Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Sixty Three: Believe Me I Didn't Know

Parker said, "Imara, here comes the Ape King."

Now that put a pep in my step. I felt a giddy rush, almost ready to run to the door, but I composed myself. "Okay, thank you," I said, smoothing my hair and keeping calm.

Instead of heading straight for the door, I signaled Gabriel to open the front window shutters. I settled on the bench just inside the house, leaning casually out the window like I had all the time in the world.

Our eyes met, and I couldn't help but smile. "Wilbard, what a delightful surprise. It's been days since I last saw you," I said, resting my cheek delicately on my fingers.

He stood there for a moment, his gaze steady before placing his hands elegantly behind his back. "Imara, I've returned."

"Ohh, how nice," I replied, sitting up a bit straighter and leaning further out the window. "It's wonderful that you've come back to see us. I've missed you since you've been away, my dear friend." I offered him a sweet smile and tilted my head for extra effect.

A ripple of gasps came from the wolves surrounding him. Wilbard blinked, visibly caught off guard, his jaw slightly slack as a faint flush crept over his features. He quickly cleared his throat, regaining composure.

I giggled softly. "So, now that you're back, what brings you to me?"

"A-hem. I've heard about the success of your mission in rescuing your clan female from a feral. I've brought provisions to assist in her recovery." He motioned toward a group of wolves who were carrying baskets of fruits, wheat, and rice.

Bai Qingqing blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected generosity. "Ohhh, you really didn't have to. I—"

I gave her a gentle nudge and reminded her, "Remember, it's a must, to provide for us ladies not an if. Go ahead and accept the gift, sweetie."

She nodded quickly and bowed politely to the Ape King. "Thank you so much," she said softly.

Wilbard seemed surprised by her humility but offered a small, gracious nod in return. He looked at her thoughtfully, his tone gentle but firm. "You've been through a lot. You need more mates to protect you; I can offer you more males—"

Before he could finish, I piped up, my voice full of sweetness and innocence, my biggest puppy eyes on display. "Did you bring any for me, my dear friend?"

His gaze darted to me, his expression turning helpless as guilt crept onto his face. Even the wolves froze, looking between us as though they'd just realized they'd committed a terrible mistake.

"Imara..." he began, his tone apologetic, "I wasn't thinking properly. I can bring more—"

I sighed dramatically, playing up my role even more. "Why didn't you bring me a gift when you first came to see me? Or at least think of me too?" a bit of jealousy rising within me.

I descended from the bench and walked outside to my small workstation in the backyard, the others following close behind. The baskets of goods I had prepared for the market were neatly arranged, showcasing everything I had been working on.

"I've been thinking of you," I began softly, running my fingers over one of the baskets. "And I've been working hard to contribute to your city with the things I can provide."

Wilbard's gaze moved over the baskets, his expression shifting from curiosity to astonishment. "You made all of this in such a short time? For the city... and because of me?" His voice was filled with disbelief, and he seemed genuinely taken aback.

I gave him a small, sad smile and said, "Yes. But I guess I'm not good enough for this city—or to be your friend."

Gasps rippled through the group behind me—Bai Qingqing, the guards, the wolves, even Parker.