Chapter 70
Only then, still immersed in that “uncle” the little sheep had called him, did Satan notice Karl.
Karl’s human-skin suit had the appearance of a middle-aged man, with a very ordinary, forgettable face. The only giveaway was the pair of utterly unremarkable horns on his head.
Seeing him holding the little sheep with such vigilance, Satan assumed they were father and son, and could not help feeling a little regretful. He let his smile fade, straightened up, and said, “It’s getting late. Even if I went and found someone to fix the car now, by the time they came, it would already be night, and that wouldn’t be convenient for repairs… How about this? Why don’t the two of you stay at my place for one night and come back when it’s light tomorrow? It’ll be easier to fix the car then, and easier for you to continue on your way.” He genuinely wanted to help this little sheep.
At the side, Cold Crow watched the rarely friendly lord and frowned tightly.
Yomi hurriedly thanked him, then turned to ask Karl, “Do you think that would be okay?”
Karl quietly sized up the white-haired monster a few times. There really was no malice in his eyes. He was probably just especially eager to help because Yomi looked so cute… At night, there were many wild beasts outside. Karl was unfamiliar with the terrain around here, and staying in the camper with Yomi for the night would indeed be rather risky. If someone was willing to offer them lodging, that was naturally much better.
Looking again at what the two men were wearing, the fabrics were rather luxurious by Junk Star standards. Presumably they would not be coveting anything from them. Besides, Karl was still carrying a weapon. Thinking it through that way, Karl relaxed even more. “Then I’m afraid we have no choice but to trouble you… Thank you, sir. If there’s an inn nearby, we can also go there directly, so as not to disturb you.”
“There isn’t an inn nearby,” Cold Crow said this time. He really did not want unrelated people entering the lord’s house. “But I can drive you there.”
“What kind of way is that to treat guests?” Satan smiled faintly, then looked back at Yomi and Karl. “Don’t listen to him. My house is close by, and there are extra rooms. There’s no need to go stay somewhere farther away… By the way, is your car nearby?”
Yomi nodded and lifted a hoof to point in a direction. “It’s over there.”
Satan looked the way his hoof pointed. “Oh, I see. Then please stay at my house for the night. As soon as it’s light, I’ll send the mechanic over with you, which will save time too.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you so much! You’re such a kind person!” Yomi said.
“Please, no need to be so polite. It’s only a small favor.” Satan’s expression was almost excessively friendly. “May I ask—are the two of you father and son?”
“No, we’re good friends. We came out to have fun together, and on the way back our car suddenly broke down… It was lucky we met you.”
Satan gave an unexpected little “oh.” He motioned for Cold Crow to move the car to the roadside, then made an inviting gesture and led them toward the vehicle that was gradually approaching.
Yomi had already gotten down from Karl’s arms. The little sheep’s short legs could not compare to the monster’s long legs, so he almost had to hop along to keep up. The white-haired monster deliberately slowed his steps to keep himself walking level with the little sheep.
The white-haired monster opened the car door and courteously invited them inside.
Karl glanced at the license plate. It really was a Pearl State vehicle. The car itself was extremely valuable. Its owner was likely just a wealthy, kind-hearted man.
Karl got into the car carrying the little sheep, while the white-haired monster took the front passenger seat. During the ride, the man was not very talkative. Other than pointing out that there was drinking water in the car, he said nothing more.
Before nightfall, the car arrived at its destination.
The moment they got out, Yomi and Karl stared at the estate before them in astonishment.
Karl had already guessed the man must be rich, but he had never imagined rich to this extent. Despite all his experience, he could tell at a glance that to own an estate like this on Junk Star meant possessing far from ordinary power.
Once inside, the white-haired monster personally arranged guest rooms for them.
When Karl saw that two rooms were being prepared, he quickly said, “One room will do. He’s small and can sleep in a little bed.” In a strange place, he would never feel at ease with Yomi sleeping alone.
Yomi nodded. “Mm, one room is fine for us.”
Satan turned and called for a servant, ordering them to move a small bed into the room later.
