《Hanare Gatai Kemono》


 Volume 1 - Prologue

    THE golden wolf tribe is a group of creatures with a human body but the head of a wolf.


    They are like humans with their wisdom, how they walk, speak the same language, and the way they use tools as skillfully as humans do. However, their body is greater than that of a human, making them advantageous in winning competitions. They have built a culture and civilization distinct from that of humans resulting in the establishment of  a prosperous and strong country.


    But now, the golden wolves were at war.


    Apart from them, there are many other creatures in this world including the tiger-headed clan, lion-headed clan, dragon-headed clan and, of course, humans¨Dall in wars with each other, but live in peace now and then.


    Dyria was a human being.


    He was one of the "tributes" presented to the King of the Golden Wolves.


    It was common to offer expensive and valuable gifts to build a friendly relationship with the mighty Golden Wolf.


    However, Dyria was not a mere gift. He was a gift intended to kill the Golden Wolf King, Surdo. An assassin disguised as a gift.


    Dyria was not a natural-born assassin. He was born and raised in a mountainous area, an ordinary person who only learned to hunt as a means to fill his stomach. By the time he was twelve years old, Dyria was already working as a migrant worker.


    Around the age of twelve, it was customary in the village where he was born for children to leave for the city and make their own money, so Dyria did the same and settled outside. Dyria began working during the war with the Golden Wolf, and the quickest way he found to earn money was to join the army. For the first few years, he worked as a subordinate in the army before being promoted to soldier at the age of fifteen.


    Then, two more years passed.


    Seventeen-year-old Dyria was very tall for his age, and it showed when he mingles with his own kind, yet he was still a mere child in the eyes of the golden wolf. A delicate and pretty boy, an appearance that caught people off guard.


    Because of his attractive features, he was chosen as Surdo''s assassin.


    "Ugh... Ah, ah..."


    A male wolf, thrusting through the narrow space between Dyria''s legs.


    The beast''s p*nis was spreading his virgin region, which had never allowed even human visitors... An innocent body was now covered in the wolf''s semen.


    The wolf was half-dressed. His thick arms lifted the boy''s a*s to continue piercing him from behind, etching his form inside Dyria as if to remind him that his first time had been spent with him.


    "Ah..."


    It feels so good.


    It was Dyria''s first time yet it felt so good.


    Then, after a short pause, he got struck by a painful, heavy feeling.


    "Haah..."


    The rough breath of the beast blew against the back of his neck. His breath was so hot that it almost burned, so did Dyria''s inner heat.


    Saliva dripped from the wolf''s open mouth and repeatedly landed on Dyria¡¯s spine, turning him into a real mess. The beast''s saliva dripped from the back of Dyria''s neck to the tip of his chin, mixing with his sweat as his buttock was high up.


    It made Dyria feel...crazy.


    "No, no... No, not anymore..."


    What is this?


    What the hell is this?


    It''s different from what they told me.


    "You can''t be safe in the arms of a wolf." A big army man told Dyria this. "Your pelvis will collapse, your hips will remain open, your buttocks will be ripped open in a bloody mess and you may not be able to survive."


    "But what if the wolf is happy with the mating? Well, if he likes you, I''m sure he''ll hold you in his arms and try to put you to sleep. Kill him then."


    "You, who killed the king, will also die. However, I will give your village a reward for your sacrifice."


    Having said that, the soldier gave him an initial deposit. Deposit that worth years of migratory labor.


    Dyria sent all the money back to his hometown. Sighing, he decided that even if he was told he would be killed, it was worth the trouble just for the money.


    "Well, some of the people who went to him never come back, or they came back but only as a pile of bones and mementos."


    In Dyria''s birthplace, the higher-ups had been feeding the poorer ones for hundreds of generations. So, now, he finally felt like an important person. Someone the others could trust...


    "Oh, yeah... Huff, there..."


    Then, after this, he kills, he dies, and that''s it.


    But it never ends.


    The mating seemed to go on forever. Hours, hours, never ends... It felt so good that he wished it could go on for eternity. His mind and body were so calm that all the experiences he had lived so far were erased, rebuilt inside his chest. It felt as if he was reshaping his life with just these insignificant actions.


    It felt so good that it killed him.


    "Mmh¡­ ahh..."


    The wolf chuckled above his head.


    He rubbed and massaged Dyria¡¯s crotch repeatedly with his large palm until it became as wet as the wolf''s p*nis.


    Fwap fwap fwap.


    Dyria''s butthole was foaming with semen that came in and out as Surdo slowly penetrates him. Their semen soaked the ground.


    There were many long piles of rugs stacked up in the Golden Wolf King''s tent that Dyria almost forgot that he was in a tent erected on hard ground outside. It didn''t hurt to kneel down and was not cold despite lying on the ground.


    The two were connected for a long time and remained sunk in the depths of their pleasures so intimately. Secretions gushed out onto the carpets that were piled up as if it were something natural.


    "...Hng, you..."


    It indeed felt good, but it was also painful. Dyria furrowed his eyebrows, flipped his body over, then rubbed his forehead with the rug below.


    No more...


    He was sick¡­ but he was also so hungry.


    "...No more."


    But what came out of his mouth was a sweet moan that he never heard before.


    "No?"


    The wolf let out a chuckle.


    He was not being sarcastic, he didn''t sound angry. It was a gentle asking tone. Like someone talking to his spoiled lover.


    "No more..."


    "Shh... It''s all right."


    "No, if you don''t take it out, I''ll..."


    As the wolf recoiled and tried to break away from him, Dyria subconsciously grasped the wolf¡¯s furry hand with his weak fingertips and dragged him back.


    "Doesn''t it feel good?"


    The wolf laughed again.


    "No, don¡¯t move away from me."


    I want this to stop.


    I want this to be over...


    But I don''t want to go.


    Don''t leave me.


    "I''ll be in trouble."


    The wolf pressed his nose against Dyria''s neck and kissed the boy''s lips.


    "Aah..."


    It feels so good.


    I feel as if I''m melting.


    It''s warm.


    He smells good.


    The wolf''s p*nis pressed on Dyria''s stomach. From the beginning, both of them fit together perfectly well and even look as if they were a single being.


    "...More..."


    Dyria pushed his bottom against the bulge swelling at the base of the wolf.


    "Any more than this and I''ll break you."


    "......"


    "Your pelvis will collapse, your hips will remain open, your insides will split open in a bloody mess and you may not be able to survive."


    Remembering those words, Dyria shuddered.


    "I''m not gonna hurt you."


    Surdo gently licked his cheeks and kissed him on the mouth, showing that he felt Dyria¡¯s uneasiness. It was soft enough to put him to sleep.


    "......?"


    "I want to stay like this with you. Is it okay?"


    "Yes..."


    What is this? Dyria wondered why he was answering so honestly. Where does it go...? Where''s the dagger I had put in my waistband? Where did the spare dagger go?


    This wolf has a rich coat of fur around his neck, with exceptional softness. Each time they came together and became a single clump, the fur felt like a fine futon. Being held like this made Dyria feel incredibly calm and comfortable to the bottom of his stomach, especially given his high body temperature.


    "Do you know why we do this?"


    "...I...I don''t know."


    In a mellow voice, Dyria replied.


    "We soothe and warm the body of our mate, protecting their body with ours so they can conceive a healthy child."


    "...Ah, I see..."


    But does that mean that Dyria has now been impregnated by this wolf? Does this wolf want him to bear his child? And why was Dyria simply accepting it like nothing?


    "What''s wrong?"


    The wolf asked Dyria who frowned and put an awkward smile with a worried look on his face.


    "It''s just strange..."


    A night with this wolf was a mysterious one. It felt like he was in heaven, as if they were normal lovers. Of course, Dyria has never had a lover But maybe, just maybe, this was what it felt like...


    In Dyria''s birthplace, some occasional lovers were reluctant to say goodbye. A young migrant worker would return to the town every few years, take the woman in his arms, and kiss her as if his life depended on it... And after a few days, he would go back to work.


    "You''re everything to me, I don''t want you to go..."


    Then the woman would cry...


    And this feeling was probably the same.


    It was hard to leave the person you love. You want to live with him all your life, at a distance where you can feel his body temperature and breathe in his scent...


    Dyria didn''t really understand the desperate feelings of those young people at that time, but now¨Dnow it felt like he can understand a little.


    He didn''t want to leave.


    Dyria has been thinking about what he wanted to do for a long time, about happiness that would never come and the joy that felt practically impossible. But, if Dyria was ever allowed, he now desired to live at a distance where he can feel himself connected with Surdo...


    He had no idea what kind of emotion this is, but it was all over his body. He was so immersed in it that he feared it would corrupt him. It will turn Dyria into a shy, stupid, helpless, sugar-sweet creature. And once he indulges in this, he will become addicted to the feeling.


    He will never be able to break free from it again.


    "Why don''t you come to my country?"


    "......"


    Dyria closed his eyes and pretended not to hear. However, he used his low, gentle voice that made Dyria about to drift off into a comfortable slumber.


    This wolf is the king of the enemy country.


    Even if Dyria goes to the land of the beastmen, the future was uncertain for both of them. They will not be welcomed with open arms and people will not want to be involved with them.


    In the first place, this wolf would only find Dyria unique because of this particular environment. Once they return to their own countries, they will wake up from their dreams.


    Dyria knew that everything the wolf said were sweet words to please his mate.


    The wolf could say such irresponsible things because he knew that this was only a one-night stand. Dyria wasn''t stupid enough to take those liesseriously.


    "I''ll be back soon. Wait for me."


    How long had they been doing this? Exactly how long had Surdo been embracing him?


    At dawn, the wolf told Dyria to stay still. Mainly because it suddenly became noisy outside.


    It was the battlefield after all. There must have been some kind of change in the war situation.


    The wolf, gentle to the end, dressed Dyria in his beautiful clothes and said, "Don''t show your skin to anyone. I''ll give you a bath when I return."


    Surdo whispered something in Dyria''s ear before slowly biting the boy''s earlobe. He rubbed his nose against Dyria, who was tugging and squeezing at the collar of Surdo''s clothes,watching him as he tucked his tail around Dyria''s ankle.


    "I''ll see you in a moment."


    "I know."


    But Dyria has to go, he couldn''t stay.


    It felt as if that wolf had to stay with him forever. Surdo stared at Dyria, his eyes glittering with golden stardust.


    "Your eyes are beautiful..."


    "So are yours."


    "Get going..."


    Urged by Dyria, the wolf started to get dressed. Dyria watched him closely the whole time: his broad and strong back muscles and fur that covered them looked like a layer of gold melting in the heat.


    "......"


    The wolf, now fully dressed, glanced back again.


    "Go quickly."


    Quick. Get out of my sight, or are you waiting for me to go mad?


    You''re driving me crazy.


    Hurry up.


    Quick.


    "...I can''t leave unless you let me go."


    "......"


    Dyria''s fingers gripped the wolf''s tail.


    "Can you let go of me?"


    The wolf asked Dyria with the same tone as someone who would talk to a baby.


    "...I can¨D"


    Dyria removed his fingers, one by one.


    "I''ll be right back."


    "......"


    Dyria grabbed the tail he had just released again. He grabbed it tighter than he intended, making Surdo take a step back.


    "What are you...?"


    Dyria pressed his lips against Surdo''s tail. Kissing and rubbing it against his cheeks¡­ and then let go.


    Dyria didn''t know why he had done that. He just wanted to¨Dto remember Surdo with his lips.


    That''s all.


    "Go now."


    If another word slips out, Dyria will probably express more embarrassing feelings so he just repeated the same words over and over.


    The wolf regretfully left Dyria.


    Dyria stared intently in the direction of the exit until the tip of Surdo''s tail he had just kissed vanished...


    Then he ran away.


    Dyria was able to get out of the wolf''s territory without anyone stopping him, either because he was wearing the Golden King''s clothes, or because Surdo¡¯s scent clung all over his body... Whatever it was, Dyria was very sad because he had to run away. He didn''t know why, but he...he just felt like wanted to die. But he had wished to die before, so he felt he should just ignore it, like always.


    Dyria couldn''t forget Surdo. No matter how long it took, no matter how long he tried, he just couldn''t... It must have become a very sad memory, being separated from Surdo, the only warm memory for Dyria...


    Soon after, the war between the Golden Wolf and the humans ended. There were rumors that the Golden Wolf King, Surdo, had died. That was probably the reason for the end of the war.


    Dyria didn''t believe that Surdo had died, he refused to think about the rumor. He didn''t want to remember, but it won''t get out of his head...


    If he couldn''t forget, he made the decision not to remember that night.


    The big army man who hired Dyria apologized to him when he returned safely and paid him the promised money.


    "I didn''t kill him."


    He told the man honestly.


    "The war ended anyway. You just have to take what you have left and move on."


    The big army man told Dyria to keep the money and return to his hometown.


    After all, the migrant workers hired for the war will be useless once the fight is finished. Dyria sent the large sum of money he earned¨Djust from being held by a wolf¨Dback to his hometown...


    However, Dyria did not return to his hometown.


    He couldn''t go home.

 Volume 1 - CH 1

    Six years later.


    Hira, the capital of Uruka, was ruled by the Golden Wolf tribe. A small town about seven days from the capital by carriage. A quiet, rural place where the landscape stretched far beyond the forest.


    Dyria lived in a small house on a hill, on the outskirts of the village. A place to cook, to eat, and to relax. From the front door, you will find all three in one place of the wooden house. From the back door, you would find a bedroom, a bathroom, and a staircase that leads directly to the attic. There were no rain leaks because the roof was repaired on a regular basis. Water and wind aren''t a problem for Dyria because it rarely snows in this area. Winds would blow in during the winter, but because there was a chimney, it wasn''t a major concern. It was a small, run-down home, but it was nonetheless a pleasant place to live.


    In the morning, Dyria would wake up before dawn and start doing laundry in the well outside. After drying the clothes by daybreak, he would light the fire on the cooking pot to boil water before preparing breakfast and lunch.


