Everine, who had been waiting with some distance from the shack, furrowed his brows. The surrounding scent of blood and a strange pheromone of unknown origin continued to irritate his senses.
Although Ahin had commanded them to wait with a nonchalant voice, the longer the time spent inside the shack, the more anxious he became.
It couldn’t be helped since Ahin wasn’t someone who could be completely trusted, even if he was his master. He felt he could only relax after seeing the little rabbit safe with his own eyes.
Moreover, the restless reaction of one of the escort knights on the right, Mio, heightened Everine’s unease.
Just as the worry of those waiting outside began to deepen, a screeching sound of a wooden door scraping against the floor echoed.
“Master Ahin.”
“Master Ahin!”
Everine and the escort knights, who had been approaching with bright faces, halted in their steps.
Ahin appeared holding Ash on one shoulder and a limp little rabbit in the other hand. His shirt was stained with bright red blood, as if he had thrown off his jacket somewhere.
The air became briefly tense due to the shocking sight. Everine, who was the first to come to his senses, hurriedly ran over.
“Master Ahin, what happened….”
“It’s just asleep, so stop fussing and take this.”
Ahin, explaining indifferently, gestured with his chin toward Ash on his shoulder. The growling and snoring sounds shattered the tension with a sense of helplessness.
“P-please, over here.”
Two escort knights who arrived late took Ash from him. Despite being moved around, the deeply sleeping black panther showed no signs of waking up.
Mio, supporting Ash’s hind legs, cautiously observed Ahin.
‘Just what….’
The woman who had been in the arms of the next head of the family had disappeared as if she had evaporated. Who was she, and where did she go?
Naturally, Mio’s gaze lingered on the limp little rabbit.
The woman’s frame was too delicate to be that of a predatory beastfolk, and her features were soft and small. Moreover, her strange attire, wrapped tightly in a jacket, and her transparent skin, as if it had never seen sunlight.
‘Purple eyes….’
The purple eyes she had were characteristic of the rabbit and sheep clans.
No way. Mio’s pupils trembled violently at the absurd hypothesis she had reached.
Ahin, noticing her gaze, lightly tapped the corner of his mouth, signaling to keep quiet.
Leaving behind Mio, who lightly nodded her head, Ahin pushed aside the approaching Everine.
“Move aside, Everine. You’re in the way.”
“Lord Rabbit!”
“Let it sleep. It must have been quite scared of encountering a wolf beastfolk.”
Everine’s eyes widened in surprise like a rabbit’s.
“W-wolf…!”
“There are no injuries. …I took care of it.”
To be exact, it was the handiwork of Vivi and Ash. Ahin, vaguely brushing it off, cradled Vivi in his arms.
Half-open red eyes scanned the white rabbit. Looking down quietly, he recalled the recent situation.
The pheromone that instantly healed Ash’s life-threatening wounds. Vivi’s healing ability far exceeded Ahin’s expectations.
Although he intended to check Vivi’s pheromones in the Endellus region, it seemed he was spared the trouble.
Furthermore, although he had vaguely suspected it, the fact that Vivi had transformed into a human was troubling. If she were in a rabbit state, it wouldn’t matter, but keeping her around as a complete human would be troublesome in many ways.
Ahin, unintentionally recalling the woman’s pale, terrified face, stifled a laugh.
Her eyes clearly showed vigilance at every small action. Anyone could tell it was Vivi, even without confirming the pheromones.
Moreover, the sight of her transforming back into a rabbit the moment she fell asleep was unbelievable. Judging by her inability to properly control it, it seemed she hadn’t achieved complete human transformation.
“Master Ahin?”
Everine, who had been staring blankly at the rabbit, turned pale due to Ahin, who eventually began laughing to himself. Despite serving him for many years, he could never predict this sly person’s intentions.
“With all due respect, you look very sinister.”
“What?”
“Your smile, my lord.”
“You’re sinister just by existing.”