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you very much for the trouble,” Yomi said.
Satan smiled and shook his head, then brought them to the dining room, where many servants were already beginning to serve the dishes.
Up until now, Yomi had thought of Satan as only a hunter. But now he had some misgivings, and his hooves slowed as he walked.
Satan invited them to sit. Seeing the confusion in the little sheep’s eyes, he smiled and said, “I forgot to mention earlier—actually, I’m the count here. You may call me Dan.”
…A count?
Yomi cast an inquiring look at Karl. The two were seated close together, and Karl quietly whispered, “There are some rich people in Pearl State who style themselves as counts.”
So that was it. Since he was a count, the proper courtesy could not be omitted. Seeing Karl rise and bow, the little sheep hastily stood up on his chair too and dipped forward toward Satan in a small bow.
Watching the little sheep bend his hind legs slightly and bow, Satan was speechless for a moment.
Heavens, such a being actually existed in this world… So cute. It would truly be a waste not to adopt him.
The moment Yomi sat back down, he noticed that the count across from him was staring at him without blinking. The count said, “You haven’t told me your name yet.”
“Ah, my name is Yangyang! This is my friend Pangolin. We both live near Skull State.” At once, Yomi came up with brand-new aliases for himself and Karl. After all, their earlier alias—Little Sheep—was tied to Sheep Asura, and it would be troublesome if saying it out loud brought unwanted attention.
Karl, hearing that Yomi was using fake names, cooperatively nodded. “That’s right.”
“Yangyang? What a lovely name…” Satan said thoughtfully. “May I ask how old your father is? Is his original form also a sheep? Forgive me, I’m not trying to pry into your privacy. It’s just that your body is so small—I’m very curious…”
Yomi lowered his head. “My parents passed away years ago…”
Satan froze, then said, “If I were your parents, I would have found it very hard to bear. You’re still so small—how do you live all by yourself? Why don’t you use human form? Could it be…”
“Mm, I’m disabled. But it’s all right. It doesn’t affect my life much.” Since returning to his original human form in Pearl State would be dangerous, and they were only staying here for one day anyway, Yomi decided, for safety’s sake, to lie.
“…”
Satan stared blankly at the little sheep smiling in front of him.
He seemed stunned by just how strong this little sheep was.
By then all the dishes had been set out. Cold Crow forced a smile and invited them to eat.
Yomi responded and began eating the broccoli Karl had placed on his plate. He was eating with great relish when suddenly he heard the man opposite speak hoarsely: “I’ve always wanted a child, but never had the opportunity… Yangyang, if you don’t mind, I can adopt you. Let’s be father and son, all right?”
?
The broccoli in the little sheep’s mouth nearly went down the wrong way. Karl hurriedly soothed him, and once he saw the little sheep’s pink mouth was no longer choking, he immediately looked toward the count. “May I ask what exactly you mean by that?”
Satan raised a brow. “Exactly what you heard. I want to adopt him.”
Yomi placed his forehooves on the table and tilted his head at him, completely baffled.
Cold Crow had not expected Satan to be this blunt either. Even though he did not approve inwardly, as a subordinate he still had to stabilize the situation. Rising to his feet, he explained to the little sheep, “Our count is kind-hearted. After hearing about your background, he felt sorry for you and doesn’t want you to keep living such a lonely life. With an original form like yours, and a body so small, life on Junk Star must be difficult. The count only wants to help you.”
“…Thank you.” Yomi furrowed his nonexistent brows and bowed again. “Count… perhaps because you haven’t seen my human form, you’ve misunderstood. I’m already an adult. I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I even have a lover. I’m only small in size, but I am an adult. I’ve long since been living independently.”
Satan looked at him with a smile. After a brief silence, he leaned slightly forward and said in a coaxing tone, “On Junk Star, there are many people decades old who still need someone to take care of them in order to live. Who says adults don’t need care? And father-son relationships have nothing to do with age… Don’t be nervous. I only feel that we have a special affinity, so I want to recognize you as my adopted son. I have such a large estate. If someone could inherit it, I’d have no regrets. As for the matter of a lover… naturally I wouldn’t interfere with your romance. Yangyang, let me be your adoptive father.”
