Chapter 100: Brine Tofu

The morning sun streamed through the clear glass into the room, and birds in the trees began their melodious chirping, heralding a new day.

The long mahogany table and ceramic tableware, though less extravagant than those of human nobility, had a sturdy, unpretentious feel. The table was long, yet there were few diners present: the Behemoth King and his queen, Xu Feng, and the two young princesses.

Beastfolk preferred roasted meat, which, while not as refined as human cuisine, was quite flavorful. In the spacious dining hall, aside from the clinking of knives and forks, it was quiet. Occasionally, when Niruis's gaze met Xu Feng's, she would blush and quickly lower her head, not uttering a word.

What was going on?

The Behemoth King and queen exchanged a glance, both filled with confusion. For over a decade, they had never seen their daughter so well-behaved. Was the sun rising in the west?

And why was she blushing at Xu Feng? Just yesterday, she had been so averse to the engagement. Had Arola said something?

The Behemoth King and queen glanced at the Snake Clan's young princess, making Arola quickly lower her head and focus on her meal.

All three young people were acting strangely. The Behemoth King and queen had no idea about the awkward incident from the previous night. They thought their daughter had taken a liking to Xu Feng after asking Arola about him, and they exchanged relieved smiles... After all, the marriage contract had to be honored. Compared to a loveless marriage, the couple naturally hoped their daughter could find happiness.

Time passed quietly. Xu Feng put down his cutlery and looked up at the Behemoth King and queen. "Uncle, Aunt, I should be going."

"So soon?" The queen frowned. Ideally, she hoped Xu Feng would stay for a while longer, allowing him and her daughter to get to know each other better.

Mishouleite was also a bit surprised, but he had no intention of stopping him. He nodded and said, "You want to return to Xiaoya's home? Very well, then let Ni'er go with you."

Xu Feng was taken aback, not expecting the Behemoth King to make such a request. But both emotionally and logically, he couldn't refuse. Although he found the girl's spoiled and headstrong nature quite a headache, she was, after all, his fiancée. "Very well, Uncle. I naturally obey your command."

"Who wants to go with you, you big pervert!"

A clear, pleasant voice reached his ears. The Behemoth Clan's young princess, her pretty face flushed red, glared fiercely at Xu Feng, then stood up and left the room.

Pervert?

Good grief, what girl would call her future husband that? Xu Feng felt a headache coming on. Mishouleite and his wife exchanged bitter smiles. They had spoiled their daughter too much since she was young.

"Xu Feng, don't take it to heart."

The queen's eyes flashed with a trace of worry. As a mother, she naturally understood her daughter's temperament. It was one thing to be willful and spoiled before, but if she didn't change after marriage, she would inevitably be neglected by her husband. After all, Xu Feng had more than just her by his side.

"Aunt, you are too kind."

Xu Feng showed no trace of displeasure on his face. He understood perfectly well why Niruis was angry. Even he felt a bit embarrassed thinking about the awkward scene from last night, let alone an unmarried young lady.

Leanna and Mishouleite exchanged a glance, a flicker of relief in their eyes. In this world, whether among humans or beastfolk, men who were understanding towards women were few and far between. With their experience, the Behemoth King and queen could see that Xu Feng was genuine. Originally, they too had been somewhat reluctant about this marriage, but now it seemed... perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing after all.

After breakfast, Xu Feng bid farewell to his future parents-in-law. Although Niruis was willful, she was actually a filial girl. Persuaded by her mother, she ultimately agreed to return to her cousin's home with Xu Feng.

Mishouleite dispatched a cavalry escort. Although within beastfolk territory, who would dare offend two esteemed young princesses? But it was better to be safe than sorry. A little caution never hurt.

The wheels rumbled along. Niruis and Arola rode in a splendid carriage. Inside, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. No wonder, after experiencing such an embarrassing scene the night before.

Especially Arola, her face flushed red, she shot a reproachful glance at the young girl in front of her. The first time she and Brother Xu Feng were intimate, this little girl had barged in so recklessly.

Niruis was also shy. In front of others, she might be willful, but her relationship with her cousin had always been extremely strong. She also knew that last night she had indeed been too rash.

"Cousin, I'm sorry!"

Arola ignored her.

"Cousin, don't be angry. Last night was really just an accident. I promise it will never happen again."

Again? Arola was speechless. But seeing her cousin looking at her pleadingly, her heart softened. She sighed, "You little troublemaker, always causing me problems."

"Good cousin, I knew you wouldn't stay mad at me."

It was like brine coagulating tofu—one thing subdues another. The willful Behemoth Princess was now being so obedient, and Arola, this Little Pepper, displayed a rare maternal side.

Setting aside the awkwardness from the previous night, the two girls made up and began chatting and laughing again.

"Cousin, why do you like a human?"

This question had always puzzled Niruis. After all, to beastfolk, humans meant cunning and evil. Yet now, her cousin looked so blissfully happy... Was something wrong?

"Ni'er, some things you can't just rely on hearsay. You have to see them for yourself to know the truth."

"Hmm?" The Behemoth Princess looked up, her face full of confusion.

"Let me tell you..." Holding her cousin's hand, Arola began to recount how she and Xu Feng had met and fallen in love.

"So that's how it is." Niruis nodded. "So Xu Feng isn't that bad after all."

"Of course." Arola patted her cousin's hand. "So Ni'er, listen to me. Don't keep opposing Brother Xu Feng from now on. After all, you two are already engaged."

Arola's magnanimity was truly admirable. In this world, polygamy was perfectly normal. The Snake People's young princess had only been upset with Xu Feng before because he had wooed her cousin too quickly.

It was merely dissatisfaction with the timing. In fact, regarding Niruis marrying Xu Feng, Arola was actually more pleased than not. After all, as a beastfolk girl marrying far away to a human empire, apart from her husband's affection, she would be very lonely. Having her cousin by her side would make her future life much fuller.

"But I don't like him." The Behemoth Princess pouted. Such barriers weren't so easily removed.

"I understand, but feelings can develop over time. But what's the point of you opposing him all day long? Besides, you were the one who made the bet yourself."

"I know." Niruis was also troubled, or more accurately, confused. She knew that, willing or not, she was destined to be Xu Feng's wife in this lifetime. Yet in her heart, she just couldn't accept it...

What should she do?