- 9 hours ago
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00:00:06Dad, please don't leave me alone.
00:00:13Oh, Evelyn, my poor, dear niece.
00:00:17What the hell are you doing in my house, Victor?
00:00:19Your father's dead. Tragic, really.
00:00:21But 50 million doesn't bury itself. Someone's gotta pay.
00:00:25No. That was your setup.
00:00:28You killed him.
00:00:36Let go of me. Give it back.
00:00:40Your father got greedy. Look where it got him.
00:00:45Now it's your turn.
00:00:48If you can't pay, this house, everything in it, and the rest of your life, all mine.
00:00:54You bastard! You'll pay for this!
00:01:01If you don't pay in three days, I'll send you to work at a strip club. The customers there will
00:01:06be happy to help you out.
00:01:11Why don't you check tonight's lottery numbers?
00:01:14You poor, pathetic thing.
00:01:19Why?
00:01:24Today, archaeologists have unearthed a tomb from the Long Winter Era.
00:01:28The tomb's owner is none other than the legendary commander, Alarath.
00:01:49Commander, we haven't eaten in three days. The enemy is only three miles away. The fortress is about to fall.
00:01:57Perhaps we should surrender.
00:01:58Never. Never. Never. If we surrender, they will all be slaughtered. I know these demons too well.
00:02:08I, Alarach, have sworn an oath. I will fight to the death. I believe the gods will protect us.
00:02:22Oh god, they're here!
00:02:30What in the name of...
00:02:33Meat? And some sort of herb? What sorcery is this?
00:02:36It could be a trap. Commander, poison. We should burn it.
00:02:40Don't worry. I'll try it.
00:02:45Poison! Get the medic!
00:02:50So soft. So rich. Never in all my years have I tasted such bounty.
00:02:55Break it. Share it among every man, woman, and child. The gods have looked upon us this day.
00:03:00Thank the gods for their blessing. We are in dear straits, with nothing to offer in return.
00:03:04I give this ring as an offering. Grant us more food, I pray.
00:03:08The gods have received it. They will bless us.
00:03:13Unearthed ruby ring. Fight.
00:03:16Three days. I've got to give it everything I've got. I can't fall into his hands.
00:03:21Grandpa said this box was an antique. Wonder how much it's worth.
00:03:30No way. This... this is an actual ruby?
00:03:33The unearthed ruby ring is priceless.
00:03:41The sandwich disappeared and a ring came out?
00:03:45This box... it trades things?
00:03:48Let's see what you conjure up this time.
00:03:55Hey, why isn't anything happening? Did I not give enough?
00:04:00Whatever. I've only got three days. I've got to take this gamble.
00:04:08Please, just give me something valuable.
00:04:12Commander, let us pray to the gods for more food. They won't last much longer.
00:04:17Gods above, I should not ask for more, but for their sake I would give everything.
00:04:21Grant us more food, I beg of you.
00:04:26The gods... have abandoned us.
00:04:32An apple! It's an apple!
00:04:46Commander, the gods have not abandoned us. Eat! Quickly! You've barely eaten in seven days!
00:04:52The gravely wounded first, then the women and children.
00:04:55But Commander, your body...
00:04:56If they don't survive, how can we hold the fortress? Distribute it now.
00:05:00Yes.
00:05:05Thank the gods for saving us in this long winter era.
00:05:09If we win this war, I, Alaric, vow to repay you with 10,000 gold coins.
00:05:21Hey, old pal! I held up my end! Time for you to hold up yours.
00:05:27Maybe it was just a fluke. Looks like I'm on my own.
00:05:40The long winter era.
00:05:43Alaric, vows to repay with 10,000 gold coins.
00:05:49It's still wet. The blood is still warm.
00:05:51Oh my god. This is Alaric's blood.
00:05:53They're really fighting a war right now?
00:05:55Alaric, long winter era.
00:05:58An ambush?
00:06:00He's going to die?
00:06:02No, no, no, no.
00:06:03I can't let him die.
00:06:07Can you hear me?
00:06:08Alaric, run!
00:06:09Get out of there!
00:06:10It's an ambush. You're all gonna die.
00:06:12You can't die on me, you bastard.
00:06:13I haven't gotten my gold yet.
00:06:15Do you hear me?
00:06:17Commander!
00:06:18The enemy's 100,000-strong army is on the moon.
00:06:21We have eaten at the gods' table.
00:06:23Now we fight as their swords.
00:06:25All able bodies, with me!
00:06:32Alaric, surrender now, and I might consider sparing your life.
00:06:35The gods have not forsaken us.
00:06:37They command us to fight!
00:06:39No response.
00:06:44Oh my god, have they already started fighting?
00:06:463,000 against 100,000?
00:06:47Without guns, it's a massacre.
00:06:49Wait!
00:06:50The panic room!
00:06:50Dad's guns!
00:06:51They're still in there!
00:06:56You better survive this, or I'm coming down there to kick your medieval ass myself, and I want my gold!
00:07:06Alaric, surrender!
00:07:07If you'll eat my shit, I might consider sparing these women.
00:07:11No!
00:07:12The gods will lead us to victory!
00:07:17Kill!
00:07:17Kill!
00:07:18Kill!
00:07:25I know you've tried your best, but there are no gods in this world.
00:07:35What in the name of...
00:07:37I know not, but they do.
00:07:39And they are I.
00:07:41Ha ha!
00:07:41Your god sent you a firecrace, Becker!
00:07:44Surrender, or I'll cut his head off right now!
00:07:46Commander, forget about me!
00:07:48Safety, off.
00:07:49Aim.
00:07:50Pull the trigger.
00:07:50All of you, tear him apart!
00:07:57Divine punishment!
00:07:59This witchcraft!
00:07:59It's witchcraft!
00:08:00Flee for your lives!
00:08:09The gods' armor!
00:08:10To your weapons!
00:08:12Drive them back!
00:08:13Four hours now, Alaric.
00:08:14You'd better not stiff me.
00:08:15Or...
00:08:16Did you die in battle?
00:08:19Alaric, I'm sorry.
00:08:20Looks like...
00:08:21I couldn't save you after all.
00:08:33Nothing?
00:08:35Alaric, you better not be dead!
00:08:37Don't you dare die on me, you medieval bastard!
00:08:44Commander, we won!
00:08:46Yes!
00:08:46All thanks to the gods' blessing!
00:08:50Come on, bring it all in!
00:08:52Commander, we've seized all of the enemy's supplies.
00:08:56Pour every last coin into the reliquatory.
00:08:59The gods delivered us victory.
00:09:02Now we deliver our vow.
00:09:03Yes!
00:09:04Thirty minutes.
00:09:06If I can't bluff my way out of this, I'm taking at least one of them with me.
00:09:13Victor, you're early.
00:09:15Clock's still ticking.
00:09:16Afraid you'd run off.
00:09:17Your new employers are eager to meet you.
00:09:21Gently now.
00:09:22Don't ruin her face.
00:09:23Don't come any closer.
00:09:25Hands up!
00:09:26Don't play games with me.
00:09:28One more move and I'll blow your head off.
00:09:30Three days is nothing.
00:09:31You know, this is insane.
00:09:33I need more time.
00:09:34Don't make me laugh.
00:09:36You couldn't pay this back in three years.
00:09:39Come quietly and start working in the strip club.
00:09:44I've found a way to make money.
00:09:45Too late!
00:09:46I'm taking it now!
00:09:50What?
00:09:51What the hell is this thing?
00:09:59No!
00:10:07My husband, Julian, married his elder brother's widow, Cecilia, to secure his title.
00:10:13My daughter, Adele, and I waited for him on a crumpling farm.
00:10:15A kind passerby warned me.
00:10:17Julian has already been made count.
00:10:18Why are you still here?
00:10:20So I took Adele to the royal capital to find him.
00:10:27But Cecilia, his widowed sister-in-law, fed Adele poisoned and cakes.
00:10:32Adele could...
00:10:33Save her!
00:10:34Please!
00:10:35Call a court physician for our daughter!
00:10:36I crawled toward him and clutched his boots, begging.
00:10:40Julian looked down at me, then slid an arm around Cecilia's waist.
00:10:44What madwoman is this, screaming in my castle?
00:10:46His voice was ice-cold.
00:10:48He kicked my hand away in disgust.
00:10:50Drag this woman, and that little bastard outside the city.
00:10:54Beat them to death.
00:10:57As the guards dragged me away...