    Just before the table was set for breakfast, he would go to the back bedroom.


    "Good morning, sweetheart. It''s morning already, please wake up."


    Dyria called into the bedroom.


    "Mhmm..."


    A sleepy reply could be heard from behind the bedroom door.


    "Breakfast is ready. Go to the table after changing your clothes, washing your face, and brushing your teeth."


    Dyria stood behind the door, listening intently to the gentle sound before returning back to the kitchen.


    Dyria checked the little one''s stuff on the desk next to the window while waiting. Even though the person who lived with him was very attentive and tidy, he checked everything anyway in case he had forgotten something.


    "Dyria, good morning..."


    "Good morning, Ash."


    The little one has appeared.


    As Dyria instructed, he seemed to have changed his clothes obediently, but the buttons were on the wrong side. The little one approached Dyria¡¯s feet steadily, hugging his plush friend in his right hand and shuffling as if he was still very sleepy.


    "Ash, you put the buttons wrong."


    "Fix it, Dyria."


    "No, fix it yourself."


    "...okay."


    Ash handed the plush wolf to Dyria and fixed the wrong buttons one by one himself.


    "Can you fix my friend''s clothes?"


    "Okay."


    Dyria lifted the plush animal''s pants. It has the same clothes that Ash wore. The plush animal has been with Ash since he was a baby.


    "It''s done. Let''s get some breakfast."


    Dyria took Ash''s hand and sat him down in a child''s chair. He placed the plush wolf on the chair next to the little boy to keep him company.


    "Let''s eat!"


    Once he was seated, Ash pulled his knees together in a well-behaved manner and scooped up the soup with a spoon. He''s pretty handy for a five-year-old.


    However...


    "Ash, please eat without wagging your tail and ears."


    "But they do it on their own."


    "Try to make them stop."


    "They wag because Dyria''s food is delicious!"


    The little boy¡¯s triangular ears perked up. His tail swayed from left to right repeatedly as it dangled from the gap at the back of his chair.


    Ash, as reflected in the teaspoon he held in his hand, was a wolf beastman. An adorable, small and soft-furred cub. His honey-colored fur shone and looked wonderful in the morning sun that entered through the open window. His eyes, studded with golden stardust, twinkle and gave Dyria a carefree smile.


    "Focus on your meal, Ash. I don''t want any bread to go to waste."


    Dyria, who sat in the chair across from him, did not return his smile.


    "Dyria, what will you do today?"


    "I''m going to town. I''ll be back late, so after church, go to Neira''s house and spend the night there. so all you have to do is bring your study materials to your desk, okay?"


    "Can I take my friend too?"


    "Then I''ll put him in your bag."


    "Thank you."


    "You''re welcome. Ash, do you want some more?"


    "Eggs, beans, and bacon!"


    "That''s great, you''re eating a lot."


    Dyria got up to make hot chocolate for Ash after putting everything the small wolf asked on his plate. Even though it was late spring, the mornings were still cold.


    "Dyria, I prefer it cold. I don''t like hot drinks."


    "You¡¯ll upset your stomach. Just drink this."


    Ash had fur, so surely he would be comfortable even at this low temperature. Still, children¡ªyoung beastmen and humans are creatures that are susceptible to the cold. He should keep the little boy warm as much as possible.


    "It''s hot so be careful."


    "Dyria."


    "What''s wrong, sweetheart?"


    "Can you wipe my mouth?"


    Cocoa stained the short fur around his lips.


    "Please do it yourself, what will you do if this happens when I''m not around?"


    "...Dyria..."


    "No. Do it yourself."


    "...Okay then..."


    Ash wiped the area around his lips with his plump, little round hands using the napkin Dyria had previously placed on his knees.


    "You did well."


    Dyria took a seat beside Ash and began to wipe him with a damp cloth and dry napkin. Ash smiled, his tail began to wag up and down.


    "Ash..."


    "My tail is excited, too. I can''t control it, thanks for the food!"


    Ash jumped out of his chair after finishing his food. "See you at Neira''s later," he said as he picked his companion from the seat next to him and walked to the study desk near the window, caressing the plush wolf and placing him in his usual spot.


    "Ash, brush your teeth again and get ready for school. I''ll go check after you¡¯re finished."


    Ash''s footsteps could be heard heading to the restroom behind Dyria, who was washing the dishes. His steps were very tiny, but  Dyria was confident that Ash would grow into a tall, strong, wise man. Dyria''s womb was too small to accommodate a baby beast. Ash was a little baby when he was born, and his breathing was labored. So Dyria was very glad that Ash made it this far.


    He was glad he gave birth to him.


    Ash was the child of that night. Conceived during the time Dyria was with the wolf king.


    Dyria had no choice but to give birth when he discovered that he was pregnant with Surdo''s child. It was a relief when the baby was born with the perfect golden wolf appearance. If the baby''s looks had not been wholly wolf or fully human in these tough times, he would not have fit into either society.


    Dyria chose to raise Ash in this village. An idyllic, peaceful, and welcoming community. The best place among the villages inhabited by the golden wolf clan.


    Dyria grew up in a mountainous area more remote than this village, and had never left the house or went to school until he started working. At best, the adults in the village taught him simple letters and mathematics before he turned twelve. But in this village, he felt that he was also growing gradually. He was able to secure a decent job properly. He was able to find a job that would allow his son to live a normal and happy life.


    Dyria was grateful for that.


    Of course, there were times when living expenses were not enough. In such cases, he would leave the village and travel an hour to a larger town to work. He never did anything bad, but if Ash asked him about his job, he would be stumped. But it was better than starving to death. It''s a lot better than seeing his little Ash starve to death or succumb to illness.


    He wasn''t involved in prostitution or the sale of unlawful goods. To make a living, Dyria simply utilized his natural athleticism, hunting abilities, survival skills, and an appearance that was easily recognised by others.


    Even so, his worries never ceased.


    He couldn''t give Ash too many luxuries. He wasn''t sure how far he could afford to send him to school or to church in the future. Or if Ash gets a serious illness...


    "Dyria, Dyria!"


    "Hm?"


    "What happened? Does your tummy hurt? Are you all right?"


    "I''m fine. I was just thinking... Have you brushed your teeth? Make sure you''re ready and put your shoes on so we can go now."


    "Dyria, can you come to church with me today?"


    "Yes, I''ll walk you there."


    "Can you hold my hand?¡±


    "Yes, baby."


    "I''m gonna take a bath with Neira today, so we¡¯ll take a bath together tomorrow. You and I!"


    "I understand."


    "I''ll wash Dyria''s hair."


    "Please don''t get soap in my eyes."


    "After that, we¡¯ll go play at the river!"


    "If it doesn''t rain the day before and the water isn''t too high, we''ll go."


    "Yippie!"


    "Do you remember the rules when playing at the river?"


    "Um... stay with Dyria! Don¡¯t go into the deep water, no running around!"


    "Absolutely right. Great job, baby."


    "Dyria can be in danger too, so stay next to Ash."


    "Yes, I''ll always be by your side."


    "And Dyria, when you''re done with your work, please pick me up soon. Very, very soon~"


    "I''ll do my best."


    "Ash will do his best, too!" Ash couldn''t stop his enthusiasm. "And you know, Ash loves you so much."


    "Thank you, Ash."


    Dyria placed Ash''s plush friend in the sleepover bag and headed out the door holding the bag in his left hand and Ash in his right.


    For the past five years since Ash¡¯s birth, this is how the two of them lived.


    It was a typical spring day.


    His small beloved Ash looked at him with eyes dazzling with golden stardust. Dyria wished that they would always be this happy for the rest of their lives.


    "Dyria... There''s someone there."


    ".....?"


    Ash suddenly pointed to the forest from the straight path where Dyria and him were holding hands. Dyria had very good eyesight, but he couldn''t see or hear anything. However, he heard horse neighs on the breeze as he gazed in the direction where Ash had pointed. Soon after, a group of warhorses appeared on his right side, emerging from the forest. They completely surrounded Dyria and Ash in the blink of an eye.


    "Dyria, who are they?"


    Dyria remained silent and hid Ash behind his back.


    A warhorse, bearing the emblem of Uruka''s army, was steadily approaching Dyria and an exceedingly terrified Ash. Still mounted, the wolf beastman reached for the sword slung around his waist.


    Dyria laughed inwardly at the very deliberate threat. A medal indicating that they were the 8th Regiment hung from his emblem and collar. It seemed like a squadron since there were a little more than ten of them.


    It was a somber atmosphere, but the number was smaller than Dyria had anticipated. Despite the fact that they were merely a normal army, they appeared to have a great level of skill in handling warhorses and approaching so softly. Dyria, who was hiding Ash and had no weapon, would not be able to defeat this number.


    "Red hair and red eyes, you must be Dyria of the Asriff tribe."


    "I am."

 Volume 1 - CH 2

    DYRIA and Ash were taken by carriage to Hira, the capital. A journey that would normally take seven days was cut short to three days.


    It was a forced trip, to say the least. The regiment from Uruka did, however, permit them to pack many of their things before leaving the village.


    The carriage was covered and was pulled by four horses. Despite its wonderful interior decor, seat cushions, and overall structure, Dyria''s behind ached after three days and nights of swaying on the rough roads. His head would jolt and feel dizzy every time the carriage came to a halt.


    Dyria was told not to open the window curtains, so if he wanted to know their current location and where they were headed, his sole guide were the warhorses galloping around the corner. Ash couldn''t see their surroundings either. It was his first time riding in a carriage, and he wasn''t given enough rest and was forced to wake up frequently.


    "Get down."


    The 8th Regiment Commander opened the door and commanded Dyria, who was still holding Ash on his lap. The boy was tired and had been sleeping for several hours on his father''s chest. Dyria placed Ash on his right arm, lowered the trunk containing their personal belongings with his left hand. He bent his back for more strength, and exited the carriage through the door.


    There, he was finally able to see the scenery outside.


    In front of him stood an enormous castle.


    Was it in a painting at Ash¡¯s church, or was it in a newspaper? Dyria had a feeling he''d seen this place before, or at the very least, it seemed familiar. A castle made of golden-brown bricks, stacked, and piled up. A large and symmetrical structure that appears to have unfolded wings. It lacked the normal elegance or exquisite arched roof, and instead looked like a fortress. The golden wolf''s royal family dwelt in this palace.


    The round, curved windows were evenly placed. The vast well-kept garden was lush with flowers and plants. However, unlike the painting Dyria had perhaps seen in the church, there was no large wooden door. In other words, this has to be one of the castle''s hundreds or thousands of gates. It''s probably one of the back gates. Not the front gate.


    Dyria had no idea who had given the order for him and his child to be taken to the royal castle, but what kind of person would have their guests pass through the back?


    Dyria took in his surroundings and guessed their location. Aside from the 8th regiment, who had brought them here, there were only a few people who welcomed them. Two of them were female beastmen. They were most likely women of high rank seeing as they each had six attendants behind them.


    The woman, whose fur resembled faded wheat, wore a neat, light-colored dress. She was young and plump, staring at Dyria and Ash with a sly smile. The other one had shiny amber fur. She wore a black dress that wrapped her seductive and sleek figure. She looked older than the plump woman, but she also gave off a youthful impression. She was a beautiful woman, despite her stern face.


    The amber-furred woman didn''t glance at Dyria nor Ash and instead circled her eyes as if searching for something. She smiled with an evident sense of relief when a beastman appeared in front of her eyes.


    She shouted, "Yudha!"


    The beastman, Yudha, galloped in front of Dyria and Ash. He rode on a particularly large horse, his golden fur fluttering as if it had melted in the sun.


    "8th Regiment Commander, what is this?"


    Yudha asked the 8th Regiment Commander. Although he did not speak in a particularly loud voice, the regiment could feel the intimidation in the pit of their stomach.


    "Your Majesty."


    The Commander of the 8th Regiment paid homage to the beastman on horseback.


    "I''m not sure why the 8th Regiment were the ones to bring them here and not the Kingsguard or the Forbidden Army. My army should¡¯ve escorted them instead!"


    Yudha stepped lightly off his horse and stood in front of the 8th Regiment Commander. The commander, who Dyria believed to be quite large, suddenly appeared quite; small.


    Yudha appeared to have a unique body among the Golden Wolf tribe. From Dyria''s perspective, he had a very masculine profile. The beauty of the muscles around his neck were hidden behind the high collar of his military uniform. the fullness of his body and the thickness of his tail were visible from all angles.


    "What is this? Answer me, Commander."


    "Her Majesty, the Empress, ordered this."


    "Isn''t it discourteous to have them pass through the back gate?"


    "That is also the Empress''s order."


    In response to Yudha''s rebuke, the commander replied only the same words. He was proud of the fact that the Empress was backing him.


    "Seems like you wouldn''t explain anything to me, huh?"


    "It''s all the Empress''s orders, she has only appointed us to bring these two people."


    "Then I will ask Her Majesty for the details. However, you must be aware that your actions are a clear violation of military regulations. Expect punishment."


    "What...? But I acted upon the Empress'' orders?"


    "You did. But our entire army, including the 8th Regiment, is under the command of His Majesty the King, not Her Majesty the Empress."


    "But His Majesty the King is..."


    "In the absence of His Majesty the King, full command and deputy authority rests with me."


    "......"


    "Wait for your punishment."


    "Yudha, you...are going to dispose of your own people?"


    The tone of the 8th Regiment Commander changed from rude to a suffering tone. He didn''t even hide his abhorrent feelings.


    He stopped baring his fangs at Yudha and directed them at Dyria and Ash instead.


    "......"


    Dyria hugged Ash''s head and held it tightly to his chest.


    "That''s enough. Keep what dignity you have left."


    Yudha sighed, stepping between Dyria and the commander. He guarded Dyria and Ash casually but with clear intention, as if they were members of his own family.


    "Yudha, you...are you really going to oppose me?"


    "I won''t let you escape punishment just because you are the Empress¡¯s brother. We don''t need a greedy royal family who disobeys military regulations just to please Empress Dowager."


