Chapter 381
“It’s alright, Auntie Yuna p>
Maya smiled, looking far more at peace than she had in a long time.
“I understand that feelings can’t be forced. Setan never liked me that way to begin with. There’s no point in clinging to something that was never mine p>
A trace of admiration appeared in her eyes.
“If I’d lost to any other female, I definitely wouldn’t have accepted it. I probably would’ve tried every possible way to win Setan back p>
She laughed softly.
“But losing to Lady Nina? I accept that wholeheartedly p>
How could she not? Nina was so extraordinary, so dazzlingly capable, that losing to her almost felt like an honor.
Yuna squeezed Maya’s hand. “Are you really okay p>
Maya nodded. “Of course. He’s only one male p>
She shrugged. “Blazing Flame City has plenty of outstanding males. It’s not like Setan is the only one p>
“Exactly!” Yuna immediately agreed. “Honestly, that brat is only average. I will help you find someone even better p>
Maya suddenly sighed dramatically.
“What a shame I’m female. If I were male, I’d much rather marry Lady Nina p>
The moment she remembered Nina standing in the arena, effortlessly crushing powerful opponents beneath her overwhelming strength, stars practically appeared in her eyes.
“Lady Nina’s battle form was just too captivating. She was unbelievably attractive p>
Yuna’s eyes immediately lit up. “I know exactly what you mean! When I watched Nina defeat all those males so effortlessly, my heart was pounding p>
She pressed a hand dramatically against her chest. “I swear I almost fell in love with her right then and there p>
Maya’s face grew even redder. “I already did p>
Yuna widened her eyes. “What p>
Maya looked completely serious. “I already fell in love with Lady Nina p>
At that moment on the arena stage, there had been no room left in her heart for Setan.
All she could see was Nina’s graceful, unstoppable brilliance.
Yuna immediately covered her face. Oddly enough, she looked shy.
“Actually… Me too. And not just because of the fighting. I really like the Nina of today too p>
“Exactly!” Maya nodded enthusiastically. “She’s powerful, knowledgeable, kind, beautiful p>
The two females quickly launched into a lively discussion entirely centered around Nina.
Before long, the garden was filled with their excited laughter and endless praise.
Not far away, Ridan happened to overhear the conversation while on patrol. He couldn’t help shaking his head in amazement.
“Lady Nina’s charm is terrifying. She’s even won over the females p>
This was the first time he’d ever heard of a female falling for another female.
As expected of the great Lady Nina. Vian nodded vigorously.
“Isn’t it obvious? Lady Nina managed to tame our boss. A ruthless, cold-blooded rogue beast leader. Getting females to fall for her is easy compared to that p>
Thinking about it now, their former leader had changed beyond recognition.
The once-feared rogue beast now looked more like an obedient, devoted husband who revolved entirely around his female.
There wasn’t a trace of his former brutality left.
And honestly?
They couldn’t be happier for him. Finding a female like Nina was practically impossible for rogue beastmen.
Because of her and their leader, they no longer wandered without purpose.
They had a home now.
Though… His expression darkened slightly.
Their leader’s habit of regularly confiscating their beast crystals was still extremely annoying.
Did anyone understand how difficult it was for hardworking beastmen to save money?
Pado nodded in agreement.
“Our king is the same. He once swore he’d never touch things like bone needles. He said crafting and sewing were pointless. And look at him now p>
The king’s domestic skills were so advanced that he’d surpassed most of his own subordinates.
The only issue was that his intelligence occasionally vanished whenever Nina was involved.
That part gave Pado headaches.
The king had once been wise, composed, and intimidating.
Now?
One smile from Nina and all rational thought disappeared.
The older males had been right––love really did make males stupid.
He silently vowed to be more careful in the future.
Nearby, Ridan joined the conversation.
“Our High Priest isn’t any better p>
He laughed.
“He used to stay at least ten paces away from every female p>
Now? The man practically followed Nina everywhere. Sometimes it looked as though he wanted to merge into her shadow. The clinginess was honestly hard to watch.
“And don’t even get me started on our Young Master. He dresses like a peacock every single day now p>
Within minutes, the males had devolved into an enthusiastic gossip session of their own.
Meanwhile, after her nap, Nina spent the entire afternoon being dragged around by Yuna and Maya.
The two females monopolized her attention so thoroughly that several of her mates began feeling jealous.
Why were those two always occupying Nina?
