If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 97
So far, the Wolf Tribe had managed to survive relatively unscathed mainly because they avoided intermarriage with other tribes. Here, in this place where pure Wolf bloodlines prevailed, Ruby was thoroughly an outsider.
“Furthermore, Ruby de Rosa has submitted to me. I do not discard those who submit to me,” Ivan stated, causing a stir among the guests.
It was uncommon for someone outside the Wolf Tribe to submit, so why has this outsider done so?
Submitting to someone outside one’s own tribe was not an easy task. Morado’s mind swirled with unexpected revelations. He had heard the story beforehand, but the Alpha’s words differed slightly, adding a layer of complexity.
At that moment, Lord Voight spoke up. “Regardless, isn’t that outsider’s request about locating her own tribe?”
“Indeed,” Ivan confirmed.
“Isn’t that something we wolves can do for her?” Lord Voight suggested.
“However, the fact remains that the Lion Tribe was involved in the kidnapping. Even if we locate her tribe, can we expect everything to be resolved smoothly?” Morado raised a valid concern.
“Well, why complicate matters unnecessarily? Once we locate her tribe, the rest is up to the outsider. She didn’t ask for us to rescue them, did she?” Lord Voight countered.
“Come to think of it…” Morado glanced briefly at Lord Voight as they briefly locked eyes and nodded in agreement.
Finally, Morado felt some relief. Yes, finding her tribe wouldn’t be much of an issue. It would be better if they could swiftly locate them so they send the outsider away from the estate.
“If it’s as simple as that, I would have handled it on my own. I’ll take responsibility for any contingencies,” Ivan stated.
“But Alpha, I don’t see any problems arising from just locating her tribe. Our tribe’s intelligence network is quite capable even within the Empire,” Morado added.
“Are you suggesting that if the Lion Tribe learns of de Rosa’s existence due to our meddling, we can simply turn a blind eye once we’ve completed our task?” Ivan’s tone turned slightly stern.
“N-no, that’s not what I meant,” Morado quickly clarified.
“You keep saying it’s simple, and then we wouldn’t have to have a meeting. Do you still not understand what I mean, or have you lost your touch?”
Ivan’s tone grew increasingly heated. In truth, he wasn’t any different from them when he first heard Ruby’s plea. He knew that meddling in Lion tribe affairs could potentially lead to war, the worst-case scenario.
Of course, he hoped to avoid war. He didn’t want to plunge the people of the Wolf Territory, who had long enjoyed peace, into suffering.
The Emperor likely shared the same sentiment. As a noble of the Imperial faction, Ivan couldn’t pursue actions that the Emperor wouldn’t want.
However, his thoughts had changed as he spent more time with Ruby. She willingly offered all she had to him without hesitation. Like Lord Voight mentioned, Ruby didn’t expect more than help finding her tribe’s location. Her expression seemed resolute, as if she would handle things on her own once she knew where to go.
But Ivan couldn’t stand idly by and watch her walk into danger alone any longer. He wasn’t sure what his feelings towards her were, but one thing was certain.
Regardless of Ruby’s abilities, he cared about her. Quite a bit.
Tap, tap. Ivan, who had his arms resting on the table, tapped his fingers against it. At the same time, he stared at the vassals with sharp eyes.
After a moment, Ivan delivered a weighty statement.
“Only those who are confident in standing against the Lion Tribe may speak.”
His firm words caused a visible shift in the expressions of the vassals, including Lord Morado. Ivan’s subtle anger reminded me of something they had forgotten.
The leader they served was undeniably resolute in his convictions.