    "...I hope you know who you''re messing with."


    "Retreat now."


    "F*ck!"


    The commander cursed at Yudha and left with his subordinates.


    "I''m deeply sorry for our army''s lack of discipline..."


    Yudha bowed and apologized as he turned to Dyria.


    "I''m not familiar with the castle''s customs. You don''t have to apologize¡­ but my son is exhausted from three days of being rocked in the carriage. Could you please provide us with a place to rest?"


    "...I''m sorry, that was very rude of us."


    "I''m somewhat aware of the situation. It''s about the boy''s father, isn''t it?"


    "That''s right. You¡¯re quick to understand the situation."


    "But I still don¡¯t understand your army''s attitude. We shouldn''t have been brought here by force, much less in this manner."


    "...I''m really really sorry about that," Yudha furrowed his brow as he noticed Dyria¡¯s  swelling cheek. "What happened to you?"


    "When you punish the commander, you should punch him for hitting me."


    While they were travelling, Dyria asked the army to take a break for Ash, but the commander gave him a blow to his face instead.


    "I''ll be sure to do that... Now, let me show you to your room."


    "Don''t touch me!" Dyria shouted, shaking his hand off as Yudha touched him by the shoulder.


    "I apologize. But at least allow me to take your luggage..."


    "No need."


    "...Let me take the luggage so you can hold the child in your arms."


    "......"


    With that said, Dyria set aside the luggage and held Ash with both hands. The child was fast asleep, his little head buried beneath his clothes.


    "......"


    "What?"


    Dyria looked at the old trunk and Yudha, who stared at him and Ash alternately and lifted the luggage.


    "It''s heavier than I expected."


    "The luggage? You have toned muscles anyway."


    "What''s in here?"


    "Lots of water bottles and food."


    "Why?"


    "Given the commander''s temper, I wasn''t sure how much food they would allow us to eat, and children have small stomachs. They are easily famished. Only chocolates and dried fruits can keep them occupied on a long trip. Moreover, if you offer them something to eat, you must also provide them with plenty of water or something to keep them hydrated, or they will develop cavities."


    "I''m really sorry about that."


    "No, I was just taking my anger out on you."


    Dyria scowled and then laughed.


    "Oh," the beastman also laughed at Dyria''s cute antics.


    Dyria paused and stopped laughing when he noticed it, and Yudha stretched out his hand to take his.

 Volume 1 - CH 3

    DYRIA and Ash were ushered into an area at the west end of the castle.


    Judging by the few people going in and out, it was clear that the building had been designed to avoid attracting too much attention. The building had a large number of rooms. Even the parlor alone where Dyria was now brought in for tea, felt like the three rooms of their house that they used to live in.


    The parlor was magnificent, spacious, and had high ceilings. The furniture was of beastly sizes. Even for Dyria, who was tall by human standards, the sofa he was sitting on now felt so far away from his back that his toes barely touched the floor. The tea sets were prepared on a high and big table, which made them difficult to use.


    "Apologies for bringing you to such a poor room."


    Yudha, who led Dyria there, said in an apologetic tone. This man had been apologizing ever since they met.


    "The furniture here was all bought by Her Majesty so we decided to leave things as they were out of respect."


    Even though the furniture in this room was too big for him, Dyria didn''t mind. The sofa was comfortable, the tea utensils were gold-plated, and the flowers in the vase were still vibrant.


    Of course there were some inconveniences, but no major flaws were apparent. Although it appeared somewhat imperfect to Yudha.


    "I understand."


    Dyria draped the blanket that Yudha had brought from his own room over Ash''s shoulders. He then stroked Ash''s hair who was still asleep while his little hands gripped him tightly. The boy''s tail and ears looked slightly disheveled.


    The sun streamed in through the window and shone over Ash''s eyes, causing his closed eyelids to twitch.


    The crease between Ash''s brows eased as Dyria''s hand went over his eyes to create a shade.


    Dyria considered raising Ash in a remote location in the far west, but after staring at his son¡¯s sleeping face, he thought this castle may be the best place where Ash can spend the rest of his life.After all, the ambience was also similar to the house where Dyria and Ash used to live together.


    "Wait, I''ll fix that."


    Yudha rose from his seat and drew the window curtain shut with his own hands.  It was indeed an ordinary curtain, but it was supposed to be the job of the kingdom''s servants. The three of them shouldn''t have been left alone in the first place, though certainly the royal family in this country seemed to be the type to do everything on their own.


    "You shouldn''t..." Dyria looked at Ash who was still asleep on his lap. "I believe you could ask someone to do that for you?"


    "I don''t want to live a life where someone pulls the curtain for me. I only ask for assistance with my inconveniences."


    Yudha smiled.


    "It''s a life where I do what I want. Besides, the boy might wake up now that you finally managed to calm him down."


    "I see, you''re a strange wolf."


    This man seemed to be the only one in the royal family who has such a firm character.


    "Well, I get that a lot."


    Yudha sat down on the couch to Dyria''s right.


    "...Haha," Dyria laughed unconsciously. "Why are you sitting there?"


    "I thought my shadow would be better. This way, we don''t need to fight over the curtains anymore." As the large Yudha sat there, a shadow big enough to cover Dyria and Ash was created. "Then, I can continue being your shade."


    "I don''t want a big guy like you beside me, it would be too intimidating."


    "...I see."


    "...So gentleman, enough with the small talk, okay? Let''s cut to the chase."


    "You''re right, it''s no use beating around the bush... My brother died shortly after the war ended six years ago."


    Yudha''s mood shifted in front of Dyria''s eyes. He inhaled deeply and began speaking in a more relaxed tone than before.


    "Your older brother... I''m so sorry."


    "My brother''s name was Surdo."


    "......"


    "It''s the name of the former king of this country. I''m sure you''ve heard of him before."


    "And?"


    "My older brother was a wise and compassionate king, but he was ill. Due to the madness of the war, his condition deteriorated, and despite being married, he died without having a single descendant."


    "Even if the king had no children, there must be someone who could take the throne, am I right?"


    In other words, the man standing in front of Dyria should have the right to rule the kingdom as well. He is, after all, the former king''s younger brother.


    The younger brother of the king has the right to succeed the throne.


    "But there''s one thing that needs to be done before I can take over."


    "......?"


    "I need to find Surdo''s son, the rightful successor, the heir to the throne."


    "Didn''t you say he didn''t have any children? Or are you referring to him having affairs with other women?"


    "It is my brother''s will."


    "......"


    "In his final moments, my brother told me... ''A man with fiery red hair. Find that person and guarantee his future. You''ll take over if the red-haired male did not give birth. However, if a boy was born from him, you have to let the child succeed me on the throne.'' He died shortly after saying this. He left the will in the official document so I had no choice but to search for you."


    "Yudha, do you wish to inherit the throne?"


    "No one in the family is as qualified as me."


    "Then, my son won''t stand in your way."


    "No. If the child wants to take the throne, I am willing to protect the throne until he reaches an appropriate age."


    "...Are you satisfied with only being a...middleman?"


    "What matters is how you feel. Yours, as well as the child''s. It is my responsibility to keep you two safe."


    "Ha. Now you talk about responsibility... Sure, red hair is rare, but I''m not the only person in the world who has it. And there''s no proof that this child is your brother''s son in the first place!"


    "All of the king''s affairs have been documented. Surdo had a limited number of affairs. We checked each and every one of them to see whether there had been any births."


    "For more than six years?"


    "More than six years."


    "You are too obsessed."


    "Yes, I am obsessed."


    And after that obsession, he finally found Dyria and Ash.


    The Asriff are one of the various races of humans who live today. A small group of people who lived in mountainous places and rode horses. To make ends meet, they hunt and raise cattle. This race, who possessed a unique physical ability, always went to the battlefield to work and thereafter followed in the footsteps of their mercenary forefathers. Asriffs are all redheads with snow white skin, pale pigmentation, and attractive appearances. Both the men and women.


    "You didn''t return to the Asriff people after the war."


    "No way... You went to such a remote mountain?"


    Dyria''s home was in a distant town that required crossing numerous snowy mountains and treacherous regions. A location that is purposefully designed to make it difficult to enter or exit.


    "You did all this just for Ash?"


    "...For the both of you."


    "......"


    "I never thought you were living in this country instead."


    The war was over, however Dyria and Ash''s old village ruled by the golden wolf tribe, a human foe, seemed to be the ideal place to settle down. Particularly for the child.


    Of course, living in an enemy country would have been difficult. However, because red-haired humans  are rare in the golden wolf''s country and therefore, he was able to find someone to give him protection.


    "Did you live in this country because you wanted to be close to the child''s father?"


    "Of course not. I don''t expect anything from this child''s father."


    "Then why...?"


    "I have my own reasons."


    "May I ask more?"


    "It''s not a big reason but...no."


    "I understand."


    Yudha shrunk back at the rejection.


    "Thank you for the answer."


    Yudha was surprisingly not a pushover and a bit dumb. If Dyria is hesitant to respond to Yudha''s questions, the wolf will not delve too far into the matter.


    Dyria guessed Yudha''s feelings. This man was most likely telling the truth about everything and was serious with Dyria. Dyria, on the other hand, couldn''t help but be wary. His main goal was to keep Ash safe. And this man was still untrustworthy.


    "Can I ask your name at least?"


    "Dyria."


    "I know, but those of your clan should have a longer name..."


    "Oh, that''s..."


    Those of the Asriff tribe have a very long real name. Yudha seemed to have done a lot of research on the Asriff in order to find Dyria and Ash.


    "Are you that interested in Asriff''s customs?"


    "I''m interested in you."


    "It''s creepy to have a werewolf interested in a guy who apparently slept with his older brother."


    "I apologize for being disrespectful to you."


    Dyria''s poor provocation never fooled Yudha. In fact, he treated the red hair in a polite, regal, and gentleman-like manner.


    "You don''t have to apologize. I''m sick of you apologizing all the damn time as if it''s your fault alone."


    If Yudha was openly humiliated, he may reveal his true nature. With that in mind, this man seemed to pardon all of his harsh words.


    Contrary to his fierce appearance, Yudha''s expression, style, attitude, and words are all kind. Everything is perfect, and everything centers around Dyria''s forgiveness.


    But what would this man''s expression be if he was a bit upset? Dyria was adamant about seeing it.


    "...An Asriff''s real name is only told to the best man and his mate, whom he will marry in the future."


    Unapologetic for his rudeness, Dyria explained the custom of his tribe.


    "I hadn''t looked into it that far."


    "When you give your name to someone and they accept it, it means they have taken on the whole meaning of your name. Of course, I''m also prepared to accept the entire meaning of my mate''s name."


    "You''re quite passionate."


    "It''s a clear indication of responsibility."


    "...Is there anyone who knows your name?"


    "None."


    "Surdo?"


    "No one."


    Dyria didn''t have time to tell Surdo his name because he had to flee at the time. He even gave up on their relationship since he knew that even if he taught Surdo his name, their future would not improve.


    "...Does Ash have one too?"


    "Of course."


    "And his name is...?"


    "You can''t know. Ash''s name will be known only to me and the person Ash will marry in the future. Normally, both parents would work together to come up with a name, but Ash''s father never showed up. As a result, I''m the only one who knows Ash''s name. It''s the price of being solely responsible."


    "If you didn''t run away."


    "Well, I did."


    "Ash''s father did a very stupid thing then."


    At that moment, Dyria was compelled to take Ash into his arms, bury him in his pocket, and embrace him so firmly that he was buried in his own skin. To make him his, and his alone, for all eternity.


    If only he had stayed...


    "Yes, Ash''s father might have done something stupid... He didn''t get to see five lovely years of Ash''s life."


    "I''m sorry..."


    "It doesn''t matter now. Dead men tell no tales. You can say anything you want."


    "I''m sorry... But he had certainly been searching for you ever since he met you."


    "He was looking for Ash."


    "No, he was looking for you."


    "......"


    "He wanted to see you."


    "......"


    "He had been...hoping to see you for a long, long time."


    I''ve been looking for you, too.


    I was so impatient.


    I was always thinking about you...


    "Really?"


    I see... Did you think that way?


    Did you remember that night?


    Did you have the same feelings as me?


    Did you really remember me?


    "Did you cry for him?"


    "...Ash should be the one crying, because he lost his father."


    "No one will blame you if you cry."


    "There''s more to do than to cry."


    "Yes?"


    "I have a responsibility to raise Ash well. I don''t have time to cry, and..."


    "And?"


    "I didn''t have...enough memories to cry."


    That night, six years ago...


    Surdo''s fur on top of him was the only thing Dyria recalled. The warmth and touch of his hand. They could barely see each other''s faces in the pitch-black tent.


    "I think it''s good that he at least remembered you have red hair."


    Dyria stroked Ash''s soft fur, searching for a trace of the man in his son, of whom he had no memory. He tried and tried, but he couldn''t seem to catch anything.


    He didn''t even have enough memories to tell Ash about his father...


    "I''m sorry..."


    "How many times are you going to apologize to me?"


    Dyria was annoyed by the wolf''s constant apologies. Yudha then raised Dyria''s chin and stared him in the eyes.


    "What''s on my face?"


    "I''m sorry for making you look like this."


    "Well...what kind of face do I have to make exactly?"


    "......"


    "That day, I was there to assassinate your brother. Do you know that?"


    "I know."


    "But I couldn''t do it, so I ran from your brother and ended up here. That is all there is to it. I''m not blaming you, and I''m not expecting you to apologize or ask for forgiveness. It''s the way of life that I had decided."


    "......"


    "So? You didn''t bring me and this child here just to wallow in the sentimentality of your brother''s death, did you? When are you gonna let us go home?"


    "...There is a complicated issue, about the succession to the throne."


    "......"


    "This whole misunderstanding has gotten out of hand. Believe me, I''m going to explain everything... But for now I just need you to trust me."


    "Someone, somewhere, is targeting Ash''s life?"


