How to Tame My Beastly Husband — Chapter 255. Monster (2)

Quickly, Raphael unsheathed his sword and turned, his eyes widening as he spotted the creature.

It was a peacock the size of a carriage. Its extravagant plumage deceived the eye so that at first he didn’t notice that it had two heads, and four pairs of red eyes, glaring at him. There was no doubt this was the monster the high priest had told him about.

Raphael clicked his tongue. The thing didn’t look very strong; he sensed he could kill it in an instant. Instantly, he charged at the monster, and the peacock let out a bloodcurdling cry. His sword swung out, faster than any creature could ever hope to dodge.

It was then that Raphael realized it was not going to be that easy.

His sword went through empty air.

Perplexed, Raphael drew back, looking around. There was another flash of light, and the monster reappeared next to the spring.

Unbelievable.

He had never heard of a creature that could teleport. Its magic was almost gone, so it was difficult to sense its power. It only had that power because it was drinking from this spring.

Dumbfounded, Raphael stared at the monster.

He far surpassed it in strength and speed, but that wouldn’t matter if the monster just teleported away every time he attacked. If it could teleport anywhere, there was no hope of even catching it unaware.

But there was something else, too. The creature had dodged his attack almost as if it were mocking him, and went straight back to the spring. Then both heads bent to drink.

And drink. And drink. Rapidly, the spring water vanished down its throat, and eventually all that was left was a muddy puddle.

Bloated with all that water, the monster snorted derisively, and Raphael stiffened with offense. But before he could swing his sword, light flashed again, and the monster was gone.

Raphael was dismayed. Looking down at the empty spring, he wasn’t surprised the temple couldn’t handle this monster. How could any human catch a monster that could teleport away anywhere in the mountains?

But he couldn’t give up this easily.

“Come on,” he said, gritting his teeth.

* * *

He wanted to kill the monster, but it seemed impossible, at present. And he didn’t have any supplies, since he had gone straight from the temple to the spring.

Raphael went home and packed his things.

He had already been through many wars, so he was not worried. If there was any doubt in his mind, it was only for Annette.

“You’re sure you’ll be all right without me?” he asked, hesitating, and Annette smiled at him, sipping hot milk and honey.

“Of course. There are many days before the baby comes, and you’ll catch the monster quickly, won’t you?”

“Yes, but…”

Her face glowed in the sunlight. Her pink eyes and her golden hair were too beautiful. Every word that fell from her lips was like falling petals.

“Of course, I will be anxious, having my first child,” she added, when she saw the hesitation in his eyes. “I will feel much safer if I had an amulet with the blessing of the Goddess. I know you will get it for me, Raphael.”

There was a power in her smile against which he was helpless. Raphael left.

There was only one thing to do. He had to catch that thing as fast as he could. His eyes glinted with determination as he touched the scabbard of the sword at his waist.