Chapter Eight: Flattering

“How could it be nothing?” When Zhou Tian bit into that fat white tiger, he was well aware that the other’s strength far outstripped his own. Yet, with his venomous fangs embedded in the beast’s flesh, he was convinced that, even if his poison didn’t kill the tiger outright, it would at least render it severely incapacitated.

His gift of deadly venom had been his very first ability, and after advancing three or four levels, his snake’s poison had become so potent that even a mid-tier magical beast would perish instantly if bitten. Now, although that fat white tiger was formidable, Zhou Tian naturally believed his venom would have some effect.

But the reality was entirely different. Despite sinking his fangs deep into the tiger and injecting his poison, it had no effect whatsoever. The fat white tiger acted as though nothing had happened, leaving Zhou Tian so shocked he nearly popped his eyes out of their sockets.

With a curious gaze, the fat white tiger studied Zhou Tian. For some reason, it seemed to abandon its previous intention of making Zhou Tian its evening meal. Allowing Zhou Tian to hang from its forepaw without concern, the tiger turned to the White Tiger King and inquired, “King, this snake seems…”

“You’re right. This is indeed a variant serpent. Ordinarily, a creature of such low rank shouldn’t possess intelligence. Yet, from its actions, this little fellow is just as clever as any of our young tigers. What’s more, its venom is by no means weak. If it grows up, its future achievements may not be insignificant.”

“Could it have dragon blood?”

“Fool! Do you sense even a trace of dragon’s might from it? This little one has nothing to do with those unruly silver-scaled creatures.”

After another interested glance at Zhou Tian, one of the adolescent white tigers stepped forward from the group and addressed the king, “King, I find myself interested in this little fellow. Perhaps you could leave its fate to me?”

The White Tiger King was quite indifferent to Zhou Tian. To such a being, a variant serpent was hardly worth notice. Had he not happened upon Zhou Tian while seeking a pet, he likely would have ignored him altogether.

Now that Anna no longer wanted Zhou Tian, the king had lost all interest as well. Whether the fat white tiger ate him or another clan member claimed him was of no consequence. Hearing a clan member request him, the king, who felt it would be a waste to let the fat white tiger devour Zhou Tian, was about to nod in agreement.

But just then, as the king prepared to consent, Anna suddenly piped up.

“No!”

“And why not?”

“This is the pet Father gave me. No one can take him away.” Whether it was childish possessiveness or a genuine interest in Zhou Tian, Anna, who had previously paid him no mind, now insisted on claiming him when others made a move for him.

“If Anna wants him, then so be it.” As the princess of the white tigers, Anna’s word was law—no one would contest her over such a trivial “toy.” Once the others gave up, the king made his final pronouncement.

Zhou Tian was furious at being treated like a mere commodity, but he understood that resistance meant death. Instead, if he behaved himself, life among the white tigers might be more bearable. So, when the king declared Anna his owner, Zhou Tian refrained from any rash reaction and obediently crawled onto Anna.

Anna seemed satisfied with her new “toy.” With the king’s approval, she led several adult tiger guards and dashed off toward her little den.

After sneaking with her escorts to a secluded corner, Anna pawed at the earth, digging up a small box. She opened it, carelessly tossing its contents all over, until she found what she wanted.

“Found it!” she cheered, biting down on a bottle and dropping to the ground.

“Here, little one. This is for you.” Without waiting for Zhou Tian’s consent, Anna grabbed him and forced the contents of the bottle into his mouth.

“I—cough, cough! Are you trying to kill me? You’re just a little thing yourself, yet you call me ‘little one?’ I—wait, how am I speaking?”

Zhou Tian, annoyed at Anna’s rough treatment, began to protest. But as he scolded her, his usual hissing gave way to human speech. In this world, that language was known as the “Continental Common Tongue.”

Suddenly able to speak, Zhou Tian was thrilled—until a thought struck him, and cold sweat broke out on his brow.

“Little one? Did you just call me little one?” If he’d spoken in snake-tongue, Anna wouldn’t have understood. But thanks to whatever mysterious stuff Anna had made him swallow, his words were now clear to her—and that spelled trouble.

Zhou Tian had the dreadful illusion that a gigantic Anna loomed behind him, her fangs bared, eyes radiating a deadly chill. He trembled uncontrollably.

“Did I say that? How could I? With a master as gentle, lovely, and understanding as Princess Anna, I only wish to serve. How could I possibly say anything bad about you?” Sensing Anna’s growing fury, Zhou Tian quickly switched to flattery.

Fortunately, though Anna was of noble birth, she was still a young, inexperienced tiger. A few compliments were enough to make her forget her murderous impulse. Covering her face with her paws, she struck an adorably bashful pose.

“Kawaii~” Although Anna was now his master, Zhou Tian couldn’t help but respond reflexively upon seeing such a cute little white tiger.

“Kawaii? What does that mean?” Anna cocked her head in confusion.

“Ahem.” Zhou Tian quickly explained, “It means ‘cute.’ Only a white tiger as adorable as you deserves such praise. Ordinary tigers could never hope for it.”

“While what you say is true, there’s no need to say it in front of the others! Aren’t you just making them feel bad?” Whether it was criticism or praise, Anna gave Zhou Tian a pat on the head, then raised her paw in a grand gesture and declared, “You’ve done well! From today on, you are this princess’s snake. If anyone dares bully you, just use my name.”

Zhou Tian couldn’t help but develop a few black lines on his forehead. Still, despite his exasperation, he knew to thank her. “Thank you, most lovely and beautiful Princess Anna!”

“Toady!” Watching their princess beam at Zhou Tian’s flattery, the white tiger guards all silently came to the same conclusion about him.