The Symbiotic Relationship Between The Rabbit And The Black Panther [EN]: Chapter 7

As night fell, Meimei led me to Ahin’s bedroom.

Settled among the cushions around the sofa, I was quite exhausted from the day, but I couldn’t let my guard down. Any moment, the black panther would walk through that door.

However, contrary to my expectation of a quick entrance, the wait was prolonged.

After a long while, Ahin appeared as the door burst open, his face bearing a hint of fatigue.

Peeking out, I stiffened at the acrid smell that assaulted my nose.

‘Blood.’

Upon closer inspection, Ahin’s black uniform was covered in someone else’s fresh blood.

‘What…’

Unlike my frozen state, he nonchalantly removed the blood-caked jacket. Even the dark gray shirt underneath was stained with blood.

Shortly after, a beast-man in a white coat and Ivelin entered the chamber. Judging by the medicine kit in his hand, the accompanying beast-man appeared to be a physician.

“The lacerations aren’t deep, but sutures are necessary.”

The physician, having obtained permission, skillfully tore Ahin’s shirt open. Stiff as a board, I could only blankly watch the process.

It was a completely unfamiliar sight, both the injuries and the treatment.

“Please be careful not to put pressure on the wound. I will visit again in the morning.”

The physician, having finished bandaging, left the bedroom with a bow.

Despite the back injury, Ahin, the physician, and even Ivelin acted as if it were a common occurrence, maintaining their composure.

“Was it the doing of the wolf beast-men?”

Ivelin, picking up the bloodied clothes from the floor, asked in a low voice.

“Those bastards even used a paralysis-inducing scent.”

A chilling smile crossed Ahin’s face as he uttered rather harsh words. I belatedly noticed that his silver hair was also speckled with bright red blood.

“We will dispose of the bodies and deliver them to the wolf territory’s leader. They will likely deny any involvement.”

“Send about thirty men over there as well. It would be fine to take the heads of some high-ranking officials, if possible.”

“As you command.”

Ahin, who was sitting on the sofa and massaging his shoulder, turned his gaze to me.

“Ah, right, you’re here.”

His red eyes seemed even more ferocious today, causing me to flinch involuntarily. Ahin stared at me for a moment before leisurely crossing his legs.

“You’ve been keeping quiet. As expected of someone Ahin-nim [an honorific] brought.”

“Is that how it works?”

“Indeed.”

Ahin, wearing a puzzled expression at Ivelin’s nonsense, tilted his head.

Soon, he rose and approached with a relaxed gait, crouching down.

“Come here.”

As the large hand was extended, I hesitated for a moment before climbing onto his palm. I had no courage to resist in the current atmosphere.

“You’re too clever for a rabbit. You even understand words.”

“However, there are many inexplicable aspects to consider it a beast-man.”

“What about those whose throats were slit in the forest? Where this rabbit was found.”

“I ordered the immediate retrieval of the corpses today, but the black panthers in the forest had already torn them apart.”

Ahin clicked his tongue and stared at me, his head held high. He truly seemed to be contemplating what to do with me.

Averting his piercing gaze, I quickly gathered my front paws and flattened myself to the ground. It wouldn’t be that difficult to spare my life, would it?

Seemingly pleased with my submissive posture, Ahin curved his eyes and pressed down on my head.

“You’re quick-witted, too.”

*So, please postpone putting me on the dinner table.* Biting my lip, I secretly glared at him.