Feeding

"Cheers!"

Inside the tavern, the crowd raised their glasses, the golden liquor splashing as they clinked together.

Although Xia Lun was injured, the harvest from this trip was quite substantial.

Everyone was still very happy. After all, they were adventurers, a profession that inherently danced on the edge of a blade, and they had long since come to terms with it. When other teams encountered such situations, losing members was a common occurrence; being able to return intact every time was already a great blessing.

The surrounding atmosphere was excellent. Adventurers chatted merrily, their rough laughter and loud conversations intertwining. Some analyzed the affairs of the continent, expressing what they thought were unique insights; others vividly recounted bizarre experiences, only to be exposed by a bystander's single comment at the crucial moment, drawing even louder roars of laughter.

Liyana blended in like a fish in water, occasionally tossing out a few tales of Xia Lun's heroic feats, like slaying some monster with just a few sword strikes... However, the other adventurers just assumed she was bragging.

Xia Lun took a few shallow sips of his drink, looking at the table full of food in front of him with some difficulty.

After all, to enjoy perfectly roasted ribs and chunks of meat drenched in thick sauce, one needed a knife and fork, and he currently only had the use of one hand... He could only barely manage some soft bread or use a wooden spoon to scoop up warm soup.

Aina seemed to notice Xia Lun's predicament and quietly moved to the seat next to him.

Aina picked up a knife and fork. Because she rarely ate, her movements were slightly clumsy. The blade scraped across the steak with a soft sound, and it took a while before she cut off a neat little piece. She steadily offered the tip of the fork to Xia Lun's lips, her voice as cold and clear as ever: "Open your mouth."

Xia Lun was a bit surprised, not expecting Aina to take the initiative to feed him.

"Don't just stare." Noticing Xia Lun spacing out, Aina somewhat displeasedly forced the beef on the fork into his mouth.

"Mmh, thank you." The beef was very chewy, Xia Lun mumbled as he chewed, the savory aroma of meat filling his mouth.

Aina seemed to quickly grasp the trick to cutting, and another piece of beef was brought to Xia Lun's lips.

Heh, it felt just like feeding a pet.

The corners of Aina's mouth curled up into a minuscule smile.

Even beasts in nature knew that the only one who would feed them was their mother.

Obviously, she was maintaining an absolute position of dominance at this moment. This was a naked humiliation of the hero; she was completely towering over him...

And this guy actually looked like he was enjoying it. It seemed he had been completely tamed by her.

At this thought, a strange sense of satisfaction rippled through Aina's heart, and the movements of her fingers became even brisker.

"Uh..."

Aina's feeding pace grew faster and faster. Xia Lun tried his best to wolf it down. Though it felt a bit tiring for his jaw, he was too embarrassed to refuse Aina's goodwill.

A moment later, Xia Lun let out a comfortable burp and slumped lazily against the back of his chair.

"Do you want to eat anything else?" Aina seemed to still be left wanting more.

"Uh... then... let's have a dessert." Looking at Aina's rarely seen expectant eyes, Xia Lun patted his slightly bulging belly and ultimately couldn't bring himself to refuse.

Shortly after, a serving of caramel pudding was brought over on a plate, accompanied by a simple wooden spoon. Obviously, this was something Xia Lun could enjoy by himself even with only one hand.

But Aina clearly didn't notice this.

"Xia Lun, open your mouth."

Aina had already picked up the spoon and touched it to Xia Lun's lips.

Xia Lun took a bite, and before he could even swallow it, another spoonful followed closely behind.

"Um... Aina, cough cough, I think you should try some too. This pudding is quite good," Xia Lun mumbled with a slight look of distress. He was indeed quite stuffed now.

"Is... is that so?"

Aina coughed lightly. She suddenly realized Xia Lun's current state... After all, the food that had previously filled the entire table had all gone into Xia Lun's stomach by now.

Even though Xia Lun was a warrior who exercised regularly and had a large appetite, he still couldn't handle being fed like this.

With a twist of her wrist, Aina brought the pudding she had intended to shove into Xia Lun's mouth into her own.

The delicate, smooth texture melted on the tip of her tongue, the mellow bitterness of the caramel intertwining with the sweetness of the custard. It was surprisingly delicious.

Aina's eyes immediately lit up.

"I'm already full. If you like it, just eat it yourself." Xia Lun breathed a sigh of relief.

Aina began to savor it in small bites. Her originally iceberg-like face actually showed signs of melting at this moment.

...

"Say, Moke, did I do a good deed?" Liyana whispered secretly to Moke.

"What?"

"Ahem... Look, Xia Lun is having trouble moving because he saved me, and Aina is actually taking the initiative to feed him! Xia Lun must be thrilled inside! Their feelings for each other are heating up, isn't that my credit?"

"Have some shame." Moke rolled his eyes at Liyana. This girl had drunk a little wine and her cheeks were flushed red.

Well, in her current state, she wouldn't go crazy from the alcohol just yet, she would just talk more than usual.

"By the way, what about your future?" Liyana suddenly changed the subject again.

"What about my future?" Moke looked baffled. Liyana's thinking was jumpy to begin with, and now that she was tipsy, her various whimsical ideas were even harder to keep up with.

"Hehe... I'm asking how many little bunny brats you plan to have with the little rabbit in the future, of course!" Liyana threw an arm around Moke's shoulder, her pretty face currently sporting a lewd grin.

"None of your business!" Moke cursed as he pushed away the arm she had slung over his shoulder.

"When I was chatting with the other adventurers just now, I found out everything!" Liyana leaned in mysteriously again. "The little rabbit is a beastman, and her physiological structure is somewhat similar to a rabbit's! Like the conception rate, and the mating season... Moke, you lucky boy, you're in for a treat in the future. Though your small frame might not be able to handle her tossing and turning... You'll be squeezed dry."

"Shoo, shoo!" Just as Moke raised his hand, wanting to hit her, Liyana slipped away ahead of time.

However... would Shila really...

Thinking of this, Moke suddenly felt a bit unsettled, tipping his head back and downing the rest of his wine in big gulps.

"Just let nature take its course." Musen, beside Moke, said in a muffled voice. "Don't think too much, problems will resolve themselves."

"Ah, thanks."

Musen giving him emotional counseling... Moke felt there was something weird about that.

Musen pointed at Xia Lun and Aina across from them. "Even if the races are different, there can still be a result in the future."

Moke glanced at the heartwarming pair opposite them, and his heart inexplicably settled down. "You're right."

That night, Moke began targeted training.