Yomi: “…”
The entire table fell silent.
Karl’s mouth twitched. He gripped his chopsticks tightly.
At a time like this, with His Highness not present, one really did not know whether that counted as luck or misfortune.
Cold Crow’s face had gone darker than the bottom of a pot. He had never imagined the lord could be this absurd! Were all people obsessed with cute things like this? Adopting a complete stranger was already bad enough, but he even wanted to hand over his estate to be inherited by him? The little sheep would have to be a fool to refuse!
“I’m sorry, but I truly do not need an adoptive father. Count, thank you for your kindness.” Yomi rejected him directly.
Cold Crow: …Awkward. He wanted to scratch his head.
Satan seemed quite surprised that the little sheep would refuse him. Still, some reason remained. Noticing how tense the little sheep was, he sighed regretfully. “Very well. I respect your wishes… I only ask that my words not ruin your mood.”
“They won’t. We’re very grateful for your help,” Yomi said, exchanging a glance with Karl at the same time. Both of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After that, the count did not bring up adoption again.
Dinner was very lavish. The count had the cook add a few vanilla-flavored foods. Yomi ate until he was full. Afterward, he and Karl discussed things in the washroom. Before leaving tomorrow, they absolutely had to leave behind an appropriate amount of money.
No matter how kind this count seemed, they could not simply eat and stay for free.
The count seemed deeply apologetic for his abrupt words during dinner. While escorting them back to the guest room, he did not even dare look directly at Yomi, only telling them to rest well and that the mechanic would come first thing in the morning.
Yomi thanked him several times in a row.
When the door closed, Yomi could not help sighing. “There really are more good people than bad in this world.”
Karl gave a vague hum. He still felt there was something odd about the count, but with Yomi in the same room and himself watching over him through the night, he was confident he could keep him safe.
The guest room was very spacious, with one large bed and one comparatively small wooden bed.
The wooden bed was made up very softly. Afraid his wool might be dirty, Yomi did not touch it. After only glancing at it a few times, he went off to bathe.
With his sheep body soaking in the tub, he grew pleasantly dizzy. Once he felt he had soaked enough, he carefully climbed out of the tub, let the water drain, then went over to where Karl had placed the hair dryer. He pressed the switch with his hoof and stood in front of the airflow, drying himself for quite a while. Once he felt mostly dry, he trotted back out on cheerful little hooves. “I’m all done!”
Karl had been listening by the door for movement outside. The servants hardly spoke, so he had heard nothing strange. Hearing Yomi, he turned around and saw the little sheep coming out half-dry and half-wet.
At once he exclaimed, “Why didn’t you call me to dry you? Sheep hooves can’t handle a hair dryer properly.”
“The place you put it was perfect—it could blow right at me. I thought I could do it myself,” the little sheep said with a smile, completely unaware that all of his wool was in wild disarray, as if it had exploded.
Karl found it rather funny. Wrapping him in a bath towel, he rubbed him down, then fetched the dryer and dried him properly all over again. “If you don’t dry off before sleeping, you’ll get sick.”
Yomi responded with an embarrassed hum. He had already seen in the mirror what a little lunatic he looked like.
Once the wool was dry, Karl even took a comb and brushed him. Yomi’s wool was short, so brushing it was very easy.
When he had finally tidied the little sheep in front of him until he looked smooth and handsome, Karl nodded to himself with satisfaction and went to wash up too.
It was late at night now. Lying on his side in the little bed, Yomi looked at the empty space beside his pillow and could not help thinking of the boyfriend who had already gone far away.
He wondered when Anxius would reach Birdman Planet…
Was it really safe over there?
Still, looking the way he did now, no one from Snar would ever recognize him.
Speaking of Snar, could Anxius really stand against the entire royal family…
With all kinds of doubts in his head, the little sheep sleepily pressed his forehooves together and prayed that everything would go smoothly for his boyfriend.
He slept very deeply.
