Chapter 124: The Yves Consort

「Then we have an accord.」 Mu firmly stated while retrieving a talisman from his pocket. On the white rectangular paper was a blood-red mark that caught Ren's attention.

「Is that a Blood Rune?」 the former Elven prince asked.

「Quite perceptive, Ren dono,」 Mu smiled. 「Exactly. Since you've agreed to let Princess Yue come and meet Wei Shimin, he's willing to have this Blood Rune seal his promise of truce: 'If Wei Shimin and the forces under his command ever attack Alsen before Yue-dono returns to the town, his heart will be pierced with a thousand needles,'」 declared the chimera before letting the talisman float into the air. The marks on the paper suddenly glowed red before it burst into flame.

「Ren chan?」 Kibadios turned to the pink-haired elf.

「That's a Blood Rune, a pledge made by a skilled Runecrafter. In this case, the pledge is that he won't attack us for the duration of the meeting between him and Yue. Because it's sealed in blood, there's nothing that can break the pledge.」

「How do we even know that it's his blood?」 Wylan suspiciously asked.

「Blood Rune isn't something an unskilled Runecrafter can perform.」 Yue explained.「Besides, the aura the Blood Rune gives off as it burns has a familiar, unique resonance of the Yin imperial family. We should be well acquainted with such an aura since we've taught his brother.」

 「We're in the clear?」 Mu smirked. The chimera briefly glanced at Kibadios, then walked out without discussing anything further.「In three days, we'll come back to take Yue-dono and her entourage to Wei Shimin.」 

「Your Majesty, what do you think?」 The moment Mu and his group were gone, Wylan quickly turned to Kibadios. 

「We have no other choice but to trust his word, do we?」 Kibadios shrugged.「But, I wonder, even though it's clearly a security risk, why did he not care that Uri-chan would join Yue-chan?」

 「It's either that he believes Wei Shimin would be able to take care of Uri-dono,」 Wylan hypothesized. 

「Or that he just doesn't care whether Wei Shimin lives or dies,」 Kailos finished Wylan's thought.「After all, didn't he say he and the other chimera are merely Wei Shimin's slaves?」

 「... If somehow, we can turn him and the chimera into our allies,」 Kibadios muttered.

 「They're too unreliable, Kibadios,」 Kailos dismissed his son. 

「Perhaps...」

From there, the atmosphere in the war room was charged with a sense of urgency as the group delved into intricate discussions about their strategies for the impending crucial period. Time seemed to stretch, ticking away as they huddled around a large, battle-worn table strewn with maps and diagrams. The discourse touched on multifaceted aspects: the reinforcement of the city's defenses, the looming threat of Hou Yi and his encamped army mere miles away, and the intricate logistics of caring for the growing number of injured refugees flocking to Alsen. A decision slowly crystallized during the discussions: Yue, with her superior skills, would be tasked with resurrecting the colossal protective barrier enveloping the city upon her departure. Ren, skilled in maintenance, accepted the responsibility of upkeeping the barrier, though he did caution that he could only sustain it for a maximum of two weeks. However, this timeframe aligned with Kibadios's belief that the war's fate would be sealed by then, quelling any concerns about the barrier's duration. Regarding Hou Yi, Teran and his vigilant group found their purpose in monitoring the movements of the Yinese Army, delivering timely reports to the Three Heads. Kibadios seized the opportunity to inform the Heads about Rowan's extraordinary power and his proposal to transform the dungeon into a training ground for the soldiers under the Three Houses' commands. The idea was met with excitement from the Heads, though Kibadios emphasized the absence of the protection granted during the trial, warning that real casualties could occur if soldiers weren't careful in the dungeon. He proposed a structured approach, with soldiers training in groups of ten, each group accompanied by at least two healers to minimize casualties. The initial training limit was set to the first ten floors, with progression to the 11-20th floors permitted only after the soldiers achieved at least level 20. After all, as Kibadios grimly reminded the group that any soldier lost in live training within the dungeon would be a soldier unable to defend Alsen when the time came. Hours drifted away as the discussion evolved. Finally, with a sense of satisfaction settling upon him, Kibadios decided to adjourn the meeting, concluding the intense deliberations that had consumed the ember lit chamber for hours.

