"Ah Yao, you're really adorable like this!" Si Lu looked up, sunlight glinting off the tiny black snake coiled around her wrist. The scales refracted the light in a dazzling display.
This was what people called "multicolored black."
"If you like it, I can stay like this all the time," Hei Yao said, gazing at Si Lu with tenderness.
As long as the little female liked it, he could always transform into his smallest form, curling around her wrist or ankle, following her wherever she went. And on top of that, he could even hide himself.
"Alright, alright, I think you look amazing like this, so cute, all moe and adorable."
"I'm even looking forward to our little offspring; I'm sure our babies will be even cuter," Si Lu said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Of course, having Hei Yao already in his miniature form was cute enough, so imagining what their child would look like was almost too much to handle. Naturally, giving birth had to wait until after she formally bonded with Lan Bo.
"Snake Beastmen aren't too difficult, actually. I'm sure our little ones will be adorable," Hei Yao said.
"Moreover, in our snake Beastmen culture, the female only lays the eggs; the male takes care of incubating them. I'll handle all the hatching. You just need to give birth, and soon we'll have tiny baby snakes."
Knowing Si Lu probably didn't know this, Hei Yao explained patiently. In their species, incubation is traditionally the male's responsibility.
Hearing her say she was willing to give him babies made him glow with happiness. The thought of having a child with the little female he loved filled him with excitement.
"Oh, I see. So you're in charge of incubation. That works; I wouldn't have the patience for it anyway," Si Lu said.
Indeed, incubating eggs sounded tedious and stressful—even if she had never done it herself, she knew from observing animals that it was no easy task, much like a hen sitting on her clutch.
"So you only need to lay the eggs; leave the rest to me. The snake eggs are tiny, so laying them is easy, quick, and painless," Hei Yao explained.
"That's perfect! No suffering required," Si Lu said, delighted.
"Actually, human-like mermaids are easy to deliver too," Lan Bo interjected, having listened quietly while the two chatted. He hadn't interrupted because he enjoyed seeing them so happy and engrossed. Mermaids' babies were also very cute and easy to give birth to.
"Great! Then I'll give birth for you—our little snake and mermaid babies," Si Lu said cheerfully.
"They'll all be ours—how wonderful!"
"Yes, giving birth to mermaid children isn't as easy as snakes, but much simpler than tigers or lions," Lan Bo explained.
Si Lu felt thrilled at the idea of having mermaid offspring with her beloved partner. In their male Beastmen world, having offspring was a source of pride and honor. It symbolized the female's devotion and the continuation of their bloodline.
"Don't worry; I'm not scared anymore. I've given birth twice before, so I'm experienced now. You don't need to worry about me," Si Lu reassured them.
No matter what, practice makes perfect. Her past experience had calmed her nerves, and she even looked forward to bringing new life into the world with her beloved partner.
The three of them chatted as they swam toward the mermaid palace.
Soon, they arrived at the palace gates. The two mermaid guards brightened upon seeing their prince return. Seeing Si Lu, a female from the land, they were equally delighted—after all, any male would be pleased to see such beauty.
"Greetings, Prince Lan Bo!" the two guards said in unison.
"Is my brother in the palace? He hasn't gone out, right?" Lan Bo asked.
Previously, his brother had been reluctant to let him leave. He wanted to update his brother once they returned after the bonding ceremony, ensuring the union would proceed without interruptions.
"The Chief has gone out, but he should be back by evening. Your Highness can wait in the chamber; he'll come to see you once he returns," one guard replied respectfully.
"Alright, then we'll do that," Lan Bo said, leading Si Lu to his private quarters.
Inside the familiar chamber, Lan Bo still felt a tinge of reluctance to leave. He wanted to ensure everything went smoothly during their union. Even though he would soon leave the underwater palace, he didn't mind—it was just part of life. Being with Si Lu was all that mattered.
"Thinking of something? Feeling reluctant to leave?" Si Lu asked, smiling as she read his expression.
"Indeed, a little. But I'm willing. As long as I'm with you, I can adapt anywhere," Lan Bo said, holding her hand, his gaze burning with affection.
"No worries. We'll stay at the seaside for the winter anyway. When spring comes, we can leave. If you want to return to the sea, we can go together," Si Lu said, gently touching his cheek.
"Then it's settled. When the time comes, I'll take you with me back to the sea," Lan Bo said.
This massive palace had only him and his brother; he felt a pang of concern for leaving his brother alone, especially since his brother hadn't yet found a partner or offspring. Lan Bo hoped his brother would soon meet someone, continue his lineage, and not be lonely.
"Mm," Si Lu nodded. They still had a long stay ahead at the seaside, and visiting the palace a few times was no problem. Besides, she loved the sea.
She even thought about bringing her partners and their offspring here eventually, letting them experience the underwater scenery—if they were willing, of course.
"Alright, I'll get some food. You like seafood, right? There's plenty here," Lan Bo said.
"I'm actually getting hungry. Go ahead; I'll wait here. Hei Yao is with me, and you should stay safe while hunting," Si Lu said, concerned for him.
"Alright, I'm off!" Lan Bo kissed her forehead before leaving.
Si Lu settled onto the soft stone bed, marveling at the luxury. The mermaids truly knew how to live—massive stone beds covered with fluffy furs, soft and comfortable to sit or lie on.
"Go ahead and rest; I'll be back soon."
Hei Yao, still coiled around her wrist, transformed into his humanoid form, sitting beside her.
"Not bad at all. They really know how to enjoy themselves here," Hei Yao remarked, watching Si Lu relax with a smile.
"Come try it, it's really comfortable," Si Lu said, tugging at his hand.
"Alright," Hei Yao replied with a gentle smile, lying down beside her. The comfort was amplified just by being near Si Lu. He resolved to replicate this setup back home.
"Ah Yao, you don't know, this bed is similar to the ones from my hometown. Wooden bases, soft tops—it's so comfortable," Si Lu said, lying back and gazing at the ceiling.
"It also keeps moisture from the ground away. Moisture can weaken immunity and make the body fragile," she explained.
"When we return, we can ask Cheng Mo and the others to help make a few beds like this. Our bodies will be healthier, and the offspring stronger," Hei Yao said, turning toward her.
"Sounds perfect. Wooden beds are so much nicer than straw, and healthier too," Si Lu agreed.
"Anything you want, we'll help you with," Hei Yao added, gently pinching her nose playfully.
"You've all been too kind to me. Meeting you has been the luckiest thing in my life," Si Lu murmured, feeling at peace.
Hei Yao pulled her into his arms, letting her rest her head on his chest. She drifted off quickly, breathing evenly.
He looked down at her sleeping face, full of love. She slept soundly and so peacefully.