Zemirah doesn't have an idea about the thoughts of the group of Earth Swamp Tortoises. Otherwise, she would dumbfounded at their idea of seeking a beating for rewards.
It was Roch who was silently observing all along that noticed it.
"Silly," Roch said amusedly as the young lady continued to talk to the group of Earth Swamp Tortoise.
Zemirah thought she successfully managed to convince the group of Earth Swamp Tortoises after seeing them accept her compensation of spiritual fruits and a bottle of healing pills.
"I apologize for my sudden attack earlier-" Zemirah was halfway through her speech when the young Earth Swamp Tortoise made a sound, interrupting her.
"Roar~" No, don't apologize.
"Roar~" Yes, you are welcome to train with us again!
"Roar~ Roar~" That's right, the leader doesn't mind at all!
Zemirah doesn't understand their beast language so she was confused at the meaning of their roars. Meanwhile, Roch can clearly understand their meaning so he holds back his laughter while the leader has a black line on his head hearing his member's atrocious words.
His body was already healed so he easily managed to slap all of the other Earth Swamp Tortoise's head.
The ones who were hit quickly hid their heads inside their shell, with low whimpers behind them.
The leader was finally satisfied seeing their obedient looks, only then did he turn back to look at Zemirah who was watching their actions with amusement and confusion.
Who wouldn't when they the leader who was their protector a while ago suddenly started beating them? Anyway, Zemirah was flabbergasted at the sudden change of events.
"Ehem," She coughed to get their attention. The group of Earth Swamp Tortoise looked over, their eyes shining with hope that she'd give them more good things.
Zemirah pretended to have not seen it as she spoke, "I actually have another thing to ask you." Her eyes stared at the leader who nodded to her, indicating she continued speaking.
"Ahem, I wonder if you want any of your clan members to have an intention to contract with a human?" Zemirah asked after gritting her teeth, forcing the shameful emotion as she tried to kidnap an Earth Swamp Tortoise.
In fact, she could also buy a spiritual beast from auction houses and the black market, never mind that Roch can get her one from his connections. However, Zemirah has a hunch that someone or something here has a fate with her.
Maybe not her, but someone connected to her.
So she has to ask.
The group of Earth Swamp Tortoise paused at her words, probably not expecting it. After all, they just fought and reconciled, and now she is asking their members to be a contracted beast.
Zemirah saw their silence, so she added, "My disciple is an Earth spiritual root sword cultivator. I think having an Earth Swamp Tortoise as a partner would be good."
Her pink-tinted eyes are sincere, reflecting the Earth Swamp Tortoise. Her cheeks were somewhat flushed and her lips smiling wryly. Roch did not appear as he watched Zemirah negotiate with a group of spiritual beasts.
He may not know if this is her first contact with a spiritual beast where she spoke to them on an equal footing, but he knew that this was an important step she needed to take. And he is beside her at that important milestone.
This thought gave ripples to his cold heart, bringing spring to his winter world. Every second he spent together with her, he constantly realized her importance to his life. Little by little, she invaded his boring world.
Zemirah noticed Roch's stare, feeling tingly for a reason. However, she discarded this thought at the back of her head as she had an important business to settle at present.
The Earth Swamp Tortoise made low noises as they spoke with each other, acting like they were in an important meeting. She guessed that it must be related to her previous words.
"Roar~"
"Roar!"
"Roar…"
It was full of beast roars, with different meanings spoken to each other. Zemirah would love to understand their words to soothe her nervous nerves while waiting for their final decision.
Their discussion did not last long when the leader growled, seemingly concluding the meeting. Zemirah watched the leader turn to her, sending a soft roar while shaking his huge tortoise head.
Zemirah understood.
"Oh," She sighed in disappointment Before putting up a smile. "That's fine, I-" Her words were cut off when the leader spoke again.
"Roar~" The leader of the Earth Swamp Tortoise roared softly at the young lady who was about to leave in disappointment.
Zemirah clearly understood the words of the leader and the meaning of the roar made her eyes brighten in glee.
'My clan's members don't have an interest in becoming a contracted beast, however, we have some spiritual beast eggs that you can take with you.'
"Really?"
It was an unexpected outcome for Zemirah, yet it was the best surprise she could never expected.
"Roar~" Follow me.
Then the leader turned back to Zemirah, gesturing for her to follow to their cave where the spiritual eggs were hidden.
Zemirah didn't hesitate to follow, her steps seemed to be skipping as she excitedly anticipated having spiritual eggs that she would gift to her disciple, Wendy, and her lover, Roch, and then maybe Thea could get one too.
As for herself, Zemirah doesn't have an Earth spiritual root, so raising an Earth Swamp Tortoise didn't enter her mind. However, she would surely help the others in raising their spiritual beast.
They swam below the pond, whose depth seems to be deeper than the lake on Earth. Zemirah used a talisman to help her isolate the water, letting her swim freely underwater.
When they finally entered the Earth Swamp Tortoise's cave, Zemirah estimated she is almost 50 meters underwater.
"Roar~" Here we are.
Zemirah entered the cave with the group of Earth Swamp Tortoise, she walked beside the leader who led her to one of the hidden cave that houses their spiritual eggs.
The cave was clean and warm, she can feel the rich energy that nourishes the spiritual eggs.
Seeing the spiritual eggs, Zemirah's intuition throbbed fiercely, reminding her that this spiritual eggs is somewhat fated with her.