「Ah, Kibadios, there's one more thing」 Kailos called out to his son as the hybrid was able to leave the room.

「Yes?」 

The silence lingered in the air as Kailos hesitated before continuing, 「You see, there's something else I want to ask you… It's regarding your harem.」 He looked at Wylan, then turned back to the hybrid.

「「「About us?」」」 Three voices chimed in unison.

「No… it's more like… whether you think it's possible for you to welcome an additional member into your harem.」

「Huh?」 Kibadios turned his head, puzzled.

「You see, as per tradition, to ensure the lasting harmonious cooperation between the 3 Great Houses, the King of Alsen is supposed to take in at least 2 consorts that share the same race as that of the remaining two Houses. Since you're from our House, that means at least a member of your harem should share the same race as the House of the Mane, and another should share the same race as the House of the Eyes.」 Kailos turned to Yuusei. 「As for a representative from the House of the Mane's race, given how Yuusei is a half-ogre, half-beastman, he would be qualified as one. The other would be someone from the Yves race, which, clearly, none of your harem members are.」

「So you want me to find a Yves as a mate?」 Kibadios asked.

「Your Majesty, please don't worry. We will make sure to find the perfect Yves partner for you. Being by your side and being of use to you would be that person's blessing.」 Wylan bowed deeply.

「... But I don't know them…」 Kibadios raised his eyebrows.

「Well, before we became yours, we were also practically strangers. What's the big deal?」 Ren pointed out.

「Aww… I have to share the Boss with more people?」 Uri sighed.

「Well, given how 'energetic' Master is, shouldn't you be thankful that we have an additional member in the harem to meet his needs?」 Ryuu asked.

「Hmm, you may be right… This morning really took a toll on me. My back still hurts.」The Vice Captain shifted around, trying to stretch his back.

「You guys are fine with it?」 Kibadios asked.

「Yes, I don't think any of us would mind, right?」 Maia looked around; all of them simply shook their heads. 「There are already 8 of us, having 1 more member doesn't make any difference.」

「You can find 2 more, make it 10 so it's even!」Uri laughed.

「Besides, if it's a tradition for Alsen, it's not like we can decline.」Ryan pointed out

「No no, Ryan dono.」 Wylan hurriedly corrected. 「It may be a tradition, but if Kibadios sama doesn't agree with it, we're in no position to insist.」

「Hmmm…. Instead of you arranging someone for me, can I choose that person?」 Kibadios asked.

「Yes?」 Wylan hesitantly answered. 「Do you already have someone in mind? Of course, we need to make sure that person is a good fit for you and that they would willingly serve you.」

「Haha, I don't think anyone would refuse to serve Kibadios sama, given how good looking he is on top of being our godly king!!」 Gyo, with a broad smile, patted Wylan on the back.

「You think so, Gyo?」 Kibadios smiled, to which Gyo hastily nodded. 「Then, would you do the honor of becoming my mate?」

「Of course!! Why do you even have to….」 The mutant Yves froze in mid-sentence as he finally processed what the hybrid had just asked. 「Wait, what??? Kibadios sama, you're joking!」

「No, I'm not.」 The hybrid grinned. 「Instead of having to take someone into my harem who I know nothing about and who doesn't know about my past, it'd be much easier to just have you be that person, wouldn't it?」

「But… But…」 Gyo's face turned beet red as he frantically waved his hands in embarrassment. 「With how bland I look compared to Ryan dono, Rowan dono, and others, there's no way that you would find me attractive enough to be one of your harem members… besides, a mutant like me does not deserve to…」

「What are you talking about? Ever since the first time we met, I have already found you to be very cute, Gyo chan.」 Kibadios corrected, then pulled Yuusei, who was now in his shota form, closer to him and embraced him from behind. The hybrid leaned down to plant a tender kiss on the shota's cheek, continuing, 「And why would you being a mutant affect how I feel? Case and point: Yuu chan here has been in my harem for quite a while, hasn't he? I'd accept it if you decline my offer because you have someone else who you fancy, or that you simply don't want to, but if you think that you're not worthy enough for me, then that is something I cannot accept.」

「I…I…」 Gyo's voice wavered, his eyes darting from Wylan to Kailos, both of whom greeted him with warm smiles. The weight of uncertainty lingered in the air as he continued, 「If you're really generous enough to be content with taking someone like me into your harem, then it would be my honor, Young Lord.」 Gyo descended gracefully onto one knee, a silent pledge reflected in the depth of his gaze fixed on the Master who had just become the center of his universe.

