Chapter 9: Hyun’s Transformation is Shaken

Hyerin was conflicted over her safety or that big snake’s well-being. Thereafter, she mentally shook her head and decided. "Guys," she called out gently, turning to the two little beasts curled beside her, "do you know any nearby trees with fruits or shrubs with berries we can get food from real quick?" She was carefully fanning the small fire she had coaxed to life—its glow flickering gently, keeping their cold limbs from stiffening completely—yet her question was met with silence. Puzzled, she looked over. Snowy, the little bird, was sitting stiff and still, his gaze fixed awkwardly on the bark behind her, making her raise an eyebrow for a moment. Meanwhile, the other—Konkon, this shameless little bear—was on another level! Without even hiding his thoughts, he was staring directly at her with a disturbing amount of intensity, drool visibly trickling from the corner of his lips like she was a delicious, sweet cake promptly served for him to relish. His little palms moved ahead and quivered as though they were aching for a squeeze. "Round, juicy, tasty!" the boy blurted out, unwittingly, with sparkling eyes, "Nothing can beat a pair of plump pinkish peach and huge melons in this world!!" What the hell? Hyerin’s breath was caught in her throat. Blood rushed up to her ears as realization struck, painting her cheeks scarlet. She yelped and instinctively raised one arm to cover her chest in a flimsy attempt to cover her ample breasts. "Y-You little brat! What did you just say? Quit staring and look away this instant!" Heavens! She thought of them as children, so there was no issue for her in undressing instead of getting sick! But that look... how could she not feel violated?! Hyerin’s soul almost left her body from shame. It wasn’t that she was overreacting and sensitive when the other person was just a ’little kid’. But this kid is just... just too unbridled! The sheer act made her very perturbed and flustered. So, with a swift flick of her hand, she smacked Konkon squarely on his head like she would to any other old pervert on the streets. "Aaack!" Konkon wailed pitifully, rubbing his poor scalp with watery eyes. "S-Sister, why did you hit Konkon? I was only watching you... make fire..." he sniffled dramatically, glancing toward the fire pit with betrayal all over his round face. Bullshit. What fire? You were looking at me and my... Hyerin swallowed her indignation and left the words unsaid. Inhale, exhale. She took a deep breath for several bouts to calm her frayed nerves. Meanwhile... Damn it, it hurts! This woman is so cruel! The cub pouted, feeling so wronged, and pulled a long face. All I did was sneak a peek at her shapely curves and blooming figure. I didn’t even touch anything! She should be grateful I showed restraint! Hyun—who was secretly suppressing his adult form to keep his cub disguise intact—nearly lost control of his transformation from sheer shock. That slap had nearly shattered his soul. Seeing him tremble, Hyerin’s guilty conscience stirred. She hesitated, half-reaching toward him, but retracted her hand quickly, unsure if she should offer comfort or a second smack. The crimson bear cub sniffled louder and shot a resentful glare at Snowy, who was still pretending to be a stone statue in the corner, playing dead. That pale little feather-duster! He was watching her, too! Why am I the only one getting punished?! "Why do you always hit me and never Snowy?! Sister, you’re being biased!" Konkon sobbed, loud enough for all the nearby wildlife to hear. "If you keep playing favorites like this, Konkon won’t be good for you anymore!" Hyerin’s jaw dropped, and her face contorted, unable to grasp how high this brat’s ego is to be acting tough. She glanced over at Snowy’s side and, sure enough, the little bird was nonchalant and unmoving. Hyerin held her forehead, feeling rather helpless. In her eyes, Snowy was a girl, so how could there be an issue when they’re both girls? This stubborn brat. Hyerin heaved deeply. Even if you say that, how could you be the one acting like I’ve wronged you when you’re clearly at fault? She tried to keep her cool and spoke slowly but audibly stern. "Look here, Konkon. I—" Hyerin was about to reprimand him when suddenly the earth shook and caused large tremorswhichat didn’t spare even the hollow tree thwereere in. Bam! "Sister, watch out!" A loud bang erupted, and as though by sheer instinct, Hyun’s body moved on its own and grew larger to shield the woman from the crumbling, uprooted big tree. Far away, in a stretch of wilderness beyond the city walls, a certain young man suddenly paused mid-step. Sky’s brows twitched, and a strange chill climbed up his spine despite the warm sunlight above. Beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead, and his cheeks... flushed red. Sid, his long-suffering servant, peeked at him curiously. "Young Master? Are you... alright? Did you drink too much tea at the inn again? There’s no latrine for miles, but I can find you a bush—" Before he could finish, a foot came flying toward his face. "AH—!!" Sid barely dodged in time, tumbling backward as the sharp gust from the kick grazed his head. His eyes went round as coins. "Young Master, I was just being helpful! Why stomp me like I’m a rat?!" Sky clicked his tongue and scowled, already regretting that he let the shame show on his face. "...I don’t need a damn bush," he muttered under his breath. He looked down and saw something protruding beneath his trousers, then quickly looked away. His insides were in turmoil because of a certain woman’s doing. "Ashta..." Sky gritted inwardly and clenched his fist tightly until it turned sickly white. "Ha, so this is the real you! I never thought you were this shameless, but you were worse than the others!" How could she shed her clothes in front of an unmated beastman and act like it was a normal thing? "The Clan Head is right... You’re a lowborn woman who chose to betray the Clan... Betray me... and run away with a feral. You’re a despicable person and a traitor!" Sky muttered hatefully and painfully so,o but once he recalled the woman’s slender figure and smooth skin, her fragrant smell that wafted through his nose through the avatar bird he sent to find her first, Sky found himself being tormented by a tight knot below his belt once more. Curses! ’Why the hell am I reacting to that annoying female again! Useless body! I’m not going there to become e slave of my mating instincts! I’m not— Just then, Sky’s body flinched and his eyes suddenly darkened.