Chapter 59: Do Not Urge Others to Be Forgiving Without Experiencing Their Suffering

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Do Not Urge Others to Be Forgiving Without Experiencing Their Suffering

Seeing Ophelia’s resolute attitude, Loki pursed his lips, caught in a dilemma.

On one hand, there was territory; on the other, ten young females. Neither condition was something he could easily agree to. But he desperately wanted to bring the medicine back to prove his worth. Once he secured the cure and healed his people, he would be a shoo-in for the position of Clan Leader.

Then again, he thought, once he became the Clan Leader, he could lead his people to expand their lands or encourage more births. The loss of territory and ten young females would only be a temporary setback for the tribe. However, he couldn’t guarantee his father and the tribal elders would see it the same way. He needed to head back and persuade them first.

"Ophelia, I can’t make this decision on my own. I have to go back and discuss it with my father and the elders."

"Fine. You have one day to consider. After that, don’t even think about asking for the medicine."

Regardless of whether Loki accepted the terms, the Golden Dragon Clan had nothing to lose. Loki nodded and turned around, preparing to head back.

"Father..." Amy’s timid voice rang out from behind him. She anxiously took two steps forward. "Father, do you really not want me anymore?"

In truth, she loved her father and wanted to live with him forever. She knew he loved her too, but he had just been bewitched by Aunt Miche. If possible, she hoped her father and mother could live together in the Golden Dragon Clan. Not only would their lives be secure, but they would also never have to see that wretched Aunt Miche again.

Loki froze at Amy’s voice. Hearing his daughter whimper made his heart ache. It felt as if his heart was being pierced by shards of glass, the pain so sharp he could barely breathe. She was, after all, the cub he had raised with his own hands. Yet, he still chose the Clan Leader position that was now within his grasp.

Gritting his teeth, Loki plunged into the rainy night without a single word.

"Father... no..." Amy cried reluctantly, running another two steps after him.

Her tiny frame was battered by the pouring rain. The physical pain worsened, but the ache in her heart was far more agonizing. Watching her father’s retreating figure, Amy knew deep down that she had been abandoned. Only when Loki completely disappeared from her sight was she forced to accept the harsh reality. She squatted on the muddy ground, wailing uncontrollably. Her tears mingled with the rain, dripping onto the earth.

Ophelia stood under the eaves, watching the scene coldly. It was as if the little female cub in front of her had absolutely nothing to do with her.

"Tyler, let’s go back inside," Ophelia said, turning toward the door and calling out to Tyler, who stood behind her.

"Okay." Tyler tore his gaze away from Amy and silently followed Ophelia into the stone house.

Once inside the small confines of the stone house, Ophelia’s rigid body finally relaxed. She sat in the grass nest, her eyes blank and hollow as she stared blankly ahead.

Tyler watched her quietly, acutely aware of her emotional turmoil. The Princess was deeply affected; she was just putting up a strong front, forcing herself to be indifferent to Amy. He had seen everything Amy had done to the Princess over the years, so it was no surprise that Ophelia refused to forgive her. If his own cub dared to treat the Princess like that, he would make them regret ever being born! No one was allowed to bully his Princess.

Tyler sighed. He stepped softly behind Ophelia and pulled her into his arms.

"Ophelia, don’t be sad. I will always be by your side," he said, his deep, magnetic voice incredibly gentle.

Ophelia turned and hugged Tyler, her arms wrapping around his lean torso like vines as she buried her face deep in the crook of his neck. "Tyler, I’m tired. I just want some peace and quiet."

Her warm breath brushed against his neck, sending a shiver down his spine. The familiar, intoxicating scent drifting into his nose instantly awakened memories of their previous intimate encounters.

"Okay," Tyler replied, his voice turning husky.

Ophelia didn’t let go for a long while. She leaned against his chest, drawing comfort from his familiar, pleasant scent to soothe her frayed nerves. She absolutely loved this aura of safety and unconditional acceptance. It felt as though as long as Tyler was there, she had nothing to fear.

Sensing Ophelia’s reliance on him, Tyler tightened his embrace, wishing he could meld her into his very bones. Feeling the precious woman in his arms depending on him, he remained half-kneeling beside the grass nest, quietly stroking her back.

After about ten minutes, Ophelia regained her composure and loosened her grip.

Tyler brushed her bangs aside and pressed his forehead against hers. "I’m going out to boil some water for you to wash your feet. You can soak them and relax a bit, alright?"

Ophelia didn’t speak; she merely gave a slight nod. Tyler stood up, tucked her in with a blanket, and stepped out of the stone house.

Fresh water was still incredibly scarce for the Golden Dragon Clan. They only had coconut water to drink. Any remaining clean water had to be saved for brewing herbal medicine. To conserve resources, tasks that didn’t require consumption—like washing feet—utilized rainwater.

Holding a wooden basin, Tyler headed outside to collect the falling rain. As soon as he stepped out, he ran right into Laxus, who was holding Amy in his arms. Amy had been changed into a dry set of animal skin clothes, and her hair was no longer dripping wet.

"Stop crying. Uncle will take you to see your mother, okay?" Laxus coaxed with uncharacteristic gentleness.

Laxus was already built much broader than the average male, with bulging muscles. Holding tiny Amy in his arms, she looked like a little doll against his massive frame. Furthermore, Laxus was deliberately softening his voice to speak to her, which completely contradicted his usual fierce, imposing demeanor. To anyone else, the sight would have been almost comical.

"Okay, thank you, Uncle," Amy nodded obediently.

"Stop right there," Tyler ordered, stepping in front of Ophelia’s stone house to block Laxus’s path.

"What’s the matter, Tyler? Amy is still running a high fever and she wants to see Ophelia. Why are you blocking the way?" When speaking to Tyler, Laxus’s voice reverted to its usual rough, booming volume.

"Ophelia is tired and needs to rest. She doesn’t want to see Amy," Tyler replied.

Only now did Tyler truly understand Ophelia’s exhaustion and sorrow. Even her own family refused to stand on her side, making it seem as if her ignoring Amy was the greatest sin in the world.

Yet it was Amy who had initially disrespected the Princess, even helping Loki and Miche bully and scold her. She had even declared in front of everyone that she didn’t want the Princess as her mother. Now, she simply turned around, said a few words, and expected immediate forgiveness.

How could it be that easy?

When Loki and Miche were spoiling her endlessly, Amy had completely rejected her biological mother. Now that Loki no longer showed her affection and had even abandoned her for Miche, she suddenly wanted her mother back. How could anyone toy with someone’s feelings like that? Hearts weren’t made of stone. How could Ophelia unconditionally accept and forgive her after being hurt time and time again?

"Waaah, I was the one who made Mother sad! I’m the one who wronged her!"