#50

One of the lions training quietly voiced his curiosity.

“He’s more relaxed than usual, isn’t he?”

“What’s going on? Is he preparing for a final blow?”

“And what’s with that flower?”

“I don’t know. He’s been carrying it around like a keepsake.”

The lions’ eyes shifted to the flower in Zerakiel’s front pocket.

It was a flower he had been carrying for several days now. No one knew what kind of magic was at play, but the flower remained fresh, as if protected by a pheromone barrier to prevent it from wilting.

It was a common wildflower from just outside the training ground. The fact that Zerakiel, of all people, was preserving it so carefully was unbelievable.

“That’s it for today.”

Contrary to their expectations, Zerakiel sheathed his sword without incident, causing the lion beastmen to simultaneously cheer in relief. They couldn’t believe they had finished their training unscathed despite his smile.

Then Ivan appeared.

“Taking it easy today?”

“Want me to spar with you, Ivan?”

“Oh, come on, why would you say something so terrifying? I’ve had enough of sweaty training back at the family estate!”

Ivan waved his hands dismissively, causing the flower in his hand to flutter.

“What’s with the flower?”

“Huh? Didn’t you know? Lady Cersia has been picking flowers and giving them to the servants whenever she has a chance. I managed to snag one too.”

“…What?”

“Ayla says she loves flowers. Isn’t that adorable? Hehehe.”

Ivan chuckled, subtly increasing the distance between himself and Zerakiel, knowing that his master would likely growl at him for finding his Cersia cute.

But Zerakiel didn’t react. He simply stared at the flower in Ivan’s hand.

“She didn’t just give it to me?”

He murmured in a daze, holding the flower in his pocket more tenderly.

‘What’s this?’

‘It’s a gift.’

‘Suddenly?’

‘The flower looked pretty… If you don’t want it, forget it…’

‘Who said I didn’t want it?’

He had thought she was just being shy, uncharacteristically hesitant. The realization that she had shown that side to everyone made him feel low.

What an extraordinary weasel. She could lift and drop his spirits with just a single flower.

Seeing this, Ivan’s mischievous streak was triggered, and he teased.

“Did you think Lady Cersia only gave you a flower? Oh no! My father was the first to get one!”

“…”

Even more shocking was that he wasn’t the first recipient.

Zerakiel was struck silent, a sinister smile creeping onto his face. Ivan, oblivious to the change, continued to tease.

“Lord Zakari got one too, and so did Lady Rachel and Kiera. Lady Cersia’s floral gifts have the castle smelling like a garden wherever she goes!”

As Ivan spoke, Zerakiel’s smile grew darker and more ominous. After a moment, Zerakiel drew his sword again.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t had enough of a warm-up.”

“L-Lord Zerakiel?”

Ivan stammered, sensing the impending danger.

The lions cleaning up behind them looked pitifully at Zerakiel and glared fiercely at Ivan, who had spoken out of turn.

Ivan jumped in alarm.

“Lord Zerakiel! You can’t just change your mind like that! I’ll be in trouble…”

“No need to worry.”

“What?”

“Everyone except Ivan, leave.”

“Yes, sir!”

“And be sure to hit that annoying mouth first!”

The quick-witted lions cheered and rushed out. Now it was just Ivan and Zerakiel in the training ground.

“You’re joking, right?”

“Nope.”

“You’re not serious, are you?”

Ivan backed away slowly. There was nowhere to run. Zerakiel leaped high into the air.

Boom―!

“Ahh!”

The spot where Ivan had just been standing was now a deep crater. Ivan, pale-faced, drew his sword. Zerakiel increased his speed.

Bang bang bang―!

Sparks flew as their blades clashed, and pheromones flew sharply through the air. Ivan’s clothes were torn in several places, blood splattering.

“Are you trying to kill me?!”

“Die.”

Zerakiel replied curtly, striking Ivan’s head with the hilt of his sword.

“Ugh! Please, spare me!”

Ivan’s screams echoed through the training ground. But no one came to help him. This was the fate of one who spoke out of turn.

* * *

After being subjected to Rachel’s intense makeover session, I lay sprawled on the bed, lounging about.

Rachel, who had begun to open up to me, was frank and forthright, her candidness refreshing.

“The mistress of Jabis must have a strong presence. If you stay quiet, people will treat you like a doormat. You have to bite back at those who challenge you.”

Her tips for being the mistress of Jabis were mostly along those lines.

It must have been what she experienced countless times while being the mistress herself.

“It’s better to be feared than underestimated. Beastmen are straightforward; they run away from those they think are stronger.”

“But I’m just a white weasel?”

“…Strength isn’t proportional to size. Be proud. You’re a brave white weasel commanding a crazy black lion.”

“Wow.”

“You have potential. You’ll soon be a very strong weasel dominating the continent.”

Rachel seemed to overestimate me. With all her expectations, I felt like I was becoming Ella.

“Anyway, just beat them up first. Jabis will handle the aftermath. I’m here too.”

Of course, I sometimes wondered if she was trying to turn me into a bully… but Rachel’s advice was clear.

If a stronger opponent appeared, use the name of Jabis to strike them down. Always remember that you have the formidable black lions backing you.

I knew this. The position of Jabis’ mistress could be terrifying to others.

Even Bianco, who had been pretending to be gentle, had revealed his true colors in a fit of rage.

“Right. No more being a pushover.”

Determined not to be exploited, I found the position of Jabis’ mistress perfect for me.

“So, stay by Zerakiel’s side. Don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

Having passed on all her tips, Rachel looked very bitter. It was clear she wanted to be the one by his side.

So I had to ask. The real reason for Rachel and Zakari’s divorce.

“Do you regret the divorce?”

“It’s the most regrettable thing I’ve ever done in a moment of anger.”

“…”

“Everyone thinks I left Zakari, but it’s more like I was kicked out.”

“Kicked out?”

“Zakari told me to leave first! That bastard…!”

“Calm down, Lady Rachel.”

“Hmph.”

Whenever Rachel got worked up, Kiera would intervene to keep the conversation on track. She was very good at it.

“At the time, I acted impulsively without thinking of the consequences, but neither Zakari nor I wanted the divorce.”

“Then why not come back now? From what I’ve seen, Zakari doesn’t seem to have moved on. And you still have feelings for him…”

“Of course I know that. Sometimes, even if you want to, you can’t act on your feelings.”

Rachel let out a short, hollow laugh and began to tell her story.

Rachel shared that Zakari’s life had also been difficult.

Unfortunately, Zakari’s symptoms of madness began the moment Zerakiel was born.