So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

Anyway, he let us and Phili work at the zoo.

Obern got in as a researcher at the monster research institute, and Phili could learn and practice monster studies.

But that didn't mean Kadam Kazans became friendly towards us.

Kadam was someone who had both human narrow-mindedness and orc ferocity.

He especially disliked Obern.

The reason was 'he looks too slick and annoying'.

Though I couldn't disagree, it was an uncomfortable situation for us.

'Let's ask!'

But that doesn't mean we don't have any allies.

That wasn't the case.

We asked Senior Daisy.

"A gorilla?"

Surprisingly, Daisy really was half-orc Director Kadam's disciple.

They say she even learned Kadam's combat techniques, but I don't know how delicate Daisy became a disciple of Kadam who was like a wardrobe.

However, it was clear that she was stronger than she looked.

──────────────

[Zoo Cleaning Staff Daisy lv98]

──────────────

Her level was close to 100.

How?

The Iron Lion Knights' vice commander I took care of last time had a level in the 140s.

The difference couldn't be called enormous.

Though I thought I took care of him too easily, was the Iron Lion Knight commander weak?

Or is Daisy stronger than expected?

From what I observed.

The difference in strength between the Iron Lion Knight commander and Daisy was more than their level difference.

Nevertheless, it's clear that Daisy's level is quite high.

I learned that secret about a month after starting work at the zoo.

Anyway, that's not important right now.

"Since a gorilla is big... um, I think she could stay here in the form of temporary protection at our zoo!"

While saying that, Daisy slowly crept closer to Obern.

She clearly had feelings for Obern from what I could see.

"Of course, the director would need to approve..."

"Whether Director Kadam would really..."

Kadam still dislikes us.

That narrow-minded orc.

"I'll help persuade him. I think you probably don't need to worry too much."

"This, how can I repay such kindness..."

"Fufu, if you're grateful, treat me to dinner sometime."

Daisy's face was bright red as she said that.

"Good. Then perhaps tonight if you're free?"

"T-tonight?"

Though flustered, Daisy nodded eagerly.

She was clearly dreaming of a fancy date.

"Okay!"

"Let's meet in the lobby after work."

And we parted.

When we met again, Daisy appeared with makeup so heavy it looked strange.

By the way, where Obern took Daisy wasn't a restaurant but the cafeteria.

Daisy ate her grilled fish set meal earnestly with a bitter smile.

==n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

If there's a fool who sees Kadam as just an animal lover.

They would be a complete idiot who knows nothing.

If the zoo's monsters were left alone, uncontrollable chaos would break out.

Monsters constantly prosper.

And they constantly grow by eating each other.

Over 600 species of monsters numbering thousands.

What would happen if you gathered them in one place?

In terms of monster density, this place could be called a magic realm surpassing even the richest great forests.

Monsters strong enough to become 'Named' at any time are often born.

Moreover, many Named monsters actually exist.

The zoo researchers, experts in monster studies, once made an interesting calculation.

And theoretically.

If one Named monster killed all other monsters in the zoo.

A 'Calamity' would be born immediately.

How terrible would the consequences be if a Calamity was born in the middle of the imperial capital?

In other words, just gathering monsters inherently contains potential danger.

Therefore Kadam Kazans, who has the emperor's trust, perfectly manages the zoo.

That includes regular 'cleaning' that he performs.

Monsters that have become too strong.

Those with particularly ferocious natures.

Also those trying to lead groups in escape attempts.

Such monsters are managed and 'hunted' by the cleaning squad.

Today Kadam Kazans personally took action.

"Whew."

Kadam's leather gloves were soaked in blood.

The remains of a carnivorous giraffe he personally tore apart were rolling on the ground.

"Ah, those were my favorite gloves."

He snorted heavily.

After hunting monsters, their blood smell made his head dizzy.

He felt especially bad when he had to dispose of ones he liked.

The carnivorous giraffe monster was one he particularly adored.

Just, its misfortune was probably not being black or white.

It was the zoo's principle not to personally dispose of black or white monsters.

And those black and white monsters.

The black and white monsters were exactly what was troubling Kadam's mind right now.

Their numbers had grown too much. Especially the leaders were getting stronger and becoming hard to handle...

"Is it time already."

It was almost time for the appointment.

Those guys who disturbed Kadam's peace.

Read latest stories on empire

The prince and Obern said something about temporarily protecting some gorilla monster at the zoo.

Acting like this is their playground, they really are hateful guys.

He was going to refuse right away, but that Daisy kept begging so he reluctantly agreed to just see what kind of monster it was.

And until heading to the meeting place.

Kadam had zero expectations.

But.

"Th-there's Director Kadam!"

Seeing that monster with Obern, Kadam couldn't help but freeze like ice.

It was a gorilla.

A huge gorilla with glossy black fur.

And on both arms were prosthetics made of pitch-black metal.

"Uwaah, Professor Obern, move..."

When the gorilla spoke.

It was like lightning struck Kadam's head.

A black monster.

Moreover, intelligence developed enough to speak human language.

Beautiful black prosthetics of unknown make.

"...Perfect."

Those words came out without realizing.

Kadam might have fallen in love.

It was the most appealing monster he'd met in recent times.

Kadam immediately declared.

"Need temporary protection? Good. Stay as long as you like!"

Obern and Daisy rather looked at Kadam in bewilderment.

Kadam slowly held out his hand to the gorilla.

The gorilla, seemingly scared and wary, said.

"Don't want zoo, don't wanna go in zoo!"

Why on earth?

The bewildered Kadam introduced himself.

"Calm down. I'm the zoo director here. It's a very nice zoo to live in."

"Hate zoo director more!"

The gorilla had a fit.

Perhaps she had trauma about zoos.

Kadam had no idea what to do and stamped his feet.