"He went to fetch water," Seraphina calmly replied, following his words. "I want to exchange the prey early so that once he returns, we can cook and avoid wasting ti."
Her gaze fell upon the hyena carcass on the ground, appearing unruffled.
"Just enough for us to eat tonight, you can decide the amount."
Yet, those eyes subtly lifted, quickly scanning Caspian’s expression.
She never expected to trade a hyena for anything valuable.
After all, this type of prey wasn’t particularly rare in the tribe.
Her true intention was to keep Gideon from discovering her space.
Recently, she had stored many bodies and supplies in the space.
If she returned directly to the camp, suspicion would inevitably arise.
By trading the prey for at and fruits, everything seed reasonable.
Exchanging the hyena ant he wouldn’t notice her bringing back a carcass.
This was the most secure thod after careful consideration.
Caspian asked no further questions, simply nodding in silence.
His gaze was profound, carrying an imperceptible hint of curiosity.
Despite having black stains from Bright Pearl Fruits on his face.
Yet, that smile was warm enough to be srizing.
He steadied himself and finally nodded.
"Give a mont."
Before long, he ca out carrying a slab of at in one hand and a basket of wild fruits in the other.
The at was cut in one piece.
Shining with a golden luster, it was obviously leg at from a wild ox or large deer.
With distinct texture, alternating between fat and lean, emitting a faint aroma.
The weight was impressive, almost half of Seraphina’s weight.
Even the strongest male would struggle to carry it a short distance.
The basket of wild fruits was even more striking.
Seraphina’s eyes lit up, her heartbeat quickened.
This at was enough for her and Gideon for two als, and was of excellent quality, suitable for various cooking thods.
More importantly, so of these fruits might be suitable for seed preservation.
Later, she would select a few intact ones to place in the space, so that she could grow her own fruit trees.
For her, this was an extrely valuable resource.
"So much? Thank you so much, Patriarch Sutton!"
She reached out to share the load, but Caspian stepped back.
"It’s heavy; I’ll deliver it ho for you."
He didn’t look at her, focusing ahead on the path.
Seraphina paused, surprised at his offer.
She initially thought the trade would end with them going their separate ways.
But she quickly responded, nodding repeatedly.
"Thank you so much!"
She let out a soft sigh, feeling a complex mix of emotions within.
This Clan Leader seed different from the cold and reticent reputation he had.
Caspian couldn’t resist glancing at her again.
This female was truly sensible.
Bringing her prey to exchange for food, never complaining of hardship, nor greedy, and so gentle in temperant.
He had seen many females throughout his life.
But one like her, who took on everything silently without fighting, was a first.
Why wouldn’t her Beast Husband cherish her?
Could it be just because she... looks unattractive?
As his gaze swept over the black spots on her face, a wave of discontent surged within.
Yet he realized, despite this, her smile remained clean and bright.
They walked side by side, pacing evenly.
On the way, they encountered a few male tribesn, astonished upon seeing their Clan Leader personally carrying at and a fruit basket, alongside a female often overlooked for her unattractiveness, their eyes widened.
Soone opened their mouth as if to speak, but quickly looked down upon eting Caspian’s stern gaze.
The air filled with a subtle silence.
"When your father Caden was still around, he ntioned wanting to find you a reliable partner."
Caspian suddenly spoke, his voice deep.
"I see you haven’t formally bonded with any of them... Are they treating you poorly? Do you... want a change?"
Seraphina halted sharply upon hearing this.
The setting sun slanted its rays.
Her face appeared particularly gentle under the glow of dusk.
She knew Caspian wasn’t malicious.
At least, he had never done anything ill-intentioned.
His gaze was always straightforward, his tone restrained and polite.
But she and Gideon hadn’t broken the contract.
Even if there were misunderstandings and disputes in the past, when facing outsiders, she had to stand by her partners.
"Clan Leader, why do you think so?"
Her voice changed, still cool.
"My relationship with my partners is wonderful; they’ve always taken good care of . I’ve never thought of changing them."
Caspian stared at her, silent for a long ti.
However, he only saw her silhouette against the setting sun.
That figure was more striking and dazzling than any naturally beautiful female.
He suddenly thought that the males protected by such a dedicated female must be incredibly lucky.
He had seen many females bowing under male bla and cold stares, avoiding eye contact.
But Seraphina, unable to feel their care or warmth, and perhaps neglected over a long period, still defended them without a second thought.
Throughout his life, he had never seen another like her.
How could her males possibly let her carry everything alone?
Was it because of blemishes on her face, skin not as fair as others, that they despised her?
Couldn’t even offer basic respect?
He almost felt it was unfair for her.
But Seraphina had already denied it, and he had said enough.
To continue asking would make him appear intrusive.
"I’ve spoken too much. I apologize. However, if you ever encounter difficulties, feel free to find . If I can help, I won’t refuse."
Seraphina nodded politely, her gestures composed.
She knew this kindness might be sincere.
But in this land, genuine intentions might not matter, and promises can vanish like smoke.
She and Caspian were rely incidental acquaintances.
There was no inherent association between them.
That he willingly offered help already filled her with gratitude.
Receiving his assistance was unexpectedly joyous, and she didn’t want it to lead to any trouble.
They walked together, not a word more was exchanged.
It wasn’t long before Seraphina saw a silhouette in the distance—it was Gideon.
His figure was tall, facing the alley entrance, arms folded.
Gideon had long finished fetching water, placed the clay pot securely indoors, and tidied up the stove.
After completing these tasks, he stood at the entrance, eyes fixed on the depths of the alley.
When his sight finally captured the figures of Seraphina and Caspian walking side by side, his heart sank suddenly.
Especially upon seeing Caspian carrying heavy at and a fruit basket.
A fla in Gideon’s chest leaped to his throat.
Seraphina was his rightful Female Master!
Even if their contract was destined not to last.
But before that, she still belonged to him!
For another male to not only approach her but openly carry things for her, and be so closely connected.
This was intolerable to him.
Caspian reached the front of the house, not sparing Gideon a glance, just gently placing the at and fruit basket on the ground.
Then he stepped forward, a cold gaze sweeping across Gideon.
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