Return to the village

For now I needed to go back to village for the time being. Almost certainly the rest of the knights would be here soon. I got up from the ground and immediately noticed the differences in height of Grace. Grace was definitely shorter than me by about 8 centimeters. In addition Grace’s center of gravity was different than my own making walking a bit challenging even after pulling out the dart sticking in her leg. Grace’s large breasts certainly weren’t very convenient and heavy. I could feel the weight pulling down on my shoulders even with Grace’s bra. After saying some final goodbyes to my old body, I picked up the grimoire and headed for the exit.

Along the way I got more and more used to walking as Grace, her large breasts seemingly bounced a little with each step, I wasn’t able to quite mimic her way of walking as I’d need to gain her memories and abilities first to do that. When I neared the entrance I noticed a bag by the front. It had Grace’s family crest on it so I knew it had to be hers. I put the grimoire inside and sling it on my shoulders before I began to descend from the mountain.

As I traveled for hours back down the mountain and to the village I didn’t encounter a single other knight along the way! I was confused. Grace said other knights would be coming? Was she bluffing? If so I was certainly happy then as no one could question what ever story I concocted.

Upon reaching the village it was as if everyone had vanished. The streets were empty. I headed towards the center of town and saw a crowd of people. The entire village was gathered in one place surrounding the town mayor! I approached the crowd to see what was happening but was stopped before I could get closer.

“Grace!” A familiar voice called to me.

I turned and looked to see it was Nina! Her beautiful green eyes were looking at me for the first time with our a look of pity. Her long brown hair and beautiful face were for once looking upon me without looking as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to call the knights to arrest me. Instead she looked upon me with a smile.

“What’s going on Nina?” I asked.

“I don’t know. A messenger arrived from the local lord down the mountain.” Nina explained. “The mayor ordered everyone to come to the village square so he could announce something.”

“I see.” I looked into the crowd.

The Mayor then appeared. The door to the village’s knight’s headquarters opened and Mayor Hera stepped out. Her long black hair and serious demeanor were the most notable feature of the mayor of Lustion. Hera was formerly a famous knight, after a leg injury left her unable to ride a horse she was given charge of this village upon her request as mayor.

“Many of you may have heard the recent rumor of the ongoing turmoil occurring in our nation, the Sanea Empire.” Hera announced. “Unfortunately those rumors are true. The Sanea Empire has officially been dissolved and the government has collapsed.”

The village was shocked and left aghast. People started chatting loudly and others too shocked to comment.

“What does that mean for us?” Someone asked.

“As a unincorporated village, it means our village is officially on its own.” Hera answered sternly. “We will try to make contact with the nearby Duchy of Rega to the South and try to establish some relations. In the meantime everyone go about their lives as normal. We were a remote enough village to begin with so try to continue your lives as normal.”

The village meeting was ended and everyone dispersed. Trying to blend in with the crowd I followed the other knights into knights headquarters. Most of the other villagers were left largely besides themselves and unsure of the future to come. As I stepped inside the headquarters the Mayor turned to me.

“Miss Grace.” Hera addressed me.

“Yes Miss Hera?” I said in response.

“Were you able to find Eric? I know you left on your own trying to find him and stop him from doing something rash.” Hera asked concerned.

“Yes I found him. He unfortunately was killed by a trap in one of the dungeons.” I said both telling the truth and not.

“I see.” Hera said nonchalantly. “Well that’s one less mouth for us to feed. Not like a thief like him would be of use anyway. You can take the rest of the day off and go home for now.”

“Yes Miss Hera.” I said before turning around and leaving.

I made my way to the edge of the village where Grace lived. Walking through the village various people greeted me and said good afternoon to me which I then returned their greetings just like Grace would by giving a smile and greeting them back. Everyone was friendly to me for the first time. I had never been treated so well in my life. All he villagers who looked down on me were now greeting me like I was some kind of Angel. They had no idea Grace was gone and replaced by Me and that I held a massive grudge against the villagers.

Finally arriving at Grace’s house on the outskirts of the village, I opened her door and stepped in before immediately closing the door and locking it behind me. Grace lived alone in her little cottage, her family lived on the other side of the village.