Mommy Wolf: Raise A Cub, Claimed By His Beast Daddy-Chapter 37: Godfather (I)

Marik scoffed again. "Just so you know, I didn’t try to save that little wolf. I only saved you, since you are my savior, not him."

"But still, by saving me, you’re also saving Jojo. I see his life as more important than everything else, you know?" Sisi chuckled. She stared at Marik earnestly and smiled. "I guess your life debt has been repaid then."

Marik glanced at Sisi. This was the first time she had looked at him with such a gentle gaze. Her enchantingly sweet features were highlighted as the firelight danced softly across her face.

She looked warm, so warm that Marik could feel the heat rush from the lower part of his body up to his face.

His face grew hot and red, so he looked away and said, "What were you doing anyway? Trying to fight a bear all by yourself. Do you think you’re strong enough just because you can control some weak plants? You should’ve screamed and called for me, since I’ve always been staying near your cave."

"Ahaha... I wanted to do that at first. But I didn’t want to set a bad example for Jojo," Sisi said.

"Bad example?" Marik frowned. "What kind of bad example would it be just because you screamed and asked for help?"

"I want to show him independence. I don’t want him to think that crying and begging are the only ways to save himself from a dire situation," Sisi said. She lowered her gaze shamefully after explaining her reasoning. "But I guess you’re right. I was foolish. I’m far too weak to set such an example. If only I were stronger, you wouldn’t have needed to step in and help."

"You—you risked your life just to set an example for that beastman? You’re too much, Sisi," Marik said bluntly.

"I still regret nothing, though," Sisi replied. "Besides, everything turned out well, right? Jojo saw my brave side, and he got to know you better. At least we didn’t set a bad example for him in the end."

The tiger beastman glanced at the boy sleeping peacefully in Sisi’s embrace, and he could barely suppress a scowl.

If only Sisi knew how wretched that little boy could become in the future.

Jojo didn’t need to avoid such "bad influence"—he would become bad himself, just like his father.

But Sisi had grown too attached to the Dawn Star. She wouldn’t listen if Marik told her that Jojo was dangerous.

Besides...

What would Sisi think if she knew Marik was the one who killed Jojo’s father?

Would she hate him?

Marik imagined it, and his heart went cold instantly.

’Yeah, that’s probably what would happen. She would hate me. If that little wolf knew what I did to his father, he might ask Sisi to avenge his father,’ Marik thought. He glanced at the gentle woman before him and knew that if things ever turned ugly and they had to fight, he wouldn’t be able to lay a scratch on her, even if he was far stronger than she was.

"So, what do you want to do after this, Marik?" Sisi asked.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I mean... you’ve repaid your life debt by saving me and Jojo. You don’t need to follow us anymore," Sisi said. "I remember you have a mission you haven’t finished yet. Does that mean you’ll leave?"

...

It was impossible for Marik to leave now.

First, his lifelong mission was right in front of him. He had to kill Jojo—no matter what.

Second, he felt... reluctant.

Yes, he was reluctant to leave Sisi alone.

What if she encountered another bear she couldn’t defeat? Would she simply succumb to her injuries and die without anyone knowing?

Would she foolishly throw herself into danger again just to set an example for Jojo?

This woman was far too stupid, for lack of a better word, for Marik to leave her behind.

"My lifelong mission can wait. My enemy has yet to appear," Marik replied, glancing at Jojo, who was still only a four-year-old cub.

Yes, his enemy was too young. It would be unfair to kill him now while he was still defenseless. It would be better to wait until he grew up. So Marik could gain the satisfaction of killing the Dawn Star.

"Besides, my life debt hasn’t been fully repaid yet," Marik added.

"Huh? But you saved us..."

"I did. But you didn’t just save me. You fed me and tolerated me when I followed you around. It’s only fair that I repay you by feeding you later, and continuing to follow you around. I have nothing better to do anyway," Marik declared without consulting Sisi, as if his words were an unshakable truth.

Sisi was stunned at first. She stared at Marik, who quickly averted his gaze and crossed his arms defensively.

"T-this decision has nothing to do with you, Sisi. I just feel like it. I’m a tiger. I can do whatever I want since I’m not tied to anyone."

"Pfft—"

"What’s so funny?!" Marik snapped, turning to glare at Sisi, who was trying to hold in her laughter. He wasn’t angry, but her stifled laughter embarrassed him so much that intimidation was the only thing he could think of.

"Sorry, sorry—it’s just funny to hear you talk so much," Sisi chuckled. "Alright, you can do whatever you want. But I have a request if you want to keep following us."

"What is it?"

Sisi lowered her gaze, gently patting Jojo’s head. "I want you to teach Jojo how to hunt properly. He... he probably lost his father by now. He doesn’t have a strong father figure to teach him how to hunt or fight his enemies. He needs someone to spar with, and I can’t do that since I’m not a beastman."

Marik’s eyes widened. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

"You... you want me to be his godfather?!"

"Yes, Marik. I think you and him would be a perfect fit," Sisi replied with a thin but reassuring smile. "So, what do you think? Are you willing?"