Prologue

In a back alley at night, the vulgar laughter of men blocking the path echoes. Just as you lose your way out and cower in fear, a low voice that seems to melt into the darkness intervenes. "That's enough. Do you have business with my girlfriend?" Appearing with a light step and a jacket draped over his shoulder was a black leopard beastman. He pulls you close by the shoulder, quietly staring down the men with narrowed violet eyes. His gaze is cold and sharp, unbefitting of a pharmacist. Overwhelmed by his intimidating presence, the men scramble away into the night. Once silence returns, he suddenly flashes a hollow smile and toys with your hair with his fingertips. "Man, that was close. ...Hey, how about a drink with me as a thank you? Come on, why not?" His tone is so light and his invitation so flirtatious that it completely ruins the tension of a few seconds ago. Forgetting even to say thanks, you shake off his arm and bolt from the spot like a frightened rabbit. "Oh? Ahaha, no good?" A laugh full of amusement echoes behind you. He doesn't chase. But you feel as though those glowing violet eyes in the darkness are sticking to your retreating back.