Chapter 10. Unexpected

“Mmm…” The soft, fuzzy feeling under my hand made me swallow hard, heart pounding.

“No way it’s him, hehe,” I thought, scolding myself for being shameless, frowning and shaking my head.

Adjusting to the light, I slowly opened my eyes.

“A blanket?” I blinked, confused. “Where’s everyone?” I looked around, but the unfamiliar room was empty.

“Orson? You there? Orson!” I jumped up, pacing and calling out, but no one answered.

Fox said Bear got bad news from Lion, so I thought he’d be at some battlefield, not in a fancy room like this. Full of questions, I scanned the place.

This room isn’t like the others in Caelan. There’s something… elegant, almost flowing about it—deep blues running through, touched with glimmers of gold.

Something stirred in my chest, but I shook it off to focus.

Let’s explore.

I peeked outside, checking my surroundings, then snuck out. The room was upstairs, giving a clear view of everything.

“Where to first…” I muttered, eyes darting around. Voices echoed from the grand hall ahead, so I decided to sneak over for a look.

Lucky me, no guards—but that felt odd. Whatever, maybe they got called away.

I crept through the halls, the closer I got to the main hall, the more guards there were.

They looked like beastfolk, ears and tails still visible, not fully humanized.

Those ears… probably lion, I thought, hiding behind a massive pillar.

“Phew!” I hesitated, unsure if I should keep going. This place was huge—get lost, and I’d miss Bear and probably get caught.

I should probably turn back… yeah, that’s better. I turned and started walking… but just a few steps in, something made me cry out, “Ah!”

Someone grabbed my wrist from behind. I spun around, panicked. “Who’s that?”

A tall beastfolk woman loomed over me, so strong she could probably flick me across the room.

Her flashy outfit screamed dancer. She stared, gripping my wrist tight.

“C-Can you let go?” I asked cautiously, pointing at my wrist.

She kept her grip on my wrist, eyes wide, staring as if trying to take in every detail, unblinking. After a long moment, a flicker of something crossed her gaze, and she slowly loosened her hold.

I quickly pulled my hand back; my wrist was already bruised, throbbing. I gave an awkward smile, ready to bolt, when she spoke.

“Human, what’re you doing here?” She was sizing up my aura.

“Uh… I got lost, hehe,” I blurted, winging it.

“This palace is locked down tighter than a mosquito’s path. A human getting in?” She squinted, suspicious.

“W-Well, I came with Orson. Do you know him?” I asked directly.

“Orson? Leader of the Caelan Beastfolk Alliance?” Her voice rose, skeptical.

“Yup, that’s him!” I nodded eagerly. She went quiet, then turned.

“Follow me.” I blinked—did she know where Bear was? Jackpot!

“Okay!” I chirped, trailing her without a second thought.

Following her through the palace, my heart raced. Every beastfolk we passed gave me weird looks, like predators eyeing prey.

I shivered, telling myself not to overthink.

“A-Are we close?” I whispered.

“Almost,” Lin said curtly, not friendly at all.

Something felt off, but I kept going, clutching the transit scroll in my pocket—if things went south, I’d zap out.

But… did Bear really send that scroll? No way he’d summon me and just leave me like this. The thought made me a bit sulky.

“Here,” She stopped at a massive gold-plated door, studded with fancy gems.

Laughter and flirty chatter spilled out from inside.

“Haha, my lord… you tease…” I trembled, dumb thoughts about Bear flooding my head.

“O-Orson’s in there?” I asked.

She didn’t answer, just pushed the door open.

“Wait!” I screamed internally, squeezing my eyes shut.

Clank!

The noise inside got louder.

“Orson, drink up! Why the long face?” some drunk guy slurred.

“I’m done here,” Bear said coldly, starting to stand.

“Aww, my lord!” a gaggle of dancers cooed.

“Don’t be so stiff, Orson~. Loosen up!” The drunk laughed.

“Look at his face, total grump.” Hyena whispered to Eagle.

“Shh!” Eagle hushed him, sitting stiffly, swarmed by dancers. That bastard Lion! Hyena thought. Drags us here, says it’s for peace talks, then keeps us stuck with these constant parties. Every few days, another feast—what’s his game?

“Hm?” Lion’s laugh stopped, his voice sharp. “What’s up, Lin?”

“I brought someone, my lord,” Lin bowed, stepping aside to reveal me, all awkward.

I shrank back, scared, but seeing Bear, I lit up.

