NTR: Stealing wives in Another World-Chapter 32: Whispers

The forest path stretched before them, dappled in fading sunlight, but Allen’s mind was on the conversation they’d just had. Fina walked beside him, her claws idly flexing, while Rinni trailed behind, occasionally glancing over her shoulder.

"So," Allen began, breaking the silence, "if the world’s ruled by these four races, and they’re all so obsessed with their little hierarchies, does that mean every kingdom has its own set of rules?"

"Not just kingdoms," Fina replied, her ears twitching. "Even towns. Who’s allowed in, who’s not. Who’s free and who’s property. It’s all decided by who’s on top. Humans have their noble families, elves their bloodlines, dwarves their mountain clans. Demons..." She trailed off, her tone darkening. "Well, demons are just bastards."

"Ruthless ones," Rinni added softly. "They don’t even pretend to care about fairness. If you’re weaker, you’re theirs. That’s the only rule they follow." frёewebηovel.cѳm

Allen shook his head. "And I thought Earth politics were bad."

Before Fina could ask what he meant, her ears perked up sharply. She froze, glancing at Rinni, who had also stopped. Both beastkin turned their heads toward a dense cluster of trees off the path.

"Footsteps?" Allen asked, lowering his voice.

Fina shook her head, her lips curling in a faint snarl. "Whispers."

Rinni nodded, her eyes narrowing. "It’s them. The adventurers."

Allen followed their gazes, straining to hear. Sure enough, faint voices drifted through the trees. He couldn’t make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable—sharp, sneering, full of venom.

"They’re talking about us," Rinni whispered, clutching at her skirt. "About you."

Allen raised a brow. "Me?"

Fina’s tail lashed. "And us. Mostly us." Her voice was laced with irritation, but there was something else underneath it—a simmering rage barely held in check.

The whispers grew louder as the adventurers’ conversation became more animated. Allen could finally catch snippets.

"...filthy beastkin... disgraceful..."

"...that human must be desperate or deranged..."

"...disgusting sluts..."

Rinni flinched at the words, but her cheeks flushed, and a faint shiver ran down her spine. "They... they really hate us," she murmured, her voice trembling. But her expression was conflicted, almost... giddy.

Allen’s jaw tightened. "Well, that’s some grade-A bullshit."

"They’re lucky they’re still alive," Fina growled, her claws flexing. "That elf especially. I should’ve ripped her throat out."

Suddenly, the voices turned sharp, followed by a yelp. Allen’s head snapped up just in time to see the beastkin boy from earlier stumble into view. His shoulders hunched, fresh bite marks marring his skin. The elf appeared behind him, her face twisted in fury.

"Move faster, you worthless mutt," she hissed, shoving him forward. Her teeth bared, and her hand darted out, gripping his arm with enough force to make him cry out.

Allen took a step forward, but Fina was already moving. He grabbed her arm just in time, holding her back as her claws extended.

"Let me go," she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. "That bitch—"

"No," Allen said firmly, tightening his grip. "Not like this."

Rinni, meanwhile, was trembling again—but this time, it wasn’t fear. Her lips parted in a soft gasp, and her knees buckled slightly. "They’re so cruel," she whispered, her voice tinged with something almost euphoric. "It’s... it’s awful..."

Allen glanced at her, his irritation growing. "Rinni, now’s not the time."

Her cheeks burned, but she didn’t respond, biting her lip as another shiver coursed through her. Allen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Between Fina’s fury and Rinni’s... unique reaction, keeping them in check was becoming a full-time job.

The adventurers were still talking, their voices carrying through the clearing.

"...should’ve left them in chains where they belong..."

"...that human’s just as disgusting, keeping their company..."

"...someone should teach him a lesson..."

Allen clenched his fists, every word making his blood boil. But he forced himself to stay calm, glancing between Fina and Rinni. "We’re not doing this. Not here. Not now."

Fina glared at him, her teeth bared. "You can’t just let them—"

"I’m not letting them do anything," he snapped. "But if we start a fight now, we’re the ones who’ll end up dead or worse. You know that."

Fina growled but didn’t argue. Rinni, however, seemed less concerned about the danger, her eyes glassy as she murmured, "So mean... so cruel..."

Allen groaned. "Rinni, for the love of—just snap out of it."

The boy stumbled again, his eyes darting toward the trio briefly before the elf yanked him forward. His shoulders slumped, and he disappeared into the trees, the whispers fading with him.

Allen exhaled slowly. "Alright. Let’s keep moving before this turns into something we can’t walk away from."

Fina hesitated but finally nodded, her claws retracting. Rinni followed, though her steps were unsteady, her cheeks still flushed.

As they resumed their walk, Allen’s mind churned. He’d let this go for now, but one thing was clear: this world needed a reckoning, and he was starting to think he might be the one to deliver it.

The trio walked in silence, the oppressive weight of the adventurers’ insults lingering in the air. Allen glanced back at Rinni, only to notice her lagging behind, her eyes half-lidded and unfocused. She stumbled slightly, her fingers curling and uncurling at her sides.

"Rinni?" Allen called, slowing his pace. Fina stopped beside him, following his gaze.

Rinni didn’t respond. Her lips moved in soft murmurs, repeating fragments of the adventurers’ cruel words.

"Filthy beastkin... disgraceful... unworthy..."

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, her breath quickening as if the words had taken root deep inside her.

"Rinni," Allen said again, sharper this time. He stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. The contact made her jolt, her wide, glassy eyes snapping to his.

"A-Allen," she stammered, her voice trembling. Her face burned brighter, and she bit her lip as if trying to suppress whatever emotions were bubbling up.

"What’s going on in that head of yours?" Allen asked, his tone more gentle now.

She glanced away, her fingers twisting the hem of her skirt. "I-I was just... thinking about what they said. About us. About me." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Disgusting... unworthy..."

Allen’s brow furrowed. "Rinni, don’t take that garbage to heart. Those people are nothing but—"

"I know!" she cut him off, her voice unexpectedly loud. She pressed her hands to her flushed cheeks, her ears drooping. "I know it’s cruel, but... but..."

Fina tilted her head, her tail flicking behind her. "But what?"

Rinni hesitated, her eyes darting between them. "It... it made me feel something," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I don’t know why. I shouldn’t, but I... I liked it." Her words came out in a rush, her body trembling as she hugged herself.

Allen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You’re really leaning into this whole masochist thing, aren’t you?"

Fina blinked, her ears perking up. "Hehe, our little bunny is such a cutie."

Allen crossed his arms, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Rinni, you’re a complicated little bunny, aren’t you?"

"I-I’m sorry," she muttered, her voice muffled behind her hands.

"Don’t apologize," Allen said, stepping closer. He placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair gently. "I told you before, right? You don’t need to hide who you are around us. If this is part of who you are, then own it. Just... maybe don’t let it take over completely."

Rinni peeked up at him, her blush deepening. "You mean that?"

"Of course I do." Allen offered her a small smile.

Rinni’s lips twitched into a shy smile, though her blush didn’t fade. "Thank you... both of you."

"Don’t mention it," Allen said, stepping back. "Now, let’s keep moving before those idiots decide to come back and test my patience."

As they resumed their walk, Rinni’s steps were lighter, though her occasional glances at Allen suggested her thoughts were still tangled. Allen sighed inwardly. This world was strange, but the people he’d found himself surrounded by? Even stranger.

Still, he couldn’t deny one thing—he wouldn’t trade them for anything.