Chapter 184

Regina sniffs the floor. The floor, once covered with straw, was now bare planks. As if she had found the scent she was looking for, Regina sprawled out on the floor.

“Zephyros was a difficult character, but he and Regina got along well. Hounds with magical beast blood had a much longer lifespan than normal dogs, and Regina was a little older than me, and even when she had just become the leader of the hounds, she was so wise and gentle, which was from before our grandfather’s death.”

“Oh my, then Regina is like our older sister.”

A little older than Big Brother…about twenty? A wise and kind 20-year-old beautiful sister? And a fluffy one at that.

I wondered if Big Brother, when he was still small, was spoiled by Regina. Little Big Brother wrapped in fluffy fluff…oh my God! Super moe!

“It is said that the lifespan of a magic beast horse is the same as that of a human being, although it varies from person to person. Zephyros and Grandfather had been best friends since they were young. They could communicate with each other with just one glance….”

He continued.

“Like Regina, Zephyros was smart. And strong. When Grandfather went on a magic beast cleanup, Zephyros bit and killed the beast when it attacked him.”

…So, those fangs were not just for show.

In my previous life, I believe there was a legendary great horse named Ikokui Kesuki in the Tale of the Heike. I heard it was named so because it was so fierce that it ate living things. I thought to myself, “That’s impossible for a horse,” but not for a magic beast horse. Indeed, Zephyros would make a great warhorse.

“Zephyros didn’t like children, so I wasn’t allowed to get close to him. But sometimes he would reluctantly let me ride him if I was with Grandfather. He would scowl at me when I reached out from the saddle to pet him. Grandfather laughed, and we had a good time. It was very dignified, and every creature in the ducal palace paid Zephyros respect, you know. At least, that’s how I felt.”

I could feel the longing in Big Brother’s voice.

Big Brother could buy a glass studio for a pittance and have anything he desired in terms of material possessions. Having said that, he rarely wished for anything.

Even such a Big Brother could not get something special even if he wished for it. That was Kruimov’s magic beast horse.

“If Big Brother is as good as he is, I am certain that someday they will give you a magic beast horse.”

Nikolai was his friend, and Big Brother was a friend of the Prince and was respected by His Majesty the Emperor. I bet that one day he could be in a position to take charge of the country’s government like Grandfather, and would be presented with a magic beast horse.

But Alexei shook his head at Ekaterina’s words.

“I will not be presented with a magic beast horse because Yurinova has committed a sin against Kruimov.”

“Sin…you say?”

“Yes.”

Alexei’s tone sank heavily.

“After Grandfather’s death, Zephyros visibly lost his spirit and stopped doing anything. He refused to be touched by anyone and remained cooped up in his stable at the Imperial Duke’s residence.”

“That’s…”

“Yeah, I think he intends to pass on to where Grandfather went. That was the first thing that came to my mind. As many who know of them are aware, the Kruimov Magic Beast Horses have a strong bond with their master. I respected that spirit and kept a close eye on him. And so did everyone.”

Alexei continued.

“The Magic Beast Horse’s life force was strong, and he continued to live long after he stopped eating… But after a month, as one would expect, he became weak and just leaned against the wall of his stable, waiting for his last moments. It was at that moment that fools broke into his stable and forcibly dragged the dying Zephyros out.”

“Who in the world would do such a thing!”

Ekaterina exclaimed involuntarily.