Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Saint Kucheani's Day
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I admit there's something wrong with Claude's usual behavior.
But he was the young master of the Renar Family, and as a Renar, wasn't he inevitably driven to indulge in carnal desires? Of course, blaming it all on the family's curse made Claude's conscience twinge just a little.
Thanks to the unique allure of a powerful Wolfkin and his striking human form, seducing someone was easier for Claude than deciding that evening's dinner menu.
It wasn't Claude's fault that he couldn't extend those one-night flings into anything longer.
'Yeah, not my fault. Not at all.'
Armed with justifications for his actions, Claude quickly shoved Mrs. Tatia from his mind. She had been alluring, but the world was overflowing with other women he had yet to meet. Of course, while staying at Theodor's mansion, he'd have to pretend to be a bit more refined.
"Damn it, that Theodor bastard. Always making a fuss."
It wasn't just the curse—even natural urges earned Claude a look from Theodor as if he were some insect. Even if that fussiness stemmed from Theodor's hypersensitive senses and obsessive cleanliness, Claude still felt wronged.
His one and only friend wanted to enjoy a sweet night, yet Theodor didn't cheer him on—instead, he went beyond contempt and treated Claude like he was invisible.
Unlike Claude, who actively sought ways to suppress his curse, Theodor couldn't. Claude knew Theodor's curse wasn't the sort that could be managed through actions in the first place. He had endured agony for far too long.
And now, by his side was a Bride of the Wolf who had dropped from the heavens.
Was this a blessing from above? Or a clever trap?
'To hold onto the Bride of the Wolf, he'll have to pay a steep price.'
Claude arrived at a somewhat cynical conclusion.
Wasn't the curse bestowed upon them the price paid for their ancestors' desperate grab for power?
Born with that power, neither Claude nor Theodor had the luxury to worry about each other.
Wolfkin couldn't endure without dominating others. Until now, the five families had maintained a precarious balance, but that equilibrium would shatter soon.
Five families reducing to three, then to one—it might be the natural progression. Scattered power would converge, and the one at the pinnacle would rule all.
If that was the fate of their generation, Claude had no intention of running from it.
No matter how many nights he spent with women in his arms, the unquenchable thirst never faded. What more was there to fear?
"……."
He was undoubtedly at a crossroads.
The coin had already been tossed; all Claude had to do was await the result.
The second son of the Renars, the pampered young master, the troublemaker.
He was fully prepared to embrace his choices and his place.
"It's Saint Kucheani's Day! Buy some sweet strawberry chocolate!"
"Gift your beloved a handmade treat!"
The street vendors called out loudly.
As Lara and Rin passed by, the merchants noticed their refined appearance and waved even more enthusiastically. They looked like noble young ladies—potential big spenders!
"Miss, come try a sample?"
"It's free to taste. Look, fresh caramel taffy just came out."
Lara turned at their voices. The street was so crowded it was hard to walk straight. Everyone clutched packages in both hands, their faces bright and happy.
The shopkeepers were the same. By now, Lara's pockets were stuffed with candies and chocolates she'd absentmindedly accepted while passing shops.
"Um... I already have so many..."
"That's from Amy's Candy Shop, judging by the wrapping. Customer, our chocolate's way tastier. Go on, try it."
A vendor swiftly handed her their bestseller: strawberry chocolate. Lara barely managed to catch the gold-foil-wrapped piece without dropping it.
"Miss, how is it? Better than theirs, right?"
"Well..."
"Dear, the girl's uncomfortable. I told you not to keep asking!"
Lara felt both burdened and grateful by their generosity. But she couldn't give them what they wanted. She had no money to buy anything.
"Miss, this is so good, but we can't afford it. Hing..."
Rin whispered to Lara.
Lara shook her head slightly. Hearing Rin's dejected tone made her feel even sorrier. The chocolate melted smoothly in her mouth, surprisingly delicious, but she couldn't buy it—or get one for Rin.
The shopkeeper kept precariously piling more chocolates and candies onto Lara's palm.
"Rin, let's go."
"Yes, miss."
They wouldn't buy anything anyway, and lingering would just cause trouble. As they turned to leave, Lara caught sight of a man and woman outside the shop window, exchanging gifts.
The prettily wrapped boxes—from different shops, it seemed—sparked excited expressions. The woman opened hers first and threw her arms around the man. He hugged her back, barely keeping his box steady.
"Uh... miss?"
"...Rin. On Saint Kucheani's Day, people exchange gifts, right?"
"Yes. Friends, family, or lovers swap sweets or small presents."
"Does Rin have someone you want to give a gift to?"
"Me? Hmm..."
Rin pondered the sudden question. Beastkin usually didn't fuss over human holidays, but some thought skipping fun ones was a waste.
"Back home, I gave to my mom! And friends... Honestly, I forgot today was Saint Kucheani's Day this year. What about you, miss?"
Lara didn't answer, staring at the chocolate in her palm. Rin tilted her head, then clapped as realization dawned.
"Aha! I get it! You're thinking of the Master, right? Hehe, he doesn't seem like the type to care about days like this, but he'd love a gift from you!"
Then Rin remembered they were broke and drooped.
"Ah, but we have no money right now..."
"Yeah."
Rin's words—"he'd love a gift from you!"—echoed in Lara's mind. The couple outside linked arms amiably and walked off. How could she earn money?
"What? No money?"
A nasty voice came from behind. Lara turned.
The once-friendly shopkeeper scowled down at Rin and Lara, his expression hardened.
"I thought you were rich young ladies. No money? What nonsense is that? Why loiter near my shop if you can't pay?"
"What are you talking about? We were just looking, and you dragged us in!"
Rin stepped forward, raising her voice. Things were turning sour fast.
"Dragged you in? You acted like you were going to buy! So what's in those pockets? Did you steal it?"
"Th-this is from Amy's Candy Shop, the one you badmouthed earlier!"
"Hmph. Liar. That greedy hag wouldn't give away that much for free."
"It's not a lie!"
Lara grabbed Rin's hand.
"Rin, stop."
"But miss...!"
Rin glanced back, but Lara's stern face silenced her. Lara pulled Rin to her side and faced the shopkeeper.
"We'll return what we got here. Sorry about the eaten ones... but we can't pay."
"What? Cheeky brat. Who are you? No need to guess—on a day like this, fake rich girls swarm around pretending. That must be you."
The escalating voices drew every customer's gaze to Lara and Rin. The shopkeeper's wife, once friendly, now busied herself displaying fresh pastries to divert attention.
"Ahem. You don't look poor, but don't think you can just run. You have family—call them here. Time someone taught you manners."
"……."
Lara's mind went blank. She'd just been walking the street, foolishly lured by chocolate into this mess.
Everyone stared. The once-kind owners now hounded them with changed faces.
Why had it come to this?
"Wait, you... what's with that eye? Looks weird up close."
The scowling shopkeeper bent down. Lara flinched rigid. Her hair had slipped, exposing the eye she'd half-hidden all day.
"Never seen an eye like that... Damn, creeps me out. Bad luck—that's why this happened. Shouldn't have let you in."
The man grimaced like he'd encountered something repulsive. Lara barely registered his words. She feared Theodor learning of this embarrassment.
"...What is this?"
And that fear became reality.