Sunlight seeped through the terrace windows. Ahin, who slowly opened his eyelids, clenched and unclenched his fist.
Despite having fallen into a deep sleep, his mind felt incredibly refreshed. He couldn’t remember the last time he had slept so deeply.
Looking up at the ceiling with hazy eyes, Ahin let out a hollow laugh. His body was saturated with Vivi’s pheromones.
Last night, Vivi had rejected his pheromones with a look of disgust.
It was unheard of for herbivores to find the pheromones of predators disturbing, even if they were enchanted by them. It seemed like she disliked being bitten, but her reaction was overly sensitive.
Reflecting on it, Vivi often roamed under the covers every dawn or engaged in strange behavior like putting her paws in Ahin’s mouth.
Could it be that the predator’s pheromones were overwhelming for a rabbit’s body?
Last night, to confirm his suspicions, Ahin had deliberately enveloped himself in her pheromones before falling asleep. As a result, he ended up being entirely dominated by Vivi’s pheromones.
When mixed with his own pheromones, his body only felt slightly softened. However, accepting only Vivi’s pheromones led him into a blissful state, causing him to fall into a deep, ecstatic sleep.
‘…This is no joke.’
Lying down, Ahin slowly licked his lower lip.
He was a high-ranking predator from the black panther territory, possessing the best bloodline. Thus, after mastering pheromones through humanization, he had never been overwhelmed by another’s pheromones.
Yet, even now, his body felt languid from the lingering effects.
Wanting to indulge in this sensation a bit longer, Ahin pulled the pillow close. Burying his face in it, he groped with one arm to find the ball of fluff that was the cause of this situation.
However, no matter how much he rummaged through the bed, he couldn’t sense Vivi’s presence. It was unlikely that Vivi had gotten off the bed on her own.
“Vivi?”
A deep, hoarse voice escaped his lips. Hastily sitting up, Ahin waved his hand, but the ball of fluff that should have been on the spacious bed was nowhere to be seen.
His red eyes, wandering around the luxurious bedroom, soon landed below the bed. There, a rabbit curled up, nestled in the embrace of a black panther, fast asleep. It was a rare sight to behold.
The robe that Ahin had failed to adjust slipped off one of his shoulders. He let out a breathy laugh, finding the situation absurd.
“Ash, did you take her?”
Ash, who had been called, tilted her head in confusion, seemingly playing innocent.
“Bring her here.”
Obeying Ahin’s command, Ash gently picked up the rabbit with her mouth and placed her on the bed.
Exhausted, Vivi sprawled out and snored softly, occasionally flailing her legs as if swimming in a dream.
With her chin resting on the edge of the bed, Ash silently observed the scene.
“Curious?”
Ahin, letting out a soft chuckle, lightly patted Ash’s head. It seemed that Vivi had grown on her more than expected.
“I’m curious too.”
Despite being just a small rabbit, she stood out so much. From a certain point, Ahin found himself naturally looking for Vivi before sleeping and upon waking.
As he brushed back his disheveled silver hair, his eyes were drawn to something tickling his hand. His red eyes turned cold.
A single strand of white hair, whose owner was unknown, was tangled around his finger.
* * *
As I floated gently through the air, white clouds brushed against my cheeks. The soft touch felt excessively unreal.
Waving my forepaws through the clouds as I flew through the sky, I suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. Almost immediately, the sky darkened ominously, and Ahin’s thunderous voice resounded, “…da.”
It was hard to understand clearly. Straining my ears, the words gradually became more distinct, “…rinda.”
“Vivi, if you don’t wake up, I’ll eat you up.”
What was this? Confronted with this terrifying warning, I snapped my eyes open.
With blurred vision, something bright red flickered before me. Squinting against the light, I soon realized it was Ahin’s eyes.
‘Ah!’
Seeing a predator’s eyes up close early in the morning startled me. Despite flailing my legs in panic, it was a futile struggle.
Laughing at my helpless state, Ahin slowly set me down on the bed. I tried to dart away, but unfortunately, my hind legs slipped and dragged me back.
“Why did you sleep on the floor?”
As I was dragged back, I glanced at Ash. Lying sprawled on the carpet, Ash stared off into the distance.
“Did Ash take you off the bed?”
I had gone down on my own two legs. Unable to voice this, I cautiously observed Ahin.
How much did Ahin know about my pheromones? Judging by this interrogation, he seemed unaware of last night’s events.
Seeing me hesitating, Ahin tapped the bedspread with his finger, urging me.
“Answer.”
Having no other choice, I nodded while avoiding Ash’s gaze. Sorry, Ash, but sacrifices had to be made. “Really?” A flat voice responded.
“Then she needs to be punished.”
