Under Attack

Moke felt his tongue was almost numb.

Though it was soft, the spiciness was undeniably intense...

After pulling apart, Moke gasped for air in big gulps.

"How was it?" Shila asked nervously, watching him.

"It was... great," Moke replied after studying Shila for a moment. "And you?"

"It felt... nice," Shila murmured, covering her cheeks as they burned with warmth.

Moke smacked his lips, the lingering heat and coolness of mint still swirling in his mouth.

The taste buds of the beastfolk seemed different from those of the Human Race, so what was barely noticeable to Shila was almost unbearable for him.

Being with Shila might bring many more challenges like this due to their racial differences...

"What are you thinking about?" Shila’s rabbit ears twitched atop her head.

"Nothing," Moke chuckled. As long as she was willing to stay with him, no obstacle was too great.

Come to think of it, Captain Xia Lun and Aina were also from different races—maybe he could ask them for advice.

Then again, given their slow progress, they might end up asking him for tips instead. After all, he and Shila had already kissed. As for those two... with Aina’s temperament, Moke couldn’t imagine them taking any bolder steps anytime soon.

"Mmm—" Shila’s ears quivered again. "Tell me what you’re thinking! No hiding!"

"I was just... wondering about the structure of your ears," Moke suddenly noticed something odd.

As a rabbit beastfolk, Shila had ears on top of her head... but what about the sides?

A strangely unsettling question.

"Oh, this?" Shila brushed aside the hair at her temples, revealing a pair of perfectly human-like ears.

"I have four ears," she explained. "Most long-eared beastfolk are like this—quadrophonic hearing."

"Ah, I see." Moke felt enlightened.

"Though the Human Race’s ears have degraded a lot. They’re not very functional, mostly just decorative." Her rabbit ears drooped as she glanced at him anxiously. "You... wouldn’t look down on me for this, would you?"

"Hah? Are you an idiot? How could I ever look down on you for something like that..."

"Hehe..." Shila giggled shyly.

"You’re not mad at me for talking like this?" Moke scratched his head awkwardly. He’d gotten used to sarcasm from teasing Liyana. "I know my mouth can be pretty rough..."

"Not at all. I think you’re very honest..." Shila leaned closer, her face glowing. "And cute."

"Cute isn’t a word for men," Moke muttered under his breath.

"Come stroll with me, Moke." Shila was already tugging his hand.

Moke wasn’t particularly tall, about Shila’s height... and her grip was surprisingly strong. Before he could react, she’d dragged him outside.

On the streets, Shila cheerfully led him from shop to shop, though she didn’t seem intent on buying anything.

"See anything you like?" Moke asked.

"Ah... it’s all fine."

But Moke noticed her gaze lingering on a few dresses in a clothing store, utterly transfixed.

"If you like them, just buy them. They can’t be that expensive."

As adventurers who regularly risked their lives in dungeons, their earnings were substantial—enough that ordinary expenses barely mattered, save for rare magical materials. A group like the Savage Fang wouldn’t struggle financially.

"Let’s save it," Shila smiled, her ears drooping slightly. "Money should go to more important things... like bringing food back for the tribe."

Most of the Savage Fang’s members became adventurers in human lands to support their kin. Even when treated unfairly, they endured it silently, unwilling to leave.

Moke abruptly turned and pulled Shila back into the shop.

"This is my gift to you. Take it."

"Eh? I can’t accept this! In beastfolk culture, we can’t just take things without giving back..." Shila shook her head vigorously, her ears swaying. "Even wild beasts know to repay kindness!"

"But we’re in human territory now." Moke ruffled her hair.

Shila suddenly flushed, fidgeting on the spot.

"Then... how about I pledge myself to you? Since I’ve got nothing else to give."

Moke nearly choked on his own spit. "Wh-what are you saying?!"

She watched with amusement as his face turned redder than hers.

"What kind of logic is that? It’s just a dress... you can’t just—" Moke stammered, flustered.

Seeing him more embarrassed than she was, Shila burst into laughter.

"We haven’t known each other long... things like that should wait until we’re closer," he finally managed after a deep breath.

"But I already feel close to you," Shila tilted her head, grinning wider, as if teasing him was the best fun.

Moke flicked her forehead lightly. Shila clutched her head in exaggerated pain, pretending to pout.

Evening soon arrived.

"That’s enough for today... I should head back," Moke waved.

"See you next time!" The little rabbit beamed, hopping away cheerfully.

Warmth bloomed in Moke’s chest.

Leaving back then had definitely been the right choice.

As he walked back to the inn, he replayed the day’s happy memories.

Where should he take her next?

Midstep, Moke froze, scanning his surroundings.

Something was off.

That familiar tension—like the hidden trap Liyana had stepped into, the one he’d failed to detect.

Alarm bells rang in his mind. He lunged forward just as a blade’s cold gleam sliced through the air where he’d stood. A hair slower, and the dagger would’ve pierced his throat.

A slender figure in black robes materialized in his former spot.

"You’re as sharp as ever, Moke... my son." A voice, neither male nor female, echoed.

Moke wiped the thin cut on his cheek and smirked. "Hah? Who the hell are you, old man?"