Chapter 205: Run or fly?
"Don’t be angry."
Feeling the surge of Nina’s anger, Setan’s heart thudded uneasily, but he forced himself to continue.
"Sunny is exceptionally gifted. If he returns to our clan, we will provide him with the very best resources and raise him into a powerful warrior."
Nina let out a cold laugh. "That won’t be necessary. I can raise Sunny just fine on my own."
With her current wealth and resources, she had no concerns about her children’s growth.
"Your mates may be outstanding," Setan pressed on, "but how can they compare to the resources of an entire city? Blazing Lion City has countless resources tailored specifically for our kind. They would greatly benefit Sunny’s development."
He knew her mates likely held status, but he hadn’t investigated just how much. Still, in his mind, Sunny would undeniably receive superior training in his clan.
He glanced at Nina, nervously pinching the edge of his clothing before asking tentatively, "If you’re willing... you could come with him."
The moment the words left his mouth, his chest tightened. He felt inexplicably nervous—yet hopeful.
Would she agree?
She loved her children so much... surely she would go with him?
Nina met his gaze directly. "What if I say I’m not going—and I won’t let Sunny go either?"
The instant her clear, beautiful eyes locked onto his, Setan’s heartbeat surged. Heat crept up his neck.
He quickly looked away, unable to hold her gaze. "If... if you don’t want to, then forget it. I won’t force you. And I won’t force Sunny either."
There was an inexplicable disappointment in his chest.
She didn’t want to go.
He had only asked out of obligation. Once he returned, the elders would surely learn of this—he had simply wanted something to report.
...Perhaps there was also a part of him he didn’t want to acknowledge.
Nina blinked, a little surprised. She had expected more resistance—perhaps even a fight. She hadn’t anticipated him backing down so easily.
"Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?" Setan tried again, unable to stop himself. "Blazing Lion City is an excellent place—beautiful, comfortable, rich in resources. There are many exquisite ornaments, and it’s very safe. It’s ideal for a female to live there."
He stole a glance at her. "You’re Sunny’s mother. I would take care of you as well... and I can provide you with beast crystals, no conditions."
"No need. I lack none of those things."
Nina extended the fire crystals toward him again. "You should still take these."
Since he had no intention of taking her child by force, she no longer felt angry. Gratitude still needed to be repaid.
"...Alright." Setan accepted the crystals, then hesitated before asking once more,
"You really won’t come? The wilderness is dangerous... drifting like this isn’t ideal."
Nina frowned slightly. "I have my own destination."
Why did he keep asking her? Wasn’t his focus supposed to be Sunny?
Then again... if she went, the cub would naturally go too.
"I see..." Setan’s chest tightened. "W-where are you going?"
Nina didn’t answer. "You’ve got the crystals. You should leave."
Why was he asking about her destination? Had he been pretending earlier? Did he still have his eyes on Sunny?
Better to send him away quickly.
"...Alright." Setan put away the crystals. There was no reason for him to stay any longer.
And yet... an unfamiliar reluctance tugged at him.
No. He couldn’t stay.
Hadn’t he already decided to keep his distance from Nina?
"For now... we’ll take our leave. Goodbye."
"Mm." He forced himself to turn away, suppressing the strange ache in his chest as he returned to the lion warriors.
"Let’s go," Setan said.
"Lord... the lion cub..." one of them began, glancing toward Sunny.
"Nina will take good care of him," Setan said firmly.
"But the clan rules..."
Setan cast them a sharp look. "And do you think you’re capable of taking him?"
Since Nina refused to go to Blazing Lion City, there was nothing he could do.
The lion warriors hesitated, subdued. They truly didn’t have the strength to take the cub—none of them could even defeat Nina herself, let alone face all her mates and allies.
"Then, my lord... where are we going next?" one of them asked.
"To Barbarian City," Setan replied. "There’s someone I need to find there."
After speaking, he couldn’t help but glance back at Nina one last time.
His hand clenched into a fist before he turned away decisively. "Let’s go."
"Yes, my lord."
The lion warriors followed, though not without casting reluctant looks back at Nina and the cubs.
It was a pity. Once they left, it would just be them again—a bunch of rough males with no beautiful female to look at, no adorable cubs to brighten their days, and certainly none of that delicious food.
After Setan’s group departed, Nina and the others finished packing and prepared to head toward Phoenix City.
"Nina, ride on my head again today," Aviel suggested, taking her hand.
"Nina, let me carry you today," Odian added, unwilling to give up his place. "I’m your exclusive mount."
"Nina, why not ride a leopard today?" Sal chimed in. "You don’t always have to fly."
"Nina, tigers run fast too," Kith said, hoping to be chosen.
"Nina, a fox’s back is soft and comfortable," Finch added shyly.
"Nina, didn’t you like riding on a cat’s back the most?" Mino said with a hopeful smile, remembering how her eyes had lit up the first time she saw his beast form.
Lex and Dian stayed quiet. In this particular competition, they had no advantage.
...But once Nina reached the sea, they would make sure she spent time in the water—with all the others left behind on land.
Yanai also remained silent. He wanted to volunteer—but didn’t dare.
Ming and the others laughed from the side. "Nina’s got a tough choice today."
That was the problem with having too many mates.
Nina rubbed her temples slightly. How was she supposed to choose?
Too many husbands—no way to keep things fair.
She glanced at the cubs in her arms. "What do you all want today—run or fly?"
Better let them decide.
"Fly!"
"I want to fly too!"
Most of the cubs chose flying.
Nina smiled. "Alright, we’ll fly today. Tomorrow we’ll run."
Then she asked again, "Do you want to ride a dragon or a phoenix?"
"Phoenix!"
"Dragon!"
The votes split—Linny, Didi, and Yinny chose phoenix, while the rest chose dragon.
So Nina made the final call.
"We’ll ride the dragon today."
Aviel shot Linny a sideways glance. That little traitor—choosing the phoenix?
If he hadn’t won overall, he’d definitely be getting a spanking tonight.
Odian sighed. He’d have to take the cubs flying himself soon, or he might lose favor.
Aviel transformed into a massive dragon. Odian lifted Nina and placed her, along with the cubs, onto the dragon’s head.
Soon, the group set off once more.
The next day, Mino won the honor.
On the third day, Odian was chosen. He took Nina and the cubs soaring through the skies in a dazzling display, successfully winning back their affection.
Not to be outdone, Aviel resolved to show off his flying skills even more next time.
And so, they traveled for two days like this.
Behind them, Yosan and his group finally caught up.
Perhaps anticipating that Nina’s group would be on guard, they kept their distance—following quietly from afar.