"I know we need to talk to the Enchanter Clan. We already reached out to Malrik," Ethan explained. "But the Grand Elder from the royal family calculated that Prince Louis and Commander Hamblin aren't in the hands of the Chitinids. "They're still somewhere inside the Empire." "We think they might be badly injured and stranded on some planet, unable to make it back for now. That's why I came to you." Nobody beat the Interstellar Hunter Alliance at finding people on planets. They had tons of members and could go anywhere. "All right, fine! Since you're my brother, I'll help you as much as I can." In the end, Edric didn't turn Ethan down.His personality had never been easy. Growing up, Ethan was the only one who'd ever really looked out for him. When Edric agreed, Ethan finally relaxed. "Find them as soon as you can. Every day Prince Louis and Commander Hamblin are missing puts them in even more danger." Edric nodded. "Understood. I'll get people on it right away." When they finished discussing business, Ethan smiled and pulled out a velvet box for Edric. "I heard you found your huntress. I've been busy and didn't get a chance to congratulate you. This is a gift I prepared for you." Edric happily took the box. Inside was an extremely pure Level 10 beast core. It was exactly what he needed to reach the next stage. Edric had already prepared two himself. He hadn't expected Ethan to bring him another one. Level 10 beast cores were nothing like low-tier ones—they were incredibly rare. Getting just one was tough. "Thanks, Ethan." "I'm your big brother. You don't have to thank me," Ethan laughed, clapping Edric on the shoulder. Then he looked at him with concern. "How's your huntress treating you?" Ethan was honestly glad Edric had found a huntress, but he also worried she might not like him. After all, cold-blooded therians weren't popular with females, and Edric was notoriously stubborn and moody... The mention of Emma made Edric's whole face light up. Even his usual gloom faded a little. "Ethan, Emma's really good to me. I'm lucky to have found a huntress who actually likes me, just like you." Ethan could see he was genuinely happy. That put his mind at ease. "As a male, I shouldn't visit your huntress alone. Next time, I'll bring mine, and we can all have dinner together." Edric smiled and nodded. "Sure! Emma's taught me how to roast beast meat, and it's amazing. "I'll ask Emma, and if she's okay with it, I'll cook for you and your huntress next time." Things they learned from a huntress weren't supposed to be shown off to just anyone. Not even family. That was the rule. After seeing Ethan off, Edric rushed back to the cabin to find Emma. The cabin was quiet. The humanoid robot told him Emma was resting in her room. Edric didn't want to disturb her. But where did Corvin and Coalball go? Why are those two so quiet? When the robot told him Corvin and Coalball had gone into Emma's room too, Edric lost it. His snake tail lashed the living room, wrecking the place. His scales bristled, and his purple-black eyes were full of rage and murder. He tried to hold it together, but Corvin and Coalball had gone way too far this time. They had gone into Emma's room while she was resting. Edric clenched his fists, barely holding back his anger as he walked to Emma's door. He entered the command, opening the door as quietly as he could.Edric didn't want to wake Emma. He just wanted to haul Corvin and Coalball out. Inside, Emma was sleeping soundly in a pale lilac nightgown, a Cosmic Satin blanket tossed over her pale, slender legs. Edric moved in silently, not disturbing her. But when he saw Corvin curled up in Emma's arms, his eyes flashed red. His tail brushed the edge of the bed, making a faint sound. Corvin was fine. He was Emma's suitor, and as long as he didn't disturb her, Edric could let it slide. But that damn bird actually snuggled up to Emma's... Damn it... Edric was furious, his icy killing intent spilling out. He reached out, about to grab the ugly bird and wring its neck, when he saw Emma's lashes flutter as she started to wake up.Emma, always alert, felt the chill and snapped her eyes open. Her sharp eyes locked onto Edric's shocked, flustered purple eyes, and her mind went blank for a moment. Edric was stunned. He was done for. He'd woken Emma up. His whole body tensed, and his tail writhed uncontrollably on the floor. He wanted to explain, but his mouth wouldn't cooperate. He was shaking and couldn't say anything.