MTMLF CH 11

Chapter 11

Alex in Danger

Rupert was one of the strongest beastmen alive. But because of his overwhelming power, he was always at risk of losing control, living each day on the edge.

Noah, who had been closest to him, understood his pain better than anyone.

Even so, to trust the words of some wandering fortune-teller and go alone into the Cursed Forest?

He had clearly lost his mind. Noah was so worried about Rupert that he could hardly sleep.

“We already sent a search team into the forest, but…”

“They found nothing?” Noah asked sharply.

“Yes, but if you give us a little more time—”

“It’s already been through a full moon,” Noah cut him off with a grim expression.

The full moon was when wolf beastmen grew the strongest.

Every full moon, Rupert would disappear from the pack, isolating himself to endure the changes.

If he was fine, he would have returned long ago. The fact that he hadn’t meant something had gone terribly wrong.

Noah’s face hardened even more.

“I’ll go myself.”

“What? But—”

“No one can find Father better than me.” Noah’s teeth clenched as he spoke.

Felix grew restless watching him. To be honest, he didn’t believe Rupert could ever return safely from the Cursed Forest.

But for Noah, the future Duke and heir, to march into that same cursed place—it was unthinkable.

Felix desperately tried to stop him.

“Young Master, please reconsider. If anything were to happen to you too…”

“Father is not dead yet. Watch your words.”

“…Yes.”

Noah’s determination was unshakable.

Wolves were fiercely loyal to family, so Felix understood. But that didn’t ease his worry.

I just hope nothing terrible happens, Felix thought with a sigh, following Noah out of the room.

***

Meanwhile, the day was peaceful for Jania.

She walked along the forest path with a satisfied smile. Alex walked proudly ahead of her, and little Ella sat calmly in her palm.

Jania had wanted to leave Ella at home since the forest was dangerous, but the little rabbit squeaked and cried whenever separated from her.

In the end, she gave in. Luckily, Ella behaved well, sitting quietly without running off.

“Nice weather today, right?” Jania said.

“Grr.”

“Peep!”

Both Alex and Ella made short sounds as if answering her.

Jania smiled happily and continued walking.

The forest was calm and quiet.

“Hm? Do I hear water?”

For the first time, Jania heard the sound of water flowing. Along with it came the faint smell of fish.

She had never seen a river in this forest, so the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. Her face brightened.

“Alex, let’s go check it out!”

“Woof!”

Alex’s ears twitched. He had heard it too.

Jania followed him, holding Ella in one hand and Alex’s lead in the other.

Soon, a small body of water came into view.

“Wow…”

It wasn’t a river but a small lake, yet it was beautiful. Sunlight sparkled on the blue surface, making it shine.

“The lake is amazing, isn’t it, you two?”

“Woof!”

“Peep!”

Their eyes seemed to sparkle too.

Even though there was plenty of water back at the mansion, Jania thought the animals would enjoy fresh water from nature more. She led them closer.

“Let’s see… maybe fish live here too?”

She bent down to peer into the clear water.

Then suddenly, Alex barked loudly.

“Woof! Woof! Woof!”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

Startled, Jania turned to him. Alex was growling, staring fiercely at the lake.

“Grrrr…”

“Alex?”

Jania’s throat tightened. She felt uneasy.

Alex tugged at her skirt with his teeth, trying to drag her back.

“O-okay, I’ll go. We’ll leave, alright?”

You couldn’t ignore an animal’s instincts.

Especially a wolf’s. Trusting him, Jania began slowly backing away. Alex stood protectively in front of her.

Plop.

“—!”

A small splash broke the surface. Jania turned her head and froze.

“A… monster?”

“Kiirik!”

A hideous creature appeared. Its head looked like a fish, but its long limbs resembled an animal’s, covered in scales instead of fur.

Jania’s whole body stiffened. She had never seen monsters in this forest before.

To think one had been living in the lake all along—her body trembled with fear.

“We… we need to run…”

“Grrrr!”

“Alex!”

Alex snarled, ready to attack. Jania panicked.

“No, Alex! Don’t—let’s just run—”

But she couldn’t finish her words.

More monsters began to rise from the lake, one after another, as if mocking her.

“Kiiririk, kiiririk.”

Their eerie laughter echoed across the water.

Jania was paralyzed. Could they really escape?

At first, she thought they’d be safe since the monsters seemed tied to the lake.

But they had arms and legs—what if they chased her onto land? Fear gripped her legs, pinning her in place.

“Woof! Woof!”

“Alex!”

Before she could move, Alex charged at the monsters.

“Kiiririk!”

He sank his teeth into one of their arms.

The monster swung its hand to shake him off, but Alex clung on fiercely.

“Ah…”

What should she do? Alex was risking his life fighting them. Should she use this chance to run?

The thought flickered in her mind, but she couldn’t abandon him.

“Peep…”

Her eyes fell on Ella, trembling in terror.

The tiny rabbit shook pitifully. Jania’s heart pounded—she had to protect her.

If they didn’t escape now, Ella would die too. That thought jolted her awake. She clenched her teeth, watching Alex fight.

“I’ll be back soon!” she shouted.

Then she turned and ran.

She couldn’t let Alex die alone. She would return to help him, no matter the danger. The mansion must have weapons. She remembered seeing them, dusty but still usable, in the storage room.

Please, Alex. Please stay alive.

Rushing back, Jania placed Ella safely inside her cage. If she didn’t return, Ella was smart enough to get out on her own.

She placed fresh grass and water by her side.

Then Jania headed for the storage room.

Weapons lined the walls, as if waiting for this very day. A shiver ran down her spine.

“No time to think. Hurry.”

She scanned the weapons.

Swords were useless. She had no training, and her thin arms couldn’t swing them properly.

But then, she spotted something.

“A crossbow…”

It was just the right size for her. Unlike a regular bow, she wouldn’t need much strength—just pull the trigger and the arrow would fly, almost like a gun.

“Yes, this will work.”

Jania grabbed the crossbow. It wasn’t too heavy. Her eyes sharpened with resolve.

With the weapon in hand, she ran back out of the mansion.