Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Into the Wolf's Den
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The village we stopped at on the way to Wolf Territory was a picture of perfect peace.
Unlike Sheep Territory, where clean streets blended seamlessly with nature, this place was meticulously designed around a central square.
The roads were impeccably maintained, and houses in a rainbow of colors were arranged in harmonious patterns, like a work of art.
Everything was fine up to this point.
For me, who'd never left Sheep Territory, it was a refreshing sight.
"Welcome!"
As soon as we pushed open the door of an inn that caught my eye, the owner greeted us with a warm smile.
Yes, all good so far. A big, clean place like this beat some rundown dump any day.
The problem was...
"Oh my, it's been ages since we had a family. Is that kid on your back your son?"
Every time the innkeeper spoke, sharp fangs glinted. Her flashy, fierce features instinctively made any herbivore shrink back. The classic carnivore beastkin look.
She had orange hair and eyes, with a beauty mark dotting just below one. Her seductive eye smile could charm any beastkin.
That's right. This was Fox Territory, smack between Sheep and Wolf Territories.
'Y-Yeah, think of it as practice. Foxes are less scary than wolves.'
The fox's sparkling orange eyes turned to me. She glanced back and forth between me, Billy, and Ed, then widened her eyes as if she'd uncovered some grand secret.
"My goodness, love that transcends species? I've only heard tales! A sheep and wolves—how romantic."
Horrific, you mean?
She'd already whipped up a full romance flick in her imagination and naturally led us to the largest room.
"There's one big bed, so no issue sleeping with the child."
"One... more."
Two wolf beastkin and one fox beastkin.
Sandwiched helplessly between them, my fragile sheep brain short-circuited again. I couldn't even finish the sentence, just held up an index finger. The innkeeper tilted her head, not getting it.
"We're not family, so give us another room."
Billy smoothly stepped in to clarify.
"Ah, I see."
No need to look so openly disappointed...
Her eyes, sparkling like they might sprout hearts any second, cooled in an instant.
Clink—She rummaged through her keyring, picked out a silver key, and headed down the hall.
"So two small rooms? Perfect, we have exactly two left. Stay here."
The rooms she gave us were two small ones side by side at the end of the hall.
After she unlocked and left, I headed straight for mine.
"You okay with that?"
"Huh?"
I shot Billy a confused look at the sudden question. He pointed to the dark room—not a single magic lamp lit.
"It's dark."
"Pardon?"
"Guess you're fine."
What was he on about? As I stared up at him, hand on the doorknob, he stepped right up to me.
He stopped just one step away, with only the threshold between us.
A wave of his crisp scent hit me, fur standing on end. My body arched back instinctively at the predator so close, heart pounding wildly.
Snap.
He glanced around the room, snapped his fingers. The magic lamps flickered on, bathing the space in soft orange light.
"Sleep well."
With a gentle farewell, he entered his room. I leaned against the door alone, calming my racing heart.
'Wh-what was that.'
Did he have to get that close just to light a lamp?
The moment our eyes met up close kept replaying in my mind like an afterimage.
He was seriously bad for my heart.
Chirp chirp.
Birds sang through the large window, heralding a lazy autumn morning.
"Ugh."
Sunlight glared into my eyes from the bed. I slapped a pillow over my face to steal more sleep.
Knock knock.
Someone rapped at the door.
"If you don't come down now, no breakfast."
Billy. I mentally applauded his early rise, nudging the pillow aside just a bit.
"I can skip it."
Back to sleep. I pulled the blanket over my head for sweet dreams.
Clack clack. Billy's shoes headed downstairs.
Knock knock.
Another knock.
"Lady Lami, breakfast is the only meal today. We're pushing to reach the Rub Family by dinner..."
Crash! Slam!
'Why didn't that wolf tell me something this important!'
Ed's words jolted me—I tumbled off the bed and bolted upright. Flew to the door and downstairs.
"Said you weren't eating?"
Who're you taunting, wolf?
Downstairs, Billy was slicing into a perfectly plated steak.
Steak for breakfast? Impressive carnivores.
"You said this was our first and last meal today."
I sat at a different table from Billy and ordered breakfast from the innkeeper.
"What to do? No salad for herbivores."
Assuming I'd graze, she propped her chin, troubled.
"Any prepared meal is fine."
Music to my ears. Back in my pre-possession meat-loving days, the endless salads and grass dishes in Sheep Territory had been pure torture.
'Finally, meat!'
Eyes sparkling with anticipation, I waited. Latecomer Ed plopped naturally beside me.
"Ed, sleep well?"
Oh my god!
My first normal good-morning to Ed. Such an ordinary greeting.
I'd only ever nagged him for sleeping late or being annoyingly diligent early.