“Pardon?”
Everine pretended not to hear and blatantly looked into the distance. Ahin, with a raised corner of his mouth, lightly stepped on his foot.
“Report the situation.”
The pressure on his foot increased gradually. It was quite painful, so Everine quietly stepped back two steps.
“…The wolf beastfolk has been dealt with, but the carriage we came in overturned in the process. Instead of returning to the mansion, it might be better to head to the Endellus region, which is just over the mountain range.”
As the time of day was now late afternoon, Ahin looked up at the sky, which was beginning to be tinted with the colors of sunset, and nodded.
“That would be better. Request support from the Grace family as soon as we arrive.”
“Understood. Also, we searched the bodies of the wolf beastfolk, but we did not find any of the substances currently flourishing in the Endellus region.”
Everine, recalling the considerable number of wolf beastfolk, clicked his tongue.
The beastfolk did not impose significant restrictions on entering each other’s territories; instead, there was an unspoken rule of non-interference regarding events occurring within another territory.
Therefore, there were limits to holding the wolf territory responsible for the attack by the wolf beastfolk.
“…May I ask a few more questions?”
“No, you may not.”
Why he had instructed to block the carriage window, what happened to Ash and Vivi after they got out of the carriage.
Everine’s face puffed up with the mountain of questions that were blocked from being asked. Ahin, avoiding looking at his face, started walking but suddenly stopped.
“Everine, has anyone from the rabbit territory approached after the ball? Even indirectly?”
“Not at all.”
Really? Ahin, who gave a short reply, looked at Vivi again. She was in a state of complete exhaustion, barely breathing without any movement. He lightly tapped her small nose and looked back at Everine.
“Are there any nobles in the rabbit territory with white,”
Ahin, who had begun to speak, closed his mouth.
Vivi’s hair, as white as her fur, was hanging down.
White hair was not rare, but it wasn’t common either. If he could deduce which noble or merchant from the rabbit territory had white hair, it might be possible to identify her family.
As the silence grew longer, Everine cautiously asked again.
“Why do you ask?”
“…It’s nothing. Let’s depart.”
It might be faster to ask her directly next time. Ahin, trailing off, curved his eyes into a round shape.
* * *
Endellus Region.
A neutral zone bordered by the territories of the black panther, lion, and wolf beastfolk, it’s said to be a place where various beastfolk live together. It’s also known as a trade hub, with the entire city filled with the unique scent of spices.
When I woke up, I found myself in an inn in Endellus. Not as a human, but in the form of a little rabbit. Since I vaguely felt my vision changing as I fell asleep, it wasn’t too disappointing.
According to the escort knights, I had been asleep for a full day. Maybe that’s why my pheromones felt unusually clean and stable.
Ahin and Everine were out for a while, so I didn’t have to face Ahin immediately, which was a relief. There were many things to think about, from Ash’s miraculous recovery to personal issues.
My mouth was dry with anxiety. Since it was discovered that I could transform into a human, I couldn’t predict how Ahin would react.
However, there was currently a problem that required his presence.
‘Ash, don’t rely too much on him.’
I muttered as I scratched Ash’s belly, fearing she might crush me.
The unfamiliar bedroom was adorned with red walls and antique furniture. On the guest chairs sat two lions with golden eyes.
One was Rune Manionts, whom I had encountered frequently, and the other was a beastfolk I had never seen before.
A young gentleman with blonde hair loosely tied to one side, wearing a monocle on his left eye. His precise posture and slightly sharp gaze spoke volumes about his character.
Most importantly, judging by how he addressed Rune, he was undoubtedly his aide.
I had heard that support was requested from the Grace family, so why were these two lions here instead of a member of the family? Even the escort knights who opened the door seemed perplexed.
Above all, what bothered me was the way the aide had been staring at me since he entered, as if he’d seen something he shouldn’t have.
‘Stop staring.’