00:11:00When I opened my eyes again, cold wind poured down my throat.
00:11:04I had not died in the hall of the Count's castle.
00:11:07The gods had heard my curse and sent me back to the day Julian was officially made count.
00:11:11I threw away the wild berries in my hand and sold the farm.
00:11:17Then I carried Adele back to Anjit Castle and snelt.
00:11:21Begging my father to forgive me.
00:11:23Father, your daughter was wrong.
00:11:27My father stood inside the drawbridge, watching me through an iron gate.
00:11:33Are you sure this time?
00:11:34Genevieve, what makes me believe this isn't another whim?
00:11:37Father, I won't run again.
00:11:38You said that last time.
00:11:40You said Julian was the bravest knight you'd ever seen.
00:11:43You said he deserved your heart more than the man on the throne.
00:11:46I said nothing.
00:11:46Those words were mine.
00:11:48Every last one.
00:11:49In the end, father relented.
00:11:51Come in.
00:11:52Stop embarrassing me at the gate.
00:11:53I stood with Adele in my arms, my legs gone numb.
00:11:56Margaret, the housekeeper, hurried over to support me and said softly,
00:11:59My lady, his grace sent men to the Black Forest for years to look for you.
00:12:03I froze.
00:12:04Margaret sighed, but the people there said you'd moved long ago.
00:12:07No one knew where you'd gone.
00:12:09The foyer hearth burned bright.
00:12:11Father sat in a high-backed chair.
00:12:13Tell me, how did you live these past five years?
00:12:16I stood before him while Margaret carried Adele to the side parlor.
00:12:20At first, it was fine.
00:12:22Julian told me to wait for him at the farm.
00:12:24He sent silver every month.
00:12:26By the fourth month, I was picking wild berries in the woods.
00:12:29Adele was born during a snowstorm.
00:12:31No one helped me.
00:12:32I cut the cord myself.
00:12:35Three days after she was born, Julian's messenger came.
00:12:39He said Julian was working to inherit the title.
00:12:42He told me to wait a little longer.
00:12:45That little longer became five years.
00:12:47Do you know why he never came?
00:12:50Father opened his eyes.
00:12:52They were already red.
00:12:54I know.
00:12:55He had to marry his widowed sister-in-law to inherit the title.
00:12:59Those people at the church granted him a dispensation.
00:13:06So what will you do now?
00:13:08Father asked.
00:13:10Do you want to accuse him of bigamy before the church?
00:13:12I can send someone with the papers, but think carefully.
00:13:15Once this becomes public, Adele will be dragged into it.
00:13:19It could damage her reputation.
00:13:21I cut him off.
00:13:22Julian has nothing.
00:13:24From start to finish, he has only an empty title and a mountain of debt.
00:13:27Father was silent for a while.
00:13:29What did you ever see in him?
00:13:31I closed my eyes.
00:13:33It was autumn, six years ago.
00:13:35I had gone hunting.
00:13:36A storm hit on the ride back.
00:13:38I was separated from my guards.
00:13:40Julian lay in the mud, one leg bent wrong.
00:13:42I had my guards carry him to a nearby farm.
00:13:48I splent his leg with branches and washed his wound with holy water.
00:13:51On the fourth morning, I opened the farmhouse door.
00:13:53My name is Julian.
00:13:54I am the second son of the Count of the Eastern Border.
00:13:56That was how Julia introduced himself.
00:13:58I stayed at the farm and cared for him for a month.
00:14:01The day he could walk, he limped into the yard.
00:14:04He saw me mounted, ready to return to Angor Castle.
00:14:08Will you come back?
00:14:09He said.
00:14:10Maybe.
00:14:10I said, looking down at him.
00:14:12Then I'll wait for you here.
00:14:13He said it, then tore a cord from his neck.
00:14:15A copper ring hung from it.
00:14:18This isn't worth much, but it's been with me for ten years.
00:14:21Take it.
00:14:21When you come back.
00:14:22I'll give it back.
00:14:23I took the ring.
00:14:25When you come back.
00:14:28Julian smiled.
00:14:31I'll tell you a secret.
00:14:35After that, I went back every few days.
00:14:38One night, he suddenly said.
00:14:40Genevieve, I want to marry you.
00:14:41He came over and dropped to one knee.
00:14:43I know I have no land and no title, but I swear I will love only you for the rest
00:14:46of my life.
00:14:47Count or beggar, you are my wife.
00:14:49He held my hand and slid the copper ring back onto my finger.
00:14:53That night, we swore our vows before the farm statue of the gods.
00:14:56When he kissed me, I thought that was the end of the story.
00:14:59So you believed him.
00:15:01Father's voice pulled me back into the foyer.
00:15:03I'll ask you one last time.
00:15:06He came to stand before me, looking down.
00:15:09Are you sure this time you won't climb the wall and run in the middle of the night?
00:15:14I won't.
00:15:16The voice was firm.
00:15:17Good.
00:15:19He turned and walked deeper into the foyer.
00:15:21Tomorrow morning, I'll send men to the church with a complaint accusing him of bigamy.
00:15:25Father.
00:15:26I stopped him.
00:15:28I don't want it submitted privately.
00:15:29He turned back, his eyes cold as ice.
00:15:33What did you say?
00:15:35I mean, I raised my head and met his eyes.
00:15:39I want the ruling, but I also want a public trial.
00:15:42I want him to admit, before the queen region, that he abandoned his wife and daughter.
00:15:47Father stared at me for a long time.
00:15:49Then he smiled.
00:15:50You are my daughter, after all.
00:15:52When you turn ruthless, even I hardly recognize you.
00:15:57I ordered Margaret to deliver a letter to a cloaked man.
00:16:00He was my father's best rumour runner, the sort who fed whispers into taverns.
00:16:04Adele had fallen asleep on the rug.
00:16:06Margaret brought in hot soup and lowered her voice.
00:16:08My lady, people outside are saying Count Julian abandoned his first wife in the Black Forest to die, all for
00:16:14a title.
00:16:15How far has it gone?
00:16:16I lifted the soup and took a sip.
00:16:18Now they say that after marrying his widowed sister-in-law, he sent men to the farm to silence you.
00:16:22I want him sleepless.
00:16:25I looked out into the night.
00:16:27If he can still sleep, he won't panic.
00:16:29If he doesn't panic, he won't act.
00:16:32In less than five days, the rumour filled every street in the capital.
00:16:36A lame old sailor slapped a table and said,
00:16:39Have you heard about that new count of the eastern border?
00:16:41He had a first wife, left her in the Black Forest to die.
00:16:44Then came the fish market.
00:16:45A vendor gossiped.
00:16:47I heard he wanted the title and his widowed sister-in-law, so he sent men to kill his own
00:16:52child.
00:16:53Even in the saloons where nobles gathered, people murmured.
00:16:57Count Julia, the one who built his fortune on his wife's dowry, then tossed her aside.
00:17:01That's him.
00:17:02They say his first wife still has the marriage contract.
00:17:04If it reaches the church, he may lose everything.
00:17:07Then why doesn't he bring her back?
00:17:08Bring her back?
00:17:10He married his widowed sister-in-law.
00:17:12That's bigginy.
00:17:13The church won't spare him.
00:17:16Margaret brought these words back to me every day.
00:17:18That night, Father stood at the stairs of the East Tower, holding a cup of hot wine.
00:17:23Using the rumours to force his hand.
00:17:25He said,
00:17:26You know the whole capital is talking, so he'll have to check whether you're truly dead.
00:17:31Father took a sip of wine and watched me for a long time.
00:17:35Genevieve, you're using your own life as bait.
00:17:37Father, the fish is already bitten.
00:17:38I smiled at him.
00:17:41Julian's captain of the guard took five men into that black forest farm at midnight.
00:17:46They broke down the door and sat at the corner.
00:17:49They found no one.
00:17:50The captain set a fire and burned the whole cottage to ash.
00:17:54When he returned to the capital, Julia asked,
00:17:57Did you see them die inside with your own eyes?
00:17:59The captain said,
00:18:00The fire was huge.
00:18:02Even if they weren't dead, they couldn't survive.
00:18:05Julian took thirty gold coins from his purse and threw them on the table.
00:18:08Go drink.
00:18:09Take this to your grave.
00:18:11The captain seized the coins and left.
00:18:13The moment the door closed,
00:18:15Julian leaned back and let out a long breath.
00:18:18He smiled.
00:18:20These words came from an informant father had planted in the count's kitchen.
