The Fluffy Baby Fox Only Bites the Crazy Villain - Chapter 40
Ron carefully observed the Grand Duke’s back.
Those broad shoulders that always looked strong and powerful somehow seemed diminished now.
Burke sat across from Grand Duke Karden and spoke with a hearty laugh.
“Seeing Shushu running around freely with one of her kind, she looks so natural and comfortable. I think it might be time to return her to nature. She’s grown up well. Haha.”
Ron thought that while Burke was a good-natured person, his lack of tact was his weakness.
Sure enough, Karden glared at Burke with cold eyes.
“Ah, m-my apologies, Your Grace.”
Burke hastily got up and went to focus on his meal elsewhere.
Karden turned his gaze back to the window while drinking his coffee.
Ron thought Karden’s eyes looked somehow lonely.
“His Grace looks very lonely. Is it because Shushu hasn’t been by his side lately?”
“It’s understandable. I heard that since Shushu started training, she doesn’t come to his office anymore and sleeps in her own room.”
“I see. His Grace must feel very disappointed.”
While watching Karden’s gloomy atmosphere, Ron wondered if it was similar to empty nest syndrome, like a mother bird after her children had grown up and left.
A melancholic aura emanated from Karden’s entire being, making it difficult for anyone to approach him.
It was pitiful to see Maildra fidgeting nervously beside him.
Just then, the burly chef approached with a solemn attitude, carrying a tray covered with a round dome.
The chef stopped in front of Karden and bowed respectfully.
“I’ve prepared what you requested.”
“Good work.”
Karden nodded with a serious expression, his brows furrowed.
The chef set down the tray. Seeing the grave atmosphere, Ron whispered to Owen.
“What could that be? It seems quite important.”
“That’s…”
Just as Owen was about to speak, the chef lifted the dome cover.
A silver plate was piled high with appetizing jerky.
It was flattened and grilled jerky, giving off a delicious seasoned aroma.
Ron tilted his head in confusion.
“It’s just jerky?”
“Yes. Apparently, it’s specially ordered by His Grace.”
Karden filled a handkerchief with jerky and stood up with a serious demeanor.
He had an air of determination as if heading to battle.
Behind the Grand Duke, Maildra wished him luck with a grave expression.
“I pray you succeed this time.”
The Grand Duke opened the dining hall door and went down to the training grounds.
Burke immediately jumped up and started taking bets with the surrounding knights.
“Alright, what are we betting on this time? I’m putting one silver coin on Franz!”
Burke was excitedly collecting money from the knights.
Ron was confused by the situation. Owen gave a bitter smile.
“What’s going on here?”
“Just watch and see if the commander succeeds this time.”
Though curious about the situation, Ron decided to observe quietly.
When Grand Duke Karden went down to the training grounds with the jerky, Shushu quickly ran over, presumably having caught the scent.
When he handed her a piece of jerky, Shushu promptly snatched it and ate it right there.
She wagged her fluffy tail continuously, seemingly enjoying it.
Ron watched the scene with bated breath.
Ah, His Grace looks so pleased. I can tell just from his hunched back.
“Oh, Shushu ate His Grace’s jerky!”
“I wonder if she’ll stay by his side longer today?”
The soldiers were delighted to see Shushu eating the jerky.
Meanwhile, Burke’s expression darkened, probably sensing he would lose the bet.
Ron shrugged.
“Isn’t he just giving Shushu jerky?”
Owen made a bitter smile and gestured with his eyes.
“Keep watching.”
After finishing one piece of jerky, Shushu said something to Karden. She seemed to be asking for more jerky.
When Karden tried to give her another piece, Shushu shook her head. She appeared to be asking for all the jerky he had.
When Karden handed over the pouch containing the jerky, Shushu quickly snatched it away as if afraid someone might take it.
Then, like a triumphant general, she carried the jerky pouch in her mouth and ran off to Franz.
The two foxes spread out the jerky in a shaded area of the training grounds and began sharing it amicably.
Karden stood watching their friendly scene in a daze.
Even from behind, one could tell how empty and lonely he felt.
