Chosen Mate Of The Beastmen Empire

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Despite its disheveled fur and pitiful state, even while being grabbed by the scruff of its neck, there was no denying-it was the prince.

Erik's expression instantly darkened.

Others were unaware, but he knew exactly what was going on. He recognized Banon's beast form.

After a few moments of silence, he gave a cold smile and, seemingly casually, pulled out the short blade at his waist, polishing it as he spoke. "Throw him..."

"Wait, please!" One of Banon's close aides, drenched in sweat, stood up, placing himself between the orange cat and the obviously hostile Erik. "This is the prince's pet. You can't just kill it!"

Their nerves were stretched to the breaking point, genuinely afraid Erik would lose his temper and take the opportunity to kill the prince right there.

The onlookers couldn't make sense of the unfolding situation.

Though they didn't understand why a pet would stir up such trouble or why Banon's subordinates were so tense, they too held their breath in anticipation.

In the midst of the silence, Erik suddenly scoffed, "Kill it? Why would I kill a cat? I have no need to bother with an ignorant beast."

Erik lazily lifted his eyelids, casting a sweeping glance at the anxious and irate enemies. “But if I recall correctly, the prince didn't bring any pets when he arrived. So, why are you all insisting this is his pet?"

The sudden turn of events had caught them off guard. They hadn't coordinated beforehand, and after a long pause, one of them stammered, "The prince let it wander off to play by itself."

Erik nodded as if he accepted the explanation.

Without letting the aides relax, Erik added, "In that case, the prince will have to come personally and pay the ransom to retrieve it."

His demeanor was casual, feigning ignorance, while inwardly, the aides of Banon were grinding their teeth in frustration.

The prince was in Erik's hands. They were at his mercy, and could only offer various concessions in exchange, but they were all rejected one by one.

It seemed Erik had already made up his mind not to let the prince go so easily.

Gradually, the aides' spirits sank. They exchanged a look with Banon, receiving a silent signal. Reluctantly, they made a large concession, offering up control over fifty thousand troops in exchange for Erik's leniency.

Fifty thousand soldiers was the maximum number of troops Banon was publicly allowed to command.

While Banon undoubtedly had more troops in secret, publicly relinquishing such power would leave him severe disadvantaged in future conflicts.

"This cat is badly injured and should stay here to recover for a while," Erik said calmly, using the orange cat as leverage. "You can come back to retrieve it once you've sorted out the trivial matters."

With the initiative now in Erik's hands, the aides of Banon had no room to refuse. They had no choice but to lower their posture and beg, "We'll handle it as soon as possible. Please, Master, take good care of it."

10:52 Fri, 14 Mar

The entire scheme had failed to bring any benefits. Instead, Banon lost both his face and his dignity, now held hostage.

As they left, the group's expressions were grim. When they saw Joyce and her daughters ignored in a corner, their faces. became even more unpleasant.

“These three servants have ties with the lady. Would you like them, madam? What do you think?" one of Banon's subordinates asked with a forced smile.

Since they were useless pawns, Banon was tired of them and was willing to give them away as a goodwill gesture.

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Erik and Nyx's harmonious relationship had turned out differently than they had expected. Small gestures and favors wouldn't sway Nyx, but if they could win her favor by sacrificing three slaves, it would be a step toward pleasing Erik. This was their last chance to be useful.

Hearing the question, Nyx paused for a moment, her thoughts momentarily pulled away from the current situation. She only then noticed Joyce and her daughters at the banquet.

After some effort, she recognized them. It had been a long time since they last met, and they had changed significantly.

Once a well-maintained noblewoman, Joyce now had streaks of white in her hair, her face showing wrinkles and signs of age. She looked at Nyx with a complicated expression.

Mila and Kaya appeared younger, with shyness on their faces. They lowered their eyes, unable to meet Nyx's gaze.

Their faces were flushed red, though it was hard to say whether it was from the pain of the slaps they had received or the shame of facing Nyx.

From her high seat, Nyx was dressed in fine clothes, her complexion radiant, clearly well taken care of.

Sitting there leisurely sipping tea, Nyx commanded respect, which only served to highlight the pitiful state of the three female slaves.

Once, Mila and Kaya had mocked Nyx, calling her inherently lowborn and destined to be trampled underfoot by them for her entire life. Now, the tables had completely turned.

As she recalled the past grievances, Kaya couldn't help but tremble uncontrollably, her teeth chattering and her body shaking. The thought of the kind of revenge that might await her if she fell into Nyx's hands filled her with fear.

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She thought, 'If only I had known this would happen...

"No need," Nyx said as she swallowed a sip of tea and set the cup down, allowing

Erik to carefully dry her hands.

She naturally took his hand, not sparing her former stepmother and stepsisters another glance.

Though they hadn't been deliberately

humiliated of punished, the three women seemed to have been struck by a resounding slap in the face, their every move scrutinized by mocking, cutting gazes as if they were being slowly tormented.

They had schemed to watch Nyx fall, but instead, they had become the ones to

be humiliated.

Nyx, however, couldn't be bothered to enjoy the spectacle. She didn't even consider them worth her attention.

She and they were already worlds apart.

A small attempt to bribe her had failed, so Banon's household sent another round

of gifts-pearls, silks, precious herbs, and an assortment of other items, all piled

into a box.

With the most important hostage in

hand, no matter how many gifts Banon offered, they were deserved. and Nyx did not refuse them. She had them inventoried and stored, then listened with interest as Arlong told her about the current situation.

10:52

Fri, 14 Mar

Over the years, Banon's influence had been steadily dismantled, and now, he was

only struggling in his final throes..

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"Banon really shot himself in the foot this time, hemorrhaging heavily and becoming useless," Arlong grinned, bowing to Nyx. "You truly are formidable, my

lady"

He thought, "The plan was flawless today. Everyone in the household is prepared,

so no matter how hard Banon tries, he won't find anything useful here. It's all for nothing"

But no one expected Banon to fall into the hands of Nyx. It was truly ironic.

"What's so formidable about me?" Nyx smiled helplessly. "It's His Majesty's doing."

If Cotton Candy hadn't reacted quickly, Banon might have slipped away.

At the mention of Aurelius, Arlong's expression became awkward.

He thought he understood Erik's mind better than anyone, but now, he couldn't

make sense of the relationship between Nyx and Aurelius.

It was all so absurd that he dared not speculate.

Regardless, Nyx was the wife of the Duke, and Aurelius was the sovereign-

Aurelius couldn't possibly make a move on a minister's wife.

In the study, all unnecessary people were dismissed.

After discussing the important matters, Erik didn't raise his head but extended his

hand to signal the guest to leave.

Aurelius, in his usual attire, showed no signs of leaving and suddenly spoke up, "I want Nyx to come to the palace and become my Queen."

The shocking words made Erik snap his head up.

"I think you're insane..." Erik laughed in anger, almost snapping the pen in his hand. "You're going to steal your minister's wife? Do you want to be a fool?"

Because Nyx loved him, Erik had begrudgingly accepted Aurelius's interference, telling himself to be magnanimous, but that didn't mean he was willing to step down as Nyx's first husband.

"I am her first husband, married in full ceremony." As he spoke, Erik stood up straight, glaring at Aurelius.

At that moment, they were not master and servant but rather a primary wife and a concubine.

Aurelius didn't back down. "I beg to differ."

"I heard that the two of you didn't complete the wedding ceremony." He too stood,

his sharp gaze unwavering. "If you

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