Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Twenty Six: Days at The Leopard Tribe Castle X An Unexpected Question

As we returned to our room, we began packing in preparation for our journey back home the next day.

Harvey turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "Now that Gabriel is your guardian, what's the next plan?"

My immediate thought was to finally lay babygurl on you. The idea had been lingering in my mind, but I couldn't say it out loud—not yet. I had just eaten seafood, washed up, and still needed to... attend to other personal bathroom matters. I didn't want anything distracting me when the moment came to eat him.

Besides, I knew if I mentioned it, something would definitely flip a switch in him. And I wasn't going to say no, either. Truthfully, I was dying to know what it felt like—specifically him. But for now, I kept that thought to myself, refocusing my attention on the tasks at hand.

Getting my mind right, instead, I replied, "I want to complete my defense tools, work on getting Memi her gifts, and see if I can persuade her to do us a few favors."

Harvey's expression shifted to one of intrigue and surprise. His brow raised slightly as if processing my words more deeply than I anticipated.

I smiled at him but felt a twinge of sadness as I moved closer. "I know I don't share everything with you. It's not because I don't trust you, but because I want to keep us safe. Still, I don't want you to feel left out or unsure about where you stand in our plans. I don't ever want you to think I can't depend on you."

Harvey placed the belongings he was holding on the table and stepped closer to me. His warm hands gently cupped my face as he rested his forehead against mine. "You never cease to amaze me," he said softly.

Then, with a tone that carried an almost cryptic meaning, he added, "There may not be a bridge to find." His words left me puzzled, but I sensed they were meant more for him than for me.

When we separated, I noticed a new look in his eyes—a mix of resolve and affection. "So, what are the two plans?" he asked.

I smiled and began to outline my ideas. "First, we finish the defense tools. Second, we work on ways to strengthen our alliance with Memi by presenting her with thoughtful gifts and creating a bond of trust."

Harvey listened attentively, nodding as I spoke. "Those are very good ideas," he said. "And I have just the thing to make the second one work." His confident tone made me feel relieved, knowing that if Harvey was involved, success was guaranteed.

We wasted no time getting started on the defense tools. Harvey already had snake venom ready, so we focused on crafting a durable holder for the blades. The design ensured it would prevent any accidental leaks or punctures. Additionally, we devised a small, discreet pouch to hold ground pepper powder for emergencies.

I sketched a rough design to show Harvey how I envisioned the setup. It needed to be secure enough to strap to my thigh but slim and subtle enough to stay hidden under my clothes. Together, we worked through the details, refining the design to make it both functional and easy to use.

I turned to Harvey with an idea. "Can we go gathering and hunting? I need some herbs to make soap. Oh, and can you catch me a sheep? There's a part of its fat, called tallow, that I need for the soap. It usually takes about a week to make."

Harvey nodded without hesitation. "Yes, of course. Let's go."

As we stepped outside, I spotted John walking back, sporting several lumps on his head. I couldn't help but giggle—he looked like the saddest, cutest little puppy.

"Imara, they bullied me," John whined, his voice full of dramatic flair. "It's not fair... They all feel the same way, but they're just mad I called dibs first! They're like scared, short birds!"