My face would get holes. Unable to rebuke him, I secretly extended my hind leg.
I tried to appear threatening, but the aide’s eyebrow twitched, so I quickly focused on accepting Ash’s affection.
‘Good grief, do you like it that much?’
Ash, who had flipped over, looked incredibly healthy for someone who had been at death’s door.
Thankfully. I tapped Ash’s belly gently. Whether she understood my heavy heart or not, Ash kept asking for belly rubs as a form of affection.
It had already been at least a dozen times. Having owed her my life, I couldn’t refuse and gently scratched her belly with my front paw.
Whenever I tried to rest, she’d tap the bed with her tail. My face grew hot as I scratched her belly, and finally, the aide spoke up.
“It’s not like a beastfolk to stay in such a form…. What is that?”
Rune, who had been lounging on the chair, looked at me.
“Well….”
He rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, making a snapping sound.
“Grace’s emergency ration? No, emergency snack.”
“Explain within the bounds of common sense.”
“…that’s what Everine whispered to me.”
Everine. That guy was never helpful. Calling me food, I was so outraged I could barely stand it.
“He’s a person who deviates far from common sense.”
‘Exactly, exactly.’
His words were so right that I nodded automatically. Seeing this, the aide’s face turned even paler. His gaze was as if he was looking at an unknown creature.
“Look at this. What rabbit in the world treats a black panther as a pet?”
In truth, I wasn’t treating her as a pet but responding to her affection. It was a misunderstanding that I, scratching Ash’s belly until my arms were about to fall off, found frustrating.
“Moreover, it even understands speech.”
Watching the trembling aide, I thought this might be the normal reaction to seeing me.
Come to think of it, when beastfolk undergo humanization, their true form becomes a fully grown beast. Even though I had transformed into a human, I remained in the form of a little rabbit.
Was it because I hadn’t achieved complete humanization? This, along with the pheromone issue, was another mystery to solve.
“Restin, it’s rude to behave like that in front of others.”
“B-but….”
“I’m sorry, my aide has a rather narrow view. I apologize on his behalf.”
He looked more like someone about to fall asleep than someone sincerely apologizing.
And didn’t he also have a rather unwelcoming attitude when we first met? As I glared at him with distrust, Rune pushed his aide’s back.
“Go on, introduce yourself, it’s your first time meeting.”
“No, wait. What am I supposed to say to a little rabbit?”
“Restin.”
Rune’s voice turned stern, causing the aide to slump his shoulders.
Soon, he was forcibly brought in front of me and Ash, who were on the bed.
I didn’t particularly want to exchange pleasantries with a predator either. Despite my hope that he would turn around and leave, the aide hesitated and placed his hand near his chest.
“I apologize for the late greeting. I am Harrington Restin, the third son of the Restin family and the subordinate of Rune Manionts.”
His polite introduction reminded me of the surname Rabian, which I had buried at the end of my thoughts. I would never have to attach that name to myself again.
‘I’m Vivi.’
Momentarily lost in thought, I extended my front paw in response to Restin’s greeting. Given my current form, this was the best response I could give.
To my surprise, he yelped, “Eek,” and stepped back. He even stumbled backward, banging his shin against a table, hopping and causing a commotion.
‘What a coward.’
He was an unusually remarkable coward.
Retracting my paw, I turned my gaze to a peculiar sound coming from somewhere. Rune, who had been sitting at the back, was sprawled over the table, chuckling. He wasn’t crying; he was undoubtedly enjoying the situation.
I really disliked this. Annoyed, I nudged Ash.
‘Ash, are all predators this twisted in nature?’
Ash snorted, as if to claim that she was different, the sound echoing through the bedroom.
* * *
Tak, the closed middle door severed the terrace from the bedroom.
Beyond the glass window, Mio, the knight who had met me when humanized, wore a worried expression. I met her eyes and waved my front paw to indicate I was okay.
