A Snake’s Life Ch 34

Chapter 34

 

“What are you talking about?”

Startled by Kir’s words, I looked around my body. He said my strength was leaking, but there was no way for me to know that.

[What is this? You don’t even know how to control your power?]

“Just… a bit of water…”

Kir looked at me like he was dumbfounded, shook his head, and flicked his tongue as if sighing deeply in disappointment. As if just putting up with me was already too much… He was really looking down on me, huh?

“People aren’t good at things from the beginning! You have to teach them!”

[You’re worse than a newborn.]

“What??”

[Even a newborn can control its own strength. You’ve been given immense power, and yet you’re just floundering around, unable to handle it. Your future looks bleak.]

I resisted the urge to smack Kir on the head for his annoying words. I had more to lose right now. Hold it in… Since he seemed to know a lot, I should listen to what he says and find out how to use this power. I thought of my master’s face and suppressed my anger.

“Then how do I use it? At least when the blue light shimmers, it feels like the power is activating…”

The corners of my mouth trembled, but I tried to smile as I spoke. Kir looked at me like he couldn’t believe he even had to explain that.

[You’ve got a long way to go.]

“Hey! Were you good at it from the start then??”

[Well… I stopped counting my age after 500 years. I don’t remember much from back then, but I think I was. It was my own power. I couldn’t have been incapable of using it. You, on the other hand, received your power from the Water God, so it seems you don’t know how to use it yet…]

“What??”

What is he, a dragon or something? They said he was an agent of the Water God, and sure enough, Kir was no ordinary being.

[Fine. Take me with you.]

“Huh?? Why should I?”

After thinking for a moment, Kir’s sudden and random statement left me speechless. He started creeping closer to me. Ignoring my protest, he just continued talking.

[What are you doing not guiding me already? Don’t worry. I may not look it, but I’m good at teaching. Though… you’ll be a lot of work. I’ll do my best.]

“You’ve got some nerve! Are you my boss or something?”

“Shuiren?”

Casa looked at me quizzically. Yeah… I didn’t want to argue anymore, and right now, the priority was telling my master about this situation. It was certain the pope was up to something. Someone just died, and there could be danger. I could always come back later.

“Casa. Let’s go.”

I spoke to Casa, ignoring Kir. Then I felt like weights were attached to my feet. Looking back, Kir was grabbing onto the hem of my pants. He was so heavy that I could barely move my feet.

[Take me with you. You have suspicions about those people, don’t you? I must deal with them personally.]

“Hey. Let go.”

Kir refused to release me and now was coiled tightly around my leg.

“I’m already indebted as it is, and now you want me to bring another guest? I’ll ask my master first, so let go. You’re heavy!”

[Master? You let the child of the Water God call someone that… You’re not being mistreated, are you?]

“I’m not being mistreated! My master is nice to me!”

[Then it’s fine. It’s just one more snake.]

He whined like an old man who didn’t care because it wasn’t his problem. I brought up the snakes to try and get him off me.

“You! Aren’t you the Water God’s agent? You should be watching over them!”

[…It’s been a whole year. I did my best to protect the children, but they still kept dying. I kept warning them, and now they hardly ever come out of the deep caves. To live like we used to again, I must first resolve the root of the problem.]

His serious voice softened my heart, and in the end, I decided to bring him with me. Let’s think positively. I do need to learn how to use my power. Though I didn’t like him hanging off my shoulder. I told Casa to take him, but the stubborn snake said he hated humans and refused, choosing instead to hang on me like an old man enjoying a scenic view.

[What a lovely view.]

He sure had it easy. Fine. I walked, feeling the weight dragging down my shoulder. I could already tell I’d be sore tomorrow. We hadn’t even gone that deep into the forest, but leaving it took a while. It felt like the forest was sad to see me go. Kir looked around as if seeing the outside for the first time.

[So this is what it looks like out here. I haven’t been out in a very long time…]

“Not even once?”

[There was no reason to.]

He gave off the vibe of an old man discovering modern technology. As we emerged, a holy knight quickly ran up to us.

“We were worried. But… what is that snake?”

“Don’t mind it.”

Casa cut him off sharply. Having learned that the snakes were being hunted in the forest, there was no way Casa would treat this lightly. The holy knight specifically pointed to Kir, and Casa stood in front of me as if to block his view.

“But according to law, nothing is to be disturbed in the forest.”

“There were intruders. Do you know who?”

Casa skillfully changed the subject, and the knight flinched. He looked around nervously, avoiding Casa’s gaze.

“W-what do you mean? No one can enter without the barrier being lifted.”

He stammered, insisting there was no way, claiming he was guarding the place the whole time, offering nothing but excuses.

“I see. The truth will come out eventually.”

Casa mounted his horse as if there was nothing more to say. I followed and climbed up too. The knight was saying something behind us, but I let it go in one ear and out the other. We headed for the palace of Zerphel. Once we arrived, Casa dismounted and ordered a servant to take the horses.

“Casa. I’m going to my room. I’m tired…”

Maybe because we finally got back to the palace, I let out a yawn.

“Understood.”

