WORLD OF BEASTS: A Girl For The Beasts

Gavriel

Chapter 036: Gavriel

Throughout the journey, the sound of flowing water gradually grew clearer. The crystal-clear river rushed along, adding freshness to the morning air. Birds chirped from the trees lining the riverbank, some fluttering from branch to branch, creating a soothing rhythm of nature.

Anindira walked in front, Zia's cloak fluttering slightly behind her as the wind swept through her black hair. From time to time, she smiled at Zia, who was being carried by Ruvi. With her cheeks flushed red from both the cold and excitement, Zia giggled softly as she watched the oversized cloak sway around Anindira.

Keeping a straight face while suppressing a laugh, Ruvi continued carrying Zia carefully. Occasionally, he glanced toward Anindira with a mixture of concern and amusement. A protective aura radiated from him, yet his eyes could not hide the small smile that appeared whenever he saw the two girls enjoying themselves so much.

Some time later, they arrived at the riverbank.

"He wasn't lying. Anindira walks quite fast for a woman, and she doesn't even seem tired, even though we've been walking for nearly an hour..." Ruvi murmured inwardly while watching her. "Is waking up early and bathing really that important, like she said?"

"Anindira, are all the women in your village like you?" Ruvi asked curiously, wanting to know more.

"Mm..." Anindira looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean their bodies... physically. Um, are they as strong as you?" Ruvi looked at her seriously, asking with genuine innocence.

"Strong?... Me?!" Anindira exclaimed in surprise. "No, Uncle. Not really... I'm just ordinary..."

"No!" Ruvi objected firmly. "From my perspective, you have a stronger physique than most women."

"Really...? I don't know about that..." Anindira answered honestly, feeling a little embarrassed.

Ruvi looked at her thoughtfully, realizing that life in the Beast World had shaped human bodies—including women's—to become stronger. However, the overly protective and attentive behavior of men sometimes made women here appear spoiled, even weak, as though they could do nothing without men. It was one of the negative consequences of being treated as something "too precious"—the result of receiving excessive pampering.

"Zia said you're used to waking up early."

"Um." Anindira nodded.

"Isn't that tiring?"

"No. Getting enough sleep and then waking up early is good for both physical and mental health," Anindira answered confidently, pride shining across her face.

Ruvi and Zia were somewhat confused, yet they found themselves captivated by Anindira's explanation of the benefits of waking up early and bathing with fresh morning water.

"Um... Uncle, can I take a bath?" Anindira asked, trying her luck. "It's already daytime, and the water won't be too cold..." she continued, looking at Ruvi with an adorably pleading expression.

Ruvi narrowed his eyes as he considered the request. On one hand, Anindira seemed remarkably tough for a woman. On the other hand, in the Beast World, women could become sick—or even seriously ill—from the cold.

"I'm sorry, Anindira, but I can't allow it. Please understand," Ruvi said firmly, though his tone remained friendly. "Halvir entrusted you to our care. I can't afford to be careless. So be patient and wait for Halvir to return."

Anindira let out a long sigh and accepted it.

"Hufth... Alright, Uncle. I understand. But I'll only wash my face. That's okay, right?"

"Alright. Only wash your face, no bathing!" Ruvi allowed, firm yet gentle.

After receiving permission, Anindira immediately moved toward the river. She crouched down, scooped up water, rinsed her mouth, brushed her teeth with grass, and washed her face. Then she combed her wet black hair with her fingers, enjoying the refreshing coolness of the water.

"Don't you want to wash your faces too?" Anindira called out, waving at Zia and Ruvi. "This water is so refreshing... Zia, it's really nice!"

Even though she had only washed her face, Anindira felt satisfied. The freshness of the morning, the cold river water, and this small moment were enough to calm her mind after their earlier disagreement. A broad smile spread across her face, filled with energy and simple happiness.

Anindira knew she was relying on them and living under their care. She did not want to become more inconsiderate or act like a spoiled child who failed to appreciate other people's kindness. She reminded herself to be patient and wait for Halvir to return.