A gentle air dashed over the room as Kibadios welcomed Gyo into his intimate circle. 「Welcome to my harem, Gyo chan. I promise to shower you with all my affection.」 Kibadios smiled, his touch tender as he caressed Gyo's cheek. Leaning close to his ear, he added, 「And don't worry, Gyo. I won't rush you into my bed. I'll wait until you're fully mentally prepared.」

The subtle admission sent a fresh wave of crimson to Gyo's cheeks. 「Kibadios sama…」

「Nii chan…」 A few paces away, Wylan watched the scene unfold, a solitary tear slipping down his face.

「You're okay, Wylan?」 Ectharen, standing beside the Yves, asked softly.

「Yeah… It's just… Given the curse inflicted upon Nii chan, I would have never imagined one day he would find his significant other who would look at him with nondiscriminating eyes. And certainly, I would have never imagined it'd be our king… our god, no less.」

「Haha, fate is truly hard to predict, isn't it?」 The beastman patted Wylan's back.

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In the dimly lit bed chamber, bathed in the flickering candles that cast shifting shadows across the wooden walls, Kibadios stirred on a sprawling, intricately crafted bed. As his eyes gradually parted in the subdued darkness, the view in front of him slowly came into focus. Beside him, nestled against his sculpted torso, lay the bare form of the alchemist, her back leaning into the warmth of his well-defined physique. One of Kibadios' arms wrapped around her waist, gently cradling the curves of her form as it found a resting place on her soft, exposed abdomen while the other slid beneath her side just enough so his hand could wrap around and fondle her ample breast. His cock, still fully erect despite having climaxed in all 8 members of his harem earlier in the night, buried deep inside her cum-soaked pussy, enjoying the slight massage from the reflexive twitching of her fleshy folds. Kibadios gently leaned in, his lips brushing against the silvery strands of Maia's hair. As he drew closer, he savored the enchanting fragrance of eucalyptus coming from her, before slowly unsheathed his cock from her hole and carefully sat up while making sure not to disturb the alchemist's well deserved rest. 

Thud… Thud… Thud… This sound… I guess he's still awake since his body is just that of a doll, huh? This is just like that time 10000 years ago. With a sleeping robe draped over his well-toned physique, Kibadios made his way to the living room, drawn by the rhythmic thuds. Emerging from a narrow corridor, he immediately spotted his Ennead slave seated on the floor, back against the wall. Before him lay five rabbits—or more accurately, reanimated rabbits, unmistakably marked by the eerie traits of the undead. The dimly lit room unveiled a strangely uncharacteristic scene: the solitary figure of an Astral, his blond hair catching the sparse light, engaged in a peculiar play with his undead companions. The tranquil display resonated with Kibadios, reminiscent of a moment from his initial reincarnation, when Ayer had spontaneously joined his party for a fleeting period. Similar to the moment when Zaeryn first glimpsed him ten millennia ago, Kibadios once again observed the transformation of Astral's typically stern and arrogant expression into the strange visage of a joyful smile.

「You still have them, your undead rabbit "friends," by your side even after all these years?」Kibadios broke the silence. 

「Zaeryn!」Ayer's smile abruptly faded.「What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be indulging in excess with your obedient harem?」

「Sometimes I need a moment alone.」Kibadios settled into a seat opposite Ayer..「Though, at this moment, I'm here because I wanted to have a chat with you.」Kibadios petted the undead rabbit lying in front of him, though soon all five quickly turned to dust and faded away since Ayer had just dispelled his necromancy power.「... How… How was Ryuujin's final moment?」

「Huh?」

「You were there, weren't you? That's why you were able to turn him into one of your undead.」Kibadios' eyes glowed, revealing a complex blend of sorrow and fury.

「... I ended his pathetic life.」Ayer smirked. 

「Be mindful of your choice of word, Ayer!!」Kibadios' trembling hand seized Ayer's delicate neck without mercy.

