If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 28
Ivan stared at Ruby with unreadable eyes. Her voice was languid and ethereal.
“My ancestors also mentioned that we must prepare for a certain day. Perhaps my grandmother knows more about it, but maybe…” Ruby’s expression darkened as she slowly continued, hesitating with her words. “They might have prepared for the extinction of our tribe.”
“…”
Ivan was left speechless. Not all humanoids were alike, but there were tribes with unique abilities. As she mentioned, his own tribe knew how to manipulate black flames. It wasn’t a secret, but it was something of a taboo among the wolves now. But it certainly wasn’t a widespread enough story for the reclusive Pink Rabbits to know about.
“…Prophecy.”
“Not everyone can make prophecies. He was the most exceptional among our clan.”
“Interesting.”
Ivan stroked his chin, then looked squarely at Ruby. If he hadn’t seen what she was capable of over the past week, he might have doubted everything she said now. Also, from what he observed, although she was spirited, she had never told a lie.
“I’m stumped.”
“Why?” Ruby asked, unnerved by his sudden change in tone.
With a sigh, Ivan honestly replied, “I’ll keep my promise to you. But, you see…”
“…Yes, please tell me.”
“For a hundred years now, our clan hasn’t been able to use the black flames.”
“What?”
“It means that we no longer have the ability to counteract the lions’ gold power.”
“…Why?”
She was certain that according to the prophecy she had heard, only black flames could melt the metal of the Lion Tribe. So why this change?
In response to her confusion, Ivan explained in a calm voice, “The fire was extinguished due to the action of one ancestor. I hope you understand that I can’t go into details.”
“Yes…”
“That said, it doesn’t mean we can’t help you. So, there’s no need for that expression.”
Upon his words, Ruby wiped her face. What kind of expression was she making?
“And…”
As he spoke, Ivan rose from his seat and stepped closer to Ruby. She didn’t feel the slightest bit afraid, even though she knew his hand, slowly reaching out, belonged to a predator.
With a flick, he brushed her lower lip and said, “If you’re going to look so serious, you should at least remove the grass from your lips.”
At his words, Ruby’s gaze shifted towards his fingertip. A small leaf was hanging pitifully.
Unconsciously, she quickly lowered her head and swiftly ate the small leaf clinging firmly to his fingertip.
“!”
Ivan couldn’t react in time to her sudden action and let out a silent scream. Did this young lady even know what embarrassment was? It’s not like she’s picking up food that’s been dropped on the floor, no, how can she eat something that’s stuck to a man’s hand with her mouth, how can she!
Moreover, as Ivan, recalling that day due to her bowing head, recoiled in surprise, he exclaimed loudly, “Wha- What in the world are you doing?”
“What?”
“Your mouth, your lips!”
Ivan was making such a fuss because her lips touched his fingertips. No, more precisely, her tongue had touched them.
Puzzled by his reaction, Ruby tilted her head quizzically and asked, “The leaf stuck on your fingertip was so small, I couldn’t help it. But even then, I thought I was being careful. Did it touch my tongue?”
“!”
“It’s strange. I really tried to be careful…”
“That’s not the point!”
“It isn’t?”
“Why did you eat something that was on my hand, gross! There’s still a lot of salad left on the plate!”
“Oh, come on, it was just a tiny thing. It’s not like it fell on the floor, and there’s no way a nobleman’s hand could be dirty, right?”
“….”
The momentary stupor subsided quickly. He settled back into his seat, his eyes dilated. He returned to his seat with widened pupils. Whenever he had a lengthy conversation with her, he was often the first one to stutter, as he had just done. Her tone and demeanor, whether innocent or flirtatious, was enough to shake his resolve to love only his mate.
