@Koslun
That, or he's setting up to let them weaken and/or distract the boss so he can swoop in after. I'm still waiting for that female warrior to finally leave that thug of a hero and go with Magus.
@Blackcanvas
It's easier to make hands from paws than hooves. Also ears and manes are easier to go back and forth with than antlers, horns and shells. That would be my guess.
That being said, you're not wrong.
Am I the only one that gets a bit of a Magus Bride vibe from this story? They are not the same, but Monster Duchess kinda has that come back from despair stronger and finding reason to live theme that Magus Bride has.