- 13 hours ago
I swapped husbands at my wedding - Full
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00:00On the day of our bonding rite, my fiancĂŠ paraded his pregnant mistress before everyone
00:04just to humiliate me, ordering me to raise their child. He thought I had no choice but to obey him,
00:10but I decided to just swap him for someone else. I am the divine maiden of the deer clan.
00:15When I was born, the high priest had prophesied that I possess the noblest bloodline and status.
00:19Whoever I bond with, I'll always be the most revered female in the tribe, entitled to everyone's
00:24worship. Naturally, my mate should be the most noble male. Yet, my fiancĂŠ Soren, the third prince
00:30of the fox clan walked up to me, hand in hand with a delicate-looking woman. She wore the engagement
00:35necklace that Soren had once swore would be mine. He had vowed to place it on me with his own
00:40hands
00:41during our bonding rage. Lynette and I have already mated. She'd be my only mate if mother didn't
00:47force me to bond with you. Don't you ever dream that I'll love you. I just gave Lynette a light
00:53glance, but she acted like I'd hurt her, shrinking behind Soren in terror. Soren turned to her tenderly
00:59and gently touched her stomach. She's carrying my child. Once my cub is born, Elwynn will raise him
01:06as her own. Watching Lynette put on that pitiful act, I almost thought I'd actually done something
01:16wrong to her. I'll continue the rate if you promise to treat Lynette well and serve her as your mistress.
01:23You'll wait on her hand and foot while she's carrying, tend to her recovery afterwards, and then raise the
01:28child on your own. I won't have Lynette exhausted by any of this. Oh, and since you're this divine maiden
01:35of the deer clan, you can personally toot our child. Make sure the child turns out well and make sure
01:39they
01:39treat Lynette right when they grow up. Elwynn is so kind. I'm sure she won't give me a hard time.
01:45Soren and I hadn't fully completed the bonding rilt yet, so I still had the chance to call it off.
01:50I am no one's servant, and I'll never take care of the child you have with her. In that case,
01:56let's call off the bond. Whoever wants to be my mate today, step forward. I'll complete the rile with
02:02you right now. A flicker of hesitantin crossed everyone's face. After all, my noble lineage was
02:12an irresistible prize. I thought someone would step up, but Soren to Soren just let out a cold scoff.
02:18Alera, stop embarrassing yourself. My mother arranged our bond, and our names are already carved
02:24together on the bonding stone. Even if I don't want you, you can't have anyone else. Anyone who tries
02:29will be going against the Fox King. It would be seen as treason.
02:34Soon as the word treason was mentioned, the crowd weigh silent. Sensing their fear,
02:40Soren wore a smug, triumphant look, staring down at me with utter arrogance. This was why he was so
02:45fearless. Even if he let me go, no one would dare to take me in. Elwynn, look around. If you
02:52don't
02:53bond with me, you die. What's it gonna be? For a moment, I felt hopeless. Everyone wanted my status
02:59and my blood, but no one would actually help me.
03:04Just then, someone approached. The Queen of the Tribe, Nora.
03:15You filthy slave! How dare you seduce your master and disrupt the right! Guards!
03:20Branquist! Take this slave out and execute her at once!
03:23She's mine. Touch her, and you're dead.
03:28My dear, I know I failed to raise him well. I'm sorry you were treated like this.
03:34But today is the big day and all the nobles are watching. Can you just play along for now and
03:39finish the reed? Trust me, I'll back you up later. I won't let that slave climb over you.
03:46You want me to be his partner only because of my bloodline?
03:49Our bond has not even been sealed yet, and Prince Sodan is already allowing a slave to
03:53flaunt herself before me. And now there is even a disgraceful child. I'll never consent to be the
04:00mate of such a man. You belong to the Crown.
04:03If you don't finish this, I promise your family will pay for it.
04:08Is this really my only fate?
04:10Finally, the silence broke.
04:12Does your offer still stand, Lady Elwynn?
04:15Everyone turned their heads and went silent as they saw someone slowly approaching the altar.
04:20No, wait. It was someone being pushed in a wheelchair. It was Avalian,
04:26the Fox King's eldest son and the rightful Crown Prince. They said he had a strange illness in his
04:32childhood. Whenever it flared up, he would lose his mind and become violently restless.
04:37A cruel complication of his condition left him frail and paralyzed, unable to stand on his own.
04:42Only by finding your fated mate and bonding with her can you be soothed and your strange
04:47affliction healed. But if you forge a bond with someone incompatible, your body will violently
04:53burst apart and your partner will die right alongside you.
04:58Aririan wasn't Nora's son.
05:02His mother was the previous mate of the Fox King, and she died to protect the King.
05:10He alone is destined to take the throne of the Fox King.
05:14Your Highness, this isn't a joke. You can't just bond with anyone. You'll be dead.
05:21Lady Elwynn, does your offer still stand?
05:24I looked into his blue eyes. They were as clear as water.
05:27Don't be a fool. If you bond with him, the ceremony will turn into your funeral.
05:31Don't gamble your life away. You don't have to do this.
05:33Do you know what will happen if you don't bond with Sorin?
05:36Sorin reached out his hand, like he was offering a collar.
05:40This is your last chance. Just give in.
05:42Everyone fell silent. They were all waiting for my answer.
05:47Eland, you'd better think this through.
