Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 149

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

Chapter 149
Before Assel could respond, the Dragon Duke suppressed a heavy sigh.
In truth, as the Dragon Duke, I found this journey to the City of Dragons utterly distasteful.
And for good reason—within the Black Panther household, there existed a fragile, impossibly delicate presence that required protection.
But…
“If not you, then who will stop the Dragon Duke’s abnormal symptoms?”
As an ally, I could not defy the Imperial command.
And so, reluctantly, I had departed alongside them.
‘Lili.’
My daughter had vanished without a trace.
Currently, all three Black Panther brothers and the Knights I’d brought were desperately searching for her.
‘I cannot seek help from anyone.’
If the child’s ‘special ability’ became known, the entire world would covet her…
There were far too many greedy people in this world.
Moreover, in this Empire, the greediest of all sat upon the throne.
‘Especially—the Imperial family must never learn of this.’
Assel gazed intently at the anguished Dragon Duke.
“We return. Do not relax your vigilance for even a moment during the search.”
“Yes, sir.”
Assel turned to follow his father, then paused, glancing toward one direction.
“…
The direction Calypso had disappeared.
* * *
“Ah, how refreshing.”
I sprawled across the sofa, rolling about lazily. Do you remember what happened when we arrived last time?
The Castle’s head Retainer turned pale the moment he spotted us, then hastily provided an excellent room.
It was far better than where we’d stayed before, so he must have taken great care.
“Father, this room is quite nice, isn’t it?”
“Do you like it?”
“It’s acceptable.”
“Then I’ll have one built in the Manor as well.”
“No, Father. You don’t need to build an even larger room in your Manor.”
It was no longer the time to add more to Father’s fortress-like Manor.
“We must seize it now, Father. The Castle’s largest chamber.”
The largest chamber—that room belongs to the Castle’s master.
“A fitting sentiment.”
“Right? I only speak what’s right, don’t I?”
As if I only spoke what was right.
“I will gain the power to make my words become truth.”
Reaffirming my resolve, I rose from my seat.
“We’ve arrived at the City of Dragons without incident. So what’s the plan now?”
I answered straightforwardly.
“We make a spectacle of things. Besides, the Dragon Duke will never show himself. How could he?”
“The Black Panther is playing master in his stead.”
“Exactly.”
Whether Tus’s impersonation of the Dragon Duke had been discovered remained unknown.
But regardless, no guest who came to visit could lay eyes on the Dragon Duke’s face.
They still monopolized him completely.
“What’s your specific plan for making this spectacle?”
Instead of nodding and answering, I asked first.
“Father, how much do you know about the City of Dragons?”
“…Only what most people know.”
“The most famous thing in this City of Dragons is undoubtedly the Dragon’s Festival.”
The festival we had attended.
“So you’re talking about that festival I never got to see.”
Father had struck a sore spot, but I brushed past it without hesitation.
I could always enjoy myself after becoming the Matriarch… or could I?
Well, it doesn’t matter.
Since my last visit to the City of Dragons, I’ve combed through every scrap of information about this place.
On top of that, I didn’t hesitate to trace through my previous loop and the original work.
“This city has quite an interesting tradition.”
The City of Dragons is composed of countless territorial subjects who revere and respect dragons.
And in this city where transit trade flourishes, there are many merchants who pocket profits.
And finally…
“The strongest existence on earth and the one and only dragon-human.”
“…”
“The name ‘dragon’ has apparently set the blood of beasts boiling since ancient times. That’s why there’s a massive arena here.”
“You mean the Peseum.”
Did the author draw inspiration from the Colosseum?
There’s a colossal structure here that resembles that arena.
Long ago, gladiator duels and performances were apparently held there.
But in the present day, it had become more of a historical ruin.
Though it was remarkably well-preserved for such a place.
“Father, with the Black Panther here, aren’t there other comparable land beasts around?”
“Are you referring to the various land beasts that gathered at the Dragon’s Festival?”