00:18:24After I heard the report, I lifted Adele onto my lap.
00:18:28Adele, would you like to go somewhere with lots of people and lots of good food?
00:18:32Adele was gnawing a piece of dry bread.
00:18:35She looked up at me.
00:18:37I want to go.
00:18:39Julian was holding an autumn harvest feast.
00:18:42It was his celebration, after being officially invested as count of the Eastern Border.
00:18:47He meant to present Cecilia as countess, so the capital could see who truly owned the castle.
00:18:52On the day of the feast, night fell early.
00:18:55I lifted one corner of the carriage curtain and glanced out.
00:19:03Margaret.
00:19:04After I go in, stay in the carriage with Adele.
00:19:06My lady, you're going in alone?
00:19:08Alone.
00:19:09I placed Adele in Margaret's arms.
00:19:12When I send someone for you, bring Adele inside.
00:19:15Remember, if anyone asks who you are.
00:19:17I pinched Adele's cheek.
00:19:20Say I am the Grand Duke of Anjan's granddaughter.
00:19:24I am looking for my mother.
00:19:25Margaret's lips moved.
00:19:27But in the end, she said nothing.
00:19:58I stepped down from the carriage.
00:19:59He stumbled back, turned and ran into the hall.
00:20:01Nobles filled both sides of the long table.
00:20:03Goblets hung in mid-air.
00:20:04Forks hovered over plates.
00:20:05Every eye fixed on me.
00:20:06Then I saw Julian.
00:20:07He sat at the head of the long table.
00:20:09Celelia on his left.
00:20:10When he recognized my face, his fork slipped from his hand and struck the silver plate.
00:20:13Color drained from his face, inch by inch.
00:20:16God, the man!
00:20:19Cecilia screamed.
00:20:20The hall erupted.
00:20:21Who is that woman?
00:20:21Why is she wearing Andam's lily?
00:20:23The Grand Duke of Andam's lily.
00:20:24Could she be Lady Genevieve?
00:20:26She said an old friend from the Black Forest.
00:20:27The first wife from the rumors!
00:20:31On the day Crown Beast Prince Cassian Blackthorn and I sealed our official bond,
00:20:35feral outcasts crashed into Crown Tower and turned our Valrite into a bloodbath.
00:20:40Before the screams stopped, Cassian shoved me toward the attackers
00:20:43and pulled his first love and also my childhood friend, Serena Vos, into his arms.
00:20:48The outcasts dragged me before the whole court and ruined me.
00:20:51The nobles came to watch me become Cassian's official bond.
00:20:54Instead, move.
00:20:55By the time the hall went quiet, my gown was torn, my skin was burned,
00:20:59and my soulstone core had been ripped open, its faint light spilling out through the wound.
00:21:03My parents saw everything and collapsed on the spot.
00:21:06My brother Gareth carried me back with shaking hands.
00:21:09Then he went straight to the Crown Court gates and dropped to his knees.
00:21:12He begged the Beast King to let him hunt down the outcasts.
00:21:15He begged the court shamans to save me.
00:21:17Even through the fever, I heard him outside my room.
00:21:19You left her there.
00:21:21I got Serena out.
00:21:22Evelyn is your wife!
00:21:23Keep your voice down.
00:21:25Cassian's voice was low.
00:21:26Gareth went silent.
00:21:27His voice shook.
00:21:28Serena saved your life, and she's carrying your child.
00:21:31Serena was my first love.
00:21:33I gave her my word, the child comes first.
00:21:35Serena, her child, and my pain had already been decided.
00:21:37What about Evelyn?
00:21:38Evelyn is still mine.
00:21:39She'll have protection, comfort.
00:21:41She only loses the title.
00:21:43They spoke like my life was already settled.
00:21:45Like my pain was just the price of Serena's crown.
00:21:48With the last strength in my fingers, I ripped off the vowstone clasp.
00:21:51I threw it against the floor.
00:21:53This love was fake.
00:21:54This family was fake.
00:21:56Even that friendship had been fake.
00:21:57I wanted none of it.
00:21:58The court shamans rushed in, sweating through their robes.
00:22:03Her core, how is it?
00:22:05If she rests well, the core can still recover.
00:22:07Cassian's face tightened.
00:22:09The shaman thought he was afraid for me.
00:22:11The room went dead silent.
00:22:12Cassian drew his dagger.
00:22:13He shoved the shamans aside and drove the blade into my lower belly.
00:22:18Your Highness!
00:22:19The healer screamed.
00:22:20Even Gareth stared at Cassian like he had become a monster.
00:22:23Cassian's knife hand shook.
00:22:24But he still finished what he started.
00:22:26I could not move.
00:22:27The medicine held me down, but it did not kill the pain.
00:22:30I cannot leave her any chance to carry another crown hair!
00:22:33Outside the chamber, the feral beasts caught the centavilla.
00:22:36He rushed in.
00:22:37Sarno.
00:22:38Catch it away from her!
00:22:40Come closer and I will gut you.
00:22:42Hold them back, I need more time.
00:22:43Gareth drew his sword.
00:22:45Cut them down.
00:22:46What have you done to her?
00:22:47The healer's face turned white.
00:22:49If we fail tonight, she will not survive the year.
00:22:53Save her.
00:22:54Do it.
00:22:55Now.
00:22:55How could I ever despise Evelyn?
00:22:58I promise Serena.
00:23:00I will give her everything she wants.
00:23:01She said she wants her pup to be my only pup.
00:23:04I absolutely cannot break that promise.
00:23:06I will not lose her.
00:23:08He wiped the sweat from my forehead like a lover.
00:23:11Evelyn, forgive me.
00:23:13Gareth looked at the healers.
00:23:14If any of you lake a single word about today, I will rip your throats out.
00:23:20Facing Gareth's threat, no one dared speak.
00:23:22Hurry up and put her under!
00:23:24Can't you see she's in agony?
00:23:28Cassian pulled me into his arms.
00:23:30Evelyn, I will never let anyone hurt you again.
00:23:34Don't be afraid, Evelyn.
00:23:37Cassiel and I will protect you.
00:23:38Tears slid down my face.
00:23:40The two people holding me were the ones who had hurt me most.
00:23:43Then a maid came to the door.
00:23:46Your Highness, Lady Serena is trying on the official bond gown.
00:23:50She hopes you and Lord Gareth will see it.
00:23:53Both men stopped breathing.
00:23:57How funny.
00:23:58One second ago, they swore they would stay with me.
00:24:00Then Serena's maid mentioned the gown.
00:24:02Both men went quiet.
00:24:03No, I'm not going.
00:24:04Cassian looked away first, but his voice changed.
00:24:07It got soft.
00:24:08I drew that gown for Serena myself.
00:24:10Every line, every piece of lace was chosen for her.
00:24:12There's no need.
00:24:13I'll see her wearing it at the ceremony next week anyway.
00:24:16I'm not going either.
00:24:17I had her beast crown custom made for her.
00:24:18I know exactly what it looks like.
00:24:19Cassian gave a small smile.
00:24:21Tell Serena to stop worrying.
00:24:22She's carrying my air.
00:24:23She needs rest.
00:24:24And tell her the treasury is handled.
00:24:25Ten years of my war rewards.
00:24:26No one at court will laugh at her.
00:24:27Then they both looked back at me.
00:24:29Evelyn's still fighting for her life.
00:24:30We should stay.
00:24:31For the first time, they chose me.
00:24:33But I only felt sick.
00:24:35They knew exactly how to make a woman feel cherished.
00:24:37Cassian designed her gown himself.
00:24:39Gareth spent ten years of blood money on her crown.
00:24:42And together, they gave her a grand procession and a private treasury.
00:24:45And me?
00:24:46For a whole year, Cassian told me not to make the wedding too big.
00:24:49Gareth said I was being spoiled.
00:24:51I only had a few old jewels my mother left me.
00:24:54The noble ladies laughed and called me a poor little snow leopard bride.
00:24:57Even my gown was something I had to arrange myself.
00:25:00I remembered showing it to Cassian.
00:25:02He barely looked.
00:25:02Was it because he knew the feral outcasts would tear it apart anyway?
00:25:06Or was he already thinking about Serena in white?
00:25:08Blood kept spilling from my womb.
00:25:10I passed out to the sound of their panicked, broken screams.
00:25:13When I woke up again, Cassian and Gareth were guarding my bedside.
00:25:17Evelyn, you finally awake.
