The Last Monarch : Unlimited Regeneration-Chapter 103: Debt of Gratitude

While everyone was still inside the nest, something was watching them from outside. It hovered in the air, its beautiful wings fluttering softly. Its gaze was cold—but filled with malice.

"So, he's still strong. I need to find a way to weaken that demon," the figure muttered.

He turned around to leave, but suddenly, his entire body stiffened. A killing intent—dense and suffocating—rushed toward him.

"Damn it."

Wosh!

The figure immediately vanished, disappearing from sight. He wouldn't show himself there again anytime soon. At that same moment, Lyrith stood outside the nest, her eyes fixed upward.

"He's gone," she sighed.

**

For several days, Tamae and the doctors from the city of Chillg had been busy treating the members of Hollow Fang from the poison.

They stayed in the Ant Bee nest for three days, only occasionally returning to Chillg to gather supplies before coming back.

Of course, when Tamae first offered them to come to the desert, they were hesitant—afraid even—because of the terrifying monsters that lived there. But once they arrived, they were treated kindly. Nothing bad happened to them.

The Ant Bees even provided food, water, and basic needs. The only thing that made them slightly uncomfortable was the bed—hard dirt floors covered with leaves.

"This really changes how I see monsters. Maybe they're not as—"

"NO!" Tamae cut in, shaking her head firmly. "Not all monsters are like these Ant Bees. If you approach the others, they'll attack you immediately. These Ant Bees are calm because they've been tamed. That's all!" she said.

The doctors, who had been resting, exchanged glances.

"So you mean, they were tamed by humans?" one of them asked.

Tamae nodded. "More precisely, by Alvaric. The Ant Bees…" she hesitated a bit. "They're like his family. That's why they're so gentle. They obey whatever Alvaric says. Never try to attack or provoke him. If you do, thousands of Ant Bees will come after you."

The doctors nodded slowly. Their eyes turned toward Alvaric, who was sitting on a stone bed, gently patting the heads of the Ant Bees one by one.

It was already noon, yet he was still doing it. For hours—almost twelve—he had been sitting there, showing care and affection.

"Ah, you're right. He really looks like a father to them," one of the doctors commented softly.

Just by watching, they could feel the warmth and sorrow in Alvaric's expression. His face carried a quiet sadness—though none of them knew why.

"Alvaric and the Ant Bees are also allies of Chillg. Soon, our city and the royal capital will go to war. I hope you'll all play an important role when that time comes," Tamae said.

The doctors nodded. They had heard rumors about this for a while. At first, they were against it—fighting the capital was practically suicide.

But after seeing Alvaric, the Ant Bees, and the others here, a small spark of hope began to grow in them. Maybe… they could win.

"If I may ask, why are we fighting the kingdom?" one of them asked.

Tamae fell silent. Even she wasn't entirely sure of the real reason. But deep down, her heart told her it had to be done—even without a noble cause. The oppression from the capital toward Chillg had gone too far.

"Maybe… revenge," Tamae finally answered. She knew it wasn't a noble reason, but it was the truth in her heart. "I know that sounds foolish, but I really hate the king and those nobles. They've treated Chillg terribly again and again."

This time, the doctors went quiet. They exchanged glances, then nodded in understanding before looking back at Tamae.

"We understand how you feel. Honestly, we think it's not wrong at all. The people of Chillg feel the same," one of them said.

Tamae smiled faintly. "Thank you."

She felt a bit relieved.

**

Not long after, Dion and Lisse approached Tamae and the doctors. They bowed deeply.

"Thank you!" they said in unison.

Tamae and the doctors were startled by that. For a few seconds, they froze in surprise.

Then Tamae quickly waved her hands. "No, no, there's no need for that. Please, stand up!" she said.

She and the doctors helped lift their shoulders, making them stand straight again.

"We only did what we could. We're all allies here," Tamae said softly.

Dion and Lisse nodded. "Still, thank you!"

Tamae and the others smiled and nodded. "You're welcome."

"Is there anything we can do to repay your kindness?" Dion asked.

Tamae and the doctors glanced at each other, shrugging lightly. Nothing came to mind—they truly had no hidden motives. They helped because they wanted to, not because they expected something in return.

"We'll think about it later. For now, there's nothing," Tamae replied.

Dion and Lisse nodded. "Alright. When the time comes, we'll repay this debt of gratitude."

Tamae and the doctors smiled politely. They didn't think too much of it. Tamae's answer earlier was simply to avoid making Dion and Lisse insist further—a neutral response to ease the situation.

"Ah…" Tamae scratched her head awkwardly. The atmosphere turned strange. No one spoke a word for almost a full minute. Tamae wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

Until finally, Alvaric called out to them. "Why are you all just standing there? Come on, eat!" he shouted.

Tamae and the others turned toward him immediately. They all felt relieved—grateful even—that Alvaric broke the awkward silence.

"Ah, of course."

They walked toward him, where a large meal was already prepared. Dozens of dishes were laid out, though all were cooked simply—either grilled or boiled. There were vegetables and meat of various kinds.

Tamae and the doctors sat down. They exchanged glances; some dishes made them uneasy because a few were made from Crawlers.

"Eat!" Alvaric invited warmly.

Without hesitation, he picked up a few Crawlers and began eating them as if they were normal food—even though they tasted awful.

Tamae and the others swallowed hard. "Ah… alright," they said, faces slightly pale.

They each took a piece of Crawler and forced themselves to eat. Some nearly gagged but managed to hold it in, quickly following it with animal meat that tasted far better.

Only then were they able to eat properly.