Chapter 55: A Bet.
Sunnie smiled, arms folded as she stared into his face. "Is that so? And how do you plan on doing that?"
Karl now stood before her, his face leaning closer as he smirked. "Do I even need to do anything? I can have you want me without doing anything much... I mean..." He smiled as he stretched out his hands, gently playing with Sunnie’s long rabbit ears.
She watched him stare through her eyes before coming down to meet her gaze. He said, "I’m sure an Eagle like me can make a little bunny crave my attention."
Sunnie scoffed. "Is that a bet then?" She raised an eyebrow. "I’d like to see you try with this little bunny then. Make this bunny care, because right now, it doesn’t."
Karl’s eyes darkened as he said, almost coldly, "Then be careful with that heart of yours, little bunny. I’ll steal it when I want to."
There was silence, and then Sunnie burst out into laughter. "Sure, try and see how hard you can make me fall. I’m curious."
[Ding!]
[Host has triggered Eagle husband’s competitive side]
[Host has smartly pushed him into partially wanting to prove himself right by winning the host’s heart!]
She smiled. This was better for her. It was what she wanted—messing with his pride so he’d want to take this as a game, all to her advantage. But she wouldn’t let him win it that easily.
While Karl stood there staring at Sunnie, she turned her back on him and smiled at Azure. "So? How are you feeling now?"
Azure slowly nodded with a smile. "I’m fine. Thanks for your help."
[Ding!]
[Affection level improved!]
[Mer Husband = 60%]
Luka and Eris slowly nodded.
"I guess the female saved him after all... does that mean we have to forgive her?" Luka turned to them.
Eris blinked with a shrug.
Karl scoffed. "Whatever."
Zayn folded his arms with a smile. "Since she saved him, then I guess there’s nothing we can do about it."
[Ding!]
[Four beast husbands, except Eagle husband, are impressed and moved by your act!]
[You gain some bonus!]
[+1,000]
Just then, Little Black and Zuna rushed to meet them where they stood. They stared at them, panting as they approached; it was clear they ran all the way there.
"What is it?" Sunnie asked as soon as they arrived close.
Little Black panted as he struggled to say, "He’s.. awake.. he..."
Sunnie didn’t understand what he was trying to say. But Zuna explained further. "My dad is awake.. he’s the leader of the tribe..."
Sunnie blinked. "Ah..."
"And he wants to see you," she added.
Sunnie blinked as she stared at Eris and Luka.
"Do we have to run or...?" Luka confirmed.
Zuna shook her head. "I don’t think so... He is rather grateful to you."
Sunnie slowly nodded. "I see." She stared at her husbands. "Let’s go pay the head of the tribe a visit. You never know, we might get something in the end."
Zuna led the way as Sunnie and the rest followed behind, heading back to the tribe to meet the leader.
---
The leader of the tribe was Zuna and Zukka’s father. He was amongst the patients Sunnie was taking care of, but he had a separate room alone. He wasn’t too sick; he was just unconscious from his illness.
Since the leader was sick, the old wise Chief Elder had taken charge of everything. But now he was back, and there was bound to be celebrations.
As soon as they arrived back at the tribe, they met with a massive celebration from the beastmen. They danced and sang, celebrating the awakening of their tribe leader.
On seeing Sunnie, they further celebrated her as the goddess who had made all this possible. They had invited her to dance and celebrate too, but Zuna led her past these people while they headed to the cave where her father was staying.
The guards didn’t let Sunnie’s husbands go in, so Sunnie, Little Black, and Zuna made their way into the cave.
"That little brat can go in and we can’t?" Eris was speechless as he folded his arms.
"Well, I guess he’s the goddess’s assistant," Luka shrugged.
"Assistant my foot," Karl snapped.
---
As Sunnie walked in, she was welcomed by the sight of the tribe leader sitting down on his bed, crafted with leaves and animal skin above them. He was huge and muscular with a beard. Even though he was already a father, he still looked strong and powerful.
Sunnie had only seen him unconscious; seeing him awake sent shivers down her spine. He had cold eyes and a stiff expression that made one feel like they had done something wrong.
He was indeed one to be feared.
The tribe leader cast her a stare as she looked around the room to see Zukka sitting by the side on the ground, and the Chief Elder and some elders standing close by.
They smiled as she walked in; only the tribe leader didn’t smile.
Sunnie contemplated whether she should greet or not. She was the goddess after all!
Suddenly, the tribe leader cleared his throat and said, "Greetings, great and wise one."
She stiffened, digesting the fact that he had greeted her first. "Greetings to you, great tribe ruler, too," she reciprocated.
He stared at her as he continued, "I’ve heard only of your goodness and the great mystical help you’ve brought upon our land. And I’m deeply impressed and in appreciation of it all."
He cleared his throat as he continued, "My wise elders here spoke about how you healed our people and cleansed our land."
He stared at Zukka as he continued, "And my son here couldn’t stop blabbing about how you’ve done some impressive tricks in the process. It sure does certainly sound magical to behold."
Sunnie casually let out a soft smile as she said, "Don’t mention it at all. I was just doing my job. Anything to help the people who seek help from the heavens. It’s my joy to help," she explained.