"That is good to hear. Stability will benefit us all."

She made it unmistakably clear that she was not seeking personal advantage at any cost and that her loyalty lay with Berghain — without sounding disrespectful.

Mirabelle was deeply impressed by this woman.

’You probably learn to speak diplomatically when you deal with that many men.’

Then Kaelith joined the conversation.

"Our duchy maintains regular exchange with Bregonia, as our territory lies directly along the border. I would gladly send a messenger and have anything you or Lady Mirabelle desire brought here."

This time, a charming smile curved his lips.

"Perhaps, in time, we will speak of such arrangements."

It seemed to be an art to speak vaguely without making concessions. Mirabelle would have to learn from that. Otherwise, she might end up with a beastman as a partner sooner than she wanted.

"We are always open to new trade opportunities. The peace treaty is meant to bring prosperity and possibilities to us all. Perhaps we can lead by example. I am certain that, as a far-sighted ruler, you know which opportunities you must seize for your territory."

’Is he trying to wrap my mother around his finger?’

But the Duchess was not easily tempted.

She smiled politely, then allowed her first beastman to feed her. He was a bear beast and towered over everyone else present.

The former Mirabelle had always seen him as a father figure, having never known her own.

The new Mirabelle was impressed that none of the beastmen interfered in the Duchess’s conversation.

Apparently, among the nobility, it truly was the ruling female who held absolute authority.

With non-ruling females, it was different. There, males often tried to assert their dominance and power.

"Decisions of such importance, concerning the future of this territory, I make only together with my daughter."

Suddenly, all attention shifted back to her. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Mirabelle, who had been listening and observing the entire time while eating, now found herself at a loss for words.

To buy herself some time, she chewed, then dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

"I don’t rush decisions that others seem eager to make for me."

The panther’s warm voice followed, "Wise words.

Important decisions deserve more than quick answers. And we have plenty of time to discuss them."

Mirabelle swallowed. Somehow, it sounded like a threat.

"Indeed," the Duchess said and clapped her hands. The servants began clearing the empty plates.

"My lords, I hope you had a pleasant evening. I wish you a good night. Mirabelle, come with me to my study for a moment."

Silas and Kaelith rose and bowed.

"It was my pleasure. It has been a most interesting day."

As the panther straightened, his gaze lingered on Mirabelle, intense and unwavering.

She held his gaze for a moment too long before looking away.

Then she shifted slightly under his penetrating stare.

"Duchess of Luchsenstein, Lady Mirabelle. I was thoroughly entertained. I hope you have a pleasant evening."

Kaelith took his leave as well.

"Come," her mother said, taking her by the arm. "Let’s talk."

Could the evening get any worse? Mirabelle already did not know how she was supposed to behave. And now, being alone with her ’new’ mother felt impossible to manage.

While her brothers rushed outside and the husbands dispersed, her mother led her toward the study.

Only Leontis, her mother’s first mate, followed them. A mated female was never alone — not even in a castle so well protected that no one could possibly enter it.

She herself was supposed to be accompanied by one of her fathers at all times.

But the former Mirabelle had once caused such an uproar that she had been granted permission to move freely within the main building of the castle.

In return, access to the main building had been completely restricted, and the number of soldiers had been tripled.

’Almost like a prisoner.’

For a moment, she felt sorry for the females of this world. Then it dawned on her that she was now one of them.

The study looked exactly as one would expect — imposing and refined.

Dark wood, deep red accents, countless books, all framed by massive windows overlooking the entire territory.

Climbing plants stretched along the bookshelves, and expensive-looking vases filled with fresh flowers stood at carefully chosen places.

Leontis sat down in a reading chair in one corner, while her mother guided her to a seating area with two sofas facing each other.

Even though she had never smelled it before, she was surrounded by a familiar scent of leather, old books, and roses. And yet, suddenly, she felt at home.

A feeling she had not experienced in a very long time.

Tears welled in her eyes.

The Duchess, who had just sat down opposite her, immediately rose and came over to embrace her.

Now another scent joined in — something warm, like sunlight — and Mirabelle began to sob.

She did not know whether she cried for the former Mirabelle or for herself. But once it started, she could not stop.

"Oh, my dear."

"I know this is not what you wanted."

She brushed her hair back gently.

Her mother thought she was distressed because of the situation.

But even though that weighed on her as well, this meltdown came from something else entirely — she had not been able to remember what it felt like to be held by her own mother.

"You handled yourself well tonight."

The Duchess held Mirabelle a little tighter.

"They are strong," she said quietly.

"Stronger than most you will ever meet."

Her fingers brushed over Mirabelle’s hair.

"That is not only a threat... it is also an opportunity."

She pulled back just enough to look at her.

"You are not just choosing a man. You are shaping the future of this territory.

Men like them do not come without danger.

But they do not come without value either."

Sniffling, Mirabelle tried to steady her voice. What the Duchess said was true — for the Mirabelle who would one day rule here.

At the same time, she was, at heart, a modern woman.

"What happens if I choose none of them?"

The Duchess sighed and glanced at Leontis.

The bear, who had remained silent until now and given the women space, leaned forward with a serious expression:

"They will force you."

A/N: Thanks for the power stones — it made my day.