Chapter 103
I was so flustered that I pretended to drink tea, hiding my face behind the teacup.
Yudis and Karden were discussing something briefly.
“Brother, let’s meet Doctor James first and then go to the palace. He’s Grandmother’s physician. Perhaps he came to report something about Grandmother’s condition.”
“Let’s do that.”
Karden ordered the head butler to escort Doctor James to the drawing room.
I was too anxious to sit still.
It seemed clear that Uncle had come personally because of me, but what should I do about this?
Shortly after, Uncle James entered with measured steps, wearing a fedora.
Uncle removed his hat and greeted Karden and Yudis respectfully.
“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”
“What brings Doctor James here without prior notice? Is it related to Grandmother?”
“No. The reason I’m here is…”
Uncle’s gaze turned toward me, sitting between Karden and Yudis.
His eyes were unwavering, hardened with determination.
My heart sank when I met that gaze.
“I’ve come to take my only niece, Ruel, Miss Shuvelia.”
A heavy silence fell after Uncle James’s declaration.
Karden was the one who broke the silence.
“Shuvelia is Doctor James’s niece? Does that mean you are also a shapeshifter?”
“Yes. I am a fox shapeshifter of the Ulpes tribe, and Shuvelia’s mother was my sister.”
When Uncle revealed the truth, Karden nodded with newfound understanding.
“So that’s why your gaze was unusual when you first saw Shuvelia at Grandmother’s house.”
Karden had noticed something suspicious back then. I was newly impressed by his perceptiveness.
“At that time, I couldn’t reveal that I was a shapeshifter, so I remained silent.”
Surprised, Yudis was about to speak to Uncle James, but suddenly turned to look at me.
For a moment, I was scared. Would she question me about keeping my meeting with Uncle James a secret?
Perhaps noticing my panic and confusion, Yudis took my hand firmly and smiled brightly.
“Congratulations on meeting your uncle. I’m truly happy for you.”
“Yu-Yudis…”
Karden also approached me and gently wrapped his arm around my shoulders. His eyes, looking down at m,e were incredibly tender.
“Congratulations, Shuvelia. I’m glad you’ve found your family.”
I hadn’t expected this reaction from either of them.
They were only surprised that Doctor James was my uncle, but I didn’t have time to enjoy the joy of reuniting with family.
I stared blankly at Uncle James sitting across from me. I could see his eyes reddening.
He nodded, then immediately put on a determined expression.
Seeing Uncle’s meaningful gaze made me uneasy.
It seemed he hadn’t come merely to reveal our family relationship.
Karden went before Uncle James and bowed his head respectfully.
Everyone was shocked by this sight.
After all, it was unheard of for the Guardian Sword responsible for the kingdom’s defense and the Grand Duke of the North to bow to a physician.
Perhaps he was showing respect because Uncle was my blood relative?
“I formally greet Shuvelia’s uncle.”
“This isn’t necessary, Your Grace. Thank you for taking care of my niece Ruel all this time. If you hadn’t brought Ruel here, I might never have seen her again.”
Uncle James spoke calmly, then turned his gaze to me.
“Thank you for taking care of Ruel until now. From now on, as her uncle, I will protect Ruel for the rest of her life.”
Uncle James approached me with a gentle smile.
“Ruel, let’s seek asylum abroad together. It’s dangerous to stay in the capital.”
“What?”
Both Grand Duke Karden and Yudis reacted with surprise at Uncle’s words.
Yudis hurriedly grabbed my hand. Like a mother afraid someone might kidnap her child.
“What are you saying? Why are you taking our Shushu away?”
“I mean exactly what I said, Lady Yudis. The Arden Kingdom is a harsh and difficult place for shapeshifters to live. We will seek asylum in a foreign country where shapeshifters can enjoy rights and respect.”
Karden stepped forward, positioning himself protectively before Yudis and me.
“This is too sudden. Although the current situation in the capital isn’t good, we are working to improve shapeshifters’ rights.”
Uncle James gazed at Karden with skeptical eyes.
“Forgive me, but when will such a dream become reality, Your Grace?”
“It may be difficult right now, but I promise on my honor and my house that within a few years, I will create a kingdom where shapeshifters can live proudly.”
Sincerity emanated from Karden’s expression. He was truly making every effort for me.
But Uncle James’s response was cynical. His gaze turned to the lily on the table.
“Do you know what that flower is?”
“Uncle, do you know about that lily?”
When I asked urgently, Uncle let out a soft sigh.
“Yes. That flower is called Turba. It’s a lily without scent, and rumor has it that the gray wolf shapeshifters brought it.”
“Shapeshifters brought it?”
“Yes. I heard that House Alred received the lily from gray wolf shapeshifters and mass-produced it to make various medicines. Turba has antibiotic effects for humans, but for shapeshifters, it causes side effects that maximize awakening, hallucinations, and desires.”
Uncle James turned to stare at Karden. His eyes flickered with suppressed hostility and anger.
“It’s been half a year since that Turba began circulating among shapeshifters. But the kingdom has done nothing about it. Because it’s not their concern! Rather, the corrupt nobles secretly trade Turba d***s and give them to shapeshifters. Because small amounts of Turba make shapeshifters work without eating or sleeping.”
Uncle’s breathing became increasingly rough. Unable to contain his indignation, he gritted his teeth.
“Your Grace, look clearly at the current reality! When shapeshifters become addicted to Turba, people either ignore it or encourage it. Do you believe you can protect Ruel in such a filthy kingdom?”
Karden’s face hardened, seemingly shocked by Uncle’s rebuke. He lowered his gaze with a grim expression.
“I’m sorry. If I had known earlier, I would have certainly stopped it.”
Uncle James’s expression softened momentarily, perhaps because of Karden’s sincere apology.
Uncle let out a light sigh. He bowed deeply toward Karden.
“My emotions got the better of me… I was disrespectful. I apologize.”
“Uncle…”
I approached Uncle James and took his hand.
I knew his heart, which understood and grieved for the suffering of shapeshifters more than anyone. And I knew how much he cherished me.
“I understand how you feel, Uncle. But nothing will change if I flee to another country.”
Uncle gripped my hand tightly and shook his head.
“No, Ruel, but you could be safe.”
“Turba is an antibiotic for humans but poison for shapeshifters. I saw it clearly in front of the shapeshifter shelter—shapeshifters who went berserk after taking Turba d***s. I can’t run away and leave them behind. This d**g could be distributed not just in the kingdom but across the continent. There’s nowhere to hide, as you, a physician, know well.”
“Ruel…”
“So please help me, Uncle. We need to prevent this Turba from being distributed within the kingdom.”
“You…”
Uncle James stared at me, momentarily speechless. Tears streamed down between the wrinkles around his eyes.
“You truly resemble your mother. Elina, who was strong yet warmer and more upright than anyone.”
Uncle James smiled gently, his eyes crinkling.
“Very well. If you have chosen this land like your mother did, I too will do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“Uncle… thank you.”
Tears welled up, and I threw myself into Uncle’s embrace.
Uncle James gently stroked my head while swallowing his tears.
Without realizing it, my tension released, and I reverted to my cotton ball fox state.
“Kyaang…?”
Uncle James also removed his glasses and, with a white mist, transformed into a magnificent silver fox.
Uncle wrapped me in his lush tail, holding me tightly in his arms.
Buried in the warm body heat and soft fur I had missed so much, memories of my mother’s embrace, which I couldn’t even remember, came flooding back.
Tears suddenly burst forth. Why did I feel so sad yet so moved?
“Mom…”
Discussion
0 CommentsReactions
No comments yet.