Mommy Wolf: Raise A Cub, Claimed By His Beast Daddy-Chapter 134: Will of the Beast (IV)

The Beast King’s words weren’t wrong, but they cut Vestor’s pride deeply.

Because he was supposed to be the wise owl of Roc Forest.

Kael could have exterminated Vestor’s entire owl tribe with ease after conquering it. They weren’t particularly strong in battle, nor were they good in any useful skill around the kingdom. Their survival had never depended on force as they were quite reclusive.

Yet Kael had personally chosen Vestor as his advisor because his wisdom was renowned throughout Roc Forest.

The fate of Vestor’s entire tribe rested on how well he served the Beast King.

And now, he had failed—miserably.

Knowing he was unworthy of the title, Vestor bowed low and said humbly, "This subordinate accepts the King’s judgment. I shall resign my position and return to my tribe."

"I thought I made this clear when I founded this kingdom," Kael said, pausing as a cold smirk spread across his face. "No one leaves the Beast Court with their head intact. You either devote your entire life here, or I will personally send your head back to your family."

That had always been the rule that every high-ranked beastmen knew and agreed to.

In the beginning, everyone had scrambled to join the Beast Court, especially high-ranking beastmen. Serving in the court brought honor to their tribes, and many were granted the privilege of living within the kingdom itself.

After the Beast Kingdom was established, it became a symbol of safety and luxury.

Those who possessed gold, jewels, or valuable resources could buy their way inside the walls and live free from fear. Weaker tribes flocked to the kingdom, such as the deer beastmen, who had been relentlessly hunted by humans for their antlers and hides. They exchanged their precious antlers, prized as medicine, for protection.

At least, they were still able to live comfortably without their antlers, and it would regrow anyway. Meanwhile, if they were still in the wild, those humans would’ve just killed them even if they surrendered.

Meanwhile, Kael conquered stronger tribes by force and bent them into submission, turning them into soldiers who defended the weaker ones. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

He was an effective ruler, albeit a ruthless one.

"Do you want me to deliver your head to your family?" Kael asked coldly. "If I remember correctly, you have many wives and children."

At the mention of his family, Vestor faltered.

Yes, he could die here and his story would end.

But his wives and children would be cast out and shamed. They’d be abandoned by their tribe because of his failure.

Kael observed the shift in Vestor’s expression and scoffed.

"I don’t want the trouble of finding another advisor," he said. "You manage the kingdom well. But your judgment of me has always been wrong."

He leaned forward slightly.

"Do you truly believe I’ve been bewitched by Sisi?" Kael asked. "Answer honestly. I’ll know if you’re lying to save yourself."

Vestor knew he was cornered under the king’s peering eyes.

With his life hanging by a thread, he chose honesty.

"I witnessed everything, My King," Vestor said. "I saw Mistress Sisi place her palm upon the earth, and the trees at the summit moved as one, obeying her will."

"There are only two beings capable of such control over plants: faeries and witches. She is not a faerie," His voice grew steadier as he continued. "To command trees of that size without effort means she is an exceptionally powerful witch, probably the only witch in the entire Roc Forest who could control plants to that extend."

Vestor lifted his head and met Kael’s gaze.

"My King, Mistress Sisi is a powerful witch. What makes you certain you’re immune to her charm? And even if you are, what about the Crown Prince? He spends so much time with her. Her influence may already run deep within him."

Kael wasn’t angry upon getting that suspicion.

If anything, he preferred this question to be asked now, in private—rather than the chaos Vestor stirred in the court just now.

’Perhaps I should tell him a part of the curse,’ Kael thought. ’He is my advisor, the bridge between me and the court. If he doesn’t trust me, then the court will be in peril.’

But telling him everything was out of the question.

He couldn’t trust Vestor with the full truth. Not after how easily he’d been swayed by Ruela.

And that woman wasn’t even that pretty!

After a moment of consideration, Kael said calmly, "Jojo and I are immune to all witchcraft—charms, hexes, and spells. It is our birthright."

Vestor’s eyes widened.

"My King, is that a blessing from the Moon Goddess for your lineage?" he asked in awe.

"...Yes," Kael replied after a brief pause.

It wasn’t a blessing, but the effect was the same. So, the truth behind it didn’t matter.

"If you doubt me," Kael continued, "summon any shaman you wish. Let them curse me, hex me, or attack me directly with any spell. You’ll see for yourself."

Vestor hesitated, then asked carefully,"Is it truly acceptable to test this, My King? Forgive my impudence. I cannot be at ease without certainty."

"Do as you wish," Kael said magnanimously. "If it eases your mind."

Vestor finally exhaled in relief. Kael’s confidence alone was reassuring, though he still intended to consult a powerful shaman later.

"This is reassuring news, My King," Vestor said. "Should I inform the others of your immunity?"

"No," Kael rejected immediately.

The curses of the Dusk Star and Dawn Star were not widely known, but all it took was one informed bastard, like that runaway tiger, for rumors to spread.

Jojo’s safety mattered more than anything for Kael.

"No one must know," Kael said firmly. "You are forbidden from speaking of my son’s immunity to anyone. Even your wives and children. Understood?"

Vestor bowed. "Yes, My King."

"Then should I inform Garou that his challenge is void?" Vestor asked carefully. "Since you’re not possessed by any witchcraft—"

"Why would you do that? I will still kill that panther to set an example for those who dare to defy me," Kael scoffed as his gaze hardened.