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Short filmTranscript
00:00After the great war between humans and beasts, both sides agreed to let the half-beasts govern the world.
00:05Every hundred years, a union between humans and beasts would be arranged.
00:09The first half-beast child of the generation would be the next ruler of the human-beast alliance.
00:13In my past life, I chose to marry the eldest son of the wolf clan.
00:17Renowned for his unwavering devotion, I was the first to bear him a child and rare half-beast white wolf.
00:22Our son was named the next ruler of the human-beast alliance, and my husband, by extension, rose to immense
00:28power.
00:28My younger sister, who had chosen to marry into the fox clan out of vain admiration for their beauty, was
00:34not so fortunate.
00:35The fox clan's heir, a notorious philanderer, eventually contracted a disease and lost his ability to father children.
00:41Jealous and resentful, my sister set a fire that burned both me and my young white wolf son alive.
00:47When I opened my eyes again, it was the very day of the human-beast mating ceremony.
00:51This time, my sister was quicker she climbed into the wolf clan heir Jacob's bed before I had the chance.
00:56I knew then, she had been reborn too, but what she didn't know, was that Jacob's nature was cruel and
01:02violent.
01:03He worshipped bloodshed, not love, and he was anything but a worthy mate.
01:07Clarice, Jacob and I truly love each other. Can't you just let us be together?
01:11We've already shared a bed. If I don't marry him, how could I ever marry anyone else?
01:16In a daze, I heard my younger sister Bella crying out. Father stood nearby, speaking up in her defense.
01:22Clarice, maybe you could choose another fiancé instead. Bella just made a mistake in a moment of poor judgement.
01:29He had always been biased toward Bella. After all, she was the legitimate daughter of his official wife.
01:34While I was merely the illegitimate child from one of his affairs, I looked at Bella, who was kneeling on
01:40the ground.
01:41Though her face was streaked with tears and full of pitiful sorrow, the ambition and excitement in her eyes were
01:46unmistakable.
01:46I knew then, she had been reborn too. And this time, she had made it to Jacob's bed before I
01:52did.
01:52In my past life, I had chosen Jacob, the eldest son of the wolf clan, as my fiancé.
01:58I saw the serpent clan as cold-blooded and unfeeling, the fox clan as frivolous and unfaithful, and the dragon
02:04clan as proud and arrogant.
02:06Only the wolf clan, known for their loyalty and devotion, seemed worthy of trust.
02:11Six months after marrying Jacob, I got pregnant with our child. And then, I gave birth to a half-beast
02:17white wolf, our son Tristan.
02:19As the first half-beast child born from the human-beast union, Tristan naturally became the next leader of the
02:24human-beast alliance.
02:26Bella, enamored by the fox clan's beauty, had chosen their heir, Lucien. But she didn't expect him to be a
02:32shameless womanizer, constantly entangled with other lovers.
02:35Eventually, she contracted a disease because of him one that left her infertile and scorned by the fox clan. She
02:41blamed me for her misfortune, jealous that I had lived a better life than she did.
02:45One night, she drugged me in secret and set a fire that burned both me and Tristan alive. At the
02:50mammary, hatred surged in my chest.
02:53I wanted nothing more than to kill Bella right then and there and avenge Tristan. I clenched my fists inside
02:58my sleeves.
02:59The pain in my palms sobered me slightly. Then I slowly nodded, masking my fury with a look of understanding.
03:05If Bella and Jacob truly love each other, I'd never stand in the way of their happiness.
03:10Bella hadn't expected me to agree so easily. The tears she had squeezed out now hung awkwardly at the corners
03:15of her eyes.
03:16Bella, get up now. Hurry and thank your sister for stepping aside.
03:20Father urged, clearly relieved.
03:22TH thank you, Clarice.
03:24Bella beamed as she rushed out, eager to bring the good news to Jacob and the wolf clan.
03:28Girls really do grow up and slip away too quickly.
03:31Father joked, but when he turned and saw the cold indifference on my face, his voice faltered.
03:37Clarice, among the eligible Beast Clan heirs, only two remain, Draco of the Serpent Clan and Lucien of the Fox
03:42Clan.
03:43I still think the Fox Clan would be a better match, better looks, higher status, clearly superior to the Serpent
03:48Clan.
03:49Besides, Bella once said.
03:51I cut him off.
03:52Father, I choose to marry Draco of the Serpent Clan.
03:55To most humans, snakes were cold-blooded and heartless.
03:59And that prejudice extended to the Serpent Clan Beastmen.
04:02For thousands of years, no human had ever chosen to marry into the Serpent Clan.
04:06As a result, they had never produced a single ruler for the Human-Beast Alliance.
04:11Eventually, they were cast out from the ranks of the five great beast families and reduced to the lowest tier
04:16of the beast clans, deny even the smallest share of resources.
04:19But in my past life, as the fire consumed me, I saw a pair of emerald green ice Dracos.
