The Fluffy Baby Fox Only Bites the Crazy Villain - Chapter 57
Karden’s gaze turned to Owen, who was sitting across the table.
“Did you find any traces of that bastard, Owen?”
When they raided the slave auction house, Karden had ordered Owen to pursue the black mask’s group.
“Yes. We confirmed they escaped through the auction house’s secret passage. The secret passage was connected to the outside, and by the time we arrived, they had already fled.”
Owen pulled something from his chest. It was a torn and dirt-stained piece of silk fabric.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a piece of a saddle pad. We found it outside where the secret passage connects. It seems it was torn off while they were fleeing in haste.”
Karden examined the fabric carefully.
“They used quite luxurious fabric for a saddle pad. This silk is the kind only noble families would use.”
“Yes. The black mask is likely a high-ranking noble.”
“Owen, since you served in the Royal Knights, have you seen any nobles matching his description?”
At Karden’s question, Owen bowed his head.
“I apologize. I only saw him from a distance, and since he was wearing a black mask, it’s difficult to make an accurate estimation.”
Karden furrowed his brow while resting his chin on one hand.
“We’ll have to send soldiers to the capital to investigate.”
“I’ll go to the capital myself to track them down.”
As Owen responded with a serious expression, Maildra cleared his throat and carefully suggested.
“If the saddle pad was torn, they’ll have to reorder it. Family crests are embroidered on saddle pads. Perhaps we could investigate the shops and track which families have recently reordered saddle pads?”
Owen questioned skeptically.
“There must be quite a few shops in the capital that deal with saddle decorations.”
Maildra pushed up his glasses with a confident smile.
“Ah, Sir Owen, you don’t know. Are you familiar with the recently rising Helleon Trading Company in the capital?”
Owen thought for a moment, then nodded.
“I’ve heard of it. It’s famous among noble ladies and young ladies, I hear.”
“The Helleon Trading Company exclusively sells precious goods and leads trade with other countries. And the master of that company is…”
Maildra said proudly with emphasis.
“His Grace’s younger sister, Lady Yudis Helleide.”
“Really?”
Owen couldn’t hide his surprise. He hadn’t heard that Grand Duke Karden had a younger sister.
The Helleide family was famous as the kingdom’s guardian family, traditionally protecting the border region and subjugating magical beasts.
However, they were a mysterious family thoroughly veiled in secrecy, never showing themselves in the royal palace or capital social circles.
Hearing Maildra’s words, Karden showed clear displeasure.
“So we have to ask for that one’s help after all.”
Noticing the Grand Duke’s discomfort, Maildra carefully spoke.
“Lady Yudis will gladly help. She’s someone who can uncover a noble family’s history, private life, and secret ledgers within ten days.”
Noticing the Grand Duke’s discomfort, Maildra carefully spoke.
“Lady Yudis will gladly help. She’s someone who can uncover a noble family’s history, private life, and secret ledgers within ten days.”
“I know about Helleon Trading Company’s intelligence network. But she’ll demand a significant price. Yudis isn’t one to let things slide even for family.”
“How about offering magic stones as an exchange?”
At the mention of magic stones, Karden’s brow furrowed. Magic stones, a byproduct of magical beasts, were the Northern Castle’s main source of income.
One magic stone was worth the price of an entire mansion. Particularly high-quality magic stones were worth whatever price magicians were willing to pay.
“Given the gravity of the matter, proceed with that. And, Owen.”
Karden’s gaze turned to Owen. Owen immediately went before Karden and stood at attention.
“Yes. Please speak.”
“Take the saddle pad piece to Helleon Trading Company headquarters in the capital. I’ll give you my seal – show it and they’ll handle it immediately. Tell them to quickly find the list of noble families related to this fabric.”
“Understood.”
“Also, you must know the nobles in the capital well.”
“Yes. I’m aware of all the high-ranking nobles’ list.”
“Go up to the capital tomorrow morning, investigate the list of nobles who frequent the Noble Assembly, and obtain their portraits.”
“I will follow your orders.”
Maildra carefully spoke up.
“Your Grace, if I may, there’s one more report.”
“What now?”
“A messenger came from Helleon Trading Company this morning. Lady Yudis said she’ll be visiting this week. She emphasized that the purpose of her visit is to discuss important matters regarding the family’s future, but…”
Hearing the report, Karden’s brow deeply furrowed as if extremely tired.
