Cubic

Beyond the border of Mystic Forest, the area was shrouded by a thick layer of fog and soaring trees. Regardless of the dense wilderness, there was no sound of wild animals, nor a single bird could be heard. It was unusual, like a mysterious land cut off from the outside world without anyone knowing what mysteries lie within.

Strangely, a large silver wolf figure appeared and began to circle around as it searched for a way through the fog. It's unfortunate that the wolf was unaware that if he kept moving forward, the fog would gradually drain his soul.

Despite how much time he spent in search, he could not find the way.

Frost felt that this was unusual. His beast sight was perfect, and never once has he struggled like this. As if this fog were the forest's protector, keeping an eye on any outsiders who might try to enter.

When he realized he couldn't get further, he made the decision to head in the direction of a nearby tribe that was more familiar with the forest.

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The next day, Keira woke up from her sleep. Lifting her finger and gently rubbing her eyes, she glanced at the window where the light had come in, telling her that it was late morning.

Stretching lazily, she reached out, wrapping her arm around the tall figure beside her, who was still sleeping soundly.

Her movement slowly woke him up, he yawned, shifted his body, and tugged her closer. They were both naked, from yesterday's mating until now. However, this time, he was conscious and careful with his vigor, letting his mate get the rest she needed.

Lowering his face, he gripped her chin up, and pressed his lips to hers. Keira flinched at the sudden kiss, slowly adjusting and kissing him back. The warmth of his touch and the intensity of his kiss were full of love and care, filling her with safe by every touch of his presence.

He parted the kiss, asking, "How is your body, Do you feel any pain?" while rubbing on her flushed cheeks.

" I'm fine," she answered.

"If you feel unwell, tell me, alright?" The worry was audible. Despite how careful he was yesterday, Still, he needed to know if she was in any pain.

"Yes, I will," she nodded, giving an assured smile.

He then delicately lifted her off the bed and brought her on her feet. Every touch was cautious and tender, as if he were afraid she might break if he moved too quickly.

Shaking her head, she was amused by his behavior. Over the previous months, he instructed her to practice combat from dusk until dawn. But once he became her mate, he wouldn't even let her get out of bed on her own.

"I'm going to bathe," she informed. Although her body felt just fine, she needed some refreshing.

Arel climbed down the ladder and rushed to the first floor, saying, "Let me heat water for you."

Her gaze following his back until he was gone, she smiled at how he was so eager to help. Although it was a small help, his constant and steady attention made her feel warm in her heart. It was rare to find someone who, no matter how much time passed, wouldn't change their efforts in making you feel happy. She knew she could always count on him, and he would always be there for her.

In her previous life, Keira had been in relationships, but none of them had ever been sincere with her. The love they gave her was rather for her job or her appearance; never once did she find a person who truly loved her and accepted her the way she was.

Whenever they realized that she failed to live up to their ideal of a kind and lovely doll like they expected, they abandoned her. which made her believe there was no hope for her in finding lasting love. How grateful she was that Arel never made her pretend or force herself to be someone else. She could run wild, scream the anxiousness of her mind, or do nothing at all—and yet he still adored her.

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After bathing and eating brunch, she was now prepared to visit the market with Arel. Today, she was in a good mood and dressed in the outfit that he had made for her, a brown fur top and a long pretty skirt.

Walking down from the tree's house, Keira caught Arel feeding the pheasant. When he sensed her presence, he went over to her.

As though he were a primitive designer, he asked, "Do you like the outfit?" while rotating her body to see if the outfit suited her perfectly or not.

She hugged his waist to halt him from spinning her further. "Yes, I like it. It's comforting. Did you make this while I slept?"

Feeling satisfied that his mate enjoyed his work, he stroked her head while tightening his embrace, saying, "When we get to the market, I'll find better fabric to make more outfits later."

"Can you teach me? It's not nice if you keep making things for me like this."

He frowned. "But I'm willing to do it for you,"

"Arel, I know you care about me. But I can't just sit around and do nothing while you're busy hunting for prey"

Hearing her words, he went into consideration. Although he knew that she was different from other females, he still felt burdened if he had to let her do things on her own. As for the reason he trained her in combat, it was because he wanted her to know survival skills in case she wanted to leave him and go to the portal location. He hadn't thought that she would love him back and decide to be with him. But if she wanted him to teach her, he would do as she said. He then nodded in agreement.

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The excited Keira hurriedly picked up her bag, and let Arel lift her up to sit on his shoulder.

It was a beautiful day, the sky was bright and sunny, with a light breeze playing with the rustling leaves. The husband carried his wife through the woods, past the stream, and through the fog, suggesting that they had now exited the mystic forest.

With her body resting on his shoulder, Keira asked, "What tribe are we going?"

"We are heading to the deer tribe. They live in large groups and often do trading with others," he replied, fiddling with the 'more than necessary' animal hide bags that were dangling awkwardly from his shoulder.

The reason he brought them was because Keira was so enthusiastic about this shopping trip that he made sure to bring several extra bags in case they ended up with a lot of stuff.

"I have never seen a market in this world, I can't wait to check out what they're selling."

"Soon we will get there. If there's anything you like, we will buy it."

Narrowing her eyes with doubt, "But I don't see you have any money, Arel."

A thundershock seized him, Just how could his wife think he's dirt-cheap? He yanked out his small animal hide pouch and handed it to her.

The string was used to secure the pouch, Keira untied it, "What are these? gems?" She reached into the pouch and pulled out one of the rounds, colorful stones inside to examine.

"It's called Cubic. You can use it in exchange"

"Huh.. they are too fancy to be money." she said, pulling out a few more round stones; white, blue, green, red, and gold.

"Different cubics' colors represent different values. White cubic has the lowest value, and gold cubic has the highest value. There are also other gems worth more than gold, but they are rarely used on this continent"

"Uh,I see.." She nodded. It was like banknotes in her world that come in multiple colors to represent different values.

Keira looked inside the pouch and found many gold cubics. "Hmmm, my husband is pretty rich."

Hearing her sudden exclaimed, He couldn't help but chuckle and give her a playful squeeze on the cheek.

"How did you have many cubics? Does chasing animals here qualify as a paid employee?" Her brow shot up as she peered at him.

He squeezed her other cheek again "It's a secret, I will show it to you later. Now all I wanted was to stay here and take care of my mate."

"Alright, alright, I get it now. Please let my cheeks in peace," she rubbed her puffy cheeks, which had been squeezed red.

He grinned at her cuteness and kept pacing toward the deer tribe.

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