Having returned to Ofauvra from the ruin, Evelyn, Maya and Kirial were inside a huge room of the royal castle. To find a way to deal with their sudden situation, the first prince took them to his home and arranged a meeting with his father. There were tall, lush plants with round leaves placed near the walls that painted them green and colorful flower pots hung on the ceiling. The flowers dangled down from them like green tentacles with red, white and yellow petals attached to them.

A red carpet that went from the entrance and to the top of a couple of stairs arrived to the front of the throne. Sitting there was Leodor Ofauvra, king and rightful ruler of the kingdom named after his family. Around him were his three wives, his older brother, the prime minister and his three children. His fourth child, Mimi, the cowkin girl, was sleeping in her room, so she wasn’t present. Her absence made her mother, Sally, restless. Not wanting to wake her daughter up, she decided to greet the ones who helped Myra and Snow, but she was a big worrywart.

“To think the relic would react to a human… And turn him into a wolf.” [Leodor]

Hearing the news they brought about their misadventures in the ruin, Leodor had a troubled look on his face, unsure how to react. It was the first time he met both Evelyn and Maya, the benefactors of Myra and Snow, and he happily greeted as well as thanked them. His family expressed their gratitude as well, except for Kirial, who had already done so. Yet, the main person who rescued the mother-daughter pair, Ryner, wasn’t among them and he was in a peculiar situation. Strangely, he had been turned into a wolf.

“We have no idea how to deal with this. That is why we have come seeking your help, your majesty, for you certainly know more about the relic than us.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn said respectfully. Leodor had told them that there was no need to kneel, so the two were talking while standing up. Maya had a worried look, most likely thinking about her master. It was the former Catallard he had heard about that returned stronger than ever and defeated her older brother. Although it should be impossible, she had somehow found a way to increase her mana pool, though there is no proof about that. A black, metallic collar hung around her neck, showing her status as a slave and her master was none other than Ryner.

Next to her was Evelyn, a blonde, female human who had sharp, red eyes. Her expression was serious and she carried herself with grace. Her refined looks and the way she acted would make anyone think that she was from a noble family. According to Snow and Myra, she was the cousin of Ryner, even though they didn’t look alike at all.

“Yeah. We’ll look into it from our side. There are records about the relic from previous generations stored in our archives. I wanted to invite you all to dinner for an overdue celebration, but this takes precedence.” [Leodor]

“I am deeply grateful, your majesty.” [Evelyn]

Since she was told not to kneel, the beautiful woman, who was actually a vampire, elegantly curtsied to show her gratitude.

“It’s no problem. We owe you all for saving little Snow and Myra. We’ll definitely find a way to turn Ryner back to normal.” [Leodor]

Leodor promised and smiled heartily. His family around him showed their consent and nodded their heads. Taniel, the prime minister, looked dissatisfied as he kept staring at the blonde human. But, Leonhart, the king’s older brother, put his hand on his shoulder and shook his head. With that, the fox-eared man closed his eyes and breathed deeply to calm down. Evelyn noticed his animosity, but paid it no mind since Snow had mentioned that her father didn’t like humans.

“But, for the relic to do something like that. Your cousin must be pretty anxious right now.” [Leodor]

“I am sure Ryner appreciates his majesty’s concerns on his well-being.” [Evelyn]

“You sure are a stiff one. There’s no need to worry about formalities. Just relax.” [Leodor]

The lion-eared man said while laughing.

“Actually, where is he? Is there something preventing him from showing up?” [Leodor]

He looked around the room, but he couldn’t see a wolf anywhere.

“As your majesty said, this sudden transformation has put a toll on his mental strength. That is why he is currently resting at the garden with prince Kirial’s permission. Please forgive him for his absence.” [Evelyn]

“Like she said, I told him he could sleep there for a while. I told the soldiers not to mind him when I showed him the way. He’s probably freaking out right about now.” [Kirial]

Kirial added on the side to which his father nodded.

“Then, it’s fine. And really, stop being so formal, Evelyn. But, I hope Ryner gets better soon. And we’ll make sure we find a way to turn him back to human.” [Leodor]

While such an exchange was happening in the audience room, a black and white wolf was lazily resting in the huge garden of the castle. Surrounded by stone walls, the field was covered by green grass that gently swayed to the wind. Colorful flowers were grouped together in circles here and there at random and tall trees dotted the place. Lying under the biggest of them all, the wolf, Ryner, was sprawled on his stomach and had his eyes closed. The shade created by the leaves blocked the hot rays of the sun and the soft breeze that rustled his fur felt cool and pleasant.

