Starting with the defeated female knight

Book 1: Chapter 40: The Orcs' Curse

Hearing Green's reply, Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed completely.

Although things have changed a lot here, based on Green's answer just now, she was certain that the other person was still the one she knew and could trust.

Want to soak in the pool?

TouchShou Weiwei extended an invitation.

Cecilia hesitated for a moment, initially wanting to refuse, but seeing the concern in the other person's eyes, she hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"......Um."

After removing the weapons and armor, and taking off the inner lining of the live suit, they were set aside.

After tidying up her long hair and draping it over her shoulders, she followed the tentacles to a pool of tentacles and slowly entered.

The familiar sticky sensation started from my toes, went up to my lower abdomen, and then I slowly sat down, letting the mucus go up to my shoulders.

A familiar healing sensation washed over her, accompanied by a slightly tingling feeling, quickly restoring her to her former state and making up for the damage she had suffered in the previous battle.

Very comfortable feeling.

She slowly closed her eyes, and her body unconsciously relaxed.

But soon, she realized something was wrong.

He opened his eyes, raised his hand, and scooped up a handful of mucus in front of him. After a moment's hesitation, he lowered his head, his nose twitching slightly.

The previous salty and fishy smell was gone, replaced by a light and refreshing fragrance.

You noticed?

The tentacles waved triumphantly.

I've gotten quite a bit done while you were away.

[This includes not only external construction, but also improvements to the tentacles.]

For example, the pool you're in right now tastes much better than before, right?

As he spoke, Green brought over several boxes, which, when opened, were filled with all sorts of processed herbs.

In addition, I also had someone research several medicinal formulas, which, when used in conjunction with the pool, can further accelerate the recovery speed.

However, I noticed you weren't seriously injured, just a little tired, so I didn't include you.

Of course, if you'd like, I can give it a try for you.

Based on the feedback from the children who have tried it, it seems like it should be pretty good.

Cecilia was stunned for a moment as she stared at the swaying tentacles in front of her.

Then, after realizing what was happening, his body gradually stiffened, and his pupils dilated slightly.

What's wrong? Do you have any medication allergies?

"No, it's just..."

Cecilia didn't know what to say, and after hesitating for a moment, she sank her body even deeper into the tentacles.

"I'm just a little...surprised."

In fact, ever since she was able to communicate with Green, a strange feeling had been lingering in her heart.

From the cave, to leaving the camp, to returning to the church, and then back here.

That eerie, indescribable sense of déjà vu kept weighing on her mind. Although she wasn't particularly upset, it would occasionally pop up and tug at her heartstrings. But every time she looked over, she couldn't quite grasp what it was, which made her somewhat frustrated.

But now, she realizes it.

Looking at the swaying tentacles in front of her, and smelling the still incredibly sticky but faintly fragrant mucus, she finally realized the source of that unease.

The tentacles in front of her were transforming into whatever she desired.

Or.

The ancient gods are transforming themselves in the direction that humanity needs.

Instead of transforming humans into its own form like other beings.

what does this mean?

Cecilia is indescribable at the moment.

But she could realize that although this matter might seem small, it definitely represented a fundamental difference.

After a moment's hesitation, she organized her thoughts and conveyed them to Green.

However, after listening to her story, Green shook his head.

First of all, I've said it a million times: I am not an ancient god.

Secondly, I'm not entirely pandering to your preferences; I have my own plans as well.

Finally, I haven't been completely unaffected; in a sense, I've also been changing the people of Dawn City.

[However, this modification doesn't turn them into tentacles, but rather cultivates their abilities as humans.]

After all, I already have enough tentacles; I don't need you to transform and supplement them. On the contrary, I lack some human abilities. In this respect, we are mutually beneficial, rather than one-sided giving or dependence.

Do you understand what I mean?

Cecilia is not Edith, so she cannot fully understand the ideas conveyed by the swaying tentacles.

Even if she could only understand a part of it, it was enough for her to remain silent and think.

only......

"I don't understand."

It wasn't because she was simple-minded; quite the opposite, it was precisely because she perceived the information contained in these words that she felt her head was spinning the more she thought about it.

