After savoring every moment with Isis-san in the flower fields, we returned to her castle to spend a quiet afternoon in the library, discussing various books.
For some reason, we always seemed to gravitate toward the library whenever I visited. Watching her talk about different stories while I chimed in with questions or shared my own thoughts was a peaceful, deeply fulfilling way to pass the time.
"...The descriptions in this book... are so vivid... It’s as if... I can see the scenery... right before my eyes."
"I see. That does look interesting. Honestly, they all seem so good that I'm having a hard time deciding which one to start with. Oh, by the way, I realized I haven't run into Polaris-san at all today."
"...That’s right... Iris told me... Polaris went out... to gather ingredients... for dinner."
Since I’d arrived, I had encountered almost everyone living in the castle—starting with Vul, then Iris-san, Sirius-san, Rasal-san, and Spica-san. Only Polaris-san was missing. Hearing that she was out "gathering" suggested she might be searching for rare ingredients that couldn't be found in a typical market.
"...Everyone is... so excited... because you are here... Vul even said... she would help decorate... the dining hall."
"I really wish they wouldn't go to so much trouble... but it makes me happy to know I'm so welcome."
The thought that they were preparing a massive feast made me feel a bit guilty, but the sense of gratitude was stronger. I was genuinely glad to have built such a close, friendly relationship with Isis-san’s subordinates—or more accurately, her family. Still, I hadn't realized Vul was already capable of helping with decorations. I knew she was brilliant, but she was growing up fast.
As I was lost in thought, the library door creaked open and a youthful voice called out.
"...Excuse me. Isis-sama, is the scheduled time for dinner still acceptable?"
"...Yes... that’s fine."
"Wait... what? Who...?"
A petite girl with silver, semi-short hair stepped into the room. I didn't recognize her at first, but the signature I felt through my Sympathy Magic was unmistakable. It was Vul.
"...Vul? Is that you?"
"It is! Ah, right—this is the first time I’ve shown Kaito-sama this form. I’m sorry if I startled you."
"...Vul can use... Humanization Magic now... so she can take... a human form... just like Megiddo."
"Oh, I see. So this is your humanized form."
It made perfect sense once explained. Vul possessed an immense amount of magic power, and based on what I’d heard from Isis-san and Iris-san, she was an absolute prodigy. She had mastered advanced magic in no time at all, so Humanization Magic was likely well within her capabilities. Now that I looked closer, her hair was the same color as her fur; the resemblance was clear.
"...However, Vul... doesn't seem to like this form very much... so she rarely... uses it."
"Really?"
"U-Um, it’s not exactly that I dislike how I look... but I want my true form to be a demon like Isis-sama, rather than just masking my appearance with magic. Reconstructing one’s own body requires a peak-level Magic Formula that’s still too difficult for me. I haven't fully mastered my potential magic power yet, so I can't pull it off. This form is essentially 'incomplete,' so I don't like using it much. But since Kaito-sama was here, I wanted to help out, so I used this form to do the decorations."
I recalled Isis-san mentioning that Vul hoped to undergo a sort of permanent physical transformation into a demon. It was the same type of magic Kuro had used to change Noin-san’s body, a feat so advanced that even Lilia-san had been stunned by the complexity. Genius or not, it wasn't something Vul could achieve overnight. Until then, she used Humanization Magic as a temporary substitute whenever the situation required a more human touch.
I nodded, then reached out and gently patted the petite girl's head with a smile.
"I see. You worked that hard just to welcome me? Thank you, Vul."
"Ehehe... T-That’s only natural! I’ll always give it my all for the sake of Isis-sama and Kaito-sama!"
"I'm glad to hear it, but make sure you don't overwork yourself. Still, I'm happy to be able to talk to you like this."
"I’m happy to talk to you too! Getting my head patted makes me so happy that I’m glad I used the magic... Ah, b-but the decorations were the main reason, obviously!"
Vul’s face melted into a blissful grin as I patted her head. Between her small stature and her pure reaction, she was incredibly cute—just like a child beaming with pride after being praised.
"...Vul, if you have time... why don't you... join us?"
"Eh? Wouldn't I be in the way?"
"Not at all. Both Isis-san and I would love to have you."
"In that case... I’ll gratefully accept the invitation!"
A radiant smile broke across Vul’s face as she nodded eagerly.
Serious-senpai: "She hasn't fully mastered her power yet, but between her talent—which is easily on Lilia’s level—and the sheer mana of a Ten-tailed Mystic Silver, I suppose it’s no surprise she can handle Humanization Magic..."
???: "Just to clarify, since it’s a change through Humanization Magic, her ears and tails are hidden. She feels the form is 'unfinished' without them, which is why she’s so reluctant to use it normally."
Serious-senpai: "The family vibes between Isis, Kaito, and Vulpecula are getting dangerously strong..."