Emma, as the princess of the werewolf clan, wouldn’t leave the Northern Plateau and the beastmen nation without reason. Alan didn’t believe it was for him, her fiancé. He couldn’t accept she’d braved countless dangers to reach the human world for someone she’d never met.
Hearing Alan’s words, a trace of sorrow flickered in Emma’s pale pink eyes. “I don’t know why Grandpa told me to find you here before he died,” she said softly. “But I promised him. I won’t break my word.”
Alan froze, flustered. He hadn’t realized Emma left the Northern Plateau because of her grandfather—or that her grandfather had passed. He’d just salted her wound.
“Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean it. Really sorry.” Alan rushed to change the subject. “Emma, about that parchment—you don’t have to take it seriously. You wouldn’t want to tie your life to a human, right?” He had no intention of honoring that marriage contract. Beast-ear girls were cute, sure, but racial boundaries mattered. Especially since Emma was a werewolf. If she were fox clan, maybe. But wolf clan? Just a fantasy. Everyone knew why.
“Why not take it seriously?” Emma looked up at him, bright eyes clouded with confusion. “When Grandpa Alan and my grandpa signed the contract, I was there. They asked my opinion first.”
Alan had no reply. The person involved had been present—and agreed. Emma had consented to this marriage. Could he still tell her to ignore it? Absolutely not. Her words held another meaning: she was serious. She accepted him as her fiancé. Alan’s head throbbed. How could he handle this contract now? Rubbing his temples, he decided to care for Emma temporarily. He’d discuss the marriage properly when she was older and wiser.
“Damn old man! Next time I see you, I’ll burn off your beard!!” Haina snarled after reading the parchment. Fiery rage burned in her sharp eyes. She wanted to crush Alan’s grandfather.
Cloud Peak Guild members crowded around Emma. The werewolf princess was adorable—especially her ears. “Whoa! Look!” someone gasped. A fluffy white tail peeked behind her. A beast tail!
Some reached to touch it. Emma, already trembling under their stares, panicked. She squeaked like a startled rabbit and darted behind Alan, clutching his sleeve timidly. “Don’t touch! Grandpa said only my husband can touch Emma’s tail. Others get beaten to death.”
Alan glared at the gawking members. Emma barely reached his chest. “Stop staring! She’s a kid. Act human!”
“Hey, Guild Master! That’s unfair. What kid’s steamed-bun-sized? Look at Sister Haina—she’s not a kid, but her—”
“Divine flames! Scorch all filth from this world! Purifying Blaze!” Haina roared.
Hum! A fiery pentagram flared on her palm. Heat radiated.
“Whoa, Sister Haina, calm down! That spell’ll turn me to ash!!! Spare me!!!” Dass begged, sweating and pale. One blast would cripple him.
Rustle! Guild members scattered. Rampaging Haina was a human-shaped Beastmonster—terrifying.
“Dass, your soul’s tainted. Let my Purifying Blaze cleanse it!”
“Cleanse my soul? You’ll cleanse me too!”
“Earth spirits! Heed my call! Forge the hardest shield—Earth Shield!” Dass chanted. An earthen-yellow barrier materialized. He bolted behind it toward the exit.
“Running? Dream on! Purifying Blaze!”
Boom! The guild door vaporized. Dass’s screams echoed outside.
Alan watched impassively. Even with higher magic, he feared rampaging Haina. “Eli Gao, log this: Haina and Dass destroyed the door. Deduct 100 gold coins.”
Eli Gao winced. Ruthless! The custom door cost fifty silver coins max. In Leo Kingdom, one hundred silver equaled one gold.
“I’ll guard the guild tonight. Head home if you’re free.” Alan turned to Emma, still clinging to his sleeve. “Emma, no place to stay? Crash at my place?”
Emma nodded eagerly. Alan was her fiancé—she felt safe. But a flicker of worry crossed her eyes.
Alan couldn’t resist her drooping, fluffy ears. He gently stroked them.
Emma instantly went limp. Her pale pink eyes turned watery; her cheeks flushed rosy. “Al…an… don’t… touch… Emma’s ears… no strength…” she whispered.
Alan jerked back, startled. He’d only thought them cute. “Sorry! They were just… irresistible.” He caught her before she collapsed.
