Chapter 24

In the sweltering summer heat, Lalabel awoke with a sigh. Sunlight filtered through the half-open window, painting the room in warm golden hues. With a yawn, she stretched and sat up in bed, feeling the sticky air envelop her skin. The buzzing of insects outside accompanied the silence of the cabin, creating an atmosphere of barely disturbed tranquility.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lalabel watched a system message that read: 

Congratulations Beta Female.

You have been paired with your third mate.

The number of squares your inventory adds up to +30.

Title Acquired: The lady who shakes the hearts of beasts : Other males will be influenced 10% by your words.

 Lalabel realized she was already dressed, which puzzled her for a moment. A vague memory of the night before seeped into her mind, bringing with it a surge of emotions and sensations. Every muscle in her legs seemed to recall the intensity of the passion shared with Yang, her beloved. 

She stepped out of the old hut, leaving behind the sweltering heat that seemed trapped between the wooden walls. The sun blazed down on her as she walked along the dusty paths of the village, kicking up small clouds of dirt with every step.

As she went along, a two-striped male tiger approached her with a flirtatious smile, trying to woo her with flattering words and exaggerated gestures. However, Lalabel gently but firmly rebuffed him, without stopping her stride. She continued to walk purposefully home, ignoring the attempts at conquest she encountered along the way.

But persistence seemed to be a constant in her day, as another young male crossed her path soon after. This one offered her a basket of fresh fruit, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of hope and desire. However, Lalabel again declined his offer, keeping her focus on getting home without further distractions.

Halfway down the road, Lalabel met her beloved Noir and Teru, who were waiting for her with worried expressions on their faces. Seeing them, Lalabel felt joy as she saw them kissing each other on the lips and caressed the muscles of each of them.

Lalabel continued walking smoothly as she wears the mountaineering boots she had received from the system. The intensity of her emotions overwhelmed her, making her hesitate for a moment before mustering the courage to tell them.

With a voice of joy, Lalabel shared with Noir and Teru some details of her conversation with Yang, expressing her excitement to have a new member in the family. The two surrounded her with affection, offering words of love and support as they continued on their way home.

Upon arriving at their home, Lalabel felt a knot in her stomach as she saw Yang waiting for them at the door. Her presence was like a whirlwind of mixed emotions, bringing back fresh memories of the night before mixed with a sense of discomfort. However, the enticing fragrance of freshly prepared food hung in the air, distracting for a moment from their tumultuous thoughts.

Yang greeted them with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with affection as she invited them in. The table was set with care, adorned with a colorful green salad and a succulent steak that seemed to melt in the mouth. Lalabel noticed with a slight start that the largest steak was reserved for her, while the others had smaller portions.

She couldn't help but feel excited by Yang's gesture. It was evident that she had prepared the food with love and care, wishing to please those she considered important in her life.

During the meal, the atmosphere at the table was charged with a palpable tension, like an electric current flowing between the four of them. The three males exchanged fleeting glances, each immersed in his own thoughts and fears, silently wondering how Lalabel would distribute her love among them.

Noir, with his serious and reserved countenance, barely touched his food, lost in a sea of worries and doubts. Teru, on the other hand, was trying to make light conversation, but his smile did not reach his eyes, which reflected a mixture of anxiety. Yang, though seemingly calm, could not hide the nervousness that seeped through his carefully calculated gestures.

Meanwhile, Lalabel seemed oblivious to the tension that filled the room, focused on enjoying every mouthful of juicy meat. She closed her eyes momentarily as she chewed, savoring the rich, comforting taste that flooded her palate. Though her mind was far from at peace.

The tension in the air was almost palpable, enveloping her like a heavy blanket making it difficult to breathe. She decided to break the ice, if only for a moment, seeking to ease the emotional burden that weighed on all of them. With a gentle smile, -I love them each equally and we are family, Lalabel said in a soft but firm voice, meeting the expectant gazes of the men around her. Her words echoed in the air, carrying with them a hint of warmth and comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

Lalabel approached each of them, letting her lips meet theirs in a gesture of love. 

Determinedly, she grabbed a portion of steak from the table and headed toward the bedroom, Lalabel felt a tug at her conscience as she remembered her python snake that remained hidden under the bed. She knew it was time to feed it, and she couldn't put it off any longer.

Under the bed, she found her faithful and silent snake, patiently waiting for its meal. Lalabel offered her the piece of meat carefully, watching lovingly as the snake eagerly devoured it.

