Guo Xiaoxiao wasn't hungry. She took a couple of bites of the roast meat Mickson offered and put it aside. Because of what had just happened, Guo Xiaoxiao didn't dare to make any rash moves, but her intuition told her that something was off about Mickson. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was just a little strange.

Mickelson always did things with his back to her, never giving her a second glance.

For almost the entire afternoon, Mickelson barely paid any attention to Guo Xiaoxiao, only offering her fruit and water; otherwise, he didn't say a single word.

The two were in the same space, like familiar strangers.

Mickelson finally spoke up at dinner.

Are you alright?

His voice was calm, yet filled with concern.

"fine"

Guo Xiaoxiao responded politely, showing that Milkeson had no ill intentions towards her this time.

Mickelson then said

"Actually, I've reflected on my actions. I really went too far. If you like Sam, I won't stop you."

"..."

Guo Xiaoxiao didn't know what to say. After a long silence, she tentatively asked...

"You don't mind?"

Upon hearing this, Mickelson gave a forced smile.

"I don't mind anymore."

He turned and stared at Guo Xiaoxiao, then continued:

"I was too impulsive today and was too rude to you. I'm sorry, please forgive me."

"Yeah, don't worry about it."

Guo Xiaoxiao lowered her head and answered softly, understanding that Mickson had come to his senses, but she still felt uneasy. Something was really strange; there was a coldness mixed with distance, and a hint of fear... Yes, he had been watching her expression the whole time he spoke.

She was also at fault in this matter; she made promises that were too good to keep and failed to keep them, ultimately deceiving people.

Thank you for still being willing to talk to me.

Mickelson sounded dejected, and looked utterly defeated.

"Don't blame yourself too much. We can just be like before."

Guo Xiaoxiao looked up, trying to ease the tension, hoping he could forget the unpleasant things and rediscover the feelings he once had.

"Um"

Mickelson also forced a smile and nodded, though his expression was somewhat stiff.

Then another silence fell, and the oppressive atmosphere made Guo Xiaoxiao want to leave the cave.

When it was time to sleep at night, Guo Xiaoxiao lay on the fur mat, while Mikeson, being a beastman, stayed far away from the bed. In the past, he would have wanted to stick right up to her, and even when he transformed into a giant lion, he would stay very close to the fur shop. What was wrong with him today?

Maybe the bone knife scared Mickson, making him unwilling to approach her. But was that really the case? Mickson was a little sad. Was he mistaken, or was it just his imagination? His eyes had lost their light.

Guo Xiaoxiao couldn't sleep anymore, so she sat on the fur mat and called out to Mickson.

"Mickelson"

With a soft "woof," the giant lion head turned and met Guo Xiaoxiao's gaze.

Guo Xiaoxiao said seriously

"I bear some responsibility for what happened today. If you're really angry, I can leave and find somewhere else to stay."

To avoid upsetting you, and besides, if she doesn't marry Mickson, there's no need for her to stay. She's eating and living at his place, and she'd feel bad if she didn't contribute something.

"...Don't go..."

The lion's head drooped, its eyes downcast, and it spoke in a low, somber voice, carrying a sorrowful tone as if in supplication.

Guo Xiaoxiao heard that pitiful voice, thought for a moment, rubbed her hands together, and said...

"Then, then, I'll stay here."

Get some rest.

The lion wagged its tail, lay down on the ground, and closed its eyes, seemingly exhausted.

Guo Xiaoxiao sighed helplessly, stopped trying to persuade her, and lay on her side, staring blankly at the sky.

As night deepened and the surroundings gradually quieted down, Guo Xiaoxiao slowly drifted off to sleep.

In her hazy state, she seemed to see Mickelson beckoning to her, inviting her closer… but when she opened her eyes, she saw nothing at all…

The next morning, Guo Xiaoxiao got up very early, washed up, changed her clothes, and prepared to go out for a walk and collect some plants. She didn't want the leaves of the 50 different plants that Migsen had helped her find last time; she wanted to complete the task on her own.

There was still roasted meat and fruit on the fire. Mickelson had gotten up even earlier than Guo Xiaoxiao; he must have gone to Monet's place.

Outside the cave, Mikel saw Guo Xiaoxiao come out and curiously approached her.

"So? Did you two consummate your relationship last night?"

He looked Guo Xiaoxiao up and down, searching for any trace of Mikkelsen's beast mark, but found none. Disappointed, he was also somewhat pleased.

Guo Xiaoxiao shook her head awkwardly.

It's a long story.

Mikel sighed repeatedly, looking quite melancholy, which left Guo Xiaoxiao feeling helpless. Finally, she couldn't help but say...

Why are you sighing? I'm the one who should be sighing, okay?

Mikel raised his head, stared at Guo Xiaoxiao's stomach, and asked...

"You're kidding me! Your heat is almost over, aren't you planning to have a baby this year?"

"…………"

Unable to answer him, Guo Xiaoxiao changed the subject.

"I want to go and see the area around the valley."

"Okay, all done."

Mikel nodded, paused for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, we shouldn't go out."

Mikel suggested that, given the current tense situation between the Sishui and Yushan tribes, if four or five orcs were to suddenly appear, he couldn't guarantee his safe escape.

Mikel explained

"There are many ferocious beasts in the valley, their scents are mixed together. You are, after all, a female. If something goes wrong, my brother will kill me."

Mikel's words made sense, and after a moment's hesitation, Guo Xiaoxiao abandoned the plan.

"Then let's just wander around the area, don't go any further in."

"Um"

Mikel was right; it would be best to stay put and wander around the neighborhood. Last time, a strange male even showed up at our doorstep; who knows where he might be lurking?

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