It had nothing to do with objective factors—it was purely a matter of taphysical probability.
"West still has no children. If a Beastman could increase the chances, then it wouldn’t be a bad choice."
Reiya always thought from Westheid’s perspective. For the head of a clan, continuing the bloodline was more important than anything, so she was very concerned about Westheid’s ability to produce an heir.
If the goal was to continue the bloodline, then anything could be understood and accepted.
Westheid shook his head. "Ha, I’m actually in no hurry for that."
To outsiders, Duke Qinghui was perfect in every way, except for the worrying state of his clan. It was far too dangerous for the direct lineage to be left with only a single person.
He had to have an heir!
But Westheid himself had never considered having an heir to be crucial. So Celestial Gods left bloodlines in the Mortal World as anchors, but Duke Qinghui was already prepared to learn from the virtues of the Yonglan Riding God.
"Let’s just let nature take its course. I won’t force anything. Let’s not discuss the matter of heirs anymore. Co here and let’s cuddle!"
Westheid wrapped one arm around Reiya’s slender waist and the other around Mivana’s fragrant shoulders, pulling his two lovers forcefully toward him.
Their delicate, flawless cheeks pressed against his, feeling each other’s warmth.
"Hahh..."
"Mmph!"
The White-haired Dragon Lady and the Wolf-eared Maiden let out cute, soft cries, but neither resisted in the slightest. They adjusted themselves into comfortable positions, resting their heads on their lover’s shoulders.
At this mont, silence was more eloquent than words.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty..."
Just as the mont turned warm and tender, a Qinghui Guard strode over, saluted Westheid, and said:
"The Yonglan Knights... so Yonglan Knights have arrived. There are several Grand Knights among them. They wish to visit Dusk Lamp Territory as guests. Should we let them pass?"
"I did invite them, but they actually ca?"
Hearing this, Westheid subconsciously raised his eyebrows and looked at Mivana.
The Lord of Dusk Lamp Territory nodded. "If they co in good faith, there’s no problem."
So Westheid waved his hand grandly and declared:
"Let them co! Why shouldn’t they? Let the Yonglan Knights see the current state of Dusk Lamp Territory. I think this shows our confidence."
As he spoke, Westheid stood up and fastened Shadow-Born, which had been lying beside him, to his waist.
"But that’s only if they’ve truly co as guests. Friends will be treated to fine wine, but enemies will be greeted only with the blade of a sword."
He decided to personally greet and escort the visiting Knights. Although he didn’t think any rational person would provoke him after the last battle, the thought that these were Yonglan Knights made him consider that any sort of heaven-defying act was possible.
Leading a group of Qinghui Guards, Westheid hurried to the outskirts of Dusk Lamp Territory’s main city and saw the visiting party of Knights.
There weren’t many, just over twenty Yonglan Knights, but among them were three or four Grand Knights. The lineup could only be described as impressive.
"Lord Westheid, we et again."
Uther, having shed his black heavy armor and now wearing only a sharp knight’s uniform, gave a slight nod to Duke Qinghui and said:
"I hope we are not disturbing you. It seems you are in the middle of a celebration here."
"Of course not. In fact, I’m a little surprised. I didn’t expect anyone would actually co to visit Dusk Lamp Territory. I would think a Beastman territory is a place you wouldn’t want to set foot in even if it killed you."
’It would be a different story if they were stepping foot in it as conquerors, of course.’
Westheid noticed that the visiting Knights were mostly unarmored, carrying only their side swords. The scabbards were even wrapped and sealed with black cloth.
This was a gesture indicating their visit was not for combat—a sign of extrely high etiquette in the Country of Yonglan.
Westheid was very pleased with this. These Yonglan Knights had truly been beaten into submission; they no longer had their initial arrogant and untamable deanor.
"To be honest, we were quite hesitant ourselves. It was Lady phit who first suggested we co."
Uther looked toward the blue-haired Grand Knight beside him as he spoke.
The young Knightess imdiately bowed slightly and waved at Westheid, her sky-blue, shoulder-length hair flowing with the movent and covering half of her lovely face.
"Hiii~~"
phit gently adjusted the pure white cape draped over her shoulders. Beneath it was a fitted uniform with exquisite platinum embroidery that perfectly revealed her slender, youthful figure. Her slanted, phoenix-like eyes lifted slightly at the corners.