04:25He tried to save me, but the flames were too fierce, and he could do nothing.
04:29Although Father disapproved of my decision, when he saw the resolve on my face, he didn't press further.
04:34He simply sighed and tried to console me.
04:37If your life in the Serpent Clan becomes too difficult, perhaps Bella can help you out.
04:40But when Bella found out I had chosen to marry into the Serpent Clan, she couldn't resist mocking me to
04:46my face.
04:46Clarice, even if you couldn't marry Jacob, surely you didn't have to stoop to the declining Serpent Clan?
04:51Don't end up starving to death before you even manage to bear a child.
04:55I heard they're struggling just to stay fed these days.
04:58The wolf clan is wealthy beyond measure.
05:00Even their bathwater is infused with precious divine herbs.
05:03If your life gets too miserable, I can pack up some leftovers and send them your way.
05:07She covered her mouth and burst out laughing, ignoring the awkward glances from the servants around us.
05:13In Bella's eyes, the wolf clan had vast resources, and Jacob's devotion would guarantee a swift pregnancy.
05:19She was certain I'd miss my chance at bearing the first half-beast child.
05:22But she had no idea how difficult it was for humans and beast folk to conceive.
05:26Nor did she know how obsessed Jacob was with having an heir.
05:29When I didn't show signs of pregnancy after six months, he began taking out his frustration on me, tormenting me
05:35day and night.
05:36Only after I used a secret technique to conceive and gave birth to Tristan, securing the wolf clan's claim to
05:41power, did Jacob finally relent.
05:43I offered Bella a calm smile.
05:45You needn't worry about me, dear sister. Since I've chosen my husband, I'll live with my decision without regret.
05:51What's there to be proud of? You're marrying a penniless nobody.
05:55Infuriated by my composure, Bella slammed the table, scattering the pastries across the floor.
06:00I'll be the first one to get pregnant. My child will definitely be the next ruler of the alliance.
06:05I ignored her tantrum and went off to prepare for my wedding in three days.
06:09In one thing, she wasn't wrong the serpent clan was indeed very poor.
06:13I worried they might not even have the money for a proper gown. So I planned to prepare one myself.
06:18To my surprise, that very evening, Draco came in person to deliver my wedding dress.
06:23It was the first time I truly saw his face. His skin was pale, almost bloodless.
06:28His long, narrow eyes carried a quiet authority, and the emerald green of his irises held a mysterious depth.
06:34Yet the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye lent a subtle grace to his otherwise austere expression.
06:39Inside the box lay a floor-length gown of deep green tulle.
06:42The bodice shimmered faintly with scales snake scales stitched into the fabric.
06:46I had never seen such a beautiful dress. For a moment, I was completely captivated.
06:51Clarice. Draco said calmly.
06:53This gown was hand-stitched by our serpent clan's finest seamstresses. Each scale was a blessing offered by our people.
06:59His gaze carried a deliberate detachment, as if the person marrying me wasn't him at all.
07:04This is the first time our serpent clan has ever wed a human. If anything has been done poorly, you're
07:09welcome to tell me.
07:11I replied.
07:12I truly love it.
07:13Just as I was about to put the dress away, Bella strolled in, arm in arm with Jacob, smug and
07:18beaming.
07:19Clarice. Don't tell me this is the only gown you got. Jacob had ten dresses made for me. Ten.
07:25Jacob looked down at Bella with affection in his eyes. Bella only knew of the wolf clan's famous loyalty.
07:30But she didn't understand it was rooted in their biological instincts and their intense obsession with offspring.
07:36If she failed to conceive, would Jacob still treat her with such tenderness?
07:40Draco's grip on the serpent staff tightened slightly before he raised his eyes to meet mine.
07:44If the serpent clan has caused you any grievance, Clarice, I can promise you this. Ia Draco will never betray
07:50you in this lifetime.
07:51Bella snorted.
07:52Anyone can talk sweet. Let's see if you can actually produce a child.
07:56Now, all she ever talked about was children. Her infertility in her past life had become a throne in her
08:01heart.
08:02And now she was fixated on getting pregnant. Even before marrying Jacob, she had already moved into his home.
08:08In that sense, she and Jacob were a perfect match both obsessively fixated on airs.
08:13Bella, perhaps you should focus on your own wedding. People might start to think you've set your sights on my
08:17fiancé instead.
08:19I smiled faintly, and under the sour expressions of Bella and Jacob, I took Draco's hand and walked away.
08:24Behind me, I could still hear Bella's shrill voice clinging to Jacob, her words faint but unmistakable.
08:30Pregnancy, child, next ruler, oh, my foolish sister.
08:34Even after a second chance at life, she still believed that a child was her only path to power.
08:39Draco's cool voice sounded beside my ear.
08:41Clarice, I know you chose me because you had no other option, but I promise, within my power, I will
08:47never let you suffer.
