Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 84

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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 84
I’d always described it as strange, but the truth was that I felt happy every time Father acted like this.
For so long, I had been trapped in a cycle where I could only be victimized, weak, crying, or wronged.
Whenever I finally wanted to obtain something, the only method available was to fight alone, struggle, and ultimately seize it with my own hands.
To become the Matriarch, to strive for it, and finally obtain it through effort—that was truly joyful.
But I had never obtained anything without effort from my own hands.
This was the first time affection fell upon me even when I refused, saying I was fine.
“But we should hear about that plan a bit later.”
Father had turned his head at some point and was gazing toward the restaurant door.
I too had to nod my head a moment late.
“Someone is coming.”
Soon after, there came a knock on the door, and an unfamiliar figure appeared in the restaurant.
“Greetings, Pierre Aquasiadel. I am the sub-retainer of this castle.”
….
“I have received orders to escort all guests to the main castle’s ‘Dragon’s Fang Hall.'”
Father asked on my behalf.
“Whose orders?”
“The orders of Dragon Duke Panterion.”
* * *
Shortly after, I entered the grand hall together with Father.
It was a massive space that resembled a cathedral.
Plush chairs were prepared for people to sit in, and the beastkin who had arrived first were packed densely throughout.
Occasionally there were scattered empty seats, but those were always occupied by beastkin with an unusual aura.
‘So Bellus came along too.’
Nestled in Father’s arms, I observed Bellus who had come with us, then surveyed the hall again.
Most of those who had their neighboring seats naturally vacated were carnivorous beastkin among the terrestrial animal-types.
‘That person is….’
As I scanned through the crowd, I spotted a familiar silhouette.
‘A hyena beastkin?’
It was definitely the female I had seen last night.
She occupied two chairs with an arrogant posture, leisurely yawning.
Due to her large build, two chairs were more than enough.
‘Seeing her in daylight, she really does radiate overwhelming pressure.’
It was good that I hadn’t encountered her yesterday.
I still can’t overcome that.
“Teacher, do you see? The hyena over there. That’s the person I saw.”
“When did you see her?”
I was whispering to Father, but Bellus answered instead.
Rather than being flustered, I spoke calmly.
“You don’t need to know.”
“….”
Don’t take an interest in me.
‘Anyway, I promised not to leave, but I’ve gone back on my word. I should make it clear to the Matriarch later that I won’t do it again.’
That bastard would probably enjoy having a rival handed to him.
If he tries to kill me, well, I can’t exactly die, so I’ll have to use Father as a last resort.
Father seated me at an appropriate spot.
I felt the resentful gazes directed at us, but no one approached—as if word of what happened in the restaurant had already spread.
“That’s… Pierre Aquasiadel of the Orca Family….”
“They say he’s as troublesome as the Matriarch, so we shouldn’t provoke him….”
“Tsk, just because a beast from the water is strong on land doesn’t mean much, ahem.”
Of course they didn’t dare approach, but they certainly had plenty to whisper about. They were gossiping up a storm among themselves.
Though I could hear it all so clearly that I questioned whether it even qualified as whispering.
‘They’re practically broadcasting it.’
They might as well curse me outright. They haven’t come to their senses yet. Haven’t at all. Tsk, tsk.
As I clicked my tongue, Father’s voice dropped down from above.
“Does it bother you?”
“No, no. It’s fine. I can always sweep them away after hearing why you called me here anyway.”
“If that’s what you wish. How much of the roof should I destroy?”
“Wow, Teacher, you actually know how to joke?”
“It’s not a joke.”
“….”
Bellus, sitting a chair’s distance away from us, simply blurted out what he was hearing.
“If you sweep the place after business is concluded, you’ll be exactly like the Matriarch. The Matriarch herself said that destroying things after meetings is her hobby, and she actually does it.”
Oh, isn’t this a highly roundabout way of saying that if you act on that, you’re no different from the Matriarch?
Sure enough, Father frowned but kept his gaze forward.
“That’s quite an insulting remark.”
…Well.
Being compared to the Matriarch is a bit much for me too.
I patted Father’s shoulder reassuringly.
A moment later, I saw someone ascending the stairs beside the massive platform at the front.
Even from here, his silhouette was enormous.
“Are you the granddaughter of Ocula Aquasiadel, who is to be betrothed to my son?”
It was someone I already knew.
Debana Panterion.
