Chapter 443. Rabbit-Ears City Lord
Three Days Later
A quiet breeze rustled the silk curtains of a small guest room nestled within the upper levels of Verga City’s central hall. The scent of herbal incense drifted faintly in the air, mingling with the warmth of the afternoon sun filtering through the windows.
Lily Gomes and Darla sat patiently on a modest yet polished wooden couch. Between them, a table bore a decorative platter filled with fruits— shiny apples, orange-spotted peaches, and thick-skinned blue grapes —untouched since they had arrived.
They weren’t here for a meal.
They were waiting for someone important.
A knock echoed at the door, followed by the sound of it creaking open.
Entering the room was the Bull-Horned Guardian, Tarus, gently pushing a wheelchair. Seated in it was a rabbitfolk man wrapped in bandages from ears to toes, his fluffy white fur peeking out in a few places. His left ear drooped lazily, bent in half from some injury, and a thin but playful smile adorned his otherwise tired face.
"Apologies for the state I’m in," the rabbitfolk said with a light chuckle. "Most of my rabbit bones are broken. I don’t recommend taking on a Grandmaster pirate with only a spear and overconfidence."
He gave a small wave with his uninjured hand. "I’m Hutson, City Lord of Verga City. And this here—" he gestured to the large, stoic figure behind him "—is Tarus, our Guardian and also like a brother to me."
Lily stood and offered a respectful nod. Her long hair shimmered slightly as she moved, and her brown coat with lining gave her a commanding presence.
"Lily Gomes," she introduced herself. "Vice-Captain of the White Pearl. We’re part of the White Merchant Group— sailing the seas, trading where we can, adventuring where we must. We’ve come from the South, seeking opportunity."