“Orson?” My eyes sparkled, ready to run to him. Bear looked at me, surprised, his cup pausing mid-air.

I thought my surprise worked, but why didn’t he look happy?

“Who’s this?” Lion asked, voice icy.

“A human, my lord,” Lin replied. His gaze raked over me, giving me chills.

“Well, well, a lost little bunny?” He smirked, dripping with bad vibes.

I clenched my fists, glaring. Lion laughed louder. What’s wrong with this guy? Whatever, I glanced at Bear.

Wait—why’s he surrounded by dancers? My jaw dropped, a weird feeling bubbling in my chest. Bear caught my eye, but I looked away, sulking.

Huh? Hyena and Eagle were there too, drowning in dancers! I shook with anger, thinking of Wei. Why’s everyone using “business” as an excuse to flirt?

“So, a friend of yours, Orson?” Lion turned, eyeing me with a smug grin.

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He stood, accidentally knocking a wine jug from a dancer’s hand, soaking his robe.

She trembled, apologizing frantically. “Ah! I’m so sorry, please forgive me!”

He casually kicked her, sending her sprawling, clutching her stomach in pain, still begging.

This psycho! I started to charge, but Bear shook his head slightly.

Why? I stopped, confused.

“We’re leaving,” Bear said, turning away.

“Party’s not over,” Lion said coolly, ignoring the girl.

Bear shot him a cold glare. Lion sighed, shrugging, letting us go.

Bear walked over quickly, whispering, “Let’s go.”

I hesitated, then followed, quiet.

We didn’t speak the whole way to Bear’s room.

Inside, I plopped onto a long chair, curling up, sulking. Bear looked at me, then chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” I snapped, whipping around.

He came close, sitting beside me, leaning in to peer at my face.

“Jealous, huh?”

I flinched, his face so close I could feel his breath. I pushed him back, cheeks puffed.

“Who’s jealous?!” I turned away.

“Haha,” Bear laughed softly, leaning back.

“Alright, I’m sorry.” He played with my hair.

I yanked it away, tucking it in. Ugh! I didn’t even know why I was mad, but giving in so easily felt wrong.

Noticing Bear go quiet, I got curious, foot tapping impatiently. I’d missed him so much, but my stubborn streak wouldn’t let me turn around.

“Hm?” I jumped, slowly glancing over.

Bear leaned on my shoulder, looking exhausted, his arm slipping around my waist, holding tight.

I started to push him off, embarrassed, but seeing him like that, I couldn’t.

He’s always comforting me, cheering me up, while I just pout and cry, never thinking about his feelings. My lips trembled, throat tight, tears threatening.

“Hic!” I choked, unable to hold back. After two months of relief work, I thought I’d toughened up, but with Bear, I’m just a whiny kid.

“Don’t cry, I’m here,” Bear looked up, turning me to face him, wiping my tears.

“I’m such a pain, aren’t I?” I sobbed.

He smiled. “I’d love for you to keep being my pain.”

I sniffled. “You’re teasing me,” I laughed through tears, probably looking a mess.

Bear pinched my cheek, rubbing it. “Sorry I didn’t come to you right away.”

I shook my head, eyes away. “It’s fine…”

“You were upset, huh? Wanted to surprise me.”

I blinked. “How’d you know?” I blurted, then turned away, embarrassed.

Suddenly, I looked up, curious. “Wait, you didn’t summon me?”

Bear looked surprised. “…Why would you think that?”

“Blanchi brought the scroll,” I blinked.

He thought for a moment. “You named it?” I nodded eagerly, grinning. “Cool name, right?”

Bear laughed, ruffling my hair. “Very cool. Blanchi probably loves it.”

I crossed my arms, smug, but then he said, “Sadly, I didn’t send it.”

I tilted my head, blinking, a giant question mark in my mind. “I’ll look into it, don’t worry,” Bear said with a smile, stroking my cheek.

I was curious, but right now, I didn’t want to overthink it—mulling it over wouldn’t solve anything.

“You did great on the relief mission. Impressive,” Bear praised.

I’d heard it plenty, but from him, it hit different, making me shy. “Hehe,” I giggled, cheeks red.

“What about you? Why’re you here?” I leaned in, curious.

“It’s a long story. I’ll keep it short,” Bear said.

I nodded, all ears. “Leotinus claimed there was a territory dispute, so I came to sort it out. Turns out, he made it up, invited me to stay a few days. I stayed out of courtesy, but he keeps throwing parties, dragging things out. I think he’s plotting something. Hyainos, Aethel, and I are digging into it,” Bear said briefly, his eyes cautious.

