Of course!
After all, she was essentially a future heir of the tribe, so she naturally had a little say in things.
Besides, female beasts were extremely precious in any tribe. No tribe would refuse a female sticking around—on the contrary, they'd be happy to have one.
"Mm, I understand. Thank you, Amo," Si Lu said softly, smiling faintly at the handsome young man before her.
Jet-black hair, delicate features, warm brown eyes, sun-kissed skin… a truly elegant young man.
No wonder those two females were so worried that she might "steal" the young chief.
He was handsome. Definitely a looker.
The females, on the other hand… not so much. Their hair was dry and mid-length, their noses and eyes small, skin a little darkened. The bodies were okay, but… yeah. Not much to write home about.
Was this how all females on this continent looked? Ugly females, handsome males?
Amo had saved her life, and he was this gorgeous. Naturally, she couldn't help but feel a little fondness toward him.
"No need to thank me," Amo said coolly. "Protecting females is every male's responsibility. You two, leave now, and stay away in the future." He turned to the two females of his tribe, a trace of impatience in his eyes.
"Amo, we're only looking out for you. Don't be fooled! This female is a stranger. She shouldn't be here. We must drive her out!" Karlen said, glaring at Si Lu behind Amo.
What the hell was going on?
How could he say that? They were females of his tribe! Besides, they'd grown up with Amo, and the tribe leader even wanted her to choose him as her mate!
But now… he was taking her side? Of course she was pissed.
"Karlen, Adaha, haven't you heard a word I said? Do I need to get angry to make you listen?" Amo's tone turned cold.
He knew Karlen liked him—but he didn't like her. And Adaha? He didn't like her either.
He had made that clear long ago, so why the constant pestering?
Annoying. Beyond words.
"Fine, Amo. Just so you know, the tribe leader and my father want me to choose you as my mate," Karlen said earnestly.
"Leave. I don't like you. I will not be your mate. I've said it before, and I'll say it again!" Amo replied coldly.
"That's not for you to decide! Tomorrow is the Mate Selection Ceremony! Amo, we expect your answer! Adaha, let's go!" Karlen grabbed Adaha and stormed off, leaving Si Lu with a provocative glare.
"So, you don't like Karlen or Adaha… who do you like?" Si Lu asked thoughtfully, eyes fixed on the young chief.
Well, her body was just newly grown up, and she didn't have a mate yet.
And… the Mate Selection Ceremony? That was literally for choosing a mate?
"I-I like… like…" Amo's face flushed red instantly. His eyes darted nervously. So pure, so shy…
Si Lu internally sighed. Adorable. So cute. I kinda… like him already.
[Host, host! If you like him, go for it! This Amo in front of you is both handsome and cute—don't let anyone else snatch him away!]
The system was practically vibrating with excitement in her head.
"Do you think I'm pretty?" Si Lu leaned in close, batting her eyes, speaking softly.
Her hands were behind her back, body leaning forward slightly. The sight made Amo's heart race uncontrollably.
"Y-Yes… pretty!" Amo stammered, nodding quickly, utterly flustered.
His face immediately turned red. He looked down, unable to meet her gaze.
"Do you like me? What if I said I wanted to choose you as my mate—would you agree to have little ones with me?" Si Lu whispered, inching closer.
Close enough, she could hear his strong heartbeat thudding wildly.
Wow… his heart is racing so fast!
Si Lu shrugged lightly. "Alright, fine. I'm just teasing. Don't take it seriously. But… I have a question."
"Ask," Amo said after a brief pause, a little disappointed.
So… she was just teasing him. Almost had him fooled!
"Tomorrow's Mate Selection Ceremony—can I participate?" Si Lu asked seriously.
"You… want to choose a mate?" Amo was stunned. His chest felt tight.
"Yes. I'm grown up now. I can choose a mate too. But I'm not even from your tribe—can I really participate?" Si Lu said.
She hadn't even met many beastmen yet. She was curious if all members of this tribe were as good-looking or as cute as Amo.
Plus, the system's mission was clear: reproduce and create many offspring. Of course, she had to fulfill it.
"You can… but…" Amo looked up at her, a hint of sadness and worry in his eyes. Could he really allow it? He hadn't expected Si Lu to want to join the ceremony.
"That's fine. Then I'll choose a mate tomorrow too," Si Lu said with a smile.
"Little Deer… can I call you that?" Amo asked, a bit nervous.
"Sure," Si Lu nodded, smiling brightly.