A Snake’s Life Ch 13

Chapter 13

 

My master is acting strange.

Ever since that last walk, Zerpell’s attitude had subtly changed. He used to take me with him only when I clung to his collar or leg, but now he brought me along everywhere. And strangely, he smiled a lot more. At first, I felt proud, thinking it was the result of all my efforts, but it quickly became a nuisance.

There was even a time when, no matter how much I wriggled to get away or hissed in warning, he would just laugh softly and say I was cute. I was so dumbfounded I could only stare blankly at him. On top of that, if I was even within his sight, he would start fiddling with my scales, touching my body, playing with my tail—it was truly annoying to death.

Today, Zerpell brought me with him to a meeting room again. I couldn’t believe this was the same person who used to leave me behind no matter how much I clung to him when he had meetings. And of all times, it had to be during my nap time. I did my best not to fall off the cushion.

Go alone! I’m going to nap!

Zerpell paid no mind to my reaction. With just a bit of force, I fell off with a plop, despite clinging to the cushion with all my might. I stared wide-eyed in protest, but the meeting room was already right in front of me. When we arrived, the nobles were already seated. At first, I looked around wondering if the emperor might be present, but there was no one who looked the part. It seemed to be a meeting held solely among the nobles. As soon as Zerpell arrived, the discussions began, and they started talking about recent political developments. In the end, I couldn’t escape and had to listen to political talk in a stifling room.

I was gently placed on my master’s lap. If I poked my head up just slightly, everyone’s eyes instantly focused on me. Staying still on his lap was the wisest choice. People began to ask about me once they noticed my curious movements.

“Your Highness… that snake, though…”

“He’s called Shuiren.”

“Ah, I see…”

There was no way they didn’t know what they were really asking, but Zerpell only gave my name. Ignoring the bewildered nobles, he continued the discussion. Even without looking, it was obvious they were silently asking, Why is there a snake here…?

I really want to get out of here… Why do I have to be stuck in this place, getting attention from old men?

I thought of quietly sneaking down and escaping, but every time I made a move, Zerpell would place me back on his lap. It made me wonder if this was all some elaborate scheme to get me to exercise because I’d been too lazy lately. When I kept trying to escape, Zerpell scolded me firmly.

“Your injury hasn’t fully healed yet, so stay still.”

Was he seriously talking about the wound that had shrunk to practically nothing by now? I felt like my freedom was being infringed on and almost cried, but I consoled myself thinking he was doing this out of affection. I barely held back a sigh.

They were speaking with Zerpell at the center, but since I was on his lap, I felt like I was the center. I couldn’t feel their gazes directly, but the mental pressure was intense. But soon enough, they seemed to forget about me, and the conversation turned to the topic of a rain ritual.

“Word is already spreading that the rain ritual is being prepared. It’s an unusually long drought—nearly half a year—so interest is high.”

“They imposed taxes under the pretext of war funds, and now there’s famine… The people’s lives are a mess. It’s only natural they’d be concerned.”

“Thanks to His Highness ending the war, things didn’t get worse, but next year we must have rain.”

Though the nobles slyly flattered Zerpell, his unchanging reaction made them cough awkwardly and return to the main discussion. I, on the other hand, nodded proudly at their words. Well done. Truly commendable. While the nobles’ expressions were full of concern, Zerpell showed no change in expression when it came to the rain ritual.

“More importantly, how did the investigation go?”

Ian, who was standing behind Zerpell, handed him a bundle of documents. He began skimming through them page by page. The documents contained the names of nobles who had unjustly raised taxes and used them to accumulate personal wealth. The list was so long it couldn’t fit on just one page. At a glance, it was clear that dealing with everyone on that list would eliminate a third of the empire’s nobility.

From what I heard, it seemed Zerpell hadn’t been back at the palace long. I was already convinced that he was at odds with the Empress after seeing Aiden, but now I was certain he didn’t get along with the Emperor either. I had suspected it vaguely, but learning it was true left me with a heavy heart. Fine. We’re already in the same boat—I’ll help you! As his pet, I was living a satisfying life. At the same time, I thought that if he succeeded, I would succeed. If there was something I could do to help, I would give it my all!

