TSROTRATBP Chapter 7

When night fell, Meimi brought me to Ahin's bedroom.

I settled onto the cushions arranged around the sofa, quite exhausted from the day's events, but I couldn't let my guard down. In just a little while, a black panther would come through that door.

However, contrary to my expectation that he'd enter quickly, the wait stretched on.

Much later, the door swung open. Thud. Ahin appeared, his expression somehow tired.

I poked my head out cautiously, then froze at the fishy smell that assaulted my nose.

'Blood.'

Looking more carefully, I saw that Ahin's black uniform was drenched in fresh blood of unknown origin.

'What in the...'

Unlike me, who had gone rigid, he casually removed his blood-soaked jacket as if it were nothing. Bloodstains had spread across the dark shirt revealed beneath as well.

Shortly after, a beastman in a white gown entered the bedroom along with Iverin. Judging by the medicine case in his hands, the beastman who'd come with him appeared to be a physician.

"The wound isn't deep, but it requires stitches."

After seeking permission, the physician tore Ahin's shirt with practiced hands. My body went completely stiff as I could only watch the process in a daze.

It was an unfamiliar sight—I'd never seen this kind of wound before, nor witnessed such treatment.

"Please be careful not to put pressure on the wound. I'll visit again in the morning."

The physician finished wrapping bandages and left the bedroom with a silent bow.

For someone who'd been wounded in the back, Ahin and the physician—even Iverin—all acted composed, as if this were routine.

"Was it the wolf beastmen's doing?"

Iverin picked up the blood-stained clothing from the floor and asked quietly.

"The bastards even used a paralyzing incense."

Quite rough language emerged from Ahin as he gave a cold smile. I belatedly noticed that bright red blood was splattered throughout his silver hair as well.

"I'll dispose of the bodies and deliver them to the wolf territory's leader. They'll claim it has nothing to do with them, of course."

"Send about thirty from our side as well. It'd be fine to take the head of a high-ranking official while we're at it."

"Yes, sir."

Ahin's gaze landed on me as he sat on the sofa massaging his shoulder.

"Ah, she was here."

His red eyes seemed particularly fierce today, making my body flinch involuntarily. Ahin watched me quietly, then crossed his legs leisurely.

"She's been suppressing her presence the entire time. She's quite clever, befitting someone you brought, Lord Ahin."

"Is that how it works?"

"Indeed."

Ahin tilted his head with a puzzled expression at Iverin's nonsense.

Eventually he stood and approached with unhurried steps, then crouched down.

"Come here."

When his large hand extended toward me, I hesitated for a moment before climbing onto his palm. I didn't have the courage to resist in an atmosphere like this.

"She really is too clever for a rabbit. She even understands speech."

"However, there are many aspects difficult to explain if she were a beastman."

"What about those whose necks I took in the forest? Where I found this rabbit."

"I ordered the bodies retrieved immediately today, but the black panthers of the forest had already torn them apart."

Tsk. Ahin clicked his tongue and stared at me as I sat frozen with my head held stiffly upright. He truly seemed to be contemplating what to do with me.

Avoiding his piercing gaze, I quickly brought my front paws together and flattened myself prostrate. It's not that difficult to let one little thing live, is it?

Pleased with my submissive posture, Ahin's eyes widened as he pressed down on my head firmly.

"And quick-witted too."

So please, please postpone putting me on the dining table. I bit my lip and secretly glared at him.