Rebirth: Beasts Bound

"Leave here... you are in danger... if you don’t..." I paused and turned the paper over, but there was no written text on the back. I sighed and stared at the whistle, then placed it into my dress pocket, thinking it could come in handy.

"But who would leave such an ominous message here, and was it for me?" I muttered, clearly stunned. I was really surprised I could actually read the ancient ocean language.

"It’s because it came with the reward package you won," Orange’s voice echoed, and I nodded. Although she didn’t appear physically, I could hear her clearly.

"Why can’t I see you?" I asked, waiting for a response.

"I don’t want to show up and pause things, Raven. Your beastmen are treating me super well. You should see the food they brought. Unlike the slop you left in my bowl," she whined, and I rolled my eyes.

"Yet you ate it," I said, and she chuckled.

"Because I couldn’t refuse," she said before I could ask what she meant. Her voice disappeared instantly, and I sighed, gently massaging my head.

The festival was obviously at night, so I should probably attend in a proper outfit, I thought—and then—

Ding!

[Nancy56 gifted you: one hour shopping spree.] 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Seeing the hologram, I couldn’t help but smile.

Oh my, readers, you’re spoiling me rotten. Sending such gifts is bound to make me happy. I’m glad to have you guys, to be honest. The panel lit up and came into view, and I couldn’t hide my happiness. It was a catalogue filled with mainly floral, mermaid-style clothes of different colors.

I swiped my hands through the air till I found one, and I hit "try." It was an amazingly detailed coral dress with beautiful patterns. I really liked it. I had four picks left and was still contemplating what exactly to choose...

The panel shifted again, and four dresses floated into view.

My eyes widened slightly.

They were all floral designs, but each one felt like it belonged to a completely different world.

The first dress shimmered in deep crimson red, like crushed rose petals soaked in moonlight. The fabric looked soft yet dangerous, layered with flowing silk petals that cascaded down like blooming fire. Tiny glowing coral flowers were stitched along the waistline, pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. It felt bold... powerful... almost like it would refuse to let the wearer go unnoticed.

The second one glowed in a warm sunset orange, like coral reefs kissed by late afternoon light. It had delicate translucent sleeves that floated like water currents, and the skirt looked like layered sea blossoms, shifting gently as if it were alive. Small golden floral patterns drifted across the fabric, giving it a playful yet royal ocean feel.

The third dress was a soft baby pink, so light it looked like sea foam turning into petals. It was the most gentle of them all, covered in tiny embroidered flowers that seemed to float rather than sit on the fabric. The neckline was shaped like blooming petals, and the entire dress gave off an innocent, dreamy feeling, like something a mermaid princess would wear while dancing under glowing tides.

The last one was a calm baby blue, like the deep ocean meeting the sky. It shimmered with silver-threaded floral vines that wrapped around the dress like underwater plants swaying in currents. The skirt flowed endlessly, fading slightly at the edges like mist dissolving into water. It felt elegant... quiet... but powerful in a very controlled way.

I stared at all four of them, my lips parting slightly.

They were all soo beautiful... soo unique, either fire, soft, calm, or flashy.

And somehow... they all felt like they were pulling me in different directions at once.

My fingers hovered in the air again, unsure. "I really can’t decide..." I muttered under my breath, still staring at them like they were about to choose me instead.

Just then—

[Host, you can use visuals to actually see which one suits you best. You aren’t wrong, but you’ll see how they look on you.]

Staring at the system’s message, I agreed, and after testing it, I finally chose the baby blue. I let my blonde hair fall to my waist and gently added a pair of nice stiletto heels.

Just then, Thyrian opened the door and walked toward me. His eyes fixed on mine, and he smiled.

"You look beautiful, Raven," he said, and I blushed subtly as he pulled me into a hug.

After what felt like forever, we finally left the room. I could already hear the trumpet being blown and the chatter of the commoners outside.

I engrossed myself in the surroundings;

The festival hall was decorated in breathtaking ocean grandeur. Pearls hung from floating coral arches, shimmering softly under bioluminescent lanterns that drifted like glowing jellyfish. Seashells lined the marble pathways, forming intricate patterns that reflected the shifting blue light of the water. The ceiling looked like a moving ocean sky, with enchanted currents flowing gently above. Tables were filled with ocean delicacies, sparkling fruits, and crystal-like desserts arranged like treasures. Music echoed through the hall, blending with soft water currents, creating a graceful, dreamlike atmosphere.

"Mum, it’s the goddess!" a kid yelled, pointing at a statue of a female mermaid whose eyes looked so bright as she held a trident. I froze slightly as I felt gazes land on me... everyone staring at my legs.

"She’s the one!"

"Are those legs?"

Those who had seen me earlier when I arrived whispered again, and those who hadn’t all talked, but they greeted respectfully as I passed by and bowed.

Thyrian didn’t even need to announce anything. Instead, I walked toward the king’s table on the stage.

"We are all gathered to celebrate the night festival. The day the sea was born and the eternal darkness no longer plagues the ocean. Please enjoy, eat good food, give offerings, and pray to the goddess," the king said, and the crowd cheered.

"Please, ladies, don’t forget to line up at the registry on the left," the queen finally spoke. She was calm, confident, and gentle with her words. Was this the woman Thyrian said never protected him but only his brother? She was really gentle—but I know better. Especially having lived my whole life with one and eventually dying because of her, I knew people hide behind their carefully crafted masks.

The loudest could be the most gentle, and the gentle could be the deadliest. Life had taught me that.

The queen seemed to notice my gaze, and her eyes turned towards me. She flashed a warm smile, but it felt cold underneath.

"Should I go register?" I asked, but Thyrian shook his head.

"You don’t need to. You are already my royal beast wife," he said proudly, and I smiled.

Hopefully, everything goes well.