"Don't frown, I don't have any particular worries. I just feel like you all are always worrying about me, and it makes me feel kind of useless," Si Lu said, a bit wistfully.
Wasn't it true? They were the ones taking care of everything.
Si Lu felt that in this world, she was somewhat powerless, unable to use her abilities effectively.
Of course, she also didn't really have any special powers.
"Don't say that. You're different from other females, and we all know that you're doing your best to avoid causing us trouble. But have you ever thought about how this world is?
If you didn't need us for anything, what reason would we have to be by your side? I don't know what life was like in your old tribe, but I know this—you are truly kind, smart, and wonderful."
"Lu Lu, don't feel burdened, and don't be upset about these things. We are your mates—we are one. Taking care of you is something we do willingly, and it makes us very happy." Bai Di looked at Si Lu as he spoke.
"Finding you another mate is just about better protecting and taking care of you so you don't have to suffer through hardships like this. We beastmen are tough and sturdy, but you're different!"
"Have you ever seen any other female as delicate as you? You're special, and if you get tired from the journey, it really pains us. Because we care, we feel heartache and worry, do you understand?"
"We're all doing our best, giving everything we have to protect and care for you. Don't reject any of our love for you—otherwise, it will break our hearts," Bai Di said gently to Si Lu.
His eyes, filled with the light of stars and oceans, held tenderness and concern.
"Mhm, I understand. I just feel like I'm dragging you all down," Si Lu said, feeling a bit downcast.
It was because of her weakness that they were constantly so worried.
"No, you're already incredible and strong. Don't think that way, or we'll feel sad."
"Protecting the female is the duty and responsibility of a mate. Don't overthink it. If you really think we're having a hard time, then work on liking a few more mates. That way, we can all share the care, and it'll lighten the load," Bai Di said with a smile.
He raised his hand and patted Si Lu on the head.
Her silver-white hair was just like his now.
So beautiful!
"Ah Di, you're teasing me—when did you learn to be so cheeky?" Si Lu said with a slightly reproachful look.
Her Bai Di had learned to be mischievous.
The once pure and innocent Bai Di was gone.
"No, no! I wouldn't dare. I just wanted to cheer you up a bit. Really, seeing you unhappy makes us all worried," Bai Di said.
"Mhm, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine," Si Lu said with a smile, leaning against Bai Di while playing with his long silver hair.
It looked just like hers now—so beautiful.
Suddenly, as she looked at Bai Di's long silver hair, Si Lu sat up and started braiding it.
Bai Di, seeing that she was in such a good mood, didn't stop her and let her braid his hair.
Besides, he liked it.
Anything the little female did, he liked.
Most importantly, it made her happy.
Before long, Si Lu finished her handiwork and couldn't help but laugh at her perfect creation.
She had braided both sides of Bai Di's hair and then tied the two braids together at the back. Since they didn't have any rubber bands, she used a strip of fur and had Bai Di twist it into a thin string to secure the braids. It actually looked pretty good.
She had chosen white fur, so it blended naturally with his hair.
"Well, how do you like it?" Si Lu asked, smiling at Bai Di.
"Mhm, I love it. Now my hair won't fall to the sides as much. Lu Lu, you're really talented," Bai Di said, smiling as he reached back to feel the two braids. He really did like them.
"Hehe, I'm glad you like it. If it loosens up, just let me know and I'll fix it for you," Si Lu said with a laugh.
As for her own long hair, she simply tied it into a ponytail using a strip of fur. She liked ponytails.
Without rubber bands, fur strips were the next best option.
"Alright, let's go outside and start cooking. I'm hungry," Si Lu said, rubbing her stomach. She was starting to feel quite hungry.
"Alright, I'll do it. In the meantime, eat some dried shrimp if you're hungry," Bai Di said.
After all, cooking would take a little while, and he didn't want Si Lu to get too hungry.
Especially since she was pregnant with their child—she couldn't go hungry.
"Mhm, I'll take out the ingredients," Si Lu said as she pulled out several pieces of meat and some seasonings, along with some dried shrimp. Being inside the cave, she didn't have to worry about other beastmen seeing her use her space ability.
Naturally, Bai Di had thought of this, and he felt that Si Lu was already doing a lot.
"Lu Lu, I think that when we set out on the road again, we should carry some things visibly. That way, when we meet other beastmen, they won't become suspicious. If we're always traveling with nothing in our hands, it could raise questions," Bai Di said thoughtfully.
He believed that things like stone pots and bowls should be carried openly. Otherwise, if they appeared out of nowhere, it would be hard not to arouse suspicion among other beastmen.
"Alright, let's do that," Si Lu nodded.
She also thought Bai Di was right.
It was true—they should have some things visible out in the open.
There was no way they could travel without any luggage.
So Bai Di's suggestion made sense.
Of course, it would mean more work for them.
"I'll talk to the others when they get back. We're going to encounter more and more beastmen, so we need to be careful," Bai Di said.
Naturally, he was saying this to protect Si Lu.
He was confident the others would agree.
Besides, carrying some things was a small task.
Bai Di took the ingredients Si Lu had brought out and started a fire to cook.
Si Lu had wanted to help, but Bai Di made her sit down and didn't let her do anything.
Left with no choice, she sat on a piece of fur and watched Bai Di work, elegantly eating dried shrimp.
She had to admit, the more she ate, the more addictive they became.
So tasty!
Every now and then, Si Lu would feed Bai Di a dried shrimp.
Thank you to all the lovely readers for catching any mistakes!