Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 133
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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 133
“Noble Lady.”
Levai, who had been listening quietly to my words, raised his hand slightly.
He naturally tucked Whale behind him as he spoke.
“If I may be so bold, might I ask one thing before we discuss that matter?”
“By all means.”
His manner was polite, yet somehow carried an edge to it.
“You said you would take responsibility for us.”
“I did.”
“Then why did you make that promise and abandon us?”
Abandon? I blinked. My head tilted involuntarily.
“Abandon? What are you talking about—did Illia abuse you?”
“…No, she did not.”
“Did she starve you?”
“That either.”
“Then you’ve been eating well and sleeping well? The reason you’ve been fine is because Illia is someone loyal to me. Where in any of this is there room to speak of abandonment?”
“…”
Levai’s eyes met mine in the empty air between us.
I glanced at Illia, and she merely returned a slightly troubled gaze.
“For what it’s worth, I’m not interrogating you. I simply thought you were someone capable of understanding this much, so I’m wondering why you’re being so difficult.”
As I softened my tone, Levai flinched.
Truth be told, I hadn’t wanted to seek him out either.
“I told you I’ve been receiving an annoyingly amount of attention lately, and as someone at the Educational Institution, you would have understood the atmosphere well enough, wouldn’t you?”
Levai let out a small sigh.
“Yes. Since I seem to have no talent for speaking in roundabout ways, I’ll simply be honest. Whale has been waiting for you.”
Whale? I was puzzled. And for good reason—he was glaring at me from behind Levai with burning eyes right now.
“Is he the type who shows affection by glaring like that?”
“Because he believes you didn’t keep your promise.”
“Is that so? How admirable. Those who break promises deserve to be punished.”
“…That would be you.”
I shrugged my shoulders. Then I fixed my gaze on Whale.
“Whale. The more I see you, the simpler you seem—you remind me of a friend of mine who lives here. Will you get along well with my friend?”
“A friend, you say… Do you mean the Noble Lady’s friend who lives here, as mentioned by Illia?”
“Yes.”
This was after Illia had conveyed the basic rules and such from when I came to live in this place.
“She doesn’t particularly like the basement, so she’s not here. I’ll introduce you to her a bit later.”
In fact, Ekion is not present at this gathering.
Ekion was the type who would cling to my side like gum whenever I came to Father’s quarters, but there was one exception.
‘He always avoided the underground space.’
When he first tried to enter the underground space, he came with a pale face and was reluctant to go.
Years have passed since then, and while it’s not quite as severe anymore, he still refuses to enter the basement.
When I ask what happened, he gives me no answer.
Ekion usually answers my questions eagerly, so this is unusual.
It’s just my guess, but I suspect he has bad memories related to the basement and simply doesn’t want to talk about it.
‘A child and a basement—what else could it be?’
Anger flooded across my face.
‘Usually it’s abuse.’
Abuse that happens in dark places, just like what I suffered at the hands of the pufferfish hybrid.
In any case, for these reasons, Ekion was not present here.
“You heard that you’ll be living here from now on, right?”
“…Yes.”
Whale hesitated before adding something.
“…sir.”
It seemed he must have received some education during the month I hadn’t seen him.
I let out a small laugh.
“If it’s hard, you don’t need to speak so formally.”
“Are you certain about that?”
It was Levai who answered, not Whale. I nodded lightly.
“Once his special ability becomes known, he’ll receive treatment befitting that ability.”
“….”
“And even if he doesn’t have one, I intend to make it so.”
I’m different from the Sharks who planned to exploit him. Perhaps understanding the meaning behind my words, Levai’s expression softened slightly.
Levai’s face became a bit more at ease.
He’s completely in guardian mode.
‘Come to think of it, the position of raising a child is similar between me and Levai right now.’
I patted Levai’s shoulder and looked between the two boys.
“Now that’s settled, shall we get to the main topic?”
Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for this day?
Shortly after, Father, who had been directing three people, came over here.
“Greetings. It’s an honor to meet you, Pierre.”
Illia bowed respectfully, and Father gave a barely perceptible nod.
“Hmm, did only you come? Where are the others?”
“They’ll come once they finish their rounds.”
