Black Killer Whale Baby [EN]: Chapter 154

154

The Orcas’ water-based powers were better suited for surveillance than the Black Panthers’ earth-based abilities.

If Asael’s plan succeeded, they would gain truly capable sentries.

He was making a scene in the plaza for his daughter; it was obvious what he would do if he got his hands on her.

‘This is why you shouldn’t reveal your weaknesses.’

Could they not overcome the limitations of aquatic animals?

Like all terrestrial [land-based] animal shapeshifters, the Black Panther family couldn’t shake off their elitist attitude toward aquatic animal shapeshifters.

“Alright. Then I’ll take on Peseum. Since a fight is brewing, we might as well make it chaotic. It’s been a while since I’ve stretched my limbs.”

“Are you planning to get involved directly?”

“If necessary.”

In the shadowy office, Duke Pantheion gnashed his teeth, barely able to contain himself.

“We need to resolve this quickly so we can focus more on finding Lily!”

Asael quietly lowered his gaze.

The Black Panthers had many pressing issues, but they were unable to address the most important one.

“Palaya, what on earth has he been doing…!”

The Duke’s face was utterly savage.

Perhaps even if Duke Pantheion’s sons had gone missing or been found injured, he wouldn’t have been this enraged.

However, Duke Pantheion’s outbursts of anger since Lily’s disappearance were nothing new, so Asael remained silent.

“Ha, fine. You must proceed with what you’ve said without fail.”

“Of course.”

Duke Pantheion leaned back.

After all, the Dragon’s Bride was a cheeky but young girl.

Subduing her wouldn’t be difficult, especially for the eldest son who inherited all the Black Panther’s power.

* * *

“Oh, Peseum is open?”

“Yes, the Black Panther side specified the rules of Peseum and spread them throughout the market.”

“…Peseum is already open and attracting many people.”

As always, there’s nothing better than creating a bigger issue to cover up another one.

Since ancient times, sports have been a form of entertainment for everyone, and not just any sport, but martial arts.

It was inevitable that adrenaline would surge through shapeshifters who still retained their animal instincts.

“At this rate, it seems like the market will be empty in no time.”

Levy and Drex, the moray eel shapeshifter, explained the outside atmosphere in turn.

Was it like the World Cup being held in Korea? I haven’t been out since the first time I went with Levy, so I don’t know.

“Either way, it’s a success.”

Thanks to that, I’m a little sad that it’s been a while since I’ve seen Dad.

“Yes, they’ve arranged the challengers in a tournament format, so Pierre doesn’t have to face numerous challengers like he did on the first day.”

“So they’re stalling for time?”

“Yes.”

Levy nodded.

As planned, Peseum opened.

And Dad ended up facing beasts there.

I also heard that even more people would flock there starting tomorrow.

“But why are those guys trying to stall for time?”

I pondered, holding my chin.

It was good that I could move more freely, but it felt a bit unsettling.

“Levy, Drex. You guys saw Dad fighting in the plaza, right? What was the level of his opponents?”

“I may not be able to fight, but I’m confident in my judgment, and to be honest…”

“They’re just small fries…”

Levy also nodded at Drex’s words, agreeing.

“True, but even minnows can be annoying if there are enough of them. It’s a waste of energy.”

But he’s Pierre Aquasieldel. I have no doubt about his victory.

However, the incurable disease that forced Dad to sit in the western corner bothered me.

“There’s also the possibility of a bluff.”

“Good, it means they’re just as short on time as we are.”

“Thanks to the smooth movement of the materials, we’ve already secured eighty percent of our target.”

Levy and Drex looked at each other and nodded.

“We just need one more day.”

“Alright.”

The material side is close to market research. As many materials gather in the Dragon’s City, we’ll be able to know the origin of those materials.

“Two years. It’s two years, Levy.”

“…I know.”

Levy nodded with a sullen expression.

“It’s presumptuous of me, but what about the Princess… No, never mind.”

“What is it?”

“It’s just, it’s a bit rude to say, but I feel like you know exactly how much to squeeze someone to reach their limit.”

Oh, look at this. Is he protesting about me pushing him too hard?

Instead of getting angry, I smiled.

