The marks on her face, instead of appearing ugly, added a unique charm to her.
Clarence Glass smiled, his voice gentle.
"Don’t call me Clan Leader, just call me Clarence. Caden hasn’t actually visited us recently; if he had, I would definitely remember."
Seraphina’s heart sank, and she lowered her eyes.
The night wind brushed past her ears, bringing the crackling sound of distant bonfires.
But she soon understood.
The strongest of the Rabbit Clan is only Green Rank.
Her father was intent on finding a Beast Husband who could protect her, he definitely wouldn’t go to a low rank tribe.
He’s probably gone to a stronger place.
Clarence noticed the dimness in her eyes and his heart tightened slightly.
"But don’t lose heart, don’t feel too bad. There are other tribes nearby; there’s the Blackstone Clan to the north, and traces of the Skyplume Tribe to the south. Your father might have gone to one of these places, to connect with old friends or inquire about news. You’re so eager to find him, I can tell your heart is very worried."
He paused, his tone becoming even gentler.
"If you don’t mind too much, you can stay with us tonight. There is no rush to leave tomorrow. The mountains and forests at night are unsafe, with strong winds and heavy fog, it’s the favorite time for beasts to appear. You, a young girl, traveling alone, if you encounter panthers or venomous lizards, the odds wouldn’t be in your favor."
Upon hearing this, Seraphina’s eyes were originally dulled.
But just as Clarence finished speaking, her eyes instantly brightened.
"Is it really okay?"
She was worried about having to travel in the dark once night fell.
"Thank you so much, Clarence Clan Leader! We definitely won’t cause any trouble, we surely won’t be a burden to you and the tribe!"
She hurriedly bowed, her hands crossing over her chest.
Clarence smiled and waved his hand, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out.
"What trouble? A female coming for shelter is a blessing for our tribe."
"Though our place isn’t large, the warm soup for guests has never run out, and the fire has never been extinguished. You are here, you are a guest, there’s no need to feel constrained."
After speaking, he turned around and looked at the young beastfolk standing quietly beside him.
"Jasper, take Seraphina and her partners to those row of small wooden houses in the east."
"They’ve been freshly tidied up, dry grass has just been laid down, the corners of the walls smoked with worm-repelling mugwort. The house is clean and bright, won’t leak wind or rain. The most important thing is, when the sun rises tomorrow, the first ray of sunlight can shine in, warming the entire room, like being embraced by sunshine."
"Alright, Father."
Jasper replied cheerfully.
He smiled at Seraphina, showing a set of neat white teeth.
"This way, Seraphina Sister."
As it turned out, Jasper was the son of Clan Leader Clarence.
Seraphina looked at his gentle and kind demeanor, and couldn’t help but smile.
Thinking of Clarence’s usual smiling face.
She silently thought, this father and son, really are carved from the same mold.
But Gideon suddenly pulled her arm tighter.
His body warmth transmitted through the thin fabric, making Seraphina slightly startled.
He didn’t speak, just gently rested his chin on top of her head.
Then, his gaze quietly swept to Jasper’s back, his eyes deepened.
Jasper had been too gentle when speaking with Seraphina just now.
What made Gideon more mindful was that pair of red eyes, always unconsciously sticking to her,
Yet Jasper seemed completely unaware of the stealthily spreading hostility.
Occasionally turning back to chat and smile at Seraphina on the way.
"Seraphina Sister, the rainy season is fast approaching, the beasts in the mountain are restless."
"These few nights, panthers have been howling outside the ridge, even our tribe’s Night Watchman has to patrol with torches twice. Isn’t it dangerous for you to come out looking for the Clan Leader at this time?"
Hearing this, Seraphina froze for a moment, her steps paused slightly.
Even a stranger she just met knows the danger of entering the mountains during the rainy season.
But the Beast Husbands beside her, since she decided to set off, none had asked even once.
"Why must you find Father now?"
"Father came out alone to find a match for me."
"He travels over hills and valleys, visiting tribe after tribe, inquiring about the young beastfolk’s character, skills, family background... He said he wants to find me the most reliable person."
She paused, her fingertips trembling slightly.
"But it’s too dangerous now, I don’t want him taking more risks."
"I want to tell him... Instead of finding some Beast Husband, I want him to be with me through this rainy season."
Her voice grew lighter and lighter, ultimately carried away by the wind.
The footsteps of the Beast Husbands behind her all came to a halt.
It turns out... she wasn’t choosing a partner.
They thought, given Caden is a Purple Rank Strong Person, Seraphina pursued to pick someone powerful.
Unexpectedly, her concern has always been not a partner, but her father’s life.
Jasper’s eyes brightened and he immediately chimed in.
"Hey! I have an idea! If you’re afraid he’ll run around, why not find a reliable Beast Husband first? This way, it can stabilize the situation, and reassure your father so he doesn’t have to worry about your lifelong affair."
"Once he hears that, he’ll surely be relieved and return home quickly, without having to wander around anymore! After all, as a father, the greatest worry is his daughter being uncared for. Once you have a haven, he can rest easy."
Seraphina held her head down, seemingly seriously pondering over this suggestion.
Her fingers twisted slightly, her brow furrowing gently.
Beast Husbands: ?????
Gideon instantly flared up.
"No way!"
He tightened his grip on her arm as if afraid she’d be taken away.
Wyatt also stepped forward, coldly blocking in front of Seraphina.
"This isn’t your business. We’ll worry about her affairs ourselves."
Seraphina quickly held Gideon’s hand.
"Don’t get worked up, I’m just listening to advice."
She turned to Jasper, her face displaying a faint smile, and softly said, "Thank you. But right now... finding Father is more urgent."
The Beast Husbands, hearing this, felt a sense of relief begin to unwind within them.
Gideon’s temper gradually calmed down, and Wyatt slowly stepped back a pace.
Yet their gaze still remained alertly fixed on Jasper.
Jasper secretly clenched his fist, his eyes shimmering subtly.
Soon, the group arrived at the small wooden house.
The house sat solitary on the forest edge, its roof covered with thick thatch.
Jasper pushed the door open and clapped his hands.
"This place was the tribe’s spare dwelling, just cleaned, no dust, no draft, you’ll be safest staying here."
He walked into the room, wiped the windowsill with his hand, not a speck of dust rose.
Seraphina peered inside, the floor laid with dry grass mats, releasing a faint scent of mugwort.
A coarse clay water jar stood in the corner, with a thin layer of moisture on its surface.
On the table was an oil lamp, with several rolls of old beast skin paper stacked beside it.
"An empty, rundown house is fine, we really don’t want to burden you. We’re just passing by, staying simply is enough."
Jasper hastily explained.
"It’s no trouble at all! This house was unoccupied before; empty when left unused, now it’s perfect for you to stay. Plus, it’s quiet here and close to the water source, if there’s anything needed, I can come by in a few steps."
Seeing his decisive tone, Seraphina had no choice but to nod, "Then... Thank you very much."
Her gaze swept around the interior of the house.
And finally rested upon the oil lamp by the door, feeling a gentle warmth in her heart.