05:49I heard my own footsteps, leaving those greedy gazes behind me. The chains binding me felt broken.
05:55I'd rather die than be a slave.
05:57Does your offer still hold?
05:59Yes.
06:00Everyone looked at each other and started whispering.
06:02I want to bond with her.
06:04Nora froze. Her face dark. But since Avarian was the Crown Prince, there was nothing she could do.
06:09Haha. Elowen, are you done playing this game? Apologize now, and Lynette and I might forgive you.
06:15You may even keep your place by my side.
06:18Elowen, don't throw your life away just because of me.
06:21Everyone watched us without blinking. Aurelion cut his palm, and I did the same.
06:26We held hands, our blood mingling. A golden light lit up the altar.
06:30But then, terrifying black veins crawled up Aurelion's face.
06:34His clothes tore open, and I saw the black veins spreading.
06:38They spread all the way from his abdomen to his neck.
06:41It looked like black vines trying to burst through his skin and tear him apart.
06:45His muscles bulged, and his eyes, they turned red.
06:49And I could feel his magic surging, ready to explode out of him.
06:52His pupils had turned crimson and gone on focus.
06:56The rumors about his illness were true.
06:59Did I trigger his sickness because I wasn't his true mate?
07:02Are we going to die here?
07:05The crowd gasped.
07:08Stop! Stop it now! You aren't a match!
07:11If you complete the bond, you'll both die!
07:14Yet, a golden era had sealed the altar, trapping us within.
07:26I'm sorry. I brought you to this. Let go. Stop now, and you might still live.
07:31Are you crazy? Elowen, stop! I'll give you another chance!
07:34I ignored them all.
07:36Don't throw your life away just to spite me!
07:42Elowen, don't be afraid. Hold on to me.
07:48I could feel his pain too.
07:50It felt like we were both about to be burned to ash on the altar.
07:55I frowned, gripped his hand, and before anyone could stop us,
07:59we pressed our hands onto the bonding stone.
08:02Our blood mixed and seeped into the stone's wooves, filling them up instantly.
08:08Aririon let out a harrowing roar.
08:10His whole body curling inward as the veins pulsed violently beneath his skin.
08:16I gritted my teeth, balled my hand into a fist, and squeezed out more blood.
08:21The blood dripped steadily onto the wound in his palm.
08:24With my free hand, I gently stroked his fox ears.
08:27We can do this. I know we can.
08:30Just when I was about to lose hope, Alirion started to recover.
08:33His magic calmed down, and the black veins faded.
08:36The same golden fox head mark, the symbol of a completed bond, appeared on both our foreheads.
08:41It soon faded.
08:42Alirion was alive, his eyes back to a clear blue.
08:46The bond is complete.
08:48On the bonding stone, my name was still there, while Sorin's name disappeared, replaced by Aurelion's.
08:54This can't be...
08:56You can't be a match.
08:57I didn't say anything, but the fox head marks on our foreheads glowed again.
09:01On the left side of my neck, the silver antler mark that symbolized my supreme bloodline began to flow with
09:06silver light.
09:07It flowed through our joined hands and into his body.
09:10Then the same mark appeared on the left side of his neck.
09:13Everyone stared at us in shock.
09:14He accepted me, and my blood recognized him.
09:17From this moment on, our lineages were connected.
09:20The rite is complete.
09:22I'm his mate now.
09:25Aurelion's fox ears twicked, perhaps out of happiness.
09:29After a few seconds of silence, everyone rushed over to congratulate him.
09:34His highness really is blessed by the fox god.
09:39You two are a perfect match.
09:42Let's go home.
09:44I nodded gently.
09:45I pushed him home.
09:48His propalysis was caused by that strange illness.
09:51Since I'm his true mate, and I've cured the illness, maybe I could heal his legs as well?
09:55By the time we reached his manor, it was dark outside.
10:00Everything happened so quickly.
10:01I had no time to prepare.
10:03I'm sorry for this.
10:07If you weren't there, I'd be stuck with Sorin, living as a servant.
10:12Thank you for everything.
10:24Thank you for everything.
10:34I know.
10:36He looked at me, but didn't say anything else.
10:42The next morning, I woke up in a strange room and felt a bit daisy.
10:47I had actually become Aurelion's mate.
10:51There was a knock at the door.
10:53It was Aurelion.
10:54He still looked pale, slowly wheeling himself in.
10:59He handed me a gift list.
11:07Today, I'll take you to visit my mother's memorial, then we'll go see your parents.
11:11See if you want to add anything.
11:13I looked over the long list of FoxClan treasures.
11:15It was perfect.
11:20You've thought of everything.
11:22Nothing needs to be added.
11:24Great.
11:25Let's head out, then.
11:26Oh, and is there anything you want to buy today?
11:28We can stop by if you want.
11:31I looked at his legs.
11:33Dear our great healers.
11:34With the right medicine, I think I can cure him.
11:41I want to visit Silvertail Apothetary.
11:43It was the vault, where the Fox Tribe kept their secret, medicinal treasures.
11:49A place accessible only to royalty.
11:51I figured I would find exactly what I needed there.
11:55Sure, let's go.
11:56However, I didn't expect to run into Sorin and Lynette there.
12:00Aurelion heard that a new vial of magical potion had just been refined and wanted to take a look,
12:06so he followed the manager into the inner room.
12:08I headed to the warehouse on the other side.
12:13As I walked in, I heard Sorin's voice again.
