My Life as a Beast Keeper

---- Chapter 5 My gaze went past Salem's shoulder and landed on Clayton, who'd just stepped through the doorway. He was half a head taller than Salem, his broad shoulders nearly filling the entire doorframe. His gaze on Salem was indifferent, but it made me tense up inexplicably. "That's my scent," Clayton said. Salem turned around, his body instantly tensing into a defensive stance. A low, threatening growl escaped his throat. Clayton didn't budge, silently standing his ground. "Layla, who's that?" asked Salem. "That's Clayton, my new beastkin." "What?" Salem looked at me in disbelief.

You've taken in a new beastkin? What about me?" "Wow!" Lisa exclaimed loudly. "Mom and Dad, come quick! Layla's got a new beastkin!" Hearing the commotion, Mom and Dad came out to look at Clayton. ---- I took Clayton's hand and introduced him. "Mom and Dad, this is our newest family member. His name is Clayton Yarrow." Clayton bowed his head slightly. "Mr. and Mrs. Manfred." "Wow, this one's even prettier. Must be show-quality too, right? You sure have a lot of spending money," said Lisa sarcastically.

"How unlike me, who has to ask Mom and Dad for money to buy even a new dress." "What do you mean, show-quality?" Salem exclaimed angrily. "He's muzzled like a savage, he has split ends, his clothes are of poor quality, and he's shedding all over! "He's obviously some lowly, savage beastkin that nobody would want even if the shelter offered him up for free! You brought him back just to spite me, didn't you, Layla? "Tf he goes berserk and hurts you, you'll regret it!" My parents looked worried upon hearing this. "Layla, we're not against you keeping him, but we just want you to be careful.

We don't want to lose you again." "I won't hurt her," murmured Clayton reassuringly. "If you're worried, I can keep my accessories on all the time and sleep in a kennel at night." ---- "A kennel?" Salem sneered. "Only gladiators sleep in kennels. Not even the courtesan beastkin are treated so poorly." "T've decided to keep him," I said, stepping in front of Clayton. "Mom, Dad, you can handle Salem's living expenses. I'll handle Clayton's myself." "Layla!" Salem yelled. "Aww, don't get mad," said Lisa soothingly.

"Given how Layla grew up, I guess it's normal for her to like lower- class beastkin. Since she has a new one, can I have Salem. then? He's always liked me more anyway. You won't mind me taking Layla's castoffs, would you?" The word "'castoffs" made Salem go pale. He glared at me fiercely, his eyes reddening. "Absolutely not," I said, refusing immediately. "Salem was Mom and Dad's gift to me. He's mine, and I'll decide what happens to him." My firmness seemed to have pleased Salem. For the first time ever, I saw him wagging his tail at me.

Though his expression was awkward and hurt, his tail still began to wag slightly, beyond his control. Realizing this, he stiffly restrained his tail. "Even if you ---- say that, I won't forgive you!" However, I didn't act out of reluctance. Firstly, my parents were generous in their budget to cover Salem's living expenses. I could save quite a lot. Secondly, Salem was valuable. If I didn't want him anymore, I could just sell him off and earn an easy seven figures from the sale. How could I just give him to Lisa on a silver platter? Mom and Dad agreed. "Layla's right.

Since Salem was given to her, Salem is hers. If you want him, you need to discuss this with her.