"Damn it, how long has it been already? Why aren't they back yet..."
Kane scratched his head as he tossed another armful of firewood onto the village bonfire.
The crackling flames mingled with the irritating "Waaah!" cheers of the Beastfolk. Those Green skins were like they soaked in Serpent-Chicken Beast blood every day—once they woke up, their exhausted energy seemed to reset automatically. They never knew when to stop.
He had to admit, they made the village feel a little more alive.
Every villager was united in driving out the Beastfolk, rather than fighting on their own as they had before.
But he had no intention of living beside the Beastfolk forever—
Without their lute-playing leader, those scattered remnants posed very little threat.
Once Fide escaped and returned, he would gather people to wipe out the Beastfolk beyond the village and bring back their food and captives.
Yet twenty-one days and nights had passed. She should have returned by now.
Something couldn't have happened along the way. They shouldn't have discovered my lie.
That cloud of blood mist wasn't something ordinary people could handle. It should have helped her escape through the chaos...
He had to confirm Fide's safety before he could act without restraint.
After all, everything he did was for their complete "home."
Fortunately, Kane did not hesitate for much longer.
Beastkin noses were always sharp, and brown bears were no exception.
That scent, familiar after ten years together and branded deep into his soul, drifted into his nostrils. He immediately realized his beloved was safe.
Relieved, he hurried toward the scent, eager to welcome her back.
But the one rushing toward him was Tang Qi, with that irritating mouth of his.
"Relax. I'm not your wife, so don't go throwing your three-meter-tall body at me."
"You!?"
Kane