The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

Laria said nothing.

Taking her silence as permission to continue, Rodit spoke.

“When I went to the Grand Duke Krassium’s residence at your request…”

Recalling Rodit’s words, Zenox tried to remember the day.

The day Laria visited the Krassium Mansion, assassins had stormed in broad daylight.

The attackers who broke the window and charged at Zenox all at once were aware that they stood no chance in one-on-one combat.

But the cries that echoed were not of Zenox but of the intruders.

In their eyes was delayed horror, as Zenox had snapped the neck of one with his bare hands.

It was the power inscribed in the bloodline of the Black Wolf beastman.

-…Argh…

Suddenly, the partially transformed Zenox moved.

His nails, harder than steel, tore the intruders to shreds. His movements were too fast for the eye, and they died without even knowing how.

Zenox’s golden eyes, gazing at the sprawled corpses, seemed utterly bored. Even a dull book would be more interesting than this.

Zenox, who mercilessly slaughtered the assassins, sensed movement outside the library.

Soon after, he heard a servant’s voice.

-Master, you have a visitor.

-Come in.

The door opened, revealing the servant and an unfamiliar man.

-A guest?

His hands, still stained with blood, twitched.

Voices in his head urged him to kill.

If not for the servant’s next words, he might have slit the man’s throat.

-I’m here to deliver a letter from Miss Laria Rohan.

Zenox snatched the letter immediately.

On the envelope, a familiar name was written: Laria Rohan.

His eyes focused on the name.

After quickly skimming the content, Zenox smirked.

-Guide him.

Recalling that day, Zenox clicked his tongue internally.

He decided to put on a show in front of Laria.

Normally, he would threaten openly, but this time he approached differently. Sometimes, persuasion works better than threats, he remembered advice from his servant.

More importantly, he didn’t want Laria to be afraid and avoid him. Especially when it wasn’t clear if she had Whitie with her.

“I almost died too!”

Rodit exclaimed about the brutal slaughter.

“Did His Excellency try to kill you?”

“If it wasn’t for your letter, I would have died.”

His purple tail shivered as if recalling the horror.

Holding his breath, Zenox waited for Laria’s reaction.

Laria was an aristocratic young lady in the capital, far removed from murder and war. Judging by how the Rohan family treated her, she seemed to have grown up sheltered, like a flower in a greenhouse.

The fact that he killed someone might repulse her, making her fear Zenox. If she proposes to break the contract based on this…

Preparing for the worst, he was deep in thought when a calm voice spoke.

“He wouldn’t have killed someone without a reason.”

There was no sign of fear in his voice or expression.

Instead, trust towards Zenox was evident.

“Did His Excellency kill an employee by any chance?”

Rodit, who had been hesitating, shook his head.

“He seemed like an assassin, but…”

“Then he deserved to die.”

At such a casual response, both Rodit and Zenox looked shocked.

“How much grudge must one have to have an assassin come to one’s house?”

Laria didn’t disagree with that sentiment.

Regaining his confidence, Rodit emphasized:

“The young lady might be in danger too.”

“I can protect myself.”

“Ugh.”

Seeing Laria’s unenthusiastic response, Rodit groaned in frustration. Defeated, his shoulders drooped.

“I understand your concerns. But I’m not as bad as you think.”

“How can you be so confident?”

“I just know.”

Zenox, who had been eavesdropping, was also curious.

He wondered why Laria was defending him. Was it because of a contract?

But Laria’s eyes seemed sincere, almost tricking even Zenox.

…Should I go back to the bedroom?

Zenox tried to discreetly step away before Laria arrived.

At the same time, Laria turned her head in his direction. She seemed startled upon seeing Zenox.

Why are you there?

Following Laria’s gaze, Rodit looked equally surprised.

Quickly approaching, Rodit examined Zenox.

“Is it a puppy?”

“Uh, yes, a puppy.”

Laria signaled Zenox to stay silent.

Zenox stood still, like a doll.

Fortunately, the foolish man couldn’t tell if Zenox was a wolf or a dog.

Knowing he’d be in trouble if his wolf identity was discovered, Zenox subtly bowed his head.

“I haven’t seen this puppy before. Did it get lost?”

Rodit glanced around.

Laria quickly approached Zenox and calmly lied:

“I found him when I went out recently.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I plan to find his owner soon.”

“He looks cute but dangerous.”

“…He listens well.”

Skeptical, Rodit saw Laria crouch and present her palm to Zenox.

“Paw.”

Reluctantly, Zenox placed his paw on her hand, causing Laria to blush slightly.

“See?”

Rodit was amazed and tried the same.

“Paw!”

Zenox smacked Rodit’s hand away.

“Why won’t he listen…?” Rodit said, puzzled.

“He’s still a pup, maybe he’s just shy.”

Laria commanded.

“Lie down.”

Zenox reluctantly laid down.

Impressed, Rodit looked somewhat disappointed.

“Anyway, thanks for your concern. I’ll go in now.”

Laria hugged Zenox and stroked Rodit’s hair.

Watching them, Zenox felt uneasy.

Rodit glanced at Zenox.

“What are you looking at?”

Zenox bared his teeth.

Sensing danger, Rodit quickly looked away.

“He seems dangerous, doesn’t he?”

“How can you say that? He’s so gentle.”

Laria looked down at Zenox, who gave an innocent look.

Rodit was taken aback.

After parting with Rodit, Laria and Zenox entered her bedroom. She closed the door and placed Zenox on the bed.

“Did you hear everything?”

“What are you talking about?”

Zenox feigned ignorance.

“I just came out.”

Though she didn’t seem convinced, she didn’t press further.

“He’s loyal, that’s why.”

Zenox seemed upset by the mention of Rodit.

“I’ll brush your fur.”

“No need.”

Still, his tone was sharp.

“Because I said I’d brush Rodit’s tail?” Laria added as if making an excuse, “I brought a new one.”

Do I look like I’m fussing over an old brush?

Zenox wasn’t sure why he was annoyed.

This attitude wasn’t right.

Reconciling his feelings, Zenox lay down, offering himself to be brushed. Laria picked up the brush and smoothly brushed his fur.

‘I didn’t think combing would have any effect, but it worked better than I thought.’

All his senses focused on one spot. In an instant, his body became mushy, and a pleasant drowsiness came over Zenox.

He wondered if Whitie felt the same way?

Was it always this good when he combed her?

If she was happy with his touch, there would be no greater joy. If he find Whitie again, he will definitely sit her on his lap and comb her all day long.

Struggling to keep his consciousness, Zenox slightly lifted his eyelids.

Laria, softly smiling, came into view.

Somehow, after transforming into a wolf, it seemed he often saw Laria’s smile.

It was the first time he’d seen her laugh out loud.

Zenox recalled Laria, who had earlier taken his side.

-His Excellency is not as bad a beast as you think.

Zenox himself had never thought of himself as a particularly good beastman. Having stained his hands with so much blood, he thought he wouldn’t close his eyes in peace even in death.

But it felt strange that someone he’d just met was on his side.

She’s a strange woman.

However, without realizing it, Zenox’s evaluation of Laria had softened considerably.