Chapter 98 [Fairy Tale] He Has a Little Gray Wolf (24)

Ryder did not go to the market in Red Hat Town, but instead traveled to the neighboring town. The people of Red Hat Town disliked him; if Ryder went there, he would only be humiliated. So he stopped going long ago. It was nothing more than spending a bit more time on the road.

“Please, please, don’t make a sound,” Ryder instructed the little wolf following behind him. Although this wasn’t Red Hat Town, the relationship between the other towns and the wolf clan was also quite delicate. The wolves belonged to the broader category of beastfolk, and in recent years, tensions between humans and beastfolk had grown increasingly strained. However, the wolves and humans were separated by the Black Forest, so there hadn’t been much direct conflict between them. The only exception was Red Hat Town, which was always at odds with the wolf clan. If anyone discovered Ryder had a little wolf with him, it would surely cause trouble.

Asu obediently let out a few soft whimpers. Along the way, Ryder talked almost constantly, and Asu replied occasionally. Greed floated along with Asu, lazily remarking, “You two are really something—one stammers, and the other’s mute. Hahaha.” One was the demon lord Shangyuan, who had crushed him countless times in the past, and the other was Asu, who had stolen his food on many occasions. Greed was in high spirits, especially seeing Shangyuan now so weak; he could hardly contain his delight.

Asu was furious, sticking her head out to threaten Greed with little growls. She was not mute—she was a little wolf. What a nasty, rotten Greed! Asu lifted her head angrily, mindful that someone nearby might see her. She didn’t stick her head out of the basket, but glared at Greed with her jet-black eyes, baring her teeth in a feeble threat as Greed drifted closer.

Unfortunately, no matter how big Asu tried to look, she was still just a wolf cub, hardly possessing any sharp teeth. Her attempts at intimidation sounded adorably childish. “Ha! You haven’t even grown all your teeth and you’re threatening me?” Greed mocked without mercy, proudly floating above Asu’s head, as carefree as could be.

Human markets truly offered many wonderful things. As soon as they entered, Asu sniffed eagerly from inside the basket. The air was fragrant and sweet… In the cramped space, she wagged her tail with difficulty, drooling so much that it nearly dripped onto her chest. It had been ages since she’d tasted sugar. Poor thing.

Ryder walked along, keeping an ear on the sounds behind him. He heard a few soft sighs from the basket and stopped in his tracks. He asked quietly, “Little wolf, what’s wrong?” Was she unhappy? Or was it too stuffy inside? Ryder frowned, looking genuinely worried.

Asu’s eyes brightened at his words. She tilted her head, wondering how to tell Ryder she wanted some sweets. She couldn’t go out, and she couldn’t speak. What should she do?

She pawed nervously at the basket, her whimpers filled with anxiety. Luckily, the market was noisy, so only Ryder noticed the faint sounds. Ryder glanced around—it all seemed ordinary. Except… He sniffed the air, remembering the clear look in the little wolf’s eyes and the sweet scent she carried.

“Do you want some candy?” Ryder asked. The moment he spoke, Asu’s tail wagged with irrepressible joy. If she could get out just then, she would surely lick Ryder all over in gratitude. Her little White was simply the best—indeed, the best in the whole world.

Ryder had guessed correctly. For some reason, his chest felt sweet, as if filled with honey. “Two sticks of candied hawthorn, please,” Ryder said, handing over a gold coin. He also bought Asu a variety of pastries. The aroma of date cakes filled the street, permeating the air with the rich scent of date paste. Ryder handed over gold coins without a second thought, buying an entire bag of date cakes.

(End of this chapter)