'In the end… she won.'
That thought echoed in my mind, laced with reluctant amusement, as I padded down the dirt road toward the southern town, my thick, fluffy red tail swaying behind me with each step. My claws barely made a sound against the packed earth, and the surrounding woods were peaceful—sunlight filtering through dense branches and dappling the path ahead. On my back, lounging like royalty atop a giant, mobile pillow, was Kayda. The smug dragoness had claimed my spine as her throne, arms behind her head, legs casually crossed.
Not that I was bitter.
Well, maybe a little.
I was still in my fox form—half of my true size to keep things convenient. At this size, I stood taller than most horses and was broad enough that Kayda could lie across my back without fear of slipping. Her weight wasn't a problem. Her smugness was.
"Hey, Nova, why did you stop running?" Kayda asked, twisting around to face the front, her voice lazy like someone just waking from a nap.
I snorted, a puff of frost escaping my nose. "That's because we're close to the next town. I would rather not run through the place like a deranged beast. This is supposed to be a sightseeing and self-reflection trip for me, remember?"
I slowed further, now deliberately walking near the edge of the road to avoid drawing attention when we arrived. My massive paws left deep prints in the loose earth, and my ears twitched at every bird call and rustle in the distance.
"Yeah, but it's the first day," Kayda groaned, flopping backward again and letting her arms dangle over my sides. "We can't stop already."
"We're not staying the night," I reassured her, glancing back over my shoulder. "Just walking through. Maybe a snack. Stretch the legs. Then we move on."
"Oh. Then… do you want to change back to your human form?" Kayda asked, scooting forward until she was practically lying across the back of my neck, looking down at me upside-down.
I gave a soft chuckle, amused by the sight of her head hanging over mine like an upside-down bat. "Nah. I'll stay like this for a while."
"You sure?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow. "You're easier to bully when you're fluffy."
"Gee, thanks."
Kayda giggled and hopped lightly down from my back, brushing her cloak straight as she landed. "Alright then, but remember—not a word. Contract beasts don't talk, and you're already way too suspicious-looking."
I puffed out my cheeks slightly. "I'm rare. That's the appeal."
"That's precisely the problem." She folded her arms and looked at me sternly. "We don't want nobles sniffing around, trying to 'buy' you or recruit you into some dumb contest. So, zip it. No witty remarks. No growling in sarcasm. Silence."
I sighed dramatically, making sure the air huffed out in a frosty puff. "Okay, fine. But trouble's going to find us anyway."
She tapped the top of my head twice—lightly—and the oddly comforting rhythm made my tail thump once against the road.
"Still," she replied, "we can at least pretend to be cautious. Minimize risk."
"Stop tapping my head," I grumbled, twitching my ears.
"Yeah, yeah," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Anyway, shut up. We're almost there."
I turned my gaze ahead. True to her word, a town came into view, the outline forming beyond the thinning trees. Wooden watchtowers, stone walls, and a pair of iron-reinforced gates gave Mari Town its medieval charm. I slowed instinctively, taking in the view.
"So, this is the town called Mari," I murmured. "Not as big as I expected…"
It wasn't small, certainly. Compared to Earth standards, it resembled a medium-sized Japanese city, but by this world's scale, it was considered average. The town stretched in a linear fashion—one main road running from the northern gate to the southern, cutting straight through its center like a spine. Buildings leaned in on both sides, some old and weathered, others newer with reinforced stone bases. That single road was unpaved, dusty, and bumpy.
From my current height, I could easily see over the walls. Part of me was tempted to stand on hind legs and peek over like a curious monster, just to see the panic. But then I remembered that one time in the northern capital when someone actually peed their pants, and I startled them.
…Nope. Never again.
"Even though the capital is advanced, why is this area so far behind?" I asked, tilting my head toward Kayda. My voice was barely above a whisper, keeping my words between us. "The roads are dirt. The houses are all wooden…"
"Do you really think the world can change in only eight years?" Kayda replied flatly, side-eyeing me like I was the idiot.
"Touché…" I mumbled, ears folding in slight embarrassment.
"Now quiet," she warned, tugging gently on one of my ears. "You're talking too much again."
"Tch… Get off, then. I'm too big to fit through the gate."