Then, towards Restin, who still looked frightened, I kicked into the air. His shimmering blonde hair was as annoying as a lion’s mane.
“Alright, now that the intruders are gone. Shall we have a chat?”
Rune, who had drawn the curtains to block our view, drew attention.
“I originally wanted to meet sooner, but I needed time to adjust.”
‘…Adjust? What adjustment?’
Reluctantly, I licked my lips and took a seat next to Ash.
After all, he was the first to witness me becoming human, so it was hard to avoid interrogation.
“Well, it’s impossible to talk in my current form… How about turning back into a human?”
If that were easy, I wouldn’t be here right now.
Worried he might insist, I quickly shook my head. Rune then squatted to match my eye level and rested his chin on his hand.
“Why, are you hiding the fact that you’re a beastfolk?”
I did hide it at first, but since Ahin found out everything, could it still be considered a secret? Unable to explain in detail, I remained silent.
“Back then, you even kicked my mouth to hide that you were human. It seems Ahin Grace doesn’t know you’re a beastfolk.”
So, I told you, he found out everything yesterday.
As I grumbled, I pressed myself against Ash, startled by the fangs visible between Rune’s lips. Despite a day passing, the area near my neck where Ahin bit still stung.
“For instance, you might have approached Ahin Grace with a specific purpose.”
I was forcibly brought to the black panther’s mansion with no choice, not an intentional approach. It was ambiguous whether I should be grateful to Rune for highly valuing my abilities.
“Or, you could be extracting secrets by hiding your beastfolk identity. But what could you do with such a tiny body?”
‘Calling me tiny is an insult!’
Pick one, either praise or scold. Frustrated, I thumped the floor with my front paw.
“Come to think of it….”
Ignoring my strong reaction, Rune stretched leisurely.
“Why were you dressed like that at the ball? The more I think about it, the more suspicious it gets. Even now, you reek of a black panther. What are you two hiding?”
Muttering to himself, he glanced at his reflection in the glass and pretended to be serious. To anyone else, it looked like he was talking to two animals, Ash and me.
Looking back at the glass, Ahin’s actions flashed before me like a panorama. He had insisted I cover my pheromones and hide my beastfolk identity, even smearing his pheromones on me. Did Ahin dislike my pheromones being exposed to others?
‘Why?’
Moreover, his words and actions didn’t seem to welcome my humanization. Lost in thought, I pondered over it carefully.
In hindsight, it seemed that just having pheromone scent on me didn’t transform me into a human. It probably required exposure to a certain concentration of pheromones, like when I met the fox beastfolk or the wolf.
It felt like pieces of an unsolvable puzzle were scattered everywhere.
Just as my mind started to get complicated, Rune suddenly lowered his body and said, “Shh.” He brought his index finger to his lips. His previously bored golden eyes had turned serious.
‘If only you’d be quiet here.’
Thinking it would embarrass him to point it out, I pretended to lower my voice and covered my mouth.
Hiding his presence, Rune cautiously moved to the terrace railing. Following suit, I peeked through the railing and widened my eyes.
‘…What are they doing?’
Two employees, who I hadn’t noticed before, were secretly exchanging something. Despite being only two stories high, no sound of conversation could be heard, indicating they were deliberately hiding their presence.
‘The drugs spreading around the Endellus area are commonly used by civilians. It must be related to pheromones. Judging by the variety of symptoms, it’s likely experimental or a narcotic.’
Remembering the conversation between Ahin and Eveleen in the carriage, Rune clicked his tongue.
The area below the terrace, on the outskirts of the inn, was a perfect spot for a rendezvous. It seemed he had reached the same conclusion.
‘Ah!’
While muttering, my body suddenly lifted off the ground. Ash, displeased with my peeking through the railing, had grabbed me by the scruff. Worried about making noise, Rune gently snatched me from Ash.
‘Stop it, you beasts!’
Moved around, my view shifted multiple times. Feeling dizzy, I looked up and met the eyes of one of the employees.
