Chapter 151
Nina hesitated, unable to decide. “How about… you draw lots p>
Sal and Odian exchanged a glance. “Alright. We’ll do as you say p>
Odian thought to himself that, as her first mate, he technically had priority—but a first mate should be magnanimous. He didn’t want to put Nina in a difficult position.
Besides, her method was fair. He still had a fifty percent chance.
Nina took out two slips. “Go on—draw. Whoever gets the one with a mark wins p>
For a moment, neither male moved.
Odian spoke first. “Sal, you choose first p>
Sal didn’t hesitate. It was the same odds either way.
He glanced left and right, then closed his eyes and picked one.
Odian took the remaining slip.
Both silently offered a quick prayer before opening them with anticipation.
Odian’s eyes widened the moment he unfolded his.
A smile bloomed across his face, bright and delighted.
“Nina… mine has the mark p>
Sal looked at the blank slip in his hand. A flicker of disappointment passed through him, but he wasn’t truly upset. It was only one night.
He leaned in and pressed a light kiss to Nina’s forehead.
“Nina, I’ll show you my new outfit tomorrow night p>
Nina laughed softly. “Alright p>
Odian, unable to hide his joy, scooped Nina into his arms and carried her swiftly into his room.
He set her gently on the bed.
“Give me a moment, my lady. I’ll go change p>
A trace of curiosity stirred in Nina’s eyes.
She wondered what kind of outfit someone as refined and elegant as Odian would wear.
It didn’t take long.
When he returned, his handsome face was faintly flushed.
“My lady… do you like it p>
Nina arched a brow slightly.
The feeling he gave was completely different from Sal’s. Sal’s allure was bold and openly seductive—while Odian’s was like a bright, untouchable moon softened by mortal desire, restrained yet deeply tempting.
She rose onto her toes, her fingertips tracing slow circles over his firm abdomen.
“I like it very much p>
A shy smile flickered across Odian’s lips.
“I have more p>
He reached into his space and brought out a small collection of delicate items.
“My lady… which one do you prefer p>
Nina’s eyes widened slightly.
This was practically… a version of something she recognized from another world.
Odian stepped closer, his voice lowering.
“Then tonight… will you take the lead? Or p>
Nina’s ears warmed.
She was, admittedly, a little tired.
“Then which one shall we use tonight?” Odian murmured, his breath brushing her ear. “Or p>
He gave a soft laugh.
Before she could answer, his lips were already upon hers, stealing her breath as he gently pressed her down against the bed.
The night deepened, filled with soft, breathless murmurs p>
Unfortunately, Odian’s soundproofing that night wasn’t particularly effective.
In the neighboring rooms, several males endured a restless night.
Sal added a sound barrier around the cubs. “That damned male… not even worried about waking them p>
Odian occasionally opened his eyes, turning restlessly in bed.
Finch clenched the bedsheet tightly, cursing under his breath—yet unable to suppress a trace of envy.
Aviel eventually gave up trying to sleep and went to the bathing room.
Mino covered his ears, only to slowly loosen his grip again.
Yanai turned irritably toward him. “Mino, lower the temperature in here p>
Mino shot him a look but still used his ability to coat the room in a thin layer of frost.
Even so, Yanai still felt unbearably restless.
That damned bastard p>
The next morning, aside from Odian—who looked radiant and refreshed—the other males all appeared somewhat worn and sleep-deprived.
They shot him sharp looks.
He had definitely done it on purpose.
Odian, however, walked past them calmly, perfectly composed, and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Nina, thoroughly satisfied.
Nina woke later than usual that day.
Seeing she was still asleep, the cubs didn’t disturb her and instead went outside to play on their own.
They didn’t quite understand why their mother had suddenly slept in Odian’s room—but as long as they could still see her, they were content.
Ming and Taru competed for the cubs’ attention in the courtyard.
When Nina finally woke, she rubbed her sore waist before heading to wash up.
The males immediately crowded into the washroom to attend to her.
She glanced at them—dark circles faintly visible under their eyes—and felt a flicker of confusion.
Did none of them sleep well last night?
But she didn’t ask.
After breakfast, she took the cubs out for a walk.
Aside from the little mermaid, whom she carried, the others walked on their own.
Yinny and Didi trotted along at her sides, keeping pace with her.
Linny and Momo fluttered nearby, hovering close to her shoulders.
In her arms, the little mermaid gazed around curiously, fascinated by everything.
“Mo… bird p>
“Mo… fower p>
Each time she spotted something new, she pointed excitedly and shared it with Nina.
“That’s ’flower,’” Nina corrected gently with a smile.
“Fla The little one adjusted, trying again. “Flower p>
“That’s right!” Nina praised, stroking her head. “You’re so clever p>
The little mermaid beamed, pointing again.
“Flower… pretty p>
Hidden nearby, the merfolk males silently applauded.
Their little princess was so smart.
They turned to Lex, hesitant.
“Your Majesty… are we really going to pretend to be rogue beastmen later p>
“Yes,” Lex said firmly. “I’ll show up at the right moment, beat you all up, and ’save’ the young female. That way, she’ll think better of me p>
He had once heard his father say that his mother had fallen for him after he rescued her.
He wasn’t foolish enough to expect Nina to chase him.
If he could win her over at all, it would already be a blessing.
The merfolk males sighed.
He would gain favor—while they got beaten.
“Are you sure Nina won’t recognize us? She’s very perceptive,” Bjarn said cautiously.
“Just cover your faces well,” Lex replied. “Don’t let her recognize you p>
Even he wasn’t entirely confident.
“But… with so many powerful males around her, will you even get the chance to step in?” another one pointed out.
The plan had far too many flaws.
“I’ll act immediately,” Lex insisted.
He knew the plan wasn’t perfect—but even the slightest chance was worth trying.
“Your Majesty… please don’t hit our faces p>
The merfolk males still cared deeply about their looks.
“I know, I know. Hurry and get ready. When she reaches the river, you go out,” Lex said.
He would… try not to hit their faces.
But just as Nina and the cubs stepped onto the grassy field, and before the merfolk could act, a group of beastmen suddenly appeared and blocked their path.