“Your Grace, you must stay strong!”
“You can’t lose to a mere fox!”
Sighs of sympathy, regret, and encouragement burst out from all around.
Maildra in particular, showed the most distress. He was biting his handkerchief, holding back tears.
“Ah… It’s like watching a father see his precious daughter stolen away by a thief.”
Meanwhile, Burke rejoiced as he collected his silver coins from winning the bet.
“See? Didn’t I tell you? Shushu always chooses her own kind.”
Ron felt his heart ache to see the Grand Duke’s lonely back.
His Grace quietly made his way back to the mansion. Usually, Shushu would be following him, chattering away.
It seemed that since Franz arrived, Shushu’s interest in the Grand Duke had disappeared.
She was too busy rolling around, playing, and frolicking with the majestic silver fox.
Seeing the changed Shushu, Ron felt a hole in his heart. He felt disappointed as if a precious friend was leaving his side.
“Will Shushu leave us?”
Owen put down his coffee cup.
“I’ve heard that foxes change their living places according to seasons. This is the migration period. Franz is teaching Shushu how to survive as a fox before he leaves. But I’m not sure if Shushu will follow her own kind.”
Owen stood up and brought a sandwich and milk for Ron’s breakfast.
“Ron, you should eat now too.”
“Ah, thank you, Owen.”
Ron chewed his sandwich thoughtfully, deep in contemplation.
What if Shushu really leaves with her own kind? If she wants to live freely as a fox, shouldn’t we respect her choice?
His rational mind as a scholar said so, but Ron was still a 15-year-old boy. His heart was confused and heavy.
After finishing breakfast, Ron returned to the laboratory. There were many experiments to be done today, and it seemed he would have to work through the night.
As he trudged down the long corridor, he spotted a ball of fluff running at high speed.
“Shushu?”
When he called out happily, Shushu stopped, turned around, and smiled brightly. The baby fox scampered over and wagged her tail at his feet.
“Ron, hello! Going to do research?”
Ah… So cute and lovable.
Ron broke into a wide smile. Crouching down to stroke Shushu’s soft fur, he thought.
I don’t want to let Shushu go.
Ron reached out and hugged Shushu tightly. The fox smelled warm and cozy like a baby.
“Ron? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Ron, with tears in his eyes, hugged Shushu and whimpered.
He tried not to cry, but tears kept flowing like a child’s.
“Shushu, I really can’t let you go. Sniff, don’t leave us behind.”
“Huh? Where am I going?”
“Aren’t you leaving to follow your own kind? That’s why you’re training so hard, right?”
Ron asked, sniffling with tears in his eyes. Shushu made an ‘eek’ expression.
“Eck, what are you talking about? I have no intention of leaving this place. Where else could be as comfortable and nice as here? Leaving home means hardship.”
“Re-really? That’s a relief.”
Ron sniffled, his eyes still watery. Shushu wiped Ron’s nose with her fluffy tail.
“Ron, don’t cry. I’ll always be by your side.”
Shushu whispered in a gentle voice. Ron stared blankly into Shushu’s blue jewel-like eyes.
Although she was a tiny and cute ball of fluff, sometimes Shushu was mature and thoughtful.
Ron quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve. He felt a bit embarrassed for crying in front of Shushu.
“Where were you going? What about Franz?”
“Morning training is over. I’m going to rest now.”
“Aren’t you resting with Franz? Your…”
Ron was about to say ‘fiancé’ but quickly swallowed his words.
Shushu extremely disliked mentioning that. This time too, Shushu shuddered as if disgusted.
“Stay with that devilish guy even during rest time? He nags me to keep training even when resting.”
Shushu puffed up her cheeks, saying she was angry. Ron chuckled at how cute and adorable she looked.
“Then, with me…”
Ron wanted to talk with Shushu alone and have snacks together after a long time.
As he was about to invite her to the laboratory, Shushu turned her gaze towards the office.
The office door was slightly open. Perhaps she sensed something.
“Sorry, Ron, let’s talk next time. I’ll go ahead.”
Shushu said cheerfully and hopped into the office like a rabbit.