    "That''s right."


    "Well, to me, you and everyone else are equally untrustworthy."


    "I don''t know how to respond to that, but I''ll definitely protect you."


    "But I don''t expect you to."


    Dyria leaned his upper body forward in an attempt to lift the blanket that had slipped off Ash''s shoulder, but suddenly stopped.


    "Hey, are you okay?"


    Yudha''s strong arms held his shoulders.... He hugged Dyria, kept his weight leaning against his chest and let his head rest on the soft fur of his neck.


    "......"


    Dyria closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    The warmth, the one he remembered somewhere, melted over his bones, almost making him fall asleep.


    Like an infinite calmness... This warmth reminded him of Ash sneaking into his bed on a cold winter day. The same feeling he received from Ash when the boy hugged him.


    Yudha gently caressed Dyria''s back, and his palm radiated warmth. The sensation weighed down Dyria''s eyelids.


    "I''m sleepy..."


    "We talked too much today. I''m sorry... It''s normal for your head to be all messed up. Get some rest. You haven''t slept the whole way, have you?"


    How could Dyria even think about sleeping? He was hugging Ash the entire time, using his body as a cushion to reduce the carriage''s rocking, easing the boy''s fright, and shielding his small ears from loud noises. Dyria is willing to go to great lengths for Ash, but not so much for himself.


    "You should rest. I''ll take you to your bedroom."


    Dyria hugged Ash in his arms, sighed softly and refused Yudha''s offer. Dyria didn''t need a bed, as long as he had this warmth...

 Volume 1 - CH 4

    DYRIA felt his usually good habit was a little unpleasant today for the first time. He woke up before dawn the day after his arrival at the Golden Wolf Castle. However, because there was nothing he could do, he just laid around with Ash, who was also up later than usual.


    Ash slept soundly in a bed that was much softer and more comfortable than the one he had at home. He was thoroughly refreshed after a hearty breakfast.


    "Dyria, I''m done studying. I don''t want to read anymore, can I play outside?"


    "...Are you really done reading?"


    Normally, the boy would read more slowly, chew on the book, and tell Dyria about the story, but today, Ash seemed somewhat distracted and unable to concentrate.


    Perhaps it was because of the abrupt change in his environment. He typically begins studying math after reading, but he didn''t even glance at the study materials they had taken with them. His tail was wagging and his ears were twitching.


    "Ash, come here."


    "What?"


    On four limbs, Ash dashed across the room, straight for Dyria''s feet. He hadn''t done that at all since he was able to walk on two legs. Even though he''s usually well-behaved, he''s not doing what he normally does today...


    "You don''t have a fever."


    Dyria checked at the boy''s eye and oral cavity. After that, he touched his armpits, groin, ears and little hands. His body temperature was quite normal, or is he about to get a slight fever?


    This place was warmer and sunnier than where they had lived till a few days earlier. Perhaps Ash''s body was attempting to adjust to the new, unfamiliar environment.


    For the time being, it seemed necessary to keep a closer eye on him.


    "I''m fine, Dyria. But I want to play outside. Can I play?"


    "No, we don''t have permission to go outside. Let''s just play quietly in the room for now."


    "Then I''ll ask Yudha when he comes."


    "We''ll do that."


    In the living room, Dyria and Ash were accompanied by two maids waiting in the corner of the room. Initially, Yudha had more than a dozen maids waiting on them, but he asked him to reduce them to two. Ash would start to cry out of discomfort if there were too many strangers in the room.


    When Ash noticed the two women standing in the corner, he pulled up a chair with Dyria''s assistance and invited them to sit down to rest. As expected, they couldn''t seem to say no when Ash asked for such nice things. The women sat down, thanked the little one, and started embroidering until Dyria came over to ask them questions.


    "Should I consult with Yudha about things like permission to go out?"


    One of the women replied briefly, "Yes."


    Yudha appeared in military uniforms in the morning, probably before the kingdom''s civic service.


    He gave a brief glance to Dyria and Ash, who were having breakfast, and then said hello to Ash before heading to work. Even though it was only for a short time, he went to the trouble of taking a detour instead of going directly to his office.


    Yudha was in a great mood, for this was the first time he had met and greeted Ash while the boy was awake.


    Before he left, Yudha promised to return after work, so Ash decided to ask Dyria if they could go home.


    "How long are we going to stay here? Are we going home tomorrow? What are you going to make for dinner?"


    "We''ll have dinner here too, baby."


    "I want to go home. I want to eat Dyria''s dinner... And my friend is home alone. Can we go get him?"


    "It looks like we''re going to have to stay here for the time being. I''ll do my best to have someone bring your friend here, so let''s try to be very patient, okay?"


    "Is this my daddy''s house?"


    "That''s right."


    "Where is my daddy?"


    "Well..."


    "What about my daddy''s dad? And my daddy''s mommy?"


    "I..."


    "Ash''s dad is Dyria''s husband, isn''t he?"


    He was stuck for an answer.


    As Dyria searched for the right words, the door to the living room swung wide open.


    "Yudha!"


    Whether it was because of the Golden Wolf''s peculiar smell or because he was sensitive to the same bloodline, Ash perked his ears and tail up and turned his face toward the door. There, Yudha appeared. He''d returned after work, as promised.


    "Ash!"


    Ash wagged his tail before leaping into Yudha''s chest when he saw him extend his hands. "Yudha, welcome back Yudha!"


    "I''m home, Ash."


    "Did you finish your work, can you play with Ash?"


    "Oh, I did. Look, I brought you something."


    "Apricot! Dyria, look, apricot! Apricot! It''s the first time I received apricots!"


    Ash laughed cheerfully as he held three or four apricots in Yudha''s arms.


    "Ash, they will break if you squeeze them too tightly. Let''s eat them."


    "Eat them?"


    "Yes, eat them."


    Yudha took an apricot out of Ash''s hands.


    "Woah!"


    Yudha ate the apricot in one bite with his large mouth. Ash attempted to do the same.


    "Ash, it has seeds in it, be careful."


    "I will!"


    It was a tiny fruit full of soft flesh. Yudha licked the fruit juice dripping down Ash''s jaw with his long tongue.


    Ash began to dance in delight after tasting one of the apricots. It was chewy and delicious!


    "He seems fine, his appetite is good."


    "I don''t know... I think he has a slight fever."


    Dyria looked at Yudha and whined.


    "Is that so? Ash, how are you doing, baby? Are you feeling ill? Do you have a stomach ache, or do you have a headache?"


    "I ate a lot of food! And, Yudha, um... Can I ask you something?"


    "Ash, get down from Yudha. If you want to eat the fruit, cut it up, place it on a plate, and finish it before making your request. It''s not appropriate to behave like that."


    "Sorry..."


    Yudha apologized for no apparent reason.


    "I''m not saying it to you, Mr. Yudha. Ash, you have to listen to me, do you understand?"


    "Oh... Dyria, are you mad at me?"


    "I''m not mad. Now, ask the maid to cut your fruit."


    "Yes."


    Holding the fruit with both hands, Ash asked Yudha to take him down from his arms and rushed toward the two maidens in the corner of the door. One of them began to play with Ash still in Dyria''s sight, while the other began to peel and cut the apricot on a small table that Ash couldn''t reach.


    For the first time, Ash was frantic to play with other wolves like him. Yudha''s maidservants were well-behaved and appeared to be kind to Ash.


    "...You use a rude tone for me, but use a rather strict tone for Ash."


    Only when the boy was still sleeping, in Yudha''s perspective, was Dyria kind with him. In the morning, however, his demeanor shifted to one that was far more formal and stern. It even seemed a bit cold. Dyria tenderly stroked Ash''s hair, glanced at him lovingly, cared for him gently, and hugged him with a strong will when he was curled up against him... But, as soon as Ash awoke, almost too soon, he would turn into a very strict teacher.


    "Ash is still a child. He has to be educated so that he can grow up to be a decent man in the future."


    "Is that all?"


    "What?"


    "No, I was under the impression that you were just incredibly skilled at concealing your true feelings. You know, you always have an excuse for every question I''ve asked you."


    "...I don''t know. Don''t make assumptions about me without my permission."


    Dyria turned away from Yudha and continued tidying up his belongings which had come to a halt in the middle of the day. It was a small trunk that he brought from home.


    "Are those Ash''s clothes?"


    "Yes."


    "...So small."


    "Because he''s still small. But my Ash is the biggest of all the kids in the neighborhood."


    "I like seeing you smile."


    "......"


    "Every time you talk about Ash, the corner of your mouth lifts up a bit."


    "Hey..."


    "You''re beautiful."


    "......"


    "I like that you put on a happy face, Dyria. But tell me, where are your clothes?"


    Yudha only saw Ash''s clothes strewn everywhere, but he couldn''t find Dyria''s.


    "......"


    "Dyria..."


    "Ah, well, my clothes..."


    Dyria, confused by the man''s baffled expression, pointed to the trunk''s corner.


    "Is that all? Is that even enough?"


    "Three pieces plus what I''m wearing right now are enough."


    "Were you in a hurry and didn''t have time to bring more?"


    "No, I only have this since the beginning."


    "...I''ll get more clothes for you."


    "You don''t have to."


    "But..."


    The difference between the clothes in the trunk was too obvious. In Ash''s case, the fabric was soft and appeared to be comfortable to wear, and he even had slippers that fit him perfectly. Dyria''s clothes consisted of shirts, pants, and military shoes.


    "The clothes from this country are very comfortable and stylish, I''ll get some for you."


    "I''m sure they''ll be huge."


    "Not a big problem. That can be fixed."


    The beastman''s clothes were too big for a human like Dyria.


    "By the way, do you want me to assist you with putting the clothes on the rack?"


    "This is fine as it is."


    Dyria hadn''t used any of the clothing racks that were set up in the room. He simply tidied the contents of the trunk.


    "I know you''re only doing this for Ash..."


    "That''s right."


    "So, when Ash wants to go home, you will leave right away?"


    Dyria turned around and stared at Yudha. Even though he had looked all the way up, he couldn''t see the wolf''s face completely. Yudha bent down and grasped the shorter hand when he realized this.


    "Did I scare you? I''m just curious because you''re packing up your things with such a sad face."


    "It''s not... I just... I packed this small suitcase just in case Ash wanted to return home. So I can take the trunk and leave the castle immediately. I left the other half here in case Ash decides to stay and live here permanently. When it''s time to throw it all away, I''ll have less luggage, fewer memories, and less regrets."


    "Why would you throw them away?"


    "If you have old things next to you from your old life, you will feel an emptiness that will not allow you to live. If you move to a new place, you should forget about your old life."


    It''s easier to live like that. Just looking ahead.


    "Because that''s how you''ve been living until now?"


    "That''s right."


    ¡°Is that why you just need those three pieces of clothing? So you won''t remember anything about your previous home? What do you think will happen to you if you throw away those three clothes and move in here permanently? Would that frighten you?"


    "I''m not going to stay."


    "And why not?"


    "Why would a grown man in his twenties need to be cared for in this castle when it''s more than obvious you don''t need me?"


    "You are Ash''s father. If Ash lives here, you must live here too."


    "Ah, yes. I''m only here since I''m Ash''s biological father. Makes sense."


    "Where were you going to live if not here?"


    "Well, if Ash is here, I''m thinking about renting a place somewhere in town and live there until he''s older..."


    "Why do you need to live apart?"


    "Because... Because I always thought that was the best thing to do. Didn''t you search for him? Well, there you go!"


    Dyria thought that was better for Ash''s growth. He didn''t think he was welcome in this castle. Yudha was only nice to him because he needed to deal with royal affairs, and he didn''t give him any explanation. The baby is a wolf, and the pregnancy happened by accident. Dyria''s presence here would eventually confuse Ash later.


    The royal family had a very different way of living and upbringing which may be far stricter since they are all beasts. Dyria has his own philosophy, education and mindset. Maybe they''re the polar opposites of one another.


    If he imposes two completely different things on Ash, the child will be confused and say, "What you said is different," "What I have to do is different," and "I don''t know which is right."


    "So, if Ash wants to prioritize the life he wants, he''s probably better off without me."


    Dyria wanted to watch over the boy from afar and be there to help him whenever he needed it. But he didn''t feel like he should be around him all the time.


    "I won''t let you part from Ash."


    Yudha grabbed Dyria by his shoulders.


    "It hurts..."


    "I''m sorry, but I won''t allow you and Ash to live apart. I didn''t bring you here to do that, but... You should still be here! Ash needs you and so do I. I know you want explanations and you will get them eventually, but now... Please, at least think about your baby for now."


    Yudha seemed to be in a lot of pain at the thought of Ash and Dyria. Dyria could tell simply by looking into his eyes.


    "...Yudha."


    "What is it?"


    "It seriously hurts."


    "Sorry."


    Yudha gently removed his hands from Dyria''s shoulders.


    "...You take everything too seriously."


    "Of course, it''s about you and Ash."


    "......"


    "Dyria...do you really want to leave Ash?"


    Is he a burden to you?


    Do you want to leave Ash here and be free?


    Those were just...some silent questions that somehow Dyria understood.


    "I''d be lying if I say I never thought so."


    "......"


    "But he''s cute."


    Very, very, cute. He cherishes him.


    The fluffy ears that sought his voice, the disheveled tail that couldn''t be combed at all, those round sparkly jewel-like eyes, and the tiny voice that called Dyria every night and giggled while clinging to his feet.


    Everything, everything about his baby is cute.


    So he couldn''t let him go.


    He didn''t want to go.


    He didn''t want to let him go.


    But for Ash''s future, he was prepared for anything.


    "Listen to me... Three days from now, I will meet Empress Kushinada."


    "...So?"


    "She is... Ash''s great-grandmother. She wants to see the child, and this is important. She''s the one we''re trying to convince. When we do, then I''m going to tell you the truth about you and me. I''m just asking for time."


    "The truth?"


    "All of it."


    "Can I be there?"


    "It''s going to be difficult."


