Chapter 310

Chapter 310

I like to think of myself as an old soul trapped in a young body, because technically, that's exactly what I am. I admit I dont always behave like a mature and reasonable adult, but in my defence, there are extenuating circumstances and age is not always accompanied by wisdom. My current mental status could result from the rampant teenage hormones affecting my judgment or an utter lack of past experiences to draw upon. Whats more, considering the nature of the scattered memories I have access to, the evidence all points towards one irrevocable fact.

In my previous life, I, Rayne, was a man-child.

Its not the worst thing in the world but sometimes, I lie awake in bed and wonder what life would be like now if Id been a useful, contributing member of society before transmigrating into my current circumstances. What if Id been a rocket scientist or an engineer and I brought useful information with me instead of pop culture references or an endless array of satirical captioned images? I could probably build awesome things like mundane guns, non-flammable explosives, or stuff to improve the standard of living, like a flushing toilet.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Wouldnt that be nice?

Then again, I suspect even if I had all my memories intact, theyd be worthless to me at this very moment. Im not ashamed to admit I am out of my depth here. I mean, ignoring any Demon-induced fantasies and useless, fractured impressions of my past life, one could rightly say I only have seven years of memories, which pretty much makes me a baby. Sure Ive seen and experienced some real shit in those seven years, like prejudice, slavery, torture, and warfare, but nothing could prepare me for what I am experiencing now.

The adults are arguing and I dont know how to stop them.

No matter how old you get, its always awkward when your parents squabble and doubly so when you yourself are the cause of said bickering. After a brief stop to buy me five pairs of swimming pants, Akanai dragged everyone back to my camp to discuss our next move. The lines have been drawn and each person has taken one of two sides, which are coincidentally (or not) divided by gender. Akanai, Sarnai, and Alsantset all insist we declare open warfare against the Canston Trading Group in the bloodiest way possible, by killing any and all people associated with the group save for those inside Nan Ping. They believe the Legate, and therefore the Empire, will side with the Bekhai in this conflict, especially considering the Canston Trading Group is at fault for mistreating one of our own, namely me. As contributing members of the Imperial Defence forces, the citizens of the Saint's Tribulation Mountains are afforded a number of benefits which include tax-exemption and protection from slavery, so legally, were well in our rights to exact vengeance in blood and fire, as Akanai is so fond of saying.

On the flip side, while Taduk, Baatar, and Charok arent exactly against bloody retribution, they all advocate caution and treading lightly in these volatile times. I cant blame them, especially in light of recent revelations. In my concussed state, I was too focused on my rumbling belly to put much thought into Guan Suos warning, but it turns out Zhu Chanzui isnt just a Gluttonous Pig like his name suggests but actually the progenitor of all piggies, the bristleboar Ancestral Beast. The Canston Trading Group was established by him and their profits fund his hedonistic lifestyle and support the hundreds, if not thousands of children resulting from said lifestyle.

Itd be sweet and fatherly if all of Zhu Chanzuis half-piggy children didnt end up as slaves of the Canston Trading Group. I almost feel bad for the piggies.

Almost. I still remember how much delight Gortan and his cronies got out of tormenting the downtrodden and defenceless. There was no slave-master forcing them to laugh at our screams or make our lives even more miserable than they already were.

Knowing everyone is willing to risk the wrath of an Ancestral Beast for little old me is both heartwarming and spine-chilling, but thats besides the point. The women argue that as an Ancestral Beast, Zhu Chanzui is bound by the Treaty, an agreement which prevents him and other Ancestral Beasts from acting directly against mere mortals. Or at least, thats what I think the Treaty entails, in all their bickering, I can barely get a word in edgewise. Long story short, the main dispute is over how we collectively go about getting revenge for me, with me standing ringside to watch the battle unfold.

Bide our time? With a resounding snort, Akanai curls her lip in disdain and looks down at Baatar. You have been biding your time for years now. At what point does prudence become cowardice?

Rolling his eyes like a snide teenager, Baatar mutters, So unreasonable and bull-headed, yet you wonder why I kept the details from you...

Oh, how rich coming from a dog-brained fool. Though still chair-bound from her coma, Sarnais acerbic tongue still cuts deep. Not to mention a honey-tongued liar. You told me they were a small trading company not worth mentioning, but instead it is a faction backed by a Divinity!

