Aldiar approached Elmis and, leaning toward her ear, quietly said:

  — Go outside and keep watch at the door. Let no one in.

  Elmis huffed in annoyance but obeyed.

  — Fine.

  She stepped out, leaving Aldiar alone with Perto.

  — Now then… — Aldiar stepped closer, leaned over the beaten man, and smirked. — Let’s get back to our conversation.

  An hour passed.

  Perto kept insisting that he had neither money nor supplies. Everything was lost in gambling.

  Aldiar sighed heavily.

  — Well then. You’re starting to get on my nerves…

  He stood up, stretched, then leaned against the wall, looking down at Perto.

  — Since you’ve lost everything, you’ll have to work it off. I happen to know a witch outside the city. And she’ll help you… repay your debt.

  Perto shuddered but didn’t have time to protest.

  Meanwhile, trouble was brewing outside the door for Elmis.

  — Hey! Open up! I’m part of Captain Aldiar’s crew! — a sailor barked rudely.

  Elmis crossed her arms over her chest and calmly replied:

  — The captain said not to let anyone in.

  — Who do you think you are?! Just because the captain saved you, you think you’re some kind of diamond?! I’ll—

  The door swung open.

  Aldiar stepped out, wiping his bloodied fists.

  — I don’t understand… — His gaze darkened. — I made myself clear—she’s not to be touched. Having trouble hearing?

  The sailor, now stepping back, said defiantly:

  — Captain! Your elf thinks she’s above us! She insults our honor!

  Aldiar raised an eyebrow.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  — Proof?

  — I…

  — I have no use for a useless, whining sailor.

  — Damn… — The man gritted his teeth. — I am Rigurd! I challenge you to a duel, you little bastard!

  Aldiar smirked.

  — If you want to die, why not?

  The crew quickly gathered in a circle, eager to witness the fight.

  Simon and Rachel emerged from their cabins, also watching.

  Aldiar stepped into the center.

  Rigurd drew his sword and lunged forward.

  Metal clashed against metal.

  But Aldiar… simply stood there.

  His blade effortlessly parried the attacks as if it were mere child’s play.

  Rigurd grew faster and faster… until his own body began cutting itself.

  He could no longer control his movements.

  But before anything else happened, Elmis stepped forward.

  Her short sword flashed through the air.

  A single moment—Rigurd was cleaved in two.

  Blood splattered across the deck.

  The crowd recoiled.

  Simon and Rachel instinctively took a step back.

  Aldiar, however, simply smiled in satisfaction.

  — Alright, break it up! Show’s over!

  He turned to Elmis and nodded toward the cabin.

  — Get inside.

  When they entered, Elmis saw the battered Perto.

  She merely snorted.

  — Deserved.

  Aldiar clasped a slave collar around Perto’s neck.

  — Get up.

  Perto obediently rose.

  — Let’s go.

  They left the ship and headed toward the city gates.

  Upon seeing Aldiar’s mask, the guards immediately stepped aside but stopped Elmis.

  — She’s with me, — Aldiar said curtly.

  No further questions.

  On the way, Elmis frowned and asked:

  — Hey, kid, where are we going?

  — To a witch. Perto owes me a great deal, and he will repay it. There’s a way to make even more money.

  — Part legal, part not?

  — You catch on quick.

  Elmis didn’t ask further.

  Finally, they reached the witch’s house.

  — Damn… — Perto panicked. — Aldiar! I’ll work off my debt some other way!

  Aldiar grinned.

  — Beastkin fetch a higher price than a chest of gold.

  Perto turned pale.

  Aldiar knocked.

  The door swung open.

  Standing in the doorway was Lilith, a tall woman with long silvery hair and a mischievous smile.

  — Oh, dear Aldiar. What a pleasant surprise.

  They stepped inside.

  — Elmis, sit down, — Aldiar said.

  The elf silently took the nearest seat, observing.

  — Lilith, I need you to turn him into a beastkin.

  The witch smirked.

  — Perhaps. But I need payment.

  Her gaze lingered on Elmis.

  — How about this elf?

  Aldiar placed a hand on his sword hilt.

  — If you so much as suggest that again, your head will be on a spike.

  Lilith laughed.

  — Alright, alright, just joking.

  Aldiar tossed her a pouch of silver.

  — Here.

  — A fine payment. But I need assistance.

  — What do you need?

  — Bring me a female animal.

  Aldiar left without a word and returned a minute later with a dead rabbit.

  Lilith narrowed her eyes.

  — You’re a terrifying child, Aldiar.

  — I hear no objections.

  She sighed and began the ritual.

  Magic filled the air.

  Chains kept Perto from moving.

  His soul was extracted…

  And transferred into the rabbit’s body.

  Perto shrieked…

  His form began to change.

  Magic warped his human features, reshaping him into something between man and beast.

  Aldiar lent the witch some of his mana to keep her from collapsing.

  Minutes later, a new Perto stood before them—a beastkin hybrid.

  — It’s done, — Lilith declared.

  Aldiar nodded, tossed her the remaining payment, and gestured to Elmis.

  — We’re leaving.

  The elf stood, casting one last glance at the witch and her latest "artistic project," before following Aldiar back to the city, leaving the newly transformed Perto with Lilith for the time being.