12:18Bring out the finest medicine you have.
12:21Lynette is carrying my air.
12:23She deserves the best of the best.
12:26Sorin froze for a second, then sneered.
12:31Well, well.
12:33Didn't you bond with that cripple yesterday?
12:37Why are you here alone today?
12:39Did he dump you?
12:42Oh, right.
12:43He can't even stand up, so I guess he can't walk with you.
12:49Looks like even the crown prince can't make you happy.
12:56Perhaps you should return to Sorin's side and serve me?
12:59I didn't want to waste any words on them.
13:03I picked up a blue potion.
13:05It was a special, nourishing potion.
13:07Extremely difficult to refine.
13:09Lynette's eyes lit up.
13:11She grabbed Sorin's arm.
13:14That's the tonic I need.
13:16I need it!
13:17Elowen, give that to Lynette.
13:19Lynette is pregnant.
13:20She is far more precious than you are.
13:22Only she deserves to use that medicine.
13:25I didn't move.
13:27I said coldly.
13:29I took it first.
13:31Sorin's face filled with anger.
13:33Who do you think you are?
13:35Elorion only took you in for your bloodline.
13:37He's just a loser anyway.
13:39Even if you are bonded to him, in my eyes, you are still nothing more than a filthy, lowly deer.
13:45If I say you can't use this medicine, then you won't have it.
13:48Just then, Aurelion's chilling voice cut through the air from the doorway.
13:52Funny how my brother is acting so bold, daring to insult my mate.
13:56Lynette turned pale and let go of Sorin.
13:59It's a mister standing.
14:00It was all a misunderstanding.
14:02Lady Elowen tried to snatch the tonic from me.
14:04Sorin was just defending me.
14:06He meant no disrespect to your highness.
14:07Sorin had still been holding his head high, but the moment he met Aurelion's eyes, cold sweat began to break
14:12out across his skin.
14:13Aurelion might have been frail, but the presence he carried was far beyond that of ordinary men.
14:17Aurelion, you need proper care.
14:18She's the divine maiden of the deer clan and rather proud by nature.
14:21I'm afraid she may not be attentive enough.
14:23It's already difficult for you to move around every day.
14:26If your mate doesn't know how to care for you, and you end up hurt or injured, wouldn't everyone be
14:30worried?
14:31Every word was a hidden jab at Aurelion's legs.
14:33He was mocking the fact that Aurelion needed attentive care, and implying that I was not capable of taking care
14:38of him.
14:38The room went dead silent.
14:40Aurelion gripped his wheelchair tighter.
14:42I stepped forward and stood in front of Aurelion.
14:46That's none of your concern.
14:47Aurelion, I'm his mate, so I'll take care of him.
14:50As for his legs, I'll have him back on his feet in less than two weeks.
14:54And by then, see if anyone dares to say such things again.
14:58Elevon, just because your tribe put you on a pedestal, you actually believe you are capable of anything?
15:03Even our best doctors can't fix his legs.
15:05What makes you think you can?
15:07Are you just lying to flatter him?
15:10You'll see soon enough.
15:11I was done with him and started pushing Aurelion.
15:14Let us leave.
15:15There is no need to waste our time here.
15:17Aurelion nodded and glared at Sorgen.
15:19You'd better keep her in line and keep your mouth shut, or I'll do it for you, my little brother.
15:24You think I don't know what you said earlier?
15:25Don't let it happen again, or I won't go easy next time.
15:28Sorgen was furious, but he didn't dare say a word.
15:31No matter how cocky he was, he couldn't mess with the crown prince.
15:35Aurelion, the king favored Aurelion the most.
15:38If the king got mad, Sora was toast.
15:40Back at Aurelion's manon, I started brewing the medicine.
15:43I added the potion and dropped in some of my own blood.
15:50When I handed him the medicine, he was surprised.
15:54This, is this for me?
15:55I nodded.
15:56They say your condition is just muscle weakness caused by the illness.
16:00This will nourish your body and wake up your muscles.
16:03Take it once a day for a fortnight.
16:05It should work.
16:07Plus, I'll use my dear clan healing magic on you.
16:10Aurelion looked at me, then drank it down without hesitation.
16:14It must be bitter, yet he didn't even furrow his jow.
16:18Bitter?
16:19I asked.
16:20He shook his head.
16:21This is way better than the medicine I drank when I was a kid.
16:24Looking at him, I couldn't help but touch his fuzzy ears.
16:28He looked up, startled, and I quickly pulled back,
16:32hutting my hand behind my back as if nothing happened.
16:35Aurelion gave a soft chuckle.
16:36Touch them if you want.
16:38Only you can caress them.
16:40I looked at him, wondering what he'd look like when he finally stood up.
16:43I put my hand on his legs and sent in my blue magic.
16:47Feel anything?
16:48I asked him.
16:49He looked down.
16:50It feels warm.
16:51I can feel my legs again.
16:54Hearing the fox crown prince was visiting the dear clan, my parents were waiting early.
16:59When they saw Aurelion in his wheelchair, my father looked conflicted and frowned.
17:04Elevan.
17:06I never expected you to bond with their crown prince.
17:09It's just...
17:10I knew what he wanted to say.
17:12Aurelion's legs.
17:13I patted his hand to stop him.
17:15Father.
17:16Aurelion is good to me.
17:17And I like him.
