CHAPTER 978: CHAPTER 149 - THE NINE-TAILED FOX CLAN (1)

The Kitsune Clan... among all the beast tribes, they were by far the most secluded. They were mysterious, even. Some called them a clan, others a tribe, but one thing was certain. It was that they were rare. Almost mythical. Seeing a passing Kitsune with your own eyes for a brief moment was already something that could only happen once in several lifetimes, but seeing it fully...? That was something straight out of legends.

It was said that out of a million souls, only one might ever catch a glimpse of a true nine-tailed fox—and even then, that glimpse would vanish like a mirage before you could even blink.

Honestly, it still blew my mind that Norman had managed to capture someone from the Kitsune Clan. That bastard really was something else—his portal ability made him almost untouchable. I still couldn’t figure out how the hell he’d pulled it off. But well, he’s gone now. Good riddance.

After visiting the Ram Beast people, our next goal was to find the remnants of the Kitsune Clan, just as Ayane had requested.

We were finally out of the Elven Kingdom. The forest behind us slowly disappeared into the mist, replaced by the endless stretch of plains and several trees ahead. The wind was cool, brushing against my hair as we walked along the uneven dirt path.

"Why am I even here... with you?" Aegis muttered, her tone full of irritation. Her brows were furrowed, and her steps were louder than necessary, like she wanted to stomp her annoyance into the ground. "I’d rather stay in the kingdom with the Princess."

I glanced at her. "Well, no one told you to come. You could’ve stayed there if you wanted. I’m not forcing you."

"Yeah, right," she grumbled, crossing her arms. "Like I have a choice. She’s the one who told me to go with you. Ugh, why are you always her priority...?"

I let out a sigh and gave her a small, half-amused smile. "Now, now, let’s not start with that again. Just focus on moving forward, yeah?"

"Ugh..." She rolled her eyes but didn’t push it any further. That was progress, I guess.

After a while of walking through the forest path, the trees started to thin out, and soon we arrived at what looked like a small settlement. Wooden houses stood scattered across a grassy field, some damaged, others half-burnt. Smoke stains lingered on the walls, and the faint scent of ash still hung in the air. It was obvious that bandits had attacked this place not too long ago.

Maya’s eyes darted around, her expression growing tight with worry. I could see her fists clenching slightly at her sides, her breathing turning uneven. She was scared—terrified of what she might find.

But then, a voice broke through the heavy silence.

"Maya?"

We both turned. A tall, muscular man stood there, his body covered in faint scars, his skin tanned from years of labor. He looked older, but the resemblance was unmistakable—he had Maya’s eyes. The only difference was... well, he was completely naked from the waist up. And he’s a male. His presence radiated both power and warmth.

"Father..." Maya whispered, her lips trembling before she smiled softly. Relief washed over her entire face.

"You came back," her father said, smiling wide. "I thought for sure you wouldn’t, with how busy you must be. But I see... you came back for us, huh?" His tone was proud, his eyes glistening. It was the kind of look only a parent could give.

Then his gaze shifted toward me, sharp but not hostile. "And who’s this?"

"Let me introduce him, Father," Maya said, stepping closer to him. "His name is Leon... he’s my—" her cheeks flushed slightly, her voice softening. "He’s my special person."

Her father’s smile widened, the lines around his eyes deepening. "Is that so?" he said warmly, his tone carrying both curiosity and approval.

"Why don’t we go to our house and talk for a while?" he continued. "That okay with you, Leon?"

"I don’t mind at all," I replied, nodding slightly. "Actually, I think I’ve got a few things I’d like to discuss too."

"Good. That’s good," he said, his voice deep and welcoming.

We followed him through the settlement until we reached his home. It wasn’t large—just a simple structure made of wood and stone—but it felt alive. The faint crackle of a fire inside, the smell of cooked herbs, and the soft hum of wind brushing against the walls gave it a strangely comforting aura.

"I’m sorry it’s not as modern as the world outside the forest," Maya’s father said as we stepped inside. "I hope it’s not too uncomfortable."

"It’s fine," I said honestly, taking a seat on one of the wooden stools. "Actually, it’s comfortable. Peaceful, even."

And it really was. The air inside felt calm, filled with a natural warmth that you couldn’t find anywhere else.

"I’m glad to hear that," he said, smiling as he sat beside his wife—who, to my surprise, looked almost exactly like Maya. The resemblance was uncanny.

"Before we start," he said, puffing out his chest a bit, not arrogantly but with pride, "allow me to introduce ourselves properly. I’m the head of this clan." His tone was firm but respectful. "And this here is my wife."

His wife bowed politely, her smile kind and gentle.

"I’m glad you made it here safely," he said to me. "It must’ve been a tiring journey."

"Well, it wasn’t really that long," I replied. "Maya was worried about everyone here, so I figured I’d come with her. Also..." I paused, straightening my back slightly. "I’m here to say this formally—I’m taking your daughter as my lover. If that’s okay with both of you."

I didn’t dance around the words or hesitate. I bowed deeply, my head low.

Both of them seemed stunned by my bluntness. Maya’s father blinked, then let out a small chuckle.

"Please, raise your head," he said, his tone soft. "You don’t need to bow like that. I already trust you with my daughter."

I lifted my head, meeting his gaze with confusion.

He smiled—genuinely. "You’re the one who brought her back to us. Maybe not permanently, but because of you, we know she’s safe. She looks happy, and that’s enough for us. But still..." he leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more serious, "...thank you for coming all this way to ask properly."

Then he said, clearly and with warmth that carried through the room, "Please take care of our daughter."

And with that, both he and his wife bowed deeply to me.