Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 50: I can take my shirt off too, you know!

"Rory... where’s Paros? If he found you, why isn’t he here with you?" he asked, his brow furrowed slightly. His voice carried a mixture of curiosity and a subtle sting of disappointment.

Is this really how Paros protects her, as his match? Leaving her alone like this?

Rory glanced down at the crystal still glowing faintly in her palm, a gift that had saved her life not long ago, a reminder of the shadow bond that was supposed to exist between them.

"He had something important to take care of, so he left first," she replied calmly, shrugging off the unease she sensed in the question. She didn’t dwell on Paros’s absence. Everyone had obligations, after all, and she wasn’t particularly close to him.

Nor did he owe her anything, really.

Expecting him to prioritize her over his own responsibilities wasn’t reasonable. After all, he had already gone to great lengths to find her and even entrusted her with an expensive, life-saving crystal. That should have been more than enough.

When Rory finished speaking, Jasper’s expression tightened into a frown, while Dax’s face darkened with unmistakable anger.

"Paros went too far," Dax growled, his voice low and heavy with disapproval. "He knew you were in danger, yet he left you behind without a second thought."

As Rory’s match, abandoning her without concern for her safety was inexcusable. He didn’t deserve the title of her match at all.

Hearing Dax speak, Rory realized with a start that she had completely forgotten he was still nearby. Her heart had been so lifted seeing Jasper earlier that she had focused entirely on staying close to him, momentarily ignoring Dax’s presence and his watchful concern.

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly asked Jasper to put her down. "This... isn’t Paros’s fault," she explained hurriedly, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "Things between us are still complicated. I’ll explain everything in detail once we’re home. I promise."

Jasper’s gaze softened slightly, though he couldn’t help but respond. "Rory, I’ll train harder. I’ll level up until I’m strong enough that no one will ever treat you this way again." Paros’s power still surpassed his, making victory impossible at the moment, but Jasper’s determination was unwavering. One day, he would catch up, and anyone who dared harm Rory would regret it.

"I believe you," Rory said sincerely, her trust evident in her steady voice and the wide smile on her face. She had no doubt in her mind; Jasper was honest to the core, someone who would never speak falsely or give empty promises.

"This isn’t the right place to have this conversation," Dax suddenly interjected, his tone practical yet tinged with protective concern. "Let’s wait until we’re home. We’re still not safe here."

He was right. The forest, with its looming shadows and distant noises, was hardly a safe environment to talk about matters of trust and heart. They were wasting their time here.

"Even though she’s back," Dax continued, pointing his palm at Rory, "we should take her to the hospital first for a full checkup, just to make sure she’s completely safe and healthy before we head home."

Rory shook her head slightly. "I’ve already taken the healing potion Paros gave me. My injuries have healed," she assured them. Still, Jasper and Dax exchanged concerned glances. A proper medical checkup was always prudent.

Softly, Jasper said, "Rory, let’s just do a quick check, then we can go home. It’ll be fast, and it won’t hurt. We just want to be sure."

Rory understood their intentions and didn’t argue, though a thought flickered through her mind. What about Gina? Are she and her companions alright?

Dax answered before Jasper could even respond. "Don’t worry about your friend Gina. She’s fine. Only minor injuries. Her companions took her home three days ago."

Rory exhaled in relief at the news of Gina’s safety.

"Then let’s head back as well," she said after a pause, a sense of urgency creeping into her voice. After all she had endured, she longed to return home and rest.

"I’ll carry you out of the forest first, then we can take a Gravicar," Jasper said, his serpent tail unfurling gracefully as he scooped her up into his arms. His bare chest pressed against her side, warm and solid, causing Rory’s face to heat up once more.

Why does he never wear a shirt when his tail appears? Paros’s Dragon Kind tail always came with a fully clothed torso. Is this just a species difference?

Dax’s eyes burned with green-tinged jealousy. That shameless serpent is showing off again, clearly trying to seduce the Female Master. One day, I’ll win her heart, and he’ll lose his place completely. I can take my shirt off too, you know!

Just as the trio began to leave, a tiny, high-pitched cry echoed from the ground. "Chirp! Chirp!"

A small, dark creature flapped its shadowy wings frantically, hopping and calling out for Rory. "Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!"

Dax peered down at the tiny being, his expression twisted in disgust. "What... is that thing?" he muttered. It was so grotesque that he could hardly bear to look at it. Without hesitation, he lifted his foot and kicked the creature aside.

Rory’s eyes widened, and panic seized her voice. "Dax, no—!" But her warning came too late. A sharp, pitiful cry pierced the forest night as the tiny creature was sent flying.

Dax awkwardly pulled his foot back. "That ugly thing... is it yours?" he asked, a flicker of uncertainty in his tone.

Rory stepped forward, leaving Jasper’s protective hold. "It saved me in the valley. I promised to keep it." She sprinted toward where the creature had landed, her heart hammering in her chest. It looked like nothing more than a simple bird, but to Rory, it was precious. Please let it still be alive.

Jasper and Dax hurried after her, their concern mirrored in their hurried steps as they joined the frantic search for the little dark creature.