"This is the royal capital. Although it's not the only country in this world, it's certainly the largest city among the towns I'm familiar with." I brought my sister Yura, now using the name Yuriel, to the royal capital to introduce her to this new world.
"Wow... it's just like the environments I've only seen in games. Seeing such a scene in reality is a first for me!" Unlike me, who had grown accustomed to these streets over time, Yura marveled at the novel and fascinating setting. Her eyes widened like a child in an amusement park, her expression of wonder clear and pronounced. It was fun to show her around, especially given how expressive she always was.
"When I first arrived, I was amazed too, but also confused about what to do... However, when I look back now, it's truly a beautiful city." The tails that seemed droopy earlier now fluttered irregularly, signaling her excitement and improved mood.
"It's a fascinating place. People wear unique outfits that ordinary people in our reality would never wear, and they stroll around the streets without a care!" she exclaimed.
"That's because such attire is quite common here," I replied. As our conversation progressed, she seemed to be increasingly aware that she was indeed in another world, which was a good sign of her adapting.
"First, let's find a place to stay for the night. I have some money saved up from before, just in case." Before coming to this world, I had received temporary financial support and clothing from the goddess, as I had left my original equipment behind and needed basic living funds.
"Hmm... I can't tell which one is an inn... they all look similar in design... it's hard to differentiate." Yuriel looked puzzled.
"When in doubt, check the signs in front of the establishments. If it's an inn or a restaurant, there will be symbols, like a bed or steam rising from food. If they offer both lodging and meals, you'll see both symbols." I pointed to a shop as an example. The sign had both a bed and food depicted on it. "Over there is where I stayed while living here. The accommodation fees are reasonable, and the quality of food and facilities is pretty good." I pointed out the inn where I used to stay, and Yuriel, understanding what I meant, slowly nodded her head.
"Wow, so we’re staying there tonight?" She quickly caught on to my plan and began walking towards the familiar inn, but then...
"Harold? It's been a long time!" A familiar male voice, one I hadn't heard in a while, called out to me.
"Paolo?" As I turned around, I saw a burly man with a thick beard, muscular but always smiling, giving off a friendly neighborhood big brother vibe.
"There you are! You look healthier than ever! Haven't seen you around recently. Sorry for disappearing without a word. I was assigned to another country for a few months due to personal reasons!" Paolo explained, clarifying why I hadn’t seen him recently.
"Have you been well? The streets seem as peaceful as ever since I last visited!" His words naturally raised a question in my mind. It seemed likely he didn't know about my disappearance.
"Ah, yes... I was wondering why I hadn't seen you around. So, that was the reason." I continued the conversation naturally.
"Yes! It was an absence I couldn't avoid, partly my own decision but also Lord Abner’s orders. I heard that a young girl has been filling in for me in my absence... young Nana, doing a commendable job!" He must have been referring to Erina.
"Huh? But who's this fox girl with you, Harold? Have you made a new connection while I was away?" Paolo, still smiling broadly, suddenly noticed Yuriel beside me and curiously asked about our relationship.
"Ah... I am..." Before I could speak, Yuriel stepped forward to introduce herself.
"I'm Yuriel, Harold's sister!" She naturally assumed her role, introducing herself with the pseudonym she was using. "Wait... what did you say?!" Paolo expressed his confusion with an uncharacteristic bewilderment. Though he tried to maintain a light atmosphere, he seemed genuinely shocked.
"Harold! Weren't you a human? Why is a beastkin woman your sister?" His massive stature seemed even more intimidating with his heightened agitation, much like an agitated elephant.
He looked incredulously baffled. "Calm down, please! Let me explain. Yuriel was originally human... It's just that due to an unfortunate accident, she ended up like this. But by birth, she is definitely human."
I tried to calm him down and gently explained that Yuriel, though appearing as a fox, was indeed my biological sister.
"Ah, is that so?!" He seemed to grasp the situation a bit better, showing a hint of remorse.
"She may look different now, but she is indeed my biological sister. We share the same blood."
