Butareba -The Story of a Man Turned into a Pig- Third Bite

The Recollections of an Elderly Man

Of the pair, the youth was the target. The reason was clear: his mage status.

But in a twist of fate, the Grim Reaper’s scythe loomed over his friend instead.

Please spare me, I beg you, the youth’s dearest friend pleaded as he fell to his knees on the muddy ground. I have not done anything!

A spell preventing others from reading your mind. A spell that allows you to evade detection, listed off the attacker’s merciless voice. She sounded young—the youth would even go as far as to describe her voice as attractive. I cannot turn a blind eye to either. Regrettably, I have judged your death as imperative.

Realization struck the youth. The one who painted a target on my dear friend’s back was none other than myself, he thought numbly. The spells I cast on him for protection were imperfect in some way, which led to this woman’s scrutiny. Now, despite not being born as a mage, he is offering his life as a sacrifice—to die as a mage in my stead.

Every single move he’d made had backfired.

The youth had kept a low profile and learned ways to hide. That was how he’d managed to survive until this very day in the Dark Ages. Even after the mage he’d served was conquered, he’d protected himself and his dear friend’s family with seclusion spells, hiding them from the world and this woman’s malicious clutches. But now, those exact spells were what paved the way to his dear friend’s murder.

As for the youth, he could only hold his breath inside the darkness nearby and watch on helplessly.

"Why are you killing us?!" his dear friend cried, his word choice deliberate.

The woman replied dispassionately, Magic is a terribly dangerous power. There must be a limit to the number of people who possess it.

I can swear upon my life that I have done nothing wrong! That is the unadulterated truth!

The youth became aware of one fact. His dear friend only had to say two sentences to preserve his own life: I am not a mage. The real one is hiding over there! However, he maintained the facade of a mage. He’s protecting me...by wagering his own life.

I’m afraid that dragging on conversations is not to my liking. My apologies, but I will have to end things here. In one fluid motion, the woman raised her hand.

Instantly, his friend drew his sword with a speed that rivaled lightning and swung at the woman’s neck.

A deafening bang. Hideous dark crimson dyed the ground.

His friend was nowhere to be seen. Only fine shreds and chunks of flesh were scattered around the woman.

She didn’t seem particularly fazed as she skimmed through the paper in her hand. Her slender finger imprinted a single mark onto it.

As he watched the woman take her leave, the youth could only shake in despair. Her mana had been more than an abomination; he’d felt as if its aura alone could frost over his skin. It was hard to believe that she’d risen to such heights within the blink of an eye.

The victor, Vatis, must have collected the supreme treasures everyone had feverishly sought: the Contract Stakes. Ancient and terrible relics that had been responsible for dispersing death and calamity across the entirety of Mesteria.

Chapter 1: Don’t Thoughtlessly Sniff a Maiden’s Legs

Mister Pig, have you ever heard the legend about the three supreme treasures hidden in Mesteria?

The sacred visage of a beautiful blonde maiden peered down at me from the bed, and I looked up at her from the carpeted floor. <> The first two would be the right and left sides of Jess’s chest...hmm, but what’s the last one?

"Um, you really don’t have to be considerate in that way..." Jess sat up and fixed the collar of her nightgown before lying chest-down on the bed once again.

My fully automatic, uncouth thought patterns had an impeccable incompatibility with Jess’s ability to read minds. <>

I know that, but...I can’t stop myself from reacting.

After we went through this exchange for the umpteenth time, I steered our conversation back to the topic. <>

Jess’s eyes seemed to light up. They are the Destruction Spear, the Salvation Chalice, and the Contract Stake.

Pretty glamorous names you have there. <>

She inclined her head slightly. Good question. The legends only mention their names and that they’re hidden away somewhere, but no one seems to know what they do. Apparently, such legends have been around since ancient times—long before Lady Vatis established the royal court.

<>

I recalled what Jess had told me. The Dark Ages had been a bloody era of endless conflict where mages turned on their own kind. The progenitor of the current dynasty, Vatis, had been responsible for ending it all. She had deceptively rewritten the history before the Dark Ages, tweaking it for the royal court’s convenience.

Yes, that’s true for most records. But some legends and stories have been preserved in the form of children’s stories and fairy tales. Those three supreme treasures make frequent appearances in them.

Huh. Interesting. <>

Oh, good point. I agree, that would be the logical conclusion.

