As I was thinking of a way to escape from the bad guy, he suddenly spoke to me.
"So, what's your name, little beastman?" he asked.
I hesitated. Should I tell him my name? Or should I lie?
I decided to tell him the truth. Maybe he would be more lenient with me if I was honest.
"My name is…Ryuu." I said.
"Ryuu? That's a stupid name. But it fits you. You're like a…worm." he said.
Worm?
He was insulting me.
He was despising my cat features.
I felt angry and humiliated.
I glared at him and said.
"Shut up. You don't know anything about me. I'm not a worm. I'm a human!"
He laughed and said.
"A human? Don't make me laugh. You're clearly a beastman. A worthless and pathetic one, at that. You're very unlucky that I found you. You know what will happen to you if I take you to the king?"
I shivered. I didn't want to know.
He continued.
"You see, beastmen are considered inferior in this world. They are discriminated and oppressed by humans. They are treated as slaves or worse. They have no rights or freedom. They are hunted and killed for amusament or pleasure. They are despised and feared by everyone."
He paused and looked at me with a cruel smile.
"Except by me, of course. I have a special interest in beastmen. Especially ones like you. You're so weak and helpless. And you have such a pitiful expression. You're amusing for me."
He leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear.
"You're mine, Ryuu. And I'm going to torture you."