The Youngest Daughter of the Snake Family - Chapter 16

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 16
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I had become human between sleep and waking.
I examined my body in the mirror with a wonder I couldn’t put into words, turning this way and that.
I clenched my fists and opened them, then flexed my feet experimentally.
I touched the lengthened hair, my eyes, my nose, my mouth—every part of it.
“Rozaria!”
“Yes, Airin?”
“Look at this! I have all five!”
I spread my hand wide, and Rozaria nodded.
“Yes, all five fingers!”
“Right! I really did become human!”
I was so happy.
I had been standing before the mirror for hours already and wasn’t the slightest bit bored.
“Still finding it so wondrous?”
“Yes! But, Rozaria…”
“What is it?”
“What if I transform back into a bird after I fall asleep again?”
That would be a disaster.
I had looked in the mirror out of joy, but I was also anxious—checking my reflection every moment I could, terrified I might wake as a bird again.
What if my arms suddenly sprouted feathers or a tail grew from my back?
She had said that young ones with weak pheromones sometimes reverted to their true form midway through.
Now that I had managed to achieve Humanization, I didn’t want to become a bird again.
When I confessed my worries, Rozaria, who had been tidying toys, burst out laughing.
“You’re worried you might become a bird again?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
I was so jumpy at even the slightest resemblance—whenever I saw my own white hair I’d startle, thinking wings were sprouting.
Each time, I’d calm my racing heart and run to Rozaria’s arms, clinging to her.
When I nestled against her this time too, she set down what she was doing and held me close.
“Don’t worry so much. As long as you don’t pick at your food and chew your meals properly, you’ll be fine.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
“Truly?”
“Yes.”
After Rozaria assured me so many times, my mind eased a little.
I was breathing out a sigh of relief when Rozaria, checking the time, began to move more quickly.
“Airin, you must be hungry. Let’s go eat right away.”
“But the meal hasn’t arrived yet?”
Food usually arrived in my room every day, but today there had been no sign of it until now.
I wished it would come soon. I’d missed the usual mealtime this morning, having gone through such a momentous ordeal.
Rozaria smiled gently.
“Starting today, you’ll be dining in the Dining Hall.”
“…The Dining Hall?”
“Yes. The Head of Household and the Young Masters will be waiting for you. Come, let’s go together!”
“Okay! I’m going to eat in the Dining Hall now too!”
The thought that I could finally go to the Dining Hall thrilled me. Would the cook be there as well?
What else might be hiding in the Manor?
Since I had been moving only through limited spaces with Rozaria every day, there was still so much I didn’t know about the Manor.
My heart raced with anticipation.
Now I could walk to the Dining Hall on two feet!
“Airin, your hand!”
“Okay.”
I took Rozaria’s hand and stepped forward carefully.
One moment of carelessness and my feet might tangle, sending me sprawling. I still wasn’t used to walking on two legs.
I left the room and walked down the Corridor briskly, but sure enough, I stumbled again.
Rozaria caught me before I fell, as she always did, and when she saw my dejected expression, she smiled reassuringly.
“…Rozaria.”
“Yes?”
“I think… I can’t walk without my tail to steady me.”
I used to walk so well before, but now that my tail—which kept my center of balance—was gone, I couldn’t do it anymore.
If things continue like this, I’ll have to relearn how to walk from scratch.
I’d assumed that once Humanization was complete, everything would fall into place—but there’s a mountain of things I need to relearn.
“There’s no need to rush, young lady. You’re walking quite well already, aren’t you?”
“But this is…….”
It was more of a toddler’s shuffle. I had to take the stairs one step at a time.
No, don’t be discouraged. I can do this!
Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.
As I walked with determination, my shoes began to squeal.
Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.
“Oh my, Rozaria. Is this young lady Airin?”
“Durias?”
“Well…….”
A man carrying documents paused mid-step, drawn by the squeaking sounds, and approached us.
I thought I’d seen him once before, near the Conference Room.
