Predatory Marriage — Chapter 395. Snow in the Desert (23)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

“If you mean to use the Redblood fruit as a poison, I can’t tell you anything more about it.”

Ishakan exhaled, the plume of smoke slowly dispersing to reveal glowing golden eyes. Hutan felt the intensity of that gaze piercing him, making his heart race and his legs shake. He tightened his fists, determined to endure it.

“My wife is not strong,” Ishakan said finally. “Physically.”

“……!”

“My intent is to use it for medicinal purposes. I expect you will help me.”

If he had showed any sign of intending to misuse the dangerous fruit, Hutan had been read to thwart him, even at the cost of his own life. But the Kurkan king’s eyes softened at the mention of his wife, and there was no sign of deceit in the affectionate words. Feeling reassured, Hutan knelt, pressing his forehead to the floor.

“Thank you. I will look for it, as repayment for saving my life.”

Hutan could feel the weight of the gaze on his head, and when he cautiously looked up, he found Ishakan looking directly at him.

“That is unusual,” he said, lowering his pipe. “I suppose there are good people in the world. It’s the first time I’ve encountered them in a merchant caravan.”

Beside him, Genin nodded silently even as Hutan blinked and looked between them, confused. But Ishakan was already turning back to Bachmann with a wide, reassuring smile.

“So. You intend to trade with Kurkan after we have the Redblood fruit?”

* * *

After her passionate night with Ishakan, Leah went to sleep as if she had been knocked unconscious. When she woke again, sighing, he was no longer in bed. All that remained was a bouquet of flowers and a note.

[We will bring the Red Blood Fruit, wait for me.]

It was written in the continental language, with very poor penmanship. Leah smiled as she leaned over to sniff the flowers.

Mura and Haban had gone with Ishakan, so Genin served as her attendant, explaining that Ishakan had gone to deal with some robbers. The King of Kurkan would be away in the desert for a few days.

In the meantime, Genin would serve Leah diligently, even if she was a bit clumsy.

“But why did you stay?” Leah asked. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Genin, but usually Mura would be the one to do it.

“Mura requested that I take her place this time.”

“Huh? Mura…?”

“Yes. There was a disagreement.”

Well, that made more sense. Normally Mura was ferocious in defending her position as lady-in-waiting, and would never abandon it willingly. And the disagreement with Haban must have been Mura’s fault, if she was willing to go so far to sooth his anger.

“You don’t have to worry about it. It’s normal. They’ve quarreled and made up many times before,” Genin explained, and Leah couldn’t help a faint smile as she recalled the last time they had quarreled.

“I haven’t seen your husband in a while, now that I think about it,” she added.

Genin was silent for a moment.

“He would also like to see you,” she said quietly. “When you have time, you can visit.”

Genin’s husband wasn’t in good enough condition to come visiting the palace, but her longing showed in her eyes.

“What do you want to do today?” Genin asked quickly, hiding her emotions.

“First I must meet with Morga.”