Volume 5, Chapter 44 – A Moment Alone

“This place is as lively as the downtown area of Blossom.”

“Well, the beastfolk revere martial strength. This kind of place is bound to attract a lot of people.”

In response to Fia’s sigh, Claire, holding two wooden skewers, had a smile on her face.

The first-floor hall in front of Fia was filled with a sea of black heads, with at least seven or eight hundred people gathered. The Hunting Ground had a ticket system. Everyone who entered had to pay one copper coin. For a beastman with an average monthly income of only three silver coins, the ticket price could be said to be quite expensive. However, they were still happy to come, taking pride in visiting the Hunting Ground once a week.

Besides the lack of entertainment, this was of course inseparably related to the beastfolk’s rough and simple customs. If this kind of bloody fight were to be held in Silvar, the elf magic casters would surely classify it as an entertainment activity for the crude—although Fia had not personally experienced it, she still knew that the folk entertainment of the elves was dance and folk music. Some elves could play music that attracted birds and beasts with just a leaf. It was for this reason that Fia’s dance had made people revere and admire her. The charm of that dance was something that even a real shrine maiden and a professional dancer would feel ashamed of.

As for Anastasia, Tilulu, and the others, as they were contestants, they had gone to the dedicated entrance for contestants and did not need to pay an entrance fee. In other words, now only Fia and Claire were on their way to the audience seats.

“Aren’t these people afraid of someone skipping the ticket? Using these casually marked wooden skewers as proof of payment, it’s not difficult to forge at all.”

“This has to do with the beastfolk’s tradition. If a beastman were to even skip the ticket for the Hunting Ground and was discovered, not only would they be beaten half to death, but they would also be exiled from the city and be scorned by their relatives and friends. Most beastmen value their dignity as warriors very much. If they were to be labeled as cowardly and despicable without reason, they would pick up their weapons and fight to the death.”

As she spoke, Claire handed one of the two wooden skewers in her hand to Fia.

“You seem to know the beastfolk very well, Claire.”

“Of course. I raised Nola for a while in the past, so I have some understanding of their customs. Shouldn’t we hurry to the audience seats? When those cat-people saw Anastasia, their eyes were almost on fire.”

The fire Claire was talking about was not a look of lust, but a look of respect for the strong. Anastasia was dressed in a green swordsman’s uniform and was a quasi-Fifth-Tier powerhouse and a martial artist with superb swordsmanship. Although these beastmen had not received professional training, there was a natural attraction between martial artists. They could tell from her neat and tidy movements that she was extraordinary.

Therefore, when Anastasia took Milu and the others to register, the contestants in the line all consciously made way for her. Unfortunately, Anastasia was not participating in the “hunt,” which made the beastmen contestants let out sounds of regret.

It could be said that their customs were quite simple and honest. In a human country, the contestants would surely be secretly rejoicing that they had one less strong competitor. But here, the beastmen only felt that they had lost the opportunity to fight and watch a strong person fight. This made Fia have a better impression of the beastfolk. A timely directness was an attractive quality.

“It’s fine. I’ve seen the strength of those contestants. There’s no one in there who can beat Anastasia. There’s no need to worry about someone being so blind as to challenge her.”

Fia turned her head from side to side to observe her surroundings. After confirming that there was no one she knew, the corners of her mouth curved into a triumphant ‘ω’ shape. She went to Claire’s right and extended her left arm, making a gesture for Claire to take it.

“It’s rare that we have time alone. Shouldn’t we take a good look around?”

Claire was first stunned, then she pursed her lips and smiled. Like a lady, her right hand gently took Fia’s left arm.

“Is this our first date since we left Aurora City?”

“Is it a date?”

This time, it was Fia who froze. She had only thought of experiencing some time together and had not thought of a formal word like “date.” She was completely unprepared.

“It’s not that formal.” Claire chuckled and lowered her head, looking at their intertwined arms. “You need to eat more to get some nutrition, Fia. Otherwise, if you always have this child’s body, everyone will surely think we are sisters.”

“Are you complaining that I’m too small, Claire?”

Fia deliberately used a mean wording.

However, Claire responded with ease. She pretended to be serious and put her index finger to her chin in thought.

“Hmm… occasionally I do hope you can grow a little taller, Fia. That way, I can rely on you like that cat-person over there.”

Following Claire’s finger, they could see a petite, pink-haired cat-person woman in the distance, clinging tightly to a male cat-person on a sofa. However, from her revealing attire and her occasional ambiguous gestures of teasing the man, this cat-woman was probably in an unsavory profession.

Rеаԁ oո КаtRеαdiոgСαfe

“Mmm.”

The Eldest Princess’s body won’t grow just because I want it to.

