Chapter 17

#017 The Duke Finds Something Suspicious (3)

*Screech!*

"Resser..."

"Is it a monster?"

I was about to mutter, "Why is Resserpanda here?" but I shut my mouth tight at Kanael's question.

It was unusual for Benshajian, who rarely gets flustered, to be so shocked, and the atmosphere was a bit strange.

This was like...

"I've never seen an animal like this before."

His reaction suggested that Resserpandas didn't exist in this world.

*Screech!*

The Resserpanda made a cute, unidentified sound and approached me.

I instinctively activated my holy circle.

A broad, golden circle gently enveloped Benshajian, Kanael, and me.

"Neither of you move for now."

"Yes, Your Highness."

I also picked up the water bottle on the table.

Since monsters are weak against water and fire, I thought I might have to spray it if necessary.

But, is it really a monster? Is Resserpanda a monster in 'Retirement Duke'?

*Screech!*

Upon discovering my holy circle, the Resserpanda stood up on its hind legs.

Then, it waved its front paws like arms and narrowed the distance in a threatening manner.

Its greenish face with white cheeks and eyebrows looked extremely fierce, almost crazy...

My heart ached involuntarily.

"Really cute..."

My mouth moved according to my thoughts.

Meanwhile, the Resserpanda fearlessly entered the circle.

It carefully examined the glowing holy circle on the floor, sniffed it, and started pressing the patterns with its feet. Then...

*Swish...*

With a sound like grass being flattened by the wind, small weeds and wildflowers began to grow wherever it stepped.

"My goodness..."

"Thank you, Lord of the Gods..."

Kanael gasped. I could hear Benshajian praying beside him.

Only then did I realize that this Resserpanda was not a monster.

Looking at the balcony again, I saw that lush vines had already grown inside the railing.

*Growl*

Finally, the Resserpanda, which had reached the center of the circle, looked up at me.

It stood up again as if it had met a worthy opponent or found a particularly delicious snack.

It seemed to have trouble balancing and placed its feet on my knees, opening its mouth wide as if to threaten, but it looked like it was smiling, which made me chuckle.

It seemed to be signaling for me to give it something.

"This little guy must be a divine beast."

At my words, Kanael closed his eyes and began to pray.

I slowly put the water bottle back on the table and picked up a piece of orange from the plate.

I bent down and let it smell the fruit first, and the Resserpanda put the piece in its mouth and chewed it for a while.

"You like it. Want more?"

*Growl!*

I extended my other hand and gently stroked its forehead. It didn't resist at all.

When I gave it a second piece of orange, it chewed it enthusiastically, which was incredibly cute.

"It doesn't seem to have any intention of attacking. Maybe because it's a divine beast, it follows people well."

In reality, it was just a very affectionate Resserpanda. I smiled and poked its nose.

Only holy knights and divine beasts can use the powers of water, fire, air, and earth.

I learned that mages and monsters can never access these four sacred powers.

Judging by its ability to freely grow flowers and grass, this little guy was definitely an earth-attribute divine beast.

It was definitely one of the three that Saeidi mentioned were hidden in the palace and put to sleep during the day.

But why did it wake up at this time? What about the other two?

"Your Highness is truly a noble person."

While I was lost in thought, Benshajian looked at me and said.

I felt a bit embarrassed, as all I had done was give food to a wild animal.

"High priests with pure and abundant ether can spread their energy, making people around them have good dreams and stay healthy. We have experienced this through Your Highness. But I never thought you would even attract a divine beast..."

Benshajian's testimony left me speechless.

I was shocked to realize that his talk about dreams was not just flattery, and I noticed belatedly that his eyes were moist.

I was a human dreamcatcher...

"Umm, yes."

"Then, should we move this divine beast to a place with holy relics?"

Kanael asked hesitantly.

While there was little information about divine beasts, it seemed to be common knowledge that they should be led to holy relics when they appear.

"If we do that, someone with divine power must take the lead, but His Eminence the Cardinal cannot leave the Emperor. I also can't move freely."

