The Wolf Arrives

Today, no one knew what trouble that Lycanthrope might cause.

Vanessa worried, but time passed cruelly fast.

After finishing his work on time, Fren changed into clothes suitable for the party and got into the carriage with Vanessa.

Fren sat and stared intensely at Vanessa.

Vanessa, too, had changed into attire fitting for the event.

The sleeveless white outfit, fastened at the neck with a golden ring, was not as extravagant as what she had worn when she had been displayed as a masterpiece in the exhibition, but it suited her well.

If today’s party host had not been Nefer, there would have been no need to dress Vanessa up like this.

Unlike other races, a party hosted by Sirens allowed attendees to bring their slaves.

It was very much in line with their obsession with humans.

No one knew how many slaves would be packed into that venue today.

The Siren tribe did not open parties for social interaction or to pass time.

They did it purely for personal indulgence.

That self-indulgence is their charm.

At the exact moment Fren thought that, Vanessa’s expression darkened further.

Fren couldn’t help asking:

“Why do you look so serious?”

“I’m worried about you, Lord Fren. As you know, that man…”

“It’s fine. I’ll win.”

Fren calmly patted Vanessa’s head to comfort her.

Vanessa managed a smile again, though her heart remained heavy.

Please… let nothing happen today.

While Vanessa desperately prayed, the carriage stopped.

They had arrived at Nefer’s mansion.

When they stepped out, a rectangular estate built half-over the sea greeted them.

Unlike Elven buildings that emphasized grandeur and dignity, the structure was extremely practical and efficient.

Nefer had designed it specifically to communicate with other races.

But Vanessa knew the truth.

Communicate? Hardly. He built it half-in-water so he wouldn’t have to be near humans all the time.

Vanessa could only be impressed.

It was an incredible love.

So intense it was chilling.

As Vanessa thought that, they heard voices and lively music.

They had reached the party hall.

They pushed aside the bead curtain made of pearls and stepped inside.

The sound hit them full force, and Fren’s sensitive ears twitched slightly.

Vanessa noticed and worried.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. It’s manageable.”

They descended the staircase made of a material that was non-slip even when wet.

Halfway down, Nefer’s loud voice echoed across the hall.

“Hello, Fren! Thanks for coming!”

“No, thank you for inviting us.”

“Hurry! Come here!”

Nefer waved wildly from the artificial lake below.

They finished descending.

Nefer sat at the lake’s edge, and his lower half was a sleek white tail like a dolphin, having clearly just been swimming.

“Why don’t you swim with your s*ave? I prepared swimming gowns.”

“Thank you for the suggestion, but not today.”

“Tsk.”

Nefer glanced at Vanessa with disappointed eyes.

Fren ignored the brazen glance and scanned the venue.

Sirens like Nefer were swimming or splashing in shallow water with their slaves.

Fren sipped lime liquor and commented:

“Everyone looks like they’re having fun.”

Nefer puffed up proudly.

“Of course. It’s my party.”

“But I still don’t see him. Is he not coming?”

“No way. It’s his chance to look good for me.”

At that moment, noise erupted near the entrance.

Elves enjoying food by the lake recoiled at once.

“What? Lycanthropes were invited?”

“Ugh, animal smell.”

Their stares focused on several large men entering.

Nefer beamed.

“He’s here!”

Just as the saying went, speak of the devil and he appears.

Nefer lifted his arm and shouted:

“Here! This way!”

The men approached immediately.

Nefer splashed his tail happily.

“Why are you so late? I thought I’d die missing you.”

“We apologize, Nefer.”

The mild-looking man stepped forward quickly.

“We aren’t familiar with the area yet so—”

“Move.”

He could not finish.

The largest man shoved him aside brutally.

He glared up, furious, but the frightening pressure radiating from the giant made him instantly back down.

The huge man spoke.

“Thanks for inviting us.”

“Don’t thank me. I’m the one grateful.”

Nefer opened his arms and welcomed the giant.

“You make any place unbelievably entertaining. Truly, thank you for coming, Hakan Neisley.”

Hakan was an outstandingly handsome Lycanthrope.

His reddish mane-like hair and bronze skin radiated wild strength.

His sleeveless clothes exposed thick arms strong enough to climb like vines.

And the red canine ears and fluffy tail peeking from his hair looked incredibly soft.

Unlike the delicate beauty of Fren or Nefer, Hakan drew attraction in an entirely different way.

If only he kept his mouth shut.

At that exact thought from Vanessa, Hakan spotted Fren floating on the small boat.

“You little—”

“Shh.”

Nefer pressed a finger to Hakan’s lips.

“People are watching. Use nice words, my little wolf.”

Hakan’s eyes sharpened like blades.

If looks alone could kill, Nefer would already be torn apart.

While Hakan trembled with rage, Fren poured oil onto the fire.

“It’s been a while, Hakan. Have you been well?”

“Hey, Fren. Why even ask? Of course he hasn’t.”

Nefer wagged his tail and answered for him.

“He was rejected by both you and your mother back-to-back. Do you think he’s been well? Poor little wolf. That heartbreak must still be bleeding.”

“Still? It’s been quite a while.”

“One rejection isn’t the issue. It was—”

Nefer enunciated each word with aggravating slowness:

“Con. sec. u. tive. ly!”

The crowd burst into laughter.

But not for long.

Nefer immediately warned:

“Don’t laugh. Only we are allowed to tease him.”

Instantly, the crowd fell silent and looked away.

Hakan’s expression grew dark.

Nefer smirked and flicked his tail.

“Just arrived and already leaving? Stay a bit.”

“Shut up. I knew there had to be a reason you invited me.”

Nefer pointed to Fren.

“Don’t go, Hakan. Your love is right here.”

“Yes, Hakan.”

Fren rested his chin on the boat’s edge and spoke in a beautiful voice.

“You came all the way here. Stay and enjoy yourself.”

Hakan’s body flinched.

Barely visible hesitation — but Nefer saw it.

Nefer covered his mouth, failing to hide his rising grin.

Gods, teasing him is too fun.

There would never be another person he could toy with so freely.

Wanting more entertainment, Nefer straightened his expression and called:

“Really leaving?”

“……”

“Why are you being like this? Ha-kan! Ha-kaan!”

Nefer called his name repeatedly, then clicked his tongue.

He felt dissatisfied letting him walk away.

Is there something else to tease him with?

At that moment, he met Fren’s eyes.

Today again, Fren’s face resembled someone painfully.

Nefer smiled.

A perfect idea struck him.

He spoke without hesitation:

“I know why you’re running away so coldly.”

He pronounced the name clearly:

“Because Lady Sylvia isn’t here, right?”

Someone gasped sharply.

Sylvia — Fren’s mother — and Hakan’s first love.

Guests quickly glanced at Fren.

He still smiled gently.

Nefer had expected that and continued:

“I should have invited Lady Sylvia. She must also miss Fren. I failed to think about your feelings, Hakan.”

“……”

“But you know she’s in seclusion. Ah… now I miss her too.”

At that moment, Hakan froze.

A killing intent so heavy it silenced the entire hall poured from him.

Guests instinctively backed away from Nefer.

But even feeling it, Nefer continued:

“Lady Sylvia must still be the most noble and beautiful in the continent. After all, she is Fren’s mother.”

Nefer tilted his head mockingly.

“When I think of that, your taste in women is quite something.”