185 - I Got Engaged to a Blind Duke
Blinded Duke and Fiancee 185
He lowered his head again as his eyes met the Duke's cold gray eyes.
Was the Duke's eye color originally like that? Wasn't the Duke of the West traditionally known for having black hair and black eyes?
"I asked where the Monster is."
Rumus, awakened from his thoughts, turned and looked behind him.
"Everyone in the village said so."
Rumus gestured to the villagers as if urging them to speak quickly, and the villagers avoided his gaze.
"Well..."
Then, a woman, holding her children's hands in both of hers, spoke timidly.
Only then did Rumus look at her with a relieved expression. Wasn't she the one who had suffered the most from this incident?
"Yes, please tell us."
"Thanks to the Baines family's benevolence, I have never actually seen a Monster. I came along because they said a Monster suddenly appeared today... I don't know what that animal is, but it is a grateful existence to me."
"What?"
Rumus, surprised, widened his eyes.
"That's right. That thing saved my child."
"Yes. Last time, that Rabbit saved our children too."
Joseph's mom and Brie's dad, who were standing behind, chimed in.
As the children's parents stepped forward to defend it, the villagers whispered with doubtful expressions.
"That Rabbit, then it's not a Monster?"
"We saw its teeth getting bigger earlier."
"But where is there a Monster that saves children?"
"That's right."
At this, a hunter mustered up the courage to raise his hand and ask.
"The Duke, isn't that Monster BaniBani?"
"Is there anyone here who knows more about Monsters than I do?"
The murmuring people shook their heads. Who could possibly know more about Monsters than the Shield of the West?
Marin, standing next to Gerald, looked at him with an anxious face. Could it be?
"That animal is not a Monster."
Gerald declared in a firm voice.
That special BaniBani should no longer be a Monster.
A Monster that protects children and doesn't harm people?
Then it could no longer be called a Monster.
Monsters were originally cruel beings that killed and devoured people.
What if that BaniBani was a Monster, but exceptionally special?
The ignorant villagers, who had never actually seen a Monster, could lower their guard even in front of other Monsters. That would soon lead them to their deaths.
They must never forget the fear of Monsters.
So that BaniBani should no longer be a Monster.
Marin looked at Gerald with wide eyes.
Those who had believed BaniBani to be a Monster were also astonished by the Duke's declaration.
"It is a new species discovered in the desert. I name it Giant Rabbit. It was temporarily placed in the hut, and from today, it will be moved to the Duke's Castle. And forget everything that happened today."
The Duke's stern command was issued.
"Yes."
The villagers all bowed and replied.
"You may all disperse now."
The villagers bowed once more to express their gratitude, then left the hut.
Finally, Ronnie and Mini, and the children's mother remained, looking back at the Rabbit.
Mini let go of her mother's hand and approached BaniBani.
"Rabbit, it hurt. Hoo, hoo-"
Mini, who blew on the injured area with her mouth, looked up.
"Rabbit, are you moving now?"
The Rabbit tilted its head, its silver eyes sparkling.
"Rabbit, thank you!"
Mini gently hugged the Rabbit. Ronnie, who had been watching from behind, quickly ran over and hugged the Rabbit as well.
"Me too. Rabbit, thank you!"
The Rabbit stood still with an indifferent expression.
"Kids, should we go now?"
The children's mother carefully urged Ronnie and Mini, watching the Duke's reaction.
"Okay! Bye, Rabbit!"
Mini waved her hand at the Rabbit, took her mother's hand, and left.
Marin watched them disappear until her legs gave way and she collapsed.
"Marin."
Gerald, startled, knelt down in front of her and examined her.
Marin looked at Gerald with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Lord Gerald, is it true? Can we really take Rabbit to the Duke's Castle now?"
"Yes. I'm sorry. I couldn't do that sooner."
"No. I was going to tell Rabbit that it had to leave today too. But I just couldn't bring myself to say it..."
Gerald nodded as if he understood.
"I didn't know it wouldn't attack people at all even after being hit by stones. Not only that, but it even protected the children, so I don't think I can call it a Monster anymore."
"Thank you."
Marin was sincerely grateful.
Gerald was Baines, the bulwark of the West. She couldn't even imagine how big of a deal it was for him to deny Monsters, his lifelong enemy.
Marin took the hand he offered and stood up again, approaching BaniBani.
Then the Rabbit looked at her, its face sullen.
"Rabbit. I'm sorry. Let's live together now. Seeing each other every day."
BaniBani perked up its ears and its silver eyes sparkled.
"It's true. My future husband is an incredibly strong person. So it'll be okay now."
BaniBani's shoulders straightened.
Gerald chuckled at the sight of BaniBani's face, which had become proud.
\ \ \
After all the villagers had returned home.
The village administrator, Rumus, asked the hunter.
"Was that really not a Monster?"
"It's strange. It's definitely a Monster."
The hunter said, tilting his head.
"Right?"
"Still, if the Duke says it's not, then it's not. And you saw it, didn't you? The Duke's fiancée was communicating with that animal. In what world is there someone who communicates with Monsters?"
"Yes. That's right."
Rumus, nodding, cunningly shone his eyes.
Who could he sell this incredible news to?
\ \ \
The Imperial Palace training grounds.
There, Imperial Guard Commander James and Crown Prince Alecpet had been sparring for an hour.
Clang!
Brilliant Swords clashed against each other, sparks flying.
James, who had been struggling with the Swords pressed together, pushed the Crown Prince's Sword away with all his might.
The moment the Crown Prince, who had been thrown back with his Sword, regained his posture, James took a step back and sheathed his Sword.
Sweat dripped down his brown hair.
James gazed at the Crown Prince, who was breathing roughly on the other side, with a satisfied gaze.
How long had it been since he had sweated like this from sparring?
"Your Highness. Your skills have improved a lot."
When the young Crown Prince came to him and asked him to teach him the Sword, he thought he would give up quickly if he pushed him a little. So he treated him more harshly than the knights.
Ten years had passed like that.
The Crown Prince had grown up to be so outstanding that he was comparable to the Imperial Palace knights.
"I feel like I still have a long way to go to catch up with my teacher, but I gratefully accept the compliment."
James's lips formed a satisfied smile at the Crown Prince's humble yet confident attitude.
It was a great blessing for the Empire that the next person to inherit the throne was so wonderful.
"Of course, you still have a long way to go to catch up with me, hahaha."
"Then what about the Duke of the West?"
A playful smile was drawn on Alecpet's lips.
"Ahem. You shouldn't compare the Duke of the West with ordinary people."
James looked at the distant mountains to hide his embarrassed expression.
As the commander of the Imperial Guard, he had infinite pride, but he was on a different level from the Duke of the West. Wasn't he the strongest person in the Empire?
"Hahaha. The commander of the Imperial Guard has suddenly become an ordinary person."
It was then that a cool laugh burst from the Crown Prince's mouth.
"Your Highness!"
The Crown Prince's attendant was rushing into the training grounds.