Punishment for such a small thing? Startled, I quickly looked up at Ahin. He wore a beautiful yet wicked smile.
Facing that smile, I suddenly remembered hearing that in the black panther territory, those who disobeyed their master were beheaded.
‘Wait!’
“Ash will sleep in Everine’s room from now on.”
That’s… too harsh a punishment. Stunned, I slightly parted my lips. Unaware of the situation, Ash approached cheerfully at the mention of her name.
‘Ash, this isn’t the time to be happy!’
Everine, of all people, was too severe a price to pay for shielding me. My expression darkened with guilt.
Clinging to Ahin’s hand to plead for leniency, I was startled and covered my eyes.
‘Oops.’
He was in a more disheveled state than usual. The thin silk robe alone was a problem, but now, half of his upper body was exposed, with one side of the robe slipping off.
It seemed this predator had always overlooked the fact that even a rabbit could become a beast.
“Oh, did you like this? Sorry for not realizing.”
‘No!’
“Shall I take off the other side too?”
His playful tone was unmistakable. The rustling sound echoed through the bedroom.
“Open your eyes.”
Open my eyes? My ears perked up as I felt my mind waver between curiosity and caution. Just as I resolved not to fall for the devil’s whisper, my body floated into the air.
“Vivi.”
Recognizing Ahin’s touch, curiosity surged within me. My body swayed as if urging me to open my eyes. Unable to resist, I finally squinted them open. Right in front of me was—
“Lord Rabbit, ah—”
Everine’s face filled my vision, his mouth wide open, revealing his throat. I had no idea when he had entered.
‘Ack!’
Frightened, I kicked Everine in the eye. What a dramatic morning it was.
* * *
In a serene setting with a quaint bridge over a pond, Vivi’s mother, Aven Rabian, sipped her tea leisurely at a tea time gathering.
A dull place where people endlessly boasted about themselves, yet it was perfect for solidifying one’s position. Hence, Aven was one of the nobles who never missed such gatherings.
“I heard the Grace family held their annual ball recently.”
Aven’s hand, holding the teacup, trembled slightly as the topic shifted to the black panther clan.
The black panther territory was a deeply unsettling issue for her. Despite sending scouts to the border forest nearly three times, there had been no news.
Was the border such a dangerous place? Usually, the rabbit beastfolk who crossed the border returned safely.
“But there is a peculiar rumor going around.”
The head of a powerful noble family, well-connected in many places, opened her lips.
A rumor… Aven’s anxious eyes turned toward her.
“The next head of the Grace family is said to be infatuated with a pet. Apparently, they even brought the pet as a partner to the annual ball.”
“Goodness… Are you saying they took a pet to the ballroom?”
“Oh, I heard it directly from someone who attended. Despite having a cruel disposition, they seem to have quite a unique hobby.”
For light gossip, it was an incredibly amusing topic. Some nobles indeed had unique tastes, so it might not just be idle chatter.
“A pet of the black panther?”
“It seems a bit exaggerated… but I heard it was a baby rabbit. Even the head of the Grace family treats it with great care.”
At that moment, a clatter echoed as Aven dropped her teacup, causing a commotion. The noblewoman who had been speaking looked at her with concern.
“Oh dear, Madam Rabian. Are you alright?”
“My hand slipped… I’m fine. I apologize for causing trouble.”
Servants swiftly gathered around with cloths. Fortunately, her dress wasn’t stained, so the cleanup was quick. Once the broken glass and spills were cleaned up, the atmosphere soon returned to normal.
“Speaking of which, I heard the second son of the Fulton family is getting married.”
The topic about the black panther territory vanished, replaced by new gossip. The ladies chuckled about the elaborate wedding invitations. Smiling awkwardly, Aven fidgeted with her hands under the table.
* * *
“Recently, a drug suspected to originate from the wolf territory has been flowing into various territories. The neutral area of Endellus, where the borders of the black panther territory, lion territory, and wolf territory converge, has been particularly affected.”
The meeting room was abuzz with discussions between the black panther and lion clans. The alliance issue had been progressing smoothly, and they were now addressing a common problem affecting both territories.
Rune, who was observing from the upper seat, turned to look at Ahin, who seemed particularly odd today.
Ahin, sprawled in his chair, seemed to have no intention of actively participating in the meeting. From the start, his empty red eyes had been staring off into space.
Whenever he felt down or annoyed, he would exhibit such behavior. Thus, both the black panther and lion clans deliberately avoided making eye contact with him. There was nothing to gain from catching his eye.
“The drug disrupts the unique pheromones of beastfolk, causing addiction symptoms and, in severe cases, death.”
“Hmm, it is currently believed that the drug spread from the border guards.”
