No More Chains 1

Chapter 2, Part 1I sat behind my desk, scanning through the documents laid out before me. The numbers, reports, and evaluations filled each page, detailing the progress made over the past month. Across from me, two individuals sat in stiff anticipation—the ones responsible for agriculture and transportation. Their eyes flickered between each other as they waited for my response.

I let out a small hum of approval before looking up at them. "These are good results," I said, placing the documents down. "I'm proud of what you've accomplished."

A visible wave of relief washed over them as they exhaled almost in unison. They had worked relentlessly over the past month, pushing themselves and their teams to the limit. And their efforts had paid off. The first successful harvest had already been gathered, something that had once seemed impossible given the state of the kingdom. But with proper planning, strategic placement of new fields, and the application of magic to enhance crop growth, they had done it.

The kingdom was no longer entirely reliant on old, inefficient methods. This was only the beginning, but it was a crucial first step toward self-sufficiency.

Satisfied, I gave them both a smile. "You've done well. Keep up this momentum."

They bowed their heads slightly, gratitude and relief clear in their expressions, before standing and making their way out of the office. As the door closed behind them, another figure entered.

Migul strode in, his face brimming with excitement. "I've trained a solid crew," he announced proudly. "Not only that, but we've built machines for mass production. Right now, we're operating out of a storage building on the eastern border. We can begin large-scale manufacturing immediately."

I nodded, pleased by his progress. "Good. Then let's talk about your next project—"

Before I could finish my sentence, the door flew open, and my maid burst in, slightly out of breath. She quickly lowered her head in a respectful bow before speaking. "Your Highness, the humans have arrived."

I felt my pulse quicken. Without a word, I shot up from my chair and rushed out of the room, my instincts kicking in before I could think. My padded feet barely made a sound against the stone floors as I sprinted down the halls, pushing my body forward at full speed.

That's when I realized something—I was fast. Faster than I had ever imagined. My body moved effortlessly, each step propelling me forward with unnatural ease. I was running well over 30 km/h, and it felt as if I could go even faster. But there was no time to dwell on that now.

The humans had arrived, and I had no intention of letting them do as they pleased.

As I reached the entrance to the throne room, one of the guards stepped forward, blocking my path momentarily. His expression was grim as he lowered his voice. "Your Highness, the humans are already inside. They're speaking with the king."

Technically, Harald was no longer the ruler, but the humans didn't know that. We had planned for this moment, and so I merely nodded. "Open the door. Don't worry too much."

The guard hesitated, his pained expression deepening. "They brought many demi-humans with them... as slaves."

My hands curled into fists at my sides, but I forced my expression to remain neutral. This wasn't the time to react emotionally. I took a deep breath, pushing down my anger, and turned my head as my maid arrived, slightly winded from keeping up with me.

"Bring as much alcohol as you can find," I ordered her.

She blinked in surprise but quickly nodded before hurrying off.

Turning back, I saw the guard still hesitating, his face torn with frustration and restraint. I placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Trust me. Open the door."

After a moment of hesitation, he finally stepped aside and pushed the heavy doors open.

I walked in, my expression calm, but inside, I was already planning my next move.

The moment I stepped inside, all eyes turned toward me. The air in the throne room was thick with tension.

Harald, seated on the throne, furrowed his brows as he addressed me. "What are you doing here?"

I offered him a polite smile. "I simply wanted to personally greet our honored guests."

With that, I continued walking forward, my pace steady, my posture unwavering. As I made my way toward the king, I took note of the human delegation. Their elaborate clothing and the way they carried themselves made it clear who held influence among them.

I made a show of greeting a few of the more important-looking figures, inclining my head slightly in acknowledgment. In return, I received little more than disdain—disgusted looks, scoffs, and a few barely audible grunts. It was exactly as I expected.

Undeterred, I reached Harald's side, leaning in just enough that only he could hear me. "I have everything under control," I whispered. "Just play along."

He barely reacted, but I saw his fingers twitch slightly, a subtle sign that he had heard me.

"I want to get them as drunk as possible," I continued in the same hushed tone. "Make them drink as much as you can. The more, the better."

Harald's lips pressed together, his gaze unreadable. Then, ever so slightly, he gave the smallest of nods.

Rising to his feet, he raised his voice so that all could hear. "I see that our esteemed guests have made quite the impressive catch this time. Such a feat deserves proper recognition. As a token of my appreciation, I would like to offer a feast in your honor."

The humans seemed pleased by this, their expressions shifting from cold arrogance to smug satisfaction. Right on cue, the doors to the hall opened, and several maids entered, pushing carts laden with food, wine, and beer. The rich aroma filled the room as goblets and plates were swiftly set before the guests.

I caught my maid's eye and gave her a small nod. The plan was in motion.

The humans wasted no time. They grabbed food and drink eagerly, devouring whatever was placed before them. Laughter and crude jokes echoed through the hall as the wine began to flow freely. Some of them, emboldened by alcohol, turned their attention to their slaves. The room took on a darker tone as some of the captives were struck, shoved, and toyed with like playthings.

