Is That My Alter Ego

Chapter 76 – Nest

They roamed much of the East. Yet, there was no place where the Kali sisters could settle in peace.

“…It’s a beastkin?! Get away!”

—

In the realm of humans, there was no need to speak. The moment they caught sight of the animal traits sprouting from the ears of the Kali sisters, they cast glances laced with fear and disgust.

Why do they send us such looks? Hadn’t the imperial edict erased the hatred for beastfolk?

Yet there was no time to ponder the reasons. They immediately set off, seeking another refuge.

“Kalea. I’m sorry. It seems we’ll have to sleep outside again tonight.”

“…I’m fine… cough. Sister…”

Another day slipped away. For reasons unknown, the villages of beastfolk lay in ruins, or were places where no one dwelled anymore.

Kali gazed at her sister, whose complexion had worsened even more. Kalea, frail by nature, had succumbed to an even harsher environment, her health deteriorating significantly.

As she watched her sister sleep, breathing softly within the small tent they had fortuitously found, Kali made a vow.

Surely, they would find their home soon.

“May I ask for directions?”

One day, as they set out on their journey to find a new haven, a figure draped in tattered robes approached the Kali sisters.

The robe cloaked the figure entirely, rendering their gender indiscernible. Their voice was ambiguously androgynous, adding to the mystery.

Introducing themselves as a “traveler,” the figure sought a path that Kali recognized, and she shared the way. The traveler expressed gratitude, then paused to gaze intently at the sisters.

“Hmm… Are you beastfolk?”

“…How did you know?”

Kali and Kalea were taken aback. They had donned the shabby cloak to conceal their ears.

It was a decision made to avoid the pervasive hatred for beastfolk and the dangers of two women traveling alone.

Since they had worn this cloak, no one had noticed their true nature. Yet, the traveler saw through it at a glance.

“You seem to be lost.”

“…And?”

“Now that I know the way, allow me to share some information.”

The traveler spoke swiftly and succinctly. The sudden rise of hatred for beastfolk stemmed from an incident in a village called ‘Espilia,’ where some beastfolk had transformed into beasts, causing a great calamity. This rumor spread, leading to misunderstandings about beastfolk.

Moreover, there had been frequent attacks by monsters on villages, forcing most of the inhabitants to relocate in search of safety.

“……..”

As those words echoed in Kali’s mind, memories of a cherished place began to surface. Yet she quickly shook her head, dispelling the thoughts.

To dwell in the past would mean failing to protect her sister.

“Head towards the village of Espilia. In the lower quarters, you’ll find plenty of beastfolk like yourselves.”

Before Kali could respond, the traveler vanished swiftly. Their steps were not hurried, yet they disappeared in an almost magical instant.

Watching the traveler depart, Kali turned to her sister and smiled.

“At last…”

At last, can we finally find our sanctuary?

If what the traveler said is true, there will be no more nights spent under the stars, no more gnawing on filthy scraps.

The Kali sisters set forth, hearts alight, in search of Espilia.

It took a long time. The road was distant, and without knowledge of the way, they had to ask every passerby for directions.

“Is this… Espilia?”

Yet, somehow, they arrived at Espilia. The towering castle walls and the strange objects they had never seen before painted a landscape that felt like a new world to the Kali sisters.

A carriage moved without a horse, and odd contraptions floated in the sky. Could those too be a kind of magic?

As they wandered through the wondrous sights, they stepped into the pristine realm of Espilia.

“It’s cleaner than I expected.”

It was the complete opposite of what the traveler had warned. Hadn’t he said they would be given barely enough to survive?

Every person in sight appeared well-fed and thriving. They could easily be mistaken for nobility.

Was this not Espilia? Just to be sure, they glanced around, but the letters in the distant square clearly spelled ‘Espilia.’

Here… a new life awaits…

“Ugh… why are beastfolk here?”

“Let’s run away….”

At that moment, whispers from humans, glancing their way, reached their ears.

Something felt off. Hadn’t they said there were many beastfolk in similar straits?