17:18Don't worry.
17:20Father looked at us both and finally nodded.
17:24Your Highness, Elundin is the apple of our family's eye and the crowning jewel of the
17:28dear clan.
17:30If you dare fail her, I won't let you get away with it even if I have to risk the
17:34entire
17:35dear clan.
17:37That won't happen, I assure you.
17:40You have my word.
17:42Aurelion is my mate, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.
17:45I promise, I'll never hurt her or make her sad.
17:49If I break my vow, may my soul be destroyed.
17:53Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Father finally relaxed and invited us in.
17:59Mother asked about the fox clan, so I told her funny stories about the manor and I didn't
18:04mention Sorin at all.
18:06When we got back, I went to help him out of his wheelchair like always.
18:10Unexpectedly, he pushed himself up, his legs gaining strength, and managed to stand up
18:15a little.
18:16His eyes were full of surprise, and he grabbed my hand excitedly.
18:21Elundin, my legs.
18:23They are really getting better.
18:25I can feel the strength returning.
18:27I nodded with a smile.
18:29They'll only get better from here.
18:31Trust me.
18:32I'll make sure you can walk again.
18:33He grabbed my hand, his palm warmer than usual.
18:37You have actually found a way to heal my legs?
18:40What do you want?
18:41Treasures?
18:41Land?
18:42Just name it, and it's yours.
18:44I shook my head.
18:46I don't want anything.
18:48Just be careful.
18:50I think Sorda's planning a rebellion.
18:52The smile vanished from his face, and his eyes turned sharp.
18:55I'll handle this.
18:57I've been so lenient that they've started to think they can doesn't belong to them.
19:02The night breeze blew through his hair.
19:05Looking at his twitching fox ears, I realized that bonding with him might be the luckiest
19:09thing that's ever happened to me.
19:11So I whispered,
19:12Okay.
19:13I believe in you.
19:16After that, Avarian was like a completely different person.
19:21Though he was the crown prince, he rarely went to the royal palace because of his disability.
19:27Most of the time, he stayed in his own estate.
19:30He headed to the palace early every single day, volunteering to handle state affairs for
19:35the fox king.
19:37Whether it was military, economic, or public welfare matters, he had everything under control.
19:45Aurelian is now more diligent than the young fox king.
19:48The king couldn't have been prouder, telling the elders,
19:51Avarian is becoming so mature and reliable.
19:54I can finally afford to take a break.
19:58It was clear to everyone just how much the king favored him.
20:05Back when Avarian was crippled because of that strange illness, the elders and nobles urged
20:10the king to pick a new heir.
20:12But the king stood his ground.
20:13He insisted that the throne belong to no one but Avarian.
20:17Now that Avarian was doing so well, the king was even more thrilled.
20:21Rare treasures were sent to Avarian's estate one after another.
20:27Meanwhile, the other princes grew increasingly anxious.
20:30Sora, in particular, had assumed that with Avarian's legs crippled, it wouldn't be long
20:34for Avarian to lose the status of the heir.
20:36He thought all he had to do was wait to be named the next fox king.
20:39But then, with Avarian's influence growing and his marriage to the deer clan's divine
20:43maddis, how could he possibly stay calm?
20:45Eventually, at the fox folk gathering, he snapped.
20:52Father, I'm here to accuse Avarian.
20:55He's getting way out of line.
20:56He snatched my mate and forced a bond with Elvin.
20:58She's the deer clan's divine mate and the one prophesied to be queen.
21:01He's just using her to build his own power.
21:03He's plotting a coup.
21:04Father, I think so too.
21:06Yesterday, he even mobilized the knights outside the city without permission.
21:09He claimed it was only a drill, but who knows if he was using it as a chance to see
21:12me's
21:13military power.
21:15He has been meeting with the nobles often these past few days.
21:18I think he is clearly building his own faction and plotting to take the throne.
21:21Both sides were not to be trifled with, and no one wanted to get dragged into the conflict.
21:26Go and summon Avarian's mate.
21:29As soon as he said that, Soden and the others froze.
21:32Their father must suspect Aurelion too, and wanted to trap me into saying something wrong.
21:37As long as I slipped up, Aurelion's guilt would be confirmed.
21:41This was the final Vosel.
21:43Once Aurelion drank it, he would be able to stand for good.
21:46The Fox King requests your presence.
21:54I heard Aurelion had found himself a beautiful and capable mate.
21:59But this is my first time meeting you.
22:04So you are the Divine Maiden of the Deer Clan.
22:07You truly live up to your name, graceful, noble, and well-mannered.
22:14This was no interrogation.
22:16He was clearly praising me.
22:20You flatter me, Your Majesty.
22:29Elorion, you're quite thoughtless, aren't you?
22:32Why didn't you bring such a perfect mate to meet me sooner?
22:37She is my daughter-in-law, yet I had never even met her.
22:41Wouldn't that make others laugh at me?
22:43This is my fault, Father.
22:46From now on, I will bring Elwyn to see you often.
22:48Now, everyone understood.
22:51The Fox King was protecting Ovarian and Elwyn.
22:56Sorin's accusations wouldn't go anywhere now.
22:59Sorin glared at me with pure hatred, looking as if he wanted to tear me apart.
23:04The Fox King looked at Sorin, and his voice turned cold and dark.
23:11You claim Ovarian is plotting rebellion?
23:14And you say the prophecy about Elwyn is your proof?
