Chapter 79
“Whether you’re willing or not is no longer up to you p>
The beastman who stepped out wore immaculate white fur of exceptional quality. His features bore a striking resemblance to Mino’s, though his expression carried far greater authority and gravity.
“Father, even if you’ve come personally, I still won’t go back with you p>
Mino’s mind raced as he calculated his chances of escape. He could handle Silinx and the others—but with his father here, defeat was inevitable.
He could not be taken.
If they brought him back, he might never see Nina again.
He hadn’t expected his father to leave the affairs of Spirit Cat City and personally come to capture him.
“Mino… your father failed you,” Ming said, a trace of guilt in his eyes. “But at the time, Spirit Cat City truly needed Spirit Stone City’s support. I had no choice p>
“So to keep your promise, you’ll sacrifice my entire life?” Mino’s voice trembled with anger. “I won’t marry a female I don’t love—especially not a vicious one p>
“Mino Ming sighed deeply. “I’m sorry. I’ll find a way to compensate you in the future p>
He turned to Silinx and the others. “Seize him p>
They moved at once.
Ice blades formed in Mino’s hands as he struck toward them and tried to break free. He darted through the trees, but Ming stepped in personally.
Against his father’s overwhelming strength—and with Silinx and the others blocking every path—Mino’s resistance did not last long.
He struggled fiercely, still trying to escape.
Ming struck him sharply at the neck.
Mino collapsed unconscious.
“City Lord, what now?” Silinx asked.
“I’ve received word that Princess Nina has been exiled to Barbaric City. We’ll go there and find her,” Ming said.
“Understood p>
They bound Mino and carried him toward Barbaric City.
Spirit Stone City, City Lord’s Manor.
A beastman hurried into the main hall. “City Lord, Lord Wian has returned p>
“Let him enter,” Drago ordered.
Wian stepped inside and knelt on one knee. “City Lord, we failed to retrieve the Spirit Stone. The Lord of Barbaric City claims he hasn’t finished using it and refuses to return it p>
Drago frowned.
“He promised to return it within six months. It’s been nearly a year. How can he not be done? And the Spirit Stone’s activation period should already be over. They can’t even use it anymore—why refuse to return it p>
What was Sen planning? Was he truly intending to keep the Spirit Stone?
But without the ability to activate it, what use was it to him?
Drago couldn’t make sense of it—but he would reclaim that Spirit Stone no matter what.
“If Wian failed, then I’ll go personally.” He clenched his fists, eyes sharp.
“Prepare yourself. We leave for Barbaric City. I refuse to believe that Sen dares defy me p>
“Understood p>
At that moment, Lina happened to pass by and overheard.
Her eyes brightened.
Barbaric City? Should she go as well?
She had heard it was barren and backward, filled with savage beastmen, magical beasts, and mutated beasts.
How miserable must Nina be living there now?
Or perhaps she was already dead.
Lina’s lips curved into a cold smile before she entered the hall.
“Father, I overheard you mention Barbaric City p>
Drago’s expression softened slightly. “Yes. We have matters to handle there p>
“May I come with you?” Lina asked expectantly.
“What would you do there? Barbaric City is no place for a female p>
“I… I want to see how Sister Nina is doing,” Lina said gently. “Thinking back, perhaps it wasn’t entirely her fault. She must be suffering. I was just angry when she wronged me p>
She lowered her gaze in a show of sisterly affection. “After all, we’re sisters. There’s no feud that lasts overnight. If she needs help, perhaps I can offer some p>
Since that day, Drago had begun to suspect Lina was not as innocent as she appeared. He could guess at least part of her intentions.
As for Nina, he felt little. Whether she lived or died did not concern him greatly.
“The journey is long and dangerous,” Drago said. “It’s unsuitable for females p>
“It doesn’t matter. My beast husbands are strong—they can protect me. And you’ll be there too, Father p>
She tugged lightly at his sleeve. “For my sister, I’m willing to endure some hardship p>
Seeing his hesitation, she pressed sweetly, “Please p>
After a moment, Drago relented. “Very well. Prepare yourself. We leave tomorrow p>
“Thank you, Father p>
Lina returned to pack, a triumphant smile curling her lips.
Nina… I hope you’re still alive when I arrive to ’help’ you.
The next day, Drago and his party set out for Barbaric City.
Deep within the Barbaric Forest.
After Mino left, Nina found herself instinctively searching for him from time to time.
She sighed softly.
Perhaps in a few days, she would get used to it.
With Ghost Wolf and the others now accompanying them, meal portions had increased considerably. Yanai and Sal struggled to keep up, so they began teaching the wandering beasts to cook for themselves.
The first time Ghost Wolf and his companions tasted Nina’s cooking, they nearly devoured the plates along with the food.
When they heard they would be taught to cook, they were overjoyed.
Yanai’s skills had improved significantly—his dishes were genuinely tasty now. Sal’s were decent. But Mino’s cooking had always been the best.
At midday, Ghost Wolf and the others eagerly practiced under Sal’s guidance. Despite their rough appearances, they were surprisingly careful and attentive learners.
Once the meal was ready, they set up a large table and chairs beneath a tree and sat together to eat.
Watching them, Nina suddenly had an idea.
So much manpower in front of her… What if she hired Ghost Wolf and the others to gather supplies for her?
Wouldn’t that dramatically increase her system coin earnings?
She turned to Ghost Wolf.
“Ghost Wolf, I’d like to hire you to help me collect certain materials. Would you be willing? It might earn less than the jobs you usually take, but it would be safer and more stable p>
“Whatever the Honorable Female desires, just say the word. We’ll help—no need to pay us beast crystals,” Ghost Wolf said readily.
“How can I let you work for free?” Nina replied. “And I’m thinking long-term. If I don’t pay you, how will you live p>
Ghost Wolf and the others instinctively looked toward Sal, uncertain how to answer.