Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin

Beck’s Perspective

I reached the river just beyond Duarte Village and took a moment to collect my thoughts, pondering how best to present myself. Ultimately, I opted for my most eye-catching appearance: my half-finned form, reminiscent of a mermale. Typically, I wouldn’t reveal this side of myself, but I needed to stand out to ensure my presence was acknowledged and that I received the preferential treatment that I sought under these circumstances. It was the simplest way to ensure Elara’s safety and deter others from claiming her for themselves. I have a single magical pearlescent white horn atop my head, much like my brother, which gives me a unique look that straddles the line between mermale and something more mystical. My kind is known for our beauty, characterized by delicate, slightly feminine features, large expressive eyes, and lean, muscular physiques. Our long hair, a trait expected of our males, grows rapidly, and our skin shimmers with tiny scales that catch the light. My hair, a blend of light blonde with soft baby blue highlights, complements my eyes, and I’ve often been regarded as one of the most attractive in my clan, alongside Ira and Caspian. Our father takes great pride in us, even though the three of us remain unattached, as we prefer to steer clear of females who might impose their desires on us.

I took a deep breath while feeling my stomach twist, I really hated showing myself to strangers in any form besides covering myself in a cloak. I would always be harassed and I hate random females trying to force me into being their mate. I approached the gate while swimming and two guards at the gate with beast ears on top of their heads that I couldn’t identify, but it wasn’t overly important. They stared down at the water at me swimming with their mouths agape.

"You...who goes there? What’s you business in Duarte Village?"

"I’m here for the snatching ritual," I said, maintaining a calm demeanor even as I felt a wave of discomfort inside. The thought of forcing a female into being my partner is something I could never entertain. It’s fundamentally wrong to impose an intimate relationship on anyone against their will. In our culture, we don’t engage in female snatching rituals, nor do we impose a first mate on our females. We often view other species as somewhat barbaric and cruel. It’s quite intriguing that Ira has found someone from outside our species who piqued his interest, though he didn’t mention what species she belongs to.

"You? Certainly, you wouldn’t need to join a snatching ritual in order to get a female," said one of the guards.

I intend to leave my mark on her. My wealth is substantial enough to provide for a female entirely on my own, and I have no interest in sharing her with other males." I gave a gentle tap to my pouch, allowing the sound of clinking jewels to resonate. "I’m in search of a female with a high aura and I’m prepared to offer exquisite gems for her. I have no desire to entertain any females with a red or orange aura."

The guards’ eyes widened in surprise as I emerged from the water, fully transformed into my humanoid form, draped in a robe of white stardust silk. This silk is the most luxurious available, crafted from the threads of a stardust butterfly that feasted solely on premium starberries. It shimmered as if woven from the dust of countless diamonds, and its softness was unparalleled—lightweight yet perfectly temperate, never too hot or too cold. It felt almost weightless against my skin, never snagging or twisting in an uncomfortable way but most importantly it was recognizable and would get me catered to.

They swallowed. "There are other females in the village who would be happy to entertain you, you don’t have to settle for the females who have to join the snatching ritual."

"I dislike having to repeat myself," I said with a bored voice. "I intend to leave my mark on her. Do you have a female within the snatching ritual who has at least a yellow aura or don’t you? I dislike my time being wasted, if you want to dither, I can spend my gems elsewhere."

The other guard interjected, "Actually, that won’t be necessary. We do have a female participating in this round of the snatching ritual who possesses a yellow aura. As you may be aware, females with yellow auras are quite rare, and it is even more unusual for one to be involved in a snatching ritual due to their high demand. Fortunately, exceptional circumstances have allowed this female to take part, so you are indeed fortunate. However, it is important to note that there is considerable interest in her, given that yellow aura wolf females are recognized for being excellent egg layers, loyal companions, and nurturing mothers."

I gave a calm smile and slightly nodded my head. "This will do. However, first I would like to be escorted to your shrine and your market before being escorted to the snatching grounds to meet this promising female."

They paused and looked at each other, their expressions filled with worry. After a brief silence, one of them broke the tension. "This scenario is rather atypical. Usually, the males intending to take part stay at a different site before the ceremony, and they rarely get the chance to interact with any of the females in advance."

"I have no concern for what is typical or atypical for you, I am accustomed to doing as I please."

"That... is not within our authority to decide, but we can certainly request that the individual who holds that power come to meet you at the shrine. For the time being, we are pleased to grant you access to the village with a visitor’s pass." He produced a blank card attached to a black leather string. "This should be worn on your person, but you must first infuse it with your mana to ensure you are recognized as a visitor."

I glanced at the pass card with irritation, recalling my previous experience with one of these. I wasn’t thrilled about using it again; it drew far too much attention. However, that was precisely my intention this time, so I had to just accept it. This was for my brother’s happiness, and that made it all worthwhile.

I channeled my mana into the card, and it emitted a deep blue glow. Instantly, the two guards gasped, their eyes widening in a mix of fear and admiration. One of them examined the card and entered some details into a magical device resembling a small tablet. Soon, my species and aura appeared on the card.

Visitors Pass

Beastkin Species: Hippocampus

Rarity: Legendary Species

Aura: Dark Blue

Reason For Visit: Staying for the Snatching Ritual

Duration of Visit: One Week

"If you change your mind and wish to leave earlier or if you wish to stay in the village longer, all you have to do is come to the guards building and have your pass updated. If you do manage to find a mate who resides in our village you also need to go to the guards building to have your information updated or go to the shrine to have yourself added as a resident of the village."

The other guard looked at the card and gave me a strained smile, you are also free to turn the card so that the information isn’t visible to the general public. You do however have to wear the card at all times so that guards know that you’re a visitor and can check your information if the need arises. The card needs to be visible somewhere on your person."

I secured the card to the side of my bag, ensuring that my personal details were concealed. While making a good impression was important, I believed I could achieve that without revealing my information.

Moments later, a man approached, dressed in a flowing white cotton robe with a hood. The robe was cinched at the waist with a blue sash, adorned with a large golden coin featuring a phoenix design. He wore blue slippers that complemented his attire. His short brown hair framed his light brown skin, and his pointed ears added an intriguing touch. With honey brown eyes and folded brown wings, he exuded a gentle presence. He placed his hands together in front of him and offered a graceful bow.

I am Herald, a shinshoku at the shrine dedicated to Deity Duarte. It would be my pleasure to guide you to our sacred site.

"I truly appreciate it, thank you." I acknowledged his gesture with a polite nod, though I wasn’t one to bow to anyone.

"Please, follow me," Herald instructed, crossing his arms and concealing them within the elegant folds of his long white sleeves.

He moved ahead at a leisurely pace, which suited me just fine after my hurried arrival. I wanted to familiarize myself with the area in case I needed to make a quick escape. The village was charming and serene, making it all the more disheartening to think that something sinister might be lurking beneath its surface. My brother was convinced of this, so I knew I had to take the situation seriously. I was reluctant to delay my mission to rescue the female, but if there was any truth to their worries, I needed to stock up on healing potions before entering the snatching grounds. I also had to gather some supplies; otherwise, I would arrive empty-handed, unable to assure her that I was genuinely committed to helping her escape her plight or be able to offer her any immediate relief from her circumstances.

Coming Next Time: Meanwhile in Duarte Village: Beck’s Resolve