Black Dragon Island – Part 03

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Translator: Kell | Editor: Ryunakama


I woke up and found myself in prison. Not that there was anything unusual with that, but the problem was: Zero was not around.

“Hey, what the hell is going on?! Chaining up a poor victim in a cage is just plain inhumane! What the hell is this country’s Church doing?! If you want to chain me up, at least toss me into a stable with fresh fodder instead!”

I tried calling for her, thinking she might be nearby, but there was no answer. In fact, I couldn’t sense anyone else.

All of my belongings had been taken. The only thing I had with me was the collar around my neck with a chain firmly fixed to the stone wall, severely restricting my movements. The chain was so short that no matter how much I pulled on it, I could only move to the middle of the cell.

In a fit of rage—well, not really—I started shouting at the top of my lungs, shaking the chains wildly. I even found myself annoying.

When holding a Beastfallen captive, it was standard practice to tire them out by starving them. If I stayed quiet, they might neglect me for seven days.

I’m gonna go wild, then if no one shows up, I’ll pretend to be dead.

If silence immediately followed the ruckus, someone would come to check.

Okay, I’m getting tired already. Maybe I should just cut it short, and pretend to be dead now.

“It sure is lively for someone who washed up ashore after their ship sank.”

I heard a young woman’s voice just as a door creaked open. I stopped flailing about and turned my attention to the sounds out of my vision.

Three sets of footsteps. One woman, and two men.

“It’s been like that since it woke up,” the prison guard told the woman. “It’s too scary, I can’t get close.” His tone was humble. “It’s an evil monster. We should starve it and cut off its head. There’s no need to keep a Beastfallen alive.”

“Keep your mouth shut,” the other man rebuked. “That is for the princess to decide.” His footsteps were firm, like that of a soldier’s.

But I must say, I did not expect a princess. I could easily guess their relationship without seeing them. I pictured a nicely-dressed princess, her escort, and a pitiful prison guard showing them the way.

And sure enough, a trio that fit the exact description in my mind appeared in front of my cell. Slight correction. Everything was just as I expected, except for one thing.

The woman was not wearing a dress, but black armor made to fit her slender body. Even at a distance, I could see the ridiculously intricate design adorning the whole armor. Polished to a shine, it had no scratch on it, which made it look more like an armor-shaped ornament.

Anyway, it was surprising to see a high-class woman wearing something other than a dress.

“Whoa, hold up,” I said with a mocking tone. “What’s with the getup? Even a titular knight would wear better armor. Or is that the trending outfit for the royal family?”

“Watch your mouth, bastard! Do you know who you’re talking to?!”

“No idea. We haven’t been introduced yet, unfortunately.”

Enraged, the escort stepped forward. As I surmised from the sound of his footsteps, he was the very picture of a straight-laced man. He looked to be twenty at most. He wasn’t a child, but he was definitely young. An uptight knight obsessed with proper decorum was already stifling in itself, but his short, trimmed red hair simply added to it.

“Stand back, Gouda,” the woman said. “I will speak to this one.” Contrary to the knight, her voice was refreshing.

I finally had a good look at her face. Her hair was a lustrous honey color, her long bangs parted into a braid on each side and tied up behind her head. It was an elaborate hairstyle, typical of the nobility. The over-decorated monocle on her right eye made her already stern-looking face even more unpleasant.

What a shame.

She was not my type at all. Not that I was in any position to be picky with women, considering my status and appearance. I thought she was beautiful, but not as beautiful as Zero.

As I studied the woman closely, a smile appeared on her lips. “I’m glad to know you are able to understand human language,” she said.

“Is this the first time you’ve seen a Beastfallen? If you’re here to see a talking monster, I’d appreciate it if you’d throw some gold coins at me.”

“You are very articulate. I suppose we have nothing to worry about, then. I’m sure you’re upset about being chained, but it’s not wise to place a Beastfallen like you into custody with the others. You understand that, right?”

Her imperious tone pissed me off a little, but I felt relieved as well. She mentioned “others.”

“There are other people who got washed ashore besides me, right?”

“Dozens of sailors have washed ashore on the island’s beaches. Those we found have been gathered together in one place and are being treated.”

I felt uneasy earlier, thinking Zero was still lying on the beach alone. I could relax for now, at least.

I yanked on the chain and leaned forward. “There should be a silver-haired woman among them. She was with me on the beach. Is there a chance you can bring her here? She’s my employer.”

