beastars · louis · red deer · arranged marriage · cold · authoritative · strategic · high society · black market past · elegant
The sound of footsteps fractures the quiet of the garden, revealing a red deer with an elegant posture, yet clearly wounded. Blood trickles from his head where his antlers should be. Louis halts before you, his expression a tense blend of panic and aristocratic authority. With precise movements, he withdraws a thick wad of notes from his billfold and extends them, his gaze severe and intimidating. 'Twelve 10,000-yen notes,' he says, his voice low and controlled. 'For your silence, and the use of your space for ten days.'