    "Can I wait nearby?"


    "In the next room."


    "Will you be there for Ash?"


    "Absolutely."


    "Don''t let her hurt Ash''s heart."


    "I understand... Hey, are you sick?"


    "I told you Ash had a slight fever."


    "No, I''m talking about you."


    "......?"


    "Your face is red."


    "Ah, maybe because I was playing with Ash until a while ago? I''m not used to the heat because it''s warmer here than where I used to live."


    Dyria was born in a snowy mountainous region, and the remote town where he had spent the past five years was a field surrounded by forests and mountains. It was chilly in the mornings and evenings, even in the spring. It was his first time living in a city like this. He felt a bit suffocated.


    "For the time being, spend a little time for yourself and try to get used to this place. I''m also going to check on your condition every day, as much as possible."


    "You''re a busy man, aren''t you?"


    "But I still have time for you."


    "...for Ash."


    Avoiding Yudha''s hand that was about to touch his cheek, Dyria turned toward Ash. He didn''t like the way Yudha treated him. The words coming out of his mouth were always sweet.


    In spite of his strong appearance, his choice of words, his concern for Dyria, his casual voice, everything was so sweet that it made Dyria a bit confused.


    "What''s wrong, Dyria? Do you want to eat apricot with me?"


    "Your great-grandmother wants to see you in three days."


    "Um... Who''s great-grandmother?"


    "I don''t know. You should ask Yudha."


    "That''s right! Yudha! Let''s eat together and tell me about Grandma! And Ash wants to go out, too! I want to roll around on the ground!"


    Ash stood on tiptoe and took Yudha''s hand.


    Dyria stood behind them, a little envious that Ash was able to express happiness with someone other than him, wagging his honest little tail.


    Ah, he knew it was natural for Ash to get along better with his own kind.


    "Dyria~"


    "Dyria."


    Dyria was approached by two people who were calling his name.


    "Come on, Dyria, let''s go play!"


    "That''s right. Come on."


    "...Okay."


    "Hand in hand!"


    Ash took Dyria''s hand with his right hand and took Yudha''s hand with his left one.


    It was the first time he had held hands with another person since leaving his village years ago, and it was an odd feeling. Dyria received a gift from Yudha that evening. He got an icy candy that melted in his mouth. Something very similar to ice, but sweet.


    "You looked like you had a slight fever, so I sent you something cold to eat. I hope it helps you have a good night''s rest."


    Yudha''s attendant came to deliver the ''candy''¡ªor ice cream, as people here call it¡ªwith Yudha''s message written on it.


    "Thank you."


    Due to the coldness of the ice cream he had tasted for the first time in his life, Ash flinched and lifted his tail.


    "It''s delicious! It''s delicious, Dyria!"


    Ash was overjoyed. It felt good on Ash''s feverish body, mouth and tongue.


    "I can eat and see many things here!"


    "...Ash, do you enjoy your life here?"


    "Yes!"


    "That''s good."


    Dyria stroked the little one''s head. He put his hand on the small space between Ash''s ears and massaged him back and forth.


    He couldn''t afford to miss out on this experience simply because he was lost in the moment. He was pleased to be here since it would give Ash a new way to grow.

 Volume 1 - CH 5

    She introduced herself as Edna.


    She looked sensual and elegant in all black, especially with her amber fur. And for the Golden Wolves, black was a color of mourning.


    Someone important to her may have died recently.


    "My husband died in the war six years ago."


    Edna''s eyes were sorrowful, but she still managed to crack a big smile. Dyria glanced at her and thought that this woman was a very strong and beautiful being.


    "Do you remember me? I was at the gate the day you arrived."


    "Yes, I remember. You were with someone else.."


    "Ah. That''s Liliessel. She is the daughter of my grandmother''s niece and Surdo''s wife. Or should I say, his real wife?"


    "I never intend to be the king''s wife."


    "I see, sorry about that."


    "...Edna?"


    The lovely Ash sniffed Edna''s tail and clothing as he burrowed himself in them.


    "I''m so sorry, oh my God... Ash! Don''t do that to the lady."


    "It''s okay, don''t worry. So Ash, what do you think? Do I smell comforting to you?"


    "Yes. You smell just like Yudha!"


    "That''s right. Because I''m Yudha''s sister."


    "I like Yudha''s smell! I also like Edna''s smell!"


    "I love Ash''s smell too! Come on, come over here. Let me see your face properly."


    "Okay~"


    Edna picked him up and stuck her forehead to Ash''s.


    "Oh, how cute you are~ Look at this blond hair with strawberry-colored streaks. You have Dyria''s blood in you. The red and gold complement each other beautifully, and it looks delicious!"


    "Hahaha, you¡¯re tickling me~"


    Tickled by Edna, Ash gave up and started laughing.


    "Let me see your eyes. Your sparkling eyes are the proof of my clan. Do you know? My eyes have a gold ring in them, your father had golden sand grains, Yudha have stardust, and Ash... Wow! Your eyes are absolutely stunning. Ash''s stardust eyes must have come from your grandpa."


    "Grandpa?"


    "Yes. He''s gone now, but he had three children¨DSurdo, Yudha and me."


    "So Ash and Edna are related?"


    "That''s right."


    "Then, will Edna be good friends with Ash?"


    "Yes, of course! I want to be good friends with both you and Dyria, that''s why I brought sweets for you guys today. Do you want to try some of my baked goods? I also have quiche and bread. The weather is nice today so why don''t we eat outside? Is it okay, Dyria?"


    "Yes, of course."


    "Good. Can you guys please make some tea?" Edna told her maids, who swiftly gathered all of the necessary items for a tea party and made their way to the garden first. "There''s a beautiful place in the garden I want to show you."


    "Can Ash go out to the garden, too?"


    "Sure, baby. This garden was made especially for you and Dyria. Yudha remodeled it to make it more comfortable and safe for the two of you."


    "Yudha did?"


    "That''s right."


    "And this room...?"


    Dyria looked at Edna, who then responded with a nod.


    "Yes, that''s all Yudha''s doing."


    "Yesterday, all furniture in the room was urgently replaced¨D Oh, I''ll explain more later. Shall we go to the garden first? I want to show you the rose path. Oops, I forgot this was a secret."


    Edna deliberately put her hand to her mouth as she smiled.


    "Why is it a secret, a secret from Ash?"


    "Oh, yes, it''s supposed to be a secret. Yudha said he wanted to show you himself later since you seem to keep your distance from everyone here."


    "Sorry for being difficult..."


    Dyria was right behind Ash as she followed Edna out to the garden.


    "You''re not difficult; you''re considerate. You''re wise enough to consider who you want to be friends with, who you can trust, and who you should care about. But, Dyria¡­ you can trust Yudha."


    Edna continued her steps into the garden and walked a little further to a four-legged shed made of reddish brown stones with ivy and grasses. There was a man-made lake beside it, and the water''s ripples gave a pleasant and calming effect.


    Edna''s maids were quite deft; they had already prepared the tea on the table.


    "It¡¯s delicious, Edna!"


    "I''m glad you like it! I can only make sweets, though."


    "Ash, eat slowly. You won''t be able to eat dinner if you eat like this."


    While taking care of Ash, Dyria also ate Edna''s sweets little by little.


    "Hey, Dyria, I... I don''t want to sound nosy, but how is life here for you? Is it difficult? Is there anything that is bothering you?"


    "None, thanks to you..."


    Dyria shook his head. Thanks to Yudha, he had no inconvenience. Everything was thoroughly taken care of that it came as a bit of a surprise.


    Edna sipped some tea, then replied, "All you have to do is ask. Yudha will do anything you want."


    "Why would he do that?"


    "It''s because he cares about you. You can ask Yudha for anything you want. You have the right to do so. He''s just a stupid, helpless man who would do anything for you."


    "...Is that why he replaced all the furniture? Did he think it was going to be uncomfortable for me?"


    "Ah, that''s right. But we do have problems with... Um, my grandmother... Well... Ash''s great-grandmother is a bit..."


    "She refuses to accept us?"


    "Well, I''m not the right person to... But isn¡¯t it easier to use these new furniture than the ones you saw the first time?"


    "I don''t think there''s much difference, but, yes. I think the current furniture is easier for both Ash and me to use."


    The children drawer for example. It''s new to the room, but it''s the perfect height for Ash. It includes soft leather-covered corners, tiny safety brackets, and can be opened and closed. And for Dyria, an easy-to-use adult closet with a light sliding door handle.


    "Grandma first refused to allow us to change the furniture in the building where you currently reside. But, she let us at the last moment... Well, she''s a real pain in the ass, that old woman."


    "Ash is going to meet her the day after tomorrow..."


    "Please rest assured, Yudha and I will be there to look after him. But, I think¡­ Grandma doesn''t dislike Ash."


    "But she dislikes me."


    "Well, I''m sorry... She doesn''t like humans very much. His grandson had impregnated a stranger, who gave birth to a child on his own, and perhaps she believes that thick-skinned person is now living in this castle."


    "I see. Well, she does have a point. If my grandson had slept with an unknown man from a poor village and then gave birth to a child, I''d be disgusted too."


    "Dyria..."


    "That''s why Yudha won¡¯t say anything to me. He''s looking for a proper way to let me know that I disgust his grandma. You know what? Maybe he''s just pitying me."


    "Don''t say that."


    "...I''m sorry."


    "No, no, I''m the one who should apologize. I shouldn''t have said anything to begin with."


    "You siblings are the same."


    "Sorry?"


    "Yes. You apologize all the time like Yudha, as if you did something pretty bad to me."


    "Because we did! We couldn''t find you for six years."


    "I was living in the country."


    "And now, we get you into this trouble. I think apologizing is the least we could do. You''ve even agreed to cooperate without asking for further explanation."


    "No, it''s because of Ash. I simply want him to grow up in a proper environment and have more chances for his future than I had."


    "Dyria, you know, I want you to..."


    "Sister?"


    "Oh, Yudha!"


    Ash shouted. He sprung from his seat before Edna and dashed over to Yudha, stretching out his little arms.


    "Yudha... Weren''t you busy today with military and political matters?"


    "I''ve been rushing to get things done."


    "Oh, dear."


    "Because my sister has a big mouth, so I had to come and keep an eye on you."


    "Well, that makes sense."


    "Dyria, if my sister ever talks about anything weird again, feel completely free to run away."


    "He said you''re a pervert."


    "Please, sister, don''t do this."


    "Oh forgive me, sweet Yudha. I''m just telling you the truth."


    Edna grinned impishly and placed her proudly made quiche on Dyria''s plate.


    "Thank you."


    "It has salmon and spinach in it. Simple, but I really like it. Dyria, please try some and let me know what you think. And, Yudha, if someone as massive as you stood there, they would mistake you for a new pillar. Sit down."


    "Yes."


    Yudha sat down quietly, unable to resist his sister.


    Because it was a small, cute table, when three adults and a child sat at the same time, their knees brushed up against each other under the table.


    "Well, it''s supposed to be a place where lovers talk about their love..." Edna seemed to be enjoying herself.


    She threw a glance at Yudha.


    "Ah..."


    Yudha coughed deliberately and apologized each time Dyria''s knee brushed against his thigh, "I''m sorry."


    Ash giggled as he sat on Yudha''s lap and chewed on his quiche.


    "...Yudha was really persistent," Edna opened her voice again. "Oh, did he tell you that he has been looking for you for six years? That''s long, isn''t it? So heroic."


    Dyria wasn''t comfortable with what Edna was trying to say, so he looked away.


    Sweat was constantly dripping down his neck, and Dyria knew that he would never get used to this warm atmosphere.

 Volume 1 - CH 6

    Six days after arriving at the castle, Ash met his great-grandmother, Kushinada.


    Because of the presence of Yudha and Edna, or possibly because of Ash''s warm personality, his encounter with the old woman went off without a hitch.


    Dyria was unable to attend due to his status. He waited in the next room, but it seemed to go well based on the sounds of Kushinada and Ash conversing, Yudha and Edna''s worry for Ash, and the voices of several other attendees.


    An awful feeling crawled into Dyria''s stomach and heart, but when he heard Ash''s laughter, as loud and beautiful as ever, he felt a little more relaxed and could finally breathe. The sound of his child''s laughter was enough to put his mind at ease.


    "Don''t let anyone hurt my son."


    Dyria entrusted Ash entirely to Yudha. And as promised, the beastman returned Ash to his arms unharmed.


    "Grandma was so kind. She told me that Ash''s grandpa and grandma had already passed away. I wish I could have met them... Ash¡¯s Grandma and Grandpaare Yudha and Edna''s father and mother. Did you know that, Dyria? Ash''s dad died and I didn''t get to meet him. But, but grandma, she gave me some candy and a souvenir from my dad. She also gave me the clothes and toys he used to wear when he was little! And next time, she said she would give me a horse! Ash can practice riding, too! Yudha and Edna will teach me! I promised to show grandma how to ride when I get good at it. Grandma is using a cane, but she also promised to take a walk with me around the garden!"


    Ash told Dyria everything he had seen and heard during the two-hour visit.


    Kushinada even let Ash to sit on her lap and read a picture book to the boy. Yudha and Edna were surprised because Kushinada was a difficult person and did not do such things often. Of the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, only a few have ever sat on Kushinada''s lap.


    On the way back to the Western Palace from Kushinada''s chamber, Ash, who was hugged and pampered by Dyria, told him many more things using an overjoyed tone in his voice. However, on the long walk back to the room, Dyria found that the boy had fallen completely asleep without giving him some sort of signal. It must have been because Ash was too excited about the meeting with Kushinada.


    By the time they reached their room, although it was earlier than Ash''s usual nap time, he was already in  his deep slumber. Dyria put him on the bed. The little boy wagged his tail and ears as he slept soundly. He talked while sleeping, puffing up his mouth and nostrils.


    "Good night, my Ash."


    Dyria kissed the tip of Ash''s nose before leaving the room.


    "...Is Ash asleep?"


    "Ah, Yudha, when did you get here?"


