If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 11
What if, by any chance…?
If this person could truly see what others couldn’t, then perhaps they could solve his problems? Though his doubts remained, Ivan saw a glimmer of hope. The sole key to solving his own secret, one he couldn’t share with anyone, had just appeared.
Just then, he heard the distant chatter of the maids. Rather than being surprised by Ruby’s actions, they seemed more suspicious. It seemed that the glances directed at Ruby weren’t exactly kind, perhaps thinking she was intentionally putting on a show.
“…Liam.”
Ivan, who was more perceptive than most, heard every little sound the maids made. He made a quick judgment call.
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Clear the room.”
He spoke briefly, but Liam had served him for many years. He led the maids out. They’d manage on their own, most likely.
Ivan silently turned towards Ruby, who remained in meditation. Standing nearby, he waited for her to finish. After a while, she lifted her head.
Before he could open his mouth, she spoke first.
“The Golden Lion Tribe has abducted my clan.”
“…What?”
“My grandmother’s name is Aurora de Rosa,” Ruby said calmly. “Our Rosa noble family is matrilineal, and my grandmother is the head of our family. She is also the leader of our tribe. My grandmother said that the only clan that can catch the Golden Lion is the Black Wolf Tribe.”
“The Golden Lion Tribe…”
“Yes, my grandmother told me to seek out the Black Wolf Tribe, Your Grace.”
Ivan stared at Ruby, his face serious. The innocent expression on her face had long since vanished, ever since she’d demonstrated her mysterious powers.
With a solemn countenance, Ruby bowed deeply.
“…Young lady.”
Once an affiliation was revealed, it was a bit surprising for a fellow noble to demonstrate such deference to him. Ivan couldn’t hide his embarrassment. How much more confusion did this woman intend to provoke in him?
“Please, Your Grace, I implore you. Help us save our tribe.”
“Young lady, look at me, please.”
At his request, Ruby slowly straightened her posture. Her exposed face was contorted with anger and sorrow.
“I saw it with my own eyes. The Golden Lion Tribe setting fire to our village and taking our people. There’s no tribe that can stand against the Golden Lion Tribe except the Black Wolf Tribe.”
Ivan couldn’t provide an immediate answer. Despite being the leader of the Wolf Tribe, it wasn’t solely his decision to make. The Golden Lion Tribe was a formidable adversary even for them.
Moreover, the current Emperor highly valued harmony among the tribes.
“I’m sorry, but…”
To put it bluntly, in the battle between the carnivores and the herbivores, the herbivores had lost. Given the long-standing struggles among the animal tribes, there was a tendency among them to prioritize the words of the victor rather than the defeated.
This meant that even though one might appear human, animal instincts prevailed. Submission to the strong is something all animals have in common.
That’s why he intended to refuse her request, until she added something more.
“I can help you, Your Grace.”
“With…what?”
“With what you’re currently troubled by.”
Ending her statement ambiguously, she scanned Ivan’s surroundings. A chill ran down his spine.