I subtly slipped away and climbed up onto the table. I told myself the sudden attention I drew was just my imagination. The nobles were discussing the problem of the dwindling food supply. Even if it rained, there wouldn’t be enough food to last until crops could grow. Looking at the map, I saw that the empire bordered the sea, making it a country well-suited for trade. Trade routes were marked in detail, suggesting active commerce.

Just then, Ian cleared his throat behind me, drawing everyone’s attention. Those who had been distracted by me quickly refocused. Ian then suggested a good solution.

“Your Highness. I believe it would be wise to purchase food from other nations. Many nobles imposed excessive taxes on their lands during the war. Why not have them cover the cost?”

“Will that be enough?”

“Yes. From the last meeting, I noticed the nobles were adorned with many lavish decorations.”

Hmm… I don’t know, but it seems like the problem is solved… Come to think of it, I’m not really in a position to give advice. I can’t even speak—how could I help? My master is happiest when I roll around on his lap. That’s my role. I leaned my head against Zerpell’s lap again.

But some of the nobles, who had been sitting calmly earlier, began bouncing their legs nervously. I was at Zerpell’s eye level, so when I turned my head, I could see clearly. Tilting my head in confusion, I watched them.

“Have you made preparations? The evidence is solid, but current nobles have no interest in the people’s lives. Beating the Emperor’s faction with taxes alone is difficult. His Majesty… also turned a blind eye to this…”

“That’s true. If we’re to win by votes, we need the majority of the nobles to side with Your Highness during the meeting…”

“But we’re outnumbered compared to them, so it’ll be difficult.”

“Perhaps we should let the tax issue go…”

A noble nervously darted his eyes around, trying to gauge Zerpell’s intentions. Zerpell rhythmically tapped me as if weighing something in his mind. Is the situation that bad…? When I looked up at him, he let out a small laugh and propped his chin on his hand.

“Do you really think I’ve made no plans? As for taxes, can anyone here truly say they are clean?”

The nobles, caught in Zerpell’s cold gaze, coughed awkwardly.

“We can’t purge a large number of nobles all at once. As much as I’d like to wipe them all out… they are still a part of this empire, aren’t they?”

At his sharp words, one of the nobles gulped and wiped the sweat from his temple with a handkerchief.

“T-that’s true. The nobles would surely protest strongly.”

“The tax issue is merely for show. We can’t accomplish much with it. But it can be used to tighten the noose. Now, how about the military funds? Those who know, know. The military funds vanished into thin air. This ties directly to the empire’s dignity. As you know, the war severely damaged the empire’s prestige. It was a war everyone watched. Poor management of military funds in such a war invites ridicule from other countries. Aren’t people already whispering that the Emperor started the war in secret? That someone who should have died came back alive—they must be seething with rage when it comes to the war.”

“But the evidence…”

“The investigation for that is also complete.”

As Ian confidently stepped forward, unrest stirred among those present. The nobles were divided into those who thought it was possible and those who didn’t.

“Do you think it will succeed?”

A noble voiced his concern carefully. Zerpell scoffed as if it were laughable.

“It’s not unreasonable to think we could be suppressed. That Emperor would see it as an insult. And above all, aren’t your voices important too? It won’t be easy for him to ignore the words of the majority. If he takes our side, then my words won’t be so easily dismissed.”

“By he, who do you mean?”

Seeing the bewildered nobles, Ian stepped forward slightly.

“He is someone who entered his territory in mourning after the loss of a loved one. If he joins our cause, we can be certain that the majority of the neutral nobles will side with us.”

“Y-you mean him? If that’s the case, then he would certainly be a great asset to us!”

“Exactly. That’s why we’re going to make him an offer he absolutely can’t refuse. That offer is… you all know what it is, right? I won’t take any objections.”