“I was just kidding. It was just a joke. You’re very cute when you’re small, Fia.” Seeing her troubled expression, Claire smiled and tapped her pretty nose. She let go of Fia and, imitating her, bent her arm. “It’s fine if we just do it the other way around. Little Fia is shorter than me, so if you take my arm, it won’t get in the way of walking.”

“Mmph, mmph…”

Making a reluctant sound, the pouting Fia had no choice but to take Claire’s arm from the position of a noble lady. Although neither of them cared about who was the active party, to want to be the strong one but not be able to because of a height disadvantage was inevitably frustrating.

That being said, because her arm would occasionally touch Claire’s soft chest when they walked, the wonderful sensation soon made the gloom in Fia’s heart disappear without a trace. She began to understand why Liti always liked to hug her arm. This intentional and unintentional skin-to-skin contact, the itching sensation when her clothes brushed against her nose, and the faint medicinal scent that drilled into her brain through her nasal cavity, all gave her a feeling of happiness as if she were in the clouds, and her mood rose uncontrollably.

She had always been at the core of the team, leading her companions as the strong one. Now, although she was just taking Claire’s arm from the position of a lady, it felt like a role reversal, as if she had become a dependent wife. A strange and exciting feeling surged into her brain.

If Fia were to describe it specifically, it was as if the whole world was looking at her differently. Especially the curious gazes from those around them. Even though Fia knew they had no other meaning and did not know about her and Claire’s romantic relationship, from her current perspective of depending on Claire, a strong sense of shame would still arise, as if she were no longer the leader who always walked in front, but just a small fiancée protected by Claire, having become much more delicate, her words and actions constantly being watched to see if they fit the gentle and virtuous word “wife.”

At this thought, Fia couldn’t help but hide herself in Claire’s direction—she was surely not doing as well as Claire. It was too shameful to be seen. In the royal capital, how on earth had Claire endured this shame?

“What’s wrong? Your face is red.”

Noticing the change in Fia, Claire tilted her head. Her holy and elegant face had no mischievous cunning, only confusion.

Fia looked away, half of her face hidden behind Claire’s arm, and answered hesitantly.

“It’s just… I just feel a little embarrassed.”

“Is there anything to be embarrassed about?”

“It’s hard for you to understand, Claire.”

Claire must have been in the role of a fiancée from the very beginning, so she didn’t feel anything. And although she should also be called a fiancée, in reality, she should be the fiancé. After all, everyone thought Claire was the one marrying her, not the other way around.

This must be the reason why she was so embarrassed now that she was in the wife’s position.

“It was little Fia who suggested we link arms, and now you’re embarrassed. The majestic Eldest Princess has also become a shy and timid young lady. If I were to record this with a recording crystal and show it in Silvar, I would surely make a fortune. But I have a feeling that before that, it would be bought out at a high price by your fans and little Ana.”

“Don’t tease me anymore, Claire. You’ve known since we were in Aurora City that I’m not good at this… this kind of thing. Ahem, let’s hurry to the audience seats.”

“Aren’t you going to buy something to eat? It looks like they’re selling the local specialty over there.”

“I don’t mind.”

Fia had thought Claire would happily take her over, but she lowered her head and put on a serious, contemplative expression.

“Hmm… since the initiative is in my hands, then I can’t let our little princess eat this kind of food. Desserts are probably more suitable for my princess, right?”

Princess? Although I am a princess, it’s a different matter from the delicate and weak princess Claire is talking about.

There won’t be a princess-carry segment later, will there?

Realizing this, Fia’s face instantly heated up, and her body stiffened. To be princess-carried by Claire in public, it would be impossible not to be ashamed. She would definitely kick her legs and struggle, not wanting to be carried in front of everyone. But to say that she didn’t have any expectations at all… as lovers, and in a seemingly weak position like a child, there was actually a little bit of a hidden expectation and happiness, feeling that the sighs and cheers of those around were a kind of blessing. To delve deeper, it was probably the joy of being treated as a girl and being doted on?

Rеαd оn КαtRеαⅾіngСαfe

Although she was so embarrassed that she almost wanted to find a box or a crack in the ground to crawl into, her heart was wavering and she hoped Claire would be a little more forceful. This contradictory mentality made her heart pound, and her cheeks turned red. The most fatal thing was, how should she tell Claire that she actually had a little bit of expectation? The excitement brought by occasionally switching roles was addictive. Once something like this was said out loud, there would be no more blushing and heart-pounding feelings.

Claire did not know that Fia had already imagined quite a few scenarios. She just looked at her pink, pointed ears and tilted her head in confusion.

“Even your ears have turned pink. Little Fia, is your sense of shame so low?”

“N-nothing! Of course not!”

Although her face was still flushed, Fia became very serious. Just as she had thought, this kind of thing could absolutely not be known by Claire, or at least, not be realized by her that she was reminding her.