“Oh, that brings back memories.”
I gazed at three orcas standing side by side in one corner of the underground space, boulders balanced on their shoulders.
I quickly turned my gaze away.
“Father, I mentioned this before—soon you’ll be living a cleaner life, no longer as a training instructor.”
I had already given Father a brief explanation about Whale and Levai living here.
At that time, rather than explaining Whale’s ability in detail, I had only mentioned it was a gift-like ability.
“A cleaner life—what will you be doing in this new life?”
“A training instructor.”
“….”
“A refreshingly competent training instructor.”
“…What’s the difference?”
“Obviously, I was joking.”
I chuckled to myself.
“Whale here possesses a ‘healing’ ability. He’s so remarkably talented that he’s been called a living cure. He can heal any illness or wound.”
At the word “illness,” Father seemed equally unprepared, his expression shifting to one of surprise.
As if he hadn’t considered it at all.
“I found him with considerable difficulty.”
Yes, it was indeed difficult to find. After all, this information only became available after a full cycle had passed.
“He can cure your illness.”
“…Is that so.”
Father’s expression was neither joyful nor sorrowful, nor angry.
All emotions seemed intermingled as he gave a brief nod with a peculiar expression.
“For now, it’s not an immediate cure, but um, Whale, Father’s hand….”
I turned toward Whale and was slightly startled.
“Whale?”
Whale flinched while hiding behind Levai. Despite being a young boy, he was so large that he couldn’t actually hide.
He resembled a massive whale that had stuck only its head into a hole, thinking it was concealed.
I gestured to Levai with my eyes.
Why is he like that? Levai, receiving my glance, asked Whale.
“Whale, what’s wrong?”
“…I’m, I’m scared. Brother.”
Ah. I recalled Whale’s other ability.
‘Does Father not appear as a good person in Whale’s eyes?’
Given that attitude, it seemed quite likely, so I quickly tried to calm the boy.
“It’s okay, my Father is kind… kind….”
Goodness, the words wouldn’t come out.
“Well, he’s not exactly a good person, but he’ll probably be kind to his own side! Maybe?”
Though we’re getting along now, I can’t exactly call a father who abandoned his child once a good person. I do have some conscience, after all.
Even if it’s smaller than a goldfish’s droppings.
“Right, Father?”
“If you’re on my side.”
“Well, let me correct that. If you’re on my side, he’ll act kindly.”
“….”
For a moment, I felt like a trainer holding the leash of a wild beast.
Only after I repeated similar words several times did Whale finally wear a reassured expression.
Even so, with a stubborn face and suspicious eyes, he finally grasped Father’s hand.
At this moment.
At some point, Atlant, Lirivel, and Agenor—who had been rolling around at the far end—approached and joined in as well.
“Who is this person holding Pierre’s hand?”
“A new recruit who just arrived. Well, a newbie.”
“Then they’re under me?”
Lirivel was the first to speak. Surprisingly, it was Agenor who answered readily.
Then Agenor spoke with an arrogant gaze.
“Ahem. If we’re going by order, both Lirivel and Atlant are under me, right?”
“What nonsense.”
…Why are my children so sensitive about hierarchy? I clicked my tongue in disapproval.
“Perfect timing. Before we assess abilities, I should introduce everyone first. Over here is Whale—big and handsome. Over there is Levai—wears glasses and is reasonably good-looking. That’s all.”
I gestured toward Levai and Whale as I spoke.
“And these three orcas are my subordinates. You don’t need me to tell you who they are, right?”
“…Is that really all the introduction?”
“What else do you need? Your very existence is proof enough.”
At that, Atlant let out a small cough and showed obvious delight.
Lirivel clicked his tongue at the sight.
“…How simple.”
“What?”
It seemed like another argument was about to break out, but I didn’t let the two of them fight.
“My forces will continue to grow from now on. You all know my goal, don’t you?”
“….”
“And everyone here will become the core of my power.”
The moment my serious words ended, Levai’s hand shot up.
“Wait a moment. I never said I would follow you….”
“You won’t?”
“Pardon?”
“You can start following me from now on.”
“Pardon??”
“Follow me.”
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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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