Noah Duanmu gazed at that face so similar to Ethan Gray’s, and at the same gentle expression. Lost in thought, he couldn’t help but look at Yuna again. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and in the next instant, Yuna had vanished.
Before he could recover, a chorus of screams erupted. A small white shadow flickered in and out of sight, and soon the ground was littered with fallen bodies.
Yuna didn’t bother with everyone—she only dealt with those whose gazes were the most aggressive and possessive, the ones that made her uncomfortable.
It all happened in a flash. Yuna returned to Ethan Gray’s shoulder, pitifully rubbing her belly and saying, "Even hungrier now…"
Ethan Gray glanced at Lynn Yee behind him. Lynn sighed inwardly and, like a magician, produced a fragrant chicken leg and handed it to Yuna. Yuna reached out her paw to cradle the drumstick, her eyes sparkling as if she’d found a priceless treasure.
Ethan Gray was amused by her adorable behavior, but Lynn Yee could only sigh. His most important task now was to always carry food on him—this Divine Beast could eat endlessly and was incredibly picky. Yet the prince’s attitude was always, "As long as she’s happy, give her whatever she wants." No wonder she’d ended up on top of him.
Yuna stretched out her paw, offering the drumstick to Ethan Gray with a pained expression. "You can have a bite!"
Ethan Gray couldn’t help but laugh softly. Tragedy struck Yuna—her tiny body, clutching the huge drumstick in both paws, wobbled as she stretched forward. Ethan gave a little shake, and she tumbled right off, though he caught her quickly. But the drumstick fell to the ground.
Yuna was heartbroken. Her precious drumstick!
Seeing Yuna’s pitiful look, Ethan Gray couldn’t help but sigh. Anyone who saw her now would think he’d starved her for ten days!
Unable to bear seeing her like this, Ethan Gray frowned and turned to Noah Duanmu, saying, "Can we begin the banquet now?"
"Ah? Oh... yes!" Most of the guests had already arrived, and everyone had been waiting for Ethan. Now that he was here, of course the banquet could begin.
The crowd finally snapped out of their daze. Those who knew Ethan Gray were shocked by his attitude toward the little Divine Beast; those who didn’t, were left doubting whether this adorable, gluttonous little cat was truly the Divine Beast with the legendary powers of myth.
But it was hard not to believe. If she wasn’t the Divine Beast, how could she speak? Without those powers, how could she have knocked down so many martial artists in an instant?
Those who’d been beaten were furious, but dared not speak out. They feared the legend of the Divine Beast, and they feared the Ghost Guild. Besides, this was the Grandmaster’s Estate, and today was Quentin Drake’s birthday banquet—causing trouble now would be disrespectful to the host.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Yuna enjoyed a hearty meal. Rubbing her belly, she declared, "The food at the Prince’s residence is still the best."
After staying in Ethan’s arms for a while, Yuna quickly grew restless. "Big Bad, I want to go for a walk."
Ethan set down his wine cup and said, "I’ll go with you!" He knew Yuna’s quirks—if he let her wander off alone, who knew where she’d end up?
"No need, you eat first. Come find me later." With that, she leapt down and dashed toward the door.
Ethan Gray frowned and asked Lynn Yee to follow her. After all, this wasn’t his territory, and with so many people coveting the Divine Beast, who knew if someone reckless might try something?
But Yuna was far too fast—this was no walk, it was more like fleeing for her life. Lynn Yee quickly lost track of her, and Yuna, in turn, managed to get herself lost.
She mournfully pawed at the dirt, then squatted to count ants, waiting for Ethan to come and find her.
"Hehe... so you’re the Divine Beast? You’re really adorable!"
Yuna lazily lifted her eyes and saw a cute young woman, with a dagger strapped at her waist—clearly a martial artist.
Yuna ignored her—there was no need to bother with people she didn’t like. But the young woman was persistent, squatting down beside her and smiling. "You like the Big Bad too, don’t you? That’s why you chose to follow him, right?" Her face was still bright with a smile, clearly unfazed by the Divine Beast’s affection for Ethan.
Yuna’s ears twitched, and she finally spoke, "You like the Big Bad?"
The young woman blushed, her face full of shyness.
Yuna grew annoyed. She slapped an ant dead with her paw and muttered, "The Big Bad would never like you!"
"Why not?" The young woman looked disappointed. "I know my martial arts aren’t great, and I’m not especially pretty, but I really do like the Demon Lord!" Her big, watery eyes brimmed with sorrow. "Divine Beast, won’t you help me? The Demon Lord really likes you—he’ll listen to whatever you say."
Behind the rockery, Roxy Shangguan sneered, "A toad lusting after swan meat!" Clearly, she just wanted to use this silly little Divine Beast.
She could tell that her elder brother was unusually good to this little cat—gentle in a way he’d never been with anyone else. Even if she was just a cat, well... whatever. Since her brother had chosen her—no, not a person, a beast—then even if she was a bit silly, she was her sister-in-law. How could she let others bully or use her?
Roxy was about to step out and teach that reckless woman a lesson, but Feather Hua reached out and stopped her. "If you go out now and Ethan catches you, you’ll be in trouble!"
Roxy paused. Right! If she got caught, she wouldn’t be able to escape, which was exactly why she’d snuck over to watch the Divine Beast in secret.
A wicked smile flashed in Feather Hua’s eyes. Ethan Gray, you’re finally getting your comeuppance—this is the perfect chance for revenge. This silly little cat would be easy to trick; best to lure her away and drive Ethan crazy!
Roxy sighed. Sister-in-law, you have to stand your ground! Don’t let this woman’s pitiful act steal my brother away!
Yuna looked a little confused, but this time she was perfectly clear. She raised her paw, shook it solemnly, and said, "Since you know your martial arts are poor and you’re not pretty, you shouldn’t fall for a Big Bad who’s both powerful and devilishly handsome!"
(End of chapter navigation prompt: can be skipped in translation.)