Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 154

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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 154
The orcas’ command over water proved far more conducive to surveillance than the black panthers’ mastery of earth.
If Assel’s plan unfolded as intended, I would gain truly capable sentries.
He was performing that madness in the plaza for his daughter’s sake—what would happen if I held that daughter in my grasp was painfully obvious.
‘This is precisely why one must never reveal their weaknesses.’
Could we aquatic beastkin never escape our limitations?
Like all terrestrial beastkin, the black panther clan clung to their sense of superiority over aquatic beastkin.
“Very well. Then I shall handle Peseum myself. Since a fight is inevitable anyway, I’ll simply make it chaotic. It’s been far too long since I’ve stretched these muscles.”
“You intend to intervene personally, my lord?”
“If necessary.”
In the shadowed office, the Dragon Duke ground his teeth as if barely restraining himself.
“If we settle this quickly, we can focus more on finding Lili!”
Assel lowered his gaze quietly.
The black panthers faced many pressing matters, and they had yet to address the most critical one.
“Palaya—what exactly did that bastard do…!”
The Duke’s face was utterly savage.
Even if the Dragon Duke’s own sons had gone missing or been found wounded, he likely wouldn’t have raged with such intensity.
Yet since Lili’s disappearance, the Dragon Duke’s fury had been relentless, so Assel remained silent.
“Enough. You must proceed flawlessly with what you’ve proposed.”
“Of course, my lord.”
The Dragon Duke leaned back in his chair.
The Dragon’s Bride was admittedly a young girl, despite her defiance.
Subduing her would hardly prove difficult.
Especially not for his eldest son, who had inherited all the black panther’s strength.
* * *
“Oh, Peseum has opened?”
“Yes, the black panther faction established the rules for Peseum and distributed them throughout the market.”
“…It appears Peseum has already opened and drawn quite the crowd.”
Indeed, there was no better way to bury one scandal than to create a bigger one.
Since ancient times, sports had been entertainment for the masses, and this wasn’t mere sport—it was combat.
For beastkin still possessed of their animal instincts, adrenaline was inevitable.
“At this pace, the market will empty in no time.”
Levai and Drex, a bear beastkin, explained the atmosphere outside in turn.
It felt like hosting the World Cup, if I were to compare it to Korea. Though I couldn’t be certain, having not ventured out since that first time with Levai.
“In any case, it seems successful.”
Thanks to this, I regretted not having seen Father in quite some time.
“Yes, the challengers have been arranged in tournament format, so Pierre won’t face numerous challengers in a single day like he did on the first day.”
“So you’re drawing out the time?”
“Yes.”
Levai nodded.
Peseum opened according to plan.
And Father ended up facing the beasts there.
I heard that starting tomorrow, crowds would likely pour in more earnestly.
“But why are they trying to drag out time on their end?”
I pondered with my chin in my hand.
Movement had improved, but something felt off.
“Levai, Drex. You both saw Father fighting in the plaza, right? How strong are his opponents?”
“Though I cannot fight myself, I do pride myself on my eye for combat, but to speak honestly.”
“They are small fry….”
Levai nodded at Drex’s words as well, in agreement.
“Right, but no matter how small the fry are, large numbers become a nuisance. Wasting stamina and all that.”
That he is Pierre Aquasiadel—I have no doubt of his victory.
Yet the incurable disease that has forced Father to sit huddled in the western corner.
That illness weighs on my mind.
“There is also the possibility it could be a bluff.”
“Fine, time is equally tight for both sides anyway.”
“We have already filled eighty percent of our material target thanks to smooth progress.”
Levai and Drex exchanged nods.
“Just one more day should suffice.”
“Got it.”
The materials side is nearly market research. Since countless materials gather in the Dragon’s city, I should be able to trace their origins.
“Two years. Two years, Levai.”
“…I am aware.”
Levai nodded despite his reluctant expression.
“Though it may be presumptuous to say, Noble Lady…. No, never mind.”
“What is it?”
“It is merely a rather impertinent observation, but it seems you understand exactly how far to push a person to discover their limits.”
Oh, look at that. Am I showing off how I manipulate people?
Instead of bristling, I laughed.
“When you care about someone that much, you see them clearly.”
“Even someone you have not known long?”
“Does the time matter? It is the quality of that time that counts.”
“….”
“What is that expression?”
“…From what I hear, Noble Lady, there would be no one of the opposite sex you could not seduce. I might even forget your age.”
