Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 105

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 105
Atlant’s massive frame appeared overwhelmingly imposing even when compared to other orcas his age.
Come to think of it, I was standing near the entrance.
It was a path one had to pass through to enter deeper inside.
But.
‘The passage is ridiculously wide… and yet he positions himself right in front of me?’
This was clearly a provocation, no matter how you looked at it.
When I glanced sideways, sure enough.
Agenor’s eyes were gleaming with obsessive intensity. Excessively so.
‘Beat him up! Beat him up!’
…Ah, I could practically hear his inner voice.
Did he forget this was a funeral hall, regardless of any beating?
Earlier, Father and I spoke as if I’d fight those Branch Family members who looked at me with disdain.
But I had no intention of actually fighting.
I know basic courtesy, after all. Of course, I’d fight if necessary.
‘For instance… if that bastard threw the first punch?’
Then even if Grandmother appeared later, I could shift the blame for the chaos by saying he hit me first.
‘If I’d encountered such a gaze in the previous cycle, I would’ve beaten his character to pieces without a second thought about courtesy.’
Was it due to the change in circumstances?
I was more tolerant now than in the third cycle.
I faced Atlant with a blunt stare.
Most importantly, to be honest….
‘This Atlant isn’t necessary for the blueprint I’m currently drawing.’
I feel sorry saying this to Second Brother.
Or rather, is it even something to apologize for?
“Move? Why should I move.”
Ah, of course, responding to provocation is a different matter.
In the previous cycle, I subdued him because it was necessary.
“Did I tell you to kill your temper, or didn’t I, Second Brother.”
I made him my subordinate and even invested in expensive character education.
“Did you rent out this entire path? Everyone else manages to walk just fine—why are you causing a scene alone? If you can’t walk down one wide corridor, crawl instead.”
In this life, I don’t have the time or leisure for that.
Let me think….
“Even sitting still makes my irritation boil over. I just don’t like those guys.”
“Then just punch a rock.”
“Why would I punch a rock?!”
“Or do you want to get hit by me instead?”
“…How many times?”
Come to think of it, we do have such poignant memories.
But I was busy taking care of our Dragon Duke and had to gather the scattered subordinates.
If I’m being honest, this guy is lower priority?
“If your cognitive abilities were lacking, you wouldn’t be here in the first place.”
“….”
Atlant’s eyes grew fiercer.
A face straining to contain rage.
I let out a soft laugh watching Atlant clench his fist.
Come at me.
“By the way, whether you throw it or not is up to you.”
Even if drawing it back is your choice.
“Don’t regret whatever outcome comes the moment you extend it, alright?”
Because the way back will never be yours to control.
The moment fighting spirit ignited, I saw a fist that wildly missed its mark.
‘What?’
He wasn’t trying to hit me.
‘Did he avoid the fight because he was worried the Matriarch might come?’
No, was that guy ever the type to think that far ahead before starting something?
Absolutely not.
But when I turned my head, I only saw Atlant’s retreating back.
He left without fighting.
I felt an odd sensation.
…What the hell was that?
It seemed I wasn’t the only one who found it strange.
“Sister, did I see that right?”
Agenor’s face looked less bewildered and more like he’d just seen a lion.
If you saw someone you ‘absolutely despised’ and then suddenly got hit on the back of your head, would your face look like this?
“I’m watching too. Wait… Atlant, did that guy take medicine? Why isn’t he coming at me?”
“Right… He’s not the type to read the time and situation like that.”
“Noble Lady, are you alright?”
“Yeah. Yes. Of course I’m fine.”
But our conversation couldn’t continue further.
Soon the Matriarch entered.
* * *
Atlant is… like Lü Bu from the Records of the Three Kingdoms.
A great general in the tales, but hot-blooded, incredibly strong yet lacking in adaptability and intellect.
Among the direct line of the Orca Family, he was an older brother whose innate strength and physical abilities ranked among the very highest.
‘His durability is so damn good that I experienced hand pain for the first time hitting someone.’
I clenched and unclenched my fist, staring quietly ahead.
‘Still, Atlant’s attitude bothers me… ‘.
Since I’ve changed major events, my life naturally won’t flow like it did in the third cycle.
