The Strongest Guild Kidnapped Me

Chapter 164

Beastfolk experiencing their instincts for the first time often found them uncontrollable.

It left them vulnerable to impulsive and violent tendencies, requiring the support of a trusted guardian.

Usually, a parent guided children through this phase.

But as an orphan, Gyeoul relied on Sophia to step into that parental role.

For Sophia, who saw Gyeoul as a daughter, the choice was natural.

"Hmm..."

Sophia observed Gyeoul, now under the influence of her instincts.

Her lips were slightly pursed, and her typically gentle eyes had a subtle sharpness.

*She looks upset,* Sophia thought, smiling faintly.

The dangerous traits usually associated with beastfolk instincts were absent.

"Gyeoul, you can have chocolate after dinner."

"Why?"

"Because if you snack now, you won’t want to eat your meal."

Clearly frustrated, Gyeoul clenched her fists.

"Fine. But you *have* to give me chocolate after dinner."

"...Alright."

With heavy steps, Gyeoul stomped to the sofa and plopped down.

Her usual light-footed movements were replaced by thudding stomps.

Her small face was scrunched into a pout, an expression more typical of children.

But Sophia couldn’t help but notice how calm Gyeoul’s instincts seemed compared to others.

There was no destructive behavior, no animalistic growling.

Even Sophia, during her first experience with instincts, had left bite marks on her father’s arm.

But Gyeoul simply sat quietly, sulking.

*It feels like something’s missing,* Sophia thought wistfully.

She remembered her father stroking her head and reassuring her even after she hurt him.

Sophia had hoped to create a similar memory with Gyeoul, but it seemed unlikely.

"...Gyeoul, are you feeling okay?"

"Yes! I’m perfectly fine!"

Her voice was unusually loud, brimming with energy.

The frustration over not getting chocolate was evident.

Sophia was amazed. For a first encounter with instincts, Gyeoul was remarkably composed.

"I’ll give you chocolate after dinner, so don’t be upset."

Sophia sat beside Gyeoul and gently patted her head.

"Hmph!"

Gyeoul turned her head sharply, signaling her annoyance.

It was rude, but Sophia didn’t scold her.

This was a time to build positive associations, ensuring Gyeoul wouldn’t fear her instincts in the future.

"You must really like chocolate. I’ll make sure to buy you plenty later, so cheer up."

Sophia’s soothing touch caused Gyeoul’s tail to wag involuntarily.

Startled, Gyeoul quickly grabbed her tail, trying to stop it.

*How adorable,* Sophia thought, watching her with a soft smile.

Even in this state, Gyeoul’s actions were endearing.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening interrupted the moment.

"Mmphmmph!"

Levinas waddled into the room, carrying an *Animal King* card pack in her mouth.

In her hands, she held Saebyeok and Hanyeoreum.

Levinas must’ve been so excited about her cards that she carried them with her mouth.

Sophia didn’t need an explanation to understand.

"Spit it out," Sophia said gently.

"Bleh."

Levinas deposited the cards into Sophia’s hand and immediately darted over to Gyeoul.

"Your Majesty! Let’s play!"

Levinas clambered onto Gyeoul’s lap, wagging her tail so energetically that Gyeoul’s tail started wagging too.

"No."

"W-what?"

"I don’t want to play with you, Levinas."

"...!"

Levinas’s face turned pale.

Midsummer, visibly startled, looked to Sophia for an explanation.

"She’s experiencing her instincts. I activated them for her."

"Oh... so Gyeoul’s wild now?"

"Your Majesty was nice to us," Levinas added, shrugging.

"That... can’t be right."

Still frazzled, Gyeoul scanned the room for confirmation.

"Ahaha," Midsummer laughed softly from the table.

Even Sophia chuckled, her shoulders shaking silently.

"I-I’m so sorry," Gyeoul stammered, tears welling up.

More than embarrassment, guilt overwhelmed her.

Sophia stepped in, placing a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Gyeoul, this is a normal part of being beastfolk. There’s nothing to be ashamed of."

"Did this happen to you too, Sophia?"

Sophia nodded, her expression softening.

"It was much worse for me. I hurt my family, but they never blamed me. It’s just something we go through."

"I see..."

Though the reassurance helped, Gyeoul still felt uneasy.

With a long sigh, she leaned back into the couch.

"Will this happen again?"

Sophia tilted her head thoughtfully.

"The second time is easier to control, but..."

"But?"

"If it doesn’t happen at all, would you really call it instinct?"

"Oh..."

So that’s what it was.

The wildness she’d experienced was something she would live with forever.

It wasn’t comforting, but it was at least clearer now.

---

"Ugh."

Later that evening, Gyeoul stood before a full-length mirror in the corner of the living room.

Her reflection was as small and unassuming as ever.

How could such a tiny body have caused so much chaos?

Her ears and tail drooped at the thought.

*...Well, I can grow stronger,* she resolved silently.

But why wasn’t she growing taller?

She hadn’t gained even a single centimeter since her body changed.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing?"

Levinas trotted over, nibbling on a carrot.

"Thinking about how to grow taller. Do you know any tips?"

Levinas swallowed his bite and declared confidently, "Wait here! I’ll find out!"

The little rabbit scurried into the kitchen, clutching her half-eaten carrot.

Tugging on Midsummer’s sleeve, she asked, "Do you know how to grow taller?"

Midsummer blinked. "Getting taller? Hmm... try sleeping early and exercising regularly."

"Exercise! Got it!"

Levinas raced back, bursting into the room.

"Your Majesty! If you stretch a lot, you’ll grow tall!"

"Stretch?"

Gyeoul tilted her head, confused by Levinas’s mispronunciation.

"Yeah, like this!"

"...How is that supposed to work?"

"Don’t ask me! Midsummer said so!"

"...I see."

Was it a joke? Or was it another strange custom of this world?

Still uncertain, Gyeoul glanced at Sophia for confirmation.

"There’s some truth to it," Sophia said with a knowing smile.

"Really? I’ve never heard that before."

"You’re still learning," Sophia teased gently.

Gyeoul sighed, unsure what to believe.

Even so, the possibility was tempting enough to try.

"...Alright. Let’s give it a shot."