By evening, Maya reluctantly stayed for dinner as well. Only after another delicious meal did she finally leave.
Yian arrived to pick up Yuna. Unfortunately for him, Yuna had no intention of going home.
After pulling several valuable items out of Yian’s storage space, she happily announced that she would be staying at the City Lord’s Manor.
Yian didn’t dare object.
Since Setan was there to help watch over her, he felt reassured.
Besides, he had countless things to deal with over the next few days.
And with Nina around, Yuna couldn’t possibly be safer.
That night, Nina gathered her mates and shared everything she’d learned about Serpent City.
The group discussed possibilities and made plans late into the evening.
Once they finished, everyone retired for the night.
Lex waited until Nina was asleep before slipping back to his own room.
His mission remained unchanged. He still needed to advance his position in Nina’s heart. And he was rapidly running out of time.
Setan also quietly returned to his room.
The next morning, Nina finished breakfast and began Setan’s daily treatment session.
The healing had only just concluded when a cheerful voice sounded outside the door.
“Nina, are you finished p>
It was Yuna.
Setan immediately rose and opened the door.
Outside stood Yuna and Yian.
“Mother? Father? Why are you here so early p>
Normally, his mother would still be sleeping at this hour.
Then he noticed the crystals in her hands.
Nourishment Crystals. Rare treasures capable of strengthening and restoring the body.
Emotion immediately surged through him.
Mother had come all this way just to bring him healing crystals.
He smiled warmly.
“Mother, you really don’t have to p>
Before he could finish, Yuna impatiently shoved him aside.
“Move p>
Setan froze.
Apparently… Those crystals weren’t for him.
Yuna hurried straight past him and stopped in front of Nina.
Her face instantly transformed into a warm, affectionate smile.
“Nina p>
She lifted the crystals.
“These are Nourishment Crystals. They’re excellent for restoring energy p>
She pressed them into Nina’s hands.
“Absorb them later. I got up early specifically to bring them to you p>
The moment she’d heard Nina was treating Setan again, she’d rushed over.
Nina looked surprised.
“This is too valuable p>
Yuna immediately pushed the crystals closer.
“Nonsense. You saved Setan. And you’ve been exhausting your own energy every day to heal him p>
She shook her head.
“This is the least we can do. Besides, you gave me so many wonderful gifts yesterday p>
Her eyes sparkled.
“And now you’re not allowed to be polite with me. Otherwise I’ll assume you don’t consider me a friend p>
The previous day, Nina had gifted both her and Maya countless rare treasures.
Many were things she’d never even seen before.
Naturally, whenever she acquired something valuable, Nina was the first person she thought of.
Nina laughed softly.
“Alright. Thank you, Auntie Yun p>
Privately, she decided to prepare several nourishing items for females and give them to Yuna later.
Yuna immediately waved off the gratitude.
“What are friends for p>
Then she eagerly linked arms with Nina.
“You’ve finished treating Setan, right p>
“More or less p>
“Perfect p>
Yuna beamed.
“Let’s go play with the cubs p>
The excitement in her voice was impossible to miss.
Ever since Setan had grown up, she’d rarely had opportunities to spend time with young cubs.
And Nina’s children?
They were unbearably adorable. Every time she saw them, her heart practically melted.
She had even brought gifts for them today.
Nina smiled. “Sure p>
Moments later, Yuna happily escorted Nina outside. Behind them, Yian watched with undisguised jealousy.
“Your mother treats Nina incredibly well p>
His voice sounded downright sour.
The Nourishment Crystals she had given away were treasures she normally refused to use even for herself.
This morning she’d practically dragged him out of bed because she couldn’t wait to visit Nina.
She’d barely touched her breakfast before rushing over.
He hadn’t even been able to stop her.
Honestly, he was becoming suspicious.
Yuna talked about Nina during the day.
Dreamed about Nina at night.
And had apparently done so for two nights in a row.
At this point, Yian was beginning to wonder whether his mate had fallen in love with Nina herself.
Beside him, Setan watched the two women walk away together.
Instead of jealousy, a pleased smile appeared on his face.
“I’m happy p>
Yian stared at him.
“What p>
Setan’s expression softened.
“If Mother treats Nina well because of me p>
His smile widened.
“Then I’m very happy p>
Yian looked at his son as though he had suddenly grown another head.
“What does your mother’s affection for Nina have to do with you p>
This brat really had love sickness.
And apparently, it was terminal.