Chapter 369.1
Eugene, walking leisurely, had an eagle trailing behind her on foot. When Eugene slowed down, the accompanying lark matched her pace, and as she quickened her steps, the lark fluttered its wings to keep up. Halting, Eugene glanced back, and the lark, too, came to a standstill, tilting its head curiously.
A smile played on Eugene’s lips as she observed the eagle. Despite its imposing size, it wore a gentle expression that contradicted its appearance. Traditionally, larks were known for their unwavering attachment to their owners, never wanting to be apart from them for even a moment. When someone approached Riner, his lark would draw near, displaying a watchful and vigilant demeanor, intimidating others and necessitating its confinement in a cage.
Since Riner’s lark stuck close to Eugene and behaved, Riner saw no need to control it. Strangely, both the owner and the eagle seemed indifferent to this apparent neglect. Eugene raised her gaze, noticing maids in the distance who appeared frightened, despite the considerable distance between them. She wished to assure them they need not follow due to their fear but, being pregnant, found comfort in having someone by her side.
“Kraaah!”
Abruptly, a black leopard emerged from the tall grass, attacking the eagle. Despite the eagle being only half the size of the leopard, it found itself crouched on the ground, helpless. Abu, successful in the surprise attack, emitted a joyful cry.
“Abu, be gentle. What if he gets hurt?” Eugene chided, considering her words might be unnecessary. There seemed little chance of the eagle sustaining serious injury from such an attack.
Riner’s lark stood upright, shaking its head and then unfurled its wings, shaking them in a display of dissatisfaction directed at Abu. Despite being subjected to multiple attacks, the lark’s response remained consistently indifferent. Observing this, Eugene realized anew that the eagle possessed its own inherent personality.
During Abu’s initial encounters with larks, he exhibited a sense of caution. While not displaying overt aggression, Abu grumbled discontentedly. According to Eugene’s understanding, royal Hwansus typically remained indifferent to one another. It appeared that Abu’s displeasure stemmed from the larks being in proximity to Eugene rather than harboring a general animosity toward larks.
Even when Abu assumed a hostile stance, Riner’s Hwansu remained uninterested. Despite Abu’s attempts to incite conflict, the eagle merely expressed annoyance without escalating to a physical confrontation. Abu seemed to derive enjoyment from bothering the lark, despite the eagle’s nonchalant reactions. Now, Abu found amusement in provoking it.