"Why did you join the competition?" Ardis asked, looking at him with quiet curiosity.
Lysandor didn't hesitate.
He simply smiled.
"Because I wanted to meet you… and get to know you," he said directly.
Ardis blinked in surprise.
Did he know her before?
She quickly tried to remember if she had ever seen him somewhere, but nothing came to mind. The directness of his answer made her unsure how to respond.
For a moment, she didn't say anything.
Lysandor, however, didn't look embarrassed or awkward at all. He remained calm, as if saying something like that was completely natural.
Strangely, that made Ardis feel even more awkward instead.
Perhaps sensing the tension, Lysandor reached down and picked a small flower growing near the tree beside them.
He studied it for a moment, then held it out toward her.
"Here."
Ardis accepted it slowly.
"Thank you," she said softly, looking at the tiny yellow flower resting in her palm.
Lysandor only nodded before turning his gaze toward the stream again.
"You know," he said after a moment, "if you become a priestess, you won't only heal people. You'll also have to talk to them… guide them… and sometimes calm them."
He looked at her again.
"I know," Ardis replied quietly, her eyes drifting toward the grass.
"I could help with that," Lysandor said simply.
There was no pride in his voice. No boasting. Just calm certainty.
Ardis nodded slowly. He really did have the ability for it. Talking to him felt easy, far easier than she had expected.
The time passed without her noticing.
They spoke about small things, about the tribe, about the river nearby, about what she wanted to learn in the future. The conversation flowed naturally, never feeling forced.
Soon, the sunlight shifted, becoming softer and lower. It was time to leave.
Lysandor stood first, then held out his hand to her.
Ardis hesitated for a brief moment before placing her hand in his.
His hand was warm. Steady.
He helped her up without saying anything.
"See you again," Lysandor said with a gentle smile, "if fate wants us to."
Ardis nodded softly.
"Yes."
As she walked away, she realized something strange.
Talking to him had felt calm. Comfortable. Natural.
But comfort alone… wasn't enough to decide everything.
So the question remained in her heart,
Would she really choose him?
Ardis was still lost in thought as she walked.
The meeting with Lysandor had felt calm… almost too calm. Her mind kept replaying his words, his steady gaze, the way he had spoken without hesitation.
Then suddenly—
Tap.
She felt a light tap on her shoulder and turned, slightly startled.
Averin stood there smiling.
Behind her were two unfamiliar beastmen… and Vaelrix.
Ardis blinked in surprise.
"What were you thinking about?" Averin asked curiously.
"Who to choose?" Ardis blurted out before she could stop herself.
Her gaze unconsciously shifted toward the white-haired beastman standing beside Averin.
He looked… arrogant. Not openly rude, but the kind of person who naturally gives off a cold and unapproachable feeling.
Averin noticed immediately and smiled knowingly.
"Let me introduce you. This is Korvahn, and this is Nyssor," she said, holding their arms casually as if she were presenting something completely normal.
The blue-haired man, Nyssor had a cold, expressionless face, while the white-haired one Korvahn, looked sharp and slightly dangerous.
Ardis suddenly remembered that white hair.
She had seen him once when she visited Averin's place, the silent figure in the background who had felt more like a warning than a person.
"These two are the only non-friendly looking husbands of mine," Averin added lightly, trying to ease the tension.
Ardis quickly straightened.
"Hello… I'm Ardis," she said politely.
Korvahn only gave a small nod.
Nyssor's eyes stayed calm and distant, but he nodded as well.
"Korvahn usually goes hunting far from the village, so you haven't seen him before," Averin explained casually. "And Nyssor is taking care of the eggs. You know… making sure they hatch properly."
"Oh…" Ardis replied softly.
She suddenly remembered Averin saying she had kidnapped Nyssor once, and she couldn't help the small smile that formed on her lips.
"Let's go back," Averin said, waving her hand lightly. "Don't worry about them. They just look like that."
As they walked, Ardis remembered something.
"Mother was asking about you. She will give birth soon," she said.
Averin's expression softened.
"Yes, I know. I'll visit her today, but I won't stay the night. I'll stay later," she said gently.
They continued talking casually until the fox tribe finally came into view.
The entrance was lively as usual. Most of the beastmen were busy working, carrying meat, fixing huts, or sharpening weapons. The tribe felt loud and alive.
As soon as Ardis reached the hut, she called out,
"Mother, I'm here. Aunt is here too."
They entered together.
Astra immediately came out of the room, her face lighting up the moment she saw Averin.
She walked quickly despite her large belly, making Averin hurry forward in worry.
"Astra, walk slowly," Averin said, but it was already too late.
Astra wrapped her arms around her tightly.
"You're staying tonight. I won't take no for an answer," Astra said firmly.
"Please spare me, most beautiful fox," Averin replied dramatically as they separated.
"Spare you? Not a chance," Astra laughed softly.
"Sit down first. It's dangerous for you to stand too long," Averin said gently, guiding Astra to sit.
Only then did Astra notice the others still standing quietly behind them.
Ardis. Korvahn. Nyssor. Vaelrix.
"Oh! Sit down, all of you," Astra said quickly. "You must be tired."
Ardis finally sat down with the others.
The room slowly became quiet again after the small chaos of greetings. Averin leaned back slightly, relaxed as if this place was just as familiar to her as her own home.
Then her eyes moved across the room.
Only now did she notice the other people sitting there.
Her brother, Aeron, Varos.
And Sorin.
Averin raised one eyebrow and gave a teasing smile.
"I never thought I would meet the very busy Village Chief sitting here so calmly," she said lightly.
Sorin smiled back without looking offended at all.
"And I never thought I would meet the wandering traveler in one place for so long," he replied just as calmly.
Varos let out a small laugh at their exchange.
Ardis blinked in surprise.
She hadn't expected Averin to speak to Sorin so casually. In fact… she had never even thought about how well they might know each other.
Now that she paid attention, something felt obvious.
Averin had a good relationship with everyone.
With her fathers.
With the priestess.
With the warriors.
With the village chief.
Even the cold-looking beastmen she had brought with her followed her without hesitation.
Ardis looked at her aunt quietly, curiosity growing in her chest.
Averin radiates danger.
Yet no one seemed to dislike her.
Instead, people respected her… trusted her… and even joked with her like an old friend.
Ardis suddenly felt like she didn't know much about her aunt at all.
And for the first time, she found herself wondering,
What kind of life had Averin lived outside the tribe? or her past?