Let's not think about it for now.

The tentacle ruffled her hair.

These unnecessary things can be considered later.

The most important thing right now is for you to quickly recover your health and restore or even enhance your combat power.

【after all......】

Outside the cave, the tentacles with flowing eyeballs slightly raised, looking at the approaching thick fog and the huge shadow hidden in the fog. Its gaze gradually turned from calm to cold.

Something is approaching.

I don't think they were just passing through as tourists.

......

the other side.

Inside Morphia's cottage.

After a combination of medicine and a miracle, Elise's left hand finally recovered.

Although it's newly grown flesh and looks a bit pink, which doesn't quite match the pale skin around it, and the handling isn't as natural.

But since the skin has already grown back, it's just a matter of time.

After moving her wrist, which had just recovered and confirmed that it was alright, Elise turned to look at Morphia. She wanted to say something, but after her gaze swept over Morphia's hand, she swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

As the manager of the Stuart family's businesses, Elise had dealt with orcs before. Although she looked down on them, she wasn't overly hostile, treating them basically the same as she treated ordinary people. If she received help, she would express her gratitude or something similar, but...

"You...are a half-orc?"

Because Morphia's face was so deceptive, Elise thought she was an orc.

Otherwise, even if her hand might be ruined, she would not choose to accept the other party's help.

"Yes."

Morphia nodded calmly, not surprised by Elise's attitude.

“I have no intention of arguing with you about identity. I am just a doctor, and you are a patient.”

"If there's nothing else, you can leave now."

Elise was silent for a moment, then turned and left without looking back.

Even Edith, after Morphia acknowledged her identity, wavered in her gaze, despite Grimm having previously told her that he had taken in orcs.

"My sister... is a noblewoman from the capital."

“I know, the adults told me.”

Morphia nodded, her expression remaining calm, as if she were already used to such things.

“Miss Edith, I’ve heard the adults talk about you. He likes you very much.”

"Don't try to comfort me. I know my situation and I don't blame Miss Iris. As a noblewoman in the capital, the fact that she didn't draw her sword immediately after seeing my hands shows how restrained she was."

"It's a bit surprising that you're the one who stayed to talk to me."

"Hahaha......"

Edith chuckled dryly, trying to look away from Morphia's hands.

She was indeed trying to accept Morphia, but her upbringing and the discomfort that came from her body made it difficult for her to maintain her normal demeanor.

Humans can do it, orcs can do it, but half-orcs can't, and even tentacles can.

Just like a little girl can do it, a big dog can do it, but a chimera that calls out "big brother" can't.

The orcs, especially those in the capital, were roughly the same thing in the eyes of the Imperials.

It's not that the orcs did anything wrong, but their mere existence is a curse.

"I... will take my leave now."

Edith knew she couldn't continue like this.

Instead of staying here awkwardly, it's better to go back and prepare yourself mentally before coming back to communicate with the other person.

Before leaving, however, she thanked Morphia and expressed her curiosity about her medical skills, hoping to have time to discuss them with her later.

"can."

Morphia nodded, watched Edith leave, and then returned to the testing table to continue her research.

And it was at this moment that a familiar feeling came from her waist, spreading and wrapping around her body.

"......grown ups."

She lowered her head and met the eyes in her arms.

"Is there a problem?"

【nothing】

The tentacles spread all the way from the waist to the neck, gently rubbing and emitting a slight itch.

I just want to say that I like your body.

The tentacles gently teased and rubbed against the furry belly, then wrapped around the fingertips. The eyes were fixed on the beast's face, showing no disgust or pretense.

I'm not kidding, she really is beautiful.

"...Sir, before comforting someone, you should also consider your own status."

Morphia sighed and touched the soft tentacles.

“You are a god… I mean, a being that is neither human nor beastman, so this might not be the best way to comfort someone.”

Her voice lowered.

"Besides, I've gotten used to it."

Habit is a terrible thing; it can suppress all emotions in one's heart and turn all the sad and hateful things into the ordinary.