[Luna POV]
After the night we practiced stellar magic, nothing of note happened for a week. We did see a merchant caravan going in the direction of Beria and were told to be wary of a large monster that was reported in the area about two days ahead of us. Today was the day we entered that area.
“I wonder what it is that has been reported around here?” (Soleil)
“Well, with how it is around Luna, we’ll probably end up encountering whatever it is, so all we have to do is wait and see.” (Velvet)
“Hey, at least it might be more exciting than just walking on the road all day.” (Luna)
“This has already been exciting, master. I haven’t ever seen this much open area with nothing around except when we were by the sea.” (Ophidia)
“Well, this area is called the grass sea for a reason.” (Velvet)
“Where did you hear that from?” (Luna)
“One of the other merchants from that caravan told me when I bought a mask from him.” (Velvet)
“What kind of mask is it this time?” (Luna)
Velvet pulled it out of her item bag and showed it to me.
“Ooh. A plague doctor mask, how interesting.” (Luna)
“A what now?” (Velvet)
“Don’t worry about it.” (Luna)
She shrugged her shoulders and put the mask away. After a while, Soleil transformed into her fox form and jumped into Velvet’s arms.
“What brought this on?” (Velvet)
“Just felt like being close to you like this.” (Soleil)
“Hehehe. I would complain if it was anyone but you.” (Velvet)
Soleil then wrapped her tail around Velvet like she was giving her a hug.
‘Showoffs.’
{Now, now, the full moon is close, so we can do the same then.}
‘That’s true.’
I ignored the couple and looked over to Ophidia. She kept taking glances at Velvet and Soleil, then got a contemplative look on her face.
“What’s up Ophidia?” (Luna)
“I was just thinking. Looking at Soleil like that makes me jealous of the fluffiness of her tail. I won’t mention yours since I know nothing can compare to them, but it makes me feel like I’m the odd one out. I mean sure, Velvet doesn’t have a tail, but the other two people in the party do, and they’re extremely fluffy. Me, on the other hand, can have one in my lamia form, but it’s scaly.” (Ophidia)
“Hmm. Well, are the scales on your tail rough or smooth? I read in a book that you have pristinely smooth scales when I was looking for information about the island. Not to mention that they can’t be worse than wyvern scales. I mean really, I almost changed my mind about keeping some wyverns alive when I felt their scales.” (Luna)
“Though I don’t want to boast, my scales should be just as you described, pristinely smooth.” (Ophidia)
“Then you have nothing to worry about. Sure, I’m biased toward fluff, but smooth scales are fine as well. If you’re worried about someone not liking that in the future, then that person isn’t right for you. They would need to accept every aspect of you, scales and all.” (Luna)
“That puts my mind at ease, thank you master.” (Ophidia)
“Any time. If you ever feel insecure about something, you can always ask me or any of the others and we’ll help out. This party is more than just friends, we’re all family.” (Luna)
“I see. Then I thank whatever it was that allowed me to meet all of you, be it fate or something else.” (Ophidia)
“I don’t know if Atmos had anything to do with it, but I can pass on those thanks to her the next time I see her.” (Luna)
“I’ll thank her myself when I become your Apostle.” (Ophidia)
“Sure thing. Oh, on the topic of Apostles, I think I figured out the conditions for you to become one.” (Luna)
“What are they?” (Ophidia)
“For you, reach level 10 space magic and reach S level Int.” (Luna)
“I hit level nine in space magic the other day, so I’m close to that, but my Int stat is only B+.” (Ophidia)
“Don’t worry, we’ll find some items to raise it to S. I’ll make sure of it.” (Luna)
“Thank you master. I look forward to the day I become your Apostle.” (Ophidia)
“What about me, big sis?” (Soleil)
“I’m not completely sure yet. I think getting level 10 stellar magic is one condition, but I don’t know if there are any others. The good thing about that is you are the only person with stellar magic that can actually level it up for now.” (Luna)
“Then I’ll try my best to level it up quickly.” (Soleil)
“If you keep squirming like that you’ll fall so stop.” (Velvet)
“Hahaha. Ok, though you could hug me tighter too.” (Soleil)
“I was going to anyway.” (Velvet)
Watching the two of them like this, I couldn’t help but grin.
