Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 38

In just a few weeks, whispers and rumors about The Messengers of Beasts had spread throughout the Mireraweth Kingdom. The common folk spoke of them with awe and gratitude, while the nobles dismissed the stories as nothing more than a joke—a fanciful tale about a group of mischievous youths playing pranks. But Mila and her companions knew the truth as they rested deep within the forest, preparing for their next journey to a nearby town.

The forest was quiet, the night air cool and filled with the scent of pine and earth. Mila sat by the small fire, its flames casting a warm glow on her face. Vivian stayed close by, ever watchful, while Cotton nestled comfortably at her side. Sara and Emmett had ventured into the woods to gather more firewood for the night, leaving Mila with a moment of quiet reflection.

Curiosity struck her, and she turned her gaze to Cotton, who was curled up contentedly. "Cotton, why do you want to come with us?" Mila asked softly, her voice gentle in the stillness of the night.

Cotton's small head lifted, her bright eyes meeting Mila's. After a brief pause, she began to speak, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and resolve. 'Ever since I was born, my family always told me never to leave our home. It was our sanctuary, where we coexisted with humans. We would eat some of their crops, but we never harmed anyone.' Cotton's voice trembled slightly as she continued. 'Then that governor... he changed everything. After we punished him for his greed, he sent his beast after us. One by one, my family fell. He killed us, stealing our mana to make himself stronger. We were the ones who had helped the town's soil and crops thrive, but he repaid us with cruelty. Now, I am the only one left.'

There was a heavy silence after Cotton finished, her words hanging in the air like a lingering echo. Mila felt a deep pang of empathy for the small creature. She could sense the honesty in Cotton's words and the deep sorrow that lay beneath them.

Mila reached out, gently stroking Cotton's soft fur. "Welcome to the group," she said warmly, her voice carrying a note of acceptance. She had already introduced Cotton to the others, and now she was fully part of their little family.

The day had been long, and the journey ahead promised to be just as challenging. "I'm going to sleep now. It's been a long journey, and we'll need our strength to travel again in the morning." Mila yawned softly, snuggling closer to Vivian, who provided warmth and comfort. Cotton smiled, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. She nestled against Mila's chest, her tiny body relaxing as she drifted into sleep.

As Mila closed her eyes, a soft smile tugged at her lips. Vivian watched over them both, her presence a silent guardian in the night. Cotton's heart swelled with joy, the pain of her past slowly being soothed by the warmth of her new companions. 'I have a family again!' she thought to herself, a surge of happiness filling her little heart.

Unbeknownst to Cotton, her tail had grown longer, fluffier, resembling a soft ball of cotton. It was a subtle change, but one that symbolized her newfound happiness and hope.
***
Sara and Emmett returned to their camp, both blushing deeply, their faces warm with the lingering emotions of what had just transpired between them. Their eyes occasionally met, only for them to quickly look away, the memory of their recent exchange still fresh and vibrant in their minds.

—Flashback—

The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the forest floor as Sara and Emmett gathered firewood. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the quiet sounds of the night. But Emmett's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the words he knew he needed to say. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, he turned to face Sara, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

"Sara, will you marry me?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for a response. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "I know this isn't the most ideal place for a proposal, but I want to be with you forever." Emmett had faced countless battles, but none had been as daunting as this moment. The vulnerability of love, he realized, was far more challenging than wielding a sword.