Chapter Thirteen: The "Nanny" Mu Zhan

"White Tiger King, do you know what we’re here for this time? Since you’ve brought your cubs, remember that we elves are warriors, not babysitters. We don’t have time to look after your brood." No sooner had Zhou Tian stepped into the inner space of the Ancient War Tree—before he could even glance at his surroundings—than a thunderous roar nearly deafened him.

Turning toward the source of the voice, Zhou Tian saw the White Tiger King being half-lifted by its ear by an elf. Honestly, had he not witnessed it himself, Zhou Tian would never have believed anyone dared treat the White Tiger King in such a manner. While not the strongest, the White Tiger King was undoubtedly a top-tier magical beast, a force perched at the continent’s pinnacle. Who would dare act so boldly toward it?

Yet, not only did the elf do so, but judging by the White Tiger King's resigned expression, such treatment was hardly new. Zhou Tian was left wondering whether to praise the elf for her audacity or to scold the White Tiger King for its lack of backbone.

"Now, Bella, let me explain." Far from angered by the elf’s rudeness, the White Tiger King replied in a gentle tone, "Anna and the others kept pestering me to come along. I couldn’t stop them. It’s better I bring them now than have them sneak along later. Besides, you’ve brought plenty of Ancient War Trees this time; just leave one to keep watch over them. With our combined strength and the Ice Empire’s, does the Beast Empire really stand a chance?"

Bella’s expression softened slightly at the White Tiger King’s words. She turned to Anna with a smile and asked, "Little Anna, tell Mommy—is your father telling the truth?"

Hearing Bella’s words, Zhou Tian nearly doubted his own ears. Had he truly just heard Bella ask Anna to call her ‘Mommy’?

While Zhou Tian wrestled with confusion, Anna decisively confirmed Bella’s claim. She scampered into Bella’s arms, snuggled affectionately, and chirped, "Mommy, I wanted to come. I have to stay by Zhou Tian’s side, or I’ll miss his stories—and that would be terrible!"

"Oh, is that so? Our little darling loves stories—how clever she is!" In stark contrast to her treatment of the White Tiger King, Bella lavished Anna with praise, caring not at all whether Anna’s action was right or wrong. Then, she turned back and shot the White Tiger King another fierce glare.

Though the White Tiger King’s strength was likely on par with Bella’s, he seemed thoroughly cowed by her. Her glare made him look as if his legs might give out beneath him.

"Who is Zhou Tian?" Recalling her daughter’s words, Bella realized Anna had come to the battlefield solely to hear Zhou Tian’s stories. A spark of curiosity flared in her heart, prompting her to call out.

"I am," Zhou Tian replied, feeling a bit uneasy at Bella’s intimidating presence. Yet, since she addressed him by name, he couldn’t very well ignore her. Despite his trepidation, he answered honestly.

Bella’s face flashed with surprise when she saw Zhou Tian—clearly she hadn’t expected the ‘culprit’ who lured her daughter to the battlefield with stories to be a perfectly ordinary little snake.

But Bella was, after all, someone who could subdue the White Tiger King. Though surprised at Zhou Tian’s appearance, she quickly regained composure and offered him a nod and a smile.

She had no intention of conversing further. After another fierce glare at the White Tiger King, Bella turned to a nearby elf guard and ordered, "Take these little ones to Woodwar. Tell him his task is to protect them. If any of them get hurt, I’ll have him confined next to the Mother Tree for a thousand years."

"Yes, Commander!" The elf responded promptly, then led the group of white tiger cubs and Zhou Tian—the noncombatant—out of the space.

"Beautiful lady, may I..." Zhou Tian began, hoping to strike up a friendly conversation and perhaps glean some gossip.

"No loud voices in the camp. Unless it’s urgent, please keep your voice down," the elf interrupted, her expression stern and unyielding. Zhou Tian’s well-prepared words faltered in the face of her rebuff.

"Alright, I’ll keep my voice down," he replied offhandedly. He said no more, curling up dejectedly atop a white tiger cub and falling silent.

Zhou Tian’s defeat was plain to see. The elf’s stern demeanor had frightened the little white tigers as well, and what had been a lively group suddenly became quiet. Each cub lined up obediently behind the elf as they marched for about ten minutes, until they reached the base of an Ancient War Tree.

"Woodwar, Commander Bella orders you to safeguard these children!"

"What? Bella dares make me a babysitter?" At the elf’s words, the motionless Ancient War Tree suddenly sprouted a pair of fiery eyes. After a tremor shook the ground, the tree pulled its roots free and, with a branch pointed at the elf, protested angrily, "I object! I’m the mightiest warrior of the treefolk—I belong on the battlefield, not as a nanny!"

"Are you defying a military order?" The elf’s expression did not change in the slightest. She calmly asked Woodwar, then slipped the battle bow from her back and aimed it at him.

Woodwar was clearly enraged at being threatened, letting out several angry roars. Yet he also seemed deeply wary of the elf. Perhaps venting his frustration, or perhaps recognizing he was no match for her, he finally relented. Seeing the elf unmoved by his protests, he could only answer helplessly, "Fine, I’ll obey."

"Good." With Woodwar subdued, the elf had no desire to further complicate matters. She put away her bow and prepared to leave. But as she turned, she paused, glanced back, and said, "I forgot to mention—Commander Bella said that if you fail to protect these little ones, you’ll be punished with a thousand years of meditation beside the Mother Tree."

"You... damn you!" Woodwar was infuriated by the elf’s words. Had she said this earlier, he might not have reacted so strongly. Now, caught off guard and manipulated, it was impossible not to be angry.

Unfortunately, the elf seemed utterly unconcerned with Woodwar’s outrage. She cast him a casual glance and strode away without so much as a backward glance.