After Giving Birth, All My Beast Ex-Husbands Suddenly Want Me Back

Chapter 177: Mislead

After a long while, the four males each managed to secure a portion of the durians. Although the grove had seemed abundant at first, once divided into four shares, it no longer felt quite enough.

Looking at what they had gathered, each of them silently thought the same thing: Not enough. We’ll have to find more in the next few days.

They cast cold glances at one another—rivals through and through—before letting out quiet scoffs and leaving the grove, returning to the cave.

***

At the same time, from another direction, a group of beastmen was approaching the cave.

They soon arrived nearby—just in time to spot Aviel and the others returning. Instantly, they concealed themselves.

"Master Shaman, their numbers are quite large," said a black-winged beastman in a low voice.

"Master Shaman," added Ino, his tone wary, "that dragon leading them is extremely powerful—Haron was killed by him. And there’s also a phoenix clansman... I’m no match for him."

"You mentioned before that they have four at peak ninth rank?" Yosan asked.

"Yes. A white tiger, a nine-tailed fox, a wolf, and a merman," Ino replied.

Yosan’s lips curled into a strange smile. "That little female is quite something... to attract so many powerful males."

Perhaps... she could be of use.

"She’s not even that pretty," Ino muttered, recalling her appearance. "I don’t know what those males see in her."

He paused, then added, "But she has several young ones with her—dragon, white tiger, fox... and a few unhatched eggs."

He glanced at Yosan. "Do you think those males are staying because of the offspring?"

"Oh?" Yosan’s eyes flickered with surprise. "She has that many children?"

From what he remembered, that young female from Spirit Stone City wasn’t supposed to be fertile. Even if she was, having this many was unlikely.

So where had those children come from?

"About seven, I think," Ino said after a moment’s thought.

"That does make it more plausible," Yosan murmured.

If she had been poisoned, then her appearance alone wouldn’t explain it. The offspring were likely the key.

Still... how had she come into possession of so many children from such rare and powerful bloodlines?

The secrets surrounding her only grew deeper.

"Master Shaman," Ino suggested, "if we capture those young ones, could we use them to threaten the males?"

Yosan narrowed his eyes. "It’s worth considering. But don’t act rashly yet. Let’s observe where they’re headed."

He could always set an ambush along their path.

"Yes."

And so, Yosan’s group began trailing Nina and the others, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

***

Meanwhile, Drago and his group were heading in a different direction—only to realize, after several days of pursuit, that they had been following the wrong trail.

"City Lord, the tracks end here," a flying beastman reported. "I’ve scouted ahead—there’s nothing."

"It seems we were deliberately misled," Drago said, irritation creeping into his voice. "Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gone this many days without catching up."

After days of relentless pursuit... they had chased shadows.

Out of caution, Odian had sent some of his men to lay false trails—successfully throwing Drago’s group off course.

"City Lord, should we continue the pursuit?" Wei asked him with caution.

Drago frowned deeply, thinking it over. "We continue—and we pick up the pace."

If the other party had gone to such lengths to mislead them, then they were clearly hiding something important.

He intended to uncover it.

The matter of the spirit stones could wait—after all, that Sen wouldn’t be able to use them anyway.

At his words, Lina inwardly wailed.

Faster? We’ve already been traveling nonstop—I’m exhausted!

She pleaded, "Father, can we rest today? I really can’t keep going."

She wanted to catch up to those males—but she was truly worn out.

"Wasn’t this your idea?" Drago’s eyes flashed with impatience. "If you’re tired, rest on your mate’s back. From today onward, we shorten rest time—and travel at night as well."

She did nothing all day, yet constantly complained of being tired.

Lina opened her mouth—then swallowed her complaints.

Traveling at night too? And resting on a mate’s back? With the cold wind and constant motion, how could anyone possibly sleep?

But she didn’t dare argue.

If she angered Drago and he abandoned her, she’d be finished.

The mutated beasts in this region were far too dangerous—her own mates wouldn’t be able to protect her. Staying with Drago was her safest option.