It was a good spot for someone to calm his mind, organize his thoughts and deal with the fact that he was turned into a canine.

“(Well, I’m done meditating.)” [Ryner]

Getting up on his paws, Ryner spun around in place as if he was chasing his tail. Then, rolled on his back left and right a couple of times. Afterwards, he jumped in place rapidly while switching his front and back leg for the opposite one. Finally, he opened his mouth wide, closed it and opened it again.

“(No problem so far. At least this body isn’t defective.)” [Ryner]

Once he was done confirming his body’s condition once again, he lied down on the grass to take a nap. His travelling companions said that they would handle negotiations with the king to have his help to turn him back into a human. Knowing Evelyn, who had experience dealing with nobles in many social gatherings, things would most likely go well, not to mention that they were grateful to them for helping Myra and Snow. As such, Ryner left it in their hands and chose to relax.

He already got used to controlling his new form since he arrived at the castle from the ruin that was outside of the city. Furthermore, he confirmed that his powers weren’t affected by the relic and that he could use life force like usual. There were certainly a lot of inconveniences, but he could still take care of any emergencies even as a wolf. That was why he was relaxing under the shade of a tree instead of panicking. However, the biggest problem to him would be that his body wasn’t human. Or rather, it wasn’t like his original body when he was born for the first time… When he was still human.

“(I’m Ryner. Not a wolf, not a dog. I’m Ryner. Got black hair. Dark brown eye. The other white. And scars. Lots of scars.)” [Ryner]

Repeating his name and his appearance in his mind, he stared at his front legs for a few seconds before looking away. Then, he shook his head and closed his eyes as he went back to napping. Things were fine for now, but he wanted to turn back as soon as possible. Whatever that relic that did this to him was, he was sure that he never saw it before which meant that the most likely possibility was that a god planted it in his fortress. Unfortunately, he didn’t know why or what for.

“(Guess I’ll go pay them another visit later.)” [Ryner]

While he was harboring such thoughts that might result in a fight, a certain person appeared in the garden followed by a guard through one of the four entrances.

“Princess Mimi, are you sure you will be alright alone?” [Guard]

“Yes, I just want to spend some time in the garden by myself.” [Mimi]

The guard accompanying the youngest princess, Mimi, looked worried, but the black-haired girl just smiled without a care. Her cow ears happily twitched and her slim tail waved about when she saw the many trees and flowers before her.

“I’ll be fine here.” [Mimi]

“… Very well. If there is any problem, please do call me.” [Guard]

The armored beastman, though reluctant, listened to the nine year old princess’ wishes and bowed respectfully. Then, with his spear and shield in hand, he left the place and returned to his usual post. Once she saw that he was gone, Mimi finally relaxed and exhaled deeply. The guard had seen her and followed her out of concern, so she couldn’t tell him to leave since it would be rude. It was the same with her maid and everyone that she met along the way. She was nervous around strangers, but she needed to act tough because she was the daughter of her father who was the king and a great man.

“(Uuuh, maybe I shouldn’t have come here.)” [Mimi]

Her body was weaker than other kids her age and she needed to rest often, which was what she was doing in her room. But, after waking up, she got the urge to go play in the garden since it was a beautiful day and came here by herself. The maid that was on standby outside of her bedroom had told her that her family was in a meeting with some people. Moreover, these people were the ones who saved Myra and Snow that were like a gentle mother and a fun sister to her.

“(I should go back. Everyone’s probably thanking them. I need to thank them too. But… Strangers are scary.)” [Mimi]

Unlike the rest of her energetic and outgoing family, she was a very shy child. It had taken a while before she got used to and accepted Prime Minister Taniel Elkind and his wife and daughter. While she was worrying over her attitude, a gust of wind blew from the garden, causing her black hair that went past her shoulders to flutter about and the skirt of her white dress to sway gently. The sweet fragrance of flowers and the fresh scent of grass tickled her nose, making her smile unconsciously and she walked towards that green field.

For now, she decided to relax here a bit and to go thank them as well as apologize for her tardiness later. As she moved through the garden, which was her favorite place in the castle, while admiring the colorful plants, she saw that her usual seat was taken. In the shade created by the tallest tree, a black and white wolf was sleeping there. Stunned that she found one in her home, Mimi stopped in her tracks and stared at it with her eyes wide open.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

The beast might have noticed her presence because it opened its eyes and turned its head toward her. That snapped her out of her stupor as she reflexively took a step back and fear soon took over. She felt like she was a prey being watched by a predator and that was exactly what she was. Her legs trembled, her ears dropped down and her eyes were moist. She clutched her small hands in front of her chest and took another step back.

