Chapter 96
“Nina, these sweet potatoes are all washed. We left some unwashed and stored them separately p>
Kith placed the cleaned sweet potatoes in front of her.
“Alright, I’ll teach you how to roast them p>
Nina set some aside for roasting and others for steaming and boiling.
Ridan and the others stir-fried a few more dishes, and soon dinner was ready.
“Lady Nina, how do we eat this chestnut?” Ridan asked, holding up a roasted one.
“Just peel off the outer shell p>
Nina demonstrated first, cracking one open with practiced ease.
The three little ones stared eagerly, eyes full of longing. The egg babies could only wobble nearby, inhaling the delicious aroma.
Nina mashed a small portion of chestnut into paste and prepared to feed them.
Kith gently took the bowl from her. “You eat first. I’ll handle it p>
“Alright—but just a little taste. Not too much,” Nina reminded him, handing over the bowl. “You can also mash some sweet potato and let them try a bit p>
“Understood p>
Kith fed tiny spoonfuls to the cubs while Finch mashed sweet potatoes beside him.
“Lady Nina, do we peel this sweet potato too?” Ridan asked, holding one up.
“Yes, just peel the skin p>
Odian peeled one carefully and placed it in her bowl. “It’s still hot. Let it cool a bit before you eat p>
“Mm.” Nina smiled as she accepted it.
Odian peeled one for himself and took a bite.
His eyes widened slightly.
Sweet. Fragrant. Soft.
Delicious.
He tried some sweet potato syrup as well and found he liked that too.
Ridan and the others tasted it and nodded in approval.
Though they preferred meat, trying something new was refreshing.
As high-ranking males, they never lacked prey—but discovering new foods brought its own kind of joy.
Their respect for Nina deepened once more.
Hidden outside the cave, the dragon warriors watched with admiration.
“Your Majesty, our future queen knows so much p>
“Yes, she’s incredible p>
“She is not your queen,” Aviel muttered, clicking his tongue.
The dragon warriors exchanged glances, unconvinced.
You’re the one watching most intently.
The night passed in warmth and fragrance.
One early morning, Nina rose before the others and stepped outside the cave to breathe in the fresh air.
Odian approached her, a hint of hesitation in his expression.
“Nina… could you come somewhere with me? It’s not far. I’ll have Ridan and the others watch the cubs p>
“Of course!” she replied without hesitation.
She didn’t know what it was about, but after everything they’d been through, she trusted him deeply.
He had helped her so much. Without him and the phoenix warriors, she could only imagine how many dangers she and the cubs would have faced alone.
Seeing her agree, Odian’s eyes lit up.
“I’ll take you p>
He stepped forward, lifted her gently into his arms, and flew her to a nearby clearing.
They landed beneath a towering tree.
“Nina, wait here p>
He faced the massive tree and channeled his power.
Nina watched curiously.
Then something magical happened.
Under Odian’s power, the once-green tree burst into bloom, covered instantly in brilliant scarlet blossoms. Each flower resembled a phoenix poised for flight, vibrant and resplendent, painting the branches in breathtaking red.
“It’s beautiful Nina breathed.
Odian summoned his power again. Petals drifted down slowly, surrounding them in a rain of crimson.
He took a steadying breath and stepped before her, eyes filled with devotion.
“Nina, this is the Phoenix Tree—our clan’s sacred tree. When it blooms, it symbolizes love in full blossom. From this day forward, my phoenix flowers will bloom only for you p>
From his robe, he withdrew a magnificent feather.
“This is a Fire-Plume Feather. Each phoenix male has only one in his lifetime. It is a token for the female he chooses as his mate. Phoenix males love only once. We remain loyal until death p>
He gently took her hand and placed the feather into her palm.
“Nina, I love you. I swear before the Beast God that I will protect you with my life p>
His voice trembled slightly.
“Nina… will you accept me? Will you allow me to be your mate p>
She bit her lip softly.
“You don’t mind how I look now? Or that I already have so many cubs from other males p>
She wasn’t unmoved by him. His character, strength, and appearance were exceptional—and he treated her with unwavering care.
How could she not feel something?
Odian’s eyes overflowed with tenderness.
“Appearance is only skin. No matter what you look like, I love you. And the cubs are adorable. If their fathers refuse to raise them, then I will p>
Nina closed her fingers around the Fire-Plume Feather.
“Then… let’s take things slowly first. If we’re truly compatible, we can formally bond later. Is that alright p>
Joy exploded across Odian’s face. He pulled her into his arms.
“As long as you accept me, I agree to anything p>
She hugged him back.
“I also have a guardian beast. Can you get along with him in the future p>
“I will p>
He lowered his head shyly.
“Nina… may I kiss you p>
He leaned closer.
“Wait p>
She pressed a finger lightly against his lips.
“Let me show you a little magic first p>
She removed the Illusion Stone, restoring her original appearance.
Odian’s eyes widened.
“Nina… your face p>
She was suddenly breathtaking.
“This is my true appearance. Some males kept bothering me on the road, so I changed it to avoid trouble p>
She smiled playfully. “Do you like this version p>
“I like all of you,” he replied, eyes shining.
If anything, fewer rivals would be better.
He leaned down and kissed her gently. Their lips met softly at first, then lingered—tender, unhurried, reluctant to part.
Much later, they returned hand in hand. The phoenix warriors grinned knowingly.
The High Priest had succeeded.
Kith’s expression darkened.
For reasons he couldn’t quite name, the sight of their intertwined hands made his chest feel tight and bitter.
He turned silently and continued preparing breakfast.
Finch pressed a hand to his chest.
Why does it feel so sour here?
In the shadows, Aviel crushed a branch into powder.
That male’s hands looked unbearably irritating.
Nina’s cheeks were flushed as she gently withdrew her hand.
“I’ll go check if the cubs are awake p>
Odian released her reluctantly. “Alright. I’ll make breakfast for you p>
The next two days were filled with sweetness.
One night, after the cubs had just fallen asleep, Odian drew Nina outside. He pressed her lightly against a tree and kissed her passionately beneath the dark sky.
Watching the two intertwined silhouettes in the night, Aviel’s gaze grew cold.
“I’ve made my decision p>
The dragon warriors immediately turned to him.