Chapter 2

“How do I fix this?”

It was my first question in an attempt to restore my body to its original state…

“I don’t know.”

The only answer I got from the smirking lizard.

What is this, are you trying to pick a fight?

I can feel my temple vein popping at Orpheon’s shameless attitude.

Ironically, with this overly weakened body, I don’t have to worry about collapsing from high blood pressure – how laughably sad.

Anyway, since it seems like the lizard in front of me hasn’t fully grasped the severity of the situation…

“『Frozen』”

“Hey, Asher! Hold on!”

As I drew a massive magic circle in the air, covering all sides with pure white snowflakes.

Only then did he finally grab my wrist in a panic, his smirk completely vanishing.

Guess even dragons can’t deny the truth that actions speak louder than words.

“I really didn’t know. I had no idea this magic would have such side effects.”

Following that was information about where the parchment Orpheon gave me long ago was discovered.

In the urgency of his voice, the source of the magic that put me in this state was finally revealed.

Just…

“Dyark?”

“Yeah. According to ‘The Wanderer,’ it was hidden in one of Dyark Kingdom’s secret treasuries.”

All I learned was the name of an ancient kingdom that had long since perished.

This only confirmed Orpheon’s claim that he truly doesn’t know the method.

‘…Why of all things does it have to be Dyark?’

Even among the many ruins on the continent, the Dyark Kingdom belongs to the most ancient era.

The mysterious ruin whose history has yet to be fully uncovered – that’s the Dyark Kingdom.

In other words, it means that finding both the creator of this bizarre life-extension magic and a way to counteract it will be extremely difficult.

So, I ended up asking why he couldn’t just get me some regular life-extension magic instead…

“You asked for something effective. Said you couldn’t hold on any longer with something ordinary.”

“…That’s true, but…”

“Then, it’s your own fault.”

“…”

My past self was rebutted by Orpheon, who had received my lengthy letter – mostly filled with lamentations about my plight.

Sighs were all I could muster when Orpheon added that I’ve become healthy just as I wished.

“Your mana is stable, and your life force has been restored. What’s there to worry about?”

“I’ve turned into a girl!”

“…Is that really such a big problem?”

“At least for me, yes.”

“Tch, I don’t get it. There are people willing to make deals with demons just to stay young.”

“It’s not about being younger, it’s about turning into a woman that’s the issue…”

Wrong.

After over a thousand years, the old man’s empathy has converged to zero.

Apparently, he doesn’t even understand the concept of physiological embarrassment.

Though, how would a dragon comprehend human gender-related emotions anyway…

“Well, your little brats might find this amusing when they see you.”

“…Ah.”

That’s when I remembered my disciples’ existence.

Images of their reactions upon seeing me suddenly transformed into a small girl popped into my mind.

‘This is quite interesting…’

‘I never knew our master had such hobbies…’

‘…Let me order a dress first. Oh, and a jewel-encrusted ribbon…’

‘Master, how about creating just one more clone? I want to hug and sleep with you every day…’

…Another reason why I must definitely return to normal has arisen.

These already unstable kids would surely treat me like a toy if they saw me like this.

But, the fact remains that I currently have no idea what to do.

Not even a single similar case exists in my memory of novels. Not even one.

‘Should I experiment using my own body…?’

Around the time I was indulging in futile fantasies like modifying artifact restoration magic for human use due to the overwhelming helplessness…

Orpheon suggested disappearing entirely now that things have come to this.

“Since you don’t have a proper identity in that body anyway, how about hiding out in some remote village until we find a solution?”

“…What about the kids?”

“Guess you haven’t considered that your nature is what spoils them.”

A teacher should also cultivate independence in their students.

Orpheon, with a slightly dissatisfied expression, poked my forehead with his index finger while saying so.

“You’ve passed the age where you need to take care of everything for them, Asher. How long do you plan to keep worrying about every little thing?”

“Didn’t expect to hear that from you.”

“I’m saying this because it’s frustrating to watch. Why are you so stupid when it comes to these things…”

Honestly, I wanted to argue back.

But I couldn’t open my mouth because, upon reflection, I might have spoiled them too much.

Thinking about it, they probably felt more secure knowing I’d always clean up after whatever trouble they caused.

Having some time apart, as Orpheon suggests, doesn’t seem entirely bad either.

While pondering about the future, a familiar piece of paper fell toward Orpheon with a soft sound.

Exactly ten seconds after Orpheon tilted his head in confusion and opened the letter…

“‘I, Asher Astoria, leave this memory modification orb to my dear friend Orpheon. Moreover… Please look after the disciples even without me…’ Hey, Asher?”

The true nature of the letter as my will in preparation for unforeseen circumstances was revealed.

The problem is that I’m still very much alive.

“…Seriously, the real issue is that you entrusted your brats to me. Why should I be responsible for those guys?”

“…I couldn’t think of anything else. You’ll understand once you see the memory modification orb… No, let’s talk about this later.”

Anyway, the pressing matter now is why the will magic activated.

Despite being healthier than ever, I need to figure out why the will magic judged me dead…

“…Could it be because I turned into a woman?”

The answer surprisingly came easily.

After all, ‘male’ Asher Astoria doesn’t exist in this world anymore.

