If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 103
A bitter sting of frustration welled up inside Isabelle as she bit her lip. She couldn’t count how many times she’d wanted to come running to the ducal estate — especially from the moment she first heard about the mysterious woman who had arrived as the Duke’s personal guest.
But it’s not easy to simply show up. Though she’d claimed the ducal manor was like a second home to her, in truth, it wasn’t somewhere she could just visit at will.
But it was true that she knew this place well. And through that familiarity, she had hoped to subtly and gently prove just how close she and Ivan were — how strong the bond was that tied them together.
At the same time, Isabelle had seen this as a chance not only to show her closeness with the Duke but also to reinforce the image of herself as “kind Isabelle” in the eyes of the household. She hadn’t expected to be rejected so firmly.
Why? It’s not like she’d be losing anything…
“…You were so firm in your refusal that I suppose I can’t insist any further. I’m sorry, Lady de Rosa.”
Isabelle turned away with a sullen expression. The moment she did, the servants who had been subtly observing the interaction began whispering among themselves.
Ruby didn’t respond. She simply turned and entered the mansion. She’d originally planned to find Liam, but now, strangely, her energy had drained. She didn’t feel like doing anything at all.
The Duke would let her know when the meeting was over, but she didn’t know why she’d gone out in the first place. She let out a small sigh, overcome by a wave of inexplicable fatigue, and turned toward his quarters.
It was one of those moments when she missed her family and her tribe with a dull, aching intensity.
* * *
“Regardless, a promise is a promise. The Alpha’s word is as good as a vow from our Wolf Tribe.”
At that, Ivan gave Morado a slow, indifferent look, clearly bored.
He was, in truth, deeply disappointed.
Of course, Ivan had no intention of completely severing ties with the Lion Tribe. But seeing them grovel and bend over backward to avoid upsetting the Lions made him lose a considerable amount of respect for his vassals.
“I agree with the Count.”
“Then, how about we first try to locate the Pink Rabbit Tribe? Who knows, they might already be completely wiped out…”
At the disrespectful remark of one of his attendants, Ivan couldn’t hold back anymore and slammed his hand down on the table.
“Ridiculous. You’ve got a tongue wagging like ten thousand tails.”
“S-Sir, that’s not what I meant…”
“If you’re scared, just say so. It would actually be braver to admit it straight out. At least it’d look more honorable.”
The harsh words from Ivan made everyone around him immediately fall silent. He then shot a cold glare at the one who had spoken up.
“We may be divided into tribes, but under the rule of His Majesty the Emperor, we are all citizens of the Stege Empire now.”
Ivan felt his blood run cold at the thought of what the attendant had just blurted out. His mind flashed to Ruby, likely pacing anxiously, waiting for news.
“And yet, as citizens of the same Empire, how can one tribe casually talk about another being wiped out? Especially just because the Lion Tribe is feared.”
Ivan didn’t raise his voice. Instead, he spoke in a much lower tone, and his vassals immediately tense up.
This was the voice that could only be heard when Ivan was truly angry. He wasn’t the type to show his rage openly. Instead, he would bury it deep inside and wait for the right moment to act.
“This isn’t even a wolf anymore. More like a dog. And not even a dignified hunting hound, but a stray cowering mongrel.”
“…My apologies, Alpha.”
At that moment, it wasn’t the offending vassal who apologized, but Count Morado, who stood up and bowed respectfully.
“Why are you apologizing?”
“As the highest-ranking person here, it’s only right that I offer the apology first.”
“True. You have a point.”
Under the cold, piercing gaze of Ivan, Count Morado began to sweat. It was a natural reaction when faced with someone as overwhelmingly powerful as Ivan.
“Rather than dragging this meeting on any longer, how about we adjourn for today? If you give me a day, I’ll find a better solution.”
Ivan agreed with his suggestion. He was just as tired of this pointless discussion as everyone else. If it was only about gathering information, there was no need for a meeting in the first place.
“Let’s end the meeting for now.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
Ivan rose from his seat and left the meeting room. He headed straight for his room. He had to see Ruby. He was sure that seeing her would lift his spirits and help clear away the foul mood he had.