08:48I turned instinctively at the sound of his voice and accidentally stumbled into his chest.
08:52A strange yet pleasant scent drifted into my nose. I looked up at him and said,
08:56Slowly, with deliberate clarity, Draco, I chose you willingly.
09:00A flicker of something unreadable passed through Draco's eyes.
09:03Alright, Clarice.
09:05Three days later, the wedding arrived as scheduled. Both ceremonies were held in the same grand restaurant.
09:11The Wolf Clan's wedding was even more extravagant than in my previous life.
09:15They had gone so far as to invite the recluse of Phoenix Clan to perform, and all the major noble
09:20houses attended in full force.
09:21Meanwhile, the serpent clan celebration was quieter, with no distinguished guests, yet the clan members being with genuine joy.
09:28After all, this was their first marriage to a human assigned they might finally have a chance at producing the
09:33next ruler of the alliance.
09:35After the ceremony, I ran into Bella face to face.
09:38She deliberately tilted her chin, making sure I noticed the marks on her neck.
09:42Clarice, I didn't know wolf men had such, stamina. At this rate, I'll be giving them an heir in no
09:48time.
09:48I smiled politely. Then I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
09:52Bella was grossly underestimating the difficulty of pregnancy between humans and bee skin.
09:57Our species was fundamentally different. Even in the best conditions, natural conception took at least a year.
10:03She assumed I got pregnant easily in our past life, and so she believed the same would come just as
10:07easily to her.
10:08She even boasted to the Wolf Clan that she'd be pregnant within six months.
10:12Word had spread quickly. Seeing how confident she was, Jacob hadn't even questioned it.
10:17But to Bella, my composure looked like a personal challenge.
10:21Forget it. It's not like you'd understand anyway. You've married into a beggar's den.
10:26She shot a disdainful glance at the serpent clan members nearby, lifted her skirt, and walked past me.
10:31I grabbed her arm, stopping her.
10:33Bella, apologize. Apologize to the serpent clan.
10:37Her expression darkened. She yanked her arm free and yelled.
10:40Clarice, have you lost your mind?
10:42The remaining guests in the hall stopped to watch as we argued, eager for the drama.
10:47In the end, our father had to step in.
10:49Once he understood what had happened, he forced Bella to apologize to the serpent clan.
10:54Though the serpent clan ranked lowest among the bee skin, they would still unite against human humiliation.
11:00Before leaving, Bella shot me a vicious glare and muttered under her breath.
11:03Clarice, I'm going to win this life. Just you wait.
11:07On our wedding night, I stared at Draco's bare body, frozen in place.
11:11No one had ever told me snakes had to.
11:13Seemed emotionless on the bed, Draco misunderstood.
11:16With a pale expression, he bent down to gather his clothes and began dressing.
11:20What do you think you're doing?
11:22I snatched the fabric from his hands, my displeasure written all over my face.
11:26Aye, I thought you didn't want to.
11:27He stammered, standing awkwardly by the bed, the emerald in his eyes dimming.
11:32If he wouldn't make the first move, then I would.
11:35I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the bed.
11:39As our bodies touched, that subtle, familiar sense surrounded me again.
11:43Draco, you smell really nice.
11:45I murmured without thinking.
11:47He froze for a moment, then the tits of his ears turned faintly pink.
11:51The next moment, his kiss deepened.
11:53Trailing from my forehead all the way down.
11:55Fingers interlaced, we shared a night of wild pleasure.
11:58I had once believed the wolf clan strength made them the best choice in bed.
12:02But the serpent clan had their own, unique qualities.
12:05Draco didn't stop until dawn with the sky, and I practically begged for rest.
12:09Three months later, news broke, Bella was pregnant.
12:13I was stunned, in thousands of years.
12:15No human had ever conceived with a bee skin in just three months.
12:19Had I not seen her swollen belly with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it.
12:23The wolf clan threw a grand celebration for the unborn child, inviting all the noble families to share their joy.
12:29Our ancestors must be watching over us.
12:31A child in just three months, what a miracle.
12:34Jacob raised his cup high, pride written all over his face.
12:37Many guests approached to flatter him, eager to earn the wolf clan's favor.
12:41Everyone agreed, the next ruler of the alliance would undoubtedly come from the wolf clan.
12:46Now was the perfect time to curry favor.
12:48By status, I should have been seated with Draco at the end of the banquet hall.
12:53But Bella had insisted to Jacob that I be placed beside her.
12:56She couldn't pass up a chance to show off.
12:58As she stroked her belly, she cast me a smug look.
13:01Please.
13:02Three months, and still no news from your belly.
13:05Seems like you're really lacking.
13:07Half-beasts matured rapidly.
13:09Two months was enough for them to be born.
13:11Based on her size, her child would arrive next month.
13:14But she had no idea how large half-beast infants were.
13:17Without managing her diet, she'd suffer greatly during labor.