Blanching in fear, Baatar kneels beside her and takes her hand. I would never lie to you my rose, I believed those words true when I spoke them. I only learned the details months later, after I brought the Banner back out to patrol.

Eyes narrowed in suspicion, Alsantset turns on Charok and asks, Did you know too?

No beloved, but if I did, I would not tell you. A brave man, my brother-in-law. Stupid, but brave. If you could see past your anger, you would understand why. What good will come of making a public spectacle? Those responsible for his torment are dead and gone, so we will only smear little Rains reputation by telling the world what happened. We should act with discretion and find a different approach, one which will allow our brother to keep his dignity.

Giggling so hard she cant even breathe, it takes Lin a long time to respond. I know, she gasped, still tittering away. The fisher-folk had them in Sanshu and I found a store that sells them inside the city. I bought outfits for everyone and we were gonna take Tate and Tali swimming later.

No wonder Guan Suo thinks Im a pervert. Why didnt you tell me? Ive been swimming around with a scarf wrapped around my crotch for two days now!

Cackling in delight, Lin answers, Because its funny, ya?

Why you...

Shrieking in delight as I pinch her cheeks lightly, Lin slips away and runs to Li Song. Kyaaaa Li-Li, Rainys bullying me! Taking cover behind the cat-girl, my mischievous wifey sticks out her tongue. Its your fault for being so naughty, hubby. I thought you bought the scarf for me, but you kept it, which made me think it was a gift for another woman. By the time Daddy told me what you were using the scarf for, it was already too late. With a heart-wrenching pout, Lin wraps her arms around Li Song and rests her chin on the cat-girls shoulder, seeking comfort for her pains. I was still mad so I told everyone not to set you straight. You reap what you sow hubby.

Its impossible to stay mad at Lin, but I make a real effort to try. I am shocked and appalled you think so poorly of your hubby. Ever since our betrothal, Ive had no eyes for anyone besides Mila and you.

Hmph. Shooting me a petulant glare, Lin asks, Oh really? Then I suppose I imagined seeing you ogle Yan-Yan on the balcony earlier today?

Damn it. She saw that. That doesnt count, I had a concussion.

And showed your true colours! Leaving Li Song to rescue Blackjack from Tawny Ones aggressive attentions, Lin holds the quivering hare to her cheek and pouts. Lin-Lin is so pitiful, her hubby is a deplorable, philandering beast, but what can she do? She loves her hubby so, so much, ya?

Heartbroken and contrite, I walk over and wrap my arms around her quivering body. Im sorry, sweet wifey. It was my mistake.

Turning away from me so I cant see her tears, Lins shoulders tremble as she asks, Are you still mad about the swimming shorts?

Of course not, I reply, wishing shed go back to her usual, happy-go-lucky self. This is all my fault, I have the sweetest, happiest woman in the world as my betrothed and I still made her cry. Its my fault, Im an immoral, debauched pervert and the whole world should know it. Forget the swimming pants, Ill keep swimming with the scarf. Ill stop wearing pants all together and walk around wearing nothing but a scarf to warn women of my deviant behaviour. Dont cry sweet wifey, Ill...

Lins shoulders continue to shake, increasing in intensity with every word that comes out of my mouth. Finally catching on, I forcibly turn her towards me and find her choking back her laughter, which erupts at the sight of my bewildered expression. Im sorry hubby, she says between gasps. I couldnt help it, ya? I didnt want you to be mad, but then the joke got away from me...

A little miffed but more relieved she isnt actually crying, I lift her off the ground and growl, You... You...

Dont worry hubby. Beaming with pride at having pulled the wool over my eyes, Lin nuzzles in against my neck with a quiet sigh of contentment, happily leaving her feet to dangle. If you wanna marry Yan-Yan, then do it, ya? She looked real pretty, but I'm a little sad because she didn't see me waving. Leaning away, Lin looks me in the eyes with a grave expression. You still hafta show restraint though. Pursing her lips, I watch her do some mental calculations before speaking again. No more than five wives okay? That way, I get you for two days a week. I wont stand for any less.

You know... Slavery, torture, PTSD, near-death experiences, and impending doom aside, my life is pretty awesome.

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