I looked at Jess, who seemed deep in thought, and asked, <>

Well, I happened to overhear King Marquis mentioning the Destruction Spear today.

I raised an imaginary eyebrow. <>

Marquis was the Mesterian King and the father of Shravis, Jess’s fiancé. He had a quick temper, a forceful attitude, and a calculating personality. He certainly didn’t seem like the type who would like fairy tales. Far from it.

Now now, using such words isn’t very respectful, Jess admonished. But...yes, it was unexpected for King Marquis, of all people, to talk about such a topic. And so, I suspect that the supreme treasures might be more than simple legends.

<>

She seemed to be on the same wavelength. Yes. I suspect that he wishes to use it on the Clandestine Arcanist.

The Clandestine Arcanist was an immortal mage who’d risen in opposition against the royal court. Marquis seemed to be searching for ways to kill the elderly mage, but even now, he seemed to be struggling to find a solution. Until the day he vanquished the Clandestine Arcanist, the members of the royal court and the people it ruled over would have to endure the ever-present threat of death. And of course, Jess was one of them.

<>

I think so. I hope we’ll find it soon and end the war quickly.

<> Then, Jess’s gaze crashed right into mine, and I silently looked away. <>

Jess nodded. "Right. We’re finally going to confront him tomorrow." Her voice was low, like a whisper.

Tomorrow, at long last, we were going to pay a visit to the Liberators. A week had passed since my earth-shattering deduction. We’d gained Prince Shravis’s cooperation, and all the preparations had been finished—we were ready to confront our suspect. The only ones in the know were Jess, Shravis, and me. It was a secret operation to bridge the rift between the Liberators and the royal court.

Seeing Jess’s restlessness, I said, <>—Jess gulped—<>

The maiden breathed a sigh of relief. That’s reassuring to hear. I was worried for a moment you’d say that if you were right, you’d lick and sniff me in his stead...

She’s a sharp one. I was actually just about to say that. <> I declared solemnly. <>

But your mind is rather honest. Jess wore a half-exasperated smile.

<<...May I lick and sniff you?>>

No.

Hearing her immediate reply, my seasoned and sliced mimiga ears drooped despondently.

Um, you have to take things step-by-step when it comes to such matters. Jess’s face grew bright red before she sneaked under the cover of her sheets.

I didn’t know what exactly we were doing step-by-step, but considering there was a black pig who’d licked a thirteen-year-old girl all over immediately after returning to Mesteria, I believed that minor physical intimacy like this should be acceptable.

After all, I was a pig.

Silence fell over the bedroom. Jess quickly waved her hand and put out the ceiling light with her magic.

I feel like there are butterflies in my stomach, Jess nervously spoke from the bed. The fate of the Liberators...the fate of Mister Naut, Miss Ceres, and the others might depend on us, right?

Indeed, this wasn’t a happy-go-lucky event like heading off to have fun at a dog park.

In this world, despite being born as mages, young girls were collared and distributed as slaves to stabilize the society and preserve the mage race. They were referred to as Yethma, girls who mostly ended up dying in their teens as prey for Yethma hunters. The royal court wished to protect this system, while the Liberators wanted to raze it to the ground. Though these two powers had formed an alliance to combat a common enemy, the Nothen Faction, anyone could tell that their relationship would collapse sooner or later. And now, we were heading off to persuade a neutral key person who had the potential to prevent that.

<>

I shall choose a tactical outfit with the least openings he can exploit. Jess sighed.

<>

Silence.

The royal capital was under the protection of powerful spells cast by the kings of each generation. It was tranquil and peaceful, as if the discord in this world were a fever dream. There was shuffling and rustling—Jess was moving around under her blanket.

A part of me couldn’t help but think, If only this moment would last forever.

Um, Mister Pig?

<> Fudge. How could I have forgotten that Jess can read the narration like a book?

...Good night.

<>

The moonlight gently spilled in from the window.

At this point, we were all utterly oblivious to the fact that our decision would escalate into a great tumult that would decide the fate of the royal court.

Hurry up and get on, pig, Shravis commanded.

We were at the summit of the capital. A gigantic, terrifying black dragon was lying down in the plaza. I walked up the slope created by the frame of the dragon’s wings before nestling myself into the gap between the seats fixed to its spiny back. The seats looked as if someone had taken out a single roller coaster car and attached it to the dragon. Of course, there were no such things as seat belts or the like.

