Chapter 23: Alliance with the Demi-Humans [1]
It seems all those beating from Kyen-Seen training I get wasn't in vain, Ashton thought.
Just remembering that makes me feel like puking.
Anyway, the village seems to have grown, Ashton said while looking at the village.
The houses seemed to have been grown — the wooden walls were newly polished, the gardens well-tended, and even the fences gleamed with care.
The scent of fresh wood and food cooking drifted through the air, a sign of peace and effort.
"They have built about six more or something," he muttered, impressed.
"Welcome back, Your Majesty!"
Christina approached Ashton, her voice calm yet formal, the rhythmic click of her boots echoing on the dirt path.
Accompanied by Kim, whose youthful and cheerful voice rang out beside her, "Welcome back, your Majesty!"
"Glad to be back," Ashton replied with a grin, stretching his arms behind his head.
He patted Kim on the head, the girl smiling brightly at the gesture.
Then Ashton turned his eyes to Christina.
"How was things when I was gone? Did something happen?"
Christina shook her head.
"Not at all, Your Majesty. Everything was good in our part," she replied with a small smile.
Then, as if remembering something, she turned her gaze toward the pink-haired demi-human kneeling a few steps behind Ashton.
"Well, until a stray wolf comes and started attacking."
"Who are you calling a stray wolf? Do you want to die?!" Kitsu shouted at Christina, baring her fangs slightly as her golden eyes blazed with fury.
Christina blinked, feigning innocence.
"Oh, sorry. Well, I don't know your name, so stray wolf felt natural to say," Christina said while touching her cheek softly, a teasing smile forming on her lips.
"Damn, she's scary…" Ashton thought, watching Kitsu's tail flick side to side dangerously.
To ease the tension, Ashton looked down at Kim and asked, "What about the food? Did they grow well?"
Kim tilted her head up, her bright eyes sparkling.
"Yes! They have grown up nicely!"
"Good. You did well," Ashton replied, patting her head again.
Kim leaned into his hand like a little kitten, clearly enjoying the attention.
Then he turned his attention back to Kitsu.
"She is strong," Ashton thought, observing her stance and the lingering aura of power around her. "I can't kill her if she's from the demi-humans village, right?"
Then he asked her aloud, "Hey, you're from the demi-humans village, right?"
Kitsu looked at Ashton like he was an idiot.
"Do I look human to you?" she said dryly.
Ashton flicked her on the forehead.
"Will you answer properly? Maybe you're a subordinate of those so-called gods."
Kitsu sneered.
"Me, a subordinate to those bastards? Haha! Me, the great Kitsu, become a subordinate for those bastards? How laughable."
Ashton flicked her head again, earning a loud "Ouch!" from her.
"Why? Did they do something to you guys too? I thought demi-humans and gods were together," Ashton asked curiously.
"Don't say stupid things," Kitsu snapped, her tail twitching. "We demi-humans are on our own. We don't serve anyone."
"So if that's the case…" Ashton thought, narrowing his eyes. "Maybe I can go with that plan B."
He looked at her and said calmly, "Do you want to live?"
Kitsu froze for a moment before glaring.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No," Ashton said casually, his tone unnervingly calm. "I'm just asking. If so, I want to make you an offer."
In that moment, everyone around them paused.
In every mind — Christina's, Kim's, even Kyen-Seen's — the same thought flashed: What is His Majesty / this bastard / Ashton thinking now?
"What offer?" Kitsu asked him, suspicion written all over her face.
Ashton smiled.
"How about you go back and bring your leader? I want to talk to her — or him."
Kitsu's eyes twitched. So he's really an idiot, she thought.
"And why should I agree to your offer?" she asked out loud.
"Well," Ashton replied, pointing at her followers, "because if you don't…"
He smiled.
"They die."
The words hit the air like a thunderclap.
Even the wind seemed to stop blowing.
Syph hand instinctively went to her sword.
Waiting fo the order. Kim gasped softly. The air thickened with tension.
Then suddenly—
"That won't be necessary."
The voice came from outside the village, smooth, deep, and powerful.
The soldiers froze in place.
Ashton's eyes narrowed.
Even Kyen-Seen, who had been lazily leaning against a fence, straightened slightly.
"Hmm?" Kyen-Seen murmured softly, his eyes flickering toward the source.
"Who is this guy I didn't sense him at all".
Before anyone could react further, a man walked toward them.
He moved slowly, but each step carried quiet confidence. The villagers whispered, drawn by the aura surrounding him.
His beauty rivaled that of Ashton — golden hair that gleamed under the sunlight, eyes like emeralds reflecting wisdom and power.
His presence commanded silence.
He stepped forward until he stood before Ashton.
"You don't have to send her," he said, his tone even, "because I have come personally."
"Jack?" Kitsu said, shock flashing across her face. "Why are you here?"
The man's eyes softened slightly at her voice, "did you think i would let you go by yourself". His expression remained serious.
Meanwhile, Kyen-Seen tilted his head.
His usual cheerful grin faded into curiosity.
How did he avoid my sense I'm curious now". Kyen-Seen thought, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Then, with a soft chuckle, he muttered, "Hoho… a man of elegance and mystery, I see. Thou walketh as though the wind itself parts for thee. Interesting."
Jack's gaze flicked briefly toward him but returned to Ashton.
Ashton crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.
"Great. This guy looks like the main character with that beauty," Ashton thought bitterly, his mouth twitching slightly.
Jack stopped a few paces away. The soldiers instinctively straightened, their weapons half-drawn, waiting for a signal.
The air between Ashton and Jack thickened with silent tension.
Kitsu glanced nervously between the two men — her leader and her enemy — unsure of what to expect.
Ashton was the first to speak. "So, you're the leader she mentioned."
Jack nodded once. "I am. And you must be the man who defeated my subordinate."
"I didn't really mean to," Ashton replied with a shrug. "They attacked first."
Hey readers! How was it please leave a comment.
By the way I might increase the speed of the plot.