The room was cold. The master hadn’t returned yet. I dove straight into bed. I heard the soft click of the door closing as Casa left. I glanced sideways at Kir, still on my shoulder.

“Get off now.”

[Tsk. Poor thing. You really are being mistreated.]

The random remark made me stare at him blankly. He looked around the room, then turned to me with a pitiful look in his eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Mistreated, in this perfect room?? The bed was soft. The room was luxurious. Even the clothes and accessories I wore were the finest, gifted by my master. Did he even understand how much they cost?

His absurd comment made my sleep vanish. I sat up and protested.

“What are you talking about? This is a successful life!”

I glared at him with wide eyes. Kir lifted his head and looked around the room again, then shook his head as if his opinion hadn’t changed.

[What are you saying? The room is dry, there’s no prey, and no place to hide.]

“Of course not. What do you think this is, a forest?”

Even if we could talk, he was still a snake. I wondered why I was even arguing and lay back down. I hugged the pillow and rolled around. How could he not appreciate the joy of this comfort?

[To think the Water God’s child is treated like this… I don’t even want to see this so-called master.]

“You old man?? You’re really going to keep insulting my master! I don’t need your concern, okay? I’m perfectly happy! You’re a guest, so be grateful for what you’re given!”

How dare he complain? I could overlook everything else, but not an insult to my master! Calling him an old man seemed to tick off Kir. He stood up and protested.

[Old man? I have a fine name, Kir, given by the Water God!]

“You’re over 500 years old—of course you’re an old man!”

We raised our voices at each other before we both suddenly paused. What were we even doing? Kir must’ve thought the same because he muttered something about “kids these days” and turned his head. I flopped back onto the bed.

I ignored his grumbling. He eagerly explored the room, and eventually, he found a spot he liked and crawled under the bed. He said it was dark and cozy, perfect for him, and tucked his long body underneath. I peeked under the bed and saw him curled up in a corner.

[This is better, at least.]

“Fine… stay there.”

Today was exhausting. I needed to tell my master about Kir, but I’d do that later when he came back…

Not long after Shuiren fell asleep, something unusual happened. Kir emerged from under the bed and stretched his body up onto the bed. A long shadow was cast. Kir was looking down at the sleeping Shuiren.

[Really… such a handful. No wonder you’re so sleepy, with your power leaking out like this.]

Kir lowered his head to touch Shuiren’s forehead. He gathered the energy that was escaping from Shuiren’s body and gently returned it to him.

I woke up feeling refreshed. I didn’t know why, but all my fatigue had vanished.

“Must be because I slept. I feel great.”

It was already dark outside. The moon hung right in the middle of the sky. It was long past dinner. At this point, eating would be considered a late-night snack. That was fine too. My master wasn’t back yet, and I could go meet him and eat together. When I tried to get out of bed, something caught my feet. Pulling back the blanket, I found Kir curled up asleep at the foot of the bed.

“Knew it. Beds are just too good.”

After all that complaining about the room, here he was enjoying the bed. Seeing him lying there made me feel proud. I covered him with the blanket and opened the door. Casa asked what was going on.

“Is master not back yet? I was going to eat with him…”

“He’ll be a bit late. Shall I escort you to the dining room?”

He really must be busy today. I waved off Casa’s offer to take me to the dining room.

“No. Then I’ll eat in my room. Bring it here. A lot of meat, for Kir too.”

“I’ll bring a reasonable amount.”

“Tch.”

Casa gave me a firm look, as if to say he wouldn’t fall for my tricks. Just a little more wouldn’t hurt! I grumbled in dissatisfaction, but he wasn’t someone I could argue with.

“Will Kir eat too? I get it for you, but…”

There was a lot implied in that. He didn’t think a snake would eat steak. Casa glanced at me. Was he implying I was weird? I glared back, and he finally nodded. After a while, Casa returned with a tray.

The delicious smell filled the room. Kir, perhaps smelling it, woke up and licked his tongue. Seeing me eat, he quietly approached.

“Oh, you’re awake? Want to eat?”

[What is that?]

“Meat.”

[It’s not even alive.]

He looked at me like I was crazy for eating it. I offered him a piece anyway. His tongue barely touched it before he shivered. He kept licking his tongue and furrowed his brow—he didn’t like it. As I eagerly ate the steak, Kir watched with a horrified expression.

[…Doesn’t suit my taste.]

“It’s good. Then I’ll eat it all. You’re okay not eating?”

[I’m fine. I don’t have much of an appetite. But… you sure eat well.]

“Three meals a day are a must.”

After eating enough for two people, my belly stuck out. I patted it, feeling satisfied. It had been a while since I was this full. Once I finished, Kir asked about Zerphel.

[When is this master of yours coming?]

“He must have a lot to do today. He’ll be back soon.”

[What does he do?]

“He’s the crown prince. Didn’t you know?”

[I’m not interested in human affairs.]

So Kir didn’t even know my master was the crown prince. I guess that made sense if I never told him… Just like an old man with no clue about the world. It seemed like it would be a while before my master came, so I might as well practice. I sat in front of Kir.

“Teach me how to use my power.”