Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer-Chapter 65: Won’t be a burden

He had been thinking for some time now that there should be someone to help his mother with the kitchen and household chores.

Laila was unreliable, always fighting with her mate and barely helping Monica. And being a mother, Monica always ended up feeding those two lazy asses.

Dalia remained reserved, finishing her work and returning to her room. And ever since Luke had started hunting, he hadn’t been able to help much either. So most of the burden fell on Monica’s shoulders.

That’s why he said, "Yes, work as a house helper."

Ginna was taken aback. "Huh? But..."

Luke told her, "Of course, I would pay you. Enough for you to cover the rotation fees, your meals, and still save for the future."

Ginna was completely caught off guard by the offer.

There was no doubt Luke was a strong warrior, considering how easily he had taken down Borius and his men yesterday. But to think that in exchange for helping around the house, he was willing to offer this much?

"Won’t I become a burden on you? I mean, it’s difficult to earn for two families. And you don’t even have a mate yet... once she comes, she might object to this arrangement."

Luke chuckled. "You’re overthinking it. No one tells me how to spend my money, not even my future mate. And you can ask Dalia, I’ve earned enough to afford a helper. But yes, you can’t slack off. You’ll help my mother in the kitchen and around the house. Of course, you can rest when you’re not feeling well."

Ginna was troubled by the offer, as it sounded far too enticing.

More than anything, the chance to stay close to her daughter made her hesitate.

Just then, the door parted, and Dalia stepped out. "Don’t worry, mother. Luke wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t mean it."

Ginna turned toward her daughter. "Dalia... you too?"

The blue-haired woman knelt beside her, taking her mother’s hand as she muttered, "I have already left you alone for far too long. I lived comfortably in that village while you had to endure the abuse of those bastards."

Ginna smiled helplessly and shook her head. "Don’t worry about these old bones, dear. You should live your life the way you want."

Dalia shook her head. "No, mother. I’m not listening to you anymore. And if you don’t trust Luke, then trust me when I say this, you won’t be a burden on anyone."

Ginna was left speechless. Reassured by her dearest, she had no choice but to nod.

Her eyes turned moist as she said, "Okay... I will come. But if things become difficult, do let me know. I can always return here."

Dalia gave a faint smile. "That day will never come."

She pulled her mother into a soft embrace, then glanced at Luke from the corner of her eyes.

Something not even her mate had done for her... Luke did it without hesitation. It was a favor she could never repay.

....

[In the chief’s house]

Around the table, four people could be seen.

Other than the man of the house, his daughter and his two mates accompanied him.

Roxanne was as poised as ever, serving her mate some porridge.

On the other side, the young girl glanced between her mate and Roxanne before muttering, "Dear... I want you to feed me."

Roxanne was taken aback by those words. Even Rhea couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

However, contrary to what they expected, the man chuckled. He scooped some porridge onto a spoon and brought it to the young mate’s lips.

"Open wide, Mira."

Mira happily parted her lips and ate the food Roxanne had made.

Roxanne stiffened when she noticed the gaze Mira directed at her.

Anger welled up in her chest, and she suddenly stood up.

"Hmm? Where are you going?" the man asked.

"My stomach hurts. I’ll rest in the room," Roxanne replied.

Rhea looked at her mother with concern, while the other didn’t even bother to ask.

Roxanne silently walked toward the staircase, climbed to the first floor, and entered her workshop.

Click

Closing the door behind her, she finally allowed the tears to fall.

It had only been two days since she arrived, and yet Mira had already made Roxanne understand her place in this house, and in their mate’s heart.

The same man who once respected Roxanne and always cared for her hadn’t even looked at her properly since he returned.

He had been too busy with his young mate to spare her a glance.

She had begun to believe she might soon be cast out of the house, because her mate no longer needed her.

Wiping her eyes, she walked toward the window.

Looking outside, she spotted a familiar tree, one that held several emotions and memories from what had happened two nights ago.

As those moments resurfaced, when Luke had asked her to forget being the chief’s mate and simply be herself, her lips curved into a faint smile.

Those brief moments she spent with him felt like liberation, as if she had finally broken free from the chains that had bound her for so long.

Regarded first as the daughter of a chief, then mated to one, she had never been seen as an individual.

Not until a certain young man entered her life and made her realize that she could be happy without being tied to someone. That she could stop worrying about others thought and do what she wanted.

He made her feel excited, thrilled, happy and... desired.

Something she had always longed to feel from her mate. Yet the one who awakened those emotions in her was a young man the same age as her daughter.

She knew it was wrong to harbor such thoughts about him. She understood it all too well... and yet, she couldn’t stop herself from wondering,

"When will you come to see me again, Luke?"

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