13:20I had carefully controlled my weight in my past life.
13:23Yet childbirth still took a full day and night.
13:25And the pain nearly made me wish for death.
13:27But the moment I saw my child safely born, sleeping peacefully in my arms,
13:31I knew I had no regrets.
13:33I took a sip of wine and said flatly,
13:35Historically, the quickest conception between human and beast kin took a full year.
13:39But you took only three months.
13:41Whatever methods you used, only you know.
13:43Bella whipped her head toward me, her eyes darting in guilty panic.
13:47Clarice, what are you implying?
13:48She couldn't even withstand the slightest probing.
13:51Bella still couldn't keep her composure.
13:53May you have a safe delivery, Bella.
13:55I raised my glass to toast her.
13:57Then left the banquet with Draco by my side.
13:59One month later, Bella endured three full days and nights of labor before finally giving birth.
14:04But seven days passed, and the wolf clan still hadn't announced the child's arrival.
14:09Even when father tried to visit, they refused him entry.
14:12There was no doubt something was wrong with the child.
14:14Half a month later, father summoned me home.
14:17Seeing the worry in Draco's eyes before I left, I finally relented and asked him to come with me.
14:22In the living room, Bella sat on the floor sobbing, clutching a half-beast red wolf pup in her arms.
14:27This is Jacob's child. Isn't a color mutation in wolf fur completely normal?
14:31Bella climbed stubbornly to the claim that the red fur pup was Jacob's.
14:35But what she didn't know was that Jacob was a purebred white wolf.
14:38His bloodline had never carried the gene for red birds.
14:41Jacob's expression was stormy, his entire body radiating fury.
14:45Bella, whose bastard is this? Who did you sleep with behind my back?
14:49If you don't tell me the truth right now, I'll kill this mongrel myself.
14:52Our father, pale with fear, rushed to intervene.
14:56Jacob, calm down. This must be some kind of misunderstanding.
15:00Bella loves you so much. How could she possibly betray you?
15:03Encouraged by father's support, Bella quickly brought the child to Jacob, her voice soft and coaxing.
15:08Look, he looks just like you. His eyes are identical.
15:12Jacob coldly took the red pup from her arms.
15:14The small wolf pup, who had been sleeping soundly, burst into loud, terrified wails the moment it saw Jacob's face.
15:21That heart-wrenching cry stabbed through me like a knife, evoking the memory of Tristan screaming in the fire in
15:26my past life.
15:27Pain seized my chest. I could barely breathe.
15:29My brows furrowed tightly. Draco noticed my discomfort and gently covered my ears, mistaking my distress for a dislike of
15:36a child's crying.
15:37Filthy mutt.
15:38Jacob cursed, raising the red pup high above his head, then suddenly hurled it toward the ground with all his
15:44strength.
15:44Draco and I lunged at the same time. In the end, the little red pup landed safely in Draco's arms.
15:50No matter how much I wanted to destroy Bella and Jacob, the pup was innocent.
15:54Everyone in the hole was stunned, especially Bella.
15:57Her face went ghostly pale, and she trembled uncontrollably.
16:01Jacob, how could you be so cruel?
16:02Jacob looked at her with none of the affection he once had.
16:06Bella, the Wolf Clan values loyalty and devotion to our mates. You betrayed me clearly. What right do you have
16:12to accuse me of cruelty?
16:13If there was one redeeming quality about Jacob, it was his unwavering loyalty. In our past life, even after I
16:20failed to conceive for six months, he never considered taking another mate. He just tortured me to vent his frustration.
16:26I wonder now if Bella would be able to endure that same devotion. The argument between them exploded in the
16:31hole. Bella insisted she had never cheated, while Jacob refused to acknowledge the red pup as his own. Our father,
16:38completely at a loss, turned to me.
16:40Clarice, what do you think?
16:42What did I think? This pup wasn't even mine. I only came here for the show. I had no intention
16:47of getting involved. Draco stepped in calmly.
16:50I've heard that the Phoenix Clan possesses a bloodline recognition technique. Since the wolves and Phoenixes have always been close,
16:56why not invite them to verify the child's parentage?
16:59Bella immediately rejected the idea.
17:01No. This is my and Jacob's child. We don't need the Phoenix Clan to confirm anything.
17:06But Jacob nodded coldly.
17:08We'll do as he sees.
17:09News of the Phoenix Clan's involvement spread like wildfire. People were already curious about the Wolf Clan's newborn half-beast,
17:16and three days later, crowds flocked to the Wolf Clan's domain to watch the ritual.
17:20Under the Phoenix's spell, five crimson marks flew from the red pup's forehead. One mark landed on Jacob's hand, and
17:27the other four shot off toward various residences within the Wolf Clan territory.
17:31You are one of the child's fathers.
17:33The Phoenix priest declared solemnly. A ripple of gas swept through the hole.