Seeing how much Anindira enjoyed the water, Zia felt a little jealous. Eagerly, she stepped forward to try it herself. But the moment her finger touched the water, her body stiffened from the river's icy temperature.

"Aah... No!" Zia cried, jumping back with a flushed face. "That's cold, Anindira!"

Anindira burst into laughter at Zia's panicked expression. Her laughter echoed along the riverbank.

"How can you stand it?" Zia asked, still half-shocked but curious, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Anindira.

"That's because you're not used to it," Anindira teased with a mischievous smile. "Try little by little and get yourself accustomed to it. Eventually, you'll enjoy it too."

"Anindira, you're not lying to me, are you?" Zia asked seriously, her brows furrowing. "Can this really help maintain our appearance?"

"Of course!" Anindira exclaimed confidently, affirming her sincerity. "Why would I lie to you? Just look..." She spread her arms and let the morning sunlight illuminate her fresh, damp figure, as if showing the results of the routine she practiced.

"Alright, alright..." Ruvi interrupted with a chuckle, amused by the two girls' antics by the river. "Do you still want to play around for a bit? It'll be time to eat soon. Let's head back."

"Okay!" they answered in unison, their faces still bright and damp, while soft laughter lingered in the morning air.

"Uncle, while we're walking, can I pick some wild vegetables?" Anindira asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Wild vegetables...? What for?" Ruvi asked in confusion.

"To eat, of course!" Anindira replied cheerfully. "I usually eat them with meat, and Kak Halvir always lets me... he even helps me find them."

"Of course!" Ruvi smiled and agreed. "I know several clans that regularly eat wild vegetables as well. That's not a problem."

"Thank you!" Anindira replied with a radiant smile, her steps becoming noticeably lighter.

"Ruvi, good morning."

Suddenly, a young man's voice called out to Ruvi. A deer hung over his shoulder, clearly the result of that morning's hunt. His stride was steady, his movements agile, and youthful energy radiated from him.

"Zia, you're up early today," the young man greeted, looking at Zia cheerfully.

"Um..." Zia answered briefly, reluctant to engage in conversation, though she still dipped her head slightly because etiquette demanded a response.

The young man then glanced at Anindira.

"So, you like eating vegetables?" he asked with a friendly smile. "I'm Gavriel, from the Lion Clan..." He introduced himself confidently. "You're not with Halvir today?"

He was the silver-haired young man who had approached Anindira and Halvir while they were eating grilled fish by the river several days earlier.

"Gavriel, keep your distance!" Ruvi suddenly shouted.

His tone became firm and sharp, completely different from the gentle way he spoke to Anindira and Zia. The authority radiating from him seemed to tighten the very air around them.

Gavriel immediately stepped back several paces. His posture remained straight, and his eyes continued to meet Anindira's without hesitation. Though his face still looked cheerful, Ruvi's presence clearly made him tense.

"Alright," Gavriel replied firmly, trying to steady himself. "But I still want to talk to her. Is that allowed?"

He spoke politely yet boldly. Though still a teenager, he struggled to withstand the intimidating pressure coming from Ruvi, an *Amethyst whose authority felt terrifying to someone as inexperienced as him.

"For the next two weeks, Ezra's family will be her temporary guardians, so you'd better watch your behavior!" Ruvi said sternly again, his gaze sharp. "Until Halvir returns, don't do anything excessive if you don't want trouble with us—or especially with Halvir."

Gavriel lowered his head briefly, taking every word seriously.

"I understand," he answered sincerely. "I don't want any problems with you, much less with Mischa or Halvir."

His expression was serious, showing that he genuinely accepted Ruvi's advice. Though brave, he still respected the hierarchy and rules that governed life in this Beast World.

Anindira and Zia stood some distance away, watching the interaction with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. What had begun as a peaceful morning by the river now felt far more lively, filled with authority, courage, and the unspoken rules that governed relationships among the people of this Beast World village.