The next morning, Nina woke in the shelter of Idir’s broad embrace.

She rubbed her eyes, only to realize her arms were empty.

Where were the cubs?

Sitting up, she glanced around—and found them all curled up in the corner again.

She blinked, suspicion flickering in her mind. Why did they always end up in the corner whenever Idir was around?

She turned to look at him.

Idir quietly shifted his gaze away.

The cubs were still asleep, so Nina gently carried them back to the middle of the bed before getting up to wash. Idir caught her hand and followed closely beside her.

When she opened the door, she found most of her mates gathered outside.

Her brows furrowed. Had they really stayed there all night?

The moment they saw her, they hurried forward. "Nina."

Only after confirming she was unharmed—and that nothing seemed wrong—did they finally relax.

"You stayed out here all night?" Nina asked.

They nodded.

She sighed inwardly. "Then go get some rest."

She knew they had done it out of concern, but this couldn’t go on.

"We’re fine," Odian replied. "Everything’s ready. Go wash up first—breakfast will be ready after."

Mino and Kith had already gone to prepare the meal, with Yanai helping.

Nina headed toward the bathing room. Just as Finch was about to close the door, he noticed the cubs waking up and went in to carry them out for washing as well.

As Nina freshened up, her mates moved with practiced ease, attending to her in an orderly rhythm.

Idir stood to the side, watching.

This time, he didn’t interfere.

His fingers curled slightly as he forced himself to suppress the instinctive surge of hostility within him.

After thinking it over all night, he had made a decision—he would try to accept Nina’s other mates. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Perhaps then... she would be willing to accept him too.

He observed carefully, studying how they attended to her, committing it all to memory.

The others were surprised. Had this snake actually changed overnight?

Still, they welcomed it—so long as he didn’t interfere, things were easier for everyone.

Before long, Finch carried the cubs in.

He set them down in front of their respective little basins. The mates each stepped forward to care for the cub assigned to them.

With Kith and Mino absent, Finch took care of Yinny, while Sal looked after Shushu.

"Lady Nina, could Lex help take care of Mimi?" Odian asked. "Dian and I will attend to you."

He had noticed Lex’s quiet dedication all this time and was willing to give him a chance to spend time with his child—after all, he was Mimi’s father.

He glanced at the cubs.

Having more mates did have its advantages—otherwise, with so many children, it would truly be overwhelming.

Lex looked at Nina.

She nodded. "Go ahead."

"...Alright."

Though he would have preferred to stay by Nina’s side, this arrangement mattered—and time with Mimi was rare.

He couldn’t help but feel a quiet ache at the thought.

He walked over and filled Mimi’s basin with seawater. "Mimi, I’ll take care of you today."

The little cub nodded, flicking her tail happily, cooperating without fuss.

If Mother agreed, then she agreed.

After spending time together, she was no longer as resistant to him.

Watching her, so small and obedient, Lex’s heart softened instantly.

He picked up a soft piece of hide, dampened it, and carefully wiped her little face.

Aviel casually brushed Linny’s tiny teeth.

Linny puffed out bubbles in protest: Hey! Be gentle—you’re going to brush them right out!

"Our dragon clan’s teeth are tough," Aviel scoffed, pinching his little mouth open. "They won’t fall out that easily. Hurry up—your fourth brother is next."

Why was this kid so delicate?

Momo leaned back slightly, reluctant. He didn’t really want Aviel to brush his teeth—he preferred it when Mother did.

Seeing him hesitate, Idir stepped forward. "Come here. I’ll do it."

Though he didn’t quite understand why this kind of cleaning was necessary—usually a rinse or a cleansing fruit was enough—if this was how Nina’s household did things, then so be it.

Momo immediately shrank back, shaking his head vigorously.

No way. He didn’t want the big bad snake. He looked even scarier than Aviel—and he’d bitten him last night.

Aviel frowned and glanced at Nina. "Nina..."

She thought for a moment, then gently coaxed, "Momo, can you let your father help you?"

She could sense that Idir was trying to change.

Momo looked at her, then at Idir. After a moment, he bared his tiny teeth with the air of someone marching bravely to their doom.

Fine. Do it!

Idir let out a faint, amused huff and followed Aviel’s example, carefully brushing his teeth.

Nearby, Setan noticed Sunny still waiting and asked cautiously, "Nina... Sal is busy—can I help with Sunny?"

He might not get a chance to attend to Nina, but at least he could bond with his child.

Nina hesitated slightly. "Sunny... he..."

Did the child even know Setan was his father?

Setan looked at the little one, a hint of pride in his tone. "Sunny, I’m your father."

He waited expectantly.

Sunny tilted his head, looked at him—then scooted closer to Sal.

Sal is my father.

Mother had said so—Sal would take care of him.

Setan’s heart sank instantly. The brat didn’t even recognize him.

Sal chuckled, ruffling Sunny’s head. "Good boy. Wait just a bit—your father will help you in a moment."

Setan shot him a look of pure grievance.

Nina cleared her throat awkwardly. "Let Sal do it... it’s fine to wait a little."

Setan lowered his head, visibly dejected.

So much for winning favor through his son...

Once she finished freshening up, Nina went over to help with Sunny herself. The little one closed his eyes in bliss, clearly enjoying the attention.

Idir and Setan both felt a flicker of jealousy. That little brat had it too good.

Meanwhile, Momo frowned as Idir, a bit too forcefully, wiped his face. He kept swatting at his hand with his tail.

Hey! Why so rough? You’re going to scrub my skin off!

At last, the washing was done.

Linny and Momo immediately flew into Nina’s arms. Laughing, she gathered the rest of the cubs as well. "Come on—let’s eat."

She carried them to the table and set them into their little chairs. The mates went to prepare milk for them.

Idir hesitated for a moment, then followed to help.

Mino and the others brought out a lavish breakfast for Nina.

This time, Idir didn’t clash with the others. Instead, he occasionally mimicked their actions, quietly learning how to attend to her.

The others exchanged subtle glances, surprised.

Breakfast was far more peaceful than before—though Nina ended up eating a bit too much.

Just as they finished, Ridan hurried in to report:

"Lady Nina, a large number of beastmen from Barbarian City have gathered outside. They say they’re here to see you."

Nina blinked in confusion.

So many beastmen... looking for her? What for?