As the meeting continued smoothly, Rune glanced at Everine beside Ahin. He, too, seemed unusually off today, his usually handsome face marred. Rune, staring at Everine’s swollen eye, spoke up.
“What happened to your eye? It looks dreadful.”
“I was bested by a martial artist.”
Rune had thought Ahin might have hit him, but surprisingly, a serious response admitting defeat came forth. Rune, now equally serious, questioned further.
“…A martial artist?”
“An individual of unparalleled skill, I have struggled recently.”
“Are they well-known?”
“They are a reclusive master.”
It seemed he had been sparring with a master of martial arts. Given the small area of swelling, it was evident he had been struck by a precise technique.
Rune’s gaze, after a cursory sweep, returned to Ahin. His fake smile had vanished, replaced by an emotionless face, indicating his displeasure. Confirming this, Everine, sensing the tension, subtly pushed Rune’s aide and took his seat.
“Sir Everine, what are you doing?”
Rune’s aide, unceremoniously pushed aside, frowned openly.
“Sometimes it’s good to switch places.”
“We’re in the middle of a meeting. Stop joking.”
Pushing Everine back, he whispered harshly, though it was more a clenched-teeth mutter.
“Sir Restin, I am always serious. Right now, I feel my life is in danger.”
“Life in danger?”
Hearing the dry whisper, Rune’s aide side-eyed Ahin. He began to understand the meaning behind Everine’s words about his life being at risk.
Indeed, whenever Ahin wore that dazed expression, it meant he was in a bad mood. If Everine kept pestering him, he might draw his sword right then and there.
However, Rune’s aide, unwilling to sympathize with Everine, coldly pushed him away.
“Don’t touch me. I find it very unpleasant.”
“Sir Restin, how can you speak so cruelly to someone whose life is at risk?”
“You live like there’s no tomorrow anyway.”
“That’s a misunderstanding. I always look forward to tomorrow’s sunrise.”
Everine’s nonchalant response made Rune’s aide tremble with anger, but he steeled himself. Yet, Everine was not one to be easily pushed aside.
“Sir Manionts.”
The two beastfolk, engaged in a shoulder-to-shoulder battle for the seat, paused as a low voice sounded. Ahin, who had been slumped in her chair, glanced at Rune. For the first time in the meeting, his lips parted slightly.
“…At the ball,”
A peculiar silence followed as his words abruptly stopped.
For once, Ahin trailed off, leaving Rune incredulous as he straightened from his slouched position. Ahin opened and closed his mouth briefly before asking a beat later.
“Nothing out of the ordinary happened, did it?”
It was quite a roundabout question. Rune, propping his chin on the armrest, scrutinized Ahin’s expression. His clear, seemingly harmless face betrayed no emotion.
‘Nothing out of the ordinary, huh.’
His golden eyes naturally lowered. Recalling the question, Rune thought of Vivi, who had been crouching under the table on the day of the ball.
‘Yes, there was something quite unusual.’
The whole situation had been bizarre, from her disheveled appearance to her anxious purple eyes. In the blink of an eye, she had transformed into Ahin’s pet rabbit, making it hard to deny they were the same person.
The most suspicious part was that the rabbit had desperately tried to silence him, frantically flailing its paws.
Judging by her actions, she seemed to be hiding her human identity. Perhaps Ahin Grace didn’t know that the rabbit was actually a beastfolk.
‘That cunning individual?’
Rune’s golden eyes wavered at the implausible hypothesis. Even that was hard to believe. Swallowing the myriad questions tickling his throat, he spoke softly.
“…Nothing in particular.”
The answer was anticlimactic, given the time he had taken to respond. Ahin’s lips twisted into a smile. He hadn’t expected to get any useful information in the first place.
Exchanging vague questions and answers, the two beastfolk looked away from each other and faced forward. Ahin, sinking back into his chair, muttered in a monotone.
“Well, what do you expect from a lazy lion?”
“Better than a black panther.”
“Don’t bother talking to me.”
“…Are you picking a fight?”
The increasingly hostile atmosphere drew everyone’s attention to the upper seat.
As expected. Today’s meeting had seemed surprisingly peaceful. It was no surprise, given their history of growling at each other whenever they crossed paths.
Everine, noticing the disheartened looks from the nobles, stuck his face between Rune’s and Ahin’s chairs.
“Please, consider your positions. The territories have already formed a smooth alliance, but you two are still bickering.”
“…”
“You’re not cat and mouse clans, after all.”
Everine’s brave intervention earned him admiring looks. It was a fitting statement that everyone had wanted to say. Faced with his sincere advice, both Ahin and Rune opened their mouths simultaneously.
“Everine, shut up.”
“Yes.”
One more word might have led to a bloodbath. Predicting this, Everine quickly pulled his face back. He was a master of striking and retreating.
* * *