    When Dyria returned from the bedroom to the living room, he saw Yudha waiting for him. He was a busy man, so he thought he had returned to his official duties.


    "There''s something that''s been bothering me."


    "You mean...Ash? Did he misbehave in any way?"


    "No, Ash behaved wonderfully. I can see how hard you taught him every day."


    "Well, I''m glad to hear that."


    When his young one was still around, Dyria had been cautious not to act in such a crude manner so that he could be a proper role model for Ash. Now he put off all that manner.


    Yudha sat diagonally across from him and began to prepare a cup of tea. This guy seemed really good at being elegant.


    "You look more nervous than Ash."


    "...Ah, yeah. Maybe... It''s just, it''s hot..."


    He wiped the bottom of his jaw with the back of his hand. There was no sweat, but it felt clammy.


    "Do you want some tea?"


    "No, thanks..."


    Flap flap flap


    Dyria tugged at the collar of his clothes to let some wind blow.


    "Maybe... Um, water?"


    "I''m okay... Just be a little...quieter, please..."


    Dyria had been restless and agitated after leaning against the back of the couch, so he sat up straight, put his elbows on each of his knees, and began breathing heavily.


    He felt hot and sluggish.


    He couldn''t breathe.


    "Dyria..."


    "Ah..."


    Yudha''s hand touched him and his voice somehow seeped out shockingly. He almost slid off the sofa but Yudha held him by the shoulders.


    "Are you all right?"


    "It''s...nothing. It''s just that I''m...a little out of breath, and I''m getting chills...where you touched me..."


    Yudha moved his face closer to Dyria''s neck. The tip of his long snout brushed against the shorter''s neck, under his chin, and behind his ear.


    He sniffed and smelled Dyria.


    "Your scent is different."


    "What...?"


    Then...


    A thin, long tongue licked Dyria''s sweat.


    "The taste is different. It tastes like medicine."


    "Taste... But why, I''m not taking any medicine."


    "Did you eat something different than usual?"


    "Unlike usual... No, nothing... I''ve been...eating the same as Ash since day one..."


    As he was trying to tell Yudha what had seemed strange since his arrival here, a shocking feeling struck his lower abdomen, "Ah, no, I can''t..."


    Then his eyes closed by themselves.


    "Hey, get a grip."


    "It''s hot... Don''t touch me..."


    Yudha''s body temperature was high and combined with his, it seemed to create an intense fire.


    "Dyria, listen carefully. Someone probably gave you some kind of stimulant."


    "What the...hell is that? Did you...mean they make Ash take that too?"


    It was sweltering hot a while ago, but now it has become quite cold.


    The cold was supposed to be better, but Dyria was shivering. It''s almost as though he''s freezing. His skin was cold to the touch, and he was restless for no apparent reason. Even so, the bottom of his stomach was hot, the back of his eyes felt like they''d turned red. Dyria couldn''t think straight.


    "Drink some water, okay? You''re sweating like crazy."


    "Yu..."


    He had no idea if he was sweating or not. Was he sitting or standing? Which way was he looking at? Did his eyes close or open? He just felt so lost.


    "Yudha, where are you?"


    Dyria grabbed onto Yudha.


    "Here, I''m holding you."


    "I-I don''t know..."


    He almost couldn''t feel anything, but Dyria was sure their lips had touched. Then, water flowed into the back of his throat and fell into his stomach.


    "Drink it..."


    "...Umf, um...fuh..."


    Dyria choked and spilled it back out but soon, their lips came into contact again. More slowly, much slower than before. As if to moisten Dyria''s dry lips, to wet Dyria''s thirsty tongue with Yudha''s. The wolf patiently, repeatedly, and much more cautiously gave him less water than a newborn can suckle at once. The more the water spilled, the more Yudha forced Dyria to drink through his lips.


    "...Yudha..."


    "I''m here."


    "Ash..."


    "Don''t worry about Ash. I''m going to take care of him. We''ll talk about that later. Focus on yourself first."


    "......"


    If this guy said he would do something, then he would do it. And if he was the usual Dyria, he would have felt strongly that "I can''t leave everything to Yudha," but for some reason, his instinct determined that "I can leave this to him." He would lose his support and fall into Yudha''s arms if he could simply drop his ego this time.


    Then, everything would be easier.


    So Dyria closed his eyes. Dropped his body to a wide, fluffy chest to keep from falling to the floor or hitting his skull against the table''s corner.

 Volume 1 - CH 7.1

    His pants only lowered a little, but that was more than enough to show the state of Dyria''s lower half. Yudha was about to take off the clothes with his claws, too, but Dyria grabbed his hand.


    "Don''t..."


    "Dyria."


    "No, no, no..."


    As Yudha grabbed Dyria''s chest using both hands, he could feel the younger clothes were damp from the sweat.


    Dyria didn''t want others to touch him.


    He didn''t want to remember that night.


    He would feel sad and just want to die each time he remembered that night.


    "Don''t touch me, please..."


    "It''s okay. I won''t touch you if you don''t want me to. But let me ask you...don''t you want me to save you?"


    Several fragments of memory then entered into Dyria''s head...


    No more suspicion. It was no longer just about the familiarity of his aroma. Or about a feeling as if he had found his soulmate. Dyria was now genuinely convinced that this voice was of the man who embraced him that night. The warmth of the touch of his hand, the soft fur that enveloped Dyria, and how the tip of his nose rubbed Dyria''s neck. Everything is too similar, almost like a perfect copy. So he is definitely not crazy if he start pointing at Yudha now.


    Yudha reminded Dyria of love. The pain caused him to want to cover his eyes and ears and rip out his heart. Shrink in place and scream. Screaming loudly. No matter how many times he runaway from the memory of that night, Yudha would overwrite it and turn it into something different.


    Having a thought like this, Dyria knew it was indeed impolite for Yudha and Surdo. However, it seems that the fate of that night continues to pound in front of him. His brain kept screaming again that he couldn''t be wrong with all his assumptions. Not when he''s experiencing that same sense of security as when he got embraced the first time. The sweet and comfortable experience. Being embraced by a powerful force. Being dominated that it felt majestic.


    Majestic since the feeling of that night revived just like that.


    The fingers touching Dyria, the lips, the breath, everything had come together. And now it felt as if he was living there again, six years ago. With Yudha...


    When he arrived at the palace, he knew.


    When he saw him, he knew.


    When he heard his voice.


    He felt it...


    But then there was Surdo, swirling around him that it ended up confusing him.


    And he was still confused now.


    "Please..."


    Dyria leaked memory from his mouth. Yudha responded by placing his hand on Dyria''s, which was scratching the fabric of the couch.


    Then the heat hit him again.


    "Ah..."


    Yudha licked Dyria''s pubic area. Saliva dripped, wetting the younger''s bottom hole until it became as sensitive as it could be. Warm and rough, but felt soft like fine silk at the same time.


    "Are you okay?"


    "...Hmm."


    Something began to enter.


    Something warm in a place that throbbed but didn''t hurt. It was soft and nice and wet.


    "This..."


    "Is it good?"


    "It feels good..."


    "You make me want to do more."


    Dyria''s tension finally relaxed.


    "Yudha... Yudha, where...?"


    Dyria realized that the hand he was supposed to hold had shifted. Panic, he tried to find the hand by his fingers. The tip of his finger caught in Yudha''s shoulder or arm. Unfortunately, Dyria''s muscles were so stiff that he couldn''t grip them. Dyria was frustrated. He could only tap Yudha''s hand with the energy of a newborn baby.


    "...Dyria."


    Seeing Dyria in that state, Yudha laughed. A laugh like a child who was about to commit a prank.


    And so the low laugh overlapped with that night.


    What is going on?


    Is this a memory of that night? Or is this what happen now?


    Searching for the difference, Dyria tried to remember everything and force himself to understand and look back on that night. He started to get so scared that he immediately stood up.


    It can''t be.


    It''s impossible.


    "No, no, no, Yudha. No..."


    They never, not once, even told each other names.


    Now reality hit Dyria in the face. It really was him, it was this wolf and not Surdo. It was his baby. Ash is his baby.


    But Dyria did not want this. Because everything will be going to be rewritten.


    Everything will be going to be repainted.


    He wanted to keep that whole night as it was, as beautiful, as it was then.


    This did not seem right. And yet...


    "Ah! Ah, ah, ah, ah!"


    It felt so good.


    It felt incredibly good.


    "...Um..."


    The manhood then pierced up his narrow place. The fur touching his open legs while he held by the waist.


    "Huff... Ah, ah."


    Slowly, slowly, it sank into Dyria''s body. The heat mingled, and everything was rewritten, repainted, and made different.


    However, it also felt the same as that night.


    "...More!"


    It felt so good.


    When Yudha''s flesh rubbed and thrusting to his open lower hole, it felt amazingly good.


    It felt so good.


    After this, there will be some pains...


    Yet Dyria''s body knew it would still turn into a good feeling, and that the pleasure would take him over from his head to toe.


    Until today, I never knew...that I am such a disgusting creature.


    I had no idea that this body had been reshaped so much in just one experience.


    I never knew that it wanted to be hold so bad.


    "This is... No, no..."


    "What you feel, it''s not wrong. You were never wrong."


    "What...?"


    "I am Yudha. I was always Yudha."


    "...Yudha."


    "Yes, I am Yudha..."


    "Yudha..."


    "I was the one who made you this way. I was the one who made love to you that night in the tent. You''re not wrong at all. Your instinct was never wrong. Do you understand me?"


    "I wasn''t wrong..."


    "You were never wrong."


    "I knew it! I knew it, knew it..."


    "You didn''t have to talk. You weren''t wrong, you didn''t do anything wrong..."


    "Yudha..."


    Yudha''s hot breath touched Dyria''s neck. His manhood grew larger and larger inside Dyria''s stomach. It felt good inside, although he was patient and gentle with his movements. Holding back while gritting his teeth.


    Dyria''s inner wall grew as it adjusted to Yudha''s new form. And that feeling alone made him feel good.


    "It feels so good."


    Grabbing the hair near Yudha''s ear, Dyria''s curled his toes.


    He should have tugged hard on the wolf''s hair, but he was stroking Yudha''s head instead before he knew it. As if congratulating him on doing such a good job.


    More. Get bigger. He was stroking Yudha''s head as if telling him that.


    Right now, he was no longer Dyria.

 Volume 1 - CH 7.2

    Yudha rubbed the tip of his nose against Dyria''s. Kissing him repeatedly before wrapping his tail around the younger''s thigh and sniffing him. Dyria was swallowed by the waves of pleasure and was utterly reluctant to wake up.


    "...Ash."


    "I just checked on him."


    Dyria had lost in time. He thought Yudha had always been by his side, on the bed.


    "Ash was a bit late, so I woke him up, fed him, brushed his teeth, and bathed him. We played a little, then put him back to sleep at his nap time."


    "Thank you," Dyria said in a weak voice.


    "He looked so worried about you, so I told him you were tired and asleep. Ash is still in the next room. He''ll hear you right away if you call him from here."


    "I see..."


    That said, Dyria realized they were in the master bedroom. He must have been carried in while he was still sleeping. The room they had been given upon arrival was small but it was adequate for two small people, Dyria and Ash, to sleep in. But since that one is for the child, this was probably the room that should be used as the couple''s master bedroom. And since it was built with the assumption that a couple of beastmen would use it, everything was wider, stronger, and more significant than the things humans used.


    "You can go see him if you want."


    "Okay."


    Dyria tried to lift his body with Yudha''s help.


    "Ouch..."


    "Can''t you stand up?"


    "My legs..."


    As he lay back down on the bed, Dyria looked at the decoration on the ceiling of the canopied bed.


    "Are you hungry?"


    "I don''t know..."


    Yudha put his hand on Dyria''s stomach. It felt spongy and plump. As if Yudha''s offspring had successfully entered his womb.


    "The semen should come out gradually. Don''t worry about that. But if you get up now, it may leak and stain your clothes. Just rest for now."


    "I can still feel you''re inside..."


    "Does it uncomfortable?"


    "It''s good..."


    Just by breathing, trying to turn over, and feeling a few of the man''s caresses, Dyria was excited... His back ached, but the sensation felt good.


    "You''re cruel..."


    "What?"


    "You''re seducing me to do you again."


    "It feels good. I''m just saying that..."


    Each time Yudha put a slight press on Dyria''s lower abdomen, it felt so good that he even started to close his eyes.


    "I''m not strong enough to watch you masturbate in front of me."


    "I''m not..."


    "Don''t you like it when you squeeze my cum inside you without my touch? With that face, almost drooling, how can it not be called masturbation?"


    "...Sorry."


    He was right. That could be the case. After all, it felt good to be addicted to this stuff.


    He couldn''t stop.


    "The feeling that lingers in your body? Well, it won''t go away completely, but it will fade over time. You''re going to get along with my bed for three days."


    "I understand, but Ash..."


    "I was the one who did this to you. I''ll take care of Ash."


    "...Ash." Dyria turned his head to the next room.


    "It''s okay, you''ll see him in time. Or are you going to show such a messy figure to your son? Leave him to me. I''ll give you a bath when I get back."


    Yudha whispered in Dyria''s ear and then bit his lobe. Yudha wore baggy pants instead of the military clothes he usually wore. His upper body was bare and the beautiful golden fur melting in the heat still looked damp. Yudha then pulled a thin cloak over his muscular naked body.


    "Dyria..."


    "......"


    "Let go of my tail."


    "......"


    "My tail."


    Yudha giggled, his eyes glittering with golden stardust, and gently began to peel off Dyria''s fingers, which held his tail, one by one.


    "Come back soon."


    "I will."


    Their lips overlapped. Yudha''s fluffy lips touched Dyria''s softly and compassionately, trying not to abuse them.


    "You can''t show that face to Ash."


    "......"


    "It''s the face of a person in ecstasy."


    "I don''t have that kind of face."


    "Then, I''m the only one who knows what you look like. It''s special only to me."


