Trapped in the Beastworld Breeder System (BL)-Chapter 58: Frankly, I believe she’s a whore...

The issue on the ground could be said to be complicated—very complicated indeed.

Kiria was a young consort, someone barely around the same age as the king’s second and third sons. So, Lady Kiria was not only furious at Areis because the king doted on her less by giving her quarters to another, but also because the one she had secretly taken an interest in upon entering the palace now seemed to dote openly on that same person.

It made her skin twist and crawl as she took in the affectionate gaze Lucien directed at Areis the moment he entered, followed by the unmistakable look of disgust he spared her.

Especially the fact that Lucien immediately assumed he was in the wrong simply on entering the room and was already prepared to defend Areis.

Yet, she did not let those emotions weigh heavily on her head, nor did she allow them to show on her face. Instead, she summoned her courage, gathered her regal composure, and walked toward Lucien.

Putting on a pitiful expression, her voice soft and sweet, she said, "I came to greet the esteemed guest of His Majesty, yet instead of welcoming me with hospitality, he has made me regret ever coming here."

Lucien, however, did not even spare her a glance. The moment she finished speaking, he walked past her and went straight to Areis. He bent slightly, staring into Areis’s eyes as he lifted his chin gently and asked, "Are you alright?"

Then, his voice lowered, tinged with concern. "She hasn’t been a bother, has she?"

"I’m fine," Areis nodded. Then, holding Lucien’s hand lightly, he asked, "But who is she? And what does she want?"

"Oh..." Lucien exhaled. "She’s the king’s youngest consort, married for political reasons. She’s likely angry with you because Father asked her to vacate her quarters for your use. You know how ladies can be—especially one who is quite malicious. I knew she wouldn’t take it lightly."

"Oh..." Areis mumbled, his gaze shifting toward Kiria, now with newfound understanding.

Now he knew why she had been barking since she arrived, why she had been so insensitive and deliberately provocative. That was her intention all along—to come and wreak havoc.

And perhaps it wasn’t only the king’s decision that angered her. Perhaps there was more beneath the surface.

Areis rose from the chair he had been seated on and walked toward Lady Kiria. His tone softened noticeably as he said, "Oh... I’m truly sorry. Had you mentioned that you graciously helped me while I was sick and in need, I would have understood and treated you accordingly."

The sudden change in Areis’s tone and demeanor shocked both Kiria and Lucien.

Areis continued, stretching his hands forward to gently hold Kiria’s own. "I understand how much of a bother it must have been, and how selfless you were to do what you did. I truly commend you for it. So, can you find it in your heart to forgive my earlier misconduct?"

Kiria stood speechless, stunned by the abrupt shift. She stared at Areis, confusion clouding her thoughts as she struggled to decide what to say. After a moment, she coughed lightly, attempting to mask the embarrassment and disarray written across her face.

To save face, and perhaps to impress Lucien if possible, she straightened herself and said, "Well, I’m glad you understand that your earlier behavior was improper. I won’t dwell on it."

Then, from the storage pouch at her wrist, she retrieved a small bag filled with vials—vials whose contents Areis could not immediately identify.

Holding them out, she said, "That said, I brought these tonics for you. If you use them, you should regain your strength and feel much better within the next few weeks."

"No, we don’t need that," Lucien said sharply, but Areis gestured toward him, raising his hand and shaking his head.

Kiria watched the exchange, the anger in her chest flaring brighter. Lucien’s instinctive protectiveness over Areis grated on her nerves.

Areis accepted the vials from her. Even without activating his newly acquired skill, he knew instinctively that using them would lead to a slow and certain death.

Still, he smiled faintly and said, "Thank you. I’ll be sure to use them properly and with care."

"You’re welcome," Kiria replied. Then, turning to Lucien, she bowed slightly. "If the Second Prince permits it, I shall take my leave."

"Of course," Lucien replied coldly. "I’m certain you know I don’t want you here."

Kiria offered Areis a thin smile before turning and leaving the room.

Once she was gone, Lucien stepped closer to Areis and said quietly, "You know she means no good, right?"

Feigning ignorance to draw out more information, Areis replied, "No, I don’t."

"I’m certain that if she isn’t angry about what Father did, then she’s angry about us," Lucien said. "Frankly, I believe she’s a whore, but whores sometimes make decent consorts, so perhaps that’s why Father tolerates her despite her background."

"Why do you call her a whore?" Areis asked. "Was she taken from a pleasure house?"

"No," Lucien replied. "She’s one of the unmarried girls from the major wolf clans. Father needed to marry a woman from each clan, so he did. I call her a whore because she tried to lie with me."

"Oh..." Areis covered his mouth in surprise.

The story intrigued him, and as the conversation continued, Areis came to understand something clearly—Lucien was gentle only with him. To everyone else, he could be mercilessly brutal.

"Enough about that woman," Lucien finally said. "I think I’ve made the meal you’ll like."

At the mention of food, Areis’s deprived stomach growled loudly.

He sighed lightly and said, "I hope it’s good this time."

"It is," Lucien replied confidently.

With a clap of his hands, a single maid entered carrying a tray. On it lay meat cut into small pieces, mixed neatly with rice and vegetables.

"Oh..." Areis muttered. "This looks promising."

"You say that without tasting it?" Lucien smirked. "I suppose I really did my best."

"Well, if you could reason mixing everything together, then your brain must have reached a decent level of comprehension," Areis said teasingly.

"Oh, I get you," Lucien chuckled.

Areis took the spoon and tasted a mouthful.

It was genuinely good.

He gave Lucien a thumbs-up after the first bite, relief and satisfaction settling deep in his chest. After that initial, well-mannered bite, restraint vanished, and he quickly dug in.

Once Areis finished eating, Lucien finally delivered the news he had been holding back.

"So," he said, "the king requests to see you tomorrow."