Seven hundred, thirty-four years ago, a nation was established; at first, it was a village.
Through sheer effort, and unshakable will, it beat the passage through time. Expanding from three houses, to a small town; then a kingdom.
It became a safe haven for caravans, families, businesses. Furthermore, it was led by democracy; with no absolute ruler. Only four houses.
The one to control interpersonal relationships, humans and animalkin. Solely, it stood as the oldest house. As the nation it ruled grew, it became much harder to control the citizens.
Elves would only listen to their own kind, forming a second home for them. They provided knowledge of the world, and became the place for information.
Due to the difference in views, Ard nearly split into three. This nearly quelled the expansion.
Why does this feel so long? Shen's words droned into my ears
Ard began as a small village, that was said already. There were no names of the individuals who formed it; at its six hundredth year of expansion did it actually become a kingdom.
The animalkin and human house merged due to a human and animalkin falling in love. That house known as Gabri holds two heads. My new family.
Opposite sexes, and normally unmarried to each other. The current animalkin head is a catwoman, who was in her sixties. Frankly named Mariable, and an older gentleman on the human side.
Mariable was unmarried, but someone who took care of herself. According to Shen, she maintained peak physical health and should be the one I should be weary about.
I'm not scared of some old bat… well, cat. I continued to listen to Shen's praddles with my eyes closed, and a boooored smile. Listen, I know learning about a possible home, I should be learning as much as I can, but— should I be listening TO THE VERY START?!
Short answer, no. I'll only retell who or what the main households are.
Rapid fire I go! The human household head is a man in his fifties. Slim guy, short greying mustache— head full of hair, plus he was average height. For an odd reason, Shen was stuck on this guy for some time.
Annnyways, the human head was married to an animalkin. Apparently, he's the least I should be worried about.
Now for the next two.
First the elvish house head. She's the oldest living there is. I wonder what elves look like.
"Before I get to it, there's something you should know." Shen interrupted our lesson, I heard the water splash. She's holding up a finger isn't she… "be wary and extra cautious of her."
"Why…?" I asked her. I'm afraid I'll be flashed if I open my eyes. "Is she dangerous?"
I felt something poke my head, instinctively I took in the sight. Shen was now on the bank, and everything was in full view. I instantly shut my eyes again, and turned around.
Does she have no shame…? I don't even want to think about it! Ugh!
I kept my back to her as she continued to explain everything. This is severely embarrassing…
"Anyways, yes she is," Shen said, she let out a loud sigh. "There are extremely special beings in this world called demi-gods."
"The elvish house head is one of them."
"So, she's pretty strong?" I asked with my head tilted. Dumb question, but I want to know how strong they are. I'd assume she is.
"Individually she isn't… She's the weakest of the four demi-gods; even weaker than you. Her true power comes from her connections, and persuasive skills."
Thought demi-gods had stro- Before I could think, she continued.
"It's important to know about them." Shen forced me to look over, plus she was finally covered by a towel. And now, she was laying on her back. "The main power her title grants is persuasion of course. Her words have more impact on what she says."
"This allowed her to become the head of the Elven house, household Vollan. But, your father, he managed to restrict her abilities. This allowed the four, well three, houses to maintain order."
And Shen summarized the elf demi-god's ability. Well, the weakness specifically. One has to know the effects, and what's possible with it.
Once it was known, the effect was diminished to nothing. Every house knows this, and is taught to every child. However, my father placed more restrictions towards this ability, afterall… it's extremely dangerous.
It cannot be used on the people of Ard. If done so, she would be executed. If it's used for malevolent actions, she would be executed again.
Pretty brutal coming from a guy who was just an office worker… Who knew my dad would become someone who'd execute others.
I thought demi-gods were going to be all powerful… But damn, how strong does my dad have to be to put these restrictions…?
"But, it's still best to be weary around her. Mainly due to her husband now." Shen shrugged, she crossed her legs and looked into my good eye. "He's also another demi-god, one for forging. He was the one who created my umbrella, which can transform into stilettos."
"How is Ard able to hold their powers? Isn't it pretty difficult to balance each house with two demi-gods?" I leaned onto the bank, I was ready to get out honestly. But my curiosity grew and I didn't want to get cold once I'm out.
"Annual demi-god meeting. The last two demi-gods hold a banquet there; that's when the restrictions are judged and treated."
"And who are those demi-gods?"
And thus came a long, winded explanation, but I'll cut it short for my diary.
Valda, the demi-god of war. A wolfkin like me, she's allied with my father. He's known as the demi-god of prosperity…
So that old man became a demi-god…? Are you messing with me? No… seriously…? My head and heart started to ache at this information.
My dad, he's one of the strongest beings in this world…? And he has allies that are close in strength…? This has to be a lie, right?
This information was astonishing, it left me nothing to say. As well as rendering our words silent as I took this in.