“Are you really saying I seem like an old soul?”
“When did I ever say such a thing!”
Levai, looking wronged, seemed about to say something more as his lips trembled, but I raised my hand to stop him.
Enough with the tangent. I waved my hand dismissively.
“Since just one more day will do, that is fortunate. Then finish that quickly and move on to the next task.”
“What matter are you referring to?”
I held up two fingers.
Currently, Atlant was secretly prowling around this castle to map out its geography.
I was receiving help from Ekion as well, but unfortunately, the years he’d spent confined had been too long to be of much use.
“Levai, once Atlant returns, discuss the entrance routes and escape paths with him.”
“Is the Noble Lady not here?”
“Right. Why?”
“Atlant is far too loud.”
“Ah, so he’ll keep quiet if I’m around?”
I chuckled softly.
“No good, I’m busy. If Atlant complains more than necessary, just say I ordered it.”
“Understood.”
Levai didn’t seem to have high expectations either, so he said nothing more.
“Drex, your detection abilities seem quite impressive. Can you fight?”
“…I wouldn’t say I’m incapable.”
I whistled sharply.
I always liked those confident in combat.
“Good then. I need you to bring me one person.”
“Who should I bring?”
“Palaya Panterion.”
“…”
Both Drex, whose eyes were half-closed as if drowsy, and Levai, who stood beside him, looked slightly startled.
“Isn’t he the Second Son of the Panterion family?”
“Well, how did you know that?”
“Isn’t that basic information?”
True to form for our strategist, he’d done his homework. I smiled knowingly.
“Right, exactly. Drex, find him and deliver my message.”
“…Yes.”
I left a message with Drex. The moment my words finished, Levai raised his hand slightly.
“Why are you trying to meet Palaya Panterion?”
“Do you think all those black panthers are purebloods?”
“Pardon?”
“Ah, aquatic beastkin don’t scrutinize it as much, I suppose.”
Aquatic beastkin do call those born from marriages between different species “impure beastkin” and keep it quiet, but it’s not as severe.
Terrestrial beastkin are far worse. Their discrimination is even more intense.
They’re uniquely exceptional at discrimination.
“The Black Panther family’s Second Son isn’t born between black panthers. His Eldest Brother and mother are different.”
“That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
Of course. This was a secret the black panther family maintained even in the original novel.
Because of that, it was Lili who comforted the wounded and wandering Second Brother.
“That Second Brother’s mother is a Snake Beastkin.”
Snake Beastkin occupied a rather peculiar position among the terrestrial beasts.
Those who didn’t particularly step forward into the center, one might say.
“Anyway, that’s all I know for now. Palaya Panterion has his uses.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Yes, then I’ll look into it.”
The two were just about to leave the reception room when they bowed.
Knock, knock. The sound of knocking made both their footsteps halt. I tilted my head in the reception room.
‘Was there someone coming to visit?’
Father had just stepped away from his seat.
I glanced briefly at the adjacent room.
There were two people in that room who absolutely could not be discovered.
“You two, go wait in the next room for a moment.”
“…If you need us, please call.”
“Whistle. Just come running if I do.”
“Yes.”
“Levai, make sure the children don’t come out under any circumstances.”
“Yes, understood.”
After the two went to the adjacent room, I changed my expression and rushed to open the door.
“Welcome, Dragon’s Bride.”
Standing outside the door were a Retainer in servant’s attire and two Knights.
And in front of the reception room, the Orca Family Knights were also standing, their expressions taut with discipline.
“Father isn’t here?”
“Yes, Pierre Aquasiadel is likely in Peseum.”
“Right, so the decision-maker of your party isn’t here.”
Despite my expression suggesting they should leave, the Retainer looked slightly taken aback.
“…You are indeed as clever as I’ve heard. A noble guest has come to the Dragon’s Castle.”
Noble guest? What nonsense. Like a lion’s whisker.
Everyone knows you all treat the Dragon’s Bride as nothing but a sacrificial offering.
“However, the person we’ve come seeking is none other than the Dragon’s Bride.”
“Me?”
“Yes, there is someone who wishes to see the Dragon’s Bride.”
“Who’s looking for me?”
“May I explain as we move?”
When I didn’t answer, the Retainer’s expression became slightly troubled.
It was the face of someone who had realized this would not be easy.
Soon the Retainer glanced around before bowing slightly and whispering softly to me.
As if sharing a secret whisper.
“The one seeking the Bride is… the Dragon Duke himself.”

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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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