“The more you like someone, the better you treat them.”

“Even someone you just met?”

“Does the amount of time matter? The quality of that time is what matters.”

“…”

“What’s with that expression?”

“…Just listening to you, it seems like there’s no one the Princess can’t seduce. I almost forget the Princess’s age.”

“Are you saying I’m like an old soul?”

“When did I say that!”

Levy, looking wronged, twitched his lips as if he wanted to say something more, but I raised my hand to stop him.

Enough with the personal talk. I waved my hand.

“It’s good that we only need one more day. Then quickly resolve that and do the next thing.”

“What do you mean by next thing?”

I held up two fingers.

Currently, Atlan was secretly prowling around this castle, figuring out the layout.

He was getting help from Ekion, but unfortunately, he hadn’t been much help because he had been locked up for too long.

“Levy, as soon as Atlan returns, discuss the entry route and escape route with him.”

“Are you not going to be there, Princess?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Atlan is just too noisy.”

“Ah, I see. He shuts up a bit when I’m around?”

I chuckled.

“No, I’m busy. If Atlan complains more than necessary, tell him I ordered it.”

“Yes.”

Levy didn’t seem to expect much and didn’t say anything more.

“Drex, your detection ability seems quite good. Can you fight a bit too?”

“…I think I can hold my own.”

I whistled.

I always like guys who are confident in fighting.

“Good, then I want you to find someone for me.”

“Who should I find?”

“Palaya Pantheion.”

“…”

Drex’s eyes, which had been half-closed as if he was sleepy, widened, and even Levy, who was with him, looked a little surprised.

“Isn’t he the second son of the Pantheion family?”

“Oh, how did you know?”

“Isn’t this kind of information basic knowledge?”

Just like our strategist, he did something pretty. I smiled.

“Yeah, that’s right. Drex, find him and deliver my message.”

“…Yes.”

I left a message for Drex. As soon as I finished speaking, Levy slightly raised his hand.

“Why are you trying to meet Palaya Pantheion?”

“Do you think all the Black Panthers are purebloods [of solely Black Panther lineage]?”

“Excuse me?”

“Ah, I guess you wouldn’t know since aquatic animal shapeshifters don’t care as much.”

Aquatic animal shapeshifters also call shapeshifters born from marriage between different species ‘incomplete shapeshifters’ and try to keep it quiet.

But it’s not as bad as terrestrial animal shapeshifters. Their discrimination is worse.

They are uniquely discriminatory.

“The Black Panther’s second son isn’t from Black Panthers. His mother is different from the first son’s.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard of this.”

Of course. This was kept a secret in the original novel.

That’s why Lily was the one who embraced the second brother, who had many wounds and was wandering.

“The second son’s mother is a snake shapeshifter.”

Snake shapeshifters were in a somewhat strange position among terrestrial animals.

They were the kind of people who didn’t bother to step forward in the center [of power or influence].

“Anyway, just know this much. Palaya Pantheion has a use.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Yes, then I’ll go look for him.”

The two greeted and were about to leave the reception room when.

Knock knock. The sound of knocking stopped the two’s footsteps. I tilted my head in the reception room.

‘Was there someone coming to visit?’

Dad was away.

I glanced at the next room.

There were two people in that room who shouldn’t be discovered.

“You guys go to the next room for a while.”

“…Call us if you need us.”

“Whistle. Just come running when I whistle.”

“Yes.”

“Levy, make sure the kids don’t come out.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The two went to the next room, and I changed my expression and ran to open the door.

“Greetings, Dragon’s Bride.”

The ones standing outside the door were a servant dressed in servant’s clothes and two knights.

And the Orca knights were standing in front of the reception room, with a very disciplined expression.

“Dad’s not here?”

“Yes, Pierre Aquasieldel is probably at Peseum.”

“Yeah, that’s right. The decision-maker of the group isn’t here.”

At my face, which seemed to ask if they still wouldn’t leave, the servant looked a little surprised.

It was the face of someone who realized I wasn’t easy to deal with.

Soon, the servant glanced around and then bent down to whisper softly to me.

As if whispering a secret.

“The one looking for the Bride… is none other than Duke Dragon.”