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chapter 52
Of course, given the nature of beast-kin, it’s inevitable that younger ones are extremely wary of others—but for that wariness to extend even to their parents… isn’t that a heartbreaking thing?
At that moment, the attending physician slightly twitched his nose and asked me,
“Um… do you happen to wear perfume?”
“Huh? Oh, no? I try to avoid it, because using perfume carelessly could have a negative effect on patients.”
At those words, his rabbit-like eyes widened in surprise as he looked at me.
‘Oh no, I forgot to put some on this morning!’
That thought made my heart drop and my limbs start trembling.
But instead of scolding me for this reckless mistake, the doctor’s eyes widened, and he said,
“Ah… really?”
“Yes… do I smell bad to you?”
“Hehe.”
He shook his head and said,
“Quite the opposite. I’ve never smelled such a fresh scent before. It’s… ah! It’s similar to the herbal scents I’ve smelled in temples.”
“Eh? Really?”
He nodded and chuckled at me.
Embarrassed, I scratched my cheek and lowered my gaze slightly.
To think that the scent I gave off was not magical power like a witch’s, but herbal like in a temple… that was something I had never heard before.
‘I’ve heard it smells good even to Rudels…’
Still, I felt utterly bewildered.
Witches and temples were like dogs and cats, constantly at odds. Anyone would know that if you asked a witch to rank their dislikes after beast-kin, temple priests would certainly top the list.
The reason was simple. Magic and divine power are opposing forces, with divine power being the stronger of the two.
So for witches, who considered themselves the most superior beings in the world, it was a humiliating situation.
Beast-kin could fight on their own terms and end in a draw, but priests were under divine guidance, unable to act freely.
So naturally, witches would grind their teeth and despise them even more.
While I was lost in that thought, Rudels looked at me and the physician and asked,
“Doctor, is Kels Bolefino’s dressing all done?”
The physician bowed politely and said,
“Yes. Fortunately, the young therapist handled it well, so it was finished quickly.”
“Hmm. That’s good, then.”
Kels then glanced briefly at him, then looked toward the door.
Quick to catch on, he bowed and said,
“Hehe, I just remembered I have some business. Excuse me, may I leave first?”
At that, Akin chuckled and said,
“We can’t keep a busy person here… go ahead.”
Bowing, he quickly gathered his things and disappeared behind the door. Anyone could tell he was someone from the famously swift Bolefino household.
‘So… fast.’
I clicked my tongue thinking of the doctor’s swift exit. Despite his age, his joints seemed strong—truly astonishing.
“Alright, then.”
Akin clapped a couple of times to draw attention and looked at us.
“I suppose it’s time for us to get up as well.”
Not understanding, I tilted my head. He smiled slightly and pointed toward the window.
“The sun is already setting, after all.”
“Oh.”
I looked out the window and whispered. The sun was already tilting slowly toward the western mountains.
Kels Bolefino
This child belonged to the prestigious Bolefino Marquis family, a noble house known for its rare heirs, and was the sole heir of the Red Fox clan.
Although his fur was gray for now, it was the color of youth—it would turn red as he matured.
He had an extremely cute face but a sharp temper, and beast-kin described him as having “a personality that even a black mamba would fear.”
Among beast-kin, the Black Mamba’s temperament was infamous, so it was no small thing to be compared to it. Even his parents couldn’t argue with it. His personality was truly wild.
He growled, bit, and even disliked being touched by his parents. If they forced him, he would scream and scratch furniture. The Bolefino Marquis couple had completely surrendered to their son’s temperament.
But there was a reason for Kels’ behavior:
‘It hurts if you touch me roughly, so I avoid it!’
Kels’ skin was much more sensitive than other young foxes. For him, even a gentle touch could feel like pain.
Yet people didn’t realize this and tried to touch him forcefully, causing immense stress for the young fox.
‘If only I could explain it properly…’
Kels sighed quietly as he looked at the young female therapist from the Epin family carrying him.
He remembered what had happened in the backyard. Avoiding the noisy people, he had fallen asleep on the ground out of drowsiness. Upon waking, he was shocked by the injury to his leg.
‘Eek!’
He had been too startled to feel the pain at first. As time passed, he feared he might die there. His voice faltered in fear.
While trembling, he heard someone approaching and felt both relief and caution—especially because of the pheromones from the lion, which heightened his wariness.
Though mischievous, Kels was a clever little fox who listened when his father spoke. He had heard endless tales about the nobles of the land, mostly from the complaints of Marquis Bolefino.
‘Haa… if only we were stronger. Truly regrettable, Kels. You must never make enemies of the Lion clan Radiance or the Black Wolf Epin family. Understand, Kels?’
Having heard this incessantly, Kels’ fur bristled at the scent of the lion.
Yet the subtle scent of herbs around the female therapist gradually calmed his vigilance. It was soothing and pleasant. Unlike others, she treated him gently, which made him feel completely at ease.
‘I love this!’
Thus, the fox who cried when touched by others couldn’t help but fall for her. Kels smiled, recalling his father’s words:
‘Kels, listen carefully. This will be your most important asset.’
At the time, he had thought it nonsense and hidden under the furniture.
‘Our family thrives on appearance. We’re known for… well, we’re a family of beauties.’
Despite Kels’ refusal, Marquis Bolefino spoke firmly:
‘Our family often makes a strong first impression. And once you make a favorable impression, it’s easier to gain affection. That’s part of how our family prospered peacefully in this country.’
‘So, Kels, if you want to attract people, your appearance is key! You resemble me, so you can do it!’
At the time, Kels was flabbergasted at his father’s encouragement. It seemed absurd for someone so young. But now, he was grateful for his father’s advice.
‘I want to stay with this lady!’
She was the only one who treated him gently and carefully.
‘I won’t let her go!’
Kels’ eyes sparkled as he resolved to win over the therapist named Iriel Lottis. Knowing it was time to use the “beauty strategy” his father taught him, he tried to charm her with his face.
Meanwhile, Rudels groaned at the sight of the young fox sending glances toward Iriel.
‘Damn it.’
He muttered, watching a much younger beast-kin secretly watching Iriel. Already anxious about the lion cub, now another rival had appeared.
‘Why is Iriel so capable…’
She was so competent it was almost infuriating. She drew attention everywhere she went. But he had brought her here to keep her safe and observe from a distance, hidden from others.
‘Why do these things happen wherever we go!’
It wasn’t Iriel’s fault—it was a coincidence. But those coincidences tested his patience perfectly. Rudels felt parched under the blazing sun, as if he were walking through fire.
‘I’ll make them regret this.’
A reckless, vengeful thought of a twenty-three-year-old surged.
Earlier, he had panicked when he saw Radiance trying to sway Iriel openly.
Now, he pondered ways to ensure she stayed with him.
“Kewng! Keng! Keng!”
The little fox displayed all his charms, fluffing his belly fur and acting adorably.
