Ari (Child of the Beastman Goddess)

Everything went smoothly in the tiger tribe as the days go by. They also started to explore other spices according to each of their preferences. The tribesmen started to learn the significance of preservation of their food supply.

I also wanted to teach them how to farm, but it will take a long time before they can learn it properly and we are about to leave in a few weeks’ time. Hence, the new knowledge will be useful enough for them to thrive even on the harsh weather.

“Ahem… Thank you so much for helping our tribe. I’ll do my best to find a replacement for the salt that you gave us.” Dawon said as he tried to hug me due to gratefulness.

I instantly dodged and my brother surprisingly stood in front of me, so Dawon landed on my brother instead.

“You’re welcome… You… Are… Very… Welcome…” My brother responded in my instead with a very dissatisfied tone.

Flustered, Dawon instantly backed away and held his hand up high.

“S-Sorry… I was just too happy…” Dawon explained his impulse.

“Hmm… Rather than finding a replacement. Can you help us make one? We will need some manpower for the process.” I said while trying not to laugh at his flustered image.

“It’s possible to make salt?!” He exclaimed in disbelief.

“Yes… It is… But… We will need sea water, jars, fabric and a huge pot.” I answered in a serious tone.

He was still speechless but he still organized the tools and manpower as I had instructed.

Luckily, the weather was already getting calmer, so Dawon instructed his tribesmen to gather sea water in jars. There were only a few who agreed but some were pushed by their female partners upon learning that it was my idea.

Yet again, I was surrounded by females while the males are all busy gathering the sea water. My brother kept laughing at a distance and only stopped when I gazed at him sharply.

Even though they are few, some males were getting irritated from my presence because most of them thought that I was a male youngling. They didn’t even care what I actually looked like because I was always wearing a mask.

Some unmarried males were also keeping an eye on me. However, they were unsure of what I really was. Those males where the males who worked with us making wines and are the ones who frequently roam around our house when my estrus started.

Luckily, I wasn’t the only one who was surrounded by females. Gurion was also busy playing with them.

Only Gurion, Blake and I was left in the tribe because I encouraged the others to join in the process since we will be needing a lot of manpower. They had no choice but to agree because I insisted them to join and Blake will also be left behind since he is not an adult yet.

Dawon didn’t let the younglings join so that I will be forced to stay in the tribe. Most of the adult males were sent to the sea to gather some water.

It took the group almost the whole day before they could come back to the tribe. We covered all the pot with fabric and let it sit overnight inside a warm stockroom to let the sand sink at the bottom.

The next morning we carefully scooped the crystal clear water and used the fabrics to filter any other unwanted impurities while pouring it into a different pot. A huge pot was then prepared and heated as we poured over the filtered water and had some males stir it continuously while taking turns.

Some of the males were assigned to constantly keep the fire going. It took us a lot of wood since we needed to maintain the heat on the pot. After a few hours, the water started to evaporate and salt started to form. A few more hours of constant stirring, the water dried up leaving only the crystallized salt in the pot. The salt created was then to be crushed and place in a clean jar.

Everyone was so amazed with the process. Though it took us quite a lot of effort to make it, it was worth it.

We started to prepare for departure while the tribe was still busy with creating as much salt as they can for a week.

“Ari… Are you really not going to accept my proposal? I really need you… I will terribly miss you. I will still keep my promise. I will never find another female except you. Please, Ari. Give me a chance.” Dawon pleaded while following me.

A female youngling was secretly looking at a distance. I initially want to pretend that I can see her, but I was sure she heard all what Dawon has said. I removed my mask and coat, then transformed to my passive form as I face Dawon seriously. I saw the youngling’s shocked face, but she still didn’t run away.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“Dawon, this is my final answer. I know how stubborn you are but I can no longer add another alpha as my male. I also can’t let you waste your time for a female who doesn’t even know her real identity. I also don’t want you to give up your authority since you are the only one who fits the role in your tribe.” I answered sternly.

“Even if you say so, I will still wait for your return.” He responded with a dejected tone.

Exasperated, his tears fell down as he walks away. I looked around, but I couldn’t see the female youngling so I wore my mask and coat back as I go back to the house.

We were all ready to depart, but the tiger tribe prepared a feast for us. Despite being dejected, Dawon tried to conceal his sadness. I can still sense his loneliness through his eyes and it breaks my heart. However, I know I did the right thing because he deserves better.

The next morning, I woke up late because I drank a little during the feast. Gurion and the others greeted me as they lead me to the table where a cake and a lot of food were prepared. Dawon was also present at that time despite my rejection. He greeted me warmly without crossing the line.

Right, it was my birthday and was the first day of spring. I suddenly remembered my father since I have long been wanting to celebrate my birthday with him like this. I cried and everyone was in panic. I hugged them while thanking despite the mixed longing and happiness I felt.

We shared the feast together before we finally departed from the tiger tribe.