Chapter 1
This was a story from when Katie was very young. Katie’s mother always used to say. “Never take in a black-haired beast. Humans are a breed that knows no gratitude, so never help them, no matter what.”
Katie would nod along, saying she understood, but she didn’t truly grasp those words. Not until the day she met a certain boy.
It was just like any other night—except for one thing. The streets were brightly lit, glowing all over.
By now, hundreds of years had passed since the founding of the Chandra Kingdom, where Katie lived. All this time, the Aesoleum Empire had scornfully referred to the Chandra Kingdom as the “Land of Beasts.”
But then, for the first time, the Empire sent an envoy to the Kingdom. Of course, to welcome them—worshipers of the Sun God Solaris, who revered light as sacred—the streets were illuminated with countless lights.
However, such grown-up affairs were nothing more than confusing complications to Katie.
She was only eight years old. Far too young to understand things like the relationship between the Empire and the Kingdom, or the significance of an envoy.
“Katie, don’t wander too far today. Come back early.”
At her mother’s worried reminder, Katie flashed a bright smile.
“Okay, Mother. Don’t worry.”
Ever since her father had entered the palace, her mother had grown increasingly anxious. This was an old tradition of the Kingdom—a kind of restraint meant to unify the stubbornly independent tribes under one rule.
Her mother sometimes called the tradition a “hostage situation.” But Katie thought differently.
Those who entered the palace lived in luxury, enjoying splendid lives there. They lived in a manner similar to the great ruler himself.
So, this was good for the Kingdom, good for those “hostages,” and good for the people who could enjoy peace in a unified realm.
Being separated from her father was sad, but it was something they had to accept for the sake of the nation.
Tap, tap, tap.
With the nimble steps of a cat, Katie dashed along the top of a wall. Curfew would soon be in effect. She had to finish her nightly stroll before then, so she moved briskly.
Just as she was wandering freely through the brightly lit streets and alleys, reveling in her freedom—an odd sound reached her ears from the depths of a secluded alley she rarely visited.
Katie’s pointed ears, sticking up through her silver hair, twitched. Beastkin children were born in human form but with ears and tails. These could be hidden as they grew older, but Katie was still unskilled at concealing hers.
“I-I’m sorry, Your Highness the Crown Prince!”
“The Crown Prince? The Crown Prince… Does that mean the Emperor’s son from the Empire?”
Without realizing it, Katie found herself stepping toward the sound. And then—she froze at the shocking sight before her.
A boy who looked barely her age was sprawled on the ground. Standing over him, sword raised, was a burly man who could only be a knight.
Children are often reckless—but that recklessness can also be bravery. They don’t yet know enough of the world to be afraid of many things.
Katie immediately threw herself at the armed man. Fortunately, he was too focused on the boy in front of him to pay any attention to his back.
Attacking an unguarded enemy was easy. She sank her sharp claws into the man’s shoulder and bit down on his neck.
“You monster! Picking on a helpless child?!”
Even at her age, she knew right from wrong. And tormenting the weak was clearly wrong.
“Aaaagh!”
Her claws and fangs were still small, but they were still a beast’s. More than enough to tear into human flesh and inflict pain.
The man screamed, thrashing violently—but Katie clung to his shoulder, refusing to let go.
“Ghk—What the hell?!”
But it didn’t last. The man reached back, grabbed Katie by the hair, and hurled her to the ground.
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