Evangeline nodded, showing she understood.

The Commander’s Fortress was equivalent to the Imperial City of old. It wouldn’t be appropriate for a large group to enter in a grand procession.

She thought for a moment and walked over to Elias Moretti. But before she could speak, a glint appeared in his scarlet eyes as he said, "I’ll have Gable get the Beastmen from the Grymdale Tribe settled. They won’t cause any trouble for you, but I’m going with you."

Evangeline glanced at him without a word, then walked over to The Ravening Wolves and said, "You all find a place to settle in for now. When I get back, we’ll continue on our journey. If you run into any trouble, just crush this."

As she spoke, Evangeline placed a Jade Token into The Ravening Wolves’ hand.

Hearing Evangeline’s words, Aiden Atwood’s gaze swept over the Jade Token in her hand, his face filled with astonishment.

He had seen such an item before in The Great City-State, also crafted by a Druid. It was said one could even hide an entire world inside it!

However, he knew the value of such an object. Yet this female Druid before him was willing to give it to mere vassals!

Aiden Atwood sighed inwardly with emotion. His eyes flickered as he stepped forward and said politely to Evangeline, "Rest assured, Druid. My men will arrange for your people’s accommodations. I guarantee they won’t run into any problems within the territory of Otterhaven City-State."

Evangeline gave a slight nod and looked toward Elias Moretti.

He was saying something to Gable, whose expression was a bit grim, but mostly just pale.

Gable obviously hadn’t expected there to be such a completely new world on the other side of the Triangle Sea.

’He suddenly understood why the Beastmen here called them "Savage Beastmen." Compared to how these people lived, they truly were Savage Beastmen who had never seen the world. It was pitiful; he, a Witch, was so humbled upon arriving here.’

"Don’t cause any trouble. Wait for me to come out," Elias Moretti said in a low voice before turning to look at Evangeline.

Evangeline averted her gaze and started walking toward the Commander’s Fortress with Aiden Atwood.

Her male companions naturally stayed by her side, keeping the young ones closely protected. Their gazes swept warily across their surroundings, remaining constantly vigilant. They would act without a moment’s hesitation at the slightest sign of trouble.

Elias Moretti followed behind, also observing the Commander’s residence within the city-state.

By now, he had a general understanding of the situation. The New Continent was composed of Beastman City-states. There were no tribes here, only city-states, and the supreme ruler of a city-state wasn’t a leader, but a War Commander—the most powerful person within it.

In addition, there was another esteemed position: the Druid, which was similar to the "Witch" in the Norfell Tribe.

Security within the Commander’s Fortress was tight. There seemed to be an armored warrior on guard every few steps. Their expressions were solemn, their weapons glinted with a cold light, and their silent, oppressive presence deterred anyone from acting rashly.

After passing through countless heavy stone doors and deep corridors, the group finally arrived at the banquet hall.

It was an extremely spacious hall, built in a very European style.

An incredibly wide and long stone table stretched across the center of the hall, already laden with a rich spread of food.

There was tender roasted meat, plump fruits, and most abundant of all, a variety of seafood befitting the specialty of Otterhaven City-State: fish half the length of a person, shellfish the size of balls piled up like mountains, and enormous prawns and crabs, all emitting a fresh, savory aroma.

"Honored guests, please have a seat!" Aiden Atwood chuckled, taking the lead to sit at the head of the table.

As Evangeline and the others sat down, seven or eight beautiful young females came out. They carried exquisite bronze vessels and, one by one, poured drinks for Evangeline and the males, their attitudes extremely humble and respectful.

Thorne narrowed his eyes and looked toward Aiden Atwood at the head of the table. "These females... what are they for?"

In the Norfell Tribe, females never performed such subservient tasks.

Aiden Atwood was taken aback, finding the question odd. However, when his gaze swept over Evangeline, who was surrounded by the males, he understood and laughed heartily. "I’ve long heard that males from beyond the Triangle Sea dote on their females. Seeing it today, it’s really true. I’m impressed!"

With that, he raised his cup to toast the males, concealing the pity in his eyes before draining it in one gulp.

Then, he continued, "You might not believe this, but in the Beastman City-states, females far outnumber males. And since females are inferior to males in both physical strength and ability, over time, they’ve become commodities. It’s quite normal for many lower-class citizens to sell their females and daughters if they can’t afford to eat."

"Here, an outstanding male can possess a great many females."

Aiden Atwood’s tone was flat, as if he didn’t think his words would have any impact on these "Savage Beastmen."

After speaking, he looked up at the seven or eight females kneeling off to the side, their eyes downcast, not daring to look up. He smiled and said, "These are all my females. If any of you gentlemen take a liking to one, feel free to take her back with you!"

His casual, generous tone made the males’ brows furrow in disgust.

As the only female at the table, Evangeline’s reaction was cool. She neither found it tragic that females were reduced to commodities, nor did she feel insulted that Aiden Atwood was offering one to her companions.

It was the males who looked displeased, staring coldly at Aiden Atwood as if he had said something unforgivable.

Aiden Atwood gave an awkward laugh and could only cover it up by taking a drink.

’He sneered inwardly. ’A bunch of Savage Beastmen who’ve never seen the world. They’re just females, yet they don’t even dare to accept one. Heh, what a bunch of country bumpkins. Even after coming to a Beastman City-state, they’re still the type to be trampled underfoot!’’

Evangeline ate a few bites of sweet fruit, then lifted her eyelids, breaking the awkward silence at the table.

"In Norfell, females are rare and have always been precious. Males are born with the sacred duty of protecting them. I am very happy to have these Beast Husbands, though I’m afraid we’ve made a spectacle of ourselves in front of Commander Otaran."

Although she said this, there wasn’t a trace of a smile in her eyes, and her tone could even be described as cold.

Aiden Atwood only felt more awkward. After hearing Evangeline’s words, he started to feel that perhaps he was the one who should be laughed at.

The corner of his mouth twitched violently as he shook the thought away. When he looked at Evangeline again, a hint of caution had been added to his respect.

’Some Druids who specialized in spiritual power could control others without a sound. Until he had a clear understanding of this female’s specific abilities, he had to be careful. He couldn’t risk offending her and losing his own territory over it!’

A smile appeared on his face. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the male with the fierce expression and long black hair say unhurriedly, "A single male possessing multiple females... Heh. Aren’t you afraid of dying from the contract’s backlash?"

"Contract?" Aiden Atwood looked at The Everwake, completely baffled. "What contract?"

At his words, another strange silence fell over the table.

The Everwake’s brow furrowed, the demonic butterfly markings on his cheek seeming to shift slightly. "The Beastman City-states... have no partner contracts?"

Aiden Atwood half-closed his eyes, his gaze shifting back and forth between them. A playful smile appeared on his face as he said, "I’d heard long ago that hundreds of years ago, when the Beast God still existed, he inscribed a partner contract into the bloodline of all Beastmen to protect the females. I never thought it was actually true."

With that, he suddenly scoffed and said casually, "Heh, that thing disappeared forever along with the Beast God. We males are born to rule the city-states. Why should we be shackled by females? And even have to die with them?"