Brother Leopard sat cross-legged across from Fierce Tiger.
Throughout the latter’s rambling story, he hadn’t interjected a single word.
His spine was ramrod straight.
From Susu’s perspective, that physique, combined with his cold, imposing features and an aura like a newly drawn sword, wasn’t just drop-dead gorgeous—it made her feel an incredible sense of security!
‘She’d definitely picked the right person to back her up!’
To be honest, after listening to Fierce Tiger’s story, Susu did feel a sliver of sympathy for him.
But when she thought about how cruelly he had mauled to death the clansman who had been her final escort, she found it impossible to accept.
In this world, such an act might not have been wrong from Fierce Tiger’s point of view.
Still, whenever Susu recalled the look in that leopard’s eyes, her heart ached uncontrollably.
Even if Fierce Tiger wasn’t the instigator of the tragedy, he had, after all, taken part in her pursuit.
‘An accomplice?!’
‘So how could she possibly live with someone like that?!’
Although Susu wanted nothing more than for Brother Leopard to toss this detestable Fierce Tiger out so they’d never have to cross paths again, the decision was not hers to make.
But Brother Leopard, on whom both their expectations rested, remained silent.
He sat there quietly, just as he had upon arriving, sizing up the clearly impatient Fierce Tiger before him.
Finally, just as the tiger was about to lose his temper, Brother Leopard spoke.
“So, what does any of this have to do with me?!”
“…”
“…”
It wasn’t just Fierce Tiger; even Susu, watching from the sidelines, was left dumbfounded by Brother Leopard’s question.
‘Fine, his voice was as deep, rich, and enchanting as a cello—but did his attitude have to be so domineering, too?’
Susu blinked, her eyes turning starry as she gazed at Brother Leopard.
‘Yes, just like that!
Brother Leopard, I believe in you!
You can totally make this big cat die of anger without even lifting a finger!!’
“This is my territory.
You failed to watch over her and let her enter my jungle—that’s your own problem.
The fact that you’re weaker than me is already perfectly clear without you needing to point it out.
So…
what makes you think you’re in any position to sit here and negotiate terms with me?!”
Brother Leopard’s words didn’t leave Fierce Tiger a single shred of dignity.
This blatant humiliation caused Fierce Tiger’s expression to shift instantly.
He shot to his feet.
But before he could even raise a clenched fist, he heard Brother Leopard speak again.
“What?
Are you looking for another beating?
Don’t blame me for not warning you, though.
If you make a move now, I won’t hold back.
I’ll kill you on the spot to eliminate the problem for good.”
“That’s right!
I can’t beat you now.”
Brother Leopard’s words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing Fierce Tiger’s murderous impulse and calming him down.
He lowered the fist he had raised halfway, letting it fall back to his side.
After taking several deep breaths to steady himself, he looked down, then back up at Brother Leopard with a smirk and continued, “But don’t you forget, while this may be your territory, you’re all alone.
Can you guarantee you’ll be able to stay by this little female’s side at all times?
You’re stronger than me, yes, but you still have to hunt.
There will be times when you leave her by herself.
And when that happens…
do you really think you can stop me from launching a sneak attack on her?!”