She could only plan for the long term.

“Are you really okay? If there’s something you want to do, it’s fine to say it now. We’re an approved couple. We can be a little bolder.”

“There’s really nothing.”

If Claire were to ask again, she would answer that she wanted to stay in the city of the Fire Cat Tribe for a night. She hadn’t spent an intimate night with Claire since they left Blossom.

Unfortunately, if you don’t say it out loud, your feelings will never be conveyed. Claire looked up and thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Then let’s go up to the audience seats first.”

“Mmm… alright.”

This personality of mine that can’t be honest is really terrible.

While stomping her feet in her heart for her lack of frankness, Fia tensed her facial expression and, linking arms with Claire, squeezed into the crowd.

The flow of people near the stairs was even greater than in the first-floor hall. The roar of people talking, mixed with their body heat and the unpleasant smell of beasts, rushed towards them. Among these sounds, there were even the meows of cat-people, making it unclear what this group of people were doing while taking advantage of the crowd.

The wall of people, much taller than her, made Fia flinch.

“…Claire, let’s just go out and buy another ticket.”

The Hunting Ground had two types of tickets. One was the ordinary ticket in Fia’s hand, and the other was for the rooms with private boxes on the second floor, specially provided for powerful and wealthy guests, such as Tilulu’s brother. His reserved position was on the second floor.

If they had bought a ticket for a distinguished guest, they could go to the second floor through a separate, dedicated passage without having to squeeze in with the ordinary guests. Fia had caught a glimpse before she came in. Only a few gorgeously dressed beastmen had walked into that dedicated passage. The high price of six silver coins was not something everyone could afford.

“Go out now? But the competition is about to start. Will we be too late?”

“That’s true.”

“We can secretly use magic to squeeze in.”

“Even if we can, I don’t really want to go in…”

Fia looked at a female cat-person in the gap of the crowd. This female cat-person was being squeezed in the middle by five or six male cat-people. With a little attention, one could find that their hands were in places they shouldn’t be, bullying the female cat-person as a toy to be teased. Although the other cat-people around had noticed their actions, they had a look of avoiding them, as if afraid of getting into trouble.

I should just help out with a weakened [Mental Shock].

As Fia was thinking this, a clear and cold young girl’s voice came from behind her.

“Women of the Charm Cat Tribe, don’t go too far!”

Rеаd οn ΚαtRеαdіոɡСafе

A familiar voice.

“It’s the little snake, little Fia’s little concubine.”

“No, no, I’ve said it before. That was to help Ying get out of a tight spot. I have no thoughts for her at all.”

The voice from behind Fia was indeed Ying. She was leading a team of cat-person soldiers, inserting themselves into the crowd and walking to the side of the bullied female cat-person.

As for the matter with Ying, because she had run away on the night she was “claimed” by Fia, this matter was seen as a disgrace to the Snake-folk tribe. Woz had come to apologize to Fia very formally, so everyone else, including Claire, had long known about it. Fia had also privately explained to her companions that she had done it to help her gain her freedom, not because she was really interested in her.

Even Liti had accepted Fia’s explanation, but the reason was hard to say—if Fia really had a second heart, she would have long since made a move on her cute and charming younger sister. Why would she be interested in an unclean beastman?

Due to the appearance of the soldiers, the crowded crowd quickly dispersed. Fia and Claire also moved to the side and silently watched Ying walk to the front of the Charm Cat girl.

“Since Ying is here, it means Nola is also nearby. Are you going to see her later, Claire?”

“If you don’t mind, Fia.”

“Why would I mind?”

“Because she used that impolite attitude at the beginning?”

Fia waved her hand magnanimously.

“I’ve already punished her, and she has admitted her mistake. I’ve already put it behind me. Just how petty do you think I am, Claire?”

“The kind that doesn’t show it on the surface, but is very concerned in her heart? Like a little girlfriend in love who likes to get jealous.”

That’s too accurate.

Claire even knows that?

Fia’s expression stiffened. She pretended to be serious and said stubbornly.

“There’s no such thing. I’ve always been magnanimous.”

“Hehe, then let’s just say that’s the case.”

While Fia and Claire were talking, Ying had also dealt with the sexual harassment incident as a law enforcer. What was strange to Fia was that in the end, it was the Charm Cat woman who was taken away as a criminal, while the cat-men were treated as victims. Not only that, but the other cat-men, who were just bystanders, also cast a sympathetic look at the few cat-men, as if they had suffered a great injustice.

Although she knew that the treatment of women in the Cold Night was no different from that of men’s accessories, she hadn’t expected it to be this bad…

“You, take a few men and bring this Charm Cat woman back. The rest of you, go and find her accomplices she exposed. Be quick.”