It seems the will magic recognized it as if I had vanished from the world overnight.

Thinking about it that way, it’s not an odd situation.

Rather, considering the magic worked properly, you could say it’s somewhat fortunate.

Except for one reason: the will magic wasn’t aimed solely at Orpheon.

“…We’re in trouble.”

“Why?”

“That will probably went to the kids too.”

“That is troublesome.”

My head started pounding involuntarily.

Accidents that one lifetime is enough to experience are happening one after another today. Why is this happening?

However, Orpheon seemed to think the series of events were actually good.

His meaningful demeanor when he revisited his previous suggestion to me, adding a bit more detail, proved it.

“Let me introduce you to a noble. That guy will accept you as an adopted daughter.”

“Wha…?”

“Think about it, Asher. If you’re going to disappear, wouldn’t it be better to do it thoroughly?”

There’s nothing more definitive than becoming an entirely different person.

Orpheon stood up with an expression suggesting he had some ulterior motive.

“What are you doing now?”

“Preparing to turn you into a noble young lady.”

“…You’re serious about getting me adopted into a noble family?”

“Don’t worry. Duben is a decent guy. He won’t cause any trouble.”

If Orpheon says he’s okay, then he’s probably really trustworthy.

The problem was that he looked genuinely delighted with the current situation.

“Your brats… They’ll be fine for now. They won’t go against their beloved mentor’s last wishes.”

“How do you know what last words I left them?”

“It’s obvious. Something along the lines of ‘don’t cause trouble, live well,’ right?”

“…Yeah.”

“See?”

Ultimately, I lost to Orpheon logically.

In other words, until we find a way to return to normal, I’ll have to live under the new identity Orpheon created for me.

Thinking optimistically, it seems like an opportunity to reform the disciples’ habits.

Nothing will shock them as much as my ‘death.’

If they try to pull anything strange, I can stop them then.

I hope they’ll work harder to lead better lives, realizing that I won’t always be around.

Thinking this way, it feels like I’ve truly become their parent, making me feel rather peculiar.

“Well, relax. Even someone like me wouldn’t do anything harmful to a friend.”

“…Only when it suits you.”

“It means don’t unnecessarily worry. It’s heartbreaking to see an interesting guy like you die prematurely.”

Afterward, Orpheon mentioned he’d also look for a solution in his own way.

Hmm, does he really want to make me a noble young lady that badly?

“Honestly speaking, isn’t it more fun to have a wise man live as a charming young lady?”

“…That’s true.”

“Well, you don’t lose anything either, right? You just need to quietly live as a noble young lady.”

Almost simultaneously, snap.

Orpheon snapped his fingers.

A more advanced version of the attire-changing magic was used.

Noble-like dresses and accessories draped over my body.

“…You have this kind of taste?”

“This is modestly dressed.”

“Is this?”

“Remember when you first met the princess? Recall what she was wearing.”

“…”

Once again, I was speechless.

Why is this usually carefree guy so logical only during moments like these?

Eventually, a teleportation magic circle appeared right in front of me.

Like pulling off a bull’s horn in one swift motion, Orpheon took me to a certain baron’s house.

Then…

“Introduce yourself. This will be your adoptive daughter. Let’s call her Letter.”

“…Understood.”

After leaving those words with a man who seemed to be around my original age, instructing him to adopt me as his daughter, Orpheon returned to his lair.

However, the man who suddenly became my adoptive father didn’t harbor any doubts.

Probably thinking there must be some intention behind Master Orpheon’s actions…

‘…What exactly did he convince him of?’

Nonetheless, I had to follow this man to the grand mansion in front of me for now.

Whether this or that, understanding my new life first was a priority.

Though limited to the time until I find a way to return to normal, experiencing it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

And within just ten minutes…

“First, let’s have a bath. The water is already heated.”

“…Huh?”

“Alice. Please take care of Miss Letter.”

“Excuse me?”

“Come on, Miss. Follow slowly so you don’t trip.”

I found myself continuously encountering experiences I’ve never had before.

Although it was somewhat similar to when I raised Carian as a child, I’ve never experienced being raised by someone else.

‘…Ugh…’

Eventually, I was led to receive bathing assistance from a maid named Alice, falling deep into thought.

However, with my body submerged in the warm bathwater, I kept feeling drowsy.

…Do dragons find this amusing?

***

“You’re wearing quite a troubled expression.”

As usual, the ancient dragon Orpheon, who was lounging in his lair, muttered this and rose to his feet.

After all, there were definitely things he needed to clarify to the uninvited guests who began arriving one by one, starting with the assassin full of murderous intent in front of him.

“Since you lot are in such a state, it means there’s no one else besides me who can handle it, right?”

“…Where is our master?”

“Just rest without even bothering to ask for permission from that great master of yours.”

“We’re not in the mood for jokes right now!”

“…Joke?”

– Thud.

Orpheon’s red irises split vertically.

Gradually sprouting from his shoulder area were two broad, enormous wings.

– Thud.

– Crack.

Decisively, the thick scales covering his entire body and his long tail emerged.

「Did I appear so easy to deal with, you maggots?」

– Shiver.

He intimidated the uninvited guests who dared enter the ancient dragon’s lair without fear.

Yet, none of them took a step back, causing him to unknowingly smirk.