Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 102: Connection

"Esteemed female," a voice said warmly, carrying a practiced elegance, "there is a grand ball being held tonight in the central ballroom of the Starrail. Would you grant me the honor of a dance?"

A male knelt gracefully before Rory, extending a single rose toward her. His beauty was striking—almost unreal—with sharp, refined features and an air that suggested both confidence and calculation. A deep green feather was tucked neatly along his brow, lending him an exotic, almost mystical allure that clearly drew the eye.

Before Rory could even finish processing what was happening—

"Get lost."

Jasper’s foot lashed out without hesitation.

The kneeling male was sent tumbling backward, skidding across the polished floor in a most undignified sprawl.

A mere Rank 6 Stormfinch, daring to court his Rory? Ridiculous.

The Stormfinch male lay stunned for a heartbeat, instinctively wanting to whimper or feign injury—anything that might draw sympathy. Rory hadn’t pushed him away, after all. Maybe there was still hope—

That thought died instantly when he finally lifted his gaze.

Standing there was Jasper, a Rank 9, flanked by two Rank 10 powerhouses whose presence alone felt like a mountain pressing down on his chest. The pressure of their combined auras froze him in place. His wings trembled. His mind went blank.

He didn’t dare move.

Nix wasted no time. He gently but firmly guided Rory away, placing himself half a step in front of her.

"Rory," he said seriously, his ears flicking with displeasure, "don’t be deceived by appearances. He’s only a Rank 6 Stormfinch—completely insignificant. You absolutely shouldn’t consider someone like that."

Among therians, strength came first. Beauty was secondary at best.

"I wasn’t interested in him," Rory said honestly.

She glanced between Jasper and Nix, both of whom still looked wound tight, as if ready to snap at the slightest provocation. With a faint sigh, she pressed her fingers to her temple.

Was she really giving off the impression that she’d accept anyone?

"He came out of nowhere," she added. "I didn’t even have time to react. I truly wasn’t interested."

With Jasper, Nix, and Yuel around her, Rory felt safer than she ever had. The other potential matches hadn’t even appeared yet, and she wasn’t in any rush.

If someone she genuinely liked showed up later, she could deal with it then.

Still... Jasper’s reaction had been a bit extreme. The Stormfinch male hadn’t actually done anything inappropriate—yet.

Rory reached out and took Jasper’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Jasper, I know you were protecting me, but next time... maybe try not to kick first and ask questions later? There’s no need to go straight to violence."

Jasper exhaled slowly.

He knew Rory was human. She had lived alone for much of her life, and although she’d spent years among interstellar beings, she still didn’t fully understand how therian courtship worked.

That was why she couldn’t immediately grasp why he had reacted so decisively.

"Rory," Jasper said quietly, his tone firm but patient, "if I hadn’t done that, he would’ve believed he had a chance. And once a male thinks that... he doesn’t stop. Ever."

Jasper had already realized that Rory misunderstood therian affection.

She thought feelings developed gradually, through patience and shared moments.

That wasn’t how it worked for most therians.

Once a male identified a compatible huntress, his devotion was absolute—unchanging even in death. And if the female wasn’t his destined huntress but someone he chose himself, even the smallest encouragement would cause him to cling obsessively, refusing to let go until she became his mate.

"I see..." Rory murmured.

She’d never encountered anything like that before.

"I’m sorry, Jasper," she said after a moment. "I misjudged you. You were right."

Just imagining a stranger relentlessly pursuing her despite rejection made her skin crawl. If it came to that, she might’ve drawn a blade herself. A single kick was merciful by comparison.

The incident passed quickly, forgotten just as easily.

Scenes like that were common throughout the Interstellar Empire—males courting females openly, sometimes desperately. It happened countless times every single day.

Soon, Rory and the others arrived at their assigned compartment.

Calling it a room was an understatement—it spanned well over a thousand square feet, with wide windows revealing the flowing starlines beyond.

Three therians were already inside: a Rank 5 female seated calmly at the center, with her two mates flanking her protectively—one Rank 8, the other Rank 9.

When Rory entered accompanied by two Rank 10s, the two males immediately straightened, eyes sharp and alert.

Jasper met their gazes calmly. "No need to be on edge. We’re only here to travel. As long as no one starts trouble, neither will we."

After a tense pause, the two males relaxed and returned to their huntress’s side.

Jasper paid them no further attention. Together with Nix, he guided Rory toward a comfortable seat near the window—one that offered a clear view of the star clusters drifting past like scattered jewels.

He remembered clearly: the last time Rory rode the Starrail, this had been her favorite part.

"Chirp!"

The moment Rory sat down, Burnt Dumpling wriggled free from Nix’s pocket and hopped straight onto her lap, fluffing himself proudly.

His cheerful chirp immediately caught the attention of the Rank 5 female across from them.

Her eyes widened with delight. "Your little bird is so unusual!"

The gentle tone made Burnt Dumpling stiffen. He spun around to face her, chest puffed out.

Rory hadn’t expected the female to speak to her at all.

Meeting the woman’s friendly gaze, Rory smiled. "This is my little bird. His name is Burnt Dumpling."

"Burnt Dumpling?" The woman laughed softly. "That’s such a charming name."

She inclined her head politely. "I’m Lola Brandon. And you are?"

Brandon... Rory paused inwardly.

Only someone from Aurelia would carry that surname in the Central District. That made her the same species as Kather.

What was her connection to him?

"I’m Rory," she replied with a warm smile. "Rory Smith. It’s nice to meet you."