Black Killer Whale Baby [EN]: Chapter 111

Episode 111

I’d seen Ekion smile for five years, but I never got used to it.

First of all, he had a face worth admiring.

Even my eyes, accustomed to pretty and handsome Orcas, couldn’t help but be amazed by his face.

His body wasn’t that big, but somehow his face seemed to get prettier every day.

‘He’s going to break some hearts when he grows up, isn’t he?’

I had only seen Ekion when he was grown up and rampaging, but he was definitely handsome.

I turned my head and rested my chin on my hand.

“Dad, Ekion, when he smiles, he’s so pretty. How can someone look like that?”

“When you think that, go look in the mirror.”

“……Dad, your compliment skills have improved a lot. I like it.”

I paused, then chuckled softly.

Dad stared at my teeth, then stroked my head.

For a moment, Dad seemed to be looking at Ekion, then I heard him click his tongue.

Hmm. Dad always reacts like that whenever he sees Ekion?

“I owe that dragon a debt, so I’m just letting him stay…….”

A debt? I tilted my head at the unfamiliar words.

“The more I see him, the more shameless he seems.”

His words were blunt and direct, which made me even more curious.

Dad didn’t seem inclined to let my questions linger, as he spoke immediately.

“That one, he never goes outside. Did you know that?”

“Huh? You mean Ekion?”

In the meantime, Dad’s water stream wrapped around me, lifting me up, and I instinctively settled into his embrace.

A languid satisfaction crossed Dad’s face.

I shook Dad’s shoulder, urging him to answer.

“What is it? What are you talking about?”

When he still didn’t answer, I finally opened my mouth to elaborate.

“He didn’t go out anyway, did he? Besides, we didn’t let him go out because it was dangerous.”

“That was three years ago, wasn’t it? Now there’s no problem with his status.”

Blue hair was a symbol of the Dragon Duke, but that was only among land animals.

Blue hair was a fairly common trait among aquatic animal shapeshifters.

Moreover, there were some shapeshifters with golden eyes like Ekion, a racial characteristic like the octopus shapeshifters.

So, the attendant who recognized the Dragon Duke three years ago was a very unusual case.

“That one doesn’t go out unless you’re there.”

“Umm…….”

It wasn’t surprising news.

I had vaguely guessed it.

Also, the fact that while I was at the educational institution, Ekion would stand like a stone statue in front of the window where he could see the path I would return on.

‘It really felt like raising a stray dog or cat I picked up on the street.’

My sense of responsibility grew stronger.

“Isn’t him only following me a kind of imprinting effect, like ducks or chickens among those land animals?”

“You mean when a creature that hatches from an egg follows the first creature it sees as its mother?”

“That’s right. Of course, I wasn’t the very first thing he saw. But I was the first one he shared a bond with… something similar.”

I thought that even when Ekion didn’t know words, he had a concept of ‘salvation’.

After meeting me, a good home, a good environment, a stable meal.

Now that everything has changed, that kid’s world has become even wider.

Still, the first time must be special.

Since the entire environment has changed, won’t it get better in the future?

“Yes. I see you don’t take this problem very seriously.”

“Um? Is there any part I should take seriously?”

I became serious as well.

I was always willing to listen to Dad’s words.

“Well, this doesn’t seem like a good thing.”

“Why?”

“I could explain if I had to, but if you heard it now, you’d regret hearing it.”

“Regret?”

Dad, whom I looked up at, had a look as if something was bothering him.

‘Three years ago, after making this expression, he caught the attendant who doubted Ekion’s identity not long after, right?’

“It’s nothing.”

“……Saying that makes me want to hear it more.”

“I just… thought that when something dangerous happened because of the young Dragon Duke, I would protect you.”

“…….”

“My power exists for that time.”

Ah, right. Dad knew about the conspiracies surrounding Ekion.

So, whether Ekion was sent back or his position was somehow changed, he had already considered that he would inevitably face the Emperor and the Black Panther Duke, as well as other land animal beast noblemen involved.