“Yes.”
But it’s not festival time now. I focused on something else.
If we were to surveil the Dragon Duke, could a mere handful of beast clans really monitor this massive castle?
‘Even if they confined him to some dilapidated building and kept watch.’
The opponent was a dragon, after all.
They weren’t careless either, so when I took Ekion away, they must have stationed someone as formidable as a Hyena as a mere sentry.
“So you’re saying that even if secrets about the Dragon Duke are still kept, incompetent fools are being mobilized to maintain the surveillance system?”
“Yes. Father, didn’t you feel it? This Castle’s defenses are far more stringent than five years ago.”
I felt it the moment I arrived.
‘A sense of incongruity.’
It wasn’t simply because the Dragon Duke was receiving us.
Troops are positioned throughout this Castle. To protect someone?
No.
‘Or perhaps to prevent someone from escaping.’
Or perhaps… they’re guarding a secret that mustn’t leak out.
“Tus has no reason to suddenly flee.”
Beyond our agreement, since he’s taking Ekion’s place, he wouldn’t even entertain the thought of leaving.
“Then there’s only one possibility to consider.”
Something has gone wrong with Tus’s condition.
“You said the Dragon Duke still doesn’t appear at public events because he’s supposedly ill, right?”
“And didn’t you say he’s temporarily relinquished his position as master?”
After much deliberation, I reached a conclusion.
“Perhaps Tus really is ill, Father.”
“….”
“Or perhaps they’ve tormented him to the point of sickness.”
“Will you go find him?”
Father’s quiet question fueled my conflict, but I shook my head.
My heart wanted to rush there immediately.
‘The security is far more stringent than five years ago.’
A hasty visit would ruin everything.
“If we fail even once, their vigilance will only intensify. That’s not all—the next attempt will be even harder. We must be cautious.”
The Empire’s capital or the imperial palace might have been more advantageous for me.
I’ve already conquered that place before.
But this place isn’t familiar territory for us.
‘Instead, it’s familiar to our enemies.’
We only need one opportunity.
The chance to rescue Tus.
I desperately wanted to reunite the master and servant who had been apart for so long.
When we return, I’ll be carrying materials piled high in my arms…
“And wrapped around my wrist will be an adorable little snake.”
“…Your tastes are quite unique.”
“Would I say that if I didn’t really want to wrap it around? More than that, Father, there’s something I want to ask you.”
“Say whatever you wish.”
“That’s reassuring.”
Then I shouldn’t hold back and should speak.
“Father, what if, say…”
My voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
‘What would be a good example…’
I scanned the room with my eyes and soon found an appropriate illustration.
“Father, you could destroy this Castle, right?”
“…So drawing attention in such a flashy manner—did that come from causing a ruckus?”
I let out a soft laugh.
“Father, a small disturbance is called a ruckus, but…”
“…”
“Once it reaches a certain scale, it’s no longer called a ruckus.”
I spoke while smiling.
“It’s called an ‘incident.'”
Father’s expression turned intrigued.
“So, Father. How much of this Castle could you destroy?”
I asked, subtly recalling my prime self.
“It would be faster if I just told you which buildings you don’t need to destroy.”
Along with his confident voice, I felt the surging power of water ready to explode at any moment, and I flinched slightly.
“Wait, wait. I’m not asking you to destroy the Castle right now!”
“I could destroy it all.”
“I know. Honestly, saying you’d destroy it all sounds like saying you’d pluck the stars from the sky.”
“If you don’t believe me, would it be easier if I showed you directly?”
“…You’re joking.”
Like the Orca Family Matriarch’s son, Father had a bit of that impulsive temperament too, didn’t he?
Soon I laughed like a mischievous child.
“No, it’s not this Building that Father should destroy.”
* * *
BOOM!
With a tremendous sound that shook the very earth, cracks spread across the ground like a spider’s web.
On the trembling earth, the beastfolk barely maintained their balance or screamed. Some had even collapsed.
Calypso watched this entire spectacle unfold and murmured.
“Tch, good, very good. I should have been the one playing that role.”

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