After listening intently, Malrik blinked his dark eyes and stared at Marcus, a puzzled expression on his face. "Daddy, why aren't you with my biological mom? Why are you always around Ms. Tibarn?" Marcus gazed at Malrik's serious yet completely oblivious face, and his body became tense. He could practically feel his blood pressure skyrocketing. The veins at his temples throbbed menacingly, as if they were about to burst. He thought, This fool! Today, I intend to kill him no matter what! "Malrik!!!" He articulated each word through gritted teeth, swinging his fist ominously toward Malrik with enough force to flatten mountains. "Marcus!" Emma reacted quickly, wrapping her arms around him from behind before his fist could hit Malrik's face. "Calm down, calm down! He's not thinking straight right now. Let's try not to hold this against him." He shot daggers at Malrik. She tightened her grip around his waist and pulled him back, casting a quick glance at Edric simultaneously. Edric instantly understood. He stepped forward and shielded the still completely clueless Malrik by pulling him behind him. She continued to reassure Marcus. "I understand this is unfair to you. I'll make it up to you tonight, alright?" Her tone was gentle and persuasive, her hand softly patting on his chest, which was still rising and falling with rage. "I'll help you teach him a lesson so he never offers you that fruit again, okay?" Malrik seemed to finally catch on to the tension. He crouched behind Edric and cautiously peeked out, anxiously surveying Marcus' furious demeanor. He thought, Daddy appears to be angry again. Malrik frowned. Why is Daddy so quick to lose his temper today? Is he perhaps hungry? He abruptly turned around with that thought in mind and dashed back into the kitchen. Marcus' body instinctively tensed when he saw his action. Sure enough, a moment later, Malrik rushed back out, clutching the largest, roundest fruit in his hands, and carefully offered it to Marcus. "Daddy, please don't be angry. Malrik will give you the fruit." Marcus was speechless for a moment. He thought, Forget it. Just let the world come to an end! I genuinely want to die right here and now! When Emma observed his defeated expression, she felt both a pang of sympathy and burst into laughter. He appeared completely drained of energy and resolve, finally compelled to calm down. She grasped his hand and addressed the guard captain. "Escort Celia and the Enchanter Clan's people to the front hall," she instructed. "Inform them I'll join them shortly." "Yes, ma'am." The captain guard acknowledged her with a nod and exited the living room. Once he was gone, she cupped Marcus' face and placed a brief kiss on his cheek to comfort him."Don't hold onto your anger," she whispered. "Soon, you'll be accompanying me to the front." Marcus nodded after feeling a sense of injustice. He thought, Ms. Tibarn has already kissed me. For her sake, I'll excuse Malrik this once. He quickly turned his left cheek towards her. "Ms. Tibarn, this side as well." She suppressed a laugh and leaned in to plant a kiss on his left cheek, too. Malrik watched, ready to voice his thoughts, when Edric quickly intervened, covering his mouth with a hand. "Please, Malrik, just stop," Edric murmured. "Marcus is not your daddy. He hails from the Frostveil Wolf Clan. You're from the Enchanter Clan. You're not even from the same race." Just then, Kieran emerged from the kitchen. "My lady, dinner is served." Emma smiled and nodded, then told Marcus, Edric, and Malrik, "Let the Enchanter Clan wait in the front hall. We'll join them after we eat." Celia and the others had tormented Malrik quite harshly.Allowing them to simmer for a bit was precisely what they deserved. "Emmy!" Drake stepped out of his room. The moment he spotted her, he rushed to her side. Drake appeared somewhat fatigued. "Drake, what's the matter?" Emma inquired, concerned. "You look unwell. Did your mental power slip out of control again?" He shook his head. "No, I simply didn't sleep well." He had initially wrapped himself around the doorknob of her bedroom to both rest and keep a watch over her. Then Marcus discovered him, pulled him off the doorknob, and tied his dragon body into an intricate knot. He had only recently managed to free himself. He didn't disclose Marcus' actions to her. He thought, The Embrace of the Moon advises him to maintain a positive relationship with her partners. Drake had thought it would be simple, but after all this time, he still hadn't figured out how to truly get along with Lucien and the others. He thought, I certainly can't risk worsening relations with them at this point. Since leaving Aquadome and arriving here, I haven't contacted The Embrace of the Moon again—I've only sent the payment. It seems I'll need to reach out again and seek further guidance. Even after Drake insisted he was fine, she remained apprehensive. She used her mental power to examine his mental consciousness, and only when assured of his well-being did her tension ease. Then she guided everyone to the dining room. Malrik seated himself right next to her and quietly asked, "Ms. Tibarn, may I go to the front hall as well later?" Upon finishing, he looked at her with eager eyes.