[25] Bad situation

I seemed to have overestimated my chances of finding a place in the capital of Ars. After all, this city is inhabited by 80% humans, which is why I had faced discrimination from the start.

"Do you want to trade here!?" one of the city guards looked at me with a surprised expression.

I nodded slightly with a friendly smile. After a moment of silence, everyone there began to laugh heartily, mocking my intentions. Their laughter grew louder when Zephyr and Aurelia emitted dark auras from their bodies, showing their restrained anger.

If I were to compare this with my previous experiences, it's exactly the same. Just because I'm a beastman, renowned for living as a warrior, saying I want to trade in the largest kingdom of the central continent makes people laugh. Who wouldn't find it amusing?

"How could a beastman succeed here?" sneered one of the guards in a derogatory tone. "You belong in the forest with other animals."

Although I was accustomed to such views and comments, it felt more painful this time. I could feel the disdainful stares from passers-by. Nevertheless, I maintained a calm demeanor and refrained from showing any negative emotions.

When we were finally granted entry, the unpleasant treatment continued. In the market, traders were reluctant to speak or do business with me. They viewed my presence as a nuisance. Some even inflated the prices of the items I needed, charging significantly more than they should.

"Why is this fabric so expensive?" I asked a fabric merchant. "It's twice the market price."

"Because it's for you," the merchant replied shamelessly. "Beastmen have to pay more."

Zephyr and Aurelia, overhearing the conversation, seemed ready to retaliate, but I held them back. "Calm down, we don't need to cause trouble," I whispered.

We eventually found a place to rent, albeit at an exorbitant price. It was an old building on the outskirts of the city, far from the bustling centre. However, this was our first step towards proving that we could succeed here despite the numerous obstacles.

That night, after a day filled with adversity, we sat together in our new place. Aurelia and Zephyr's faces still showed anger and frustration.

"Why do we have to endure all this?" Zephyr asked angrily, his voice tense and frustrated. "They're being unfair."

"It's true, Master Ash! We're being belittled by these uncouth people!" Aurelia chimed in, her eyes blazing with the same anger.

"Calm down, both of you," I said gently, though I chuckled a little. "I'm fine. It's normal to see how they view me and you as products of slavery."

Aurelia and Zephyr's eyes widened in surprise at my words.

"Master Ash! You shouldn't say that!" Aurelia exclaimed, her face flushing with anger. "You're more honourable than these uncivilised people!"

"Indeed, Master! Don't lower yourself so much! I don't feel that my dignity has been diminished!" Zephyr added with the fervour of a loyal samurai.

I looked at them for a moment, feeling both proud and touched by their reactions. It seemed these children had truly developed new personalities after being with me. Well, it's not a problem, I thought.

"We'll discuss this later," I said, trying to ease the tension. "For now, let's have dinner."

We gathered around a simple wooden table we had found in a corner of the room. The food we served was simple but sufficient to fill our stomachs after a long day of struggle. We had a warm soup with hard bread that we bought from the market. Although the meal was not lavish, the warmth of our companionship made everything taste better.

"Let's eat," I said, serving a larger portion to Zephyr and Aurelia. "We need our strength for tomorrow."

They nodded and began reciting a prayer I had taught them. It was a way for us as living beings to express our gratitude for the abundant blessings we have received. It seemed I had succeeded in instilling my religious values into these children. After the prayer, we started eating.

The previously tense atmosphere gradually softened. We began talking about the day's experiences, commenting on the locals' treatment, and planning our next steps.

"What are your plans for tomorrow, Master Ash?" Aurelia asked eagerly.

I swallowed my food before answering. "We'll start by tidying up this place, and then I'll look for connections in the market to promote our unique products. But let me handle that. You two can clean up here tomorrow. I'm confident no ruffians will trouble you with all the teachings I've given."

"Yes! I'll make sure to protect our belongings until you return, Master!" Zephyr declared, his voice full of determination.

"I-I will also do my best!" Aurelia added, her eyes shining with the same resolve.

Hearing their enthusiasm, a smile spread across my face. I reached out and gently patted their heads. "Yoshi-yoshi, be good until I return."

Zephyr and Aurelia smiled, their faces beaming with pride. Seeing them like this warmed my heart. They were not just good students but also loyal friends.

We continued our dinner with light conversation, discussing our plans for the future. After eating, we cleaned the table together and then sat around a small campfire we had made outside. The crackling of the wood and the flickering flames provided a soothing and comforting atmosphere.

...

I woke up early to avoid disturbing the children. After freshening up, I immediately donned my neat and elegant attire. This outfit, inspired by the early 19th century during the first industrial revolution, is usually worn by the upper class and has a classic and dignified style—similar to what Sherlock Holmes would wear.

I wore a long black coat reaching down to my knees, made of thick and warm wool. Silver buttons adorned the front of the coat, adding a touch of luxury. Underneath, I wore a dark grey vest that fit snugly, paired with a crisp white high-collar shirt.

My trousers were black, made from high-quality fabric that was comfortable yet elegant. Brown leather boots, polished to perfection, completed the look. I also wore a black bowler hat to protect my head from the morning chill.

As I tightened my shoelaces, I checked my reflection in the mirror. My appearance was now entirely different from usual. With this attire, I looked more dignified and ready to face the traders in the market.

Feeling satisfied with my appearance, I grabbed my ebony cane, adorned with a silver dragon-head handle. This cane was not just an accessory but could also serve as a weapon if needed.

Before leaving, I glanced at Zephyr and Aurelia, still fast asleep. Their faces looked peaceful and calm, the soft glow from the nearly extinguished fire casting shadows on their faces. I felt proud seeing their progress over time. With determined steps, I headed towards the market, ready to carry out the plans for today.

Of course, if I were still displaying my beastman appearance, potential clients would undoubtedly hesitate or refuse to cooperate. So, the key point is to make a strong and positive first impression.

"Ciel-sensei, do it," I murmured as I stood by the door, feeling the cool morning breeze on my face.

[Very well, would you like to change your appearance before transfiguration?] Ciel replied in the soothing tone that always calmed me.

"Yes, please do," I responded firmly.

In an instant, I felt a subtle change in my body. My previously beastman-like features transformed into sleek, dark hair, cut short and elegant. My once-pointed, larger-than-human ears became ordinary human ears. My eyes, which had vertical pupils characteristic of beastmen, now turned into warm brown eyes that radiated confidence and intelligence.

I checked my reflection in the mirror once more. There were no traces of a beastman left in me. Only a handsome man with a dignified and commanding presence remained. The long black coat reaching down to my knees, the gleaming silver buttons, the dark grey vest, the crisp white high-collar shirt, the elegant black trousers, and the perfectly polished brown boots—all of it looked even more striking with my new human appearance.

With the ebony cane in hand, I was ready to face the outside world. This cane, with its silver dragon-head handle, symbolised my hidden strength and was ready to be used if necessary.

I stepped outside, leaving the place with a sense of confidence. The morning breeze greeted me gently, and the bustling sounds of the market welcomed my steps.