“Employer?” She lifted an eyebrow.

“I’m a mercenary, you see. She’s a conspicuous woman, so she should be easy to spot. She will testify that I’m harmless. Oh, and where’s my stuff? There’s a—”

“Forget about it,” she said, her tone sharp all of a sudden.

I was about to say I had a permit issued by Wenias that should serve as proof of our identity.

“I’m sorry?”

I didn’t quite understand what she meant. Forget what? Was there any part in our conversation that I should forget?

“Did you spill some kind of confidential info just now? ‘Cause I don’t think I caught it. Anyway, if you’ll let me out, I’ll gladly forget it. Actually, I already did.”

“I’m saying you should forget about your employer.”

“What?”

“She’s dead. You belong to me from this day onward. That is your best choice.”

Wait. No, no, no.

She just made it sound like she found a puppy and decided to take it home. Actually, that was probably what it felt like to her.

Zero is dead? No way. She was definitely breathing when I dragged her on the beach. I was sure of it.

I shook my head. “You should get your head checked, idiot.” I put on my best smile.

Her escort turned pale, the prison guard was speechless, but the woman still wore the same look.

Glaring at the lady, I decided to provoke her. “I think too much power’s gotten into your head that your brain’s not getting enough oxygen, little lady. Did you think that if you told me she was dead, I would just say, ‘Okay, I guess I’ll work for you now’? Go peddle your bullshit somewhere else ’cause I ain’t buying it.”

“Do you think I’m lying? How can you be so certain?”

“Because I swam desperately to shore with her in my arms. She was definitely alive then. If she was dead, she’d be lying on the beach now. You can bring her corpse to me, then I’ll believe you. Oh, don’t get me wrong, though. Even if she was actually dead, it doesn’t mean I’m gonna become your property. I have a right to choose my employer.”

“Lowly monster!” the escort hissed. “I will make you understand the situation you’re in!” Drawing his sword, he snatched the key from the jailer and rushed towards the cell.

“Gouda,” the princess said sharply. “I told you to stand back.”

“But Princess!”

“It wants either of us to get near the cell so it can take us hostage and demand to be released. How can you not see that?”

The man’s eyes widened. He then cast his eyes down bitterly, thrust the keys back to the jailer, and turned around.

“I will excuse myself,” he said. “I need to check on the survivors.”

“I’m counting on you,” the woman replied.

“As you wish.” The man climbed up the stairs with heavy steps and left the dungeon.

“What was he even doing here?” I wondered.

He came here, yelled, got reprimanded, then left. What an idiot.

“He was probably trying to protect me,” the woman said without a hint of a smile. “Your appearance is so terrifying that someone timid would faint at the sight of you.”

“Beastfallen are probably not a common sight on this island. Nevertheless, I’m not gonna be your property.”

“You are already mine, whether you agree to it or not. And I am not the type to flaunt my property.”

“What?” I turned pale.

“If you want to live in this cell for the rest of your life, I won’t stop you. You can do whatever you want. I’m a busy person, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit you next, but don’t worry. I will make sure you receive food three times a day. I just hope the jailer won’t poison your food out of fear, though.” She turned around.

“Hey, wait a minute! You’re bluffing, right? If you think I’m gonna fall for it, think again!” She kept walking without looking back, her steps firm. “Are you even listening, you arrogant bitch!”

She’s serious. She actually plans to leave me here.

If I let her go, it could be a year before I get the next opportunity to get out of my cell. The only thing I could look forward to would be my meals, which would probably just be leftovers.

“Fine! You win!” I screamed. “You can do whatever you want with me. Make me your slave, or pet, or overcoat. Just get me out of here!”

She never stopped walking. It’s no use. The only way to stop her was to submit myself completely. Farewell, my pride and dignity.

“I apologize for my rudeness! I offer you my loyalty! I will do as you command, so please let me out of here and allow me to serve you!” I was only pretending, of course, but it was still utterly humiliating.

After playing hard to get, the woman finally stopped and sauntered back to my cell, wearing a smug look. Never before had a woman’s smile made me want to punch her face so badly.

“Very well, if you insist. I will allow you to serve me,” she said. “I am the princess of Nordis, the kingdom that rules over Black Dragon Island. You have my permission to call me ‘Princess.’ I have always wanted to own a rare Beastfallen like you.”


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