00:25:21When I woke up, Cassian and Gareth were sitting by my bed.
00:25:25Both of them looked like they had not slept in days.
00:25:27The second I opened my eyes, their faces lit up.
00:25:29I'm sorry.
00:25:30I failed you.
00:25:31I should have protected you.
00:25:33Cassian Blackthorn, the crowned beast prince who never cried in front of anyone,
00:25:37had tears in his eyes.
00:25:38Gareth looked even worse.
00:25:40I couldn't even save my own sister.
00:25:42He pulled out his dagger and pressed it against his wrist.
00:25:44These hands are useless.
00:25:45I closed my eyes and swallowed the bitterness in my throat.
00:25:48I gave them a weak smile.
00:25:50I don't blame you.
00:25:51I can only blame my bad luck.
00:25:53I blamed myself for loving the wrong man and trusting the wrong brother.
00:25:57Their faces grew even sadder.
00:25:58But I saw no guilt.
00:26:00Cassian held my hand carefully.
00:26:01Evelyn, the shaman said those feral raiders destroyed your soulstone core.
00:26:04You may never carry a child again.
00:26:06He lowered his voice.
00:26:07Nothing that happened changes how I see you.
00:26:09You're still the only woman I've ever loved.
00:26:11He looked at me like he was afraid I would break.
00:26:12Heal first.
00:26:13If we still want a child later, we can adopt one.
00:26:15Adopt one?
00:26:16Serena's child?
00:26:16I could not even keep my own child.
00:26:18Why would they ever let me claim hers?
00:26:20I looked at them.
00:26:21My voice was almost gone.
00:26:23They froze.
00:26:24Give what back?
00:26:26Tears blurred my eyes.
00:26:27My soulstone core.
00:26:28Please, give it back to me.
00:26:31Cassian's face filled with confusion.
00:26:33Evelyn, the feral raiders destroyed it.
00:26:34There was nothing left to bring back.
00:26:36Please don't think about it anymore.
00:26:37I swear nothing like this will ever happen again.
00:26:39I kept staring at them.
00:26:41Then, let this be the last thing I ever ask of you.
00:26:44Please.
00:26:46Cassian touched my hair.
00:26:48Don't say that.
00:26:49There won't be a last request.
00:26:50Whatever you want, I'll bring it back to you.
00:26:51They coaxed me into drinking the medicine.
00:26:53Rest first.
00:26:54We'll take care of everything.
00:26:55I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.
00:26:57They thought the medicine had knocked me out.
00:26:59It had not.
00:26:59Pain had already burned through every dose they gave me.
00:27:02I already sent word to my mother and the High Beast Council.
00:27:04I told them Evan went willingly with those feral raiders during the vow rite.
00:27:08The High Beast Council won't be gentle.
00:27:09I can't bear to watch her suffer through that.
00:27:11I'll leave before they arrive.
00:27:11Their voices dropped beside my bed.
00:27:13My fingers twitched under the blanket.
00:27:15Gareth was quiet for a moment.
00:27:16Then he spoke.
00:27:17Told our parents too.
00:27:18Ashbring House.
00:27:19They believe Evelyn disgraced Ashbring House.
00:27:21They'll support removing her from the official bond.
00:27:23He sounded pained.
00:27:24Like this hurt him.
00:27:25If the Crown Court didn't have to approve it,
00:27:27I would never let my sister face this kind of trial.
00:27:29My heart felt like it split open all over again.
00:27:32They were still calling it pain.
00:27:34Still acting like they were protecting me.
00:27:35But they had already decided to bury me alive.
00:27:38After they left, the doors opened again.
00:27:40Queen Mother Victoria walked in with members of the High Beast Council.
00:27:44The whole Beast Court had heard my scandal by now.
00:27:47Victoria stopped beside my bed and covered her nose.
00:27:49So this is what my son brought into Blackthorne Crown House.
00:27:52She looked me over like I was filth on her floor.
00:27:54You let border trash touch you during the vow rite?
00:27:57You shamed my son, Blackthorne Crown House, and the Crown.
00:28:00Her voice turned cold.
00:28:02Evelyn Ashbur, you should have died in that hall.
00:28:05Victoria, please don't be angry.
00:28:07Serena stepped forward, one hand on her belly.
00:28:10Her eyes were already red.
00:28:11Evelyn did something awful.
00:28:12She embarrassed Cassian and the whole Crown House.
00:28:14But those raiders hurt her too.
00:28:16She can't even have children now.
00:28:17She's already pitiful enough.
00:28:19Victoria's face turned colder.
00:28:20Pitiful.
00:28:21She looked at me like she wished I were already dead.
00:28:23If those filthy bases had torn her apart in the hall, at least Blackthorne Crown House would be clean.
00:28:27Serena lowered her head.
00:28:28I knew that look.
00:28:29She was hiding a smile.
00:28:30From this moment on, Evelyn Ashbur's official bond with Crown Prince Cassian is void.
00:28:34She is no longer protected by Blackthorne Crown House.
00:28:37Drag her out.
00:28:39The guards came for me.
00:28:40I tried to pull back, but my body had nothing left.
00:28:42I want everyone to see what happens to a woman who shames royal blood.
00:28:46They dragged me through the corridors and out to the Crown Tower gates.
00:28:49The courtyard was packed with onlookers.
00:28:51I screamed until my throat tore.
00:28:53Help me.
00:28:53Please.
00:28:54Somebody help me.
00:28:55No one moved.
00:28:56They only stared.
00:28:57So this is the Ashburgr Snow Leopard Bride?
00:28:59A noblewoman covered her mouth and laughed.
00:29:01I heard she always followed soldiers to the border.
00:29:03Said she was helping the war.
00:29:04Looks like she was just chasing men.
00:29:07Someone spat near my face.
00:29:09She ruined the vow ritual in front of half the beast court.
00:29:12No wonder her parents collapsed from shame.
00:29:14I lay in the dirt, shaking.
00:29:15Then the crowd suddenly went quiet.
00:29:17A black carriage stopped outside the gates.
00:29:20My father, Arthur Ashbourne, stepped down with a face like stone.
00:29:24Hope rose in me so fast it hurt.
00:29:26Father, please save me.
00:29:29My stepsister and I bought two sirens at the auction.
00:29:32Victoria picked the strong, healthy one, made me take the younger brother with the mangled
00:29:36tail.
00:29:36To heal him, I bled 49 days of heart blood.
00:29:39I clawed for every rare elixir I could find to strengthen his bloodline, until he finally
00:29:43awakened as the Siren King.
00:29:46But even after he married me, he stayed cold.
00:29:49I told myself that was just his nature.
00:29:51Until the day Victoria was seriously injured.
00:29:53If it weren't for you, she would have taken me with her.
00:29:57You're the one who tore us apart!
00:29:59When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the Siren auction.
00:30:02All women in our family must marry Murfish after coming of age.
00:30:07Once she marries, her future will completely depend on the Murfish she is bound to.
00:30:11So when I took over the disabled Murfish that Victoria didn't want, I immediately chose
00:30:16to offer my heart's blood to keep him alive.
00:30:18After he survived, I worked desperately, begged everywhere, and even stole just to get
00:30:23a rare elixir.
00:30:24Everything I did was to strengthen his bloodline and ultimately make him the Murfish King.
00:30:29As the Murfish King's wife, I should have lived a rich and happy life.
00:30:33However, on the day Victoria was severely injured.
00:30:36Julian kicked open my bedroom door, tied my wrists to the headboard, and cut open
00:30:40the scar on my chest again.
00:30:42Julian, what are you doing?
00:30:44I screamed in pain.
00:30:45Victoria's dying!
00:30:46She needs your heart's blood!
00:30:47I have no heart's blood left!
00:30:49If you take more, I will die!
00:30:52His voice didn't waver in the...
00:30:54If it weren't for you, she would have taken me.
00:30:56You're the one who tore us apart!
00:30:58I gasped, staring at the Murfied I had personally pulled back from the brink of death, my scalp tingling.
00:31:04So repay me with your life!
00:31:08Julian had always been cold to me.
00:31:10I once thought it was his nature.
00:31:12Now I understand that he had always loved Victoria.
00:31:16From the moment I chose him, he hated me.
00:31:18When the last drop of blood drained from my body, I passed out.
00:31:22Julian merely stood by, watching me die with those fierce and indifferent eyes.
00:31:28Unexpectedly, when I opened my eyes again, I was back at the Murren auction.