17:38What do you mean one of the fathers? You mean this pup has multiple dads. But the pup clearly carries
17:43red wolf blood. Jacob is a purebred white wolf. Bella really knows how to have fun. With a personality like
17:49that.
17:49She should have married into the Fox Clan instead.
17:52I stood in the crowd with Draco, protected within his arms. Hearing the murmurs around us, I nearly laughed out
17:58loud. I had always wondered how Bella managed to get pregnant.
18:01Now that the truth was out about the pup having multiple fathers, it all made sense. Bella had likely sought
18:06out several lovers within the Wolf Clan to increase her chances of conceiving a shotgun fertility gamble.
18:12But she hadn't accounted for one red wolf with particularly dominant genes unintentionally exposing her plan. Was she clever or
18:19just reckless? If she wanted to take that kind of risk, why not stick to white wolves? Why go and
18:25add a red wolf to the mix?
18:26Jacob's expression was black as thunder. His fists clenched tightly, and he shouted at the servants.
18:32Bring me every wolf in the clan who bears that same crimson muck.
18:35Soon, four wolf beast men were brought in. Three of them were white wolves. One was a red wolf. When
18:41I saw the red wolf's face, even I couldn't help but let out a sigh. That seductive beauty could rival
18:46anyone from the Fox Clan.
18:48Bella had always been obsessed with appearances. No wonder she risked everything for a night with him.
18:53Jacob stared at the four beast men none of whom denied their involvement and completely lost his temper.
18:58You stood before me and swore you'd bear me a child, and this is how you repaid me.
19:02Bella rose to her feet, still clutching the baby. She wiped her eyes and sniffled dramatically.
19:08If you hadn't been whispering in my ear every day about how badly you wanted a child, I wouldn't have
19:12had to take such desperate measures.
19:14If you weren't so useless, would this child look like a red wolf?
19:17Her voice grew increasingly self-righteous.
19:20And didn't the phoenix just say the child is yours? Isn't that enough? The next ruler of the alliance will
19:25still come from the wolf clan.
19:27Why are you blaming me? You should be grateful.
19:29At her words, the leaders of the Fox and Dragon Clan stepped forward from the crowd.
19:34The Fox and Dragon Clan leaders immediately stepped in to challenge Bella's claim.
19:38We do not recognize this half-east. The original agreement clearly stated the child must be born of a unicorn.
19:44It is a union between a human and the firstborn son of a beast clan household.
19:47If the wolves start bending the rules like this, what happens to Bloodline Pyridae?
19:51Who knows what kind of monsters we'd end up with?
19:54Oof. This matter requires the unanimous consent of the remaining four clans.
19:58As far as the Fox and Dragon clans are concerned, we firmly disagree.
20:02The phoenix clan, standing quietly to the side, also voiced their stance.
20:06Our clan has long withdrawn from worldly affairs. We will not participate in these political decisions.
20:12Four clans, one abstained, two objected.
20:15As for the lonely snake clan, no one even bothered to ask their opinion.
20:19Whatever sliver of hope Jacob had felt after hearing Bella's words instantly vanished.
20:23Rage consumed him once more.
20:25Bella, look at what you've done. You've disgraced the entire wolf clan.
20:29On our way home after the spectacle, Draco remained unusually quiet.
20:33Only after my persistent prodding did he finally speak his mind.
20:37You were staring at that red wolf just now. Were you thinking, I'm not good looking enough?
20:41His jealous tone made me grin. And just like that, I decided to tease him.
20:46To me, no one's more handsome than you, Draco. Especially at night.
20:50I didn't get out of bed for an entire day after that.
20:53A month later, Bella showed up at the snake clan, battered and bruised, begging for my help.
20:58Her eyes were red with tears.
21:00Clarice, please, help me.
21:03Jacob's gone mad. He says if I can't give him a child that's truly his, he'll torture me every single
21:08day.
21:08I can't take it anymore. If I don't get pregnant soon, I'll die.
21:12Do you know any secret techniques that can help?
21:15Her words didn't shock me in the slightest.
21:17After all, I had lived through this nightmare in my past life.
21:21Bruises covered her exposed skin.
21:22Fresh wounds layered over old scars.
21:25But she had brought all of this upon herself.
21:27In my previous life, she tricked me into coming home, pretending she missed me.
21:31Then she drugged the water my son and I drank.
21:34When we were too weak to resist, she set the house ablaze and trapped us inside.
21:38I still remember the way she looked at me before leaving eyes mad with hatred as she screamed.
21:42Clarice, your life was supposed to be mine. I should have married into-
21:45Before I could even finish speaking, Draco leapt out of bed, dressed, and bolted out the door to fetch the
21:51physician.
21:52I gently pulled my hand free from hers and calmly replied,
21:55Bella, it's not that I don't want to help you. It's simply that pregnancy between humans and beast kin is
22:00incredibly rare.
