Ari (Child of the Beastman Goddess)

Lowell and I were surprised. I don’t know if he heard everything we have talked about, but he looked serious and worried at the same time.

“Where is Gurion?” I nervously asked to divert his mood.

“Acwulf took him for a stroll.” He answered while clenching his jaws as he held in his temper.

“How much did you hear?” I asked curiously.

“Since when he confessed his feelings.” He said as he looked away in insecurity.

He heard almost everything. I felt a little guilty, but it was his fault to eavesdrop on our conversation.

“Are you perhaps jealous?” I asked curiously.

“Would you be mad if I was?” He replied.

“Nope! It’s only natural to feel jealous from time to time. I can even feel jealous too. I just didn’t let it show to anyone.” I answered frankly and smiled at him to cheer him up.

He sat beside me and held my hand as he lay his head on my shoulder.

“Is there a reason for you to go there?” He asked as he pushed me to lay on the bed, then hugged me tightly.

I felt sleepy for some reason. His scent was so relaxing.

“Can you explain first what exactly was going on to our tribe?” I insisted.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

He sat down properly and started to explain everything in a low voice. I also sat down to listen to him attentively.

Even though Dillon was seriously explaining the situation, I almost wanted him to stop talking because of the overwhelming sadness I felt.

My father was known to have a rock like body because he doesn’t fall down easily with just a single punch.

The elder healer couldn’t detect any poison nor had any idea about his mysterious illness, but there was a high chance for him to recover since his condition became stable as if his body suddenly went into hibernation.

My heart almost exploded from the roller coaster emotion of our conversation and my tears kept falling from my eyes.

I was extremely sad about my father’s situation, but I can feel his unconditional love.

I have to do something to save him.

I suddenly remembered the dream I had at that time thinking maybe the woman in my dream can solve my father’s situation.

“I… I actually had a dream that time before we fled from the lion tribe. I saw a beautiful female and told me she will take my father and I should meet her in the heart of the island where the ancient beastmen tribes dwell. I actually had a hunch that I should meet her and ask her to save my father’s life and find answers about my existence.” I mumbled as I kept sobbing in Dillon’s arms.

“If you really do need to go to that place, we have no choice, but to accept Lowell’s offer. Even though I totally disliked his idea, he had a point. It is shameful for me to admit it, but I honestly think that I won’t be able to ensure your safety alone. There are many strong and sneaky feral beasts and beastmen on the way. It would also take us a few years to arrive in that land since we will have to travel by foot and we will have to stop our journey during the winter since it will be too dangerous for us to continue our journey due to the extreme weather.” He said as he gave his insights.

I tried to calm myself up and contemplated on Dillon’s insight, but he suddenly pulled me into his embrace.

“Is that so… Will you really be okay with Lowell’s presence?” I asked Dillon, worrying he might feel uncomfortable since he knew that Lowell was also interested in me.

“Ari… Honestly… I feel very insecure even just by thinking about it.., but your safety is more important than my jealousy… He said he had met you three times and fell in love with you, but you saved me three times so I love you with all my life. I am willing to swallow my pride as a lion beastman just to keep you safe and be happy.” He said with conviction.

“Wait… Three? I only saved you twice. When you were poisoned and during the tribunal trial. When was the other one?” I asked in confusion.

“The plague brought by the mosquito infestation.” He answered as he rubbed his face against my neck, leaving his scent on me.

“Oh… I see… But… Older brother Dillon, are you marking your territory?” I intentionally asked to distract him because he suddenly became too clingy as he tightened his embrace.

“*sigh* I’m neither Orson nor Askook. Don’t call me older brother or I might….” He mumbled as he tightly held the back of my head and opened his mouth as if he was about to bite my neck.

I was shocked so I pushed him as I was afraid I might faint from his intimacy. He didn’t budge because he was too strong for me.

If it was Lowell, he probably would have flown back a few feet already.

He didn’t bite me in the end, but he rested his head on my shoulder as he breathed heavily for a few minutes while trying to calm himself. He was sweating and he was flushed.

“Ari… Sorry… I… I suddenly… Ugh! What was wrong with me..?” He whispered in a panic.

He covered my eyes as he raised his head. He doesn’t want me to see his face.

“I’ll find Gurion and bring him here.” He suddenly said while standing up, then hurriedly ran outside the door.

He intentionally didn’t show his face, but his ears were as red as a tomato probably due to embarrassment.

A few minutes later, Lowell entered the room with Gurion, so I was baffled.

“Mommy! Hug Guyon (Gurion)!” My little hatchling exclaimed excitedly.

I smiled at Gurion and took him from Lowell.

“Where did Dillon go?” I asked Lowell curiously.

“Oh! That… I think he ran to the lake to cool down. Don’t mind him. He’ll go back in a while.” He laughs lightly while thinking of Dillon’s miserable appearance.

Though I was worried about Dillon, I was also irritated because he left without a word. Luckily Lowell was there to assist me.

He helped me from noon teaching Gurion on how to talk properly until night. We had a lot of fun because of Gurion’s cute reactions to his mistakes in pronouncing words, but he was eager to learn.

Lowell also helped us to prepare our food, and bath water. The three of us had dinner together, then I bathed Gurion after we ate our food while Lowell waited outside for us to finish.

We continued on practicing words until late at night that I couldn’t even remember how we ended up sleeping on the bed.