"Oh, did you just call yourself fat?" She teased with a devilish grin.
Without a word, I shrunk down instantly, dropping to the size of a large dog and twisting out from under her in one swift movement. Kayda yelped as she fell straight through the air.
"Oof—Nova!" she exclaimed, tumbling into a crouch and brushing off her robes.
Before she could complain, I whipped my tail into her face.
"MMMMP—!" she mumbled, spitting out strands of fur.
'That's what you get, damn dragon,' I thought smugly, trotting ahead with exaggerated pride in my step. My paws clicked gently on the stone path as we approached the gate.
"Oi, get back here!" Kayda shouted, chasing after me as I darted ahead with my fluffy tail wagging mockingly.
(10 Minutes Later—At the Town Gate)
'Fucking dragon, let me go!' I screamed mentally, squirming in her grasp. No matter how I twisted or wriggled, Kayda had me locked in a firm, smug, teddy-bear grip. I dangled helplessly in her arms, forelegs twitching indignantly.
A guard standing at the gate coughed awkwardly, trying to keep his composure.
"Uhm, ma'am," he asked, clearing his throat. "Is that… your contract beast?"
"Yes," Kayda replied smoothly. "As you can see, she has a collar around her neck."
I growled lowly. The collar—white with blue ice-etched patterns—dug into my pride more than my fur.
"Ah, I see… Well, welcome to Mari. Entry fee is five copper per person and three for the beast," the guard said.
Beast.
My eyes narrowed, and I let out a deeper growl, flashing my teeth.
"Stop it," Kayda whispered. "Or no bones for a month."
I froze.
My mouth opened slightly, tongue hanging out as I let out a quiet whimper. My ears drooped.
"Yeah, you think I won't?" she continued. "Try me, fox."
Defeated, I lowered my head, tail curling between my legs.
The guards burst into laughter. "She really loves her food, huh?"
Kayda grinned. "She does. Thank you."
She handed over the coins, and the guards stepped aside to let us in. As we passed the gate, I lifted my head just enough to glare at the laughing men.
'This was a mistake. I should've transformed earlier.'
Once inside, the town bustled with midday activity. Merchants shouted deals from their stalls, kids chased each other across the streets, and blacksmiths hammered rhythmically behind their storefronts. It should've felt welcoming.
Instead, I felt like a display animal.
"Why do you look so glum all of a sudden?" Kayda asked, glancing down at me.
I turned my head slowly, glaring up at her with narrowed eyes. No words. Just judgment.
"Oh. You want me to let go, don't you?" she spoke with a smirk.
Without waiting for a reply, she loosened her arms and let me drop with a soft thud.
I stood, shook out my fur, and gave her a small thankful nod before padding forward—only to stop at a nearby weapon shop's window. My eyes sparkled. A glimmering katana sat on display, its silver hilt wrapped in blue threads.
I stepped closer—only for Kayda to hiss, "Don't walk off on your own."
I turned toward her, blinking.
"Remember what I told you," she said, wagging a finger.
Reluctantly, I backed away from the window and fell back in line beside her, muttering mentally about missed opportunities.
(One Hour Later—Outside the Southern Gate)
"Thank you for visiting the town of Mari," the southern guards called as we exited.
About 100 meters down the road, Kayda stopped and turned to face me.
"What do you want?" I asked, ears twitching with mild suspicion.
"Come on. You know what I mean," she said, her expression far too cheerful.
Clicking my tongue, I sighed and transformed back to my half-size form. Kayda grinned and leapt onto my back with the enthusiasm of a child jumping onto a snow pile.
"Awesome! Now, to the city of Armillian!" she declared, laying flat across my back and digging her hands into my thick fur like it was a heated blanket.
"Yeah yeah, sit your ass down and let me do the hard work," I muttered, crouching low before kicking off.
Mana surged through my body. I activated Flash Step, my surroundings blurring into streaks of green and gold as we accelerated, the wind rushing past us.
As we ran, Kayda tucked herself in tighter and murmured something softly, but I didn't quite catch it.
'Five hours to go… time to get lost in my thoughts again.'
And with that, I focused on the path ahead—my claws carving through the road, my mind drifting between revenge plans and potential snack recipes.