22:01After giving birth, your body was damaged. It'll take at least three to five years before you can even try
22:06again.
22:06The shot to her feet, her eyes flashing with fury.
22:09You're lying. You just don't want to help me. You can't stand to see me happy.
22:14I don't need your help. I'll find another way. You think you can beat me to it. You'll never give
22:19birth before I do.
22:20She flung open the door and stormed out. I could only shake my head. Everything I said was true.
22:26Pregnancy between species simply couldn't be forced. In my past life, the only reason I succeeded was because of the
22:31mermaid blood that flowed through my veins.
22:33Back when war broke out, the mefolk refused to ally with humans and retreated into the ocean depths, cutting ties
22:40with the outside world.
22:41My mother, still young and reckless at the time, had shapeshifted into human form and ventured onto land, where she
22:47fell in love with my father at first sight.
22:49To stay with him, she severed her tail and transformed permanently into a human. It cost her dearly she only
22:55had five years left to life.
22:57Before she died, she gave birth to me and sealed away my beastly nature.
23:00My folk are naturally fertile. In my past life, I broke the seal on my beast blood to bear Jacob
23:06a child.
23:06It was a slow form of suicide. Though I eventually succeeded in conceiving my mermaid essence drained day by day,
23:12until my life ran out.
23:14This time, I would never sacrifice myself so foolishly again. I thought I made peace with the idea of never
23:20becoming pregnant in this life, until something unexpected happened.
23:23Two months later, one night, Draco placed a hand on my belly, and suddenly froze.
23:28Clarice.
23:29He asked.
23:29When was the last time you had your period?
23:31I stopped and thought carefully. It had indeed been almost two months. My belly had only slightly rounded, so I
23:38just assumed I gained a little weight.
23:40I stared at him, stunned.
23:42That can't be, can it?
23:43Before I could even finish speaking, Draco leapt out of bed, dressed, and bolted out the door to fetch the
23:49physician.
23:49Less than 15 minutes later, the doctor arrived in our room. He placed his fingers on my wrist and began
23:54to examine my pulse, his brow furrowing deeply as he alternated between shaking and nodding his head.
23:59The room was oppressively quiet. Draco sat beside me, his face edged with concern.
24:04Finally, the physician stood and offered us a congratulatory bow.
24:08Congratulations, Draco.
24:10Clarice is two months pregnant.
24:11Judging by the signs, she should be ready to lay her egg in just a few days.
24:15I had remained calm until that last part.
24:18Wait. Wait. What? Lay an egg? Aren't we talking about having a baby?
24:24Draco chuckled and gently stroked my head, explaining.
24:27The snake clan is a bit different from the others. We lay eggs, then hatch our young.
24:32From the moment we confirmed the pregnancy, Draco wouldn't let me lift a finger.
24:35He followed me around all day, trying to feed me conics and supplements.
24:39He even bought three immortal honey fruits legendary, priceless treasures said to be the most coveted in nourishment for expectant
24:45mothers.
24:45In my past life, Jacob had only ever let me have half a fruit.
24:49How could the impoverished snake clan afford three whole ones? How did you afford this?
24:54I thought the snake clan would...
24:56Before I could finish, Draco sat beside me and held a freshly washed fruit up to my lips.
25:00Clarice, who told you the snake clan is poor? Look around our home, from the flooring to the vases, everything
25:06here is expensive.
25:06I glanced around properly for the first time. The decor, though simple and clean, was unmistakably high-end.
25:13But isn't the snake clan ranked last among the great families? Don't they say you barely get a share of
25:18resources?
25:19Draco gave a soft laugh.
25:20We snakes have always kept a low profile. Earn our wealth through business, unlike the other clans, who rely on
25:26power and politics.
25:27If we rank the clans by wealth, we'd confidently claim first. Our people pursue immortality.
25:33Most of our wealth goes toward cultivating and refining spiritual medicine. This world's resources are limited.
25:38We have no interest in squabbling with other clans for scraps. Our ambition lies beyond all that.
25:44This explanation made everything quick. No wonder every snake clansmen I met had carried an ethereal aura.
25:49They were secretly training to ascend. Now that I knew we weren't short on money, I immediately dragged Draco out
25:55for a shopping spree.
25:56Halfway down the street, we ran into Bella. Her belly was noticeably swollen as she clung sweetly to Jacob's arm,
26:02picking out accessories.
26:03Since her second pregnancy, Jacob had apparently forgiven her for a passive prayer. The two were back to playing the
26:08doting couple.
26:09Now that Jacob was watching her like a hawk, there was no question this child truly belonged to him.
26:14Clarice, what a surprise to see you out and about.
26:17Bella cooed, deliberately resting both hands on her belly to flaunt her pregnancy. I smiled politely.
26:22I'm picking out a gift for father's upcoming birthday celebration.
26:25Her gaze drifted down to our empty hands and she scoffed.
