only hung out with me because I was all she had. Now she can pick and choose from any good woman or man to drink with.”
That’s impossible. Even if her gender changed, her heart and memories wouldn’t. She wouldn’t forget her memories with Karubene.
“Let’s go to Veronica right now.”
I shook her shoulder, but she wouldn’t stand up. Her grip on the glass tightened.
“I don’t want to ruin her happiness. This is the place I finally found. I like my Older Sister, so I want her to be happy.”
Ripples spread across the amber whiskey poured into the glass.