But there are certain events that occur regardless of circumstances, and there are things that don’t change like the world’s reference points.
So that was Second Brother’s nature—avoiding conflict?
I wouldn’t have been less surprised if Bellus had declared he’d turned vegetarian.
I lifted my head at the dignified voice reaching my ears.
“What’s occupying your thoughts so deeply?”
“Ah. Something strange happened.”
My Father, sitting beside me, turned to speak, apparently puzzled by my continued distraction.
I answered without looking at him.
“Do you need assistance?”
“No. I’m fine. For now.”
Currently, only three of us sat on the long bench—myself, Father, and Agenor.
On the bench to the left sat Baian’s family.
Lirivel was there as well.
And at the very front, where the coffin rested, stood the Orca Family Matriarch.
Once her words concluded, they would bury the coffin.
‘Yes, let me set aside Atlant’s matter for now.’
I fixed my gaze on the Matriarch.
Aquatic beastfolk had no particular deity they revered.
What they believed in, if anything, was the source of all life itself—the Sea.
Thus, at funerals, they recited funeral rites bearing the Sea’s name.
Just as the Matriarch was doing now.
‘Typically, such ceremonies are held for ordinary deaths—those who fell in duels or similar circumstances.’
I crossed my arms and tapped my index finger against my arm rhythmically.
“…Therefore, we hereby bless the Orca Baian Aquasiadel, who shall rest eternally within the waters.”
As the Matriarch’s words ended, a beastfolk beside her began to sing.
The deep, resonant voice suited the moment perfectly.
‘A Humpback Whale?’
Judging by the spotted pattern visible on their head, it seemed correct.
True to a whale’s nature, whose hobby and specialty was singing, the funeral dirge was hauntingly beautiful.
Once this song ended, the funeral would formally conclude.
The moment the song finished, I raised my hand.
No—I rose from my seat.
“Respected Matriarch.”
The Matriarch slowly turned her head, her expression questioning what I wished to say.
Five years ago, I might have found such an interruption at a solemn ceremony distasteful—though perhaps not during a Family Meeting.
The Matriarch merely raised her eyebrows slightly without uttering a word.
“I have something I wish to say.”
I felt countless gazes converge upon me, but I paid them no mind.
Among those stares were surely the murderous glares of Baian’s faction.
I felt countless gazes directed at me, but I paid them no mind.
Among these gazes, there would certainly be the gaze of the Baiyan faction glaring as if to kill.
“Listen here, Stone. I’m willing to hear what you have to say depending on my mood. But if it’s worthless prattle, you’ll bear the appropriate consequences.”
“Of course, Matriarch. I apologize for this sudden intrusion into such a solemn occasion. But there was something I absolutely needed to tell you.”
The Matriarch let out a soft chuckle at my words.
If I were to point out what had changed from the past, it was that even when she smiled before, her eyes never did.
But now, there was a faint glimmer of genuine amusement in those deep blue eyes.
“It reminds me of five years ago when you first appeared at a Family Meeting, Stone.”
“….”
“As I said, it had better not be nonsense.”
“Of course, Matriarch.”
As if I would ever disappoint you.
If anything, I only grow more favorable in your eyes with each passing day.
Not that I meant it in any sweet romantic sense. The style she preferred was, after all.
A successor with strength and the pursuit of power, one who shared her own way of thinking.
So expect it.
Until I surpass you, I intend to become the successor that matches your taste perfectly.
“Matriarch, I understand that solemn and dignified funerals like today’s are typically held for Orca-kin when they’ve lived out their natural lifespan or met an honorable death. These are the two circumstances I’m aware of.”
I maintained my proper posture as I spoke.
“By honorable death, I understand it to include dying at the hands of enemies while fighting in war, losing and dying in a just and righteous battle, and finally, acknowledging defeat and taking one’s own life. That’s my understanding.”
Baian’s cause of death was suicide.
It’s hushed up, but everyone present here knows this fact.
The rumors have already spread far and wide.
It was likely Lirivel and Matriarch Heila who spread those rumors.
“But if Baian didn’t actually take his own life, wouldn’t the meaning of this funeral lose its luster?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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