"Don't you like the name Red-eye?"
"Squeak!"
"Do you want to be called Kevin too?"
"Squeak!"
There was no doubt about it. Russell could now confirm that the strange murmuring he had heard had come from the Red-eyed Rat King.
The ability to hear Phantom Beast Whisper, bestowed by the Essence Berry, truly existed.
It was just a matter of probability. Russell could not hear the Phantom Beasts' whispers whenever he wanted. As for when he could hear them and when he could not, he would have to figure that out slowly.
"Kevin is already taken, so you can't be called Kevin." Under the disappointed gaze of the Red-eyed Rat King, Russell said slowly, "But you can be called Jerry. Jerry is a household name, and it sounds better than Kevin."
"Squeak!" The Red-eyed Rat King nodded furiously, clearly delighted with the name Jerry.
Of course.
It was also possible that he simply wanted a more normal name, rather than using Red-eye, a nickname, as his actual name.
"Very good. From now on, you shall be Red-eyed Rat King Jerry."
At lunch that day, Russell announced the Red-eyed Rat King's new name, Jerry, to everyone.
"Jerry... hmm, that's quite a nice name." Charles, who had come again to mooch food and wine, gave the name a perfunctory assessment. "But I still prefer the fragrance of Pinkish Wine. This fine wine from Sancha River Mouth is intoxicating."
Russell had brought the Pinkish Wine back from Sancha River Mouth. There was not much of it, and every bottle he drank meant one less.
He had met the fairy Saiban today and received the Snow Forest's blessing. He was in a good mood, which was why he was willing to bring out the Pinkish Wine.
"Not as good as brandy," Eric muttered.
Charles