Lord blessed by the elves

Chapter 92 Adoption
He looked at Cato, his tone steady: "Knight Cato, your concerns are valid. Logically, they shouldn't have stayed. But now that they're willing to accept me, the chain of hatred can potentially be broken."

Cato looked at the three lion cubs that were now circling around Kruze's feet, showing no more hostility, and fell silent.

Facts speak louder than words; Kruze possessed methods he couldn't comprehend. He finally slowly sheathed his sword and bowed slightly: "You're right, I didn't consider things carefully. Lord Kruze's methods are extraordinary and well-hidden; I admire him."

Seeing this, the other knights also put aside their various thoughts, and their gazes toward Kruze were filled with even deeper awe.

This heir to the Lion Fang Territory actually possesses such mysterious and unpredictable abilities.

From their brief exchange, they realized that Kruze might have already become a Bronze Knight, and that he had probably only recently broken through to that level, so they were unwilling to risk fighting.

This is normal. Combat experience needs to be cultivated and honed. No matter how strong your battle aura is, unless you are one level higher, it is difficult to achieve overwhelming dominance.

Kruse carefully wrapped the three now docile lion cubs in his robe again and held them in his arms.

This time, the harvest far exceeded his expectations.

The three cave lion cubs, who possess the potential to grow into powerful magical beasts, are almost certain to be successfully tamed thanks to the Elf King's monocle's affinity.

This will undoubtedly add three powerful trump cards to Lion's Tooth Territory's future.

Knight Cato gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and loosely, his heart filled with intense inner turmoil.

He had no desire to see Kruse take in the three den lion cubs who were already holding a grudge.

Warcraft is Warcraft. Who can guarantee that the so-called "elven creations" can forever suppress the wildness and vengeful instincts deep in their blood?

If things get out of control, the first to be affected will be Wolf Fur Territory, which is adjacent to Lion Fang Territory!
Not to mention, the two territories have always been at odds.

When he glanced at Lista, Totti, and the others out of the corner of his eye, his heart sank.

The young nobles from other territories, though also showing surprise, clearly appeared indifferent, or even pleased, that it was none of their business.

For them, whether the three cubs were tamed or killed, the risks were mainly borne by Lion Fang Territory and the neighboring Wolf Fur Territory. They naturally didn't need to worry too much, and were even more willing to see Kruze display more mysterious methods.

The chill of isolation and helplessness instantly seeped into Cato's spine.

He realized that he had no allies here.

If he insists on opposing or even takes action, he will not only immediately offend the unfathomable heir to the Golden Lion, but will also appear to be at odds with the positions of all other lords' heirs.

The deeper fear stemmed from a past that Wolf Hair Collar did not want to recall.

Cato clearly remembered that a few years ago, a Bronze Knight from Wolfhair Territory, known for his fiery temper, had publicly insulted the then young Rezal and Kruze at a county gathering, using extremely disrespectful language.

How is the result?

Their father, the fiercely protective and powerful "Lion Knight" Reyes, came directly to their door and, in front of many of his subjects, beat the outspoken knight so badly that his fighting spirit dissipated, leaving him severely injured and crippled, thus ending his knightly career.

Lord Haynes, the lord of Wolfhair at the time, went to confront Reyes, demanding an explanation. But Lord Reyes's "explanation" was simple and brutal: he would settle things with his fists.

After a duel between lords, Baron Haynes was bedridden for a full two weeks before he could get out of bed.

Lion Fang Territory merely paid the crippled knight a sum of money that was in accordance with the rules, but by no means generous, and then the matter was dropped.

Reyes's formidable strength and vengeful nature were already an open secret in the surrounding territories.

Thinking of this, Cato's last shred of courage to fight dissipated.

The man before him, Kruze, seemed even more profound and unpredictable than his father. At such a young age, he might already be a Bronze Knight, and his future achievements would be no less than his father's.

If I were to defy his decision now, who could guarantee that this young "lion" wouldn't find a pretext to "cripple" me, the little guardian knight, just like his father did back then?

At that point, Lord Haynes probably won't even dare to argue anymore.

The weighing of reality and the lessons of the past, like two cold iron clamps, gripped his throat. Cato laboriously sheathed his knight's sword completely, the soft click seeming to be proof that all his resentment and worries had been forcibly suppressed.

He lowered his head, hiding all his emotions behind his unreadable face, and expressed his submission through silence.

"You're right, I didn't think it through." These words, spoken earlier, now sound bitter and helpless in retrospect.

He was not only jealous of the mysterious beast-taming techniques, but also succumbed to the absolute power and the "illustrious reputation" his family had built up in the past.

Kruse took in Cato's momentary struggle and eventual silence, and he could roughly guess the concerns and fears in the other's heart.

He was naturally aware of the old grudges between Wolf Hair Territory and Lion Tooth Territory.

He didn't point it out, but simply picked up the three lion cubs that had already calmed down and mounted his horse.

This little episode silently reaffirmed the rules governing power and status.

The procession continued forward, with Cato still lagging behind, but his figure appeared even more solitary, as if separated from the group of young nobles surrounding Kruse by an invisible yet insurmountable chasm. Meanwhile, Kruse carried three heavy "living assets" crucial to future strategy, and a deeper sense of apprehension from his neighboring riders.

The team regrouped, carrying the monster corpses, materials, and future guardian beasts, and continued their march towards the battlefield.

Because Kruze obtained three lion cubs, he didn't get any of the monster carcasses. The monster meat and materials alone were worth at least 300 gold coins.

However, the atmosphere within the group became more subtle and complex, with everyone reassessing the young lord's true strength and capabilities.

The scene of Kruze successfully taming three cave lion cubs and easily blocking Cato's attack stirred up ripples in the hearts of several young nobles.

They may not know much about the details of taming magical beasts, but they are exceptionally perceptive of power.

Several experienced guardian knights quickly exchanged glances, then discreetly approached their respective young masters. Under the guise of adjusting the horse tack or checking for injuries, they lowered their voices and told them the news that was no secret among the higher-ups in the surrounding territories, but was still quite shocking to these young people.

(End of this chapter)