Chapter 171: The Beast Lord

Chapter 171: The Beast Lord

「Are you aware of the fact that a large number of nobles have been visiting the city as of late?」

「Nn.」

We kinda just saw them on our way over, so yeah.

「One of the visitors I just mentioned happens to have a special sort of status.」

「Special status?」

「Well, let’s just say said person happens to be the Beast Lord.」

「Really!? Wow, we’ve got some big names here this year.」

Erza’s expression changed into one of honest surprise. It seemed that the Beast Lord was apparently someone famous.

「Big name?」

「Oh my. I guess that means you must not know much about the Beast Lord.」

「Only heard name before.」

I haven’t.

「Well, you’re a beastkin yourself, so I think it you should learn a bit more about it. Mhmm.」

The Beast Lord was apparently a self-evident name; it was the title granted to the person that ruled over the Beastkin’s Country. The Beast Lord stood above all tribes and was respected by all beastkin regardless of whether or not they were the lord’s countrymen. Its influence was so great that it held notable power within every single nation.

The Beastkin’s Country itself was located on another one of the world’s continents, but considered the Kingdom of Kranzel friendly regardless. The lord has been known to visit Ulmutt in order to watch it’s famed Martial Arts Tournament once every few years as a show of goodwill.

「And this year just happens to be one of those years.」T/his chapter is updated by nov(ê(l)biin.co/m

「Well, you sure make it sound like you don’t like the Beast Lord’s visits.」

「That’d be because I already have enough on my plate. This year’ll be especially busy with Fran here.」

「Nn?」

What’s that supposed to mean? We’d never met anyone like the Beast Lord before, so why’s this sound like it’s supposed to be some sort of big deal that relates to us?

「You see, it was said that the Blue Cat Tribe was the first to sell the Black Cat Tribe into slavery, but some say that their actions had actually been ones ordered by the Beast Lord. Typically speaking, the Beast Lord is chosen from amongst the Red Cat Tribe, or more specifically, their evolved members, the Golden Lionkin. The Blue Cat Tribe is known for taking action as under the Beast Lord’s orders...」

「Wow, really? I never knew.」

「That’d be because it’s been considered a part of one of history’s darker canals. Not even the citizens of the Beastkin’s Country actively seek discussion about the topic.」

「Exactly.」

Huh, I guess that means he really was just doing everything he was doing for Fran’s sake this whole time. I had to say, it really was hard for us to believe him because of how shady he was. In fact, I probably still wouldn’t believe him if I hadn’t the Principality of Falsehood.

「Why didn’t you just tell her everything from the start?」

「I was worried she’d take an interest in the Beast Lord if she learned the truth.」

Well uh, can’t say he’s wrong, seeing as she kinda did exactly that.

「And that, Fran, is why I’m asking you to raise your rank as soon as possible.」

「Nn. Got it.」

「Try your best to get it done before the Martial Arts Tournament. As I said earlier, I’ll get you a recommendation, so you at least won’t have to worry about that.」

「Don’t need recommendation.」

「Really? Why’s that? It’ll get you seeded so you can skip the prelims, you know?」

「Want to participate in prelims.」

「But Fran, the prelims are completely random. You might end up having to fight someone really strong.」

「Don’t care.」

To Fran, the Martial Arts Tournament was effectively an event in which she’d have a chance to fight a bunch of people.

「That’s fine. I can make it so you get registered like any other person and can take part in the prelims.」

「You sure do like fighting, Fran. Ermagawd, that part of you is just so adorable~」

It seemed like Dias was willing to comply with our request as he deemed it dangerous for Fran to meet the Beast Lord. He was all for having us hole ourselves up in the dungeon so we could rank ourselves up while also avoiding the worst possible scenario. I got that and all, but I still couldn’t help but feel that he was acting suspiciously.

「Why going so far?」

Fran’s question hit the nail on the head and got to the exact thing that resulted in me feeling all suspicious. I understood that Dias, as Guildmaster, was obligated to protect the adventurers that worked under him. Still, I failed to see why he would go this far for us.

「I’ve got my reasons. For now, let’s just say it’s to fulfill a promise I happened to make with a certain someone.」

Oh. I get it now. It must’ve been because of that contract Rumina asked him to fulfill. Its contents probably touched on having Dias do his best to help any Black Catkin he happened across. This was further evidenced by his lack of ability to name her seeing as how Erza was still present.

「Do thank her next time you two meet.」

「Nn. Got it.」

「What’s this? You two have got some sort of secret going? I’m soooo jealous.」

Well, we kinda are heading back to the dungeon anyways, so we might as well do that while we’re at it. She really has made life a lot more convenient for us, after all.