Black Killer Whale Baby [EN]: Chapter 160

## 160

No sooner had I finished speaking than the audience erupted into a violent uproar. I could feel everyone swaying, caught up in the moment.

It was only natural.

Who did they think they were dealing with here?

‘The people of the Dragon City.’

People who respected and revered Duke Dragon more than anyone else in the world.

In their eyes, Duke Dragon was more than just a lord. When rumors spread that Duke Dragon was ill, the entire city was plunged into gloom.

To these people, the Dragon’s Bride was someone chosen solely for Duke Dragon.

‘Even if there’s a dark meaning of sacrifice hidden behind it.’

She was an important figure who could never be touched unless it was for Duke Dragon.

It wasn’t for nothing that the Dragon’s Bride was given the same status as Duke Dragon.

No matter how much Duke Pantheon was feared and renowned throughout the empire, he couldn’t overturn this fact.

To put it more bluntly, a mere lord’s proxy dared to harm the bride, who should only be harmed by Duke Dragon.

“I am meant for Duke Dragon. What if I had been hurt? He would have had to see a damaged bride.”

The atmosphere turned decidedly unfavorable for the Black Panthers.

Because the commotion only grew louder at my quiet words.

“……”

I simply found Duke Pantheon’s flustered appearance amusing.

Who would have thought they’d incite and corner those who were being suppressed by such great power? You won’t be able to resolve this matter anyway.

Because this is something you, who have been arrogant your whole lives, have never faced.

Yes, just keep your mouths shut like that.

Because as time passes, the air, the atmosphere, everything will become more advantageous for me.

In fact, someone was approaching Duke Pantheon, angrily addressing him.

Probably a vassal [a subordinate or dependent] of Duke Dragon, his face was red with anger, about to explode.

‘Yes. There are those who show such blind loyalty to Duke Dragon.’

I felt a surge of anger for no reason.

Why did Ekion have to be trapped in that dark room without the help of such subordinates?

I cursed the Emperor and their behavior.

You won’t be able to easily quell this wave of unrest.

I know.

What choice Duke Pantheon will ultimately make here.

“Damn it, what did you do to the Dragon’s Bride!”

“Explain yourselves!”

“Does Duke Dragon know about this!!”

As expected, just as the commotion grew too large and even complaints began to erupt….

Finally, under everyone’s gaze, Duke Pantheon slowly opened his mouth.

“It seems there was some misunderstanding.”

When Duke Pantheon spoke, the commotion subsided for a moment. But countless angry gazes were directed at him.

“Clearly, the scene unfolding before your eyes makes it seem as though we were trying to commit a reckless act.”

I slightly raised my eyebrows.

I anticipated two possible reactions from the Duke.

One was to question whether they would believe a scene shown by mere Orcas using the power of water.

If he had said this, the situation would have spiraled to the worst.

Because the audience had already firmly believed the scene I had shown.

It would have only seemed like he was trying to make excuses.

And the other was.

“But I will speak candidly in this place.”

Admitting that scene….

“We admit that we created a scene that could be misunderstood. However, we declare that there was an unavoidable reason for doing so.”

Blaming the culprit who created this situation.

“Although it was kept quiet, I will reveal it here. That girl… could not become a legitimate Dragon’s Bride.”

I grinned.

I knew it. The choice you would make was obvious.

“We are currently helping with the city’s administration due to the health issues of the respected Duke Dragon in this city! All the beastmen here, think about it, none of our decisions can be unilateral. Everything is done with Duke Dragon’s approval!”

The angry public sentiment temporarily subsided.

It was a plausible story. ‘We only moved because your master allowed us to, right?’

“We received a request from Duke Dragon to re-examine whether this Dragon’s Bride was qualified.”

“……”

“That’s because the unofficial time to receive the Dragon’s Bride was two years later!”

Wouldn’t it be suspicious for a bride to arrive earlier than the promised time?

Duke Pantheon chose to fabricate a reason.

It was a rather clever choice.

“During the investigation, we discovered something suspicious and asked the Dragon’s Bride to accompany us for questioning. You couldn’t hear the sound in that scene, so you all here wouldn’t know. The place we took her would have been where Duke Dragon was.”

The Duke spoke as if he had seen all the scenes, even though he wasn’t there.

“My son would have tried to guide her to where Duke Dragon is.”

Ah. So you’re saying you were behind Asel’s kidnapping?

I watched quietly. Atlante was looking at me with a slightly embarrassed expression.

I couldn’t hear him because he didn’t want his voice to echo, but the meaning of his gaze was clear.

Hey, are you okay?

…That’s what he was asking.

I replied with my lips.

‘Have you ever seen me fight a losing battle?’

I immediately showed it with my actions.

“Just a moment.”

I abruptly cut off Duke Pantheon’s nonsense.

“So, the reason you attacked me was to take me to Duke Dragon?”

I continued speaking without giving that man time to protest.

“That’s ridiculous. Then you should have escorted me. Why attempt to kidnap me?”

The only reason I watched was to wait for you to create your own trap.

“And Duke Dragon was looking for me? That can’t be true.”

Because your words will be your downfall.

“I’ve already met Duke Dragon, you know?”

“Nonsense! Now you’re even telling blatant lies. He is currently….”

“Not feeling well? Yes, that’s true.”

I smiled brightly.

“But he has no trouble walking, speaking, or hearing, you know?”

It was because I was quite enjoying Duke Pantheon’s flustered appearance, forgetting that there were so many people in this place.

Doesn’t that sound strange?

“It’s true. How else could I have come to this place?”

The Dragon’s Bride should, in principle, only be in the Dragon’s Castle.

The only times such a bride can move are….

“Because Duke Dragon came here with me.”

When Duke Dragon allowed it, or when he accompanied her.

I spread out my hand. I could feel the blood flowing from my fingertips.

The power, as familiar as my heartbeat, bloomed like a lotus flower in my hand.

Ah, how much I wanted to use this power.

It was even endearing and lovely.

My water power.

The color of the water I use was always changing. From a deep blue to a light sky blue like Atlante’s.

“Water power?”

I heard my dad muttering, sounding a little surprised.

“…What a beautiful color.”

And even to the sound of those words echoing, I smiled gratefully and turned to the audience.

“The Duke is also in this place.”

At the same time, I bowed gracefully like a performer.

“He has only concealed his appearance.”

Although the power is very weak, there were infinite ways to apply the power given to me, who had once been at the peak.

At this moment, an illusion like a mirage created using the refraction of water.

Someone was standing next to me.

An illusion of such precise appearance that it was hard to believe it was made of water.

What I created was an adult male.

‘I never thought I’d see you again.’

Blue hair swayed.

White skin and cold eyes, a man with a smooth but inorganic appearance like a doll.

The sea, yes. I think I was reminded of the sea when I first saw this man.

Next to me stood the appearance of Duke Dragon that I had seen directly in my third life, facing destruction.

In other words, Ekion’s adult form.

“What do you think, Duke Dragon?”

I smiled, pretending not to know.

“What do you think of this situation?”

The people seemed confused.

I could hear them whispering.

“…Isn’t the current Duke Dragon supposed to be in his child form?”

“That’s what I know too….”

“But that’s Duke Dragon. Just like he looked when we were kids!”

Duke Pantheon and Asel must be shocked too.

As expected, as soon as I showed Duke Dragon’s appearance, the area around Duke Pantheon became chaotic and some people were seen running.

I smiled secretly.

Because on our side, Atlante was quietly retreating, taking advantage of the confusion.