Chapter 26

There was something far more important than nurturing Riko.

I had to find a creature capable of polymorphing.

“Where could they have all gone?”

I lost myself in thought as I cleaved through the star-filled sky.

After venturing outside, I had scoured not only Shia Kalt’s territory but also the surrounding regions, yet found no suitable creature.

At first, I thoroughly searched the frozen lakes near Shia Kalt.

I thought one of the rare species residing there might have the ability, but I was wrong.

On a whim, I even visited the nest of the Glaze Krakens, but they were as dull as ever.

“I shouldn’t be wasting time here.”

Heading west, I made my way towards the Valley of Magic.

It was said that legendary creatures gathered there, so perhaps I’d find something useful.

Upon arriving at the valley, I saw numerous magical beasts.

Among them stood out a crimson-maned Crimson Tiger, glaring at me with a confident expression.

“Daring to intrude into my territory, eh?”

Approaching arrogantly, the Crimson Tiger tried to intimidate me.

Pfft. I’d seen enough of such posturing to last a lifetime.

A single glance.

That was all it took.

The Crimson Tiger quickly flattened itself on the ground, curling its tail.

“Can you polymorph?”

“N-No, I can’t!”

“Tch.”

Turning my gaze away, I saw the creature’s legs give out as it crawled away, and soon, all the other beasts had vanished as well.

“Guess this place isn’t it either…”

Next was the Forest of Magic.

Rumors had it that the sprites residing there could change their forms at will.

Unfortunately, it turned out their transformations were merely illusions.

“Such a shoddy trick…”

I wanted to freeze half the forest out of disappointment, but thoughts of Riko’s pure face stopped me. I merely sighed in resignation.

From one end of the Diode Continent to the other, from the deep caverns of the Kallon Mountains to the oases of the Arcana Desert, there wasn’t a single polymorph-capable beast to be found.

“Ah, this is hopeless…”

With weary wings folded, I settled on a pillar of sand.

Why was I in such a rush?

After a millennium, Riko would naturally be able to polymorph herself.

But visions of Riko’s earnest plea kept surfacing.

The pure desire to transform into a human form.

I wanted to grant that wish as soon as possible.

Finally, memories of Nis, whom I last saw five hundred years ago, came to mind.

Nis, the ruler of Deathmeier, the only one among the eight Dami Palace rulers I could consider a friend.

She always wore a human guise despite her true form as a giant serpent.

She could be considered a master of polymorphing.

“Perhaps she—”

Originally, I had planned to show off Riko’s impressive growth to Nis, but it seemed I would now have to ask for her help.

“Hmph. There’s no helping it, I suppose.”

Stretching my wings, I took off over the vast seas beyond the continent.

The moonlight sparkling on the water’s surface like silver scales. I flew tirelessly for days, something I’d never do out of laziness—but for Riko’s sake, it was worth it.

Memories of our first meeting resurfaced at every rest stop on my journey.

Despite our clashing personalities, we often found ourselves conversing and curiously connecting.

“Try and melt that icy demeanor of yours.”

“And you, maybe tone down that vanity.”

We’d bicker like that and yet our meetings continued.

“Was that really such a long time ago?”

Finally, the dark sea known as Deathmeier came into view.

A colossal trench enveloped in ink-like darkness, there lay the Deathmeier Dami Palace.

As I descended underwater, the vast scenery of the deep ocean stretched before me.

Bioluminescent creatures danced in the darkness, akin to the stars in the night sky.

“Of course, this is Nis’ kind of place.”

The last time I visited, it wasn’t this resplendent, so of course, it had to be her handiwork—her vanity shining through.

Sensing my presence, the numerous sea beasts around hastily fled.

I dived swiftly towards the depths of the ocean.

The grand temple emerged out of the deepening darkness.

This was the Deathmeier Dami Palace.

Adorned in pearls and corals, with luminous jellyfish floating like lanterns and luminescent moss decorating the walls, it was a sight to behold.

“Even more extravagant than last time.”

As I approached the palace entrance, the creatures began bowing hurriedly. Not wanting to cause a stir, I waited briefly before a Deathknight wrapped in purplish energy approached.

“Princess Prostia?”

“Yes, you’re Deyana, correct? Is Nis inside?”

“Y-Yes! I shall immediately lead you to Her!”

Guided by Deyana, whom I hadn’t seen in ages, I ventured deep into the temple.

It was nothing like the last time I visited.