Suddenly, Yuriel gripped my arm tightly. "Brother..." Did I say something wrong? She looked at me with an ambiguous expression.
"That... term 'biological sister'... do you really need to use it?" I couldn't understand what she was hinting at. Was there something about being blood relatives that bothered her?
"It's really peculiar... a change of race... I've never heard of such a thing before," Paolo mused, genuinely contemplating our unusual situation.
He stroked his beard thoughtfully, "Well, I don't know much about this... Maybe we should visit Lady Abne? She's the wisest in the royal capital and might know something about this."
Paolo suggested seeking advice from the goddess he served, as he was at a loss with the facts at hand.
I thought about revisiting Lady Abne. I used to visit her frequently due to various incidents, including matters related to Erina. But I hadn't been there for a while due to getting entangled in other affairs. Revisiting her, perhaps to gain some clues, didn't seem like a bad idea. Lady Abne, known for her immense wisdom and understanding of all things, might have some insight into our situation. Accepting Paolo’s advice, we set off for a different destination – the temple of Lady Abne, a goddess with a vast following in this land.
Paolo, having other matters to attend to, bids us farewell. "Hopefully, I'll hear some good news from you soon!" he says, patting my back with a strength that almost makes me wince. With a purposeful stride, he departs.
"We should have a drink together next time!" I wave goodbye, feeling a mix of emotions watching his retreating figure.
Arriving at Lady Abne's temple, which I hadn't visited in a long while, I am still struck by its ethereal beauty, reminiscent of a star-filled night sky.
"Harold...?" Lady Abne, seeing me after a long time, greets me with an expression of astonishment. "Good heavens... it's really you? Erina said you had suddenly disappeared!"
Lady Abne welcomes me tearfully, overwhelmed with emotion. It seemed she had been informed of my situation frequently by Erina.
"How did you return? Erina told me you vanished right after you regained your memories!"
I decide to postpone the lengthy explanation of my return and instead bring Yuriel to the forefront. "Just a moment... brother..." she says, gripping my hand as if discomforted by Lady Abne’s presence. Perhaps she's feeling wary of the goddess's aura, a reaction I could empathize with from my first real-life encounter with a deity.
"It's okay... there's nothing to worry about," I reassure her, stroking the back of her hand.
"A more urgent matter than your return?" Lady Abne is puzzled. I introduce Yuriel and begin to explain our current predicament. "This nine-tailed fox is none other than my younger sister, Yuriel," I explain.
"Uh..." Yuriel lets out a small groan upon hearing the words 'younger sister.' I wonder why she's reacting like this.
"Lady Abne, this is my younger sister from my original world. Unfortunately, due to an accident, she ended up in this world, and her race transformed. Do you know anything about this?"
"Hmm..." Lady Abne observes Yuriel with a curious gaze. There's a seriousness in her eyes, as if she sees something more in Yuriel.
"Alright, I'll try to answer this issue, but in return, you'll have to explain why and how you disappeared," Lady Abne proposes.
"Of course, I will," I agree.
"Good. Can I take a closer look at this girl, Yuriel? I want to be sure."
Lady Abne gestures for Yuriel to come closer. Yuriel hesitates but eventually approaches Lady Abne's throne, gathering her courage after glancing at me.
"Uh... Lady Abne...? Did you call for me?" Yuriel, having reluctantly let go of my hand, approaches Lady Abne cautiously.
"Yuriel, was it?" Lady Abne's demeanor is more serious now. Yuriel swallows nervously under her scrutinizing gaze.
"H..." Lady Abne examines Yuriel intently, squinting as if trying to discern something in her.
Despite Lady Abne's probing, Yuriel remains silent, unsure how to respond.
"There's something I'd like you to be honest about," Lady Abne begins, softening her eyes and pausing for a moment before continuing. "In truth, you and your brother do not share the same blood, do you?"
"...?!"
Yuriel is taken aback as Lady Abne uncovers a secret that should have been known only to herself and her parents.