As she watched Python feed, Lalabel felt momentarily removed from the complexities of her love life. In that moment, only she and her snake existed, sharing a special bond that transcended the complications of the outside world.

Lalabel watched the snake fondly, feeling a squeeze in her heart as she remembered that she would soon be leaving on a trip and would not be able to take it with her. The thought of leaving Python behind caused her to feel a sense of loss, as if she were abandoning a loyal friend.

—I don't want to forget you," Lalabel murmured softly, directing her words to the snake lying quietly under the bed. If I ever see you again in the forest, I will remember you.

She remained thoughtful for a few moments, pondering how she could keep the memory of her albino snake alive in her heart even in her absence. Then, an idea flashed in her mind, a simple but meaningful solution. - The snake slithered out of bed and remained at her feet, waiting for Lalabel's next reaction.

—I will call you Elios," Lalabel finally declared. That's how I'll remember you. At that instant, Elios' head glowed with a dim light, as if he had responded to the designation with a flash of recognition. It was then that, suddenly, a system message appeared in front of her eyes. Where it unfolds.

Name: Elios

Species: Reptile / Beastman

Age: 17 years old (adolescent)

Title: Patient hunter

Binding: to Lalabel

Status: Pet (temporary)

Lalabel looked at Elios' status window, - "I already messed up my life again with another male and it had to be a snake. It wasn't that she didn't like snakes, it was just that she was worried about the possessive personality that this species can have, from the information she had from the manhwa she had read, and the animal behavior as a veterinary student", -I looked at Elios, sighing resigned to face this situation. 

()()()

In a secluded corner of the bustling village, Lalabel, Noir, Teru and Yang gathered among the tall trees whispering secrets in the wind. The air was charged with vibrant energy as they prepared for their practice session with the recurve bow.

Lalabel, her eyes glowing with determination, took the bow and an arrow deftly, showing her companions how it was to be done. Her stance was firm, her movements fluid and precise, as if the bow were a natural extension of her being. Her companions watched with admiration and determination, inspired by her skill.

Noir, his gaze intense and deep, approached after Lalabel, eager to test her skills. His hands trembled slightly with excitement as he adjusted his grip on the bow. With concentration, he took aim and released the arrow, feeling a mixture of satisfaction as he watched it fly through the air.

Teru, with his calm but determined soul, took the bow next. Her movements were graceful and serene, as if she was dancing with the wind. With each shot, Teru found a deeper connection with the bow, feeling how the arrow launched towards its target hit the tree.

Yang, with his indomitable spirit and playful smile, was the last to take the bow. His energy was infectious, filling the air with a sense of joy. Although his shots were erratic at first, with each attempt he became more accurate and confident, enjoying every moment of practice.

As Lalabel watches them practice, her mind dipped into memories of her youth, recalling the days when she practiced on the archery team during her freshman year in college. The feeling of tension in the bow, the release of the arrow and the thrill of watching it fly toward its target enveloped her as if it were yesterday.She remembered the long days of training, the sound of the arrows slicing through the air and the satisfaction of each accurate shot.

Amid laughter and words of encouragement, the four continued to practice, each one learning and growing in skill and confidence. In that secluded corner of the village, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, familiarity and the sweet sound of arrows cutting through the air, as Lalabel, Noir, Teru and Yang strengthened their bonds that would last long beyond.

()()()()

Three days later.....

Lalabel stood in the forest, stroking the scales of her snake Elios tenderly. She knew she would no longer be able to care for it during her next journey, so with a lump in her throat and a kiss on the head, she released it into the forest. Elios slipped through the trees gracefully, disappearing into the vegetation as Lalabel wished him well in his freedom. - "I'm sure we'll meet again sometime." 

The sun shone brightly over the village as she bid Yang farewell with a kiss and an affectionate hug. She reminded him that she would meet him and the others once she had settled her affairs as patriarch. Yang nodded with a smile, promising to meet with them.

Determined to accomplish her mission, Lalabel transformed into a sleek black panther, her muscles lithe and powerful beneath her dark fur. At her side, Noir took the form of a majestic eagle, his wings outstretched ready to soar through the skies. Teru became an agile and elusive deer, his antlers erect as a symbol of bravery.

Together, they glided silently along the forest paths, their animal forms providing them with agility and camouflage against the rays of the summer sun. The fresh scent of nature enveloped their senses, as they strode with determination toward their destination.