TSROTRATBP Chapter 25

If she detected my pheromones, complications would likely arise. I stomped my feet and put enough distance between us that Meimi looked small.

Fortunately, no threatening hawks circled the sky, and no presence passed nearby. Nevertheless, Meimi, who hadn't lowered her guard, drew a dagger from her apron.

'Th-that's reassuring.'

Leaving behind Meimi radiating an ominous aura, I concentrated.

Pheromones possessed unique abilities beyond carrying scent. However, this didn't apply to all beastmen.

Abilities varied markedly according to bloodline, and many beastmen had no abilities at all. Consequently, beastmen with good bloodlines occupied positions of power, forming the pyramid structure that was the current continent.

In conclusion, I, having inherited the bloodline of the Raebien noble house, likely possessed some ability as well.

'...If I can just find it.'

Rather than being an inconsistent human, I might be reborn as a beastman who'd properly undergone humanization. Though worries were abundant, they could wait until after achieving proper humanization.

Thinking back, when I'd inhaled pheromones from Ahin and the fox beastman, my pheromones had run wild beyond control before I felt pain.

I half-raised my body and extended both front paws into the air. I gently released my stored pheromones and concentrated on the feeling of gathering that energy into my front paws.

Then the massive pheromones I couldn't feel until just before arriving in black panther territory began to move.

Ahin and Iverin, returning from an outing, descended from the carriage. Stretching, Ahin immediately recalled last night.

Last night, he'd deliberately brought the rabbit to a ball packed with eyes, so soon rumors would spread by word of mouth.

Whether or not she'd noticed his intention, Valens had purposely shown speech that cherished the rabbit, so exaggeration would certainly be added.

Then, rather than waiting for rabbit beastmen to cross the border one by one, Vivi's family—hearing those rumors—would likely attempt contact.

Though it would be unfortunate if Vivi's family was a minor noble house, reclusive nobility, or somewhere with closed ears that wouldn't hear the rumors.

"Master Ahin, I feel deeply hurt by how many secrets you've been keeping from me lately."

Iverin spoke up, observing Ahin's rising lips.

"Especially regarding Miss Rabbit—you tell me absolutely nothing. My heart aches with chill."

Indeed, Ahin was peculiarly reticent about even trivial matters concerning the rabbit. Even knowing she was an eighteen-year-old beastman who hadn't undergone humanization, his attitude remained unchanged.

"Iverin, does it really ache with chill?"

When Ahin turned, Iverin had his hand placed over his heart as if truly pained. With that neat expressionless face maintaining the pose, his appearance alone was the model of a loyal subordinate. Many employees of the Grace household were actually deceived by that face.

"It's exaggerated, of course."

"I thought so."

Ahin, feeling a renewed impulse to bite off that mouth, placed his hand on his sword hilt.

"Mouth."

"Yes."

Finally, the atmosphere became peaceful. Ahin raised one eyebrow at Iverin and resumed walking.

After about ten minutes of travel, Meimi's figure came into view from a distance, her hands folded respectfully.

This should be time she'd spend with Vivi. Ahin's gaze naturally searched the ground for a ball of fluff.

"Meimi?"

"I greet Master Ahin."

As Ahin approached and made his presence known, she bowed deeply. Looking around, a pure white ball of fluff sat busily moving about in the center of the training ground.

Ahin and Iverin, watching Vivi through narrowed eyes, wore puzzled expressions.

"Meimi, I told you to avoid the outdoors while the lion was coming and going from the estate."

"My apologies. ...She insisted on visiting the training ground."

Why would a rabbit want the training ground? The three beastmen's gazes turned to Vivi again. It was a serious back view, absorbed in something.

Watching a bit longer, Vivi, who'd half-raised her body, swish, swish, thrust her front paws into the air.

"What's she doing?"

At Ahin's question, Meimi opened and closed her mouth hesitantly. In fact, she'd been watching for over an hour but couldn't grasp what was happening.

"I believe I know. She must be training."

"Training?"

At Iverin's sudden claim, Ahin and Meimi echoed back blankly.

"I've been struck in the cheek by Miss Rabbit—the accuracy, speed, and angle were all precise."

He touched his own cheek, recalling last evening.

"In fact, when Master Maniuntz was struck in the lips, he couldn't continue speaking. Her movement in chastising a person of considerable standing with a single hind paw was remarkable."

It had made quite a pop sound when she'd kicked Rune's lips. Though knowing it was utter nonsense from start to finish, Ahin and Meimi found themselves oddly convinced and looked back at the training ground. Whoosh, swish. This time she was executing mid-air back kicks as if truly training.

"Iverin, then what's that movement?"

"Somersaulting, obviously."

Meimi, who'd been watching dubiously, suddenly lowered her gaze at a presence felt below. A familiar black beast was positioned there.

"Ash?"

The most intelligent and upright female black panther among those Ahin commanded. Meimi's expression turned puzzled at Ash's sudden appearance.

She should be kept in the forest bordering rabbit territory—why at the estate? Noticing such doubt, Ahin crouched down and stroked Ash's head.