00:31:32I immediately saw Julian, skinny and curled up in the depths of the cell.
00:31:38What Murfick were most proud of was their tails.
00:31:41Other Murfick's tails shimmered in the water, swaying like wet silk when they swam.
00:31:46But Julian's tail was not only severely torn, its scales had also almost all fallen off.
00:31:51Just like last time, Victoria's slender finger pointed at the two mermicles inside.
00:31:56Lala, shall we buy those two?
00:31:57Hurry and decide, otherwise others will take the strong ones.
00:32:00Last time, I completely believed her lie.
00:32:03Murfick weren't cheap.
00:32:05I thought at the time, she couldn't possibly really choose the weakest one in the room,
00:32:09could she?
00:32:09But I didn't expect that she actually bought the half-dead Julian.
00:32:12Father was furious when he found out, but Victoria smiled and said,
00:32:16Father, Lila chose him.
00:32:19You know her temper, Manny.
00:32:20I had no choice but to pay.
00:32:22I chose this strong one for myself.
00:32:25I'll take him.
00:32:26Home now.
00:32:27And so, the disabled Julia fell into my hands.
00:32:30This time, I won't believe a single word she says.
00:32:33You can keep that one yourself.
00:32:35I want him.
00:32:35I pointed to a motionless siren with no expression on his face,
00:32:39calling out the price before she could speak again.
00:32:41To be honest, it doesn't matter who I choose.
00:32:44If a half-dead Julian could be molded into the king of sirens by me,
00:32:48then any siren in this room could be too.
00:32:51Picking anyone would be better than Julian.
00:32:53This time, all I want is loyalty.
00:32:56Victoria realized I wasn't listening to her, and her smile twisted.
00:33:03Lila, your bid is too high.
00:33:05Father only gave us this much money.
00:33:07If you spend it all, what will I use?
00:33:10I gave her a bland look.
00:33:12How had I never noticed Victoria's acting was so good?
00:33:14There was only one reason she bothered to pick out the most useless siren to pawn off on me.
00:33:19She was afraid I would surpass her one day.
00:33:22From the moment we walked through these doors, she had wanted to harm me.
00:33:26So I lazily pointed to Julian, who was still proudly flexing his muscles in his water cell.
00:33:31That one looks decent.
00:33:33Train him well, and maybe he'll amount to something.
00:33:36If you really have no money left, buy him.
00:33:39Victoria let out a sharp laugh, raising a finger to point at Julian.
00:33:44Him?
00:33:45He's not even fit to carry my shoes!
00:33:47I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh.
00:33:50Poor Julian.
00:33:51In his previous life, he wholeheartedly believed that I was the one who broke him and Victoria apart.
00:33:56But he never knew that Victoria never intended to have him from the start.
00:34:00Just like last time, Victoria left with Damon, the siren she had chosen.
00:34:05But as I left with my new siren, Karen, Julian suddenly began madly slamming against the walls of his water
00:34:11cell behind me.
00:34:13The crowd snickered.
00:34:15Look at him, trying to get the lady's attention.
00:34:17He's a useless cripple with a fishtail.
00:34:19Only a fool would take him home.
00:34:21I watched Julian struggle, and Victoria was also drawn to look back.
00:34:24My brow fruddled slightly.
00:34:25Could Julian have returned as well?
00:34:27All his desperate, frantic struggles were because his beloved Victoria had not chosen him.
00:34:31I looked at those broken blue eyes and smiled.
00:34:33A lifetime's fantasy shattered in an instant must hurt terribly.
00:34:36Without Julian dragging me down this time, I didn't get an earful from father either.
00:34:39Karen stood before me, his tail slowly and restlessly thamping against the floor.
00:34:42Can you take human form?
00:34:43He pursed his lips and obediently drew his tail in.
00:34:45Unlike the other sirens I had seen before, Karen's face showed no joy or relief after being purchased.
00:34:50Upon closer inspection, his eyes seemed carried of indifference or arrogance, though I bit him directly.
00:34:54Don't you want to come home with me?
00:34:55He glanced at me, saying nothing.
00:34:57As far as I know, sirens in the water prison have strict hierarchies.
00:34:59If I hadn't bought you, you'd still be fighting desperately to protect yourself.
00:35:02Now, I am protecting you.
00:35:05Karen sat in the chair furthest from me.
00:35:07I'm not a good-for-nothing just because I've lost my tail.
00:35:10As soon as he finished speaking, I laughed.
00:35:12He was right.
00:35:12For a siren, losing one's tail was synonymous with sorrow.
00:35:15If you don't want to stay, I can let you go.
00:35:18A flicker of light flashed in Karen's eyes.
00:35:20I could tell he was tempted.
00:35:21Before he could speak, I just turned around and left.
00:35:24What are you going to do?
00:35:26If you don't want to stay, then I'll go buy another siren.
00:35:28What I want to cultivate is the king of sirens.
00:35:31And I can't have a siren with other ideas.
00:35:33Becoming the king of sirens was every siren's dream.
00:35:35He indeed had strength, but strength could be cultivated.
00:35:38An ungrateful fellow like Julian was better off without.
00:35:40He blessed it out.
00:35:41The auction is over.
00:35:43Would a family that can afford to buy a siren ever worry about channels to buy more sirens?
00:35:47For the next few days, I left early in the morning and didn't return until dark.
00:35:51Colin hadn't run away, but I didn't want to take any chances.
00:35:53I needed a backup plan.
00:35:54I just didn't expect that the day I arrived on the street, Julian would stumble and run towards me.
00:35:59In the middle of the crowded street, he lunged at my legs and hugged them tightly.
00:36:04Why didn't you take me home?
00:36:05Please, take me with you.
00:36:07You chose me.
00:36:08I know you chose me.
00:36:09My heart skipped a beat.
00:36:10What did you say?
00:36:11Julian clung to my feet, refusing to let go.
00:36:13Leela, look closely at me.
00:36:15Shouldn't I be the one you choose?
00:36:16Only then could I confirm that Julian had also returned.
00:36:18But why was the first thing he did to come find me instead of Victoria?
00:36:21I expressionally kicked him away with my foot.
00:36:23What nonsense are you talking about?
00:36:25Who is your master?
00:36:26Don't talk rubbish in the middle of the road in broad daylight.
00:36:28I tried to walk away, but he clinged to me like a burdock, following me.
00:36:32Just as I was about to lose my temper, I totally caught sight of Karen, who was following me from
00:36:36a distance.
00:36:36My eyes shifted, and I squatted down, giving Julian a gentle smile.
00:36:39Your tail is badly injured.
00:36:41Did other sirens bully you?
00:36:42Julian froze for a moment, then nodded eagerly.
00:36:44Out of the corner of my eye, Cullen drew a little closer.
00:36:47I reached out and stroked Juliet's tail, just as I had done thousands of times in my previous life.
00:36:51We had lived under the same roof for many years.
00:36:53Every wound on his body had been personally treated by me.
00:36:56I knew exactly where it would hurt, and where it would make him comfortable.
00:36:58So when my fingers found that spot, Julian shivered with pleasure.
00:37:01He tried to burrow into my arms.
00:37:03Master, can you take me home?
00:37:04I curved my lips.
00:37:05Of course.
00:37:06Before I could finish, Cullen's tail lashed out violently, scooping Julian off the ground and flinging him five meters away.
00:37:12He stood before me, jaw clenched.
00:37:13I haven't left yet.
00:37:14After being thrown, Julian tried several times but couldn't get up.
00:37:17I feigned shock and looked at Cullen.
00:37:19How could you hit him?
00:37:20Weren't you leaving?
00:37:21Why are you stopping me from choosing another siren?
00:37:23Cullen's hands clenched at his sides.
00:37:25I'm not leaving.
00:37:26I curved my lips in satisfaction.
00:37:27Sirens have strong personalities, and all need to be tamed.
00:37:30Since he took the first step, I wouldn't refuse.
00:37:32As for Julian, he struggled to stand up, then limped back towards me.
00:37:36Master, you said you would take me?
00:37:38I draped my arm over Cullen's shoulder and sweetly waved at Julian.
00:37:42Sorry.
00:37:43I changed my mind.
00:37:51It's him.
00:37:54Alpha?
00:37:56Alpha, what brings you here?
00:37:58So he's Kale.
00:38:06I'm here to take her away.
00:38:09Alpha, she's just a lowly human.
00:38:11Human.
00:38:11I don't care if she's human.
