No Entry Except for the Master - Chapter 67 - The Return to the Beginning

Teia’s investigation into the legend of the werebeasts led him to the Rafelia Archipelago. The origin point of a legend typically held the most facts and direct connections.

At first, Teia assumed the archipelago was fictional, as there was no place by that name in the Empire. But after combing through old historical records, he found one book that briefly mentioned the Rafelia Archipelago.

It turned out that what is now called the “Land of Silence” or the “Island of Death” was once the Rafelia Archipelago—a name utterly incompatible with the legendary image of a land teeming with life and beloved by spirits.

The Rafelia Archipelago had once been land the Empire desperately coveted, but after all the werebeasts died and the spirits departed, it became a barren wasteland where no life could survive.

“It’s as if the land rejected humankind.”

Teia firmly resolved to visit the Rafelia Archipelago.

Lilith’s condition had not improved at all, plagued by increasingly intense nightmares. He had no qualms about comforting her as often as necessary, but once it began affecting her health, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

“No! Take me with you!”

An unexpected obstacle arose—Lilith herself. Showing extreme separation anxiety, she was terrified at the thought of being left alone for even a few days.

She lay listlessly on a cushion in rabbit form, but the moment Teia mentioned he might be gone for a while, she quickly transformed into her human form and clung to him, refusing to let go.

“Hmm…”

Teia didn’t want to take her to the island. He was already worried she might truly be a werebeast, and the thought that her irritatingly mysterious past might be real gnawed at him. Taking her to the very birthplace of the legend seemed reckless.

“If you behave, I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Absolutely not. If you leave me behind, I’ll… I’ll… uuu…”

Her eyes were already brimming with tears. Her tear-soaked eyes, already worn out from nightly nightmares, filled again.

Moved by the sight, Teia leaned in and gently licked the corner of her eyes to prevent the tears from falling.

“If you go without me, I won’t turn back into a human. I’ll ignore your heat cycles too, and even if you call me, I’ll pretend not to hear you.”

It was an adorably petty threat. She didn’t demand he stay—she just pleaded not to be left behind.

The words might’ve been weak, but her pitiful expression was Teia’s weakness. Not the content of the threat, but her face—so clearly about to cry all day if he left—was the real blow.

“You might regret coming. No matter what you learn there, you won’t be able to leave me. Sometimes it’s better not to know.”

“Then I’ll regret it. I’m good at regretting.”

Teia chuckled softly and pulled her into his arms. She fit perfectly in his embrace, as if she were made to be there. Given how much she insisted, Teia had no choice. Or rather, he used her insistence as an excuse to take her along—he himself didn’t want to imagine spending even a few days without her.