Bab 14: That's Ridiculous!
His black eyes glinted, resembling the terrifying illustrations of "Georgio the Hyena" Rocco had once seen in novels.
Panic surged through Rocco as tension flooded the air.
He had to stop Georgio, and fast.
Otherwise, Georgio might actually hurt Ragar.
No, worse—Ragar could end up sliced into pieces!
Breaking into a cold sweat, Rocco raised both hands frantically, his voice quivering as he called out, "G-Georgio! No! Stay! Sit!"
The instant Rocco's words reached him, Georgio froze mid-step, his breath hitching audibly.
His eyes widened, and he collapsed to his knees as if all strength had suddenly drained from his body.
The pallor of his skin was quickly replaced by a deep red flush.
Rocco watched Georgio who is now blushing and dazed, with growing concern.
His voice trembled as he reached out and tapping Ragar's shoulder insistently. "Ragar, put me down. Something's wrong with Georgio."
"He is indeed behaving abnormally. I recommend you to keep your distance from him, Young Master," Ragar replied, his tone as measured and calm as ever.
"Y-yeah, but still… wait, what?!"
Rocco was so certain Ragar would immediately comply with his command that he didn't expect an actual response.
His eyes widened in astonishment. "R-Ragar… you actually spoke?!"
"Yes, Young Master. As you can see, I am capable of speech beyond the word 'Understood.'"
Rocco's jaw dropped as a strangled sound escaped him. "W-what? H-how? Ragar, you… you talked?!"
Rocco's murmured words slipped out before he could stop them, and Ragar reacted with an exaggerated flinch, stiffening noticeably.
A moment later, Ragar pressed his lips firmly together, his expression tightening just slightly as he turned his gaze away from Rocco.
His face was clearly troubled, as if he regretted something deeply or felt embarrassed.
Rocco's curiosity was piqued, and he stared at Ragar, unrelenting.
Finally, as though surrendering under the weight of Rocco's unwavering gaze, Ragar let out a low, somber voice.
"...My apologies, Young Master. It is unforgivable for a lowly beastmen like me who is no better than livestock, to speak in your presence."
With those words, Ragar fell silent once more.
For a moment, Rocco's mind reeled, struggling to process the unexpected statement.
His thoughts spun in relentless circles as he tried to comprehend the full weight of what Ragar had just said.
And when understanding finally struck, it hit like a thunderbolt.
Rocco's face went pale with shock.
"W-wait! Ragar, don't tell me…!"
Did Ragar truly believe that allowing his voice to be heard by a noble—or anyone of status—was an act of disrespect?
It wasn't that Ragar disliked Rocco or had chosen not to speak out of disdain.
He had silenced himself out of fear, believing it improper or insolent for someone like him to use his voice.
That idea—it was…
"That's ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous!"
Rocco shifted his weight, lifting himself from Ragar's supportive arm, and leaned forward.
Cradling Ragar's head in his hands, he gently reached out his hand to touch the soft, furry ears perched atop Ragar's head.
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