Gem-encrusted pillars, a ceiling embroidered with pearls, coral sculptures—luxury filled every corner.

And there stood a familiar figure at the heart of it all.

Hair black as midnight, streaked with a floating purplish hue.

An aura as mysterious as the deep sea surrounded her.

“Ah, ah, look who it is! Have you finally awoken from your long nap?”

Her dress shimmered like stars embroidered on the sky, revealing Nis, ruler of Deathmeier.

In typical fashion, she cut a dazzling figure reminiscent of the ocean’s depths.

Her voice resonated through the dark.

“Still as noisy as ever, it seems.”

“And you’re as unforgivingly cold as ever. What brings the esteemed Princess of Shia Kalt to visit me?”

“Should I worry my refined tastes will degrade amidst all this garishness?”

“Ha! You’re just jealous! You’ve been too busy hibernating in your ice cave.”

“My palace beats yours any day, despite your extravagance.”

“Hmm… But look who’s visiting after such a long absence! You must have been bored to death up there.”

Nis’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Maybe you’re interested in some doll-playing or tea-partying?”

“That was millennia ago!”

“Hmph? I assumed you’d still enjoy it…”

‘Can she even remember how old we are?’

Although, if Riko asked, I’d gladly join in. Not with you, though.

“Are you offering help, then?”

“Polymorph? You mean polymorphing?” Nis’ keen eyes widened.

“Surely you haven’t forgotten how to polymorph yourself, Princess Prostia?”

“Don’t be absurd—it’s for one of my followers.”

“You have a follower?!”

Nis’ jaw dropped.

Of course, she had reason to be surprised. Until now, I had always been alone.

“Excuse me, did I hear correctly? Princess Prostia has taken on a follower?”

“Yes. A truly exceptional child, intelligent and cute… No, perhaps beautiful is the right word. And so loyal and devoted, the first of its kind for me. She listens to me well…”

I pictured Riko waiting in the labyrinth.

She’d surely greet me with a sweet fragrance upon my return—something I hadn’t anticipated.

Since meeting Riko, so much has changed.

“My, my! Whatever has happened to the cold Ice Princess to bring forth such effusive praise?”

“I said it’s loud.”

“Oh come now, what kind of a beast is this follower of yours? I need to know if I can teach it…”

“A flower.”

“A flower?”

Nis burst out laughing.

“Hoho! Princess Prostia raising a flower? Ha! What a poetic turn of events!”

“Oh my! Who would have thought you had such sensibilities!”

‘No, it’s literally a flower…’

I wonder what her reaction will be upon meeting it.

“Stop laughing and just tell me if you can teach it or not.”

“Hmph, aren’t you eager? I want to hear more about this one…”

“Fine, take your pick from my treasure hoard.”

Nis’s lips curled with a mischievous smile, almost serpentine in nature.

“Ah, the famous Shia Kalt treasure hoard… But do you really think I’ll be satisfied with just that?”

“Then what else do you want?”

“Hmm… How about I borrow this special follower of yours for a week? Would that be alright?”

Danger flitted across Nis’s serpent-like gaze.

Though we’d spent thousands of years together, I’d never seen such a desire-laden look in her eyes.

“Alright.”

My answer brought a faint smile to Nis’s lips.

It looked sweet but felt poisonous, as though honey-tainted with venom.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the nature of her interest in Riko.

“Ah! So agreeable! Now you’ve got me even more curious. Shall we depart?”

“Just a moment—what about polymorphing…?”

“We can discuss it on the way, right? You’re heading that way anyway…”

Nis rose from her seat, her shimmering dress like the stars in a night sky.

“Dayana, keep the labyrinth in check while I’m gone.”

“Understood, my lady!”

‘Why do I have such foreboding…’

Leaving behind the opulent temple, we made our way towards the surface together.

Or rather, Nis, still in human form, hopped onto my back and couldn’t stop chattering with excitement.

“My my, you’ve changed so much, Princess Prostia. The old you never would have thought to take on a follower…”

“Quiet.”

“Tell me, is this flower really so special? Or have you grown old enough to see even tender beasts as lovable? Hmm…”

I glared, but Nis paid me no mind.

“Or maybe… could it be Princess Prostia has fallen in love? Oh my! The thought alone…”

“Say another word and I’ll freeze you.”

“Tsk, still as frigid as ever. No wonder I’m so curious!”

Riko…

If only you could understand this pain…