23:17Then let me ask you this.
23:19Ovarian is the heir and will one day be the king.
23:21Who he bonds with, who he keeps by his side, and what he chooses to do.
23:25Is any of that your place to question?
23:27Elwyn is Ovarian's mate and is meant to become queen.
23:29How did that become proof of rebellion?
23:31Father, but Ovarian, but what?
23:36I should be the one asking you.
23:39These days, neither of you has been diligent in your training.
23:42Come on, then.
23:43Let me see how well you have been practicing.
23:45Sorin had no choice but to brace himself and strike the stone with his palm.
23:50The stone did not move at all.
23:52Everyone present burst into laughter.
23:54Prince Sorin, I believe I saw you drinking with a woman in your arms just a few days ago.
24:01You seem to be enjoying yourself very much.
24:05You don't speak nonsense.
24:10Father, then what about him?
24:12He cannot even stand.
24:14Let him strike this stone.
24:15Can he shatter it?
24:16You are the one chasing women and neglecting your training, yet you still dare drag Aurelian into this?
24:21Father, since you favor him and trust him so much, which why not let him try?
24:26Otherwise, how will he earn the clan's respect?
24:29How will he ever become Fox King?
24:31Very well.
24:32I'll try.
24:33Aurelian smiled and shook his head at him, then wheeled himself up to the great stone.
24:37He pressed his palm against the stone, his fox ears twitching slightly.
24:41Loud quash rang out, and the stone shattered into pieces.
24:44The gust it stirred up sent fragments flying, cutting Sorin's face.
24:50How is this possible?
24:51How?
24:52I just cannot stand, but I never say I've lost my strength.
24:55That's my good child.
24:57I knew it.
24:58You have always been the best.
25:01We also have something to report, your majesty.
25:04Sorin seized a commoner girl by force.
25:06The girl refused, and he just killed her!
25:09He also colluded with the serpent tribe in an attempt to stir up chaos.
25:12I have already intercepted their secret letters.
25:14After saying that, the two elders handed over the evidence.
25:17The more the fox wing read, the worse his face became, his lips trembling.
25:22Good.
25:23Very good.
25:24Very good indeed.
25:26I never imagined you would dare to do such things behind my back.
25:30From today onward, Doran, you will stay in your residence and train properly.
25:34Without my permission, you are not allowed to leave.
25:37And you, Sorin, it seems to me that the one truly plotting rebellion is you.
25:44No, father.
25:45I didn't do it.
25:45I have always been loyal to you.
25:47How could I possibly rebel?
25:49Sorin, I may be old, but I'm not blind.
25:52If you don't want others to know, then you shouldn't do it.
25:55From today onward, Sorin is stripped of his right as heir.
26:00He will never inherit the throne of the Fox King.
26:03Send him to the late Silver Fox Duke's place.
26:05From now on, he will be the Silver Fox Duke's son and inherit only that title.
26:13I know I was wrong.
26:15I won't do it again.
26:16Please don't do this to me.
26:18Being adopted by the late Duke means he has completely forfeited his eligibility for the throne.
26:23Do it!
26:24Now!
26:26Aurelion had arranged for all these elders beforehand.
26:29He had found proof of Sorin's crimes long ago, but he had held back.
26:34Now, he used this chance to crush their hopes completely.
26:43Was I good?
26:44Yes.
26:45Very impressive.
26:51Elevin, thank you.
26:58The only one who could truly save you was yourself.
27:01I was certain that even if I had bonded with Sorin back then, he still would not have become the
27:06Fox King.
27:07A noble bloodline cannot cleanse the filth in a person's heart.
27:10After Sor inherited the title of Silver Fox Duke, he showed no restraint at all.
27:19He seized women in the streets, allowed his slaves to beat nobles, and even secretly contacted those who still supported
27:25him.
27:26Nora has been meeting with the Third Prince often lately.
27:29Last night she even gave them something that looked like a crest.
27:32I also found out that they hired a band of death-shorn fighters from the Black Market, and the Third
27:38Prince seems to have bribed several Fox Guard captains.
27:40They may be up to something.
27:43I understand. Keep watching them, but be careful not to be discovered.
27:47Are they planning a rebellion?
27:49They couldn't hold back after all.
27:51The crest in the Queen's possession was a command token granted by the former Fox King.
27:56It can be used to summon some of the old forces.
27:59And with Sorin bribing the Fox Guards, they must be planning to strike at my father.
28:03Then should we...
28:05I've arranged everything.
28:08Those captains he thought he had bought off were placed there by me.
28:12We knew every move they made.
28:15All we had to do was wait for them to strike, then catch them all at once.
28:19If they had stayed in line, they could have lived in comfort for the rest of their lives.
28:23But they just had to choose this path.
28:25Ambition isn't a bad thing, but their hearts are rotten.
28:30More than ten days later, the Fox King went to make offerings to the Fox God, as was the custom.
28:36Halfway there, a large force suddenly rushed out from the roadside.
28:41Alarion, you useless cripple!
28:43You don't deserve to be the heir!
28:45Today, I'm taking back the place that should have been mine!
28:49Averion gave a soft laugh and waved his hand.
28:52Squads of Fox Guards immediately surged in from both sides and surrounded them.
28:57The captain of the Fox Guards dismounted and bowed to Averilion.
29:01We have been waiting for this for a long time.
