Chapter 519 - 516: Her Words Are Enough

Chapter 519: Chapter 516: Her Words Are Enough

She paused, then raised her eyes. Her gaze swept over the face of each Beast Husband as she tentatively asked, "If... I decide to make him my Beast Husband as well, would you... be willing to accept him?"

As her words fell, a momentary silence descended upon the room.

At that very moment, outside the room, Jiao Yin—who had just arrived to report on the search—froze, his hand hovering in mid-air, just as he was about to knock.

The words from inside the room reached his ears with perfect clarity.

’Her saying that... is enough!’

He had never dared to ask for too much.

He didn’t want to make things difficult for her, much less cause a rift between her and her Beast Husbands because of him.

The hand hovering before the door finally came down, knocking firmly and deliberately.

"KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!"

The knocking shattered the slightly stagnant atmosphere in the room, interrupting the response the Beast Husbands were about to give.

"I’ll get it." Yin Ze, who was sitting closest to the door, stood up and walked over.

The door opened to reveal Jiao Yin.

Because of the conversation they’d just had, the males in the room all looked at Jiao Yin with complicated expressions.

Adding another person meant that Wanwan’s time with them would have to be divided further.

No one was happy about accepting a new male.

Jiao Yin walked up to Bai Wanwan, enduring the gazes of the other males.

"My apologies for the interruption. I came to tell you that the Merfolk sent to search for Hua Han have returned. They reported being attacked by the Crocodylus porosus Clan during their search!"

He paused, his tone growing heavier. "The Crocodylus porosus Clan has made a comeback, and this time... their strength seems to have increased dramatically. They fight recklessly, with no fear of death..."

At this, he looked at the powerful males in the room and posed a startling theory: "Could Hua Han’s sudden disappearance... be connected to the Crocodylus porosus Clan’s unusual activity?"

This news immediately shattered the delicate atmosphere surrounding whether to accept Jiao Yin.

Zhu Xiu’s brow furrowed. He made a snap decision and looked at Yin Ze. "Yin Ze, you’re the fastest and have the best vision. Go to the area where the Crocodylus porosus Clan is active and scout the situation up close immediately! Just scout, don’t get drawn into a fight. Report back as soon as you have a clear picture!"

"Alright! I’m on my way!" Yin Ze replied without hesitation, a sharp glint in his eyes.

He had spent more time with Hua Han than most, so upon hearing that his disappearance might be linked to the Crocodylus porosus Clan, he immediately turned and shot away in a streak of golden light.

Zhu Xiu then turned to Jiao Yin. "Clan Leader Jiao Yin, since you’re staying, Wanwan’s safety is in your hands."

Even though they were leaving some males behind to protect Wanwan, having one more powerful and sincere guardian would allow them to leave with greater peace of mind.

’Besides... since Wanwan has already shown her intention to accept Jiao Yin, he’s practically one of the family now. It’s only right that he should look after her.’

Jiao Yin nodded solemnly and promised, "You can go without worry. As long as I’m alive, I will never let Wanwan or the cubs come to even the slightest harm!"

In the end, after a quick discussion, Xin Feng and Jin Yi stayed behind to help Jiao Yin protect Bai Wanwan and the cubs, as well as guard the area around the Royal Palace.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiu and Yan Lie led a group of Merfolk warriors to continue expanding the search for Hua Han, while also remaining vigilant for any movements from the Crocodylus porosus Clan.

After the other Beast Husbands had left, Xin Feng and Jin Yi glanced at Jiao Yin, then quietly exited the room as well.

Bai Wanwan didn’t exactly give Jiao Yin a warm welcome. "Is there something else you need?"

Jiao Yin looked at her cold profile, a bitter smile touching his lips. "Yes, there’s something I want to talk to you about."

He walked over and sat down next to her.

His gaze fell upon her involuntarily. The memory of their intimacy that day was without a doubt the happiest and warmest of his life.

But now, knowing that it had been tainted by the effects of a drug and her initial reluctance, that sweet memory had turned into a sour fruit.

She would be leaving soon. Every meeting now was one less they would have.

The realization was a sharp pain in his heart, like the prick of a needle.

His gaze fell upon her face, filled with an indescribable longing and reluctance to let go.

Bai Wanwan sensed his focused, complex gaze, and her heart softened ever so slightly. Her tone eased a little. "What did you want to say?"

"Wanwan," Jiao Yin’s voice was low and sincere. "That day... it was my fault. I was the one who couldn’t resist the temptation, and I should be the one to bear all the consequences. So you don’t need to feel burdened, and you certainly don’t have to make a decision that goes against your heart for my sake."

Bai Wanwan turned her gaze to him slightly. "What... are you trying to say?"

The bitter curve of Jiao Yin’s mouth deepened, as if he had made a great resolve. "I don’t want to make things difficult for you. Since you promised them you wouldn’t take any more mates, I will give up the title of Beast Husband."

His heart felt like it was bleeding as he spoke, but his tone was exceptionally firm. "As long as... as long as you can still think of this sea from time to time... and when you’re free... you can come back to see me, I’ll be content. Can you do that?"

His words were completely unexpected to Bai Wanwan.

She knew better than anyone how much Beastman males valued the mating ceremony; it was a concern etched into their very bones.

She never expected Jiao Yin to say something like this.

"Do you really mean that?"

Jiao Yin met her gaze, his ice-blue eyes crystal clear, reflecting her image.

"That day was stolen happiness. The memory alone is enough for me; I’m truly happy."

He paused, his voice growing even gentler. "Wanwan, I truly want you to be happy forever. I want you to live according to your own heart, not feel troubled or forced by anything or anyone."

That one sentence was like a pebble dropped into the lake of her heart, sending ripples spreading through her.

She looked at the handsome and powerful King of Merfolk before her, who was willing to yield and not pressure her, and the last trace of resentment in her heart dissipated.

She pursed her lips and softly spoke a single word: "Okay."

Jiao Yin gazed at her with longing. "Can I... hug you one more time?"

He knew that from now on, every meeting would be a luxury, and every parting could mean a long wait.

This time, Bai Wanwan wasn’t cold to him.

She leaned in of her own accord, gently resting in his embrace, which was warm and carried the faint scent of the sea breeze.

Jiao Yin’s heart suddenly accelerated, beating as loud as a drum.

Carefully, as if embracing a priceless treasure, he slowly wrapped his arms around her slender waist, holding her close in an embrace that was both tight and gentle.

"Wanwan..." He rested his chin gently on the crown of her head, his voice low and filled with endless love and longing. "I love you..."

The faint light from the sea filtered through the window, gently enveloping the embracing pair and temporarily dispelling the turmoil of the outside world and the sorrow of their coming separation.