26:28Well, make sure it's something decent. Even if you don't have much money, you shouldn't embarrass father.
26:34Snake clan hadn't yet made my pregnancy public, and Draco worried her words might upset me.
26:38He immediately stepped forward, shielding me behind him.
26:41Bella, our family matters are none of your concern. As for father's gift, we will prepare it with due care
26:47and respect.
26:48Bella gave a cold snort, flipped her sleeves, and walked off.
26:51Seven days later, at the birthday banquet, Bella and I sat on either side of father.
26:56Her belly was enormous, clearly carrying more than one child.
26:59Mine, by contrast, was still only faintly rounded.
27:02You knew how to get pregnant all along and still hid it from me.
27:06But it doesn't matter, I beat you to it. You'll never catch up now.
27:10I opened my mouth to ask what she meant, but a sudden sharp pain twisted in my abdomen.
27:15It was the onset of labor. Draco noticed right away.
27:18He sprang to his feet, scooped me into his arms, and rushed for the door.
27:22Just as we were leaving, Bella suddenly began clutching her belly and moaning in pain.
27:26Someone in the crowd cried out, Bella is going into labor too. Get her to the birthing hall.
27:31At that moment, the sky lit up with a burst of violet light.
27:35Multicolor rays spread across the heavens, and birdsong filled the air a divine omen.
27:39Before I lost consciousness, I heard the sound of joyous cries echo through the hall.
27:43It's a heavenly sign. This child is destined to lead us into a new golden egg.
27:47When I walk, three eggs lay nestled in the incubator beside me.
27:51Draco sat at my side, gently wiping the sweat from my brow with his soft towel.
27:54I was just about to speak when a scream pierced the air. It was Bella.
27:58I can't do this. I don't want to give birth anymore. Just kill me, please. Kill me now.
28:04Bella, hold on. You're almost there.
28:06Her sobbing and the midwife's encouragement overlapped in a chaotic chorus.
28:10Our birthing rooms were separated by only a single wall. She was still in the middle of labor.
28:15Clarice, you've been through so much.
28:17Draco murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead. His gaze held concern, guilt, and overwhelming tenderness.
28:22Is it too noisy here? Should I take you and the little ones home so you can rest properly?
28:27In my past life, after I gave birth, Draco had eyes only for the child.
28:31He didn't care that I'd labor for an entire day and night.
28:34He shoved the baby into my arms and demanded I start nursing immediately.
28:38To him, I was nothing more than a means to produce a half-beast air.
28:41Someone to help him secure power. He didn't care about my body or my pain.
28:45But Draco was different. From beginning to end, his eyes never left me.
28:49He hadn't even asked me to hatch the eggs myself instead.
28:52He placed them gently in the incubator and watched over them himself.
28:56It's alright, I said softly.
28:58I want to see how Bella's labor is going.
29:00This time, I hadn't felt the agony of childbirth.
29:03Delivering three tiny snake eggs had been unusually easy.
29:06It was over before I even realized, like waking from a short nap.
29:09I got up and went next door, leaving Draco behind to watch over the eggs.
29:13Inside, Bella was writhing on the bed, sobbing like her heart was being torn apart.
29:18Every time she nearly lost consciousness from the pain,
29:21the midwife pried her eyes open and screamed at her to stay awake.
29:24Half an hour later, the child was finally born.
29:27The moment the midwife caught sight of it, she shrieked in horror.
29:31A monster, Bella has given birth to a monster.
29:33I stepped closer to see and recoiled in shock.
29:36The child had three legs and four eyes.
29:38Hearing the commotion, Jacob burst into the room.
29:41He froze at the sight before him.
29:43Bella, however, smiled with motherly affection.
29:46The three-legged, four-eyed creature clung to her chest, nursing loudly as if nothing were amiss.
29:51Ugh, Jacob gagged, turned green, and ran out the door, clutching his mouth.
29:55Bella let out a cold, mocking laugh.
29:57He's the father, so why is he so disgusted?
30:00News of the wolf clan's monstrous birth spread quickly
30:02and even reached the ears of the phoenix clan's high priest.
30:05The priest examined the drooling child carefully and then turned to Bella.
30:09Bella, did you consume anything unusual during your pregnancy?
30:12By all accounts, this child should have been normal.
30:15Bella paled.
30:16Her right hand trembled as she retrieved a small bottle from her sleeve and handed it over.
30:20I took this.
30:21You can save my baby, can't you?
30:23The priest didn't respond right away.
30:25He uncorked the bottle and, upon smelling the contents, gave a knowing sigh.
30:29This is a rat clan fertility aid, rat eggs.
30:32There's a folk remedy that claims taking one a day for 30 days will guarantee conception.
30:35But even so, the child shouldn't have turned out this if malformed.
30:39The rat clan was immediately summoned and dragged before the wolf clan.
30:43The moment Bella saw the man responsible, she stormed over and grabbed him by the throat, screaming.