29:04Alarion gave a slight nod, then raised his hand.
29:07The two sides clashed.
29:08It took little effort for them to be the rebels.
29:12You useless cripple!
29:14Why you?
29:15Why do you get to be the Fox King?
29:17How am I any worse than you?
29:19You're nothing but a weak'un who hides behind a woman!
29:23I should have been dead!
29:37Everyone present reacted differently.
29:39Some were moved, some were shocked, and some were terrified.
29:44Sorin stared at Averilion as if he had seen a ghost.
29:47How is this possible?
29:48How can you...
29:49How can you stand?
29:50This is the surprise I prepared for you, little brother.
29:54Averilion told you before, didn't she?
29:56Only then did Sorin remember what I had said when he took the medicine.
29:59Averilion's legs would heal.
30:03No!
30:04I don't believe this!
30:23Let's go back.
30:31When Nora heard the news, she panicked on the spot.
30:36You dared to kill Sorin!
30:38My son is innocent!
30:40He didn't plot a rebellion at all!
30:44Unjustly accused?
30:47Speechless?
30:50You should end this yourself.
30:55Dealing with them, I suddenly thought of Lynette.
31:01Sorin!
31:02Sorin!
31:02Your Highness, have you come to pick me up?
31:05How is this possible?
31:07How could this happen?
31:08He died.
31:11He promised me!
31:12I was going to be queen!
31:14You must be lying to me!
31:15You liar!
31:17Sentence her to death.
31:18After such a great joy, and such a terrible shock,
31:22the Fox King could not bear the blow.
31:24He fell ill and became bedridden.
31:27This is grief, not sickness.
31:29It cannot be cured.
31:31I never chose Aurarian as my heir,
31:33simply because I favored him.
31:35I watched him grow up with my own eyes.
31:38But they...
31:40The Fox King summoned Aurelion to see him.
31:47You're healed.
31:49Your legs are healed.
31:51Father, I can stand and walk on my own now.
31:55Now, I promised your mother that I would protect you no matter what.
31:59Your strange illness was caused by traitors of the Fox Clan.
32:04They hated me, so they forced you to drink a forbidden draft.
32:09Back then, I kept thinking I had failed your mother, and I had failed you.
32:12Even if you could never stand again, you were still the only one fit to be Fox King.
32:17Father, now, I can finally be at ease.
32:21In a few days, I will announce that you are the new Fox King.
32:26It's all right, my child.
32:28All living things must one day die.
32:32Under your rule, the Fox Clan will only grow stronger.
32:37Today, I formally pass the throne to my eldest son, Prince Avarian.
32:42From this day forward, he will be your new king!
32:45Three days later, the old Fox King formally declared that the throne would pass to Aurelion.
32:49Aurelion would become the new Fox King.
32:52Aurelion and I stood together upon the altar and lit the sacred fire.
32:56It almost felt as if the blood Aurelion and I had shed during our binding route still remained upon the
33:00altar,
33:01like a silent witness to everything between us.
33:03But by then, Aurelion could already stand and walk normally again.
33:06After the ceremony, Avarian pulled my tightly into his arms.
33:09The greatest fortune of my life was bonding with you.
33:13Your blood saved me, and the fate you carry helped me become the Fox King.
33:16I watched his soft, furry ears twitch, then stroked them gently, just as I used to.
33:22No, it wasn't only because of me.
33:24The dear clan's priest once told me something else as well.
33:29She said,
33:30My bloodline would only bring the prophecy to life when I met the one fate had chosen for me.
33:36I held his gaze.
33:37My hand moved gently over him.
33:39My fingers traced from his ears down to his cheeks.
33:42He seemed to shiver, and his tail gave a small twitch before curling around my arm.
33:46I stroked his tail without thinking, and he startled at once, quickly hiding it behind his back.
33:54No prophecy is ever certain to come true.
33:57You are the one fate chose for me, and you were meant to become the king.
34:04The old Fox King didn't survive that winter, passing away peacefully.
34:08After Aurelion took the throne, he had a million things to handle, working late into the night every day.
34:13The second prince of the serpent clan requests an audience.
34:19Congratulations on your coronation, your majesty.
34:21Our serpent king heard that the queen is the divine maiden of the deer clan, so he sent me here
34:26to offer his congratulations to both of you.
34:28As it happens, our king also wants to marry a deer.
34:32What are you trying to say?
34:34If Lady Elowen has any sisters, it would be wonderful if one could marry our king.
34:39Even ordinary members of the deer clan possess spirit blood with healing properties.
34:43Heal me.
34:44Again, don't you dare hold back.
34:46That's why every clan wants deer as their mates.
34:49Yet many of them view it are people as mere vessels of blood to be drained.
34:52I don't have any sisters, and the women of my clan will never be used as bargaining strip.
34:59They're just testing us.
35:00The serpents have always have wanted our lands.
35:03Now that we've turned them down, they won't let this go.
35:05They're probably trying to take advantage of your succession, hoping to start a war before we can stabilize the kingdom.
35:11Recently, serpent spies have been spotted frequently near the border, moving in suspicious ways.
35:16It looks like they're scouting our military defenses and mapping out the terrain around our passes.
35:21Perhaps Vesper's request to marry a woman of the deer clan was not merely a pretext.
35:25The deer bloodline is unique.
35:28They probably want to use marriage to infiltrate the clan and seize our secret medicine and magic.
