Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 360

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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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Additional Side Story: Episode 24
“…What?”
“I was thinking that clever ones like you might have prepared an escape plan together, just in case something unexpected happened.”
“….”
Esther closed her mouth.
Soon her lips curved into a faint arc.
“Where to? Where in this entire world could we possibly live?”
Even if we succeeded in leaving the capital, we couldn’t settle anywhere under the influence of the Imperial Palace or the Mainland Beasts.
The remaining lands would be far too barren for them to adapt to, having spent so long in the fertile capital.
“What if there is?”
But would I have said that without thinking it through?
Irresponsibly.
“Why wouldn’t there be? Go to the lands of the aquatic Beastkin.”
I pointed toward the window. The towering mountain visible even from here. Beyond that mountain lay the place.
“You can live there just fine.”
“….”
“Just go to the family I introduce you to.”
I’d never played matchmaker before, but this must be what it felt like.
I grinned.
I muttered inwardly to these strangers I’d never met. Brothers I’d never encountered—would you take in some new recruits?
“Find the Dolphin family, or the Beluga family.”
Esther’s eyes widened.
“The Dolphin family, the Beluga family…?”
“Yeah, to be precise, I mean those Beastkin families. Should I tell you the city name too?”
She looked bewildered.
“By the way, the Beluga Children family is called the Beluga Family.”
“No, that’s not what I was asking about… We do know of the Dolphin side since they trade with the capital.”
“Right.”
Then this should be easy.
As I said, I’d never met either family nor spoken with them. Yet I knew their nature well.
Both families I mentioned were ones that couldn’t turn away those in need or fellow Beastkin.
Good people.
“I especially recommend the Dolphin side.”
The Dolphins wouldn’t help unconditionally with their capable minds; they would strike deals that didn’t exploit the other party.
‘They’d help you become independent too.’
Going to the Beluga side wouldn’t be bad either. Before I left the Orca Family, I heard rumors that….
‘I think I heard there’s quite a strong Beastkin in the current generation of the Beluga Family.’
Then that should be fine.
“The Beluga side isn’t bad either. They’re famous among our Orca ears for being righteous, gentle, and kind.”
“…Do you believe the situation will work out well?”
I nodded without hesitation.
“I’ll write a letter in my name as well.”
I may be a Noble Lady cast aside as a hostage by the Orca Family itself, but regrettably, the surname “Aquasiadel” attached to my name would still carry weight.
Esther’s expression brightened slightly.
“The choice is yours. You could expose the truth of this matter and continue living here. But that would be…”
“Nothing but a reprieve.”
Silence fell again after that.
I didn’t press her, simply waiting quietly. By the time about a third of the tea remained in the cup.
“I will go.”
Esther shook off her hesitation and answered with resolve.
‘Good, I haven’t misjudged people after all.’
Her eyes shone with brilliance as she made her decision.
‘What a waste.’
How wonderful it would be if I had a retainer or aide like her by my side.
‘Well, I can think about that once I return to my family.’
“I will leave the capital.”
“Good, well thought out. Then the letter should be written right here…”
“Before that.”
Esther cut off my words. I blinked in surprise for a moment.
“Noble Lady, you’re planning to escape this place, aren’t you?”
Her sharpened eyes turned toward me. Her lips curved in an arc, but her eyes held no warmth.
I laughed softly.
“Is it that obvious?”
Esther burst into laughter as well.
“No, it’s just… I thought you wouldn’t make such a bold move unless that were the case.”
“I like beastkin with sharp instincts.”
“That’s troublesome since I have a husband.”
I laughed at her jest.
“Very well, then I shall help you escape, Noble Lady.”
“…What?”
Without thinking, I gripped the Dragon Duke’s egg tightly.
Now that I had the egg in hand, I had been planning my return, but not through the Otter Family.
I had no intention of burdening those already struggling and oppressed, those who had to think of tomorrow.
And yet.
“Did you know? In nature, otters are classified as apex predators to certain animals.”
Esther clenched her hand resting on the table. Her smiling face no longer looked like that of a noblewoman.
“…Are you sure? If this is an emotional decision.”
“No.”
I recognize this face—the face of a warrior. Her exposed fangs were quite sharp.
“Since I’m leaving here anyway, I must move while considering the aftermath regardless. Adding one more burden won’t change anything.”
No. Both she and I knew it wasn’t merely a consequence to be feared.
Yet Esther’s expression remained resolute.
“Yes, I suffered too. Who would find joy in being tormented? I believe you, Noble Lady, understand this better than anyone.”
“….”
“So, helping you is… our way of standing against those who kicked and played with us as if we were nothing, those who called us filthy-footed doormats. If we can only leave our wretched footprints upon this cursed capital.”
Esther said this and laughed softly.
“Noble Lady, you taught us that word—’causing a ruckus.'”
Ah, that. It was a word that slipped out when I first spoke with Sae-a. I scratched my cheek.
“Well… I’m sorry about that. But are you saying you’ll cause a ruckus with me?”
“Yes, I would be delighted to.”
I rolled my eyes slightly, then widened them fully.
“Now that’s a thought I like—feeding this cursed capital and these damned beasts a hefty pile of shit. Yes, I’m quite fond of that. Very much indeed.”
I tightened my grip on what I held in my hand.
“It aligns perfectly with me.”
My nuclear bomb in the palm of my hand.
The Dragon Duke’s egg felt even warmer.
As if cheering me on.
* * *
Three days later. The social club session returned once more.
Training had ended.
“Haa, haa….”
My breathing settled. I stood still for a moment, fists lowered.
Then I lifted my head.
Around me lay Brunel, exhausted and sprawled out, and right beside him Luca, equally tired but with eyes as bright as ever.
I could see Rian, who had already collapsed earlier, and Serin, who had closed her book and come over to tease Luca.
And finally, Edric, who had taught me once again today.
“…Hmm, at this level, you should have no problems in any fight. At least in responding to them.”
“Combined with everything I’ve learned up to today?”
“Precisely. Including today’s methods for responding to surprise attacks.”
Edric smiled gently.
I looked at that soft smile, then approached the place where he and my friends were.
“Everyone, I have something to tell you.”
Then Brunel, who had been lying down, lifted his head.
“What is it? Are you full of energy again today, Noble Lady?”
“Wow, Calypso’s expression got scary!”
Luca added playfully. Serin crossed her arms and looked on with suspicion, while Rian slowly turned his gaze.
“…What I’m about to say—can you keep it secret?”
Then they looked at each other, and without anyone going first, laughter and smiles broke out.
“Really, Calypso is quite the secretive Noble Lady.”
“That’s right! I’ll swear first!”
“Hmph, I’ll do it too.”
“Me as well….”
“I shall gladly join you.”
Everyone swore the Oath of the Land without hesitation. My chest swelled with emotion, and I steeled my wavering resolve.
“I’m going to escape the capital.”

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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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