He quickly walked back to Seraphina Caldwell, handed the meat to her.
"Eat it while it’s hot; I’ve just prepared it, so it won’t burn your mouth."
His voice was very gentle.
Seraphina was starving and took a bite as soon as she grabbed it.
The juice burst in her mouth, perfectly seasoned.
She chewed and nodded with approval.
"It’s really delicious, thank you, Gideon Larkin."
As she spoke, a bit of oil stained the corner of her mouth, and her cheeks were slightly flushed from the heat.
Hearing her praise, Gideon Larkin’s eyes lit up.
He raised his hand to point at another grill on the side.
"That’s Prismwing, its meat is much more tender than ordinary beast meat. Want to try some? I’ll get you a piece."
His tone was filled with anticipation.
Seraphina followed his gaze to look over and couldn’t help but mumble to herself.
Such a big bird with rough skin and thick meat, how tender can it be?
But looking at the golden and shiny roasted exterior, she still nodded.
"Sure, bring me a small piece to taste."
Upon hearing her words, Gideon Larkin immediately beamed with joy.
Watching him busily attending to Seraphina, the beast husbands standing nearby looked somewhat uneasy.
"Isn’t it just a piece of meat? If I’d known this little female was so easy to talk to, what’s the big deal in helping her get a piece, anyone could do it."
Wyatt Yardley stood quietly a few steps away, watching this scene coldly.
He tightened his sleeve, his nails slightly digging into his palm.
Finally, he hesitated for a moment, his voice so low it was almost like whispering to himself.
"Thirsty? I’ll go get you some."
Seraphina was biting the Prismwing meat, charred on the outside and tender inside, surprisingly delicious.
Hearing Wyatt Yardley’s words, she looked up, following the direction he pointed.
Indeed, not far away, a flat stone table had several clay pots filled with clear water.
That side really wasn’t far, just a few steps away.
She didn’t want to keep bothering these characters who might become quite tough in the future.
So she hurriedly waved her hand.
"No, no need! I can go by myself."
Wyatt Yardley’s hand, already extended, suddenly froze midair.
His dark red eyes dimmed instantly.
Others handed her food, and she accepted with a smile.
He wanted to offer her a drink, yet was rejected in a hurry.
Does she really refuse to have anything to do with him?
The cold face ignoring him by the stream was already clear enough.
Must even such small matters be deliberately avoided now?
Seraphina had completely missed the turmoil in his heart.
Didn’t notice the fleeting sadness solidifying in the air.
She was just about to stand up.
But a warm hand held her shoulder down.
She turned to look and saw Evan Orwell.
"Don’t move, sit down, I’ll go get it."
Before the words fell, he had already stepped towards the stone table.
At the stone table, he took a clean pottery jug from the bag he carried.
First, he wiped the jug’s mouth with a cloth, then ladled it full of clear water from the large container.
Finally, he handed the pottery jug to Seraphina, cautioning her.
"Be careful; this water was just boiled not long ago, it’s still a bit hot, don’t drink too quickly."
Seraphina took the pottery jug, lowered her head, and softly said.
"Thank you."
Just about to sip a bit to ease the oiliness in her mouth.
But suddenly another pottery jug was handed over.
Miles Astor had somehow silently appeared before her.
He held a small pottery jug adorned with vine patterns in both hands.
"Seraphina Caldwell, female."
His voice was soft.
"This is juice squeezed from Honey Fruit, would you like to try it? Honey Fruit is particularly sweet, and the juice is abundant, females in the village love it. I even chilled it with stream water, it’s icy cold, drinking a sip after eating the meat is most comfortable."
A sweet fruit aroma floated on the breeze.
Seraphina’s eyes suddenly lit up.
Her nostrils gently twitched, greedily inhaling a breath of air.
Juice?
Real juice?
She almost couldn’t believe her sense of smell.
In this World of Beastfolk where even having a full meal was difficult, always worried about basic food supplies.
The fact that such a rare item could be found?
Juice, to her, was practically a legendary luxury.
But then she thought, this wasn’t a modern city.
A male without reason giving a female food, mostly had intentions.
Likely trying to court her, using this to express closeness.
In this Beastfolk Village where instincts and emotions intertwine, offering food is the start of courtship.
She needed to be cautious, couldn’t casually accept others’ gifts, otherwise, it might cause unnecessary trouble.
She hurriedly lowered her head.
"Thank you, but it’s not necessary, I have my beast husbands to care for me, they will prepare it."
This sentence was just something she said, not really expecting those males to squeeze juice.
She merely wanted Miles Astor not to keep coming closer.
Using her "claimed" status to clearly set the boundary.
But these words in the ears of a few beast husbands.
They took on different meanings.
Originally watching from a distance, their gazes collectively focused on Seraphina.
A few people’s minds instantly filled with murmurs.
But constrained by Miles Astor’s presence, none of them spoke up.
Afraid of seeming too concerned and falling into a disadvantageous position.
After all, in this world, males finding food for females was rightfully expected.
If appearing too active, it might let others see the signals.
Gideon Larkin was the first to speak.
"Did you hear that? We will prepare juice for her, take back your kindness."
After speaking, his tall figure instinctively shielded Seraphina behind him.
But Miles Astor did not leave.
He clearly saw it.
Just now, the moment Seraphina saw the juice, the light flashing in her eyes was completely unhideable.
She really wanted to drink.
Just avoiding him.
Because of being concerned about his status.
Looking at this obedient female, he felt more and more fondness.
Her refusal was okay; he didn’t plan to give up at this point.
Affections never need to be rushed.
He had patience and was willing to approach her step by step.
He pushed the pottery jug forward again, his movements very light.
"I have no other intentions, just see you eating roasted meat with greasy lips, this drink suits you well. Keep the jug, no need for reciprocity, just take it."
Before the words were finished, not giving Seraphina a chance to refuse.
He gently placed the pottery jug on the rock beside her.
Then, he turned and left, without another word.
Seraphina looked at the jug of juice.
Her heart couldn’t help but start drumming.
If she didn’t take it, the scent was really too tempting.
If she did take it?
Would Miles Astor misunderstand that she was interested in him?
After all, this juice was brought by Miles Astor himself and specially placed in front of her.
Even if merely from a hospitality or sharing standpoint, in others’ eyes, it might carry a different meaning.
She didn’t wish to stir up unnecessary gossip in the village, nor make relations awkward.
She stood there hesitating for a few seconds.
Eventually, she turned away, no longer staring at that pottery jug.
A few beast husbands watched her reaction.
They understood how enticing the jug of juice was to females.
Even realized her inner struggle at the moment.
Wanting to taste, yet fearing the consequences.
Evan Orwell stood up first, casually picking up the jug of juice.
He gently placed the jug on the small stone platform in front of Seraphina.
"He’s just offering to ease your greasiness, not other intentions."
Paused, he added a sentence.
"If you want to drink, drink it, don’t burden yourself mentally."