Chapter 92: The Queen’s Trap

Provoked by Xu Feng's challenging gaze, Niruis also flared up, a rush of blood to her head: "If I lose, I'll be yours, marry you as your wife."

"Cough, cough..."

Hearing this, even the Behemoth King, who would remain unshaken if Mount Tai collapsed before him, trembled, choking on his wine, his brow furrowed deeply. This girl was usually unruly, but how could she treat marriage as a game? "My child..."

"Father, don't interfere." The spoiled and willful young princess was deaf to all reasoning, raising her chin proudly as she glared at Xu Feng. "And what if *you* lose?"

"Well..." Xu Feng found himself in a quandary. His own impulsive remark had unexpectedly led the girl to stake such a high bet. As a real man, how could he back down? After a moment's thought, he replied, "Princess, I love Xiaoya and will never leave her. Aside from that, if I lose, you can ask for anything, and I will obey without question."

This time, even the Behemoth King was taken aback. To stake anything except love—this was an even greater gamble. Arola felt both touched and anxious. On one side was her beloved cousin, with whom she had shared a deep bond since childhood; on the other was her beloved boyfriend. What were they doing?

And her uncle isn't even trying to stop them, she thought.

This was an unfair accusation against the Behemoth King. Mishouleite shook his head with a bitter smile. His precious daughter had been spoiled since childhood, incredibly stubborn. Once she set her mind to something, even he, as her father, could do nothing about it... but this time, it was truly outrageous—staking her lifelong happiness on a bet!

Xu Feng's actions were somewhat impulsive, fueled by the few too many drinks he had indulged in during the feast, his head a bit fuzzy...

If there is anything in the world faster than lightning, it is undoubtedly rumor. Soon, news of Xu Feng and the princess's bet spread throughout the entire castle. Mishouleite wanted to stop it, but it was already too late. The enormous stakes stirred everyone's blood. Though beastmen civilization lagged behind that of humans, they were more simple and honest. The Behemoth Clan was renowned for respecting warriors, and combat held a sacred meaning. With things having escalated to this point, even the Behemoth King could no longer control the situation.

This highly anticipated duel was scheduled for the next morning. Xu Feng was weary from his journey, and for the proud Behemoths, fairness was paramount.

As the sun set, everything returned to the embrace of darkness. A cool night breeze brushed past, and Xu Feng, the alcohol having worn off, reflected on the decision he had just made. He shook his head—it had been too impulsive. But there was no turning back now. It was all that girl's fault for being so domineering.

"Brother Xu Feng!"

A familiar, delicate cry. Turning around, he saw Arola standing gracefully before him, her lovely face laden with quiet resentment. Thinking of the bet he had made, Xu Feng felt a pang of guilt. He walked up to the girl but remained silent.

They stood close, their breaths almost mingling, simply gazing at each other for a long while...

Finally, the dissatisfaction on the girl's face gradually faded, replaced by a comforting smile. She gently straightened her boyfriend's clothes. "Brother Xu Feng, you must win tomorrow's duel!"

...

Utterly astonished, Xu Feng was filled with confusion. He had expected that, given Arola's temper, she would be furious and make a scene over such an absurd bet. But instead...

It was truly unexpected. A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets; he couldn't fathom what this girl was thinking at all.

"Aren't you angry?"

Arola didn't answer, sighing softly in her heart. How could she not be angry? Her boyfriend had made such an outrageous bet with her cousin. If he won, there would be another woman by his side. Although polygamy was prevalent on Hailanxing, as a girl, who wouldn't wish for her beloved to know when to stop his womanizing?

If he lost... Arola dared not think about it. Given her cousin's stubbornness, she knew she could never change her mind. Her boyfriend would face a miserable fate...

Whether he won or lost, it was an outcome she dreaded. But with things having come to this, Arola knew that throwing a tantrum wouldn't solve anything. Weighing the pros and cons, though she was unwilling in a hundred ways, if she had to choose, she still hoped her boyfriend would win.

Sigh. One more wouldn't make much difference anyway. Besides, her cousin had a good relationship with her. Arola comforted herself inwardly. Tomorrow's duel was crucial, and Aria certainly wouldn't want to affect her boyfriend's mood now. Everything could wait until after the duel. As for settling scores, she had plenty of time to deal with him slowly. With that thought, the young princess forced a smile onto her face. "Brother Xu Feng, I don't blame you. Rest well, and make sure you win tomorrow."

Watching his girlfriend's figure disappear among the flowers, Xu Feng scratched his head. He couldn't shake the feeling that the girl's reaction was a bit strange. Perhaps he was overthinking it. Shaking his head, he turned and headed toward his quarters.

Compared to humans, beastmen civilization was still somewhat backward. Their architecture lacked the same splendor but carried a sense of solidity. As an honored guest, Xu Feng was accommodated in the finest guest room.

As soon as he entered, he caught a whiff of fragrance. Before him were four beastmen maidens, bowing gracefully. "Young Master."

"You are..."

"We are maidservants, under orders to serve you, Young Master."

The one who spoke was a girl from the Behemoth Clan, with striking silver hair and a slender, well-proportioned figure. Behind her stood a shy, petite girl with adorable ears, indicating she was a beauty from the Cat Clan. The other two girls were either seductive or charming, each with their own distinct appeal.

All four wore only sheer gauze, their figures tantalizingly visible in the dim evening light. Unfortunately, Xu Feng was no fool. There's no such thing as a free lunch, and he had no friendship with the Behemoth King. Would His Majesty kindly send four beauties to serve him?

Unsolicited kindness was never without ulterior motives. As the saying goes, lust is a blade hanging over one's head. Tomorrow's duel was of utmost importance. Though Xu Feng had a fondness for beauty, how could he lose his composure at such a critical moment?

Xu Feng glanced at the four girls. They were indeed exceptionally beautiful, but trying to seduce him was impossible. A faint smile touched the corner of his lips. "Thank His Highness Mishouleite for his kind intentions, but I prefer peace and quiet. You may leave."

"This..." The girls' faces showed a hint of distress.

Xu Feng felt even more certain—it was indeed a scheme. But he didn't lose his temper. These girls were merely following orders. He spoke gently, "Go back. Mishouleite is a king of his generation; he won't punish you."

The girls paled slightly, not daring to say another word. They bowed and withdrew.

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