However, when morning came, after washing up, Yomi and Karl suddenly discovered that the room door would not open!
At first both of them thought the lock had broken. They shouted for help, but before they had shouted more than twice, a familiar voice came from outside.
Yomi recognized it. It was the other person who had hunted together with the count the night before.
“Stop shouting. The lock isn’t broken. The lord locked you in.”
The lord?
Yomi kept knocking on the door with his hoof. “What lord? Sir, please open the door for us. You must have made some mistake…”
From outside, Cold Crow replied helplessly, “I’ll tell you directly. The count you met last night is actually our Pearl State lord, Satan! To be honest, our lord doesn’t usually do this sort of thing either. But you… you fit his standards for an adopted son too perfectly. Last night you refused to be his son, so he had you locked up to raise you instead…” As he spoke, even he himself felt the lord had no shame. Coughing lightly, he continued, “I know you two are innocent, but please don’t be afraid. The lord only wants you to be his adopted son. He won’t hurt you.”
Yomi stood there with a face full of question marks.
The whole thing was so absurd that he could not make sense of it for a while.
Karl, meanwhile, quickly checked all the doors and windows in the room. Every route was sealed off. And even if they managed to break out, there would definitely be people outside standing guard… Realizing that ordinary means would not work, Karl could not help glancing toward where he had hidden his secret weapon inside his clothes.
Yomi recovered from his daze then and slapped at the door again. “Don’t do this… Whoever’s out there, open the door. We’ll pay the room fee and the cost of the meal. Don’t keep us locked up!”
“I told you already, this is the lord’s order. We’re only carrying out his command.”
“…”
Yomi paced back and forth anxiously. Very soon Karl crouched down and patted his head soothingly. “Don’t panic. There’ll be a way. That man already said that at the very least, the lord won’t harm us.”
“I’m not panicking.” Yomi pressed his forehooves tightly together and looked up in a small voice. “You shouldn’t panic either. We’ll definitely get out.”
Karl nodded. Just as he was about to quietly tell Yomi his plan to use the secret weapon, Satan’s voice suddenly sounded from outside.
“Are they awake yet?”
It was Satan.
“Mm… Lord, perhaps we should just let them go? Isn’t our urgent priority still dealing with Ghost State? That Sheep Asura still hasn’t been dealt with. A matter like adopting a child doesn’t have to be so urgent…”
The moment they heard “Ghost State” and “Sheep Asura,” Yomi and Karl’s expressions both changed at once.
Yomi immediately pricked up his ears and pressed himself tightly against the wooden door.
“Who says it isn’t urgent? I’ve looked for so many years and never found a child I felt destined for. Now that I finally have, you want me not to rush?” Satan sneered. “As for Ghost State, didn’t you already say we should wait until the generals return? Then we’ll wait until they return and discuss it then! In any case, sooner or later I’ll personally slaughter that Sheep Asura!”
“But—”
Suddenly there was a loud thud. Cold Crow seemed to have been shoved aside, and the next moment Yomi’s ears jolted at the sound of knocking on the door.
He hurriedly backed away a step, only to hear Satan outside abruptly change from roughness into a pinched, falsely gentle voice: “Good morning, Yangyang. Are you awake yet?”
…As though the act of imprisoning them had been done by someone else entirely.
Yomi did not even know what to say. He stayed silent, but the monster outside seemed to grow anxious, apparently thinking something had happened to him. At once he forcibly opened the door.
The moment the door swung open, Karl even tried to rush out with Yomi in his arms. But what appeared before them was not an open passageway at all—it was an additional iron-bar gate.
Yomi / Karl: “…”
How was this any different from being in prison?
Looking through the iron bars and seeing that the little sheep was perfectly all right, the tension in Satan’s face eased somewhat.
Yomi glared at him. “Why are you locking us up?”
The little sheep’s eyes were dark, bright, and furious. The Satan being glared at for some reason felt guilty. The lord, who once killed without blinking, awkwardly turned his head aside and said, “You should know already that I’m Satan, lord of this place.”
