If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 65
Despite being the one who extinguished the black flame, Louis couldn’t recall the exact reason why he did it. Ruby remembered Louis’s words from that day.
‘I still can’t believe I did such a thing. As the leader of the wolf tribe, why would I extinguish our precious black flame?’
And then he added:
‘Besides, it wasn’t a flame that would easily go out in the first place.’
Considering it was the unique ability of their tribe, why would a flame that could be put out as easily as a candle hold any power? Ruby kept her gaze fixed on Louis, lost in contemplation. Strange speculations continued to scratch at her mind. There seemed to be a complex web of difficult-to-understand events.
“Umm…”
Arms folded and staring intently at Louis, Ruby was deep in thought when the sound of knocking on the door caught her attention.
“Miss, it’s Liam.”
“Yes, one moment.”
She tidied herself up and then opened the door.
“I see that you’re up.”
“Today, the Duke left without waking me up?”
“Yes, he cautioned not to wake you until you woke up on your own, thinking you might be tired.”
“I appreciate that. I was a bit tired.”
“Let me get you some water to wash your face.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Ruby expressed her gratitude to Liam consistently. Despite being a guest of the Duke, there was a clear class distinction. She was just the daughter of a count, while Liam served as the steward of the Duke’s residence.
After washing up and changing clothes, Ruby felt quite hungry. Liam, perceptive of her condition, suggested, “Shall we go to the dining room?”
“Yes.”
During their walk to the dining room, they engaged in a tranquil conversation. Liam, seizing the opportunity, inquired about something he hadn’t asked before due to Ruby’s estrus.
“Were there really spirits around the Duke?” Liam corrected himself immediately after posing his question. “Of course, on that day, I witnessed a strange sight as well, so I’m not asking because I don’t believe you.”
“It’s okay. The Duke didn’t believe it at first either.”
She now understood. Proving abilities to those outside her tribe was no easy task.
“On that day, a stack of documents fell to the floor on its own, as if someone had pushed it. What’s more, there were knocking sounds from all around.”
Recalling that day, Liam brushed his arm casually. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.
“I temporarily blocked them from getting close to the Duke, so their frustration must have built up. That’s why they did things they wouldn’t normally do.”
“Can spirits touch objects?”
“We call that phenomenon the ‘spirit knock’ in our tribe. It’s entirely possible for them.”
“I find it hard to comprehend. How can something without a physical form inflict physical harm?”
“My grandma used to say that you only know what you’ve experienced, whether you’re beastfolk or human.”
At Ruby’s words, Liam ducked his head in shy acknowledgement, and before she could open the door, he held it for her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Since it was past the usual dining hours, there were no other staff members in the dining room. Liam pulled out a chair for her and said, “Shall I bring what you usually eat?”
“Yes, anything is fine.”
She seemed so hungry that she could enjoy anything. After Liam disappeared into the kitchen, the restaurant door opened slightly and closed quietly.
Leslie appeared silently and approached Ruby. Startled by the sudden touch on her shoulder, Ruby lifted her head. Leslie raised a finger and brought it to her lips.
So, Ruby nodded quietly.
