A New Life In The Beast World-Chapter 66: The Village’s Future (2)

Elder Samuel pursed his lips for a moment, thinking over what Serena had said. He knew Serena was trying to help out the village, but a large part of him couldn’t help but be wary.

Her mate was part of the Tiger Clan, the ruling clan of the Forest City. He didn’t want them catching wind of this conversation and thinking he was stepping out of line. Because the last thing he wanted was to put the village in danger.

He’d rather grovel and slow the development of their village if it meant the safety of it. After all, what was the point of risking everything when there’d be nothing left at the end.

Better to turn the other way. That was how they had survived for so long.

Finally he murmured softly, "You can come by the council room later this afternoon if you want to chat. However, I don’t want your mate catching wind of this... I will listen only if you can swear by that."

"I guess that’s fair..." Serena mused. "It’d be best not to test where his loyalties lie. I swear this conversation will be between the two of us-"

Before she could finish, a voice suddenly called out, "Sister, we’re back!"

Elder Samuel practically jumped out of his skin at Kiro’s voice while Serena turned to find Kiro running towards her with Theo trailing behind him. Kiro had a massive grin on his face, making her guess that their hunt was successful.

"I’ll chat to you soon." Serena smiled at Elder Samuel like they weren’t just plotting things a moment ago. "Thanks for all the help."

Elder Samuel quickly caught onto her act and numbly nodded his head. "Sure thing.... I should get going now. Those walls need to be checked."

And with that Elder Samuel hurried off. Theo glanced over at the elderly rabbit beastman for a moment before turning back to Serena.

"What was that about?" Theo asked curiously when he got to Serena’s side.

"We were just chatting about this new food I found." Serena lied, picking an apple up from her basket. "It’s actually quite popular here. Do you wanna try it? I hear it can be quite sweet."

Theo raised an eyebrow at her. "You know I don’t eat plants."

"Fine. Suit yourself." Serena murmured before turning her attention to Kiro. "Wanna try one? You must be tired and hungry from hunting."

"I’m not tired!" Kiro exclaimed proudly, taking the apple Serena offered him. "I managed to get two whole birds by myself!"

Serena grinned at his words, ruffling his hair. "That’s great Kiro! Do you wanna make soup again?"

"Yes!" Kiro nodded his head. "Let’s make it together this time!"

"Sure." Serena agreed.

"I’ll be sure to cut everything up this time." Theo murmured, giving Serena a knowing look.

Serena rolled her eyes at him. "It was one time. You need to learn to relax."

"I am relaxed." Theo retorted, making his way back to the hut with Serena following him with Kiro holding her hand. "It’s quite peaceful here. Much better than the city."

"What about your family?" Serena suddenly asked while Kiro quietly munched on his apple, watching the two. "Don’t you miss them?"

"I only have my uncle... And sometimes I just need to get away from him." Theo sighed. He glanced up at the sky and then murmured in a softer tone, "Hopefully, he gets my message soon."

"Hope so too." Serena said. She was quiet for a moment as they arrived at the hut before she asked, "Hey Theo. I have a question."

"Hmmm... What do you want to ask?" Theo glanced over at her as he put his basket down.

Serena had made it for him a few days back, thinking it would probably be easier for him to walk around with whatever he hunted in a large basket than slung over his shoulder.

Also so he could stop giving some rabbit beastmen heart attacks every time he walked past them with what he hunted. Most were used to it by now, but a few looked sick whenever they bumped into Theo.

"Do you think any merchants will come past this village?" Serena asked, putting her basket down inside the hut. "I’m running low on soap and will probably need to get some again soon. Also it would be good to see if they have any other things."

While it was true that she was running low on soap, that was the excuse. She wanted to see if she could get any information from Theo about the traveling merchants. Maybe figure out a bit about their trading routes.

She knew Elder Samuel was nervous about Theo knowing what they were up to, but it wasn’t a bad idea to get information from someone who lived in the Forest City. As long as he didn’t know the real reason for her wanting that information.

"I doubt it." Theo mused. "The Horse Clan hates traveling though the forest and will only make a trip to the Crystal City. They then send their own beastmen to the Forest City. You’d have to go to the Forest City if you want to buy any goods."

Just as she thought. Developing the village via trade was the way to go because no doubt the Forest City hated having to rely on the Crystal City for goods. They’d likely be happier with a direct part to them.

Theo added, "If you want, I can get you more soap in the Rainy Season when I head there to get my things."

"Oh... That sounds good." Serena nodded her head. She then pursed her lips and asked, "I wonder why the Horse Clans don’t come to the forest. Won’t all the tribes around be good business for them?"

"Maybe?" Theo shrugged. "But I’m not exactly sure the whole reason. Maybe it has to do with food or something. They are herbivores and the Forest City doesn’t really cater to that..."

"I see..." Serena mused. She glanced over at Kiro who was sneaking back into the hut and pursed her lips. "I think we should get food started... Someone is hungry."

Theo nodded his head and the two of them set to work. Kiro soon joined them and within an hour they had a rushed soup made.