“Hiii…!” [Mimi]

A very faint scream was heard coming from her lips. She was so scared that she couldn’t even call for help or think straight. The youngest princess kept shivering fearfully, waiting for the wolf to move. However, it didn’t do anything except observe her. Its eyes of different color had her in their sight, but they held no bloodlust or hostility. Rather, they looked sleepy and were half-closed. Furthermore, after a few seconds, it opened its mouth wide and yawned before lying its head on its front legs and going back to sleep.

“… Huh…?” [Mimi]

It would appear that it had no interest in her. Perhaps it wasn’t hungry right now?

“Mister wolf… You’re not gonna eat me?” [Mimi]

When she asked it nervously, the canine opened its right eye that was, for some reason, white. It stared at her for a second and closed it again. Then, it waved its tail at her as if it were telling her to go away. Its eyes and its attitude greatly undermined its ferocity, causing Mimi to calm down and to reconsider its presence here. This was the garden of the castle and there was no way it could have gotten past the guards. That was why she thought that it might be a good wolf that her father let inside. As such, she slowly, but surely approached it until she stood right in front of it.

Ignoring her completely, it continued to nap lazily and she took this chance to carefully touch its back.

“Waaah~!” [Mimi]

It was the first time she touched a wolf. Its fur was soft and warm and gave her a fluffy feeling. Her voice leaked out by accident and a huge smile was plastered on her face. Also, the good beast wasn’t moving at all, though it did look a bit annoyed. Without noticing it, Mimi stuck both hands in its fur and rubbed its back happily.

“Woof!” [Ryner]

“Ah! Sorry! Um, does it hurt?” [Mimi]

Hearing it bark, she thought that she was rubbing it too strongly which caused it pain. Changing her speed, she slowly rubbed it to not hurt it, all the while enjoying its high quality fur. She was smiling innocently because she managed to befriend a wolf, but this one looked like it had a sour expression. Still, despite its dissatisfaction, it didn’t attack her and only growled a bit. However, that didn’t scare her anymore because she was immersed in touching and stroking its fur.

Before they knew it, the princess of Ofauvra was sitting on the ground with her back leaned on the side of the wolf’s body.

“My mommy, I mean my mother always worries about me. My dad… My father and aunties and brothers and sister too.” [Mimi]

Furthermore, she was talking to it.

“You see, I’m pretty weak and sleep more than other people do. Also, I heard that it took a few years before mom, before mother could have me, so she was really sad during that time. Um, if I remember right, she said that she thought she couldn’t have kids. So, she was really happy when I was born.” [Mimi]

For some reason, Mimi was blurting out her troubles to the animal that was serving as her backrest.

“I’m glad that they love me, but I think I always trouble them. Even now, everyone is probably okay with me sleeping. But, I should be with them to greet these super important people… But, it is my fault for skipping out… Strangers are scary.” [Mimi]

She said, sounding a bit depressed by her physical condition and her lack of courage.

“Mister wolf, what do you think I should do?” [Mimi]

She asked for advice from the big canine like it was a person. It was a weird sight to behold.

“Woof? (Who are you anyway?)” [Ryner]

“Ah! You answered! I see! I see!” [Mimi]

The wolf, Ryner, barked once. Mimi seemed happy, thinking that it answered her question.

“Then! Should I start training? I’m not allowed though, but I could try to beg really hard with my parents!” [Mimi]

“Woof woof? (Are you a noble or a royalty living here?)” [Ryner]

“Then, I’ll be as strong as my big brother! And mommy won’t be so worried all the time!” [Mimi]

“Woof woof, woof woof woof. (Seriously, kid, I’m busy right now, so get off.)” [Ryner]

“Hehe~. Talking with you is fun, mister wolf.” [Mimi]

“Woof woof woof. (You’re not listening at all.)” [Ryner]

Giggling, the young princess conversed with her new friend, all without knowing that it was Ryner and that he just wanted to nap alone.