"When Vivi decides to run, she's hard to catch."

He smiled wryly, recalling the rabbit who'd crossed the ballroom in an instant. Vivi in particular possessed unusually fast footwork, making pursuit in human form quite taxing.

However, releasing humanization was a rather troublesome matter for beastmen. Therefore, he'd brought Ash as both surveillance and guard.

"Ash."

The black panther, hearing her name, growled submissively in acknowledgment. Ahin stroked her neck and pointed to Vivi in the center of the training ground.

"From now on, that rabbit is your master."

Master. Understanding the meaning, Ash's gaze settled on Vivi, who was just then kicking the ground with heroic determination. Her black tail swayed in midair, expressing goodwill.

"You must never let her get hurt."

Ahin commanded in a slow-paced voice and released subtle pheromones. Having inhaled his pheromones, Ash rose to her feet in response. Tap-tap-tap. Ash's steps, making light sounds, headed toward Vivi.

In the midst of conducting pheromone experiments in the training ground, I caught my breath. The mysterious energy that had spread out filled my body. My pheromones had definitely increased much more than when I'd first practiced with Lady Valens.

'Hm?'

While rejoicing alone, a large shadow suddenly fell over me. The feeling was quite ominous, so the moment I turned my head, I felt my blood run cold.

'Why...?'

Why was there a black panther at the estate? While harboring vague questions, I soon remembered this was black panther territory. In other words, it wasn't strange for there to be people who handled black panthers.

As if considering me prey already caught, the black panther opened its mouth slightly without even lowering its body. The exposed fangs looked terribly vicious.

'...I need to run.'

My legs froze and wouldn't move. Moreover, the enormous beast blocked my view so I couldn't see Meimi's direction.

Could it be a beastman's true form? But staying at the estate in an inconvenient form made no sense.

Trembling, I recalled the pheromones I'd been practicing with just moments ago. Pheromones refined through training could supposedly knock down multiple full-grown men at once.

'M-move aside.'

Extending my front paw, I drew out the maximum pheromones I could muster. The black panther then thump collapsed in place as if its strength had drained. My pupils shook violently at this unexpected reaction.

'Did it actually work?'

As if to prove it, the black panther's head tilted toward the ground. Then lick, a wet tongue swept across my cheek. Having experienced the world turning yellow, I started running like mad.

'Ahhhhh!'

It hadn't been affected by pheromones but had been testing a taste. Looking back, the black panther was bouncing along as if playing tag.

'Is it toying with its prey?'

Black panthers had bad hobbies whether beastman or animal, without question. Perhaps due to survival instinct, my running grew even faster than usual.

Finally, Meimi with her hands neatly folded came into my racing view.

'Meimi, help!'

Why are you just watching? Take out the dagger hidden in your apron. Contrary to my desperate wishes, Meimi took no action whatsoever.

'...Does she mean I should survive on my own?'

My hopeful face darkened instantly. Even so, surviving a black panther was nearly impossible. When I rushed at her as if to dive into her arms, Meimi finally bent down and extended her arms.

'Mei... Oof!'

Gathering speed, I screech slammed on the brakes.

Focused only on Meimi while running, I hadn't noticed—but Ahin and Iverin were waiting right beside her with outstretched hands.

Having stopped before them, I quickly changed direction and clung to the toe of Meimi's shoe. Fortunately, somewhat rough hands lifted my body into the air.

"Miss Rabbit, this is the black panther Ash who will guard you from now on."

With her remaining hand, Meimi pointed to the panther who'd drawn near and introduced her. For someone who didn't know jokes, this was an unbelievable type of statement.

'What are you talking about!'

Guard or trumpet—she looked like she'd eat me deliciously. As if Meimi's words were true, the approaching black panther rubbed her head against Meimi's leg.

My gaze, which had been looking down at the horrific scene, reached Ahin and Iverin. Certainly, no one but these two beastmen would pull such a stunt.

"Meimi again? Vivi never clings to me."

Ahin stiffened his expression and spat out blatant dissatisfaction. Look at your track record. I stared daggers at him with fierce eyes.

"Thanks to Miss Rabbit, this Iverin has become lonely."

'What's your problem?'

On the verge of losing reason to anger, I glared hard at Iverin. Ahin approached, blocking that gaze, and snatched me from Meimi.

"Vivi, my mood just got a bit worse."

His voice was quite cold. Could he be planning to reproach me for clinging to Meimi instead of him? It was an absurd hypothesis, but fully the sort of thing he'd do.

"Save that look for me alone."

An incomprehensible statement by normal standards flowed out. Astounded, I stared blankly at him while suspended in midair.

'What...? Looks filled with loathing?'

What kind of pervert. Having lost words, I opened my mouth slightly, and Iverin folded his arms in agreement. His neat black hair swayed with his nodding.

"I thought it might be something like that."

...What did you think? Too exhausted even to be angry, I shifted my gaze to look at the black panther Ash standing behind.

Her black tail swaying through the air looked quite docile. Though terrifying beyond measure, she was better than these guys.