With white gloves covering his hands so no skin showed, he had an air of fastidious propriety about him overall.
Durias smiled brightly as he looked at me—dressed in a yellow sleeveless top and white shorts, holding Rozaria’s hand.
“So the Head of Household was right—utterly insignificant.”
“…….”
“Honestly, cute enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand.”
I froze rigid. Rozaria hastened to stop Durias.
“If you speak that way, Airin will get the wrong idea!”
“Why would she?”
Durias looked genuinely puzzled.
Was he truly at a loss, or feigning ignorance?
I found myself wondering what sort of logic could produce such a manner of speech.
This household had the most extreme ways of expressing themselves.
“You said the same thing, Rozaria—that she was cute enough to want to destroy everything.”
Rozaria flinched and glanced at me nervously.
Now that he mentioned it, I did recall her saying something about wanting to smash things to bits.
I offered her a reassuring smile to show I understood, and Rozaria’s expression brightened with relief.
“As expected, our Airin has such a generous heart.”
“It’s fine!”
“Still, it’s better to be careful, Durias. What if Airin picks up such violent expressions?”
For someone so concerned, she was being remarkably careless. I fidgeted with the hand she was holding.
When were we going to the Dining Hall anyway? I was hungry.
“Rozaria. I’m hungry.”
“Ho. Shall we go feed the little one?”
“……Durias. Mind your language. That sort of talk is only for use among family.”
Rozaria sighed at Durias and reprimanded him.
So they were aware their own speech patterns were off-kilter.
But they had no intention of changing.
That was highly likely.
From what I’d seen of the household members so far, even when others voiced complaints, they wouldn’t so much as pretend to listen.
If anything, they’d probably lean harder into it, just to show they could—not rein it in.
“Then do enjoy your meal, young lady. I’m terribly busy, I’m afraid.”
“Take care.”
Bye-bye.
As I waved with my other hand, Durias bowed respectfully and departed the way he’d come.
“Rozaria.”
“Yes?”
“My legs hurt. What should I do?”
After standing for so long, a dull ache was beginning to settle in my legs.
I’d only come down from the second floor to the first, and already I was exhausted.
Is this how little children are supposed to have such weak stamina?
Rozaria grinned and lifted me into her arms.
“Then I’ll carry you. The Dining Hall is in the basement, you see.”
“The basement?”
“Yes. Though it’s underground, sunlight comes through, so it’s not frightening at all.”
I see. That’s fine then.
I wrapped my arms around Rozaria’s neck and leaned against her.
When I walked, it took forever, but being carried made reaching the Dining Hall quick.
Delicious aromas wafted from the entrance, and my stomach rumbled in response.
“Our Airin must be quite hungry. I should have brought you sooner—my apologies.”
“No, it’s fine!”
“With such a kind heart, I wonder how you’ll navigate this world.”
Rozaria spoke with genuine concern etched across her face.
“It would be better if you expressed yourself and acted however you wished, Airin.”
“Mm.”
Even kindness worried her.
But I don’t think I’m that kind. Sometimes I act only on my own thoughts.
Chattering softly, we stepped into the Dining Hall, and I spotted Kaid already waiting there.
“You’ve arrived.”
And I saw two boys.
One was Set, whom I’d met before, and the other was a boy I was seeing for the first time.
“Put me down!”
“Of course, Airin.”
Rozaria set me on the ground. At the same moment, my shoes made a sound.
Squeak!
Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.
“……What is that?”
“These are Airin’s!”
I declared proudly that they were mine—the same name I’d been practicing in my heart all this time.
Kaid laughed with a deflated sound.
“That’s a peculiar noise.”
“It’s not peculiar. This is a gift Rozaria gave me.”
“Since Airin still isn’t familiar with the Manor’s layout, I fitted them to prevent you from getting lost.”
Right. That’s exactly it!
I made my way toward the empty seat.
I could see warm meat piled on a plate. Now I could finally eat meat!
My pace quickened with anticipation.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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