Yet, among those they could see, most—no, all—were human. Not a single beastfolk was in sight, save for themselves.

“What… what is this?”

“Sister…”

The Kali sisters took a step back. The growing stares of disdain and fear from the crowd pressed upon them like a weight.

Had the traveler… lied to them?

Ultimately, the sisters began to flee, retreating down the path for what felt like ages.

Then, from somewhere far off, the scent of beastfolk began to waft toward them. It was a unique aroma, one that humans could never replicate.

Entranced, Kali followed the scent. Before them loomed a massive entrance. Beyond it, the smell of beastfolk was thick and inviting.

Two worlds lay before them, divided by the entrance. This place, so endlessly bright and clean, stood in stark contrast to the dark, filthy realm beyond.

Yet, they could sense it. Surely, life would be easier beyond that threshold than in this place, where only scornful gazes awaited.

With a firm grip on her little sister’s hand, Kali moved forward. They crossed the entrance, stepping slowly into the unknown.

The traveler’s words rang true. Beastfolk were everywhere. Most wore tattered clothes, and the ground was grimy.

But in their eyes, a glimmer of hope shone through. Despite their plight, they radiated a light that spoke of small joys found amidst the darkness.

“…….”

The village came to mind. A place endlessly lacking and fraught with hardship, yet it was precisely because of this that every moment was lived with gratitude and joy.

And that atmosphere was felt once more in this place.

“Kallea. From now on… this is our home.”

“…Okay!”

Since the day they arrived in Espilia, Kali had strived to adapt quickly. She learned about Espilia and got to know the local residents.

She did everything she could. Errands, cleaning, even the occasional task of dealing a blow to someone.

In truth, just having the will didn’t mean every task could be accomplished with ease. Even with a steadfast heart, if the body did not comply, it would be of no use.

Yet, was it that Kali’s aptitude suited this life, or was it merely luck that followed her? She found comfort in these tasks, and they pleased her.

Because of her remarkable performance, money began to accumulate swiftly.

Eventually, she managed to save enough to rent a shabby house on the outskirts of the lower district. After a grueling time, they finally secured a nest for the two of them.

Though they barely managed a single meal a day, she ensured her younger sister had three. As long as she could see her sister smile, she felt capable of anything.

“Hey, old man. No work today?”

“Oh, Kali, you’re here. Just wait a moment.”

Kali set out once more in search of work. Now that they had a home, if she could earn enough to secure food, there would be no worries left.

Once she had a bit more breathing room, it would be good to see if she could find a way to treat her sister’s illness.

Today’s task was simple. She was to pick up food from a restaurant in the lower district and deliver it to an inn.

Using her superior speed and strength compared to the other beastfolk, Kali finished the job quickly.

“Good work today, Kali. See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

Today’s earnings amounted to twenty coins. Quite a lot for such a simple task.

Perhaps it was because she had grown close to the old man who arranged the jobs? Lately, it seemed there was nothing but reasons to smile.

With a joyful heart, Kali raced toward their home. As always, seeing her sister greet her with a smile would melt away her fatigue like snow under the sun.

“….Huh?”

She arrived home. However, the door, which was always kept shut, stood open.

Had Kallea gone somewhere? That seemed unlikely. After all, Kallea was content to sit on the chair right outside their home, watching passersby.

A slight unease crept in, but she brushed it aside and stepped inside.

“Kallea! I’m back….”

It was fine that Kallea didn’t greet her as usual.

But upon seeing the house in disarray, Kali felt a chill run down her spine. Something was wrong.

—

Yeah. A thief can break in. That much is fine. Money can be earned again.

…But Kalea? Why can’t I see her?

“Kalea?! KALEA!!!”

Kali shouted at the top of her lungs. The shabby house echoed with her voice. Inside the small dwelling, there was no sign of Kalea at all.

“…Hey, Kali! Come here for a moment!”

“…Granny?”

The beastfolk woman living next door called out to Kali. Her expression was darkening, and Kali’s unease grew even more.