Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Eight: Clocking Rose's

We didn't make it far outside of Parker's house before the ground caught my attention—it was covered in lobsters.

I blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer number of them scuttling across the damp earth. Was this normal? I had seen them in the waters before, but never this many in one place. It was as if they had all been forced to shore, their shells glistening under the rare golden sunlight that broke through the ever-present gray skies.

Realizing we had an unexpected opportunity, I quickly urged the guys to start collecting them. "Pick them up before they escape," I instructed, motioning to the woven basket Bai had made for us to forage.

As they got to work, I turned to Gabriel with a playful grin. "Babe, look—lobster. Remember the seafood boil I promised you?"

The way his eyes lit up it was both hilarious and endearing. His ears even perked slightly, his tail flicking behind him.

"With extra potatoes?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yes, extra potatoes."

That was all the confirmation he needed. Not a single lobster was getting away under Gabriel's watch. He moved fast, gathering them with an efficiency that could only come from a motivated foodie.

It didn't take long before our efforts drew attention. Several beastmen, out with their mates, had paused to watch us with curiosity. One finally stepped forward, his expression torn between intrigue and skepticism.

"You're really eating those?" he asked. "We never bother with them—too much effort for too little meat."

I smiled, already anticipating their reaction. "You just need to know how to cook them properly." I can have one of the guys Nicholas or Frank show you another time."

That alone seemed to spark their interest. The idea of more food options had them murmuring amongst themselves, and I saw the subtle shift in their expressions. Food really was a universal connection to the soul.

Winston, ever efficient, finished placing the last basket of lobsters into the wagon and turned to me. "My Queen, we've collected them all."

I turned to look at him, still seated inside the wagon, and smiled. "Perfect. Thank you, darling. Let's head to the mountains now."

The City of Beastmen had well-connected roads, but there was only one exit—the massive stone passage leading through the four great castles.

I sighed, stretching slightly. It had been a long day already, and we still had plenty ahead of us.

"Winston," I called, turning toward him. "Can you carry me on your back?"

His silver eyes immediately brightened, his tail flicking behind him in excitement. He didn't even hesitate. "Of course, my love."

The sheer joy he took in simple things like this never failed to make me smile. As he turned to position himself, I carefully stepped out onto the wagon's back exit, climbed onto his back, and wrapped my arms securely around his neck.

His muscles tensed beneath me as he adjusted his stance, making sure I was comfortable. "Hold tight," he murmured, his voice warm.

I tightened my grip slightly, resting my chin lightly on his shoulder. Then, with sure, steady steps, Winston began walking toward the mountains.

The cool breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and rain-washed stone, a reminder of the unpredictable weather in this land. The warmth of the sun kissed my skin, mixing with the crisp air that rushed past us.

For a moment, I simply breathed it in.

A peaceful calm settled over me—one that wouldn't last for long.