Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer-Chapter 73: Suspicious

Just as he reached his doorstep, he read the description of the last skill.

[Skill: Enhanced Perception

Tier: 1

Usage: 10G per five seconds

Description: Enhances the host’s auditory nerves, allowing them to filter sound waves from a mix of varying wavelengths. The host can detect footsteps from up to a kilometer away.]

Luke nodded in admiration. This skill was impressive as well, especially for a hunter.

He was eager to try them out, but right now, he was exhausted. Traveling had drained him more than hunting ever did.

Letting out a long yawn, he stepped inside and noticed Ginna and Dalia coming out of the latter’s room. Moments later, Monica followed. Their relaxed expressions suggested they were getting along well.

Seeing him, Monica beamed. "You’re back. How did it go?"

Luke shrugged. "Nothing serious. The chief just wants someone to take his daughter hunting."

Dalia’s brows lifted. "And he entrusted his daughter to you?"

Luke gave a wry smile under her judgmental gaze. "It was actually Gary. The chief didn’t name anyone specific, but Gary thought I’d be a good fit."

Dalia hummed, offering no further comment.

Ginna then spoke up, "I’ve been hearing about you from your mother. You must be quite the son to have her so smitten."

Luke’s brows rose as he glanced at the brunette beside her.

Seeing her soft cheeks flush red, he couldn’t stop his lips from curving into a smile. "Well... she’s the only one who never gave up on me, so it’s natural for me to be good to her."

Dalia suddenly felt a heavy weight press against her chest as she watched their interaction. Perhaps she was the only one in the house who understood that what they shared went beyond simple familial affection.

But... she could not say anything. She was no better than Monica. She had betrayed her own partner as well, so she chose silence, pretending she knew nothing.

Monica then said, "Ginna will be staying in your uncle’s room for now, but once he returns... we’ll have to arrange something else for her."

Ginna quickly shook her head. "No, please, don’t bother. I can sleep here." She pointed toward the dining hall.

Luke sighed at his mother’s concern. The look she gave him made her intentions obvious, she wanted him to handle it.

’Really... what a spoiled mother I have.’

Shaking his head, he said, "Tomorrow, some workers will come to build a bathhouse. I’ll ask them to add a small room connected to the house as well."

Ginna was taken aback. "No, Luke. You’ve already done so much for me. I can’t ask for more."

Luke replied honestly, "Don’t worry, I’m not doing this for you."

Ginna tilted her head in confusion, while a certain someone smiled like a delighted child, swaying from side to side.

Luke sighed with a helpless smile. Seriously, she was far too adorable.

He told them he would be resting in his room before walking away.

"I’ll call you for dinner," Monica said as he passed by.

Once inside, Luke tossed aside his shirt and pants, stripping down to his boxers before dropping onto the bed.

He crossed his arms beneath his head and closed his eyes. He needed proper rest.

....

"Where were you?"

Laila flinched at the question the moment she stepped into her room.

She slowly turned and saw Caleb standing there, brows furrowed and arms crossed.

"What do you mean?" she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Didn’t I tell you I’d be at Milinda’s? She needed my help—"

"I went to her house. You weren’t there, Laila," Caleb cut in, his voice heavy.

Laila’s eyes widened. "You... actually went to check on me?"

Caleb huffed. "You’ve been acting suspicious since yesterday. I was worried you might get yourself into trouble. But I didn’t expect you to lie to me."

Laila gritted her teeth. "Who gave you the right to talk to me like that?"

Caleb’s eyes narrowed. "I’m your mate, your man. You have to answer me—"

"Shut up, just shut the hell up!" Laila snapped, her voice trembling with frustration as she glared at him.

Clenching her fists, she continued, "What have you ever done for me as a man? You don’t earn a single stone. You just sit at the table and eat like a cow. While you sleep peacefully here, I’m the one worrying about rotation fees, food, everything. And now you say you’re my man and can question me?"

Caleb’s lips parted, then closed again, like a fish out of water. No words came.

Laila let out a bitter snicker. "You don’t care about what others say. But when people gossip about how useless the man I got is, I feel humiliated. Insulted. And about Milinda... I fought her because of you. Because she called you useless." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Caleb stood frozen in shock. He had asked her multiple times why she fought someone who had been her friend for so long. And now he had his answer.

Slowly, he stepped closer, his demeanor softening. "I... I didn’t know you were hurting this much because of me, Laila. I shouldn’t have raised my voice."

"No, go away." Her voice wavered as she pushed his hands aside.

But Caleb didn’t retreat. He gently pulled her into a soft embrace.

She sniffled in his arms as Caleb softly rubbed her back and said, "I am sorry...I suspected you...I should have talked things first."

Laila didn’t say anything and just remained hugged by him...but right now, more than anger she was feeling guilt.

He was right to suspect her since she, despite having a mate, has allowed someone to touch her in an intimate way. While she hadn’t cheated on him outright by allowing someone to claim her, what she did with Luke was nothing short of a betrayal.

Clutching the small pouch of coins in her hand she thought, ’I am sorry, Caleb...but for our future...I had to do it.’

••••••••

A/N:- Thanks for giving this story a chance.