_--_..
By sunrise, Chen Yue had made a plan
.Stop being the village's punching bag villainess.
. Learn beastman survival basics (without dying).
.Win the cubs' trust.
.Tame the growly lion husband.
.Definitely not fall in love.
Easy, right?
She wrapped her tail around her waist like a belt, scooped up the cubs, and walked out of the cave. The moment she stepped into the clearing, *everything stopped*.
Villagers froze mid-step.
One old mole beastwoman nearly dropped her basket.
A hawk child let go of his fruit in mid-air.
Even a squirrel warrior fell out of a tree.
Whispers started.
*"That's Lira… right?"*
*"She's carrying her cubs?"*
*"She's smiling?!"*
Chen Yue kept walking, forcing a polite nod here, a "good morning" there.
Then came the big one.
*Kael.*
He was shirtless, sword strapped across his back, talking with the elders. His golden eyes flicked toward her. Surprise. Confusion. Caution.
She walked up casually. "Husband."
*Husband?!*
Gasps from the villagers.
Kael tensed. "…Yes?"
She smiled. "I need help learning to fish. And maybe… hunt? Also, can I get a map of the area, please?"
He blinked like she'd just spoken in goat.
"I—yes. I can… show you."
"Perfect. Tonight?" she said sweetly. "We can go alone."
Someone *fainted*.
Chen Yue walked away, hips swaying, cubs giggling on her back.
Behind her, Kael whispered to the elder, "I think she hit her head too hard."