“Yes!”

“Lord Strategist, you should rest for a while. Just leave it to us here. The Holy Son is about to fight the Wandering Knight. You should be in the audience seats to cheer for her.”

“Nola doesn’t need me—”

Due to her conversation with the soldier, Ying’s gaze finally met Fia’s. A hint of surprise and joy appeared in her deep green snake-like eyes. She then waved her hand at the soldier and changed her words.

“Leave it to you here. I have something to do and have to leave first.”

Reαⅾ on KαtReаⅾіոɡСafе

“Understood!”

Quickly dismissing the soldier, Ying gave Fia a look to follow and headed straight for the now-empty stairs.

With her lead, Fia and Claire were not stopped by the guards and arrived at the second-floor corridor. Ying signaled the guards to stand down, then stopped, put her hands on her hips in exasperation, and turned around.

“Why has Your Highness come to our place? From the looks of it, you’re not here to talk business or fight.” Ying rolled her eyes and looked at Claire, her gaze becoming meaningful. “A date? This one looks a bit unfamiliar. A new woman? Or a girl you just ‘rescued’?”

“She’s not unfamiliar, you’ve just forgotten.”

Fia rolled her eyes in annoyance. For some reason, it was hard for her to have a sense of distance when talking to Ying, as if they were old acquaintances.

“We just happened to be passing by, so we came to take a look. Also, I have to say, the status of women in your Cold Night is too low.”

“Low?”

Ying, dressed in a greenish-blue outfit, first looked confused, then it dawned on her, and she clicked her tongue in disgust.

“You mean that Charm Cat woman just now, right? You’re not from the Cold Night, so you don’t know how terrible the Charm Cats are. Just like how the Fire Cats have to replenish their flames every so often, the Charm Cats have to replenish their essence. They need to get it from other living beings, so they often appear in crowded places, use their natural charm to lure others into a corner, and drain their essence completely. Those who have been drained often can’t work for a week to half a month, and even need help to get out of bed.”

What Ying didn’t say was that those who had their essence drained would also have side effects and would find it difficult to be interested in any woman other than a Charm Cat in the future. So, being targeted by a Charm Cat and having one’s essence excessively drained was a misfortune. In addition, this essence draining was not limited to men, but was also effective on women.

“If you’re going to take essence, then give the other person some money and absorb it reasonably, not just drain it endlessly. To absorb essence without the other person’s consent is a crime in our city. Hah, it’s just that the Charm Cats are the fourth largest race here, after the Fire, Water, and Grass Cats. If someone were to stop them in the street, they would retaliate as a group and go to suck that person’s essence every night. It’s a real pain to manage.”

“I see…”

No wonder it was the woman who was taken away, and the surrounding cat-men all had a sympathetic look. So it was a crime.

At this, Ying put one hand on her hip, a hint of amusement in her tone.

“Nola ran into it before too, but that girl’s energy is much stronger than an ordinary person’s. She pushed the Charm Cat chieftain at that time to the point of surrender, and she voluntarily swore allegiance. That’s how we got the Charm Cats to accept our management. Otherwise, I really don’t know what we would have done.”

“Uh…?”

As if she knew what Fia was thinking, Ying’s eyebrows rose at a subtle angle, her eyes looking at Fia as if she were an idiot.

“Don’t overthink it. Charm Cats are not succubi. The essence they absorb is a combination of mental and willpower, not the kind of essence you’re thinking of. As long as the Charm Cat woman herself is unwilling, you won’t have a child even if you sleep together.”

“I didn’t say I was overthinking it.”

“Your eyes have already betrayed you.” Ying answered cleanly. She took another look at Claire. “Since you’re just here to look around, then I’ll be a good host and accompany you. If not for Your Highness, I would still be locked up at home by my father. It just so happens that today is Nola’s fight with the Wandering Knight. He comes from the land of Molten Flow in the south. In pursuit of his faith, he has wandered all over the continent and has already achieved a nine-win streak. His strength is considerable. His fight with Nola will surely not make you feel like you came for nothing.”

“Nola will also fight as the Holy Son?”

“Of course. Only those with strength can be respected by us beastfolk, even a Holy Son. Nola unified the Fire Cat Tribe with her own strength, not just by using the title of Holy Son to get to where she is today. As for a room, with me here, just use this one. Feel free to use it.”

Ying casually pushed open a door and walked in. They could see a small room with a sofa, fruits, and drinks, a perfect setup for a VIP box.

“By the way, has Chazo’s army reached the city yet? We’ve been thinking for a long time and have decided that we must intercept him and win over the people. The army has been assembled for the past few days.”

“You mean the army that attacked the Snake-folk?” Facing the fruit platter Ying handed over, Fia said hesitantly, “They’ve already lost.”