Chapter 87 [Fairy Tale] He Has a Little Gray Wolf (13)

"Little Wolf," Ryder called softly, sitting up.

Asi trotted over at once, her gray tail swaying. She nuzzled Ryder affectionately, gazing at him with a slightly wounded look—as if asking, Did I hurt you?

Despite the faint pain lingering on his back, Ryder reached out to gently rub Asi's furry head. "It's nothing," he said, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile. "Does it... hurt?" His hand moved to touch Asi's paw, relieved to see the wound had already healed.

Only then did he feel reassured.

After Asi rubbed against him a few more times, Ryder stood up and spoke to the little wolf with gentle warmth: "I’m going to gather some herbs... Would you like to come with me?"

Asi immediately stepped closer, brushing her tail lightly against Ryder’s leg to show her willingness.

Ryder was delighted, unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips. In the past, he would often stay in the Black Forest at midday, but he rarely ate lunch, only eating when absolutely necessary. Today was different, though—he had a companion, a little wolf. The little wolf had been hurt just yesterday, and Ryder didn’t know if she’d eaten anything at all. The thought left him feeling guilty.

Asi trailed behind Ryder, trying to catch a glimpse of his back, but the boy was dressed so modestly, with a high collar that shielded his neck, leaving Asi with no opportunity.

Ryder walked ahead when suddenly he noticed the grass rustling and immediately reached out.

A dark flame flashed forth.

Ryder strode over and picked up a roasted rabbit from the undergrowth, waving it in front of Asi on purpose. "Little wolf, do you like this?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Before Asi could react, Greed cried out, "Asi, Asi! Bunnies are so cute—you can’t eat them! Let me take care of it instead!"

Absolutely not. The memory of Greed swallowing half a chicken in one bite was all too vivid. Asi panicked and, before anyone could stop her, gulped down the roasted rabbit in one swift motion.

Ryder reached out but failed to stop her—the fur hadn’t even been plucked...

"Agh! Asi! You big meanie! Are you a demon?" Greed wailed.

Asi forced herself to swallow the entire rabbit, feeling uncomfortable, hiccupping repeatedly, her tail drooping limply to the ground, her dark eyes looking helplessly at Ryder.

"Hic~"

"Whimper... hic~"

Ryder’s manner grew serious as he looked at the little wolf, who seemed on the verge of tears, and led her to the lakeshore.

At the sight of water, Asi rushed over and began to drink greedily.

"Serves you right!" Greed scoffed coldly. "That’ll teach you to hog the food. Good things are meant to be shared!"

Asi pretended not to hear.

Ryder watched the little wolf, who was sprawled at the water’s edge, drinking desperately. He couldn’t help but sit beside her, his fair hand gently stroking her smooth gray back.

"Take it slow. I won’t take it from you," he murmured. "That rabbit was for you. I won’t fight you for it. Just eat a bit slower."

After drinking, Asi felt a little better, giving a few pitiful whimpers that made Ryder rub her even more.

Ever since returning to her true form, Asi especially liked being petted—especially now, after a good meal and a drink. Ryder’s hand was soft and comforting, gliding again and again along her fur. Asi felt utterly content, closing her eyes and stretching out on the ground, her tail occasionally brushing Ryder’s arm or leg.

Greed, utterly dejected, floated nearby, then finally gritted his teeth and hid behind a tree—out of sight, out of mind.

Ryder gazed at the little wolf lying before him. Whatever thought crossed his mind made his cheeks suddenly flush pink.

"Little wolf, are you... are you from the Wolf Tribe?"