After seeing that I’d gotten on, Shravis let out a commanding bellow, instructing the dragon to rise. Vast wings struck the air on both sides of my vision. It seemed that Jess also wasn’t used to such air travel as she tightly gripped her seat cushion next to me. I stared at her hands and artistic legs (which featured socks that reached her thighs) to calm my fluttering heart down. Regret settled in my heart. Advising her to wear unrevealing clothes might have been a mistake.

The dragon soared high into the heavens and steered itself towards Munires where Naut and the others were situated. If I were to give a review on our ride’s comfort, I would describe it as a ship pushing forward on a stormy sea. In other words, it was downright awful.

The seats on the dragon’s back were protected by magic, so although the wind should be lashing at us gleefully, the air was tranquil. Shravis was sitting in front of us, and I watched his mop of golden locks bob around leisurely with the movement of the dragon’s wings.

Shravis’s voice rang out. Do you like Jess’s bare legs?

I sputtered and replied without thinking. <>

I’m referring to your speech in your mind. You mentioned that advising her to wear unrevealing clothes might have been a mistake.

Ugh. Hey, Jess is going out of her way to ignore me, so why are you going out of your way to bring up the topic and repeat every single word? <>

I could almost hear his puzzled frown in his voice. Is that really the case...?

<>

While we were having our little chat, next to us, I spotted a flush on Jess’s face as she looked down.

<> I said with reproach, <> Shame on you, Mister Atrocious Sexual Harassment. You should take note of your surroundings first—this isn’t the right place for such a conversation. Not at all!

The blame is on you. You were the one who started having vulgar thoughts.

Darn it...! What do I do?! I can’t object at all!

The mages of the royal family had apparently all mastered the technique that prevented others from reading their minds, which meant that Shravis’s internal monologue would never leak out and be overheard by Jess. This taciturn handsome guy’s definitely entertaining aaaaall kinds of thoughts in his mind, I’m sure of it. It’s not fair. Why am I the only one who’s broadcasting everything?

Shravis turned around to face me. Perhaps...you would have good chemistry with my uncle. Thick brows, chiseled features, and fair skin. They were a combination that made him almost look like a sculpture.

<> I blinked. <>

Like you, uncle was... How do I put this... He faltered. He was someone who had lascivious tendencies as well.

Oh my. Curiouser and curiouser...

I recalled Naut’s buddy, Rossi. My impression of him was a dog who loved licking and sniffing girls. That trait was especially prominent during my initial journey with Jess when he’d brazenly smell her bare legs whenever he could, as if that were the natural thing to do. If he were truly Shravis’s uncle and was taking advantage of his status as a beast to indulge in his perverted whims, his actions were simply inexcusable.

Excuse me, but is the pot calling the kettle black...? Shravis muttered.

I ignored Shravis’s retort at the narration and got back on track. <> Shravis turned to me and nodded. <>

It sounded like a fateful encounter. But what if there was, say, a reason behind it, turning it into more than a mere coincidence?

I continued, <>

Shravis nodded. I concur. My uncle’s magic wasn’t particularly strong, but he was a mage of technique and polish. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he managed to master the art of animal transformation. The theory has its merits.

Jess added, Furthermore, according to the librarian, Mister Hortis seemed interested in transformation spells.

All the above information was the fruits of our labor from the past week. <>

In the present, the standing of the Liberators was overwhelmingly weak and brittle. They possessed a fair number of fighters and the support of the masses, which was why the royal court allowed them to roam freely, but once Marquis decided they were more trouble than they were worth, anything was possible. We needed a bargaining chip or a secret weapon that the royal court either craved or feared—and the king’s younger brother would fit the bill perfectly.

We’re keeping our plans a secret from father, yes? Shravis asked for confirmation.

<>

Understood. Shravis nodded. I will assist you in every way I can.

Let’s do our best! Jess assumed her usual I can do this! pose and pumped her fists.

Shravis briefly glanced at her before turning to face forward again, adjusting the dragon’s direction with the reins.

A journey on foot always seemed to take forever, but a journey through the sky was over in the blink of an eye. A while later, the grand cityscape of Munires entered my vision. It was the greatest commercial city in South Mesteria. Numerous royal court troops were stationed here to form a robust defense, making it a safe place.

The dragon maintained its altitude until it was above Munires. Then, it unhurriedly made its vertical descent and landed in the royal court’s army post.

