After they finished eating, Luke helped collect the dishes and clean the floor.

Normally, he never bothered with household chores, and no one expected him to. But with some spare time on his hands and no particular exhaustion weighing him down, he figured there was no reason not to lend a hand.

"You can go and relax, you know," Laila said as she watched him carry three pots at once with effortless ease. Even his balance was strangely impressive.

"I will." Luke shrugged. "Just trying to lighten her workload so she can rest too."

Though he never mentioned Monica by name, Laila immediately understood who he meant.

She glanced at him while clutching the basket in her hands. After a brief hesitation, she mumbled, "I... I’ll start helping more from tomorrow. I’ll prepare the hearth and clean the house too."

Luke raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You sure? You don’t usually like waking up early, and those things need to be done first thing in the morning."

"I’ll wake up early. I promise."

Her fingers tightened around the basket’s edges before she continued.

"I know Mother’s health needs to be monitored, and she should rest as much as possible. Even if I don’t usually enjoy doing household work, times like these mean I have to step out of my comfort zone."

A faint smile tugged at Luke’s lips.

For someone as chorus-hating as Laila, those words carried far more weight than she probably realized.

Luke set the pots down before turning to her with a faint smile.

"I appreciate the thought, but you don’t need to worry. I’ve already called someone to help."

Laila blinked in surprise.

"Huh? But I can take care of things. Why waste your savings?"

Luke let out a chuckle.

"I’m not paying her, so don’t worry about that. And if you really want to help, then keep an eye on her."

His expression softened slightly.

"You’re the only person besides me in this house who can stubbornly force her to rest. So do that for me, okay?"

Laila remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding.

Then, with visible hesitation, she asked, "She... isn’t in any grave danger, right?"

Luke immediately shook his head.

"No. But if she doesn’t take care of herself now, it could become serious later."

A flicker of concern crossed Laila’s face.

"Then I’ll make sure she rests."

There wasn’t even a trace of hesitation in her voice this time.

If the situation truly had the potential to worsen, then she would do everything in her power to prevent it. Monica had spent years taking care of her. The least she could do was return that care when it mattered most.

Luke turned around and said, "For now, go help Zuri. I’m going to get some rest."

With a casual wave, he headed back inside the house.

The quest required him to rest for at least three hours and brew five potions afterward.

The hearth had to be moved since work on the bathing area had resumed, meaning he would first need to make some arrangements.

Fortunately, he already had all the required ingredients. At most, brewing the potions would take thirty to forty-five minutes.

It was probably around eight o’clock by now, and according to the system, he could head there around midnight. That way, he would spend the nighttime inside the dungeon.

’Hmm, I need to hurry.’

His pace quickened as he made his way toward the kitchen.

Inside, he found Ginna and Monica chatting while organizing herbs and spices into storage.

"Excuse me, ladies."

His voice drew both of their attention.

Before either could react, Luke strode over, took his mate’s hand, and looked at Ginna.

"Mind if I borrow her? If there’s still too much work left, you can ask Laila for help."

Monica blinked in surprise at his sudden approach, while Ginna simply smiled.

"There’s nothing left to do, so go ahead."

Luke nodded.

Without another word, he gently pulled Monica along. However, just as they reached the entrance, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.

"And don’t even think about sleeping anywhere other than my room, Ginna."

A mischievous grin spread across his face.

"Unless you’re ready to suffer the embarrassment of being carried there by me."

The warning caught Ginna completely off guard.

The discussion she had just had with her daughter after the meal suddenly felt meaningless.

Luke hadn’t asked her the way she had been asked by Dalia or Monica. He had simply told her what she was going to do and informed her of the consequences if she refused.

"Luke, but..."

She tried to protest, yet by then he was already gone.

A weary sigh escaped her lips as her shoulders slumped.

’Now... what am I supposed to do?’

...

Luke led his mate straight to his room.

As soon as they entered, he offered an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, but I need you with me. It’s important."

Monica didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.

Instead, she smiled warmly and asked, "I don’t mind, but what’s the occasion? You usually don’t pull me away from a conversation like that."

Luke scratched his cheek.

"Let’s just say I’m short on time. Now, would you let me hug you and get some rest? I need to collect myself before tomorrow’s hunting contest."

As he spoke, he shut the door and locked it behind them.

He then removed his vest and pants, leaving only a pair of shorts on.

Monica’s expression grew slightly tense.

"Luke... don’t treat this contest as a matter of pride, okay?"

She stepped closer, took hold of his hand, and looked him straight in the eyes.

"For you to risk your life against something that could threaten our peace and safety is one thing. I worry, but I understand there are times when I can’t stop you."

Her grip tightened slightly.

"But this is different."

There was a firmness in her voice that left no room for misunderstanding.

"I have every reason to tell you not to go overboard."

The smile on her face had faded, replaced by genuine concern.

She knew how stubborn Luke could be when he set his mind on something. That was precisely why she felt compelled to say it.

Winning meant little to her.

Seeing him return home safely meant everything.

Luke placed his hands on her shoulders and gently reassured her.

"Despite Terek’s provocation, I promise I won’t let my ego get involved. I’ll hunt within my limits and won’t do anything reckless."

A small smile appeared on his face.

"I’ve always been a peace-loving guy, after all. The only reason I’m participating is to compete with Dart. That lad is far too enthusiastic about this for me to refuse."

Monica’s lips curved into a faint smile.

"I can believe that."

The concern in her eyes eased somewhat.

"From the little conversation I had with Nadia, I already got a good idea of what kind of man he is."

A hint of amusement entered her voice.

"She spent half the time talking about him and the other half trying not to."

Luke chuckled.

That certainly sounded like Nadia.

After a brief pause, he sighed softly and hooked his fingers beneath the thin strap of her dress.

He slid it down her shoulder with deliberate slowness, watching the fabric whisper over her skin before the entire garment slipped free and pooled around her ankles.

She stood before him in nothing but a delicate pink pair of underwear that clung to her full hips and bust

The dim room bathed Monica in a warm, golden glow. She was a vision of pure beauty — a voluptuous brunette with rich, dark waves cascading over her shoulders, her heavy breasts rising and falling with each quickened breath.

Her body was lush and inviting, every generous curve soft and ripe with feminine fullness. A sweet, intoxicating fragrance clung to her skin, warm and faintly floral, wrapping around Luke like an embrace.

His gaze traced the generous swell of her bust, the way her nipples strained visibly against the thin fabric, and the gentle quiver of her thighs as she stood exposed before her mate.

Despite how many times he see her, he couldn’t get enough.

Exhaling another breath he suddenly scooped her in his arms and headed towards the bed.

Monica wrapped her arms around his neck before reminding, "We are supposed to rest, okay?"

Luke faintly smiled, "I will most definitely try to."

....

"Brother." Gustav paused mid-motion, the axe remained just above the log before he turned towards Terek.

He was out here cutting the small blocks to keep himself moving after the huge meal. But was interrupted.

"Yeah?" He responded.

Terek has a severe expression on his face as he said, "Come with me...we need to talk."

Gustav exhaled a sigh and tossed the axe aside.

Somehow, he has a feeling about what this was about.

And Gustav was already feeling like a trouble was brewing.

•••••••

A/N:- I hope you liked the Chapter. Going to make the plot a little faster.