The current Dragon Duke.
“Remember this—live as though you were dead. If your existence causes even a single hair on the precious ones in my household to be harmed, you will pay a price far greater than your life.”
And the character who occupies the position of doting father in this parenting fantasy—essentially the heroine’s father figure.
The heroine in this novel is also adopted, just like me back on Earth, and the story depicts her living a happy daily life after adoption.
“Why are you frowning?”
“Just… I don’t particularly like that man’s face, Teacher.”
Being born as a third party in a coming-of-age story—worse yet, as someone antagonistic to the protagonist—is nothing short of misfortune.
The doting fathers and besotted older brothers never left me alone.
“No, no! Sister did nothing wrong! In fact…!!”
I didn’t actually hate the female lead.
As I reached this point in my thoughts, the Dragon Duke Panterion arrived at the podium and opened his mouth.
His massive frame, neatly swept-back hair, and handsome features hardly suggested a father of two sons.
‘Though to be fair, my own father looks the same way.’
It was all thanks to the characteristic of beastkin—the stronger they were, the slower they aged.
“On behalf of the Imperial Court and His Majesty the Emperor, I extend my deepest gratitude to all the beastkin who have gathered here. However, I must regrettably inform you all of unfortunate news.”
I could already guess what the Dragon Duke would say next.
“The Dragon’s Festival will not be held this year. Therefore, honored guests, please depart according to schedule.”
I knew an announcement would come soon, but this is remarkably fast.
‘And how odd that he’s using formal speech.’
Doesn’t that man have any shame?
“P-pardon me, Dragon Duke! Why will the festival not be held?”
The man who raised his hand had snow-white hair.
Judging by his pointed ears standing upright, I made an educated guess.
‘A white fox, perhaps?’
Unlike the red foxes I’d met at the restaurant, these were gentle and docile creatures.
“A fair question indeed, White Fox Leader. Since everyone will be curious, I shall announce it together. Currently, the Dragon Duke of this generation is in poor health.”
The Dragon Duke Panterion, who had shifted back to casual speech, continued his explanation.
“After consultation with the Imperial Court, the Dragon Duke has decided not to hold the Dragon’s Festival this year. Consequently, the status of the next festival remains uncertain. Details regarding the next festival will be announced at a later date.”
The Dragon Duke Panterion finished what he had to say and left without hesitation.
I let out a hollow laugh.
‘Consultation? What consultation?’
As if a baby who can’t speak or understand would debate anything.
These wretches have less conscience than a lion’s whisker.
‘Black leopards and their so-called impartiality—what a joke.’
I was certain those families were also complicit in the conspiracy surrounding the Dragon Duke, and simultaneously, I felt revulsion.
‘How many other predator clans are involved in this theatrical performance?’
Even that white fox’s question from moments ago—wasn’t that intentional?
Of course, none of those involved could possibly appear innocent. It was all suspect.
“Father.”
I called out quietly, mindful of the watching eyes.
Father understood why I’d called and looked at me, then nodded quietly.
It was a resolute nod.
‘If things have come to this, I need to take him and leave as quickly as possible.’
Before those despicable people can lay their hands on us.
By the time they realize what’s happened, it will already be too late.
I wanted to strike them a clean blow to the back of their heads.
* * *
“What is he scheming?”
The impact of the announcement made by the Dragon Duke was tremendous.
The city, which had been in the midst of pre-festival celebrations ahead of the upcoming Dragon’s Festival, and even the Dragon Duke’s Castle, which had appeared so vibrant and joyful, had become subdued and gloomy.
‘They don’t even know what situation the master of this castle is in…’
Though they had been rude to us, the retainers of this castle seemed to genuinely respect and revere the Dragon Duke.
The way the atmosphere had sunk at the news that the Dragon Duke was ill and the festival had been suspended was proof enough.
In fact, among the beast-kin guests who had come to the castle, there were those who wished to stay longer out of concern for the Dragon Duke, but the Dragon Duke’s side had refused them, or so I heard.
‘Though it wasn’t the Dragon Duke who refused—it was those who sought to use him.’
What exactly were they trying to accomplish by driving away these guests and keeping the castle and city quiet?
No, wait. What they intended was already clear. Hadn’t I already heard it?
When a festival is held, attention naturally focuses on it.
With so many people around, they couldn’t move freely.
Which meant.
This was my first and last chance to take the Dragon Duke away.

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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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