30:47Why isn't my baby normal?
30:49What did you do to me?
30:50The rat clansman, trembling under the weight of the moment invisibly shaken by the sight
30:54of the creature, shoved Bella away and dropped to his knees before Jacob.
30:58This, this must be because Bella didn't follow instructions.
31:01She must have overdosed on the rat eggs.
31:03Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened.
31:05Bella stared him down, eyes blazing.
31:07You said 30 days would guarantee one child.
31:10So I figured, if I took them for 60 days, wouldn't I get two?
31:13As soon as Bella spoke, everyone present finally understood the truth.
31:17Had she followed the instructions properly?
31:19She might have had a healthy child, but her greed had doomed her.
31:23The scandal made the wolf clan a laughing stock yet again.
31:26Rumors spread that Jacob was impotent, and that his wife had not only cheated on him
31:30but even resorted to using a crude fertility folk remedy from the lowly rat clan.
31:33Jacob, already in a foul mood, would only grow more cruel to Bella after this humiliation.
31:39A month later, just as I was shopping for cloth to make clothes for my babies and preparing to head
31:44home,
31:44I saw Bella crailing a basket to her chest and sneaking into a secluded alley.
31:48Word on the street was that Bella had lost her mind.
31:51She was said to be snatching children from around the wolf clan.
31:54I didn't give it much thought.
31:55With a cheerful heart, I returned home, eager to welcome my soon-to-hatch little ones.
32:00But the door to my room stood wide open, and the incubator was empty.
32:04All three snake eggs were gone.
32:06Panic surged through me.
32:07I suddenly remembered the green cloth covering Bella's basket
32:10it looked exactly like the handkerchief I left on my writing desk.
32:13I grabbed the dagger Draco had given me for self-defense and sprinted toward the alley where Bella had disappeared.
32:18Deep inside, I found a dilapidated courtyard, where her eerie voice echoed.
32:23Babies, don't be afraid. Mommy's right here with you.
32:26I caught her off guard and pressed the blade to her neck, cold fury in my voice.
32:31Bella, give me back my children.
32:33But when I looked down into the basket, my heart dropped.
32:36The eggs had already hatched, and the baby snakes were gone.
32:39Dad escaped.
32:40As I stood frozen, Bella shoved me back and let out a crazed, maniacal laugh.
32:45They're dead. My babies are dead. And now, so are yours. Isn't it wonderful? Truly wonderful.
32:51My eyes burned with rage. I lunged forward, ready to drive the blade into her and avenge my children.
32:57Suddenly, Draco burst in. A flash of silver stripped from him a tiny snake, mouth wide, sent its fans deep
33:04into Bella's neck.
33:05In an instant, she collapsed, coughing up blood, dead with her eyes still wide open.
33:09The little silver snake slithered up my arm and coiled itself there.
33:13Mom, it said, I avenged you. It was Tristan's voice. He had become my child once more.
33:19I cocked him gently in my palms and kissed his forehead.
33:22Bella's death didn't stir any weights.
33:24My father, already disgraced by her actions, had long stopped acknowledging her as his daughter.
33:29As for Jacob, he couldn't have been more eager for her to disappear.
33:33Seven days later, all three of my baby snakes took human form. The sky once again erupted in violet light
33:39and dazzling rainbow clouds.
33:40Birds filled the heavens with song. It was another divine omen. Then, my entire body began to glow with golden
33:47light.
33:47In the blink of an eye, a shimmering emerald serpent's tail extended from me, and my eyes turned a brilliant
33:52green.
33:53A voice echoed from the heavens. It was the Celestial Emperor.
33:56Snake Immortal Clarice, for your mischief a thousand years ago, shattering the celestial furnace and plunging the three realms into
34:02chaos,
34:03you have now completed your ten lives of tribulation. You may return to heaven and resume your post.
34:08Clarice flooded my mind. I had once been a flower, a stone, a phoenix, a mermaid.
34:13In every life, Draco had been there, guarding me faithfully. He could have ascended long ago.
34:18But in our final life, he gave up a thousand years of cultivation to save me.
34:23Before I left, Draco held my hand and whispered,
34:25Wait for me, Clarice. I'll be with you in heaven soon.
34:28The blessing of ascension rained down upon the earth. All the soap and beasts came knelt to receive the divine
34:33light.
34:34We respectfully bid you farewell to the snake, immortal. May she protect us for generations to come.
34:39In a flash of white light, I returned to heaven and resumed my role as the snake immortal, guardian of
34:44the celestial garden.
34:45Five hundred years later, I was curled up under the covers, enjoying a lazy nap, when a familiar fragrance drifted
34:51into my nose.
34:52A warm embrace wrapped around me. Then came a voice, deep and beloved.
34:56Clarice, I'm back. Everyone who ever hurt you is gone.
35:00Here are some gestures and angels along the building.
35:00Here I am.
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