It took a while, just enough for Shen to take her necklace off and change.
"The water's going to get cold, you should get changed." She said to me as I became aware of my surroundings. A random assortment of clothes plopped onto the ground. "We'll talk more after you're done."
I went through it afterwards, finding some slightly modern clothes. A hoodie, and some jeans… I put these on and felt my body warm instantly.
Huh… Back to our-
"Are you not going to wear the underwear?"
"No."
"You're a girl now. Wear them."
"First, no I am not going to wear those!" I pointed at her, I could feel my face flush. "Second of all, why the hell are you so short now?!"
Shen was now a few inches shorter than I am, I thought we were the same height?!
Shen's face contorted in disgust at this fact… Did Takeda really change this much…? She's also sensitive about her height?
"Let's not talk about that." Shen said in a disheartened manner. "At-"
"Also what the hell happened to your tail?" I cut her off, my finger going towards the rag of a tail she now has. It was dripping wet, and the fluffiness was non-existent.
"If you're trying to talk about appearances, what happened to your ears?" At her limit, retorted whilst pointing at my head. "With every wolfkin and animalkin I've met, I have never seen one look depressed all the time."
"Eh?"
"Look at the water."
What is she…? I let out a groan before turning to the water. Sure enough, my reflection appeared. In front of me, was the appearance of Yukina.
My left eye had a cloud over the pupil, and from a year ago, she had changed quite a lot. I never really paid attention…
The reflection mimicked my own feelings, there was a slightly shocked look, paired with someone who looked tired of the world. And like Shen had said, the pair of ears atop the head made her look depressed.
"You seem quite shocked." Shen obviously pointed out, her own reflection appeared. "This your first time looking at yourself?"
"No… It's crazy that I look this different." I let out a sigh, closing my eyes then turning around to Shen. "Let's change the subject. You're saying my dad is someone immensely powerful?"
"He is." Shen shrugged, her tone of voice— it had no break or hesitance. She was telling the truth. "He's on another level compared to me, James, Shaun, Jin, and Verd. Even if we all attack him, he'd break us down in a second."
That's… something I never thought I would hear.
"In fact, he is much stronger than Valda. She's level ninety-six, and gets easily beaten by him."
"That's… What about my mom, and sister?" If I heard much more about my father, my head would explode. It's honestly… amazing to hear he was doing better.
"Like last time, she's a housewife. As for your sister, I'm her teacher and guardian."
Still… becoming a teacher in this life- hold on, hold on, her tail is wagging- is she actually happy about it? My eyebrow unconsciously cocked, Shen looked extremely happy from what she said.
"How old is my sister now? How old is my mom and dad?"
"Eleven, your mom is thirty-two and your dad.. "
"He's older isn't he…"
"Yes… it would be best if you did not know."
I nodded my head even though I wanted to know. If Shen says I shouldn't know, it must be for the greater good.
Before we could speak anymore, something stole our attention
"WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO YOU?!"
What's going on?! Melinda's scream rang out— it was frantic and horrified, it sounded like it tore her vocal cords.
Shen and I rushed over to the noise, I almost fell many times, but Shen pulled me up each time. And so, we saw Melinda holding her cheeks.
Her eyes were wide as she stared at James. Instantly, we could see what she was horrified by.
His long brown hair was nowhere to be seen, it was now short, and before his ears.
"Not bad…" Shen whispered to herself, her hand was up to her chin as she stared at him. Huh?What does she mean? I turned to Shen, and I felt a chill down my spine.
"Oh, hey you two." James turned to us with a smile.
"What the heck did you do to your hair?"
As a result, he shrugged his shoulders; the answer was obvious. I can kind of see why Melinda freaked out…
He definitely looks a lot worse now, the long hair gave him some sort of charm. Now he just looks like a baby-faced thirty year old.
"What is with all those looks?" James questioned us with a tilt of his head. "Does it look bad?"
"You should've kept it long!"
"It doesn't look bad, you look handsome, Mister James."
"He does, but he should've kept his hair!" Melinda retorted, she yanked James back. "I am not allowing you to be alone with the other guys!"
"We didn't influence him!" Shaun responded in a loud manner and pointed at James. "He did it himself! He cut his own hair, heck we tried to warn him!"
"Don't pull that on me!"
Is this that much of a serious topic…? Actually, should I be thinking that?
Ahem, anyways. James did get a scolding, plus a slap to the cheek— albeit slightly, Melinda was furious about it. But, she calmed down when James promised not to do that again.
After the situation, we all set up camp; then we rested for the night.
In the morning… Just as Shen said, she couldn't get up. She wasn't getting up, and her voice was so quiet I couldn't hear it.
And thus, we all decided to stay here for some time. Our food reservoir was fine, so I avoided disclosing Shen's situation to the group.