After dinner was ready, Sal knocked softly on the door. "Nina, it’s time to eat."

Nina nudged Idir, who still refused to let go of her. "I’m hungry. Let’s go eat."

Only then did Idir loosen his hold. He took her hand and opened the door.

The moment he saw Sal, his expression turned guarded. Without a word, he led Nina past him.

Sal drew in a slow breath, forcing himself to suppress the strong urge to snatch her back.

Nina sighed inwardly.

Idir guided her to the table and seated her, then sat close beside her.

Odian moved to take the seat on her other side—only for Idir to flick his hand, sending the chair skidding away with a burst of power.

Odian’s face darkened. That damned Teng snake... just you wait.

He sat down one seat farther away.

The rest of the mates took their places as well.

As if by unspoken agreement, they all began tending to Nina’s meal—peeling shells, picking out fish bones, serving dishes.

Kith placed some of her favorite greens into her bowl, but Idir intercepted him. "Move. I’ll do it."

He mimicked Kith’s actions, carefully adding food to Nina’s plate.

Kith’s grip on his chopsticks tightened, his knuckles paling.

Dian stepped forward with a dish of peeled shrimp. "Sister, I’ve already—"

Idir brushed it aside. "Nina, I’ll peel a fresh plate for you."

Dian dug his fingers into his palm.

Then Finch’s fish was pushed away as well. Idir imitated each of them, determined to personally take care of Nina.

An invisible tension thickened over the table, sharp as drawn blades.

Off to the side, the cubs sat with their milk bottles, watching in confusion.

Linny nudged Momo. Why is your father suddenly so fierce? He wasn’t like this before...

Momo lazily sucked down a mouthful of milk and glanced over. He’s always been fierce.

The first time they met, he’d already been mean—Momo still had that grievance carefully recorded in his little mental ledger.

With that, he went back to drinking.

Linny looked at Idir again. Really?

Then he shrugged and resumed drinking his milk. Never mind.

The other cubs exchanged glances, then lowered their heads as well. Whatever the adults were dealing with—it had nothing to do with them.

Nina pressed a hand to her forehead, trying to ease the tension. "By the way, how are Zena and Mona?"

"Zena is fine now. We arranged a room for her to rest," Odian replied. "As for Mona... something seems off, but I haven’t had a chance to look into it yet."

Nina frowned. "I’ll go check on them after this."

***

After the meal, Nina went first to see Mona, whose condition was more serious. Idir followed closely behind her, refusing to leave her side for even a moment.

Mona lay curled on the bed, her body slick with cold sweat, her face pale with pain and weakness.

Winny had already woken up. He clutched Mona’s hand tightly, his small voice trembling as he called, "Mother..."

A tray of untouched food sat beside him.

"Winny, can you let me take a look at your mother?" Nina asked gently.

When he saw her, hope lit up his eyes. "Pretty sister, you’re here! Please—please help my mother!"

He quickly moved aside to make room.

Nina stepped forward and placed her hand near Mona, channeling her power to examine her condition.

Almost immediately, she sensed it—a powerful, chaotic energy was rampaging through Mona’s body.

Could it be from that red crystal Yosan had used?

Without hesitation, Nina began to guide and stabilize the energy.

Time passed slowly.

At last, the turbulence inside Mona began to subside.

Her breathing steadied.

Gradually, Mona opened her eyes. When she saw Nina still tending to her, she could feel the difference—her body was no longer on the verge of collapse.

Gratitude flooded her expression.

"Lady Nina... thank you for saving me again."

Just moments ago, she had truly thought she was going to die.

It was only her worry for Winny that had forced her to hold on—clinging to her last breath, hoping to beg Nina to take him in... even if only as a servant.

Nina’s unexpected rescue left Mona overwhelmed with gratitude.

"You’re welcome," Nina said gently. "Your body should be fine now. Eat something later and get some proper rest."

Mona nodded earnestly. "Thank you... I’ll definitely find a way to repay you."

She and Winny owed Nina far too much.

Nina smiled. "It’s alright."

"Pretty sister, thank you!" Winny beamed, relief shining across his small face now that his mother was better.

"What ’pretty sister’? Call her Lady Nina," Mona corrected softly.

She had heard others address her that way—it felt only right to follow.

Winny quickly nodded. "Lady Nina!"

Nina shook her head with a light laugh. "It’s fine. You can call me whatever you like."

She reached out and ruffled his hair. "Go eat now, or your food will get cold."

Rising to her feet, she added, "Rest well. I’ll go check on another friend."

Mona struggled to sit up, wanting to see her off, but Nina gently pressed her back down. "No need to get up."

"Then... take care, Lady Nina," Mona said softly.

Nina gave a small nod before leaving.

Winny brought the food over. "Mother, eat something."

Mona cupped his thin cheek, her gaze soft but serious. "Winny, our lives were saved by Lady Nina. You must repay her properly in the future, understand?"

He nodded solemnly. "I understand."

A faint smile touched Mona’s lips as she began to eat.

***

Nina then went to see Zena.

The moment Zena spotted her, her eyes lit up. "Nina—you’re here!"

She had heard Nina had returned, but hadn’t had the chance to see her until now.

Zena stepped forward, reaching for Nina’s hand—but Idir blocked her instantly.

"Don’t touch Nina."

Nina pushed his arm aside with a sigh. "She’s a female."

"That doesn’t matter," Idir said, wrapping his arms around her again. "Females aren’t allowed either."

Nina rolled her eyes. What an absurdly jealous man.

Zena covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Nina’s male was far too domineering—there would definitely be chaos in that household.

Nina pried herself free from Idir and turned back to Zena. "How are you feeling? Any discomfort? Do you want me to check?"

"I’m fine," Zena said, stepping closer again. "But since you’re here, I wouldn’t mind you taking a look."

Nina examined her briefly, smoothing out a few lingering injuries with her power. "All done. You should be completely fine now."

Zena smiled brightly. "Thank you, Nina."

She hesitated, biting her lip. "Nina... is he dead?"

She didn’t know if Nina had truly succeeded. It wasn’t that she doubted her—only that she knew how powerful that one had been.

If Nina hadn’t succeeded... then she would accept her fate. As long as Nina had returned safely, that was enough.

Nina’s lips curved into a soft smile. "The one here is dead. You’re free now—he won’t control you anymore."

Zena’s eyes widened, joy bursting through them. "Really?"

"Really," Nina said, warmth shining in her gaze. "You can leave Barbarian City now. Go wherever you want."

Zena’s eyes grew misty. "Thank you... Nina."

She wanted nothing more than to hug her—but Idir stood firmly between them, refusing to let her near.

At that moment, Zena found him incredibly annoying. Stupid male—so overbearing. I hope you fall out of favor for a hundred days.

Sensing her intent, Nina pushed Idir aside and stepped forward, pulling Zena into an embrace.

"I hope you’ll live freely from now on," she said softly, "and happily."

Zena hugged her back, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Mm."

She was free.

Finally—truly free.

Idir watched them, clearly displeased. It seemed even females would need to be guarded against in the future.

Though his hostility toward females was less than toward males, it was far from gone.

After chatting a while longer, Nina said her goodbyes and returned to her courtyard.

Yanai had already prepared the bath. "Nina, the water’s ready—you can go wash up now."