「Ackk…. Haa… Or what?... You… will… kill… meee??」Ayer could barely speak. 

「No, since you will escape my grasp if I ever end your life. But in place of death and freedom, I can make your life a living hell.」Kibadios slammed the Ennead against the wall.「Don't try to taunt me like that, Ayer… I command you. Be honest and tell me how he died.」

「Tsk…」 The collar on Ayer's neck radiated, compelling him to adhere to his Master's directive. 「He single-handedly faced off against half of the God Knights and two of The Six Great Heroes during the climax of the Second Great Holy War. For three days and nights, they clashed without a decisive victor. When I arrived with Adela, the scales tipped as Ryuujin succumbed to Adela's Ultimate Skill. Deprived of his senses, even a Primal Dragon like him couldn't endure the onslaught. Ultimately, his body succumbed to the relentless assaults of the God Knights…」 Ayer paused momentarily, as if attempting to omit the concluding part of the tale he was compelled to retell. 「Adela wished to capture him alive and subject him to torment before your eyes. Anticipating the immense guilt you would feel, Ryuujin pleaded for death, though Adela denied him that mercy… In the end, I... granted… him …his wish, transforming him into one of my undead before he could be transported back to the Modun Realm.」 Ayer scowled, reluctant to admit he had, in his own way, done Kibadios a favor.

. .. Such a stubborn idiot to the end, huh Ryuujin… You shouldn't have wasted your life like that. Kibadios whispered.「What was his last word? Would you still remember?」

「 'Sorry, Zaeryn sama. I failed you.'」Ayer answered without need for a command.

 Haa… Kibadios closed his eyes. It is I who failed you, Ryuujin. Had I not been imprisoned, things wouldn't turn out as bad as it would have. 「... Thanks, Ayer, for protecting Ryuujin's dignity from that cursed Adela.」

「Ha, don't thank me. I merely wanted to kill him and turn him into my undead. Much like what I will do to you in this reincarnation.」smirked Ayer.

「You know, we're both pretty terrible people, aren't we? I used to question why you seemed indifferent to the lives of others, but look at me now. Just like you, I've lost that humanity within me. I'm willing to sacrifice the entire world just to take you Astral down with me. I'm even ready to push those who respect, love, and worship me into a battle where the best outcome would still mean most of them dying.」 Kibadios admitted, his tone heavy with self-awareness. 「You had your reasons for distrusting those close to you, for refusing to form connections or feelings for mortal lives. I had my own reasons for the hatred I directed toward the Astrals. We're on opposite sides, yet so strangely similar. Maybe that's why I want to keep you by my side. If I can make you see the world through my eyes and redeem you for your past deeds, then maybe, just maybe, I can find redemption for what I've done... and what I'm about to do.」

「Zaeryn…」Ayer gazed at the vulnerable hybrid in front of him for a moment, before deciding to ask the burning question he had always been harboring.「You've been speaking as if you know me and my past… How did you…」

「Haa… You see, deep within the lair of Kadesha, the first "Demon Emperor," there existed a secret chamber. After we ended her, I embarked on a quest to uncover the motivations behind her betrayal of your kind. That's when I stumbled upon it. Within that chamber, there was a lone golden chest. Do you know what's in it?」Seeing how Ayer stayed silent, Kibadios continued.「It's her memories.」

「What?」The Ennead was surprised. 

「Before our confrontation, she extracted fragments of her memories and concealed them there, foreseeing the day I would unearth them. As I stood in the darkened chamber, a silent witness, I beheld the unfolding events of the Harvest, transpiring 20,000 years ago. A time when you relinquished your identity as a mere hybrid mortal, ascending to the revered status of an Astral and ultimately, an Ennead.」

「Zaeryn, how dare you!!!」Thin threads suddenly wrapped around Kibadios' neck, though since the Ennead was still wearing the collar, he just couldn't tightening the threads any further, for if he had, Kibadios' head would be cut clean off. 

「... and that's how I understand why you hold no regard for us mortals… why you harbor disdain for our kind… and why your trust extends only to your undead creations. Don't worry, I won't tell others about the past you longed to forget. It's a secret between us, a master and his arrogant and tempestuous Ennead slave.」The hybrid offered Ayer a genuine smile.