Chapter 35

"H-how is this possible? I didn’t make any sound at all. Why could she detect me?"

"Ah, Alex, you idiot! Did you forget her Thunder Emperor Domain? She used the Thunder Emperor Flame Array—of course she’d activate her domain too!"

"Right! I’m such a fool. How could I forget that?"

After Clothilde’s reminder, Lisbeth finally recalled her companion’s skill. The Thunder Emperor Domain formed when Natalie cast lightning magic: countless bolts flowed through the air around her, unconsciously creating a small, localized lightning field.

Within this domain, Natalie sensed everything about anyone inside it. So even with no sound, she pinpointed Lisbeth precisely.

Since she’d been caught, Lisbeth immediately asked Clothilde, "What now? Should I flee before she sees my face?"

"Idiot, did you forget her Lightning Flash? That short-range teleportation spell—how could you escape in your weakened state?"

"Damn it! Why didn’t I realize how troublesome Natalie was before?"

Honestly, as a former ally, Lisbeth had only seen Natalie’s skills as useful. Now, facing her, she realized what a formidable opponent she truly was.

While Lisbeth still pondered her next move, Natalie’s voice cut through the air.

"You hiding behind that tree—come out now! Or I’ll split this tree—and you—in half!"

Whoa! Do you have to be so violent?

Lisbeth knew Natalie could easily do it. Yet she stayed hidden, still weighing her options.

"What to do? What now?"

"Alex, what about transparency magic?" Clothilde suggested.

Lisbeth shook her head. "No. Under her lightning domain, it’s useless. Even if I escaped briefly, the spell takes ten seconds. By then, her Lightning Flash would catch me."

"Ah, right. Shrinking magic? Oh, no—still useless. If you’re in her domain, she’ll grab you instantly."

Lisbeth’s practical magics all turned worthless under Natalie’s domain.

As silence stretched, Natalie raised her longsword angrily. "Fine! If you won’t come out, don’t blame me!"

"W-wait! I’m coming out! I’ll come out right now!!!"

Seeing Natalie ready to strike, Lisbeth deactivated her Class Change. Trembling, she stepped out from behind the tree, crouched down, and looked up with teary eyes. "T-this Human Race sister… I’m just gathering herbs. Please don’t kill me… sniffle…"

After exhausting all escape plans, Lisbeth had only one option left: act pitiful and beg for mercy. To sell it, she forced a few tears, now looking exactly like a vulnerable beastkin Demon Clan girl.

"Alex, I get it’s self-preservation, but a grown man crying like this? It’s a bit…" Clothilde muttered.

"Little Sword, shut up! You think I enjoy this? And it’s not over yet!"

"Huh?"

Lisbeth pulled out her empty herb bag and showed it to Natalie. "I-I have nothing, no money to give you. Please… spare me, I—"

"Say no more. I won’t hurt you."

Natalie sheathed her sword and hugged Lisbeth tightly. "Child, even as Demon Clan, you’re so young. Gathering herbs this early means your family struggles. But no matter how poor, never come to such a dangerous place—monsters lurk everywhere."

Lisbeth’s act worked. Hidden by the hug, she flashed a sly, triumphant grin at Clothilde on her arm. "Hehe, Little Sword, see? I succeeded~ Just as I thought—Natalie spares young, cute girls, even in Demon Clan bodies. And she thinks I’m here for family finances. Extra points~"

"I-I never believed those rumors… Natalie liking girls? She actually has that interest?" Clothilde whispered in disbelief.

"Letting an enemy go so easily is practically treason!"

"No, no. Rumors say she likes cute girls, but no proof she acted on it. She just adores children. At twenty-five, her mental age feels thirty. It’s maternal instinct, not attraction."

"Huh? Really?"

As if proving Lisbeth right, Natalie nuzzled her with a radiant smile. "You’re so adorable! Are all Demon Clan girls this cute? Absolutely precious! I want you as my little sister!"

"Lisbeth, this feels dangerous. I mean… *that* way."

"Oh, stop overthinking. Just watch."

Natalie released her, pulled a candy from her pack, and handed it over. "Here, child. You seemed scared earlier—have this to calm down. Don’t misunderstand: people say I like girls, but I simply love children. No need to fear me!"

"Mm, I understand. Big sister, thank you." Lisbeth took the candy with a perfect smile. "But I wasn’t afraid of you—just startled by your words. Now I see how gentle and strong you are… I actually admire you."

"Alex, you’re playing with fire! You know she likes girls—you’re flirting! Do you *want* to get eaten!?"

"Uh… maybe you’re right…"

"Ha… ha… so cute! Truly adorable!"

Lisbeth was sure her partner had no such interests, but Natalie’s heavy breathing startled her. Thankfully, Natalie calmed instantly, pulling Lisbeth up. "Good—you’re not scared anymore. But promise me: don’t tell anyone you saw me here, okay~"

"Mm, big sister, I promise. Can I go now? I’m in a hurry to gather herbs."

"Of course. But I don’t know your name. Maybe we’ll meet again someday."

*Damn it. If I could, I’d avoid you forever.*

Reluctantly, Lisbeth whispered, "Lisbeth. My name is Lisbeth."

"Mm, lovely name~ I’m Natalie. Farewell for now~"

After Natalie left the forest, Lisbeth sighed in relief. "Finally gone. But why is she here?"

"Regarding that… I’m curious too."

"Who!?"