I nodded, thinking, then realized, spinning to him.

“Wait… doesn’t my showing up make things worse?” I looked at him, uneasy.

Bear just smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

I blinked, confused. He went on. “Transit scrolls can be risky with targets and locations. I always keep a slot open for surprises—better safe than sorry, right?” He grinned, tousling my hair.

“But you’re in for some trouble now,” Bear said, eyes mischievous.

“Why?” I asked.

“You’re my personal healer until we leave.” I squinted, thinking.

I’m free anyway, and hanging around the palace would be boring. But Yaorin—she’d be sad.

“I haven’t told the others,” I looked up.

“Zorion and them? Aethel’ll handle it. Your new friend? I asked my sister to look after her, so don’t stress,” Bear said.

I froze, like he’d read my mind.

“Wait… you have a sister?” I blurted, shocked.

“Haha, no need to act so surprised. You’ve met her,” Bear chuckled.

“Met her? When?”

“Let’s see… she’s quiet but great at taking care of people.”

My face fell, disbelieving. “The maid who looked after me?”

Bear nodded, grinning like he’d won a bet.

“Argh, no wonder you know everything! She spilled it all?” I covered my face, racking my brain for anything embarrassing I said.

“Nah, she didn’t say much,” Bear paused, looking away. “I asked, but she said it’s a secret between you two.”

I lowered my hands, giggling, silently thanking her.

We talked more, but exhaustion from the trip hit hard.

I stretched, yawning, leaning into Bear. “I’m sleepy…”

He smiled, slipped his arms under my knees, and lifted me up.

Bear gently set me on the bed, the soft mattress pulling me into a deep sleep, oblivious to everything.

——

Hyena flopped into a chair, groaning.

“That jerk sent word—one week from now, he’s throwing some big feast for a ‘special regional ceremony,’ inviting all the nearby leaders. He’s kept us here a month, and now more party nonsense. What’s he playing at?”

Eagle leaned forward, hands clasped, voice low. “He’s deliberately stalling us, now dragging in other leaders. His game’s not clear, but it’s definitely not simple.” Hyena spun to Bear, fuming.

“The fake territory dispute was bad enough, and he’s got the nerve to keep us stuck here. You’re just sitting there all calm, Orson?” Bear stayed quiet, sipping tea, setting the cup down with a soft clink.

“Caelan’s got Faolan running things, plus Zorion, Serpion, and Pardus backing him up. No rush. Let’s keep our ears open,” he said, voice steady.

Hyena sighed, shaking his head. “Ugh, this guy… always scheming something.” But a smirk tugged at his lips, used to Bear’s cool-headed ways.

Eagle nodded. “Fine, let’s shelve Leotinus for now.”

He pulled out a paper, tone turning serious. “About Ami showing up—I notified Zorion, and I’ve dug into why she was summoned. The transit scroll came from Zorion, given to her five days ago, four in total. Found two in her room. One probably got her here, but the other’s missing.” He paused, eyeing Bear.

“The pigeon carrying the scroll was the one you gave her—nothing odd there. But the scroll’s lens showed nothing, meaning no one sent it; someone just slipped it onto the bird.”

Bear toyed with his teacup, eyes darkening, silent.

Hyena leaned forward, curious. “So, what’d Zorion’s crew say?” Eagle shrugged.

“They’re sure Ami cooked it up herself. Based on what we’ve got, it’s easy to think she used the scroll to get here on purpose.” Hyena frowned.

“But why would she do that?” Eagle smirked. “Same question Serpion asked. They came up with two theories. One, Ami wanted to see Orson but was scared of getting chewed out, so she faked the scroll. Two…” He cleared his throat, glancing at Bear. “…she’s got some ulterior motive.”

Hyena gulped, sneaking a look at Bear. He stayed calm, voice even.

“Go on.” Hyena muttered under his breath, “That cool act of yours is freaking me out…”

Eagle continued, cautious. “The ulterior motive idea got shot down fast by Zorion and Serpion. They swore up and down Ami’s not the type for shady stuff. But when Faolan brought up her background, some weird details came up.”

He paused, watching Bear, then went on. “Ami was exiled from Caelora three months ago, but her aura’s still gray, unchanged. Small, but odd. More importantly, reports say she managed healthcare in Caelora—a big role.”