“What difference does that make?” The little sheep stood stiffly on straight hooves and looked up at him angrily. “I thought you were a good person… Please let us out at once!”
Seeing that Satan still showed no intention of relenting, he gritted his teeth. “Bad guy! This is illegal imprisonment!”
“Bad guy? How could I possibly be a bad guy?” Saying that, the monster seemed almost amused by the phrase illegal imprisonment. Crouching down, he pressed his head close to the iron bars and looked at him, his eyes full of paternal affection. “Baby, I’m your father.”
Yomi was so angry his hooves trembled.
Satan lowered his head. “I’m not imprisoning you. I’m adopting you. Since you’re unwilling, I had no choice but to keep you here first. I’ll raise you properly. Once you’re willing to call me father, of course I won’t keep you locked up like this. It’s only because you’re so unwilling right now that I have no other option.”
Yomi stiffened his neck. “…Then I’m willing now. Don’t lock me up.”
“You think I’d believe that?”
“…”
“I’m the lord of Pearl State. If you become my child, you’ll be the little lord of this entire Pearl State… I truly don’t understand. Why are you so unwilling to be my child?” Satan sounded genuinely troubled.
Yomi glared at him with puffed-up cheeks.
Satan smiled.
After several seconds of confrontation, Yomi drew in a deep breath and asked seriously, “May I ask if you’ve been lonely for too long?”
“What?”
“Who forces someone else to become their child? If you need a child that badly, then if you can’t have one yourself, go adopt someone willing. You’re imprisoning me. There isn’t the slightest bit of fatherly love in that!”
Satan’s face changed slightly. “You don’t understand. If you were willing, I wouldn’t have to keep you like this. I—”
“What you want isn’t a child at all. It’s a pet, isn’t it?” Yomi went on, forcing himself to keep staring at him. “Do you really think that if you keep me shut up and raise me for a while, I’ll become attached to you like a pet? You really think that?”
Satan’s eyelid twitched. Calmly, he looked at him. What was wrong with that? When he had still been a rain dragon, sometimes rain dragons stole eggs from others and took them home to raise. Some even stole other people’s cubs and raised them. Raise them long enough, and of course affection would form. What was wrong with that?
In the silence, Karl said, “My lord, Yangyang is not an animal. He simply can’t change back into human form. He does not need your forced adoption. Please release us as soon as possible, and we can still treat this as a misunderstanding.”
What Satan was doing was like finding a stray cat adorable and using kidnapping in place of buying and adopting it—giving the poor stray cat a home. But Yomi was not a stray cat, and naturally had no need of being adopted by anyone.
Yomi was right. Satan was simply treating a person like a pet.
“…Pet?” Satan’s face began turning pale. He straightened up and almost ground the words out between his teeth. “He is clearly my precious son! If you want me to let you go, not a chance!” His dark face, fixed on the little sheep, suddenly changed again into a smile that was almost frightening. “Baby, Daddy still has things to do, so I’ll leave first. While you’re at home, remember to eat well. Today Daddy had the cook make your favorite vanilla pizza. Once Daddy finishes his work, he’ll come see you.”
Yomi: “…”
After Satan left, Cold Crow seemed unable to bear seeing the little sheep’s despairing expression. He brought in breakfast and hurriedly shut the door again.
The room grew quiet.
Pouting, Yomi flopped onto the floor. Looking at the pizza and milk before him, he poked the still-fuming Karl. “Let’s eat. Otherwise we won’t have the strength later.”
Karl thought he must be hungry and lowered his head to split up the pizza, all while thinking of a solution. A few seconds later, from the corner of his eye he saw the little sheep tiptoeing over toward him…
The moment Karl turned his head, the little sheep was already by his ear, smiling softly. “Karl, I did that on purpose just now. For the time being, we’re not leaving. You heard it too—that lord wants to move against Ghost State. So we’ll stay here and get information ahead of time… This is a rare opportunity.”
Karl was dumbstruck.
Yomi was planning to be a spy?
The little sheep blinked at him, looking utterly confident in success.
