Free Web NovelChapter 93: Chapter 93: Arrival of a Dangerous Species
After the trade was rejected and the dejected Rabbit Clan Lady had left, the master received a communication.
Just one minute later.
He immediately ordered the Steward to make sure that young female from the Rabbit Clan was brought back with the utmost respect!
At first, the Steward thought his master had simply come to his senses—
’After all, it’s best to stay on good terms with the Empire’s Guard Team.’
The Steward never expected his master’s attitude toward the young Rabbit Clan female to do a complete one-eighty. He had actually agreed to the trade for the Mermaid’s Eye!
That deep purple gemstone was still clutched beneath the Peacock’s body. He was crying his eyes out, his sobs nearly hoarse.
"...She’s an Imperial S-Class female!"
The Steward’s eyes widened. "In that case, we really must take good care of her."
On the Beast World Planet, looking after an S-Class female was the duty of all males.
Besides, they were in a foreign land. An S-Class female from the Moon Rising Empire was sure to have the special protection of the Royal Family, so it was best not to offend her.
The Peacock drooped, his magnificent tail feathers closing up. The plumes on his head quivered.
"She’s from the Valoran Empire."
"Huh?" The middle-aged Steward never would have guessed that the young girl wasn’t a female beast from the Moon Rising Empire!
The Peacock gradually shifted into his human form.
Geoffrey sat on the floor, still cradling the deep purple gemstone in his palm.
"This is a Rare gem I excavated from the Abyss Demon Cave and presented to Lord Bo Lan. When I saw the gems she possessed, I confirmed her identity—"
"She is the female the Duke has been secretly searching for."
After the young lady left.
Geoffrey had received a communication from the Valoran Empire.
The Duke’s confidant had stated clearly that they were looking for an S-Class female from the Rabbit Clan.
Rabbit Clan, female.
When those two terms were combined, Geoffrey instantly recalled the cute and beautiful little rabbit he had just seen.
’—It couldn’t be such a coincidence, could it?’
But in fact, it was just that much of a coincidence.
The young lady was from the Valoran Empire, a noble S-Class female.
The gems she brought were a symbol of her status.
Then it all made sense.
That explained the rumors from the Lost Tower about a noble female using seven "broken dream" gems to bid on a Mermaid.
Geoffrey hadn’t paid it any mind at the time.
He had thought it was just a rumor—
After all, of all the "broken dream" gems on the planet, thirteen were in the hands of the Moon Rising Empire’s Crown Prince.
And the remaining seven "broken dream" gems were the very ones Geoffrey had long ago presented as a gift to the Empire’s most esteemed Duke.
The Mermaid’s Eye was his treasured possession.
Geoffrey might not give face to an S-Class female from the Moon Rising Empire; even if the Royal Family themselves came, they couldn’t make him part with his beloved treasure. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
But as a Beastman of the Valoran Empire—
’Forever loyal to the Empire!’
’Forever loyal to His Majesty!’
’Forever loyal to Lord Bo Lan!’
From the moment he confirmed the Rabbit Clan Lady’s identity, Geoffrey would do everything in his power to fulfill her every wish!
"So..." the middle-aged Steward murmured, "does this mean we’ve found her?"
Geoffrey cupped the purple gemstone in both hands and stood up, a single tear clinging to the corner of his eye.
"The Duke Mansion’s orders are—"
"Once she’s found, do not alert her. We are only to protect her in secret and monitor her every move."
"As for the rest, we are not to interfere."
...
On the way out.
Luther received a short message.
His expression turned grave. "The Divine City’s alarm system is reporting that a dangerous species has infiltrated. We need to leave quickly."
Yu Zhizhi, sitting in the passenger seat, was cradling the water-filled box containing the Mermaid’s Eye.
Hearing Luther’s words, she replied softly, "Okay."
In the back seat.
Louis watched the streetscape flash by, his dark eyes deep in thought.
They hadn’t planned on a long stay in Divine City this time.
Yu Zhizhi was still worried about the Mermaid.
She didn’t feel at ease leaving him home alone.
「At the steam train station.」
The members of the Guard Team on duty were all wearing protective suits, diligently checking every passenger.
Upon seeing Luther, they exchanged military salutes.
Yu Zhizhi boarded the train without any trouble.
Due to the snow, the route from Divine City to Paradise was almost completely covered, and regular trains could easily break down.
The steam train, however, traveled on an aerial track. It ran at an Intermediate speed and had a five-star safety rating.
After Yu Zhizhi boarded, she went to the restroom by herself.
She couldn’t wait to open her system inventory and click on the item she had just obtained to inspect it.
A string of floating, light-blue text appeared below the item—
[Name: Disguised Identity (7 Days)]
[Description: When the item is activated, the host can input the clan they wish to disguise themselves as. Effective for 7 days.]
[Note: Once a clan name is entered, it cannot be changed. If a non-existent clan is entered, the item will be destroyed. The host is advised to operate with caution and be sure to enter a correct clan name.]
[Remark: It is recommended to choose a lineage similar to the host’s own clan to make the disguise more convincing.]
Yu Zhizhi couldn’t help but ask, "Are there any clan restrictions?"
[System: None.]
She put the item away, a smile playing on her lips. "This seems like a really good item. It’ll definitely come in handy in the future!"
’No clan restrictions means I can freely change my clan identity, even if the effect only lasts for seven days.’
When she had come to Divine City, Yu Zhizhi had been prepared to leave empty-handed.
After all, the only "gold" she had to offer was something a fabulously wealthy jewelry merchant would have the least interest in.
She never expected his attitude to change so drastically later on.
Yu Zhizhi got the "Mermaid’s Eye" she wanted and even successfully completed a side quest!
Just as she, filled with excitement, was about to leave the restroom, an announcement suddenly blared over the train’s broadcast system—
"Attention all passengers, a dangerous species has been detected on the train. Please close your compartment doors and do not move about freely!"
"The dangerous species is currently located somewhere between carriages 5 and 7. The Guard Team is on its way!"
Huh? Yu Zhizhi’s eyes widened.
’If I remember correctly, I’m in carriage number seven,’ she thought. ’So the dangerous species could be in this very carriage?’
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK! A knock came from outside.
Louis’s voice was low. "Miss, are you in there?"
"I am!"
Yu Zhizhi quickly opened the restroom door. Louis, still holding the water box, squeezed inside and shut the door behind him.
The train’s restroom was very small, and it was a bit crowded with two people standing inside.
Yu Zhizhi was a little nervous. "What’s going on outside? Is the dangerous species in our carriage?"
Louis placed the water box on the restroom counter, where a towel rack happened to be, which wedged it in place and kept it from sliding off.
"Don’t worry, Luther is right outside."
Seeing the young female’s pale face, Louis soothed her in a low voice, "No matter what danger comes, I will stand in front of you."
Behind Yu Zhizhi was the train window. It was misty, and snow-capped mountains layered the distance. The steam train swayed gently as it traveled along its mid-air track.
The young lady nodded lightly.
Hearing the commotion from outside, she couldn’t help but reach out and tightly grip the corner of Louis’s sleeve.
