Harem King's Collection: Turning Beastkins Into Desperate Wives!-Chapter 58: A Toast To New Beginnings

The lion was plenty thankful enough. Mollis reached back up to gather a few more of the small fruits and turned back to her allies in the water before returning to the matter at hand.

She splashed carelessly through the water, bouncing lightly as she made her way over to the naked human once more, stopping just in front of Aster as she leaned in close to him, bringing her hand up to Aster’s mouth and softly pressing one of the small red fruits to his lips.

Aster was certainly taken aback by the gesture, but didn’t want to seem rude, so he allowed his lips to part as the rabbit gently pressed the fruit forward into his open mouth, smiling in an emotion Aster couldn’t quite read.

Mollis let her fingertips linger on the pale, soft flesh for a bit longer than seemed necessary. For some reason, Aster couldn’t explain, the entire thing seemed extremely intimate to the human.

Stahl glared at the rabbit, but Mollis expertly ignored the she-wolf, never taking her mischievous glare from the human now blushing under her efforts, even as she spoke.

"I really do have a taste for cherries, Aster, but I like all kinds of fruit that nature’s bounty provides for me."

Aster was jumping in shock then, as the rabbit did the last thing he was expecting. Mollis reached her hand below the water’s surface and gave the human’s tool a fast squeeze before she released it just as quickly.

Stahl took a step forward, but the rabbit just casually turned to her too, still smirking.

"Don’t worry, Aschefell, there’s plenty of fruit for all of us. No need to be stingy."

The she-wolf only scowled. Aster thought his heart would explode from the unexpected grope. Prince Tyfin just let out a sigh before he spoke.

"Please, could we try NOT to provoke each other? I think we could all use a break, and that includes Aster, you two. Let him decide when he is ready..."

The lion paused as a thought flashed in his mind. He wasn’t usually one to make jokes on such serious topics, but they were among friends... "A king’s decision should never be rushed after all..."

Even the prince had to laugh at the alarmed panic that was evident on Aster’s face as he finished his jab, and the other beasts laughed with him. Aster may have struggled to accept who he was, but his friends certainly held no such reservations.

A short while later, the group departed the riverbank, feeling finally cleaned up a bit and with higher spirits than before.

As they made their way through the town, the group quickly came upon a particularly large structure that was buzzing with life, laughter, and the echoes of lighthearted cursing. free𝑤ebnovel.com

Aster wanted to check it out so the human and the four beasts found themselves entering the tavern.

The building itself was pretty well just a larger version of the other structures in town. Basic door, glassless windows that were never to be closed, assembled by what looked to be desert stones stacked and mortared with some kind of mud, and all topped off with a vented reed roof.

They served their purpose and made the harsh climate bearable enough. There were a number of tables and chairs strewn about, many of which were full of patrons and a circular bar in the center.

Most of the orcs present grew silent when the group of five stepped through the door, turning to see both the last of man and the beast prince himself for their own eyes.

Aster immediately felt a shift in the atmosphere, and he wasn’t so sure if it was a friendly one. It reminded him of the way he felt back at the selection, when the beastmen were all staring at him and rooting for his downfall. He shuddered at the though, regretting the pub after all.

Stahl noticed and took Aster’s hand into her own while she took the lead. The she-wolf looked around the room to get a feel for the situation and noticed quite a few things all at once.

The first was the tiger Oust, hunched over a nearby, smaller table for one. The big cat had a clay mug of something strong smelling in his large grasp. Stahl moved beyond the tiger and noticed with a shock that there was a larger, half full table of beastmen who weren’t part of their group.

The husky that had tricked them, Dally O’Day, was counted among those beasts, as was the larger white canine Milky that had accompanied him. The peacock, Madame Mist, was nowhere to be seen, but the husky was excitedly talking to a very unamused looking Kodiak bear.

This bear was bad news. Stahl could just feel it... They should avoid getting on his bad side, but the she-wolf did have a bone to pick with the husky, so she made her way over to the table anyway.

Aster was happy to be pulled along behind her, happy to do anything to avoid standing there and catching such stares. Stahl cleared her throat as she stood near the table, eyeing the other canine cautiously before she spoke.

"You know... That was a pretty simple and dirty trick back there... I’m kind of pissed that I fell for it."

The tavern grew silent once more. Aster grabbed at Stahl’s arm, not wanting to cause more of a scene. The she-wolf didn’t back down. The husky slowly stood, his eyes hidden beneath his feathered hat, and turned to face the she-wolf.

The pair stared at one another with growing tension until the husky cracked and let out a joyful laugh.

"HAHAHA! I’m sorry! I can’t do it! I was going to try and act mad, but it’s no use. I’m just not that kind of dog."

The tension disintegrated as the husky went back to laughing for a moment. Aster felt relieved. Dally made his signature bow before he spoke his apology.

"I do apologize for our sneaky move back there, but these orcs are good people. People we wouldn’t want harmed, and to be fair, that is the beast prince of Alora over there... We mean you no harm, but we weren’t sure how much like his father he was at first...

"We were even more pleasantly surprised when he was one of the few that withstood Mist’s song and dance. That can only be done by someone who truly bears no intent of attacking the performer after they have been provoked by them. In other words, a truly good person."

Aster finally realized something then. For once, he was not the one everyone was staring at with those looks of hatred... Prince Tyfin was. Captain Rixator’s bellowing voice came to his king’s defense.

"YOU DARE INSULT MY KING BEFORE HIS OWN GU-" The prince silenced the captain quickly.

"Hold your tongue, Captain Rixator. These people have every right to hate my father..."

Prince Tyfin took a step forward, his head held high, and his expression blank as he spoke to those present.

"I am prince Tyfin Tonitrus of Alora. I may be the son of my father, but I have worked hard to be sure I never become him... Something even he agrees is for the best. I understand your bitter feelings, for they are justified, but please allow me to begin repairing that mistrust.

"I know there is much to do, and words alone will not suffice, but please, give me a chance to show you that we can be allies. Please allow me and my men to sit among you so we may learn about each other."

The room went quiet again until Dally burst out in response.

"EXPERTLY SAID, YOUR HIGHNESS! Come! Have a seat with us! The mead here is truly something unique! Let us drink, eat, talk, and sing the evening away!"

The husky grabbed his own mug and thrust it into the air proudly as he toasted the lion. "TO NEW BEGINNINGS, TO NEW ALLIES! TO PEACE!"

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