He seemed to have already taken it into account.

“Ah, I understand. I know the seriousness of the situation. I will safely protect Ekion from any danger until I keep my promise with Tus. The threat from the Imperial Family as well.”

“……No, I don’t think you understand at all.”

“Huh?”

“You are capable in everything, but you are always vulnerable to emotions.”

“That’s… the same with Dad, isn’t it?”

That’s what we have in common.

Still, my social skills are better than Dad’s, right?

I thought this and made a slightly serious expression.

“Dad. I have something I want to say more than that.”

Even though five years have passed, my body is still small. I’m not happy about this, but I grabbed Dad’s cheek tightly with this small hand.

I grabbed it so hard that Dad’s gaunt cheek was pressed and popped out.

It was a sight that would have surprised those who revered Dad.

Maybe they would think this?

To squeeze the cheek of that Pierre Aquasialdel!

“It’s a very serious matter.”

Today, I received a reply from Lilibel that she would follow me.

That means that many things will change soon.

“I’m not going to hide anymore.”

“……Isn’t that the same as trying to do so from the point of half-destroying the garden floor on the way here?”

“…….”

That’s right. When I met Lilibel, the floor I broke because I couldn’t control my strength was rumored in real time.

Oh, come on. I’m trying to have a serious conversation, but please just skip over that.

I grumbled softly.

Dad chuckled and hugged me again. When I looked up, I could see him smiling slightly.

It was a comfortable smile.

“Is there something you want from me?”

“No, I don’t want anything from Dad.”

I shook my head.

“I’ll get what I want with my own strength.”

My blue eyes, bathed in the midday sun, sparkled like a lake receiving light.

“……I often think about it. If you ever awaken the power of water, what color of blue will the water you create be?”

It was an answer I already knew.

“I’ve always been curious, and I’ve been waiting for that day. It’s the same now.”

“…….”

“You are already strong even without being able to create water. But if the day you awaken takes longer… I think I’ll be disappointed.”

His face was always calm and still, without any agitation.

So even I was someone who struggled to interpret that expression.

Nevertheless, now I felt like I could grasp Dad’s thoughts.

That was.

‘Will I be able to see it before I die?’

It was a natural thing to think.

Dad wasn’t just nonchalant and resigned when we first met.

“I know my illness best.”

He knew and clearly recognized his condition better than anyone else in the world.

Whether it really looked like he was sick to others.

He looked healthy and well, or like he was living in resignation.

Still, he knew too well that he was terminally ill. That he was a person facing his death.

“Dad.”

At my quiet call, Dad rolled his eyes.

What would that feel like?

…Could I really leave everyone behind and die?

Even I, who had regressed, couldn’t easily answer that question.

“Please answer seriously. I want to ask you today.”

Was it because I heard Lilibel’s answer, who was suffering from the same disease?

I took out the question that I had buried in my heart for the past five years for this day.

“Haven’t you ever thought about wanting to live longer?”

My face was more tense than ever before.

What should I say if Dad said yes?

I’ve experienced many things as a regressor, but I still….

I didn’t know how to make someone who wanted to die want to live.

It was Dad who broke the silence that seemed like it would last forever.

“I do every day. I think about wanting to live.”

“Huh…?”

Dad chuckled.

“Every single day since I met you.”

“…….”

“I think I’ve done it without missing a single day.”

I blinked and smiled brightly.

“That’s a relief.”

I don’t know how to truly persuade someone who wants to die.

I was an Orca.

I don’t let go of what I aim for, even if I die, even if I live the next life.

I’m a person who has even regressed, so even if one more goal or another is added, I can carry it out without any problems.

My face was full of smiles, but obsession flashed in my eyes.

‘I won’t let Dad die even if he wants to.’

Along with Ekion over there, who I have to take responsibility for. The most precious person in my fence.

So. Of course, I have to save him.

It’s really a relief.

“I can save Dad without worry.”