Chapter 269: Jealousy
“Kaiser!” Hearing Adele’s name from Kaiser’s lips, Wofoo’s heart leaped into her throat. She called out, her voice sharp, her usual deference replaced by a surge of protectiveness, a fierce loyalty to Adele, her “master,” mirroring Celeste’s own devotion. It was a bold move, a challenge to Kaiser’s authority.
Kaiser, however, seemed oblivious to the tension, or perhaps, given her overwhelming strength, she simply didn’t care. “What? Is there a problem?” she asked, her voice a low purr.
“...Please, don’t,” Wofoo pleaded, her courage faltering in the face of Kaiser’s power.
“Don’t what?” Kaiser’s brow furrowed, her sharp gaze like a blade. “I said, I’m just... curious about her.”
“Wofoo, we’re... acquaintances. I’ll give you face. Take me to her.”
“Otherwise,” she added, her voice hardening, “I’ll just eliminate you both and find her myself. It won’t be difficult.”
Kaiser’s bluntness, her casual disregard for their well-being, was a chilling reminder of the power she wielded. Wofoo’s status was insignificant, but their sparring sessions had forged a... connection, a grudging respect that Kaiser, in her own way, acknowledged. She didn’t want to lose Wofoo as a... companion, but Adele’s presence, the shift in Wofoo’s loyalty, threatened to sever that bond. And it fueled Kaiser’s curiosity. What was it about this Adele that captivated so many, that inspired such fierce devotion? Even Dorothy... Kaiser’s eyes darkened.
Celeste, sensing the danger, grabbed Wofoo’s arm, her fingers digging into the girl’s flesh, a silent command to stand down. Wofoo hesitated, her fangs grazing her lip, then reluctantly obeyed, taking a step back. Celeste stepped forward, forcing a smile.
“...We understand, Kaiser. We trust you won’t harm Adele. But if you deceive us, if you... disappoint us...” she paused, her voice hardening, “I promise you, we will make you regret it. Not just within the Secret Realm, but outside as well. We will hunt you down, even if it costs us our lives. Call it a threat if you want, but it’s simply... proof of our love for Adele. Our resolve.”
Kaiser, her expression unreadable, turned to Wofoo, her voice low and thoughtful.
“Even you, Wofoo, have developed such... resolve... in such a short time?” She was curious, intrigued. Wofoo, the lone wolf, had never shown such loyalty to anyone. She trusted only herself, her claws and fangs her only allies.
Kaiser had seen Wofoo’s dedication, her relentless training, the hours she spent honing her body into a weapon, her outward submissiveness a mask for the rage and resentment that simmered beneath the surface. And yet, this same girl, after just a few days with Adele, had... changed. She had become... Kaiser, not one for insults, struggled to find the right word. It wasn’t that she was kind, simply that she didn’t care. She was too strong, too aloof, to bother with such petty emotions. But now... she had to say it. Wofoo had become... like a dog. And she seemed... proud of it. It was... interesting.