From Ashes To Scales

The room we were guided to… how should I put this? It was really dark. Although I don't know the reason behind this… it would be bad manners to randomly cast a spell and illuminate the place. That being said, it's not like I can't manage. My eyes are basically equivalent to a dragon so I can see as if it were day, but the other girls… yeah, they had trouble walking.

In the center of the room there already was a figure waiting for us.

“Pardon the intrusion. My name is Magnus and these are my companions. Might you be the ruler of this place?”

A composed female voice resounded.

“Hohoho……Ruler you say? That sure is a fancy title you attached to me. I am a mere village chief.”

“……May I hear your name as well?”

“I’m known as Lydia Maplecrest……Please just take it easy and call me Lydia. Zeta has already told me the details, so for now let's get along, okay?”

“……I understand. Lydia-sama, is it.”

“Hohoho……No need for that scary face and honorifics. Right, right, being this dark, it’s uncomfortable for guests? I’ll put a light on.”

She clapped her hands a few times.

Near the ceiling, *pa*, a light was created. It was the magic Glitter Light.

Even though I could see her beforehand, now in this light… I couldn't help myself and… I gulped. C, certainly, that is a surprising appearance.

Lydia had demonic breasts.

Ever since I saw the residential women, I had thought that if the chief was a female it might be the same case, but it was a volume that surpassed my expectations! It wasn’t in the realm of just being unable to hold it in one’s palm. They were humongous and were literally supported by the table. She's tall, I’ll give her that. I can only take a guess since she's sitting down, but if I’m around 1 meter and 75 centimeters, this woman was over 2 meters tall. Still… how can she even walk with those? It feels like gravity would pull her straight on the floor.

She had an outfit of layered cloth, and wore a sash. Her long black hair emphasized the tribal clothes. She was without doubt a lizardfolk given her scales and having the head of a reptile.

Her waist was thin and narrow. Seriously, I’m worried. Could she support those weighty things that were on the upper half of her body?

We had to mind our manners, but everyone was staring at her. And… unfortunately… Rusalka couldn't hold it in.

“Lydia-san, your boobs are huge! How is that even possible!?”

*Bonk*

Rose’s fist made contact with Rusalka's head.

“Lydia-san, please excuse this idiot.” (Rose)

“Ahahaha! Hahahaha!! Forgive me. But it's been ages since I was actually able to laugh this well. You're really nice people. And I can understand your surprise. You can think of it as an evolutionary trait.”

“Evolutionary?” I tilted my head as I asked this.

“Yes. I’m not sure if you are aware, but Ephiria has been under the rule of the evil necromancer Volkos for over 300 years. And as I am sure you saw when you were exploring the village, men are quite scarce. In fact, you can say that the ratio in Ephiria is 80% females and 20% males.

Because of this… in order for a female to attract a male for reproduction, the female body has genetically changed. In short, the bigger your breasts are, the better your chances for mating get. It also helps stimulate female to female relationships when sexual relief is necessary and…”

“Okay, okay! Please stop. It's too embarrassing to listen!”, retorted Rusalka, her face dyed red.

“What's there to be embarrassed about? For civilized people reproduction should not be a topic of shame. After all, for us, female to female couples are quite common and even female to female reproduction is possible with certain potions, although the child born through this method will always be female.”

Even if I don't know why Rusalka is trembling and looking back and forth between Lydia and Leona I should put a stop to this topic. Or at least that's what I wanted to do, however before I could open my mouth…

“Speaking of reproduction, mister Magnus, you really seem like my type of male. Surrounded by a strong Aura, yet harboring a childish cute side. Yes, yes, you're definitely my type! How about you spend the night with me and grant me a child?

Despite my age, I assure you I am quite fertile and I am confident I will please you. Oh, and you don't have to worry, there are no strings attached. I will raise the child myself. There will be no obligations on your end.”

I couldn't believe my ears. For a second I was dumbstruck. And with another glance at those huge milkers… I was almost reflexively pulled in. But… my girls brought me to reality. Leona, Rusalka and Saphira all stepped in as if shielding me.

“You can't! There's no way I’m letting a strange woman have hubby before me!!” (Leona)

“That's right! There's a pecking order. You absolutely can't have master!” (Rusalka)

“My lord is an extraordinary person and thus his genes are quite valuable. I’m afraid engaging in such activities is beneath him.” (Saphira)

I guess I don't get a say in this. But frankly… I’m glad they're standing up for me. I get the feeling that if I tried engaging in such activities with her… she’d suffocate me with those things.

“Fufu! How lovely. You're quite popular with the ladies, it seems. Makes me want you even more. But let's leave the jokes aside for now. We successfully managed to break the ice and create a relaxing atmosphere.

I will take this moment to thank you for aiding Zeta. She is our strongest warrior and losing her would have been a big hit. So for that, you have my thanks.

Now, travelers, if I understood correctly, you have a rather complicated goal that can't be easily disclosed. Might I know the reason you came all the way from the mainland to Ephiria?”

Yosh! We're finally moving in the proper direction with this conversation. Now, let's see if I can somehow make this work. I first need a better understanding of the current situation that Ephiria is going through. So for that… the best way to start this…

“Lydia-san. You mentioned earlier that Ephiria is ruled by a necromancer called Volkos.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Would you care to tell us more about him and how he rules Ephiria?”

“Ara? What does this have to do with your goal, travelers?”

“It's complicated, but I assure you, it will be made clear if you can first give us some information on him.”

“I don't particularly mind. Well then, I guess the story is a long one, but… I’ll try to summarize it. It all started roughly 300 years ago or so.”