After Giving Birth, All My Beast Ex-Husbands Suddenly Want Me Back-Chapter 99: Cooking talents

The next day, when Nina stepped out of the cave, Aviel immediately approached her.

He held a large pile of dragon crystals and Dragon-Saliva Fruits in his arms. "Little female, please accept these. Both the dragon crystals and the Dragon-Saliva Fruits contain special energy unique to dragon-kind. They’re very beneficial for Linny."

Nina lifted her eyes to look at him—and paused for a brief moment in surprise.

Yesterday, she had been too angry to truly notice him. Now that she looked carefully, she had to admit that he was striking.

His hair was as black as ink, his skin cool and pale. Sharp brows framed piercing golden eyes that carried both authority and pride. His nose was straight, his thin lips vividly red, his features carved as if by blade—clean, defined, imposing.

Tall and broad-shouldered, with a narrow waist and long legs, he wore a dark, gold-trimmed beast-skin robe that gave him an air of regal dominance.

Yet when his gaze fell on her and Linny, the sharpness softened. Beneath that commanding presence lay warmth—and something almost cautious.

Nina glanced at the dragon crystals and fruits in his hands, then at Linny.

The little golden dragon’s eyes were glued to the crystals, shining with instinctive longing and fascination.

She hesitated briefly, then accepted the items. Taking out a green beast crystal of her own, she held it toward Aviel.

"Thank you. Is this enough to pay for them?"

The items looked expensive—but if they truly benefited Linny, the cost was worth it.

Aviel immediately hid his hands behind his back. "No, no, you don’t need to give me anything. These are for you. It’s my responsibility. The Dragon-Saliva Fruits are good for females too—you should eat some yourself."

Nina kept her hand extended for a moment, but seeing his refusal, she finally withdrew the green crystal.

Linny eagerly grabbed a dragon crystal, turning it over curiously before stuffing it into his mouth to gnaw on. Unfortunately, he didn’t have proper teeth yet and couldn’t make a dent.

Aviel stepped closer and asked gently, "Linny is still too young to absorb the dragon crystal on his own. May I help him refine the energy? When he grows older, he can learn to do it himself."

Nina nodded. "Alright. Thank you."

Aviel activated his ability, and the golden energy within the crystal flowed slowly into Linny’s body.

Warmth spread through the little dragon’s limbs. He squinted in bliss, his tiny tail swaying contentedly as he perched on Nina’s shoulder.

Seeing his pleased expression, Nina couldn’t help smiling.

The crystal, once drained of energy, turned clear and transparent. Linny frowned slightly, disappointment flashing in his eyes.

He preferred them bright and golden.

Chuckling, Nina poked his chubby cheek and handed him another crystal just to play with.

Linny beamed and planted a little kiss on her cheek.

"Linny loves Mother the most!"

Aviel watched the scene, the corners of his lips lifting unconsciously. A strange softness filled his chest.

***

From that day on, Aviel and the dragons followed behind Nina’s group.

A line of imposing golden dragons trailing in the distance made for quite a spectacular sight.

By evening, they found a suitable place to camp.

The phoenix males prepared dinner outside the cave, and Aviel directed the dragon warriors to assist.

Though they still hadn’t been granted permission to enter the cave, Aviel felt he should at least do more for Nina and Linny.

Kith, having practiced for days, had gradually learned to cook. He worked alongside Ridan and the others.

Now, hunting and cooking duties rotated among them.

Ridan was preparing braised pork and had just poured in soy sauce when Kith stopped him.

"Ridan, use a little less soy sauce. And don’t add too much salt later. Nina doesn’t like her food too salty. Also, let the meat simmer longer—she prefers it softer."

Ridan blinked. "Really? Nina likes it that way? Then I’ll reduce the soy sauce and salt and cook it longer."

He hadn’t noticed before, but he followed Kith’s suggestion without complaint.

"Mm," Kith replied, focusing intently on the sweet-and-sour ribs he was making. Every step and every seasoning adjustment was based on what he had observed about Nina’s preferences these past days.

This was one of her favorite dishes.

He had to make it perfectly.

From the side, Aviel raised an eyebrow slightly.

That damned tiger knew her tastes rather well.

Still, Aviel memorized every word quietly. He watched the cooking process carefully.

He needed to learn these things too.

Perhaps one day, he would cook for Nina and the cubs himself.

The other dragons also watched with unusual seriousness, hoping they might soon become official members of the group and earn a place at the table. Smelling delicious food every day without tasting it was torture.

They glanced at Aviel and sighed inwardly.

If only their king had been more capable—he wouldn’t have angered her and lost his chance.

***

When dinner was ready, Nina and the others ate inside the cave.

The dragon warriors remained outside, roasting meat over their own fire.

The fragrance drifting from the cave made them miserable. The roasted meat in their hands suddenly seemed tasteless.

Inside, Nina glanced toward the cave entrance, bit her lip slightly, and withdrew her gaze.

She picked up a piece of braised pork. The moment she tasted it, her eyes lit up.

"This braised pork is really good today," she said with surprise.

Ridan scratched his head shyly. "Nina, I made it. I’m glad you like it."

He glanced at Kith. "But Kith guided me a bit—he said you don’t like things too salty and prefer the meat softer. I followed his advice."

Nina looked at Kith in mild astonishment. He was feeding Yinny minced meat patiently.

"And the sweet-and-sour ribs? These are delicious too."

Everyone turned to Kith.

He smiled faintly. "I made those. I’m glad you like them."

Her praise sent warmth flooding through him. The feeling surpassed even the exhilaration of a breakthrough in his abilities.

He silently vowed to improve further—to master every dish she enjoyed.

Nina took another bite of ribs.

The sweet and tangy balance was perfect.

How did he understand her preferences so well? She found herself looking at him a moment longer.

Odian noticed immediately and felt a flicker of alarm. That tiger had ulterior motives. He had managed to shine in front of Nina today.

Unacceptable.

He needed to study her tastes more carefully. He couldn’t let another male surpass him—especially not steal opportunities to grow closer to her.

His time monopolizing her attention might not last forever. Once Nina’s guardian beast was found, he would have to share her.

He absolutely could not let Kith or anyone else take more of her time.

Not now.

Not ever.

Nearby, Finch chewed his food gloomily.

For some reason, the dishes he had always loved tasted bland tonight.

Nina had never praised him. He didn’t quite understand why—but he suddenly yearned deeply for her acknowledgment.

He clenched his jaw slightly.

From now on, he would work harder.

He wanted her praise too.

Nina took a bite of shredded pork in garlic sauce and suddenly found herself craving fish.

Turning to Odian beside her, she said softly,

"Odian, tomorrow let’s look for a river or lake. See if we can catch some fish. I’m craving fish."