At noon, during tea time, I was fiddling with some hay. It was a leisurely but mentally restless moment.
Lately, things had been bothering me more and more. The guards stationed outside my bedroom seemed to have some inkling that I was a beastfolk. Every time I entered or left the bedroom, they became increasingly tense.
While it was good that security had been tightened, the hostility they radiated made my interactions with them increasingly awkward.
“The scent of flowers is lovely.”
‘I agree.’
A gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers blew softly.
As I enjoyed tea and refreshments with Madam Valence at the tea table, I glanced to my right.
In one corner of the garden, filled with yellow flowers, stood a small house that had been built for the welfare of the rabbit. It was about the height of an average person’s knee, with a ceiling open to the sky.
When Madam Valence explained with a smile that it was modeled after the Grace mansion, I felt a mix of emotions. It was a bit complicated to receive a rabbit house as a gift when I was supposed to be human.
However, when I finally entered the house, instead of feeling conflicted, I was deeply moved. The house was filled with housewarming gifts that the staff had secretly placed there.
Meimi had left a well-sharpened dagger, Ulpes a red ribbon, and Everine a predator repellent filled with scents that wild animals dislike.
The house was packed with gifts, from a rabbit helmet that was obviously from the guards, to hay bales and toys.
It might be greedy to feel a bit disappointed that there wasn’t a gift from Ahin among them. Holding the hay, I pondered the practical use of the predator repellent I had stored so carefully.
‘Lord Rabbit, I also wanted to have a conversation with you, but it’s a shame that you’ve turned back into a rabbit.’
‘When I first saw you, you were so scrawny it was troublesome, but I’m glad to see you’ve gained some meat on your bones.’
It seemed like Everine’s gift would be best used on Everine himself. Firmly deciding on this, I bit into the hay with vigor.
“My dear, I heard about what happened in the study.”
I was snapped out of my thoughts by Valence’ voice. She gently placed her finger under my paw, smiling softly with her eyes.
“I didn’t expect father to be so harsh. I hope it didn’t leave you with any hard feelings.”
‘I’m fine.’
“I was going to meet him separately, but Ahin got to him first and seems to have thoroughly irritated him. I don’t know exactly what happened, but he’s currently bedridden.”
Bedridden? It wasn’t hard to imagine Ahin, with his harmless smile, driving someone to frustration.
As I showed a tired expression, a cautious hand stroked the top of my head.
“He’s the type to take to bed over minor things, so don’t worry too much. Hmm… You might not run into him immediately, but I’d recommend avoiding him while you’re staying here.”
Right there and then, Valence granted Meimi the right to whisk me away should I encounter that grandfather. Additionally, she gave Meimi the authority to disregard any of his overbearing orders.
Meimi, overjoyed, distanced herself and found a suitable spot to stay on guard.
Feeling slightly relieved, I turned my head to where Valence’ gaze had landed. Her red eyes were fixed on Bara, who was napping alongside Ash.
“The beasts seem to be more attached to you than I expected. Perhaps they’re sensitive to your pheromones.”
That sly black panther. He had been pestering me all along, but when Valence was around, he acted as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.
Unlike Quinn, who had gradually stopped overturning the hay as we spent more time together, Bara and I showed no signs of getting closer.
The more Ash showered me with affection, the more distant Bara became. Whenever everyone’s attention was elsewhere, Bara would nudge me or laugh mockingly if I happened to trip.
I shook Valence’ hand to get her attention and then stood up on my hind legs. It was finally time to expose Bara’s misdeeds.
With a few taps, I mimicked getting smacked on the bottom and even rolled on the ground.
I used my whole body to reveal the cunning black panther’s true nature.
“Oh my… Meimi.”
Suddenly, Valence’ expression turned serious as she called for Meimi.
“You called, my lady?”
“Summon the court painter immediately. I want to capture this snowball-like form in a portrait.”
“As you wish.”
At Meimi’s orders, one of the maids quickly left the room.
Of course. Valence often misinterpreted my gestures, so I hadn’t expected much. I sprawled out on the tea table, feeling resigned.
As I rested my chin on the table, Ahin in his black panther form came to mind. If he wasn’t feeling well, he should at least see a doctor.
“What are you thinking about?”
A gentle, affectionate voice sounded above me.
“Try again. I’m curious about what you want to say.”
When I looked up, I saw Valence smiling brightly, softly urging me, “Go ahead.”
Feeling a glimmer of hope, I hesitated for a moment before standing up. Ahin’s well-being took precedence over anything to do with Bara.
Finally, I stood on two feet and, baring my teeth, pretended to roar like a black panther. As she watched me intently, her brow furrowed.
“Black panther?”
You got it right! My face lit up as I clapped in approval. Valence, sharing my satisfaction, laughed and urged me to continue.
‘I wonder if transforming into a black panther is indeed something that happens when he’s unwell…’
How should I express that? Last time, when I clutched my stomach, it didn’t end well. After a brief hesitation, I pretended to be weak and then collapsed.
When I sneaked a glance at her, Valence was stroking her chin, deep in thought.
“A black panther’s weakness… It seems you’re planning to properly tame Ash and Bara.”
That’s not it at all. However, a gleam of interest appeared in her red eyes.
“A well-trained beast can be just as effective as a bodyguard. My dear, I’m quite fond of your resilience.”
I was about to disagree but then paused. Even though it was incorrect, knowing a weakness could be valuable information. My eyes sparkled as I clapped again, signaling that she had found the right answer.
“It seems I got it right this time. Although, I wonder if a black panther really has a weakness.”
Smiling contentedly, she called over Meimi and the other maids who had been standing at a distance.
Thus, a long discussion ensued among the black panther beastfolk about what might constitute a black panther’s weakness.
* * *
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