00:38:13The only thing I know is that she can suppress my curse.
00:38:16Let her go.
00:38:24Finally found you.
00:38:44Alpha, you deployed the highest-ranking Blackthorn guards for a human girl?
00:38:49Alpha, you deployed the highest-ranking Blackthorn guards for a human girl?
00:38:55Quiet, all of you.
00:38:58During the eclipse, she suppressed my blood moon curse, and the Lunar Mark appeared on her.
00:39:07Even if the Lunar Mark appeared, we must test her blood to ensure she didn't make this up while you
00:39:12were unconscious.
00:39:13Then let us test her bloodline.
00:39:22Let me.
00:39:39What is this mark?
00:39:41It's never appeared before.
00:39:53This is the legendary Moonblood Healer Mark.
00:39:55Her blood can not only suppress the blood moon curse, but even affect the Alpha Core.
00:40:01Affect the Alpha Core?
00:40:03No!
00:40:03She's a human woman!
00:40:05If she has ulterior motives, the entire Blackthorn land will forever her slaves!
00:40:10Exactly!
00:40:11If she's used by someone with bad intentions, it would be a disaster!
00:40:15Kill her!
00:40:22Elder Marcus, is backstabbing a Wolf Clan tradition?
00:40:28Marcus, I'm not dead yet.
00:40:31It's not up to the Elder Council to make decisions for me.
00:40:33Alpha!
00:40:34We're doing this for your and the entire Clan's safety!
00:40:40She is my cure.
00:40:42To stand against her is to stand against me.
00:40:46Who dares?
00:40:47You'll help me keep the curse at bay.
00:40:50Won't you?
00:40:53There's nothing to gain from confronting him now.
00:40:56Take her to the Lunar Room.
00:40:58The Blackthorn guards will keep full watch.
00:41:00No one is allowed to visit without my order.
00:41:14They call it protection, but it's house arrest.
00:41:16If I stay any longer, I'll probably die here.
00:41:20No.
00:41:20I have to find a way out.
00:41:34How utterly pathetic.
00:41:36A lowly human like you actually thinks you can break through Blackthorn's barrier?
00:41:43You know what?
00:41:45This Lunar Room was supposed to be mine.
00:41:47If you like it so much, it's yours.
00:41:50I'm leaving right now.
00:41:51Leave?
00:41:52Lyra, you're the Moonblood healer.
00:41:54Using your blood to break Kale's curse is your only value.
00:41:57My value isn't for you to decide.
00:41:59I'm helping Kale because I want to save him.
00:42:01If I didn't want to, I wouldn't yield even with a knife to my throat.
00:42:06You lowly human.
00:42:08It seems Kale's attitude has made you forget the huge gap between our races.
00:42:12I'll teach you a lesson on his behalf.
00:42:27Princess!
00:42:28Miss Lyra!
00:42:29It's an emergency!
00:42:30The King's Blood Moon curse has flared up!
00:42:46Miss Lyra!
00:42:47Save the King!
00:42:49Do you need my blood?
00:42:50No.
00:42:51Your blood worked not only because you're the Moonblood healer,
00:42:53but because you and the King's wolf soul experienced a brief mate resonance.
00:42:57Mate resonance?
00:42:59What does that mean?
00:43:00Blood alone won't work.
00:43:02You must get close to him.
00:43:03Let him catch your scent.
00:43:05Only through physical contact can you completely stabilize his wolf soul.
00:43:09Physical contact?
00:43:10And now he wants me to serve myself to him?
00:43:18Lyra!
00:43:19Your only value is healing Kale.
00:43:20You better go right now or else.
00:43:22Think about your mother.
00:43:24Mother!
00:43:29Mother!
00:43:29Mother!
00:43:32Mother!
00:43:33Mother!
00:43:33Mother!
00:43:35Mother!
00:43:36Mother!
00:43:38I'm losing control.
00:43:40Don't threaten me with my mother or I won't mind taking Kale down with me.
00:43:55Drink up quickly.
00:43:57The supervisor splashed cold water on our faces.
00:44:00See? This is what happens when you slack off.
00:44:03I grinned my teeth and lifted the heavy obsidian.
00:44:06This is the Broken Ridge Iron Mine.
00:44:08The Overseer takes pleasure in torturing slaves.
00:44:11Today, seven slaves have already died beside me.
00:44:13What about me, Rayon?
00:44:14I'm the unlucky fool whose magical bloodline was destroyed by my best friend Gabriel
00:44:18and then thrown into this hellish abyss.
00:44:20What are you looking at? Get back to work!
00:44:22If you delay Lady Duchess Elena's business, you'll all die!
00:44:26A whip lashed across my back and I fell to the ground.
00:44:30The Overseer raised his whip again.
00:44:31I forced myself to stay calm.
00:44:33I must survive.
00:44:35My sister Lily lives in the slups.
00:44:37She suffers from a fatal lung disease.
00:44:39She needs medicine.
00:44:40She is completely dependent on the money I earn here.
00:44:42Suddenly, my bleeding finger touched a strange black stone.
00:44:47I went blind for a second.
00:44:48Then, my vision suddenly returned.
00:44:50The world had changed.
00:44:51Zero?
00:44:52Three copper coins?
00:44:53I can see the true value of all things.
00:44:55I looked around.
00:44:56Krieg is standing on a huge fossilized egg.
00:44:58He used purple light shone out from under his boots.
00:45:00Priceless.
00:45:01This word exploded in my mind.
00:45:03This is not just a rock.
00:45:04This is Lily's life.
00:45:06This is my ticket to escape hell.
00:45:07Hey!
00:45:08Trash!
00:45:09Are you deaf?
00:45:10Krieg walks over.
00:45:11He reaches out to grab my collar.
00:45:12But this time, I do not submit.
00:45:14I attack like a crazy wolf.
00:45:15I shove him back with all my strength.
00:45:17I lunge forward.
00:45:18I grab the giant stone egg.
00:45:20I lock it tightly against my chest.
00:45:22Krieg steps back.
00:45:23He sees the pure murder in my eyes.
00:45:25Then, the egg vanishes from my arms.
00:45:27Krieg's jaw drops.
00:45:28Pure terror twists his face.
00:45:30Then comes fury.
00:45:31What did you do?
00:45:32Magic is illegal here, you rat!
00:45:34You will wake up the fossils!
00:45:36They will hatch and eat us alive!
00:45:37Magic?
00:45:38My veins are broken.
00:45:39I have no magic.
00:45:40But I can feel it.
00:45:42A cosmic space just opened inside my mind.
00:45:44The void dragon egg is resting safely inside it.
00:45:47Magic?
00:45:48I am just a slave, boss.
00:45:50You tell me.
00:45:51You little rat!
00:45:52You are dead!
00:45:52I will skin you alive!
00:45:54The heavy steel noise echoes through the cave.
00:45:58Krieg freezes instantly.
00:46:00The color drains from his face.
00:46:02Grand Duchess Elena!
00:46:04Welcome to the broken spine!
00:46:05May the Empire protect you!
00:46:08Two columns of Imperial armored knights march in formation.
00:46:12A woman walked between them.
00:46:13She is breathtakingly beautiful.
00:46:15But her eyes are as cold as frost.
00:46:17She looks like a ruler who can decide the life and death of thousands with a single word.
00:46:20Her gaze swept over the crowd, and her eyes locked directly onto me.
00:46:23A cold, sharp sword tip lifts my chin.
00:46:25I am forced to look up.
00:46:27Elena stands there.
00:46:28Her eyes are like ice.
00:46:29Everyone in the Empire knows her.
00:46:30She controls half of the shadow magic mines in the Empire.
00:46:33She is extremely powerful.
00:46:35She is a ruthless leader.
00:46:37But she is in a deadly trap right now.
00:46:39The lords fear her strength.
00:46:41They refuse to let a woman rule.
00:46:43Worse, she has not hatched a single top-teap fossil egg yet.
00:46:47In this world, this failure means the world spirit rejects you.
00:46:50It means you have no right to the throne.
00:46:52The Empire will abandon you forever.
00:46:53The council gave her a brutal ultimatum.
00:46:56She must marry a man immediately, or she must produce a massive mountain of high-level fossil eggs.
00:47:02If she fails both, they will strip her of everything.
00:47:05She is running out of time.
00:47:07She does not know I can see the true value of all things.
00:47:13She does not know the extinct Void Dragon King is resting in my mind.
00:47:19A new face.