Marquis had created this dragon from a lizard, and it could radiate light from its abdominal side to match the color of the sky. Therefore, if it flew at high altitudes, it was very difficult to spot from below. It was likely an application of counterillumination like what some deep-sea fish used to reduce the contrast of their silhouettes against the background. To make full use of the special trait, the dragon had maintained its altitude even after we approached the city and had only begun its descent when we were within the bounds of the army post.

The Liberators’ base was adjacent to the royal court’s army post. The benevolent king had granted them splendid stone houses where the central members of the Liberators lived.

We made our way to the large residence assigned to the commanding officers, a magnificent mansion with three floors and outer walls painted a pastel blue. Trees were arranged neatly in the spacious courtyard, dressed in gorgeous autumn coats that fluttered in the breeze.

Naut, who came to the entrance to welcome us, also wore attire that fit his environment—a long, brown coat that made him look like a wealthy young man rolling in money and class. Just like the last time I’d seen him, he had a black shawl wound around his neck, and his twin shortswords gleamed at his hip.

What brings you here, mophead of the royal court? Did you come here especially to die at my blade? Naut greeted him casually before shifting his gaze to look at Jess and me. Glad to see that you guys are alive and kicking as always.

We hadn’t seen Naut since the battle at Mautteau. Shravis hadn’t backed us up during our confrontation with the Clandestine Arcanist, and Naut seemed to be rather skeptical of the prince.

Shravis didn’t make any ostentatious display of emotion as he handed a large leather bag to Naut. Inside are money and ristae. You were a great help during the battle a while ago. Take it as thanks.

Naut accepted without a shred of hesitation, as if it were his rightful reward. Pretty hefty, huh? Shouldn’t have expected anything less from the royal court. The mountain of profit from selling Yethma has to go somewhere, after all. He dished out a scathing comment.

That was when the mansion door opened, and an introvert with long bangs walked out into the courtyard. What’s that guy doing here? I’ve already got enough targets for my bow. On his back was an enormous, shining crossbow. He was Yoshu, a commanding officer of the Liberators and a remarkable arbalist.

Naut handed the leather bag to Yoshu. He’s here to hand out supplies, apparently. Take it with you.

Yoshu stared into Naut’s eyes before dutifully returning to the mansion.

Naut turned back to Shravis. Since you came in person, I assume you want to talk. Get to the point already.

Shravis glanced at me. Through Jess, I said to Naut, <>

Rossi? He quirked an eyebrow. "What do you want with a dog?"

<>

He knitted his eyebrows together, baffled. That guy can understand a good amount of the human language, but he can’t talk, you know.

Jess chimed in. It’s perfectly fine! Please tell him to come here!

Naut didn’t seem convinced, but he nodded begrudgingly. Got it. I will. He whistled through his fingers.

A few seconds later, a white silhouette leaped out from the side of the mansion and charged right at Jess.

Jess yelped. Huh? H-Hey, Mister Rossi! Rossi approached from behind. The first thing he did was bury the tip of his snout into her soft butt cheeks. Ah! He then pushed his face between Jess’s thighs and began sniffing around ecstatically.

I’m so jeal— I mean, someone needs to put that dog on a leash. <>

Naut raised his eyebrows a little. Rossi, stay.

The large dog, which had been wholeheartedly sniffing Jess’s thighs, sat down immediately before poking his head out from between Jess’s legs to look at us on the other side. Jess awkwardly smiled, staying still as if she didn’t know what to do.

<> I instructed.

This was the moment of truth. I tensed up. Shravis crouched down in front of Jess and looked into Rossi’s eyes. Uncle.

The dog, who’d been sticking out his tongue and smiling while panting, froze in that pose.

Naut looked incredulously at Shravis. What the heck are you saying?

The pig over there realized something, Shravis explained. The period my uncle disappeared matches perfectly with the period this dog, who would go on to be your good partner, appeared near you.

Jess looked down awkwardly at the dog that was poking his face out of her thighs. If Rossi was truly Hortis, this scene would be a little too obscene for an emotional reunion between uncle and nephew. After all, it wasn’t every day that you’d see your uncle going, Hello there! from beneath your fiancée’s crotch.

You are my uncle... Shravis’s expression was solemn as he stared right at the dog.

Rossi’s response was averting his gaze and looking in all directions. It seemed that our deduction had been