Predatory Marriage — Chapter 108. Tension (2)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

At that moment, all the squires brandished their spears and javelins. Ishakan held out his hand and Genin handed him a javelin. As soon as he grasped it, he swung his arm back unhesitating. His muscles expanded, the cloth of his clothing tightening against his body, and he narrowed his eyes, his golden pupils glowing.

His rib cage swelled as he breathed and held it. The solid javelin, made of ash, shot out like an arrow and pierced the skin and hard flesh of the animal, punching out the other side. The rushing boar rolled over on the ground, instantly dead.

“……”

Everyone present at the hunting ground stared at the boar, stunned. Even if the javelin was made for hunting, that was not enough to catch a boar. Normally several people had to join forces and attack with the help of hunting dogs. But Ishakan had easily killed it on his own.

In addition, the javelin had penetrated it completely. That was impossible with the strength of a human. Alone among the stunned crowd, the Kurkans were extremely calm. Their attitude was startling, but they seemed completely natural.

Later, the squires dragged the carcass of the boar away. Ishakan watched as the boar left blood stains in its wake, and opened his mouth.

“If it hadn’t been for the arrow, I wouldn’t have caught it.”

Ishakan looked at Blain. His eyes curved slightly.

“Consider this capture made by the Prince.”

The concession was mocking, and implied that he could hunt all he wanted. He was confident. Blain’s face twisted. He looked at the boar sharply.

“It belongs to no one,” he declared coolly. The confused squires dragged the unclaimed boar onto a wagon and Blain looked at the sky, gray and cloudy, as if it would rain any morning. Slapping the spurs to his horse’s sides, the horse moved forward, startled at the abrupt command, and the hunting party moved deeper into the forest.

As the path narrowed, the group moved into longer lines. Though they seemed scattered in their hunting, Ishakan was following Blain all the way. The slow chase was eating away his nerves. When he finally pulled alongside Ishakan’s horse, Blain couldn’t contain himself. But before the words could leave his lips, he heard a gravelly voice.

“You told me not to covet what you possess…”

Blain looked at Ishakan. The Kurkan continued speaking, his reins loose in his fingers.

“If it has no owner, no…it’s not even an object, doesn’t that change things?”

“…What do you mean?”

“It’s exactly as I’ve explained it to you. I don’t have to add or subtract anything.” Ishakan stopped talking, and the two men stared at each other. “She has no owner, and she is not an object. It means she is free to choose whomever she wants.”

Ishakan paused. Their stares were scathing. Then he attacked again.

“But I don’t think she would never choose the Crown Prince…what are you so worried about?” He smiled. “Were you planning to perform an incestuous marriage?”

A shrill laugh rang out. Blain laughed in vain as the handkerchief tied around Ishakan’s wrist brushed his cheek. His blue eyes flashed with madness and a breathless scream rang out from his attendants as he raised his bow.

The tip of the arrow, sharpened with a whetstone, pointed toward Ishakan’s golden eyes.

“Keep talking, King,” Blain said coldly.