00:47:21You look decent.
00:47:22Stand up.
00:47:23Get up, you dirty dog!
00:47:24I will beat you to death!
00:47:27Elena answers with her sword.
00:47:29Total silence.
00:47:30The air freezes.
00:47:31No one dares to breathe.
00:47:32What is your name, slave?
00:47:34Rayyan.
00:47:35I hide my shock.
00:47:36I control my heartbeat.
00:47:37I look straight into her dangerous eyes.
00:47:39She stares at me for two seconds.
00:47:40Her eyes track the scars on my face.
00:47:42Then, she speaks.
00:47:43Very well.
00:47:44Starting today, you are my husband.
00:47:49Your magic veins are completely ruined.
00:47:52You can never betray me.
00:47:53You are perfect.
00:47:54Do you refuse?
00:47:55You want a puppet?
00:47:56Or maybe a sacrificial lamb for your enemies, am I right?
00:47:59Elena pauses.
00:48:00Then, a dangerous smile.
00:48:02You shoved the overayer back.
00:48:04A foolish, reckless, and powerless mad wolf.
00:48:07I want exactly that.
00:48:10Is this answer enough for you, Rayyan?
00:48:12Krieg's jaw drops.
00:48:14My lady, please!
00:48:15Marrying a rat will make the council laugh at you!
00:48:18Let me find you a better option!
00:48:24A gift for you, husband.
00:48:27Consider it my answer.
00:48:28My heart pounds like a war drum.
00:48:30This woman is a beautiful monster.
00:48:32But I have no choice.
00:48:33If I say no, my head will roll right next to Krieg's.
00:48:36It is my honor, my lady.
00:48:37Good.
00:48:38I love smart men.
00:48:39Master Corvus, show me this batch of fossil eggs.
00:48:43An old man walks out from the shadows.
00:48:44He wears long robes.
00:48:46He is the elder of the mine.
00:48:47The high-level appendits bring out a massive pile of dark, dusty fossil eggs.
00:48:53These eggs are sacred.
00:48:54Slaves like me have no right to touch them.
00:48:56We only carry heavy stones to feed the heat for their incubation.
00:49:00Only high-level masters can handle these treasures.
00:49:04Twenty-eight gold coins?
00:49:05The entire pile is just trash.
00:49:07For a grand duchess, this is total garbage.
00:49:10They are completely worthless.
00:49:13Master Corvus, how is this batch?
00:49:14My lady, these are the finest eggs we've mined this season.
00:49:18The council will be pleased.
00:49:20Excellent.
00:49:21Load the wagon.
00:49:25I take a deep breath.
00:49:26I step forward.
00:49:27Wait.
00:49:28The entire cave was frozen.
00:49:29The senior apprentices stopped.
00:49:31Master Corvus slowly turned his head.
00:49:32His calm smile remained unchanged, but his eyes were like those of a venomous snake.
00:49:36Lei Yang, right?
00:49:37You're just a coal-shoveling slave.
00:49:39Do you think your dirty eyes know more than my forty years of experience?
00:49:42The apprentices laughed mockingly.
00:49:44They looked at me as if I were a dead man.
00:49:46Rayon, I've told you, I like smart men.
00:49:49But if you think your newly acquired husband title entitles you to question my grand elder,
00:49:53you're wrong.
00:49:53The pressure is suffocating.
00:49:55If I back down now, I'll always be a dog.
00:49:57A dog that will be killed as soon as she enters the capital.
00:49:59Madam, I respect your choice, but the council wants your head.
00:50:03And this whole pile of eggs is nothing but a tomb of dead stones.
00:50:06If you take them to the council, you're signing your own death warrant.
00:50:08I took a step forward.
00:50:10I didn't look at the old man.
00:50:11I only looked at her.
00:50:12IMPORTANT RET!
00:50:13My lady, this slave is a spry sent by your enemy to delay your journey.
00:50:17Guards, drag him out and feed him to the dogs!
00:50:20Quiet!
00:50:20One word.
00:50:21The guards immediately froles.
00:50:23Elena walked towards me.
00:50:24Her dark magic swirled around her boots.
00:50:26You claim you can see things the chairman of the Brazilian cannot?
00:50:29People say I'm cold-blooded.
00:50:31If you're wrong, I'll skin you alive myself.
00:50:33Do you still stand by your words?
00:50:35Give me three seconds.
00:50:36I turned to the corner of the cave.
00:50:37There was a pile of discarded stones.
00:50:39These were exactly the stones that Master Crow had just rejected.
00:50:42His senior apprentice were about to throw them into the abyss.
00:50:44Just as I was walking towards that pile of discarded stones, I froze.
00:50:49Elena's terrifying magic was seeping into the air, and the mysterious cosmic space lurking
00:50:53in mine suddenly awoked.
00:50:54It greedily voured her dissipated energy like a black hole.
00:50:58I stole a glance at her, and in an instant her eyes met mine.
00:51:01She knew.
00:51:02She felt it.
00:51:03Yet her expression remained a cold, perfect mask.
00:51:06A wisp of magic surges through my broken and parched veins.
00:51:09I can even faintly see the slumbering cub inside.
00:51:12They are full of vitality, lifelike, and flawless.
00:51:15I reached into the dirt and dug out these two small, ugly grey stones.
00:51:19You picked up trash?
00:51:20The broken stones I'd just had my men throw away, Madam C?
00:51:23He's a complete fool!
00:51:24Really?
00:51:25If you're an expert, why is the live egg in your trash can while the dead stone is in your
00:51:29carriage?
00:51:29My words struck him like a lightning bolt.
00:51:32Corvus froze.
00:51:32His false confidence vanished in an instant, and cold sweat broke out on his neck.
00:51:36You're talking nonsense!
00:51:38Madam, I have served you for-
00:51:39Corvus.
00:51:41Open them.
00:51:43Right here.
00:51:44Right now.
00:51:45At your command, my lady.
00:51:47I will show you the true power of the Empire's greatest scholars.
00:51:54Hmph.
00:51:55Advanced Apprentice, form the ritual formation.
00:51:58We will catalyze these eggs now!
00:52:00The Apprentices immediately surrounded his carriage.
00:52:02They chanted dark spells, conjuring a massive wave of deep rulest magic.
00:52:06The air in the cave grew storching hot.
00:52:26A behemoth!
00:52:27Master Corvus has hatched a legendary warbeast for the council!
00:52:31My brow fruddled, and my golden eyes narrowed.
00:52:34There must be something wrong.
00:52:35I remembered that stone no longer showed any signs of life, but when my golden gaze pierced
00:52:39through the lingering smoke, I saw a forbidden, glowing ruse stone burning in the creature's
00:52:43chest.
00:52:44He didn't hatch it.
00:52:45He smuggled it in.
00:52:46He's cheating.
00:52:47Before I could say a word, Corvus interrupted me.
00:52:49Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
00:52:51See, madam?
00:52:52This is a miracle!
00:52:54This slave is a despicable liar!
00:52:56Guards!
00:52:57Execute this lying stoker immediately!
00:52:59The guards drew their swords and walked towards me.
00:53:01No.
00:53:02I want to see his first.
00:53:04I tightly grabbed the two ugly and grey stones in my hand.
00:53:07If I didn't act now, I was doomed.
00:53:10This girl was only three years old.
00:53:12She was the most respected person in the entire kingdom.
00:53:14Even the king himself had to call her aunt.
00:53:16She brought gifts, rare and priceless treasures, and her mount was something no one had ever heard
00:53:21of before.
00:53:24William, hurry up and come with me!
00:53:27We're going to meet your aunt!
00:53:29Father, what are you talking about?
00:53:30What aunt?
00:53:31I don't have an aunt.
00:53:34Nonsense.
00:53:36Every royal family has a few relatives hidden somewhere in the family tree.
00:53:41Every royal family did?
00:53:42Since when?
00:53:43He certainly hadn't heard about it.
00:53:45Then, all at once, something clicked in his mind and his expression changed.
00:53:48Father, are you talking about that person's child?
00:53:52That's right.
00:53:53Prince Alexander's daughter.
00:53:56He finally has a child.
00:53:58And it's a little girl.
00:53:59Which means I finally have a sister!
00:54:02Wait.
00:54:03Prince Alexander is still alive?
00:54:06Didn't he disappear more than 30 years ago?
00:54:09What do you mean, still alive?
00:54:11Do you even know who Alexander is?
