I've Turned Into A Fox Girl?

"You think it's possible?" I had almost forgotten that my parents were sealed, as I have been completely focused on training.

"Yes, but if what you said is true about Freja working with the Pope, then you know there is a great chance that we will have to fight her." Elaina was right, we haven't seen her ever since she dropped us off here, and so our issues with her remain unresolved.

"Can we even beat her? She seems to be at the same level of strength as you are." I didn't see a world where my party alone beats Freja, at least not before we all reach tier 10. However, even if we were the same tier, Freja has so much more experience than us that I doubt we could win.

"I believe you can, Shaman. As for the others, I doubt they will land a single attack. Speaking of which, Silver and Elanor are finally here." Clara and I turned our attention to the door, watching it slowly open.

Coming through were indeed Elanor and Silver, although to our surprise Elanor had gotten a bit of a makeover. Her once long, flowy hair had been cut short, now barely touching her shoulders. Yet, some things seem to never change, like her bangs which still insisted on covering one of her eyes.

We hadn't seen each other in a few months so it came as a bit of a shock to see the sudden change. Silver, on the other hand, had not changed much at all other than looking more buff than usual. I still found it hard to believe that he had evolved to be a grown man.

'I really won't ever get used to it.' From pup to wolf to teenager and now a full adult in the span of a year.

"So any progress yet Silver~?" Clara was quick to run up to Silver and not so discreetly ask how things were going with Elanor. There was no longer any denying that he had a crush on her. I, of course, was still protective regarding Sliver, yet every time I see him I get further reminded that the time I could coddle him is long past gone.

"Jeez, it's been 6 months and that's the first thing you ask me... n-not yet." Silver pouted, but he still reluctantly answered in a whisper so Elanor wouldn't hear.

"You know she is an elf, right?" I couldn't help but point out that Elanor could still hear everything, as evident by her bright red face and ears.

"I-I u-umm." Silver's face also turned red while stumbling on his words, realising she could still hear everything.

*Sigh* "Enough, you all can catch up after we finish talking." Elaina glared at us, which caused us to all instinctively stop what we were doing and line up. We knew very well that if we didn't shut up, Elaina would not hold back from punishing us.

"Good, now as I was saying. To catch up the two who have just joined us, I want you all to go unseal Shaman's parents. We know Freja is working with the Pope to some degree so there is no doubt he has something planned for them." Silver and Elanor both nodded, understanding the situation.

"And as I was saying to Shaman, I believe she has the power to fight Freja if need be. I am unaware of Elysia's strength, so until she returns to us, it is best for Shaman to lead the fight. That is, of course, assuming Freja tries to stop you. Otherwise focus on the objective and avoid conflict if possible."

It made sense to a certain degree. For all we know, maybe Freja has had a change of heart and actually lets us unseal my parents. However, we can't exactly trust her either. What if we fall into her trap and end up getting sealed as well?

"How can we ensure that she doesn't attempt to stop us when our backs are turned? I'm sure she will notice right away if something happens to the seal. I don't want to fight her while our attention is preoccupied." It felt like no matter how we did this, we would need to either fight Freja or find some assurance that we could trust her.

Words alone won't be enough, as she has already deceived everyone.

"Are you coming with us?" Clara quickly jumped in after me with the same thoughts in mind.

"I'm afraid I won't be, but how about this. Clara, in the case of an emergency, I want you to use your draconic roar." Things would be much easier if Elaina did come with us, but leaving her territory is a major risk. Especially since the Pope could be making an appearance any day now.

"R-really? Won't everyone on the continent hear it?" I was unaware of this ability Clara had, but judging from her expression, it seemed quite dangerous.

"Doesn't matter, they won't know where it is coming from, plus this is just in the worst case scenario." Elaina assured us that we wouldn't have to use Clara's skill, but a part of me felt that we likely will.

"If you say so." Clara didn't sound too confident either.

"Anyway, you've all been trained up to at least be worthy of my elite guard. I'd prefer it if you stayed a bit longer, but I'm afraid things have to move along. You have one month to prepare before you set out and I want you to take this time to rest and finish up any loose ends in your training."

"Except for you, Clara. Now that you've proved yourself, I think it's time that I teach you how to fully embrace your demon side and officially recognise you as part of the royal family."

I was quite shocked to hear we would get a month-long break, but what came as more of a surprise was that Clara will officially become royalty. Even looking at her face, she couldn't believe what she was hearing at first.

"W-wait are we making a public announcement or something?" Suddenly, Clara became extremely flustered. She has always been the quiet in the back type, so suddenly being pushed into the spotlight must be quite a change.

"Naturally, there will be one. Of course, it doesn't mean you will take the throne from me. However as it stands, if I do die, I will be willing to pass it off to you." Elaina smirked, as if daring us to challenge her authority, but I don't think Clara had any interest in that whatsoever.

"Oh god, do I need to get a new dress? Is this too skimpy?" With the realisation that Clara will be presented to the general public of the Demon Lands, she became rather self conscious about her outfit. Granted, it is a qipao which isn't the most modest thing, but from what I remember, Elaina's Tier 10 clothes are rather revealing.

"Hahaha, do not worry, I will have the maids dress you up properly, but that will come at a later date. There are still some things I need to talk to you about now that I've officially recognised you." Clara's face quickly turned from flustered to interested, as she hadn't been told much since we first got here.

"Are you finally going to tell me everything about my family history then?"

"Yes, I've figured out all the details so there isn't any reason to withhold that information anymore."

Seems like this story goes a lot deeper than I initially thought. We had already gotten clarification on how the two demonesses were related as well as the details of what really happened when Clara was almost sacrificed, but nothing about Clara's family history.

"So umm, do you want us to leave so you can talk or is it okay if we stay?" Elanor fidgeted, unsure if it was okay for her to hear this kind of information.

"Please, I'd like to speak privately with Clara, as I will need to show her around some restricted areas. I know you are her girlfriend, Shaman, but even you are not allowed in." Answering Elanor's question, Elaina also glared at me to make sure I didn't get any funny ideas.

"Y-yes ma'am!" Knowing a serious warning when I hear one, I decided to scrap any plans to follow in secret.

"I'll be fine Shaman, go ahead and catch up with Silver and Elanor, it has been quite a while after all." Clara looked at me as if I was going to do something stupid.

"Yeah, yeah, I understand. Go learn about your family and your ultimate form or whatnot." I pouted and averted my eyes from Clara. I really didn't plan to do anything stupid, Yes, I wasn't at all looking for any excuse to escape watching my son flirt with Elanor… Definitely not.

"How about we get going then, Mum? I have a looming feeling we are overstaying our welcome." Looking over to Silver, he was pointing towards Elaina, who was slowly releasing a menacing aura, telling us to get out.

"Okay, right away!" Understanding the situation, me, Silver and Elanor quickly left the throne room.

"Finally, now come with me Clara."