35:34You mean their real target is the deer clan?
35:37I need to warn my father so they don't get tricked by smooth talk.
35:41That night, I wrote a letter to my father, explaining exactly what the serpents were up to and telling him
35:46to watch out for their envoys.
35:47My father replied quickly, saying he had already turned down the serpents' marriage proposal.
35:52But just a few days later, terrible news came from the border.
35:55A small settlement of the deer clan was suddenly attacked.
35:58There were heavy casualties, many couldn't escape in time, and their houses were burned to the ground.
36:02What's going on?
36:03We were attacked by raiders covered in serpent scales.
36:05They moved with blinding speed and showed no mercy.
36:08On top of that, they used some kind of magic array against my people.
36:11The array was burned away, but it left behind some half-destroyed runes.
36:16The deer king has likewise sent a plea for help, stating that the deer clan alone is no match for
36:22the treacherous serpent clan,
36:23and beseeching the fox king to send troops to their aid.
36:27Dispatch troops to thoroughly investigate this incident and see to it that the mastermind is rooted out.
36:32But right at that moment, a riot broke out inside the fox clan.
36:36I heard the third prince's former followers are still locked up in the prison.
36:39We're going to break them out.
36:40The raiders actually stormed the place, trying to break them out.
36:46The guards fought fiercely to hold the line.
36:49After losing a few men in the fight, they finally managed to stop the raiders.
36:55Break them.
36:56I want to know who is backing them up.
36:59Someone has to be pulling the strings behind this.
37:01It was the fifth prince, Doron.
37:03He resented Aurelian for punishing the former fox queen and third prince Saurian,
37:08so he secretly contacted their old followers to rescue the remnants.
37:11He just wanted to stir up trouble and cause chaos.
37:14He wouldn't go this far just to cause trouble for you.
37:17He wants the throne, too.
37:20They also found out during the interrogation that Doronan seemed to be plotting with the serpents.
37:26Several letters between them were found.
37:28The border attack and the dungeon riot, the timing is too perfect.
37:32It's two moves in the exact same game.
37:34Doron must have made some kind of deal with the serpents.
37:37Selling out our lands just to get the throne, I bet.
37:39I can't believe he would even betray his own people and caloose with the serpents.
37:42I stayed up all night reviewing the clues from the deer clan,
37:46comparing the marks left by the attackers one by one.
37:49Those runes perfectly matched Doron's own personal crest.
37:59Looks like Doron had been in contact with the serpents for a while.
38:01He was definitely Vumden's better attack.
38:03He thought the war would weaken the deer clan,
38:05force me to focus on my own people,
38:06and thence the opportunity to bring you down and shake the foundation of your rule.
38:10Wishful thinking.
38:11I can't believe he dared to go this far.
38:13Colluding with the enemy and killing innocents just for a throne.
38:17How could someone like that ever become the fox king?
38:20He secretly moved an elite squad to surround Doron's manor,
38:23just waiting for the right moment to strike.
38:25We can't alert him yet.
38:26Let me go talk to him first and see what secrets he's hiding.
38:29It's too dangerous.
38:30I'm not letting you risk your life.
38:33I'm the queen now.
38:34He won't dare make a move on me easily.
38:37At least, he has to play along on the surface.
38:40After all, if news gets out that he killed the queen before taking the throne,
38:44it won't just start a war with the deer clan.
38:47He'll lose the trust of the fox elders too.
38:52Besides, I want to see for myself what he's actually planning.
38:56Fine.
38:58But I'll have people follow you in secret.
39:00The second anything goes wrong, they'll move in.
39:04Fifth prince, did you know the border has come under attack?
39:07Those serpents are getting reckless.
39:10As for what happened at the border,
39:12my brother should be prepared as soon as possible.
39:15You're right, but I wonder, your highness, do you happen to know anything about the serpents?
39:20Ever since my brother took the throne, I've just been partying in the capital every day.
39:24Why would I care about the serpents?
39:28Your highness, we're in trouble.
39:29The troops of the king are all over the manor.
39:32I was completely shocked.
39:34How could two pure blood foxes give birth to a serpent hybrid?
39:37There was only one explanation.
39:39Doran's father was a serpent.
39:40He was a half-breed from Nora's secret affair.
39:42I immediately tried to break free,
39:44but he had already seized me tightly and dragged me toward the basement in a frantic escape,
39:49knocking over countless decorations along the way.
39:51Since everything has been exposed, don't think you're walking out of here alive.
39:55Do you really think you can escape after hurting me?
39:58Arolean already knows your true bloodline.
40:00The place is surrounded by his troops.
40:02You can't get away.
40:04As for the throne, you'll never have it.
40:06Then I'm taking you down with me.
40:09I'm Deniway!
40:19Did you really think I'd let you hurt her?
40:21Why?
40:22Why do you get to inherit the throne while I had to live in fear since the day I was
40:26born?
40:28How dare you betray me?
40:29It turned out that he was born from Nora's affair with the Serpent King.
40:32Nora wanted to kill him when he was born,
40:34but she softened up and kept him because he was born in fox form.
40:37He spent every day terrified that his serpent features would show and give him away.
40:42All these years, he had remained in secret contact with the Serpent King,
40:46waiting for a chance to ruin the Fox Clan.
40:50Thank God you're okay.
40:51You scared me to death.
40:53I'm fine.