But Ed's face soured at my words, like he'd heard something he shouldn't. As if wondering what scheme this nasty beastkin had.
Guess my image had stuck. As awkwardness crept in, Ed's gaze flicked to Billy behind me.
He nodded to himself, then beamed.
"Yes, I slept great! You too, Lady Lami?"
I nodded with a big smile. Just then, breakfast arrived, wafting delicious aromas.
'Steak!'
Meat after so long. And perfectly grilled steak at that.
Heart fluttering, I cut a piece and popped it in. It melted before I could chew.
This place was a steak haven.
"So good! Best steak I've ever had."
I thumbs-upped the innkeeper sincerely. She chuckled in surprise.
"Haha, you've had your share, huh? First sheep I've seen who loves meat."
Oh no. Sheep Territory had few meat spots, mostly salad alleys. It hit me.
"Ahaha, is that so."
Then a half-eaten steak plate was set on our table.
"Suits your taste. Ed, dig in."
Billy flashed a charming smile from across, resuming his leisurely meal.
'Why'd I sit here on purpose...'
Rumble rumble.
"Huh? Why's the table shaking?"
The puzzled innkeeper eyed the vibrating table and went inside.
Billy ignored it, eating on.
We finished our hearty meal and left the inn. Then rode nonstop all day. We arrived at our destination by early evening, ahead of schedule.
I'd thought my stay at the Morton Family manor—head family of Sheep Territory—was luxurious. But one look at the Rub estate shattered that.
"Welcome home, Family Head."
A garden four times the Morton manor's size, ending at a massive estate.
Servants lined the path from the entrance to greet the head.
"And this is Benen's..."
The butler choked up spotting Ed, trailing off. His gaze shifted to me.
"But this one...?"
"A guest here as Ed's guardian. She'll be staying, so treat her well."
All eyes— the staring butler, lined servants—widened at Billy's explanation.
'Yeah, a sheep as wolf guardian must shock them.'
I could guess their thoughts without asking.
"We'll serve you with utmost care."
The elderly butler bowed sharply and led us inside.
'I'm really entering the wolf den...'
My feet dragged, mirroring my reluctance.
Then a small hand gripped mine tight. Ed's.
He'd managed nobly at the Morton estate, but this colossal noble house must overwhelm him.
Even I was awed by the grandeur. How daunting for Ed?
Gulp. Heart pounding, I gripped his hand and stepped forward bravely.
'Ed, I'll be right here, so don't worry—let's adapt!'
'...'
Blink blink. My eyes denied reality, fluttering at the choices.
After getting a 10% reduction in appearances as a reward, I rarely talked to Ed, and choices hadn't popped. I'd let my guard down.
Who knew it'd hit at this timing!
'H-here? Say that here...?'
Billy, butler, servants all around... those words?
Matching Ed's short strides, the choices blocked my view relentlessly.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
'Choose inside. When alone with Ed.'
My steps widened a bit. Ed seemed off without talk, but I couldn't die right away.
'Drop me right at the entrance!'
Why park the carriage so far?
It was walkable, but felt endless now. Even Billy strolling ahead annoyed me. Mind your nephew!
Finally at the entrance, Billy paused. As silent Ed and I arrived, a servant opened the door.
'Huh?'
What?
'No! No, no!'
No time to think.
Still holding Ed's hand, head turned to look down at him, harsh words spilled from my mouth.
"This is your home—what's with the fear? So fragile."
The guiding butler. Trailing servants. Ed holding my hand. And...
Billy ahead.
All eyes on me. Under countless wolf stares, my legs nearly buckled.
I had to salvage this.
'Please no more choices, please.'
Eyes squeezed shut, praying desperately, I lunged to scoop Ed up, yelling.
"Y-you're not as fragile as me, right, my Ed? Ha, ha. Nothing to fear. They're all good people!"
Drip—Cold sweat trickled down my forehead, betraying my tension.
Ed, suddenly hugged and facing me, had a subtle shift in his gaze. Like Mimo's occasional look at me.
'You think I'm pathetic too...'
The butler and servants' faces screamed their thoughts.
'What kind of beastkin is she?'
I wanted to cry.
"Lady Morton."
Hic!
Billy approached with an unreadable expression. I wanted to bolt.
As I hurried to set Ed down—
Thud!
My trembling legs gave out. I'd have crushed Ed falling forward, so I desperately leaned back instead.
Anything but hurt Ed.
"Ow ow..."
My butt throbbed like it shattered on the marble floor. Ed, who'd landed cushioned on me, blanked out briefly before slipping from my arms.
And above Ed's head, a sparkling favorability bar.
'No, why'd it drop!'
This was a terribly inauspicious start.