After that serious conversation, I made my way down the halls toward the family library, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders and a spring in my step.
As I approached the large double doors leading to the library, I motioned to the two guards stationed outside.
"Could you please open the doors?" I asked.
"Yes, young miss," they replied in unison.
The doors opened, revealing a spacious room adorned with ornate wooden features and lined with bookshelves that reached up to the ceiling. The room was illuminated by golden, floating spheres, which I assumed were some form of magical light.
So cool... Now this is Magic.
I walked up to one of the bookshelves and realized I could read the titles without a problem. Thanks, Goddess!
"Let's see what's in here..." I mumbled to myself. "Alchemy 102, How to Make a Man Fall for You, Mama Pep's Cooking Recipes..." I kept scanning the shelves until a few books caught my attention: [Three Genders Explained] and [Bonding Explained].
Now this is what I'm interested in! I thought, picking up both books. I had asked the goddess to make me a futanari on a whim, not knowing it was an actual gender here.
I began reading.
Turns out, being a futanari is quite rare here. Only 25% of children born to futa parents are also futa. Interestingly, the opposite is true for monsters—most of them are futa, followed by females and then males. Monsters are also fascinating because they aren't exactly "born" like other beings; instead, they "spawn," much like a video game. They simply appear, typically in uninhabited areas aligned with their element—forests, jungles, deserts, and so on.
I continued reading, diving into the subject of bonding between humanoids and monsters.
From the humanoid perspective, bonding is beneficial because monster species can grant abilities and traits to their partners, enhancing their powers. On the monster side, bonding allows them to acquire a humanoid form, which enables them to use armor and weapons effectively, making them stronger. It also provides them with abilities from their bonded partner, making it a mutually beneficial exchange. The humanoid form is possible because of the most common way bonds are created—through sexual intercourse. Monsters are inherently lustful creatures, and the compatibility required for bonding often involves proving one's worth in a form of battle or through intimacy.
Wow, that was a lot to take in. Believe it or not, I've spent the entire day here.
The information I had just read was incredibly important for understanding how this world works. More importantly, it meant I could bond with monsters, create a party, and maybe even a harem of monster beauties. Hehehe, I can't wait to see what kind of companions I'll find!
But those thoughts could wait for another time. It was already late, and tomorrow was a big day—I needed to finally break the news to my dad.
~~~~
I woke up bright and early this morning—not that I had much choice, considering the promise I made with Mom has left me a nervous wreck.
"Mira, please take me to Dad's office," I asked.
"Of course, young miss. It would be my pleasure," Mira replied with her usual elegance.
We left my room and walked briskly through the castle toward Dad's office, located at the back of the castle with a view overlooking the heart of the elven forest below.
"Master, I've brought Lyra, who wishes to speak with you," Mira announced through a crack in the door.
"Mira, how many times have I told you that you don't need to call me 'master'? We are equals, you know," Dad said.
"I refuse. I will serve you with all my heart," Mira said passionately.
"Whatever. You can send in my daughter now," Dad replied.
With that odd exchange between bonded partners out of the way, I entered the room and sat in the chair in front of Dad's desk, nervously twiddling my thumbs.
"What is it, Lyra? I can tell you have something on your mind," Dad said, his gaze soft.
"I... I'm not from this world," I blurted out.
"I know," Dad said casually.
"Wait, just hear me out before you overreact—wait, what?" I said, finally looking up at him with a stunned expression.
"You should see your face right now; it's priceless," Dad said with a chuckle. "But yes, I've known since before you were born."
"W-what?" was all I could manage as the shock set in.
"I may not look it, but I'm the only Archmage of the Elven kingdom with a life affinity, heightened even more by my partner Alexandria—the valkyrie you met when you were born," Dad explained, pausing as Alexandria appeared behind him in all her angelic glory.
"Having such a high life affinity is both a blessing and a curse. I discovered that our unborn child, still in Morgana's womb, was going to be born as a husk—without a soul. It was heartbreaking, and I couldn't bring myself to tell her, nor could I do anything about it."
"But, to my surprise, six months into the pregnancy, a soul appeared—something that should have been impossible. So, my daughter, thank you for turning what could have been the worst day of my life into the best."
"Why didn't you say anything, Dad?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
"Knowing you had already died once, I didn't want to bring up any painful memories."
"Well... I was planning on telling you today, so if you'd like, I can tell you all about it now," I offered.
"Of course, I'd love to hear it," Dad said warmly.
In a surprising turn of events, and with far fewer tears than yesterday, I recounted my past life to Dad, who listened intently.
"That sounds awful, dear. I can't imagine how lonely you must have felt. Just know that your mother and I will never leave you."
"Funny enough, Mom said the exact same thing when she confronted me yesterday," I said with a small smile.
"Aww, I knew she'd do that. But I'm glad we're all on the same page now," Dad said, though a hint of sadness crossed his face, knowing he had been the last to hear.
"Archmage, huh? I never would have guessed you were that powerful, but I suppose it makes sense. I doubt Mom would marry just anyone," I teased.
"Hey, don't underestimate your dad!" he said, grinning. "But you're right. I had to chase your mother all over the place just to get her attention. Amazons don't marry anyone they deem weak, and, well, I don't exactly look like a warrior."
"Let me guess—you had to beat her in a fight using your magic?" I asked.
"Exactly. It was a wonderful fight, and I barely won, even though I was at the Master level of magic at the time."
"Dear, you know I let you win, right?" a voice came from the doorway.
I turned to see Mom standing there, arms crossed, her athletic chest making her presence all the more imposing.
"Even so, I'm glad you did—otherwise, we wouldn't be here," Dad said, smiling.
"Hmph, shameless. You don't even care whether it was a true win or not," Mom said, shaking her head.
"Details, details," Dad replied dismissively. "Anyway, since we're all here, I have some news. The King has sent word that his youngest daughter would like to meet our Lyra. They're the same age, apparently."
"Oh, how interesting. I didn't even know they had another daughter," Mom said, then looked at me. "Well, it's up to you, Lyra. Would you like to meet her?"
I thought for a moment, then said, "Sure, why not? I haven't met anyone my age yet. It wouldn't hurt to try and make a friend."
"Well, then, it's settled. I'll send word to the King that we accept. She should be here in a few days," Dad said with a smile.