The two employees, who had been staring blankly upward, exchanged glances. Their actions were highly suspicious. At the same time, Rune, ready to leap, hooked one leg over the terrace railing.
“Let’s catch them since they look suspicious.”
‘Why are you saying that like you’re asking for my permission!’
Before I could struggle, he leaped swiftly. Reflexively closing my eyes tightly, I opened them slightly upon feeling a stable landing.
In front of us were the two employees, now pale, clutching something tightly.
Up close, they had dark skin and the features of hyena beastfolk, as Ahin had once described.
“What should we do now….”
“…….”
“Shall we knock them out first?”
‘Do as you please!’
Instead of asking for my opinion, he should just put me down. I glared at Rune with all my might.
Even in this situation, his eyes remained sleepy, showing just how out of touch with common sense these beasts were.
If anyone were to use pheromones here, it would be a real disaster.
Unaware of my burning concern, Rune reached for his waist as if to draw his sword. His hand sliced through the air.
“Oh, the sword.”
Only then did we both remember that he had left his sword in the bedroom. As Rune scowled from his empty hand gesture, the employees took hesitant steps backward.
“What, what is this?”
“Uh….”
Rune’s golden eyes flicked briefly to Ash and me.
“Righteous animal friends?”
“…What?”
“Anyway, let’s see what you’re holding.”
The employee clenched his fist so tightly that veins popped out. His wandering gaze landed on me, held in Rune’s hand.
“You think I have a weird hobby of keeping a rabbit?”
“What, what…!”
“Your gaze says it all. I get it, it’s hard to understand logically. Isn’t that right?”
Rune, agreeing with himself, shook me in front of his eyes. Meanwhile, I, pale with anxiety, pressed my hind paws against his forehead.
‘This is no time to be making eye contact with me!’
Look to the side, look to the side!
In the meantime, the employee had lunged, attempting to attack.
Unlike when he was chatting, Rune’s demeanor instantly turned cold. He easily dodged the punch and swiftly turned to chop at the employee’s neck.
“Ugh!”
With a groan, the employee’s body collapsed to the floor. Rune lightly flicked his hand and turned his gaze to the remaining employee.
“Damn it!”
Realizing the skill gap from the previous easy attack, the remaining employee took a stance to flee.
“Where do you think you’re going? Got something to hide?”
Rune’s hand shot out, grabbing his neck in an instant. Instead of struggling, the employee suddenly turned around, raising his arm in a peculiar gesture.
“Watch out….”
Before he could finish, Rune turned his back to the employee to protect me.
There was a sound like something being scattered. Gray powder spread in front of me as I crouched.
‘Powder?’
Before I could think further, my view dropped closer to the ground. Was Rune about to fall? As I instinctively stretched out my legs, the world turned completely black.
Thud, with a slight impact, I landed on something soft and pushed away the black cloth that hindered my movements.
What is this? Struggling to free myself, I finally confirmed the object wrapped around me.
‘…It’s clothing?’
And quite familiar. It was undoubtedly the black jacket Rune had been wearing.
‘Why is the jacket….’
As a sense of foreboding filled me, a massive presence stirred beside me. Turning my head while clutching the clothing, I saw not Rune, but a lion with a magnificent mane looking down at me.
A truly wild beast, its front paw was larger than my entire body.
‘Oh….’
My eyes, trembling like mad, moved from the sharp claws to the iconic mane of a male lion. The scattered clothes and the missing Rune, replaced by a lion.
‘Hmm….’
Given the circumstances, this beast must be Rune. Why did he suddenly revert to his original form?
Was he bored? Someone, please explain. My heart pounded, and a cacophony of silent screams echoed in my head.
As my gaze slowly moved from the lion’s blazing eyes to its fangs,
‘Oh my god!’
My legs started moving on their own. My mind was completely overtaken by the prey’s instinct to flee.
* * *