“One day, I’ll be really strong and protect mommy!” [Mimi]

For just a moment, Ryner’s ears twitched when he heard her cheerful declaration and he opened one eye to look at her. Then, he closed it again, yawned and went back to ignoring her. Mimi tried talking with him some more, but he didn’t respond anymore. She inflated her cheeks, pouting, but decided to remain quiet. It was sleeping when she got here and she was probably disturbing its sleep.

“I’m sorry, mister wolf, you need to sleep too.” [Mimi]

Patting its back gently, she whispered “Good night” to it and rested her head on it.

After a while, Leodor and his family, along with the prime minister, Evelyn and Maya went to the garden to look for Ryner. Since his companions were about to leave, they wanted to at least see him off.

“Now that I think about it, we should have just done this since the beginning.” [Leodor]

“I apologize, your majesty, but I wanted Ryner to rest as much as he could.” [Evelyn]

“It’s fine. My youngest daughter gets tired easily and sleeps a lot, so I know how you feel. She’s sleeping in her room right now.” [Leodor]

The king said as he looked at his wife, Sally. The cowkin woman was worried about her daughter during the whole meeting. His two other wives understood her feelings since it had taken her a few years before she had Mimi, unlike them who were pregnant with child on their first mating season after marriage. If that wasn’t enough, her daughter often fell sick since she was a baby and had a weak body.

As such, Sally was worried that she would lose the child she finally had and was overprotective, often staying by her side the whole time and pampering her. Even now, she looked restless and was restraining herself from running to Mimi’s room to check up on her. Of course, she would do so later on after the saviors of Myra and Snow left.

Meireld, a lion-eared mother with light brown hair, silently patted her on the back. Tali, who had black hair and wolf ears, looked at her with concern. The two had helped her cared for Mimi when she was sickly and saw her as their own daughter as well.

“It’s okay.” [Meireld]

“Mimi’s sleeping like usual. I’m sure there’s no need to worry so much.” [Tali]

“… Yes.” [Sally]

The two quietly cheered her up along the way. When they finally reached the garden and saw the beautiful view in front of them, Evelyn and Maya were moved by the sight.

“This is a beautiful place, your majesty.” [Evelyn]

“Gahaha! Thanks! The gardeners are quite proud of their work here! In fact, this is Mimi’s favorite place!” [Leodor]

As they walked toward the center while making small talk, they found the one they were looking for as well as an unexpected person. Lying under the tallest tree was a majestic wolf that had black and white fur. It was Ryner who had been transformed by the relic. However, right now he looked more like a harmless animal than a ferocious beast because of his strange appearance.

Using his body as a pillow, Mimi was peacefully sleeping while leaking quiet breaths. Curled up in a ball, she had an innocent expression on her face as she took a nap in her favorite spot. Ryner, on the other hand, was staring at the newcomers with his sleepy-looking eyes of different color. They were surprised at the sight of a small girl using the warm body of a wolf to sleep.

“Mimi! What are you doing here?!” [Sally]

The first one to speak was Sally who rushed to them and gently picked up her daughter in her arms. Confirming that she was completely fine, the cow-eared woman breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, the rest ran over and her family inquired about Mimi’s condition. When they heard that she wasn’t hurt, they all relaxed as well. Most likely, the youngest princess woke up and went to her beloved garden by herself since she didn’t like people following her.

Having reached that conclusion, they decided to let her sleep and to hear her explanation at another time. Right now, they were observing Ryner, who was still sprawled on his stomach. Evelyn and Maya went to stand next to the man they loved, though he was now a wild animal, and watched over this strange meeting between a wolf and the royal family.

“A wolf.” [Tota]

“It’s a wolf.” [Tita]

Everyone stayed silent as they stared at him curiously, except for a guy and a girl that looked alike. The wolf-eared twins, Tota and Tita, were muttering to themselves with sparkling eyes. Even though they were sixteen years old like their friend, Snow, they acted like excited children.

“So, you’re Ryner.” [Leodor]

Their father, Leodor, said as he stood in front of the lazy wolf.

“I’m Leodor Ofauvra, the king of this kingdom. Looks like my daughter troubled you.” [Leodor]

“Woof woof. (Ah, so she was a princess.)” [Ryner]

“Gahaha! First time I’m talking to a wolf!” [Leodor]

For some reason, Leodor looked happy like his daughter, Mimi, when it seemed like she was making conversation with Ryner.

“I’ve got a lot of things to say to you, but for now… Thank you! And nice to meet you!” [Leodor]

----------------------------------------

*Author note*

Sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy the chapter and feel free to mention any mistakes you see.