Chapter 130: Get out

Caleb was furious, down to his core. He had never felt this much anger before.

This was between two mates, two partners. It wasn’t the first time he and Laila had fought. They had argued countless times, but until now, no one had ever interfered, let alone raised their voice against him.

And now, that brat dared to threaten him? Just because he had earned a few coins? Caleb was convinced Luke was relying on some kind of enhancing herbs to boost his strength and confidence, and one day, those same herbs would ruin his health.

But that didn’t concern him.

He was Laila’s mate. Their union had been sealed through ritual, with the blessings of both families. She knew that. She had accepted him willingly.

Their relationship might have been rocky. They fought often, and Laila was rarely satisfied with him. But in the end, she was still his mate, someone who had spent enough time with him to hesitate before letting him go.

Caleb might not be a strong fighter, but he knew how to use his words. If it came down to Laila’s decision, he was confident he could sway her, bend her thoughts in his favor.

He was her man, after all.

Click

The door opened, revealing the brat Caleb despised with all his heart.

"Luke... where is—ah." Monica rose from her seat, but before she could finish, she saw a familiar figure just behind him.

Relief flooded her as she rushed forward and pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. "Are you alright, Laila? Did you get hurt? Why did you go beyond the perimeter?"

So many questions, but Laila didn’t have the strength to answer. She only murmured softly, "I’m fine."

Then she turned toward Caleb.

He stepped closer, eyes glistening with emotion. "L-Laila... how could you? Just because we had a small argument, you... you put yourself in danger like that." He took her hand, shaking his head. "If anyone deserves to be punished, it’s me. Don’t ever risk yourself like that again... I nearly lost my mind the moment I heard you went toward the forest."

Luke rolled his eyes. Just how far could this act go? It reminded him of the petty villains from the dramas he hated.

Laila, on the other hand, stared at Caleb for a few seconds before speaking.

"If you were that worried... why didn’t you come looking for me?"

Caleb sniffled. "I-I was too weak to move, and you know how bad my condition was better than anyone." Then, suddenly, he dropped to his knees and lowered his head. "But I won’t use that as an excuse anymore. Do whatever you want to me. Slap me, beat me, curse me... I deserve it, Laila. I failed as your mate."

Luke’s irritation kept rising. If he could, he would have cut that sly tongue out already. But he didn’t want to traumatize his mother, so he held himself back and waited for the act to end.

"I’ve decided your punishment, Caleb. I don’t want you in my life anymore."

The words stunned everyone in the room except Luke. He only grinned inwardly, watching it unfold.

"W-What—"

Laila continued, her voice steady, "I’ve struggled enough in my life to say this. You’ve made my life miserable. If I can earn enough to support myself and still manage the household, why do I need you? Just to carry more weight?"

Caleb’s eyes stayed wide as he slowly rose to his feet. "How... how can you say that, Laila? Have I never done anything for you? It’s only recently that you had to start working. And I promise you, once I recover, I won’t let you face these days again."

"But even then, you’d only earn enough for us to survive. I don’t want that. I don’t want the constant fear of being pushed out of this village every day. So let’s end it here."

With that, she stepped past him, no longer willing to continue the conversation.

Caleb gritted his teeth and barked at Luke, "You’ve finally done it—"

"Look, I’m really not in the mood."

Caleb was cut off as a searing blade pressed against his neck, a firm hand gripping the back of his head and locking him in place.

Monica gasped, while Gustav tensed at the sudden turn of events.

Luke looked at the man, now pale with fear, and spoke coldly, "You’re done here. Leave now, or no one will care if you suddenly disappear today."

He slowly lowered the blade, his voice dropping further. "And if you say another word, I swear on my mother, I’ll stab you to death. So be a good boy and walk out."

Caleb glanced at Gustav, then turned to Laila.

She stood there in silence, her back facing him.

He didn’t say a word. Luke wasn’t someone who made empty threats, not when he swore like that.

Swallowing hard, Caleb gave a small nod. Luke released him.

Without another word, Caleb walked out of the house.

Silence settled over the room. No one spoke for a long while.

Then, Luke gestured toward Monica before the woman nodded and advanced towards her daughter.

Holding her shoulders, she slowly brought her away to her room.

Luke exhaled a sigh before stuffing his blade in the inventory before turning towards his father.

Gustav was a little shaken up by the whole mess as he rubbed the back of his head and said, "Well, you surely wouldn’t want some ale, would you?"

Luke chuckled, "Why not?"

He hadn’t drunk in a while. Actually, after rebirth not even once, even though he used to start his morning with a good shot.

And with nothing else to do this evening, he would rather get a little drunk and wasted.

•••••••••••

A/N:- See the development with Laila before judging. She would become a loyal servant rather than a partner. Again, I am very choosy about the harem but Laila is now a part of his family.

Thank you for reading.