00:54:13He left the royal family when he was young
00:54:15and travelled across Europe with that reclusive old duke.
00:54:19He studied medicine,
00:54:21swordmanship,
00:54:22and ancient court traditions.
00:54:24How could he possibly be an ordinary man?
00:54:27And besides, he's not nearly as old as you're making him sound.
00:54:30He was my grandfather's youngest son.
00:54:34If you really do math,
00:54:36he's only a few years older than you.
00:54:38Is it really that strange for him to have a daughter?
00:54:40Father, could you at least leave me a little dignity?
00:54:44Catherine is standing right here.
00:54:48It had been years since his father had smacked him on the head like that.
00:54:52Part of him actually missed it.
00:54:53But this was the palace garden.
00:54:55The attendants, ladies-in-waiting, and royal guards were all watching.
00:54:59He was the king of Albion.
00:55:01At this rate, he'd lose every bit of dignity he had left.
00:55:05At a time like this,
00:55:07you're still worried about your precious royal image.
00:55:09King William hurried after him.
00:55:12The king is leaving already.
00:55:14Then what's the point of afternoon tea?
00:55:16Everyone, head home,
00:55:18and send word to your families immediately.
00:55:20The royal princess who disappeared years ago has returned.
00:55:23Tell the younger generation to mind their manners and not offend her.
00:55:27Oh, right.
00:55:28Bring those little brats, too.
00:55:29Every one of them is coming to greet their great aunt.
00:55:33Benedict Hawthorne, the royal steward, had already hurried off to deliver the order.
00:55:37But Edward still felt it wasn't enough.
00:55:39Anyone who can come, comes.
00:55:41I want the entire royal family there.
00:55:44They'd better know exactly who she is.
00:55:46I don't want some fool upsetting her later.
00:55:48The moment those words were spoken,
00:55:50the entire palace sprang into action.
00:55:53Even the citizens of Albion sensed that something unusual was happening.
00:55:57All across the capital, people were talking.
00:56:00What's going on today?
00:56:01His majesty actually left the city himself.
00:56:03I heard even former King Edward went.
00:56:05Could some famous general be returning from a campaign?
00:56:08But there hasn't been a war recently.
00:56:10Then who could possibly deserve a welcome this grand?
00:56:13King William and Queen Catherine stood nearby.
00:56:16They had left the palace in such a hurry
00:56:18that the king's royal crest was pinned on Crooked.
00:56:20Father!
00:56:21The speaker was Crown Prince Arthur.
00:56:23Who exactly are we waiting for?
00:56:25King William kept a dignified expression on the outside,
00:56:27but inside he was already enjoying himself.
00:56:30Finally, someone was about to have it worse than him.
00:56:33Once that aunt arrived,
00:56:34Arthur and his brothers would all have to respectfully call her
00:56:36Great Aunt!
00:56:38The thought almost made him laugh out loud.
00:56:40Based on the family tree,
00:56:41Prince Alexander was only a few years older than he was.
00:56:44He was probably in his 30s now.
00:56:45That meant his daughter couldn't be very young.
00:56:47She might even be around Arthur's age,
00:56:49maybe even older.
00:56:50He couldn't wait to see how those boys would manage
00:56:52to call someone like that Great Aunt.
00:56:54King William was happily imagining the scene
00:56:56when the princes beside him nearly lost their minds.
00:56:58Prince Henry stared in disbelief.
00:57:00Wait!
00:57:01When did we suddenly get a Great Aunt?
00:57:03Why has nobody ever told us about her?
00:57:07What's wrong with having a Great Aunt?
00:57:09And let me warn all of you right now.
00:57:11From now on, you'd better treat her with respect.
00:57:13If any of you dare make her unhappy,
00:57:15I'll deal with you myself.
00:57:19Under the blazing sun,
00:57:21the entire royal family waited outside the north gate.
00:57:23Former King Edward paced back and forth.
00:57:26King William kept glancing toward the end of the royal promenade.
00:57:29Everyone was waiting for the mysterious Princess Amelia.
00:57:31There's a carriage coming!
00:57:33Everyone's eyes lit up.
00:57:35They all turned to look in the same direction.
00:57:37Immediately, everyone straightened their collars
00:57:39and adjusted their crests,
00:57:40taking on their most formal posture
00:57:42as they prepared to welcome the mysterious Princess Amelia.
00:57:46But the coachman turned pale
00:57:47the moment he saw the scene outside the north gate.
00:57:50My lord, there are a lot of important people up ahead.
00:57:53What's so strange about people being at the north gate?
00:57:55No, my lord, this is different.
00:57:58His majesty is there!
00:57:59Her majesty is there!
00:58:00Even former King Edward is there!
00:58:01It looks like they're waiting for someone!
00:58:03The next second, he saw a sight he would never forget
00:58:05for the rest of his life.
00:58:07Members of the royal family, council ministers,
00:58:09the kingdom's most powerful nobles.
00:58:11They were all gathered outside the north gate.
00:58:13Even former King Edward and King William
00:58:15were there in person.
00:58:20Move along!
00:58:21Don't hold us up!
00:58:24Why isn't she here yet?
00:58:26The letter clearly said we'd see her around noon.
00:58:29Surely she hasn't run into trouble on the road?
00:58:31Father, are you sure that's what Alexander wrote?
00:58:34Could we have arrived too early?
00:58:35We shouldn't have.
00:58:36It's already past noon.
00:58:38His letter specifically said around noon.
00:58:40The moment those words were spoken,
00:58:42quite a few nobles and ministers fell silent.
00:58:44Around noon,
00:58:45they had already been standing under the blazing sun
00:58:47for nearly half an hour.
00:58:48Former King Edward, on the other hand,
00:58:50had dragged everyone out here first thing in the morning.
00:58:52Didn't he realize that older people
00:58:54couldn't stand around forever?
00:58:55Of course, no one dared say that out loud.
00:58:58Soon, another farmer's wagon passed by.
00:59:00The old farmer was so startled
00:59:02by the crowd gathered outside the north gate
00:59:03that he nearly fell off his seat.
00:59:05People came and went,
00:59:06but none of them were the person they were waiting for.
00:59:08Just when everyone was reaching the limits of their patience,
00:59:11a tiny black dot appeared at the far end of the royal road.
00:59:14The dot was small,
00:59:15far too far away to make out clearly.
00:59:17That's definitely not her.
00:59:19It doesn't look like a carriage.
00:59:21It's probably just a traveler.
00:59:22Maybe it is her.
00:59:23Alexander never cared much for ceremony.
00:59:25He rarely traveled in royal carriages.
00:59:28His daughter might be the same way.
00:59:30I don't think so.
00:59:31Whatever that is,
00:59:32it looks way too small.
00:59:33And it doesn't seem to be moving much at all.
00:59:35So everyone continued waiting.
00:59:37But after quite a while,
00:59:39the black dot was still far away.
00:59:41If you said it wasn't moving,
00:59:42it had definitely gotten a little bigger.
00:59:44But if you said it was moving,
00:59:45it was moving so slowly,
00:59:46it might as well have been standing still.
00:59:48What in the world is that?
00:59:50Why is it moving so slowly?
00:59:52Soon, another carriage came down the royal road.
00:59:54Did you see anyone else on the road
00:59:56while you were coming here?
00:59:58No, sir.
00:59:58Then what's that figure at the end of the road?
01:00:00Don't tell me you didn't see it.
01:00:02Oh, you mean that little girl.
01:00:04Now that you mention it,
01:00:05it was the strangest thing.
01:00:06When I was coming this way,
01:00:08I saw a chubby little girl
01:00:09sleeping on the back of a giant tortoise.
01:00:11That tortoise was enormous.
01:00:13I'm over 50 years old,
01:00:14and I've never seen a turtle that big in my life.
01:00:16It was actually carrying a person.
01:00:18The child wasn't very old,
01:00:20but the sight still left me completely stunned.
01:00:23And she was sleeping so soundly,
01:00:25she didn't move once the whole time.
01:00:27How big would a tortoise have to be to carry a person?
01:00:30And who rides a turtle?
01:00:31Wouldn't that be unbelievably slow?
01:00:33A giant tortoise?
01:00:35The princess couldn't even begin to imagine the scene.
01:00:37Your majesty!
01:00:38That driver said the black dot on the road
01:00:40appears to be a giant tortoise,
01:00:42and there's a little girl riding on its back!
01:00:45What?
01:00:46A tortoise carrying a child?
01:01:05It's a símbolist!
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