"...Understood," she replied reluctantly.

I should never have come to the wilderness. Every day is suffering.

But soon... she would get to watch Nina’s downfall.

That thought was enough to soothe her frustration—for now.

Drago’s group turned back, adjusting their direction as they resumed the chase toward Nina.

***

Meanwhile, Nina and her group continued their journey toward Sea-Blue City.

One night, Kith quietly called Nina aside.

He handed her a pouch filled with essence stones. "Nina, take these."

She looked at him, surprised. "You... where did these come from? You’re not hurt, are you?"

He had been with them the whole time—he shouldn’t have had the chance to go out.

"I had my subordinates gather them. I’m fine," he said, pressing the pouch into her hands. "Use them to train."

He then guided her to sit on a clean stone nearby before taking out a pair of newly made shoes.

Gently, he removed the ones she was wearing and helped her into the new pair.

"Nina, the weather’s getting colder. I made these for you. See if they fit—if they’re comfortable. If anything feels off, I’ll fix it right away."

"...Kith."

Her expression softened, touched yet complicated.

She tested the shoes—the fit was perfect, soft and warm.

"They’re perfect," she said with a small smile. "Very comfortable."

"That’s good." Kith brought out several more pairs. "I made a few different styles. You can rotate them."

Nina glanced over the shoes—each pair was in a style she loved.

Her gaze shifted to Kith, who was kneeling in front of her, carefully helping her try them on one by one, his head lowered in quiet focus.

Should I... try to accept him again?

He had never gone out of his way to flatter her, never made a show of his efforts. But every meal, perfectly tailored to her tastes... the small items in her room, always replaced just when she needed them... the neatly arranged clothes in her cabinet, always fresh and spotless...

She knew none of it was a coincidence.

All of it came from him.

At first, when she realized it, she had been upset. But over time, she had seen his care, his consistency—and without quite noticing when it happened, she had begun to soften.

Just as Nina was lost in thought, Shushu suddenly came running toward her.

He rushed to her side, pointing accusingly at Yanai, who was chasing after him.

"Mom! That big bad wolf is bullying me! It’s so late, and he still made me practice hunting!"

He glared fiercely at Yanai, baring his tiny, newly grown milk teeth.

"Nina, nighttime is the best time for wolf hunting practice," Yanai explained calmly.

In truth, Shushu had been staying up late these past few days—dragging Nina’s schedule along with him. Yanai had only pushed him harder so the child would tire out and sleep earlier.

Shushu looked up at Nina with pitiful eyes. Mom, I already practiced today...

He shot Yanai another indignant glare. It was this big bad wolf who had dragged him out again.

Nina’s heart softened. "Yanai, it’s already late. Let him rest."

She paused, then added, gently but knowingly, "He can play something else instead."

Yanai nodded. "Alright. I’ll take him to play."

Shushu clung tightly to Nina, refusing to let go. I don’t want to go with the big bad wolf!

Nina couldn’t help but laugh. These two really were natural enemies.

She scooped him up. "Alright, I’ll take you back."

Then she turned to Kith. "I really like the shoes. It’s not that cold yet—I’ll wear them later."

At her words, Kith’s eyes lit up with quiet joy. "Alright. I’ll keep them for you."

Nina carried Shushu back and handed him over to Mino to play with.

Afterward, she found a secluded spot nearby and began absorbing the essence stones, with Sal standing guard beside her.

"Little pearl, absorb these," she said softly.

The spirit bead responded at once, drawing in the energy from the stones.

But this time... something was different.

After absorbing the entire batch, the bead’s glow didn’t dim as it usually did.

Instead, it grew brighter.

Brighter and brighter, until a powerful radiance surged outward, completely enveloping Nina.

The light was so intense that nearly all the nearby beastmen noticed it—though none of them understood what it was.

Except for one.

Taru’s eyes widened in shock.

That... was the power of the Spirit Pearl.

He turned sharply to Finch, his voice laced with accusation.

"Didn’t you say the Spirit Bead was destroyed?"