40:54As long as you're here, I'm not afraid.
40:56Ararion couldn't bring himself to kill his own blood,
40:59so he just stripped Doran of his royal status and locked him away in the dungeon.
41:04After dealing with Doran, a thorough purge was carried out,
41:06rooting out several hidden spies, and a fragile peace finally settled.
41:11Before long, the Serpent King actually sent an envoy with a declaration of war,
41:16and the wording was incredibly aggressive.
41:18Our clan has just endured internal strife, and it is not the time to go to war.
41:22We cannot show weakness to the Serpent Clan,
41:23or there will be endless trouble in the future war.
41:29The Serpent King is just making excuses.
41:32They've wanted this fight for a long time.
41:34A truce would buy us nothing but borrowed time.
41:36Since they wanted to fight, then let's give them a war.
41:38I'll help you fight this war.
41:41What do you mean?
41:42The Deer Clan's healing magic can support the Fox soldiers and keep our casualties low.
41:47Besides, my bloodline is supposed to strength of Foxless warriors.
41:50That's our greatest advantage right now.
41:52Well then, let's show the Serpents that we are not to be trifled with-
41:56Afterwards, Avorion called up the entire army and urgently prepared grain, supplies, and weapons,
42:02getting ready to face the Serpents head-on.
42:03The night before we deployed, Aorion called me to his study.
42:07The Serpents excel in ambushes, and they move fast.
42:11The terrain is complicated and unpredictable.
42:13We have to beat them their own game, and hit them fast.
42:16Don't give them a single second to breathe.
42:19I'll follow the army, and set up a healing array in the back to treat the wounded soldiers.
42:23It's too dangerous.
42:25I want you to stay in the capital and just wait for me to come back.
42:28My bloodline can boost the combat power of the Fox warriors.
42:31With me, our odds of winning will be much better.
42:34I can't bear to let you face the Serpent King alone.
42:36What if something goes wrong?
42:38Fine.
42:39But you stay right next to me the entire time.
42:42Do not leave my sight.
42:43The next morning, the army set out.
42:45Banners fluttered in the wind, and the soldiers' morale was through the roof.
42:48The Serpent army was already waiting outside the pass.
42:51The Serpent King himself was leading them.
42:54Aorion, you've got guts to show up in person.
42:57Aren't you afraid you won't make it back alive?
43:03You've harassed my clan over and over again.
43:06This time, we're settling all scores once and for all.
43:10The war brooms rolled, and both armies charged forward at the same time, their roars deafening.
43:16At first, the Serpents had the upper hand.
43:19I stood in the back, closing my eyes to channel the ancient power of my dear bloodline.
43:23A holy silver light began to wash over the Fox soldiers.
43:26My healing magic can heal your wounds.
43:29Don't be afraid.
43:30Charge!
43:32The tide began to turn.
43:34The Fox warriors fought harder and harder, pushing back the Serpent attack.
43:39Stay here.
43:40Protect yourself.
43:42After telling me that, Aorion charged straight into the enemy lines with his sword, cutting
43:47down many Serpent warriors along the way.
43:51We Serpents have never been afraid of you foxes.
43:54You were a cripple once.
43:56Even if you're the Fox King now, don't think you can ever beat me.
44:01No way!
44:02Your legs were supposed to be ruined.
44:04How are you moving this fast?
44:06That was in the past.
44:07I'm not the cripple I used to be.
44:09What, did Doran forget to mention that?
44:11With one quick thrust, his sword pierced right through the Serpent King's shoulder.
44:14The Serpent army's morale completely broke.
44:17They scrambled to run away, leaving the battlefield in total chaos.
44:21The Fox clan won a massive victory, and the casualties were way lower than we expected.
44:26Just kill me.
44:27The Serpents will never surrender to you foxes, and we're definitely not begging for peace.
44:33I won't kill you.
44:35That would only make our clans hate each other even more.
44:38I want you to admit, with your own mouth, that you colluded with Doran, attempted to overthrow
44:43the Fox clan, and provoke the war at the border.
44:45I want you to sign a truce agreement.
44:47Return the borderlands you seized, and compensate us for the losses caused by this war.
44:52On the day of the signing, the Serpent King stamped his seal.
44:56Starting today, the Serpents will never cross into Fox territory again.
44:59If we break this promise, may the Serpent God curse us all.
45:03We couldn't win this war without your help.
45:05It was your command that led us to victory, and also because of our brave warriors.
45:08They used to say the Fox King's legs were crippled, but now, it seems he has fully recovered.
45:14We're blessed to have such a brave king leading us.
45:18Once we got back to the Fox clan, the elders who used to look down on Aurelion, completely
45:23changed their minds about him.
45:25Nobody dared call him a cripple anymore, and no one brought up his past ever again.
45:30I once thought I would rot away here, for the rest of my life.
45:34The elders were never going to let a crypt become the king.
45:37Even if my father insisted on passing the throne to me, once he died, someone else would
45:42take it from me.
45:43So for a long time, I...
45:44I just gave up on myself.
45:47It was you.
45:48You saved me.
45:53You were born to be the Fox King.
45:55I just gave you back what belonged to you in the first place.
45:57Let's rule the Fox Clan and protect this land together.
46:00Shall we?
46:01Okay.
46:02Whatever comes next, we're in this together.
46:06No matter what storm break upon us, I shall stand beside you to shatter the dark.
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