I answered quickly.

Given the location of its appearance and its abilities, this Resserpanda was definitely one of Saeidi's responsibilities.

While I didn't fully trust the kid, I had promised to cooperate temporarily to resolve the divine beast issue, and I didn't want to send this little guy out of the palace without consulting her.

Perhaps something had happened to Saeidi, and she had lost one of the Resserpandas.

*Growl*

"It's okay."

The Resserpanda made a whining sound, as if sensing my anxiety.

I gently stroked its triangular ears, which looked like they were covered in snow.

"Should I give you some ether?"

The Resserpanda's black, round eyes sparkled with curiosity.

I slowly moved, watching the little guy follow me closely.

When I sat down and reduced the size of the circle, the Resserpanda was surprised and stood up again.

It's really, really cute.

"It seems hungry, and it might have a group it travels with, so I'll take care of it for the day. Please don't tell the Emperor."

Benshajian nodded surprisingly readily at my words.

Perhaps he also wanted to spend more time with the divine beast, which is hard to see in a lifetime.

"Then I'll bring the things the divine beast will need. Bowls, cushions, and lots of fruit!"

Kanael said excitedly, bowed, and quickly left.

I don't know if the Resserpanda likes soft cushions, but watching it, I don't think it would dislike anything.

"I'll check the vines on the balcony. I might need to call the gardener."

Benshajian left next. I finally let out a long breath.

I had managed to buy some time, but if Saeidi doesn't come tonight, I'll have no other choice tomorrow.

I'll have to inform the Emperor and seek help from external priests.

"How did you end up here?"

I asked, slowly releasing ether.

The Resserpanda tilted its head and sniffed my calf.

I picked up a cherry, removed the stem, and offered it. It put the whole thing in its mouth and chewed it, which was incredibly adorable.

This is why Eunseo always watched animal videos on YouTube.

"It doesn't seem like something from a novel."

If such a creature appeared in the original 'Retirement Duke,' Eunseo would have tried to appeal to me and my brother in some way.

No, the cover wouldn't have just featured the protagonist and the male lead.

Isn't it a rule in web novels to expose a cute pet on the cover no matter what?

I didn't think the author would waste a card like Resserpanda.

*Knock knock*

At that moment, a knock came. I gave the Resserpanda a piece of apple and responded.

"Come in."

"Your Highness, Sir Elizabeth is here."

Benshajian opened the door with a troubled voice.

I froze, only turning my head to look at Benshajian once, then lowering my gaze to meet the Resserpanda's eyes.

I was so captivated by its cuteness that I hadn't anticipated this situation. What should I do?

"Prince Yeseo, I came to inform you about the divine beast that appeared at Juliette Palace."

But the next words from Sir Elizabeth went beyond my worries.

*

"So, the Emperor knows I have a divine beast?"

"Yes, that's right."

Sir Elizabeth seemed to be repeating herself more than usual today, but I didn't mind.

I had heard that many nobles were coming and going from the palace as the spring ball approached.

The royal guards must be extremely busy, so I understood their distraction.

"The gardener saw it?"

"Yes. He... He was checking the flowers in the afternoon and saw a divine beast climbing the wall of Juliette Palace."

She stared blankly at the Resserpanda on the carpet, then answered my question robotically.

She then took a big sip of the cold rosemary tea, as if her throat was dry.

After all, Benshajian said the vines on the balcony were as thick as an adult's arm.

It was impossible for them not to catch attention when they grew so quickly.

I offered the Resserpanda a strawberry as it circled my feet, demanding more snacks.

It seemed to like the sweetness, as it made a dandelion sprout from its toes.

"Then, how long should I take care of it? Is the Emperor planning to invite external priests?"

I found myself in an unexpected temporary caretaker role.

Thinking about this, I turned to look at Sir Elizabeth.

Her usually confident gray eyes seemed unusually lifeless.

"We already have a priest... No, yes. I heard he will be called soon."

She continued.

"The divine beast can