“Hey Soleil, whenever we run into the mongrel’s brother, are you going to start flirting with Velvet to spite him?” (Luna)
“I was just going to turn him into a pile of ashes, but that sounds so much better. Of course, Velvet would have to go along with it.” (Soleil)
“If it’s to spite that arrogant piece of trash, then I’m all for it.” (Velvet)
“Hehehehehehehehe. And I just got the perfect idea to do just that.” (Soleil)
“Mind filling us in on it?” (Luna)
“I’ll keep it to myself.” (Soleil)
“Ok, though I think I have an idea of what it is.” (Luna)
“What is it?” (Velvet)
“I’m not telling. Just make sure to make it a memory that he will see even after he dies.” (Luna)
“Got it.” (Soleil)
-Meanwhile in the town of Mid.
[Mordred POV]
*Crash*
“What’d you do this time you stupid idiot?” (Mordred)
“Shut up.” (Mortem)
“Oooh. Someone’s extra angry today.” (Mordred)
“I said shut up!” (Mortem)
“Why don’t you calm down, you’ll get us both kicked out of here if you don’t.” (Mordred)
“Grrrrrrr! I hope that damn party gets here fast, I want to take my frustration out on the one that thinks she can take Velvet away from me.” (Mortem)
“Pfffft. That’s what’s making you so mad? How hilarious, I bet Velvet would rather feed you to goblins than have anything to do with you. I know that’s how I feel.” (Mordred)
“One more word and I’ll tear your throat out.” (Mortem)
“Try it and I’ll serve you up like a suckling pig at a grand feast to you brother.” (Mordred)
Mortem turned away in a huff and I could hear the sound of him grinding his teeth.
‘While I hate the guy, he is right about hoping the party gets here quickly. I want to know if they can help get rid of him and Beryl.’
Chaos Realm:
I guess Mortem has some kind of weird sixth sense that makes him angry every time Velvet and Soleil start flirting.
Atmos: Isn't it hilarious? I'm tempted to throw a cake in his face right now, just to see his reaction.
*In my best Palpatine voice* Do it.
Mortem: GGGGRRRRRAAAAAAA! WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM!?
Mordred: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA!
Grey: That will never not be entertaining.
I agree. *I then look over to Tamamo and Skadi*
Skadi: What is your opinion Lady Tamamo? Are smooth scales just as good as fluff?
Tamamo: Well, I, like Luna, am biased towards the fluff side, but they can be nice I guess.
Skadi: Hmmmmmm.
Snakes are cold blooded right? then, what about exploring a cold place with Skadi, and Ophidia wraps herself around her for warmth? that would be funny.
Ophidia has a skill that makes that particular trait inconsequential, but I’m not above putting them in a situation that can lead to a development like that. We still have a long time until Luna gets nine tails, so I’ll keep this in mind for the future.
Would magical cold affect her still?
Sharing body heat is a valid reason to hug.
@Jessy Well, Luna’s ice mist didn’t really work on her, but then again she wasn’t really going all out at that time, so it could be valid if it gets cold enough.
@Paytoechip Really want to see Ophidia in small snake form draped around her neck, or large snake form, wrapping her up completely with only her head visible.
@Jessy I don’t think I ever said Ophidia can’t adjust the size of her snake form so why not both?
@Paytoechip Yes. Very yes.
Would suit the hunter Skadi to have a snake around her neck as well.
@Paytoechip Maybe Ophidia gets spooked by something and does the cliche thing of jumping at Skadi, only her reflex to escape makes her take smol snek form and look for somewhere to hide
@kaithar I like that.
@Paytoechip How large are Skadi’s breasts? I would imagine that hiding in between them if possible would be both extremely warm and a good place to hide.
@Jessy Take a look at Skadi from Arknights and you have a good idea of what this story’s Skadi looks like.
@Paytoechip
I don’t think I ever said Ophidia can’t adjust the size of her snake form so why not both?
Then this might be something for the next full moon where Tamamo shrinks down to sit on Luna's shoulders with her tails wrapped around her. If it works for one, it should work for all beings of large physical size at the levels we're talking about.
@miyoga Tamamo did say they could do what Soleil and Velvet were doing this chapter and I never specified who would do the holding.
@Paytoechip I guess it depends a bit on if the Beryl stuff happens before or after the full moon. Before, I could see Luna curled up on Tamamo. After, it would be the other way as a comfort to Luna...We need pictures...of both options.
@miyoga Full moon will be the day after they reach Mid, so one option can be done here and then the other option can happen the next time.
@Paytoechip With your hints in the Chaos Realm at what was going to happen, that's probably the best idea. Can't wait!