    Besides kissing him on the lips, Yudha went and kissed Dyria on the chin.


    Yudha then walked into the next room, laughing with his face in disarray and tail dancing back and forth. As Dyria stared at the man''s back, he touched his lips using a couple of fingers. When he did, he finally realized that he was smiling from ear to ear.


    "...Yudha." His lips called out to the man without permission. The bed was too big to sleep alone, and it was too cold to be without Yudha''s warmth.


    I wish Yudha would come back soon...


    Dyria thought that was a rather sweet way of thinking, stemming from the joy of knowing that he was never wrong about Yudha. As if they were true soul mates.


    If his legs could move now, Dyria was sure they would run to Yudha. He will. And Yudha would giggle at Dyria, seeing him running in a hurry, then laying on the bed in the arms of the man.


    Dyria pleaded impatiently. Waiting for Yudha to arrive again with his son.

 Volume 1 - CH 8

    "Do you want more?"


    In any case, he thought the man was very reliable. Edna and Yudha really seemed to like him and his child a lot. Only with Yudha and Edna could he leave Ash with complete trust.


    Saying to the servants that his baby felt uncomfortable being not used to the new environment, Dyria decided to bring meals to his room instead.


    "It''s enough, Ash."


    "Ung...but you look like you need some more."


    And thud. Little Ash suddenly glued his forehead to Dyria, checking the temperature.


    "You''re still warm. A little more ice cream, Dyria?"


    "Okay then."


    "Ash will come back soon, so if anything happens, call me and I''ll come right over, okay?"


    "Yes, I''ll call you."


    Chu.


    Ash pressed his lips against Dyria''s forehead and immediately ran to Edna, waiting patiently in the doorway.


    Both said they would make ice cream in the small kitchen next to Dyria and Ash''s current room. And although it''s a bit cramped for wolf''s size, the kitchen is still bigger than the one in Dyria and Ash''s old house. It was also filled with all the utensils they needed.


    "Yudha, come when Ash calls you," asked Ash to Yudha. Said that they would need him later to churn the mixture vigorously to harden the ice cream.


    "Call me anytime."


    "I will!"


    Ash said bye bye to Dyria and Yudha, taking Edna''s hand and heading to the kitchen.


    "He''s really caring."


    Yudha, who turned to Dyria, put on a soft expression.


    "A charming doctor..."


    "He''s copying what I told him when he''s sick."


    "It makes sense. The way you talk to him is exceptionally gentle."


    Dyria had always been taking care of Ash in a gentle way. Because a child is a mirror of their parents. If you see how a baby behaved, then you could see what kind of person raised them.


    "Dyria, you''re really a good parent."


    "Thank you."


    Dyria was a bit embarrassed because almost no one complimented his parenting method before. Embarrassed, but very happy... Somehow his heart was tickled.


    "I really mean it. You took good care of Ash, raising him rigorously but gentle, and that''s why he grew up being so caring and cute. He''s a good boy..."


    "Yes yes, I know but please don''t flatter me so much."


    "You always take a close look at Ash and notice even a little change in him. You are truly amazing."


    "I already know you recognize my efforts so can I get out of my bed now?"


    Dyria, not being able to stand the embarrassment, changed the topic. Life on bed was hard and this was already his third day. Dyria wished he could get up soon.


    "Don''t worry about Ash."


    "I know that."


    "If so, then sleep tight." Yudha gently pressed Dyria''s shoulder to get him to lie back down. "Let me spoil you."


    "I feel uneasy for staying on the bed."


    Ash read books, drew, and solved his math problems at Dyria''s feet all day. Since Dyria couldn''t play with him, he played with Edna and Yudha and they also took care of his bathing and brushing his teeth.


    For the last three days, four people were eating in one bed...and that was a bit strange.


    Dyria was always in good condition and since it was the first time he had such a relaxing time since giving birth to Ash, he didn''t feel familiar with the whole thing. He bathed with Yudha''s help only the first day and after that, the wolf would bring him warm water and a hand wipe, so he cleaned himself that way. He felt exhausted and also a little restless.


    Or maybe very restless.


    It seemed like a great sin to leave all his responsibilities to someone else. He felt like he was neglecting his duties as a father.


    "It''s normal to get help when you are sick."


    Yudha took it for granted. Dyria believed that the wolf was strong enough never to have needed someone else.


    "I trust you."


    "How did you come to that conclusion?"


    "Because I feel it..."


    Yudha''s ears and tail fluttered with pride. The wolf was cute and straightforward when Dyria spoke nice to him.


    "You and Edna can be trusted, because I''m sure you guys are not the ones who poison our food."


    "...You know about that?"


    Yudha moved from the chair next to the bed he was sitting on and settled on the edge of the bed. It sank silently as both stared at each other, at a distance where Yudha''s body temperature was transmitted to Dyria perfectly.


    It seemed there was a poison in the food Dyria and Ash ate. A stimulant. And this stimulant was one used by the golden wolf army to give them more vitality and strength. After the war ended, most of these items were destroyed, yet some vials were distributed to the market and were relatively easy to sell.


    "it was not life-threatening for Ash, but a stimulant would have caused him to misbehave at the meeting with his great-grandmother."


    Dyria agreed. But that didn''t take away from the fact that it was a threat.


    "Is that a warning to get out of the castle?"


    "Don''t say that."


    "If you knew who put the poison, you have to tell me real quick..."


    "I couldn''t say that without knowing who the culprit is..."


    Dyria smiled bitterly.


    Dyria was a 23-year-old human, and Ash, a 5-year-old beast who liked to eat different food. The seasonings, ingredients, amount of food, everything was different, but it was the day after their arrival at this castle that Dyria felt uncomfortable. When they ate the food in the castle for the first time, Ash suddenly became hyper. He didn''t look like a baby tired from being in a carriage for three days. He was in a good mood instead, wagging his tail and opening his eyes wide as he started eating. He also greeted Yudha, whom he had met for the first time, with so much joy that it seemed abnormal. However, in return for that extra energy, he resisted reading his favorite picture book, shouting "No!" to practicing arithmetic, and would say "I want to play," before running on all fours.


    Ash''s food was eaten by Dyria while making the little boy eat dried fruits he had brought from home, baked treats that didn''t use sugar, and canned food.


    Soon after, Ash back to his usual self again. In contrast, Dyria, who ate everything from the castle felt like he was in a steam bath, sweating, and breathing faster. However, when they ate Edna''s sweet, their behavior did not change.


    "The servants brought meats and fruits every day."


    "I see."


    "I like it, but not when they serve it raw."


    "Ah, yes, it''s not good for Ash to eat raw meat. But what happened to the meat though...?"


    "After I noticed the effect, I decided to find out who the culprit was and when I went to the kitchen with Ash... Oh! I was going to tell you that the chef and Ash became fast friends."


    "Friends...?"


    "Ash said to the chef "Hey, Dyria''s getting sick! But raw meat is gross so put vegetables on it!" Stuff like that."


    "You''re good at imitating Ash... But what''s that got to do with it?"


    "They baked the meat to make sandwiches, and the rest of it was smoked. So, well, I was relieved because you only eat fruits and meats that are hard to mix with poison. But, that just means they made it from somewhere else."


    "The gifts from you and Edna really helped me and I''m grateful for your research, but I can''t let Ash live like this forever. You can give us food personally or go to the chef to see that everything is cooked properly, but this just tells me I can''t take my eyes off Ash."


    Putting stimulants in the food came first. Maybe they would push him down the stairs or even cause some skin wounds later. However, from Yudha''s point of view, the only one they should be worried about was Dyria himself. If they gave Ash stimulants, he could make a small mistake in essential situations like meeting his great-grandmother, but it can be terribly poisonous to humans. It is creepy if he suddenly has a heat.


    "You''re not going to eat anything from now on if it''s not from my hands, understood?"


    "It''s better that I suffer than Ash does."


    "What does that mean?"


    "If they wanted to kill Ash, they would have done it from day one. It turns out that''s not the intention, but to cause me to go through a heat cycle because they know I''m an Asriff... It''s important to identify the enemy but if it''s about me, then it doesn''t matter."


    "If that hurts you, Ash is going to be very sad."


    "But Ash won''t suffer."


    "You think Ash, who hasn''t been away from you for three days, didn''t suffer?"


    "......"


    "It''s good to think about Ash''s physical health first, but think about his mental health as well. Ash needs you a lot more than you think."


    "Okay."


    "Don''t eat anything, don''t drink anything. I''ll get it all for you from somewhere else."


    "But if it happens again..."


    "It will never happen again! I will do everything I can to make you well."


    "...Yudha."


    "What?"


    "Your hand..."


    Yudha squeezed Dyria''s hand tightly on the bed. It was tight but soft because of the fur.


    "Yudha, your tail is all bristly."


    "I know."


    "If you know, then calm down..."


    "It''s not that easy."


    "Why? Oh, are you worried about me?"


    "Why wouldn''t I be worried about you? Why would I be calm when someone is hurting you?"


    Yudha''s tail could not calm down. Truth is, he already knew the perpetrator who had mixed the stimulant. It was a man, one of the servants. Yet he still did not know the one behind. Yudha was investigating but very cautious and worried about what would happen to Dyria from now on.


    If he hadn''t spoken up...


    If he didn''t love him as he did...


    "You''re reckless, and you prioritize Ash over yourself..."


    "...?"


    "You care about Ash, perfect. Then let me take care of you."


    "...Thank you."


    No matter how sweet and gentle he said it, it wasn''t working for Dyria. Yudha exhaled and plopped down.


    "What''s wrong, are you tired?"


    "No."


    "You''re busy with work, investigating the poison matter, and awake here the whole time. Did Ash bother you too much?" Dyria flipped the edge of the blanket over and tapped the space next to him. "Come, sleep here."


    "Are you already comfortable enough to invite a man to your bed?"


    "Ah... Ah, yes. I''m sorry. It''s just like what I do with Ash." Dyria pulled back the blanket. "I wanted to... Um, Yudha, forget about what happened three days ago."


    "I can''t."


    "Yudha... Yu..."


    Yudha held Dyria''s hand. A large shadow covered them and then, two lips met... A brief kiss showed that the act three days ago was a deal between the two of them. Yudha''s mouth remembered it, his fingers...


    "I can''t forget you..."


    Yudha stated this in such a way that he could feel Dyria''s breath all over, and if one of them leaned his neck a little, the distance became so small that their lips would touch again.


    "And I won''t let you forget me again."


    "I won''t¡ª"


    "Yudha! The ice cream!" Ash, with a small apron, rushed into the room, almost out of breath.


    "Yudha! Come on! Now it''s time to use your trained muscles on...! Oh, did we disturb them?" Edna, covered in colorful dust, put her hand to her mouth. Saying, "I''m sorry, did we disturb you two?"


    "...Yudha, quick, Ash is calling."


    "Ah... Yes it''s a bad time."


    Laughing with a naughty face, Yudha licked Dyria''s lips one last time before turning his back to him. His tail was in a good mood.


    "Wait okay, Dyria!"


    "Yes, Ash. I''ll wait for you."


    He replied to Ash, cooling the heat on his cheek with the back of his palm, thinking, "I think I have a fever again."

 Volume 1 - CH 9

    There is something a little aggressive about Yudha. It showed the day Dyria got out of bed and returned to his everyday life.


    At dawn, Yudha said, "Come on, we''ll live in my mansion from now on." And before Dyria responded to anything, the wolf held Ash in his left arm and Dyria in his right, quickly leading them to his own square.


    Yudha''s mansion was on the grounds of the royal castle. It was a castle built for the younger brother¡ªa free-standing palace surrounded by fountains and nature that looked quite ancient and noble. The appearance of rocks, red clay, and brick gave it a rustic texture.


    The interior decor was not homely, but Dyria could tell it had a relatively tranquil atmosphere. At least, it wasn''t as stiff and stuffy as the royal castle.


    "My lord, welcome back."


    "Ah, hello, Aaron. Dyria, this is Aaron. He''s been taking care of me since I was little so, it''s not an exaggeration to say he''s like a father to me. Aaron, this is Dyria, and this here is Ash." Yudha showed Aaron Dyria and Ash, from left to right and then murmured, "You''ll see them around here quite often, I hope?"


    "Hello, Grandpa Aaron, I''m Ash. Please get along with me."


    Ash, still being held by his armpit, bowed his head as much as possible.


    "Oh, hi, little guy! I''m Aaron. Please make friends with Aaron too."


    Aaron greeted Ash with a giant grin, thick-framed glasses perched on his nose.


    "I''m so sorry to make noise so early in the morning. My name is Dyria. My son and I are truly sorry to disturb you."


    Dyria, with his right arm still trapped by Yudha, bowed almost as much as Ash was trying to.


    "Thank you very much for your words, Mr. Dyria. But if you have any problems with the furniture here, please don''t hesitate to contact me. I would be thrilled to be able to take care of you as much as possible."


    "Beard, beard."


    Ash suddenly yelped, asking Aaron to let him touch his huge white beard.


    "Do you like beard?"


    "First time I''ve ever seen one."


    Ash reached out his hand and squeezed it hard. It''s fluffy, and yet it never loses its shape. That''s mysterious.


    "Every morning I spend time shaping it because I think beards give personality. Thanks for your interest, Ash. By the way, would you like to have a room with a garden view?"


    "I would like it very much!"


    "...Is there a room with a garden view?"


    "There is a special room where you can go out into the garden. We have a room for the boy and Mr. Dyria too. This way."


    Under Aaron''s direction, the four of them headed for the so-called "Special Room."


    "...Yudha."


    "What?"


    "Please let go of me now. I''m not going to run away."


    "Oh, I forgot."


    Yudha let go of Dyria''s arm and allowed him to walk down the hall alone for the first time in a long time.


    "Are you okay?"


    Yudha walked beside Dyria. Face still pointed in his direction.


    "Yes."


    Dyria walked forward, looking at Aaron and Ash, who were walking instead briskly in front of him.


