Chapter 80
“From now on, you answer to Nina,” Sal said calmly. “Her word is the highest command. I follow her lead as well p>
Ghost Wolf hesitated for a moment. “Then… Honorable Female, just give us whatever you think is fair. We don’t mind working for free. A little food is enough p>
Nina considered it carefully. “We’ll calculate your pay based on the value and quantity of the materials you gather. I’ll convert it into beast crystals. We can finalize the details later. Does that work p>
Ghost Wolf and the others nodded repeatedly. “We’ll follow your arrangements p>
The fact that she was willing to pay them at all was already generous in their eyes. And steady, safe work was far better than risky commissions.
“And stop calling me Honorable Female,” Nina added with a faint smile. “Just use my name p>
“That wouldn’t be proper,” Ghost Wolf said awkwardly. “You’re the boss’s female p>
“That title isn’t convenient,” Sal interjected. “Use something else p>
His identity still needed to remain discreet; unnecessary attention could bring Nina trouble.
Ghost Wolf scratched his head. “How about… Sister-in-law p>
“Sister-in-law?” Nina glanced at Sal. Wasn’t that a bit premature? They weren’t officially together yet.
“Maybe something else p>
The wandering beasts exchanged glances with Sal. So the boss hadn’t been fully accepted yet? Was he still just… courting?
After another round of thinking, Ghost Wolf ventured, “Then… Miss Nina? Lady Nina? Master… Nina p>
Nina laughed softly. “Just Nina is fine p>
And so, Nina’s first official group of “employees” was born. One step closer to becoming a wealthy woman.
From then on, they split into teams to hunt, usually in the evening since the daytime was spent traveling. Those not on hunting duty would complete Nina’s collection tasks. Being beastmen, moving through the night posed no problem.
One evening, it was Yanai’s team’s turn to hunt.
Sal quietly called Ghost Wolf aside. “Tonight, keep him occupied. Delay him as much as possible. It would be best if he didn’t return until morning p>
Ghost Wolf nodded knowingly. “Understood p>
“Hand over all the beast crystals, furs, and anything females might like p>
Sal crossed his arms expectantly.
The wandering beasts reluctantly emptied their private stashes. “Boss… this is everything p>
“A bit lacking,” Sal commented with mild disdain. “But it’ll do p>
They looked devastated. “Could you at least leave us a little p>
“I still have assets in Demon Abyss City. I’ll compensate you later,” Sal assured them. “Work hard for Nina. She won’t treat you unfairly p>
“We understand. We’ll work diligently for Nina p>
After final instructions, Ghost Wolf dragged Yanai off to hunt, deliberately steering him farther and farther away.
Inside the cave, Yinny and Didi were already asleep.
Sal felt deeply satisfied.
He had intentionally let Ghost Wolf and the others exhaust the cubs with play earlier. It had worked perfectly.
With only Nina left awake, he quickly changed into his prepared attire. He had thoroughly washed himself beforehand.
Tonight, he intended to secure his position.
The cave glowed softly with firelight. Nina sat cross-legged on a fur mat organizing supplies. Feeling thirsty, she lifted a cup of water to her lips.
” Nina p>
Sal’s tall silhouette stretched along the cave wall as he entered.
She turned—and nearly choked.
He wore nothing on his upper body except a long, delicate chain draped across his neck, branching down to frame his torso and trace along his waist. The metal accentuated every sculpted muscle. Below, a loosely tied fur skirt hung dangerously low on his hips.
Nina needed someone to spray water on her face immediately.
Was that a beast-world version of a chest harness outfit?
She stared.
Sal approached slowly and sat beside her, gently stroking her fingertips, lips curling with mischief. “Do you like this outfit p>
She coughed lightly. “It’s… not bad p>
Temptingly dangerous, in fact.
” Nina p>
He produced a pile of beast crystals from his storage space. “This is nearly all I currently possess. Everything in my storage, and all my holdings in Demon Abyss City—I’ll transfer them to you p>
His gaze was earnest. “I like you. Truly. May I become your mate p>
He clasped her hand. “I know I’m a rogue beast, but I’ll learn from ordinary beastmen. I’ll be a proper mate. I have no other females—only you. My first time was with you p>
Nina’s heart wavered.
“You still like me even if I’m ugly?” she teased.
“I do. However you look, I like you p>
“Why p>
Sal’s voice softened. “Because you said you’d take care of me p>
Because of the warmth in your arms. Because of the tenderness in your eyes when you said those words.
No one had ever held him before. She had.
No one had ever offered to care for him. She had.
That was why he liked her—why he was willing to lower himself without regret.
Otherwise, how could the lord of a city bow for a little food and shelter? It had only ever been an excuse.
Nina laughed. “So you want to live off me p>
She glanced at his impressive physique. Well, he certainly had the qualifications.
“Let’s try dating first,” she decided. “If you perform well, I’ll consider promoting you p>
Sal’s eyes lit up. “I’ll perform well p>
He leaned closer, gaze falling to her lips p>
Their mouths met.
The kiss deepened slowly, warmth spreading between them.
Just as the atmosphere grew heated—
“I’m back p>
Yanai’s voice boomed from the cave entrance.
Nina pushed Sal away, cheeks flushed as she straightened her clothes.
Sal rose reluctantly, glaring murderously at Yanai. He must have lost his mind to ever recruit him.
Yanai glared back, furious. He had sensed something suspicious and hurried back—only to find Sal taking advantage.
“Come outside,” Yanai snapped. Sal followed without hesitation.
Moments later, the sounds of clashing blows echoed from outside.
Nina ignored them and settled beside Yinny and Didi, cradling them as she drifted to sleep.
The next morning, the air between Nina and Sal felt subtly different.
Their smiles were softer. Their glances lingered longer. Yanai felt as though he were drowning in vinegar.
He clenched his jaw. He would find his own opportunity.
But their brief sweetness did not last.
One afternoon, as they traveled, the ground trembled faintly beneath their feet. In the distance came thunderous roars.
Every beastman stiffened.
It was a mutated beast horde.
Sal ordered Black Flame to scout.
When Black Flame returned, his face was pale. “Boss… they’re heading straight toward us p>
And a new mate is about to enter the stage p>