“She is coming down to discuss the family’s future?”
Karden asked with a cold sneer.
“I suppose she’s coming to force marriage upon me again on Grandmother’s orders.”
Seeing Karden’s cold attitude, Maildra gave a bitter smile and advised gently.
“The Grand Dowager is very worried about Your Grace not being married. That’s why she sends Lady Yudis to convey her wishes. Please welcome her warmly.”
Watching the Grand Duke and his advisor conversing in an uncomfortable atmosphere, Owen carefully asked Burke.
“Captain, are the Commander and his sister not on good terms?”
“Ah, their sibling affection is famous even in the Border Guard.”
“I’m glad to hear they get along well.”
When Owen smiled with relief, Captain Burke added seriously.
“No, they’re famous as mortal enemies in the Border Guard.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“They say people instinctively reject those who resemble themselves. Lady Yudis is exactly like the Commander. Both in appearance and personality. Except for having long hair and being female.”
“What…?”
Owen turned his gaze to carefully observe Karden. The Commander’s cold and intimidating appearance but as a woman with long hair.
A chill ran down his spine for a moment. But Owen was an upright knight to his bones, so he didn’t show it.
As a knight, it wouldn’t be proper to judge a Lady he hadn’t even met yet.
***
“Yaaawn~”
I opened my small mouth wide enough to split it in a big yawn.
I scratched my side with my front paw and carefully groomed my fur with my tongue. But even that soon became boring.
A week had passed since Franz left with the Ulpes tribe. The first day or two, I stayed quiet, feeling gloomy and empty.
Now I’m used to it, spending my days sleeping in late or taking leisurely walks.
My human transformation practice has become more proficient, and the duration keeps increasing. I can now maintain human form for half a day at a time.
But there was a serious side effect.
Because of my poor stamina, after transforming into human form, fatigue would hit me hard and I’d have to sleep all day.
Moreover, due to the energy consumption, I was so hungry that I ate twice as much as usual, surprising Betty.
I’m worried I’ll become a chubby fox before becoming human. I should only transform when necessary, if only to prevent weight gain.
After the raid on the shapeshifter slave auction, Karden had daily meetings with his subordinates and seemed busy.
From what I heard, they had identified more professional slave traders who kidnapped shapeshifters, and they were pursuing the slave trading company.
I heard Owen was assigned to that mission. Owen left urgently for the capital with his knights.
I felt even lonelier after Owen, who used to walk with me and keep me company, went far away.
Ron also spent more days in his laboratory. He’s investigating the components of the drug that forced my human transformation.
When I occasionally visit the laboratory to look around, Ron would greet me while staggering with dark circles down to his knees.
Feeling sorry for Ron in that state, I would quickly tell him to go to sleep and leave.
“What’s this? Everyone’s busy except me.”
Even though I complained with a pout, there was nothing I could do. They’re all busy with their work.
“Kyaang, nothing changes even with human transformation.”
If anything, I feel like Karden is keeping his distance from me.
Karden only came to the bedroom late last night for a short nap and is now working again in his office. He was so busy we didn’t even have time to sit down and eat together.
“Sigh, I’m bored and it’s dull. Maybe I’ll just take a nap.”
Just as I was about to curl up in my basket, there was a knock. It was Betty.
“Lady Shushu. I have a present for you.”
Betty smiled shyly as she handed something over. It was a cute rabbit doll.
It was a plush doll made of soft pink fabric with long ears and red button eyes. It was smaller than me and felt cozy.
“Betty, why give me something like this?”
I looked up at Betty with round eyes. Betty carefully explained.
“You seemed lonely after Franz left. I thought having a doll might make you feel less lonely. Was it presumptuous of me?”
Well, I’m past the age of playing with dolls.
As I received the doll, I glimpsed Betty’s fingers which were covered in wounds, probably from being pricked by needles.
Those must be needle pricks from making the doll. I couldn’t ignore Betty’s sincerity and dedication.
I smiled brightly as if I was truly delighted.
“Thank you, Betty. I’ll make this rabbit doll my friend.”
“I’m glad you like it, Lady Shushu.”
Betty finally seemed relieved and smiled broadly. I hugged the rabbit doll tightly with my front paws to make Betty happy.
Then Betty clasped her hands together and started breathing rapidly.
“Ah, Lady Shushu with a rabbit doll. I can’t tell which one is the doll. This is too much for my heart.”