Her smile was elegant and sweet, yet faintly held a snake-like, treacherous quality.
"Lord Westheid, you said that Dusk Lamp Territory welcos all visitors. I hope that wasn’t just a pleasantry... but even if it was, a visit in the na of the Zitherheart Clan should still be accepted, shouldn’t it?"
"Zitherheart..."
Mivana’s expression grew distant as she heard the surna of her teacher, Viona.
She didn’t know much about the Zitherheart Clan, only that it was an incredibly Prominent Knight Clan, one that could even establish its headquarters in Gale Heart. This ant the Zitherheart Clan were the core Steel Will Guardians of the Country of Yonglan, holding a permanent seat on the Knight Council.
But after the clan’s previous rising star, the Star Lake Sword, passed away in Dusk Lamp Territory, the Zitherheart Clan made no move whatsoever. They didn’t even co to collect Viona’s remains.
phit was only the second mber of the Zitherheart Clan that Mivana had ever t.
Westheid, however, knew more of the inside story. He gave phit a aningful look and extended his hand, saying:
"Since you’ve chosen to co in friendship, I naturally have no reason to refuse. If one chooses to claim the title of king, how can one not possess the necessary magnanimity?"
"Please, co in. This celebration will not turn you away. We can at least offer you a cup of Fruit Wine."
Led by Westheid, the party of Yonglan Knights entered the main city. They were given seats at the banquet, and each person was served a large cup of Fruit Wine and roasted at.
The Beastn watched this group of Knights with a mixture of curiosity and fear. A few of the bolder ones, seeing that Mivana and the others were present, dared to inch a little closer.
"These Beastn... they don’t seem as uncivilized as I thought."
The visiting Yonglan Knights had clearly been carefully selected; they were among the most open-minded, with the least prejudice against Alien Races. They had steeled themselves to endure crude Beastn, but based on their actual experience... aside from their jarring, non-human bestial features, they were no different from ordinary people.
"The prejudice in people’s hearts is a great mountain. The ten years of tireless work the Star Lake Sword put in here were not for nothing."
Westheid shot Uther a look and said, "Once you get to know this place better, you’ll understand that Dusk Lamp Territory is not Yonglan’s enemy at all."
The Black Knight, who owed him a favor, hesitated for a mont before speaking up:
"Defining Beastn as a non-sentient species is biased. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to classify them as a race, similar to Elves."
As Uther spoke, the other Yonglan Knights nodded in agreent.
"Yes, compared to the Spirit Monsters I’ve slaughtered, these Beastn are certainly much more normal."
"Speaking of which, I don’t think the Country of Yonglan has ever suffered any disasters caused by Beastn, have we?"
"..."
"But the Origin of the Beastn is tainted."
phit suddenly interjected coldly, a hint of lancholy in her eyes, "Although it is not their fault."
Seeing phit bring up a divisive topic, Uther quickly changed the subject:
"Lord Westheid, your announcent of a pilgrimage to claim the throne was terribly rushed. Even if you are fully prepared, you should at least let us understand your platform. That way, we’ll have sothing of substance to report when we speak to our colleagues."
This was the true purpose of their visit. They didn’t care about the Beastn of Dusk Lamp Territory, whether they were savages who ate raw at and drank blood or a civilized people.
"Oh, that was an oversight on my part. I originally planned to publicize my platform after the pilgrimage officially began, but since you’ve co to ask, I’ll be direct."
Westheid held up a finger and said:
"My demands of the Knight Lords are very simple. I have co to the Country of Yonglan to accomplish only two things."
"First, I want to obtain the right to initiate and command expeditions in the na of the Knightly Path—the ability to command the Knights of Yonglan to launch a glorious crusade against any enemy, be it in Chaos or the Mortal World. Of course, this will be compensated. I guarantee that every Warrior who joins an expedition I lead will benefit greatly and return laden with spoils."
"This is the authority and duty of a Knight King, so it goes without saying."
The Knights nodded at his words and asked:
"And the second thing?"
Westheid replied, "As for the second thing... it is to reform the Country of Yonglan, completely abolish the system of serfdom, and redefine the path of a knight."
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