Chapter 28: Bewilderment (4)

“Shut up. If you make another sound, I'll throw you out. And don't get it twisted—I'm only staying here because of the young master. Who you are means nothing to me, no matter how noble your status may be. Please, do not let the young master suffer any further unnecessary harm, or I will make you pay the price.” Not for a moment did Tiger Girl back down; on this matter, no one could force her to yield even half a step.

Perhaps she was so fearless because she had nothing to fear, or maybe it was simply the boldness of youth, unafraid of anything.

But after this incident, everyone knew that the thirteenth young master of the Ye family was Tiger Girl’s reverse scale. Whoever touched him would face her wrath, whether it was royalty or the Ye family itself.

This led people to ponder a question that had long slipped their minds: Tiger Girl’s origins. To this day, aside from her given name, no one even knew her surname, let alone any other details.

The beastfolk were a peculiar race. Though they had never formed an official empire and existed in tribes, their strength was by no means inferior to any empire—perhaps even greater.

Of course, this referred to their combined might. Yet for the most part, they governed themselves, each tribe comprising one or several races. The greatest of these tribes were usually made up of a single, dominant beastfolk race.

Conflicts and wars occasionally flared among the beastfolk, but when outsiders invaded, they would unite and utterly destroy the intruders.

In this, they were much like humans, each governing their own affairs. But unlike humans, who might continue their infighting even when threatened by a common enemy, only offering aid to another nation if their own survival was at stake, the beastfolk would always band together against external threats.

Among the beastfolk, the Tiger Clan was a major power, their influence vast. They were often allied with the Fox Clan, whose cunning made the tigers even stronger.

Perhaps Tiger Girl was an important figure among the Tiger Clan. If that were so, then she was more than qualified to stand on par with a princess.

After all, in an empire, how many princesses were there? More than a handful—perhaps dozens. While the title of princess was prestigious, it might not compare to the status of a significant figure from the Tiger Clan. At the very least, they would be equals.

Moreover, the beastfolk cared little for status and rank; in their world, strength alone mattered. If you were strong enough, you became someone of consequence in the tribe.

Of course, Tiger Girl had grown up alongside the thirteenth young master, which meant she hadn’t earned her place through personal strength. More likely, her family’s power set her apart—a rule that held true even among the beastfolk.

Perhaps Tiger Girl’s background was far more extraordinary than anyone could imagine! Or perhaps, it was nothing at all, and she simply possessed a spirit unafraid of anyone, unconcerned with status.

After all, among the beastfolk, many races were passionate and fearless, acting on their beliefs regardless of the consequences—even if it meant death, they would charge forward without hesitation.

The Tiger Clan was the epitome of this. If not for the Fox Clan’s counsel, their battles would always be headlong assaults, never considering any alternative tactics.

...

Seven days passed. The thirteenth young master lay in bed, still asleep, showing no sign of waking. People grew anxious, wondering if he would spend the rest of his life in this unconscious state. It was a natural thought—anyone would worry after seeing someone remain unresponsive for seven days and nights.

The young master now rested in his own bed at the Ye family estate. After that day, he had been brought home. Throughout those seven days, Tiger Girl stayed by his side, even sleeping with her head resting on the edge of his bed. Even Long Anqi, his mother, only managed three days before entrusting his care to Tiger Girl.

Yet every morning, Long Anqi would come to his room, staying until late into the night before returning to her own chambers. Ye Lanyu did the same.

During the day, Long Anqi and Ye Lanyu would persuade Tiger Girl to rest a little, to bathe and recover, promising to watch over the young master in her stead.

At first, Tiger Girl refused, but eventually she relented, realizing this ordeal might last much longer—she couldn’t allow herself to collapse. If she did, how could she continue caring for her young master?

For those seven days, the Seventh Princess also visited daily, staying for half a day each time.

On this particular day, Tiger Girl, Ye Lanyu, the Seventh Princess, and Long Anqi all kept vigil by the young master’s bedside, hoping for him to open his eyes, to look at them, to say something foolish and endearing.

Sometimes, their longing was so intense that even his smallest, most meaningless movements would fill them with surprise and joy. Yet each burst of hope was followed by disappointment, over and over, leaving them both mentally and physically exhausted.

These seven days taught them what it truly meant for time to crawl by.

Suddenly, the young master’s hand twitched. Tiger Girl, who had been holding it, shuddered and immediately looked at him. But he made no further movement, and she felt a fresh wave of disappointment, convinced it was the same as always.

But this time, it was different.

In the next instant, the young master’s eyes snapped open. He sat up and shouted a sentence—though none of them could understand its meaning, in that moment, who cared? All four women rushed forward, embracing him in delight, while confusion clouded his face.

But what had the young master exclaimed? According to all four witnesses, it was a strange and utterly out-of-character line:

“Damn it, you thieving heavens! I just finished my seclusion, and you welcome me back with a meteor that size?!”

Thieving heavens? Meteor? Just finished seclusion? What did any of that mean?

Had the young master’s brain been struck by lightning? Or did he have some past experience, some dream? During his coma, who could say what dreams he might have had?

...

Forward, forward, forward—the top of the rankings isn’t far off, just a few hundred recommendation votes away, brothers! Come, every single vote counts...

[bookid=1011953, bookname="Peerless King in Another World"]