Chapter 100: No Favoritism (6)

Chapter 100: No Favoritism (6)

...those feelings dont come if theres no love, you see?

Ners heart plummeted at those words.

A loved one.

Her mind went blank for a moment.

Unwittingly, Ner whispered, ...What?

The old woman continued, So perhaps youre mistaken. Its not that your mating cycle has intensified...its just begun.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

...What does...that mean...?

The woman smiled broadly, It seems youve found the love of your life. Congratulations.

Ner blinked in disbelief.

Was this old woman suggesting she was in love with Berg?

It couldnt be.

.........

Yet, no words came out as she opened her mouth to object.

She couldnt muster the simple denial.

Her heart was pounding violently.

Memories with Berg flooded her mind.

Ner.

His smiling face as he called her name emerged in her thoughts.

Ners tail had unknowingly coiled around her waist.

...Huh?

Confused, Ner let out a bewildered sound.

The old woman smiled, Youre like a young girl in love. Hehe. Reminds me of my past.

Ner shook her head with difficulty, No, thats not it. It cant be.

Even as she spoke, she felt the strain in her words.

Still, she continued her self-defense, Berg is a... a human, right? A mercenary, and moreover, a commoner...

The old woman replied with a kind expression, But you know all that is just an excuse, dont you, Blackwood Yeong-ae?

..........

Hehe. We find it hard to admit when love arrives.

...

Its hard to believe in the miracle of having that one person right before us. We worry if they are the right one before giving our heart... And its difficult to accept the truth that might feel embarrassing: that weve fallen in love.

Ner squeezed out her words cautiously, But the mating cycle is periodic, isnt it...?

The old woman shook her head.

There was not even an inch of hesitation.

As you know, our kind loves only one.

...

We dont love just anyone. Even if I want to fall in love, it doesnt happen.

...

If our sexual desire was uncontrollable every full moon, if our mating cycle was triggered by it, wouldnt we be like the... cat people, indiscriminately sharing love with anyone?

...

...The full moon does have an effect, but its not everything. The target of the mating cycle is clear. Simply put... theres no more accurate proof of love than the mating cycle.

Ner, unable to counter, yet stubbornly persisted, How can you be so sure of that?

The old woman smiled.

Ive lived a long time. Throughout, Ive heard countless stories. The advice I give is based on a lot of experience. It was true for me, and for those around me...

Ner, faced with the old womans effortless rebuttals, finally closed her mouth.

I never thought the day would come when Id say this to Blackwood Yeong-ae.

...

Like she did in the past, when confused, she tightly embraced her tail.

It was a reflex action that had followed her since childhood.

Even now, hugging her white tail tightly, Ner tried to sort out her thoughts.

It wasnt easy.

Seeing her expression, the old woman said goodbye, Then, Ill take my leave. Call me if you need anything else.

Ner couldnt even see her out.

Her mind was too crowded with thoughts.

She remained frozen in the same posture for a long time, deep in thought.

Ner gently closed her eyes.

Her heart was racing.

Ignoring the noisy thoughts in her head, she kept asking herself.

Does she love Berg?

Had she already given him her heart?

She decided not to dwell on such negative thoughts now.

They would only serve as obstacles to this memory.

In a memory she would cherish for over a thousand years, there was no room for such impurities.

So, she rested, inhaling the natural fragrance the night air brought.

She briefly wondered.

Could she ever imagine she would feel this way for a... short-lived being?

It felt like Berg was lifting the burdens off her heart, one by one.

She had never exposed her flaws to anyone before.

For 170 years, there had been no one who truly understood her.

But Berg was different.

The more she was with him, the more comfortable she felt, fostering a belief that he would accept her no matter what.

With this feeling, Arwin slowly leaned her body against Bergs back.

...

Then, naturally, she rested her head on his neck.

At that moment, Berg flinched.

Startled by his reaction, Arwin quickly lifted her head.

Had he disliked it?

...Berg?

Turning to look at him, she understood what had made him shiver.

...There were Ners teeth marks where she had rested her head.

The clear teeth marks were visible amidst the blue bruising.

...................

Arwin felt a surge of emotion.

She couldnt identify the feeling, but knew it was unpleasant.

She didnt like Ners mark interrupting their moment.

Another obstacle had appeared.

Berg spoke, Sorry. It wasnt that I disliked it...just felt a bit stiff for a moment.

...

Berg was groaning again from such pain.

Why did such a man have to suffer because of that woman?

Why does he have to carry such unnecessary marks?

Such barbaric customs of theirs were beyond Arwins comprehension.

...Berg.

...Hmm?

Arwin turned to glance at the wedding ring on Bergs left ring finger, a symbol of his union with Ner.

...Then she whispered, Theres a secret about Ner... you should know.

Arwin couldnt control her racing heart.

Its necessary so that Berg receives less hurt. Only then... will these reckless actions cease.

Arwin gently touched Bergs scar.

Berg shook his head.

It was my request. Ner is-

-Ner is.

Arwin cut him off.

She had thought several times about revealing this fact.

Now, the opportunity had arisen.

Berg blinked in confusion, looking at Arwin with a questioning expression.

...?

Arwin felt no guilt.

It wasnt a lie, after all.

Perhaps it was even a consideration for Ner.

Wasnt it Ner who had said she didnt like Berg?

The one who questioned how she could love a human mercenary?

Perhaps it was alright to create a little distance between them.

Ner... she has no intention of loving you to the end.

Bergs eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Despite seeing this, Arwin continued.

...Shes already waiting for someone else.

The End of The Chapter

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