Chapter 17: A Way to Turn Back Human?

Silia’s casual remark made Chloe’s ears perk up with something she’d never considered.

Could it be that Silia’s human appearance that day was due to a potion?

Chloe had always thought only mimicry magic could alter one’s form.

As a swordswoman, her focus was on swordsmanship training, and the magic she used enhanced her blade skills. She knew little about other types of magic.

So, it wasn’t mimicry magic but just a potion?

If it wasn’t magic, didn’t that mean she could turn back into a human too?

Excited, Chloe grabbed Silia’s hand, shaking it eagerly.

“Silia, what’s this transformation potion? Can you tell me more?”

“Ouch, ouch, why’s little Chloe suddenly so intense…”

Silia was caught off guard by Chloe’s enthusiasm.

“Oh, sorry.”

Chloe realized her overreaction and smiled awkwardly.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she asked seriously, “Silia, can you explain the transformation potion in detail?”

“Hm… what’s up? I rarely see little Chloe act like that.”

“Nothing, it’s just… fascinating.”

Chloe rubbed her chin, hesitating.

“I knew mimicry magic could change appearances, but not everyone can use magic. Hearing there’s a potion that does the same thing got me a bit too excited.”

She paused, worried Silia wouldn’t buy it, and added, “I mean, I never imagined such an amazing potion existed, so I got carried away.”

She stuck out her tongue, feigning embarrassment.

“Yeah, I was shocked too when I first learned about appearance-changing potions,” Silia nodded, buying Chloe’s excuse.

“But we vampires aren’t like lesser races. Everyone has some magic aptitude. I mean, come on, no vampire can’t use blood magic, right?”

“Uh…”

Chloe didn’t know that.

Not every human had magic aptitude. Luckily, alongside her exceptional swordsmanship talent, Chloe’s magic aptitude was decent, and her sister’s was even better.

“Anyway, not everyone can cast high-level mimicry magic,” she deflected.

“But I don’t remember much. It was five years ago. I just found it in the library by chance, and I don’t recall the details.”

“Ugh… okay…”

Chloe’s eyebrows drooped, visibly disappointed.

“Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head out. Um, let’s not tell Her Majesty about our talk, okay?”

Silia nodded.

“It’s getting late, little Chloe. Go rest. Don’t forget we’ve got classes tomorrow and the day after!”

“Sorry, Silia, my day off got swapped to today, so I have to work the day after tomorrow…” Chloe said helplessly.

Mentioning it reminded her of the whole ordeal.

‘Tch, never thought resisting would turn me into Larvia’s maid. Should’ve just gone along with it.’

Watching Chloe leave, Silia was puzzled.

Why was little Chloe suddenly so interested in the transformation potion?

‘Does she not believe me and think the human world isn’t as dangerous as I said? Wants to check it out?’

‘But I climbed over the city wall back then. To prevent outsiders using mimicry magic to sneak in, the gates have machines to detect true forms.’

‘Humans say it checks souls, but Mother told me that’s just a lie to reassure people. It’s really about detecting true forms.’

‘Should I warn little Chloe?’

Silia rubbed her chin.

‘Nah, she’s way more worldly than me, stuck in the palace all year. If she’s planning to go, she must know about it.’

‘If she’s not, it’d be awkward to bring it up!’

After leaving Silia’s room, it was nearly 8 p.m.

Chloe had planned to review her textbook and take notes after today’s poor class performance, but learning about the transformation potion left her too restless.

At the staircase, she paused.

‘Maybe I’ll check the library first.’

It wasn’t too late to move around the palace. She could study later, but wandering at night risked guards questioning her.

She turned and headed upstairs.

Lost in thoughts of the transformation potion, she walked with her head down.

Thud.

“Oof.”

She bumped into someone.

“Sorry!” Chloe apologized quickly.

“So focused you’re not watching where you’re going?”

A familiar voice sounded.

Looking up, Chloe saw Larvia’s smiling face.

“Larvia…”

Her mood sank.

‘Queen Majesty, good evening.’

She bowed, giving a proper greeting.

This wasn’t her room—she couldn’t be careless.

“Little Chloe, where’re you off to this late?”

“Your Majesty, I’m going to the library.”

“Oh?” Larvia’s interest piqued. “What for? No entertainment there. If you want novels or comics, check Silia’s room.”

Chloe averted her gaze, muttering, “I just came from there…”

“What?”

“Ahem, nothing.”

Chloe waved her hands, straightening up. “Your Majesty, after class today, I realized I’m lacking in knowledge, so I need to read some extra books to catch up.”

“Really?” Larvia eyed her skeptically. “With your current level, you don’t need library materials. Sticking to the textbook is better.”

‘Tch, so nosy.’

Chloe’s lips twitched slightly.

She thought her expression was subtle, but Larvia didn’t miss it.

“Your Majesty, I still want to check the library.”

Leaning closer, Chloe whispered, “I was the human Sword Saint. I already know the textbook stuff!”

“But weren’t you illiterate before?”

“You—how do you—how can you assume I didn’t study?”

“Alright, alright.”

Larvia shrugged helplessly.

As the vampire queen, investigating someone’s background was child’s play.

“I won’t keep you then.”

With that, Larvia walked off.

Facing away from Chloe, she frowned.

‘What’s she scheming behind my back now?’