I forced myself to keep my composure, swallowing the rage boiling inside me. This would all be over soon.

Moving through the room, I played my part, refilling goblets, encouraging them to drink more. I smiled, feigned interest, and ensured no cup remained empty. Many were already swaying in their seats, their words slurring as intoxication overtook them.

Suddenly, a rough hand gripped my arm, yanking me forward. I stiffened but didn't resist as I turned to face the man who had pulled me in.

He was large, broad-shouldered, and reeked of sweat and alcohol. His smug, leering expression made my stomach churn. "You're an interesting one," he slurred. "You carry yourself differently than these other mutts."

I remained composed, offering a polite smile. "And who might you be?"

He puffed out his chest. "I'm the leader of this group. I think it's only fair that I get to enjoy the best the demi-humans have to offer."

His grip tightened as he pulled me even closer. "Why don't you sit with me for a while? Let's get to know each other better."

I could smell the stench of wine on his breath, the revolting mix of alcohol and arrogance almost unbearable. But I played my part well, giving him a coy smile as I allowed myself to settle beside him. He grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

We sat there for a while, him boasting about his achievements, slurring words about his recent raids, while I nodded along, pouring him more wine every chance I got. He drank greedily, reveling in his own pride.

After a while, I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Why don't we go somewhere more private? I wouldn't want to share the best with just anyone."

His eyes gleamed with lust and power. He eagerly nodded, pushing himself up from the table. "Now that's what I like to hear. Lead the way."

I guided him through the hallways, moving toward a more secluded part of the castle. Along the way, I caught glimpses of maids leading other drunken men into separate rooms. What these men didn't realize was that inside each of those rooms, a soldier lay in wait—ready to execute them the moment they stepped inside. Only those who were thoroughly intoxicated were being lured away, ensuring there would be no struggle, no resistance.

As we arrived at one of the prepared rooms, I opened the door and gave him a playful chuckle, pulling him inside with me. He stumbled forward, barely managing to keep his balance as he moved toward the bed. His fingers fumbled with the straps of his armor, and soon, pieces of it clattered onto the floor, leaving him vulnerable.

He sat down, his unfocused eyes lazily watching as I reached for the hem of my dress. I loosened it slightly, just enough to make it seem like I was going along with his desires. As I moved closer, I leaned in, bringing my face just inches from his. The drunken haze in his expression deepened, his breathing slow and expectant.

I let my fingers glide down his cheek, my touch light, almost affectionate. "That feels... kinda nice," he mumbled, his lips parting slightly.

But he didn't get to enjoy it for long.

Without warning, my other hand shifted, claws extending in an instant. Before he could even react, I slashed his throat open in a swift, precise motion.

A wet gurgle escaped his lips as his hands shot up to his neck, desperate to stop the bleeding. But I didn't let him. I caught his wrist, forcing him to remain still as I met his gaze, watching as the light in his eyes slowly faded.

I held him there, unblinking, until his body slumped forward—lifeless.

The first of many had fallen.

I stared at the lifeless body for a moment, expecting to feel something—guilt, hesitation, even fear. But there was nothing. Just an eerie, hollow calm. I had just killed someone, and yet, I didn't feel a shred of remorse.

I tilted my head slightly, considering the thought. Maybe it was because these humans were nothing more than trash. They enslaved my people, tormented them, treated them like animals. If anything, this was justice. A necessary step toward reclaiming what was ours.

Stepping out of the room, I took a deep breath, only to be met with something unexpected. Faint cries—muffled, distant. No normal human would have been able to hear them, but my fox-like ears picked up every single one. The weak, gurgling gasps, the last struggling breaths of dying men.

A slow smile crept across my lips.

Then, a soft chuckle escaped me. It grew, turning into a full, uncontrollable laugh. A warmth swelled inside me, burning hot in my chest. It was exhilarating. It felt... good.

I might have lost myself in it completely had it not been for the sudden grip on my arm. My laughter cut off as I turned sharply—only to meet the eyes of my maid.

"Your Highness," she said softly, her voice steady but firm. "You need a bath. You're drenched in blood."

I blinked and finally looked down at myself. My fur-covered hands, my arms—every inch of me was dripping crimson. It stained my dress, matted my fur, even clung to my claws. The metallic scent filled my nose, sharp and intoxicating.

Curious, I lifted my hand and licked a small drop from my fingers. It was warm, thick, unfamiliar.

I grinned, baring my sharp canines as I met my maid's gaze. "This is only the beginning."

She remained composed, though I saw the flicker of something in her expression—concern, perhaps? It didn't matter.

I followed her toward the baths, the adrenaline still coursing through me. As we walked, I idly remarked, "Blood doesn't taste bad at all. Maybe it's the animal in me."

The maid said nothing, simply leading me forward. But I could tell—she had taken note of what I had just said.