#80

While Ivan and Cersia conducted their peculiar “ritual,” Zerakiel managed to regain his composure.

“For now, I’ll hold back. I can’t show such a disgraceful side in front of Chichi,” he muttered as he reluctantly stepped away from Erhardin, whose life he seemed ready to end just moments earlier.

Zakari, visibly relieved, sighed and picked Rachel up once more. He glanced at Ivan, who was still reciting his unconventional prayer, and asked dryly, “How long do you plan to keep chanting that nonsense?”

“I’m only on the first verse!” Ivan replied indignantly.

“Enough. Take that fox and throw him into the dungeons under Jabis Castle,” Zakari ordered.

“Wait, not bury him in the ground?” Ivan asked, clearly shocked.

“He’s not dead yet.”

“What?! Incredible!” Ivan exclaimed, leaping back in astonishment. Zakari grimaced at the exaggerated reaction and continued, “Prepare for an interrogation as soon as we get back.”

“Why is it always me with the troublesome tasks? I—ha ha! Who else could handle such unpleasant work? Leave it to me!” Ivan quickly shifted his attitude mid-complaint when Zakari shot him a pointed glare. Even so, he muttered under his breath before breaking into exaggerated cheer.

“…Ah, what a fulfilling job. Job satisfaction: top-notch! Lord Zakari, I love you! Loyalty forever!”

Ivan’s exaggerated display made it clear his brain and mouth were in constant disagreement. Watching him, Cersia shook her head, finding his multiple personalities fascinating but tiring.

Being surrounded by these eccentric beastkin was exhausting.

Of course, she had no idea that Kiera had already grouped her in with this chaotic bunch.

* * *

The next day, Rachel awoke and immediately radiated murderous intent toward Erhardin.

“I never liked that bastard from the start. Using such filthy tricks! I should tie him up and—bleep bleep—then bleep bleep!”

Her tirade was filled with profanities, and what was unusual was that Kiera wasn’t stopping her. In fact, she seemed to be egging Rachel on, clearly agreeing that Erhardin deserved every bit of scorn.

After all, the fox bead was a spiritual artifact that burdened the host’s body. Rachel had endured it because of her honey badger beastkin resilience. Had it been Cersia, the consequences could have been devastating, likely leaving her with lifelong aftereffects.

Erhardin’s disregard for Rachel’s health made his actions unforgivable. Even Kiera, who usually maintained her composure, was visibly angry.

Meanwhile, Cersia reflected on her conversation with Erhardin.

“There are a lot of beastkin after you. And some of them are offering quite a price.”

It was clear she wasn’t being targeted by just one or two individuals. Erhardin had likely planned to kidnap her and auction her off to the highest bidder.

Whether it was boldness or stupidity, she wasn’t sure.

Kiera broke the silence with her usual composed tone. “The Rodin family claims this was solely Erhardin Rodin’s doing.”

“Hah! Of course, they’d try to wash their hands of it now,” Rachel scoffed.

“They’ve officially delegated all authority over his punishment to us. How should we proceed?” Kiera asked.

“The foxes really have a way of acting like they’re doing you a favor. Let them know we’re not letting this slide. Whether it’s his own doing or the family’s, their leader will answer for this. We’ll make an example out of them,” Rachel said, her eyes glinting coldly.

“Understood,” Kiera replied with a respectful bow, seamlessly moving on to the next topic as if the chaos of the previous day hadn’t happened.

Rachel, meanwhile, was busily feeding cherry tomatoes to Cersia. Despite Cersia’s protests, Rachel insisted with such determination that Cersia eventually gave in and begrudgingly ate.

‘I knew marrying into this family would bring attention, but I didn’t expect it so soon,’ Cersia thought. It was clear that being the perceived weakest member of Jabis had painted a target on her back.

The surrounding beastkin were already tense from Zakari’s earlier rampage, with some still in hiding, fearful of another catastrophe.

‘Hebel has been awfully quite.’ She tilted her head in confusion. By her calculations, she should have heard from them by now. Just as she was pondering this, Rachel broke into an unexpected grin.

“Why are you smiling?” Cersia asked.

“I’m not. Just thinking about that damn fox makes me laugh in disbelief,” Rachel replied, though her twitching lips betrayed her amusement.

Despite cursing Erhardin’s name, Rachel’s expression seemed unnervingly joyful as she continued to force-feed cherry tomatoes. Cersia exchanged a glance with Kiera, both silently communicating through expressions.

‘What happened yesterday?’
‘Only those two would know.’

The “two” were, of course, Rachel and Zakari, who had spent the night in Rachel’s chambers. Zakari had insisted on staying, even against the physician’s reassurance that Rachel would be fine.

The next morning, Zakari had abruptly departed for Jabis Castle, claiming he couldn’t leave Erhardin solely in Zerakiel’s hands. His smirk as he left was eerily similar to Rachel’s current expression.

‘Something definitely happened last night.’

“Why are you staring at me?” Rachel asked, tilting her head.

“What did you and Lord Zakari do last night?” Cersia asked bluntly.

Cersia’s eyes sparkled as she asked her question.

Rachel’s eyes widened in shock, as if someone had just lit two lanterns in her sockets. Kiera, similarly taken aback, gaped, unable to mask her surprise.

Rachel’s face turned a deep red, and she shrieked in a high-pitched voice, “W-what are you even asking?! What on earth do you mean by that?! My goodness, you really have no boundaries!”

Oddly enough, it was Cersia who felt flustered by the outburst.

“Huh? Did I say something inappropriate?”

All she wanted to know was whether they had reconciled, but Rachel’s overreaction made the situation unnecessarily awkward. Cersia’s expression shifted to one of mild confusion as she realized how her words could have been misunderstood.

“I-I mean…” Rachel trailed off as she noticed Cersia’s clueless face, finally realizing she had jumped to conclusions. The way Rachel’s gaze flickered with embarrassment all but confirmed the kind of “reconciliation” they had.

Cersia, now catching on, gave Rachel a sly look. Overwhelmed by the younger woman’s mischievous stare, Rachel snapped, “You’re just a little kid! You wouldn’t understand something like this!”

“I’m not a child!” Cersia protested indignantly.

And I’m definitely not a snotty little brat either!

How long did she have to endure being treated as some insignificant, childlike figure? Huffing and puffing, Cersia glanced at Rachel, fully aware of what had flustered her.

For the record, Cersia wasn’t just any “kid.” She was a reincarnated adult, and there was no way she wouldn’t recognize the implications of Rachel’s reaction.

Even though she already understood everything from Rachel’s expression, she decided to play along. With great effort, she suppressed the grin that threatened to spread across her face.

‘Well, well, looks like they had quite the fiery reconciliation.’

As long as they’d made up, that was all that mattered. There was no need to meddle in her in-laws’ love life, and Rachel certainly wouldn’t answer any further questions.

Still, Rachel’s embarrassment was her own to bear.

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