NOVEL NEXT Don't fight over me.
Strength surged through my body. My hearing sharpened, and I could fit all the surrounding noise into the twelve-tone scale. Perfect pitch.
As I noticed Tenuto’s surprised expression and how he quickly moved out of the way, I took the cue, stood up, grabbed my saxophone again, and began to play.
It was a complex male-voice magic spell to suppress self-destruction. A difficult piece, but in this state, I had a feeling I could manage it, and I played it steadily. I wouldn’t let anyone die! That determination honed my focus, sharpening both my fingers and throat.
The light began to fade from the witch’s body.
"Y-you wretch! You won’t even let me perish beautifully!"
She glared at me as she pulled out a small vial and held it to her lips. I realized immediately—it was poison. With a quick tonguing rhythm, I sent a gust of wind, precisely shattering the vial. The toxic green liquid spilled onto the ground.
"You expect me to live in misery? How loathsome!"
With that, the witch began chanting a flight spell and flew off through the broken ceiling of the mansion, disappearing far into the distance.
"Did we... do it?"
Tenuto and Forte—who was still in my body—came over to me, exchanging a fist bump. It looked like a scene of brotherly friendship, but knowing one of them was a girl inside made it feel weird.
My strength faded, and I was overwhelmed by fatigue. The blue light emanating from my body dimmed and disappeared.
"My name is Tenuto. I’m here on vacation at that mansion over there."
"My name is Largo. I live in a nearby village. And this is Forte. You might know her—she’s under a curse that prevents her from speaking. She’s my sweet, kind girlfriend."
He placed his hand on Forte’s—my—shoulder and gave it a gentle pat.
W-wait, what?! I’m his girlfriend? Being in a reversed-gender situation and hearing something like that felt bizarre and confusing. I wasn’t used to being treated like a girl, and it embarrassed me.
Forte had lied about who she was. It was probably easier that way, avoiding unnecessary explanations. But calling me his girlfriend? That’s too much. Forte leaned in and whispered in my ear.
"Largo, that guy’s got his eyes on you. You don’t want to be hit on, do you? So, pretend to be my girlfriend. You’re way too defenseless as a newly turned girl."
I see. That made sense.
Tenuto glared at Forte. What’s he mad about? I thought we had bonded through this fight. Then he turned to me with a bright smile.
"Why don’t you two come to my mansion? It’s late, and the witch’s magic has left you both filthy."
"Alright," Forte replied.
With that, Forte squeezed my right hand tightly. Ugh. She’s overdoing it with the whole 'girlfriend' act.
"What’s this?"
Tenuto noticed something on the ground where the witch had been.
"A badge! From Edge Hope Corporation!"
Edge Hope Corporation? That’s the charity organization known for its liberal ideals. I’d seen them gather donations at school many times. Why would the witch have a badge from such a company?
"Liberal hypocrites! They pretend to help the weak while secretly working to dismantle our nation! It’s unforgivable!"
"Wait a minute!" Forte interrupted.
"Conservatives abandon the weak by waging endless wars, so the liberals are advocating for welfare to create a better society for everyone."
I screamed internally, Don’t fight while using my body!
"What? Are you a liberal?"
"And you must be a conservative. Look at this! I found another badge!"
Forte held up a badge featuring a soldier’s symbol.
"This is from Edge Guard Corporation! No way!"
Edge Guard Corporation was a company that participated in evacuation drills, known for its conservative stance.
"So, are you saying the witch is tied to Edge Guard Corporation?"
"And you’re saying she’s tied to Edge Hope Corporation?"
The two glared at each other before turning away.
It was painful not being able to speak and mediate between them.
"Enough! I’m going home!" Forte announced, and I grabbed my saxophone, rushing to follow her.
Looking back, I saw Tenuto clutching his injured shoulder, sitting on one knee. He must have been hurt during the fight. If I left him, he might die out here. I couldn’t just abandon him.
I quickly ran back toward Tenuto.
"Hey! Are you choosing him over me?"
I wanted to shout, He’s injured! but I couldn’t speak. I pointed dramatically at his shoulder, trying to communicate through gestures, but it didn’t get through.
"Fine! Go ahead, then! Go be his girl! If that’s the path you’ve chosen, so be it! I’ll live my life as a man too!"
Forte cast a spell and dashed off, leaving me behind.
What was the right thing to do?
Little did I know that this choice would become a turning point, marking the beginning of my life as a woman.