If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 27
The rest of their time together passed in the usual familiar fashion. After a short break and then another busy work day, it was time for dinner. Ruby, who was eating alone with him in his room again today, was enjoying a fresh salad. In the back of her mind, she couldn’t wait for this night to be over.
Watching Ruby lost in thought more than usual, Ivan let out a soft chuckle. He briefly set down his fork and knife, adjusting his mouth.
“You’ve proven your abilities.”
Ruby, who had been absentmindedly chewing on some greens, was startled and widened her eyes.
Ivan continued, observing her reaction. “First, let me apologize. I shouldn’t have doubted your abilities just because I couldn’t see them. I’m truly sorry.”
“No, there’s no need for an apology. I knew I was asking for too much, and I’m actually grateful for your permission.”
“But I have a question.”
“Yes, please ask.”
“Are you absolutely certain about the Golden Lion Tribe? I mean, not that I distrust your words, but I need concrete evidence.”
Ruby put down her fork. She opened her mouth with a serious expression. Just like last time, she had a small blade of grass at the corner of her mouth.
“Golden hair and crimson eyes…” Ruby’s eyes darkened momentarily as she recalled that day. “Grandma was very clear about it. ‘The only tribe capable of opposing the Golden Lions is none other than the Black Wolves.'”
A strange feeling stirred within Ivan. Judging by her usual behavior, he understood she had never left her village. But could her entire tribe be the same? Then how did the leader of the Pink Rabbit Tribe know about the relationship between the Lion Tribe and the Wolf Tribe?
As she mentioned, among the Stege Empire, the only tribe capable of opposing the Lion Tribe was indeed the Wolf Tribe. Not only that, but the two clans have been at odds for a long time, since the Black Wolves were awarded the Duchy after winning a battle with the Golden Lions.
The Stege Empire wasn’t an ancient nation. Not too long ago, the inherently secluded nature of the animal tribes meant that each clan primarily lived within its own community. However, with ongoing conflicts and the extinction of herbivorous animal people at the hands of carnivorous species, representatives of each tribe felt a growing sense of crisis. Animal people weren’t the only inhabitants of this world. Humans also thrived in their own nations, coexisting alongside the humanoids. The dwindling numbers of the humanoids did not bode well for their future. Those who foresaw this became the first emperors, and they were the Green Turtles, rulers of the spirit.
Throughout this process, the Wolf Tribe, always pushed aside by the Lion Tribe, boldly claimed a position of nobility. Since then, the Lion Tribe looked down upon the Wolf Tribe with disdain. While it might have been understandable for herbivorous humanoids, it was challenging for carnivorous animal people to interact harmoniously.
“…It’s fascinating. How did they accurately pinpoint and describe our tribe?”
“There was a prophecy that was only passed down to my immediate family.”
“A prophecy?”
Ruby wondered for a moment if she should say this, but quickly decided that she might as well. What was the point of secrecy when her clan was about to be wiped out?
“The reason our tribe ended up in hiding was the will of an ancestor, who left behind these words.”
“Tell me.”
Ivan leaned forward, covering the corner of his mouth with a large hand. Despite the seriousness of their conversation, he couldn’t help but be bothered by the piece of greenery stuck to her lips.
“Only black flames can melt the golden metal.”
Upon hearing her words, Ivan lowered the hand covering his mouth, revealing his lips firmly set into a straight line.