As Zerpell finished speaking, a startled gasp was heard. The nobles seemed to have guessed who he was referring to and, perhaps knowing the offer as well, began to murmur in unease. Zerpell glared at the nobles with an overwhelming intensity, and though their eyes wavered with anxiety, no one voiced opposition. Whoever the person was, he seemed to be the key figure in this plan. With the mood somewhat subdued, the meeting continued.

After some time had passed, a servant came in and whispered quietly into Ian’s ear. Ian nodded and dismissed him. He then promptly relayed the servant’s words to Zerpell. Curious about what they were saying, I stopped rolling around and looked up at him. But I couldn’t hear anything. Suddenly, he scooped me up into his arms and stood up. The nobles, who had been passionately discussing matters just moments ago, were left speechless by Zerpell’s sudden action.

“Y-Your Highness?”

“Seems like we’ve covered enough topics for now, so let’s adjourn.”

One of the nobles called out to Zerpell in confusion. At that voice, Zerpell paused for a moment, glanced around, and then headed toward the door, reiterating that the meeting was adjourned. The nobles scrambled to their feet to see him off. Though confusion was evident on their faces, Zerpell’s steps didn’t falter.

I had no idea what was going on either. Once we left the conference room, it seemed like we were headed to the office again. The scenery looked the same as before. Since he got up during the meeting, it must have been something important. I was pleased at the thought that we were going to the office. Listening to political talk from his lap was a torment.

The thought of a pleasant nap in the warm sunlight made me hum without realizing it. Ever since I was dragged to the meeting room, I had given up on napping, but now the chance had come. Today was one of those perfect days, with a gentle breeze and just the right amount of sunlight. A nap was absolutely essential on a day like this!

Sure enough, we arrived at the office. Delighted, I pointed with my tail toward the window and stared at Zerpell, asking to be lifted up. He set up my spot and gently placed me there.

Yes! Nap time!

“Where is he? Didn’t you say he was here?”

Zerpell looked around and asked Ian.

“He should be arriving now.”

“I see. Shuiren, I’ll assign a servant to you. Ask for anything you want.”

I was puzzled by the sudden talk of assigning a servant. There was no need for another servant when Zerpell was already the best one. He knew exactly what I wanted and took care of it effortlessly—it was so convenient. I doubted whether the servant he was assigning could even understand what I said.

But why a servant all of a sudden?? The master could just do it himself.

I shook my head, indicating I didn’t need one, but he smiled, gently cupped my face with his large hand, and softly stroked me with his fingers.

“But you can’t like them more than me.”

Though he whispered it sweetly with a pouty expression, his voice somehow felt threatening. What was going on? I tugged at his sleeve, urging him for an explanation. He frowned slightly, seeming displeased by the situation, and then spoke.

“I’m going to be busy. I might not be able to play with you much. I need to deal with it as soon as possible…”

He muttered ominously.

Work?? I remembered what was discussed during the meeting earlier. Issues like the people’s food supply and dealing with the nobles would all require processes and procedures, so it made sense that he’d be busy. I felt a little disappointed, but patience was important too. If my master was going out to earn money, I had to support him.

I stretched out my tail to pat him on the head in encouragement, but the plan failed due to the tail’s shortness. Oh, wretched beast with a short tail… But Zerpell, being perceptive, brought his face closer. Finally, my tail managed to land on his head. I stroked it gently with my tail. Being so close, I could clearly see his eyes soften.

Then, his beautiful face came even closer to mine. He placed a brief kiss on my forehead and gently rubbed the spot with his fingers. Startled, I blinked rapidly. I could feel my face heating up.

What was that just now!

I jumped up in surprise and smacked his hand with my tail. Then I buried my face in the floor and curled my body around myself. To him, it might have just been a kiss one gives to a pet, but I had never been kissed on the forehead before, so my face flushed hot. I heard his refreshing laughter, but for some reason, I couldn’t lift my head.

Why the sudden kiss… That really startled me…