    The carpet, laid in the hallway, was such a deep green that it could be mistaken for black.


    The reddish-brown walls were firmly carved, but there was no single vase, painting, or tapestry. Yudha didn''t seem to like flashy things, yet he did seem enamored of heavy things. At first glance, an amateur Dyria could see that the decorations on doors, frames, and bulbs were much more laborious and expensive than beautiful.


    "This is the room of this little boy and Mr. Dyria. It surrounds the garden. Around to the right and from the front, we have a parlor, waiting room, the servants'' quarter, and a living room for the family. The waiting room, little boy''s room, Mr. Dyria''s room and finally the master''s room. Each room has a dressing room and a bathroom. The gifts from her majesty, the Empress, have been brought and placed in Ash''s room."


    "A gift from her majesty, the Empress?"


    Dyria spoke up immediately at Aaron''s words. The Empress, the widow Kusinada, Ash''s great-grandmother. She hadn''t heard that she had to give him gifts.


    "Hey... Look at me. It''s evidence that my grandmother Kusinada recognized Ash as her great-grandson."


    Yudha responded immediately.


    Evidence...


    It was evidence that Kusinada recognized Ash as Surdo''s real son, not Yudha''s... But Yudha still seemed especially pleased for the moment. Not many people would turn Kusinada, a heavyweight of the golden wolf tribe, into a friend.


    "Why are you so pleased?"


    "That..."


    "Sir, I too very much appreciate the stand-up conversations but please, you should relax a bit first and talk it over when it''s most convenient for both of you."


    Aaron passed Ash to Yudha and told the servants to prepare tea.


    "Aaron, I''ll take it from here. You can go now."


    "Yeah, okay."


    In response to Yudha''s words, Aaron bowed and walked out, taking a turn that looked quite elegant.


    "Aaron is in charge of this entire mansion. If you have any inconvenience or shortage, you can ask him."


    Sitting on the sofa in front of the garden, Yudha placed Ash on his lap.


    "...I''ve never seen such a large garden."


    Dyria stood in front of the garden.


    The room facing the garden had no windows or doors and was supported only by pillars from which one could immediately step out. But since there were no windows, walls or doors, the wind would enter the room while the floor would get wet on rainy days. However, neither the sofa nor the table was dirty. No dust on the carpet. The cleanliness was so good that it was scary. But of course, it was proof that Yudha reigned well as part of the castle. This beauty could not be maintained if even a single servant despised it.


    "You are fabulous."


    "Not at all. Aaron''s skill is simply good."


    "Such a big castle how can you live like this?"


    It was more expansive than the first castle. However, it was easier to go from here to Ash''s room.


    "Yes, it''s not easy to use. There are other rooms available. The north side of the castle has a good view and the south side faces the main castle. You can be anywhere you want. It''s fine because I told them it''s to have more control of the child."


    "Are there any other rooms besides this one?"


    Ash, who rose from Yudha''s shoulders to his head, had his ears dancing back and forth.


    "Ah. This is the center of the mansion, where we are now, and the rest is a square building. Then, the corridor extends around the center, drawing a cross that connects to each of the north, south, east, and west sides of the buildings."


    Yudha put Ash on his lap and drew a map in his little hand.


    The center of the mansion where they are now was the safest because people had limited access.


    Yudha used to wake up in a room in a northerly direction, but from today onwards, he would wake up here, with Dyria and Ash. In addition, Yudha was often absent due to military, political and public affairs so it was a bit more comforting to be like this.


    "There is a library, a music room, a stable, and a game room on the east. The north side is for visitors, but many rooms store dust since I only use it. Search as many as you like and find the room you like best. Everything is yours, even the stable in the north forest. You can practice riding there and at any time of the day."


    "Yes!"


    Ash followed Yudha''s finger on the map he had drawn on his hand and began to laugh in an incredibly excited manner.


    "On the outskirts of the west side, there is a house where the servant lives. The kitchen and laundry are in the basement of this mansion. If you want a snack, look for a chef with bright yellow fur in the kitchen. He has fed me since I was a baby."


    "Ash will go all the time!"


    "Great. Oh, yes, there''s a separate palace and a greenhouse in the south. There''s a guest room in the separate palace. Be careful. Aaron wants to decorate it with vases or something."


    "That''s fun!"


    "Is it?"


    "Are there any ghosts?"


    "A ghost, hm..."


    Yudha looked at Dyria, asking for a correct answer. He didn''t know if he should be honest about having a ghost or should he say, "There isn''t one" to avoid scaring him. Maybe he had to say that there was but they are friendly ghosts. He had no idea, so he asked Dyria to help him.


    "Ash, what if there is a ghost?" Dyria placed his knees on the ground until he was at Ash''s level. "What are you going to do?"


    "We''ll eat Dyria''s bento together!"


    "Why do you want to have lunch with the ghost?"


    "It''s delicious!"


    "Ash, what if you get some kind of ghost that doesn''t eat lunch with you?"


    "How?"


    Ash''s ears and tail flatten.


    "What if they scare you?"


    "What''s scary?"


    Yudha wondered how he had been teaching Ash all this time if he didn''t know the concept of scary. It seems like Dyria had stayed Ash away from scary things so Ash couldn''t experience any of them. Yudha shot him a look as if to say "overprotective".


    "Everything is an experience, so it would be a good idea to meet a ghost once."


    Dyria looked at Ash and wrapped his incredibly soft hands around his cheeks.


    "Yes, I''ll see them."


    "...I don''t know if it''ll go so well, though."


    Yudha smiled at the cute interaction between Ash and Dyria. For the time being, before Ash meets any ghosts, Yudha will be going around the southern palace and asking everyone to watch out for a small wolf boy.


    "Yudha."


    "What is it?"


    Dyria placed his hand on Yudha''s lap. It was a casual act but Yudha''s attention changed almost immediately.


    "There''s a problem with my room."


    "You don''t like sharing the same room with me?"


    "It''s not convenient."


    "Ash have no problem! I like sleeping with Yudha. It''s a little hot with him, but he''s very fluffy! I like sleeping on Yudha''s side! Do you want to sleep with Yudha, Dyria?"


    "Uncomfortable."


    Dyria grabbed Ash from Yudha''s lap and giggled, causing Yudha, who raised an eyebrow, to giggle as well.


    "If you won''t sleep with me because I''m hot, then I''m a guy with terrible bad luck. I''m just hair."


    Dyria didn''t have the personality to make a place brighter by casually saying funny things like Yudha, so maybe it will be advantageous to have the wolf there with them.


    Also, Ash, who had a huge room, was so excited that he didn''t seem to mind their discussions. There were also chefs, so he could eat as much as he wanted to, people who had been cooking for Yudha for many years! They had earned the wolf''s trust, so Dyria thought they had his as well. And with Aaron here, he was convinced that no weird things were going to happen.


    Is it really safer to live here? Dyria honestly thought so. He was a little surprised at himself, the one who trusted Yudha so much even when he was hiding things from him.

 Volume 1 - CH 10

    Soon after the good wishes from Empress Kushinada arrived, many new gifts began to appear in quick succession. It seemed that Kushinada wanted to become Ash''s backup, as did Yudha and Edna. They were not only from the Empress. The senders listed in the catalog he was given  are people with good titles.


    "Ministers, politicians, high-level military personnel, royal aristocrats..."


    Dyria looked over the inventory Aaron had brought. Of course, almost all of them were gifts for Ash. Only some of them were written for Dyria.


    "Lilliesel..."


    Dyria noticed one of the names written in the catalog.


    "Lili-chan." Ash crouched down on the floor and sat down between Dyria''s legs, lifting his little face and add, "Aunt Lili."


    "Did you meet her somewhere?"


    "She was in the corner of the room when I went to say hello to Grandma."


    "Is that so?"


    Most of Lilliesel''s gifts were toys for Ash. For convenience she called them "toys," but they were big horses that Ash could actually ride, super expensive musical instruments, and picture books that seemed a little too heavy for a baby''s arms. Plus clothes with rhinestones, smooth leather shoes, fruits that grew in foreign countries, sweets, and about ten maids sent especially for Ash.


    "Mr. Aaron."


    "Yes, I am here."


    "I''m very grateful, but can you put all these on hold?"


    "That means..."


    "I don''t want to receive all these myself. I''m an ordinary uneducated person. I''m out of the royal palace tradition so I don''t feel good about all this. I can''t decide for myself... I want to talk to Yudha first."


    "I''m sure the Lord would be fine with whatever you decide."


    "Then wouldn''t it be insulting if I decided to return some things?"


    "It will not."


    "Great."


    "But why put them on hold?"


    "I don''t know."


    How did all these gifts get here?


    What is the purpose of giving these gifts to a baby?


    What kind of people are the senders?


    Dyria couldn''t comprehend. Acting as he always did may disadvantage Ash''s future later on. His child, who will be this kingdom''s future king. These were a bribe in the form of a gift. Something that put his son in a good mood, but annoys him.


    "I''m sure many of these things will continue to appear in front of Ash as long as we remain here, but I don''t think it''s good. I''d like to wait for Yudha... Please."


    "Alright, we can trust the Lord."


    "Then please take care all of these so they don''t get lost. We''ll talk about it again when Yudha gets back from work."


    "How about the gifts for you?"


    "I will return them too."


    Dyria can return all the gifts addressed to him, but he did not think he could do the same for Ash''s gifts.


    "Then, I''ll do that."


    "Thank you."


    They bowed deeply to each other and let the matter rest.


    "Dila, is it over now, can we go to the library?"


    "Yes, we can. It was great of you to wait so patiently for me. You did great, baby. Let''s go."


    After noon that day, Dyria took Ash by the hand and headed to the library. It seemed that Yudha used the library to read books, hide when he was little, and then research when he grew up. Ash borrowed three ghost books from the library. He was sure Yudha read this book when he was little so he wanted to do it too.


    "Yudha isn''t coming."


    "Because he''s working."


    "Will you read this book for me?"


    "Well, why this one?"


    "When Dila was sleeping, Yudha read it every day."


    "He read it?"


    "Yes."


    "Well..."


    "But he didn''t finish it. It''s bad."


    "It''s bad. I''ll tell him when he gets back, but it''s time for bed, Ash."


    After finishing dinner, going to the bathroom, and putting toothpaste on a tiny toothbrush, Dyria changed Ash into his nightclothes and tucked him into bed.


    "Are you afraid of ghosts?" The little boy asked when Dyria tried to read Ash a picture book.


    "Whether it''s scary or not depends on the ghost."


    "Dila, can you sleep with me?"


    "No, I sleep in the next room, can Ash sleep alone?"


    "Just today, please, Dila."


    "No."


    Ash pouted.


    "Why, why don''t you sleep with me today, because Ash kicks you in the face?"


    "Your tail looks scared tonight..."


    Ash''s tail, which emerged from the hollow of the blanket, wrapped around Dyria''s wrist.


    "Please, Dila."


    "...There''s no other way, baby."


    Dyria wanted to encourage Ash''s independence, but today was the first day they were spending in the new mansion so maybe, it would be good to sleep together. Dyria lay down next to Ash.


    "Thank you, Dila. I love you so much."


    "Thank you."


    "Goodnight, Dila."


    "Goodnight, Ash."


    Pon pon.


    Slowly, softly, and with a certain rhythmic feel, pon pon, Dyria patted his little boy''s back. Ash placed his head on Dyria''s arm and snuggled into it as if it was a giant pillow. Dyria held Ash''s little head and rubbed his lips around his eyebrows as he sang a lullaby:


    "My baby, my baby, the stars will say goodnight to you."


    Ash slept well, so it didn''t take much work. He was beautiful and obedient to a fault. His baby, his child... The child who taught him the joy of working for someone, cooking for someone, and living for someone. But he didn''t want to use Ash for his own happiness.


    It''s been more than ten days since they arrived at this castle and it might be about ten more days before they had a long conversation, but he believed he should ask Ash about taking him home or living here.


    He thought they should talk about it without rushing to make a mature decision. Because even though Dyria wanted to take him home, there were three people here who took great care of him: Yudha, Edna and Kushinada. And it''s safer to be here. Definitely safer.


    "Here we go..."


    Feeling Ash''s wet nose, Dyria suddenly noticed something. He gently pulled his arms out from under Ash''s head and lifted his tiny little body. The lamp beside the bed dimly illuminated the embroidered pattern on the curtain descending from the canopy... A wolf''s hand was gripping the edge.


    "......"


    Dyria, kneeling on the bed, lifted Ash''s body with his right hand and hid him behind his back so the wolf outside couldn''t hurt the little boy. A dagger in his left hand...


    "Dila?"


    Ash woke up at the very violent movement.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Yudha..."


    It turned out was Yudha. Still wearing his military uniform, he was standing in front of Dyria with hair dirty and messy. He raised his hands to show Dyria that he did not possess any weapons.


    "I had intended to come in quietly not to wake Ash... I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to scare you."


    "What for?"


    "...To see you."


    "That''s it?"


    "That''s all."


    "You''re an idiot."


    Dyria turned the edge of the dagger toward himself and slipped it into his ankle belt, the one he had tucked under his pants.


    "You''re sleeping with that?"


    "Of course... Ash, baby, come on."


    He held Ash with both hands and stroked the little boy''s back to stop him from shaking.


    "Is it always like this?"


    Dyria was always ready to move his dagger as soon as he felt someone''s presence. And at nights, he even tried not to fall fast asleep in case intruders appeared.


    "So what?"


    "You don''t get enough sleep because you''re doing that."


    "I''m not at home. This is a special case."


    "The ghost..."


    Ash muttered, looking at Yudha, illuminated by a dim light.


    "...Ah."


    It was too late when Dyria noticed. Ash, who mistook Yudha for a ghost, slowly began to sob.


    "...Dila, Dila...pee-pee."


    "Ash, come here."


    But the little boy was already crying. Dyria''s knees were suddenly wet with Ash''s urine on the sheets.


    "I''m sorry."


    Yudha apologized for shocking the boy so much.