Eagle stopped, studying Bear. He stayed unfazed, giving a slight nod. Eagle pressed on. “A high-ranking woman—valued in Caelora—getting exiled is rare as hell. Then, during the relief mission, Ami made huge contributions, leaning on her Caelora experience. And Wei—her brother, according to Serpion—got exiled same time. That guy used his divine gift to clear toxic dust and whipped up a plague cure in no time. Suspicious.”

Hyena tilted his head. “Huh? How’d he use his gift?”

Eagle explained. “Not common knowledge, but some special cases keep their gifts post-exile. Must be high-tier celestials. That alone raises big questions.” He looked at Bear. “Plus, there’s some weird stuff about her gift, but this is enough to wonder why they’re here.”

Despite their suspicion, Bear stayed silent.

Eagle waited for a reaction, but Bear just said, voice calm, “Sounds like you all had a real heart-to-heart.”

His face didn’t shift, but Hyena and Eagle got chills. “Keeping all those thoughts bottled up… must be tough,” Bear added, pouring more tea.

Eagle took a deep breath, voice firm. “Orson, I know Ami’s important to you, but don’t let feelings blind you.”

Bear paused, setting the teapot down, eyes flashing cold for a split second. But he went back to calm, locking eyes with Eagle.

“You’re jumping to conclusions without evidence. Who’s letting feelings take over?”

Hyena swallowed hard, Eagle froze. The air got heavy, but Bear just sipped his tea, like he’d commented on the weather.

“Let’s drop this. She’s waking up,” Bear said evenly, standing.

Eagle stiffened, a hint of frustration in his voice. “You really think that’s smart?”

“C-Calm down, both of you…” Hyena laughed nervously, trying to ease things.

“Is it worth being so soft and getting burned later?” Eagle raised his voice, staring Bear down.

“Take him back, Hyainos,” Bear said, glancing over, then walking off.

“Tch! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!” Eagle snapped, storming out. Hyena slapped his forehead, sighed, gave Bear a quick wave, and chased after.

Bear stood by the bed, gazing softly at Ami, sound asleep.

He gently brushed a stray hair from her face, his expression heavy with thought. Eagle’s warning lingered, stirring feelings he’d tried to bury. Bear pulled the blanket over her, his hand pausing, eyes tinged with sadness.

“I’ll never leave you again…”

——

I woke up, head foggy, feeling something warm nearby.

Blinking sleepily, I turned, mumbling, “Orson…” He sat by the bed, eyes gentle, giving me a warm smile.

He leaned close, one hand propped beside me, voice low. “Sleep well?”

Still groggy, I nodded, grinning like a dork. “Super well.”

A few seconds later, more awake, I shot up—thwack!—my forehead smashed into his.

“Ow!” I clutched my head, groaning, then panicked, turning to him.

“You okay?” Bear held his nose, faking pain.

“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to!” I fumbled, not sure what to do.

“I’m fine,” he said, sounding like he was holding it together.

“Bet that hurt! Turn here, let me see!” I grabbed his face, turning it side to side, freaking out.

Suddenly, Bear burst out laughing, cracking up.

I froze, realizing he was messing with me, puffing my cheeks and turning away. “Hmph!”

“Sorry, just teasing—haha,” Bear said, not sounding sorry at all.

“Next time, I won’t care!” I yelled, yanking the blanket over me.

Bear peeked under it. “Sorry, you hungry? Wanna eat?”

Food again? Not falling for it! I hugged the blanket tighter, fuming.

“You’ll suffocate like that,” he warned.

I ignored him, staying quiet. He thought for a second, lips curling slyly. “Oh, Ferox Market’s open today. Wanna go?”

I didn’t answer, but my ears perked up.

“Lion’s Ferox Market is famous—sparkly jewelry, unique stuff, fun games, honey wine, tasty food. They’ve got Roa today, a must-try in Leovara. I’ve never had it. Market’s been open half an hour; might sell out,” Bear said, faking regret.

I stayed silent, but my feet fidgeted, torn.

He pretended to stand. “Not going? Fine, I’ll head out, bring some back—”

“No way!” I threw off the blanket, jumping up. “It’ll get cold!” I blurted, worried about the Roa, then realized I forgot I was mad, face burning.

Bear bit back a laugh, trying not to tease more.

He held out his hand, voice soft. “Let’s go.”

I hesitated, slid off the bed, slipped on shoes, and walked off, still grumpy, ignoring his hand.