Chapter 44: A Barbarian’s Proposal

Larkin and Samuel exchanged knowing glances.

They had already surmised Alicia’s identity. For the Barbarian tribes, if they wished to avoid in-clan marriage to preserve bloodline purity, they could seek partners outside their tribe. However, these chosen individuals had to possess a special bloodline and formidable strength.

Although Theresia had never revealed her Black Dragon form, her ferocious combat power and occasional displays of non-human traits had led everyone to implicitly acknowledge her as a possessor of a special bloodline.

Ironically, if these special bloodline holders didn’t form a collective, much like the Barbarians, they would be treated as monsters by ordinary people when they were still weak. There was no other reason for this, simply because they were different.

Yet, once these bloodline holders grew powerful enough, they would be wildly revered—just like Theresia in their eyes.

Despite the Aaren Empire beginning to accept these bloodline holders, discrimination, regrettably, remained the norm.

These individuals had only truly been respected during the era of a unified human empire.

‘Sadly, Theresia is mine.’

Theodore, without hesitation, ensured Alicia followed in Aesop’s footsteps. “Rejected. She is also a fem… a fe… a female. You cannot have bloodline descendants together.”

Having spent too much time with dragons, he had grown accustomed to referring to females as ‘females’ or ‘dams,’ for in the Dragon race, there were only female dragons and mother dragons, never ‘women dragons’—nor ‘men dragons,’ for that matter.

Alicia paused, taken aback. The intelligence she had gathered in the Labyrinth City had all stated that the Most Evil Dragon was male, yet Theodore spoke with such certainty.

Larkin, for his part, added, “She is indeed a fem… a female. Of course, the people of Montoir promoted the idea that she was male, but in reality, it was just a rumor. No one has ever seen the voice beneath that armor.”

Larkin almost said ‘woman,’ but it was a female dragon.

Alicia furrowed her brow, looking between Larkin and Theodore. “You two know each other, don’t you? What is your relationship with them?”

Theodore and Larkin exchanged a look.

From the moment Theodore produced the Dragon Isle’s wine, Larkin had suspected he was another dragon, making his acquaintance with Theresia perfectly normal.

Theodore, however, was less clear about Larkin’s identity, though he was certainly wealthy and influential. That attire alone indicated a status far beyond ordinary nobility.

After a moment’s thought, Theodore replied, “It’s complicated. I suffered a loss at her hands a few years ago. This time, I’ve come to reclaim my honor.”

‘She floated past me, so I’ve come to float past her.’

Such a sentence could never be uttered aloud.

Larkin hesitated before saying, “I learned of her from my father’s generation. He sent me to make friends.”

A debt collector and a noble’s social call?

Alicia said no more, regretting that she hadn’t asked more questions earlier, resulting in a wasted trip.

However, given their previous mutual distrust, it would indeed have been difficult to bring up such a matter. Her request violated common sense, a fact she was well aware of.

‘Wait, it might not be a wasted trip after all.’

Alicia’s gaze lingered on Aesop and Theodore.

As for Larkin? He was ignored. Pay-to-win players and bloodline players were not in the same league.

Aesop looked terrified, while Theodore wore an expression of ‘Oh no, not me.’

Theodore’s bloodline power was very similar to that of the Barbarians; his strength was formidable. Moreover, compared to the muscle-bound, emotionally stunted men in her tribe, his intelligence and emotional quotient far surpassed theirs.

Aesop’s bloodline, on the other hand, was highly peculiar. At least from current observations, he could ignore physical and magical attacks for short periods and even pass through obstacles. It was quite special, quite intriguing.

If it were any other Barbarian woman, she would have already seized him, forcing the issue to a conclusion.

However, Alicia was determined to be a cultured Barbarian, breaking the world’s stereotypes about her people. Thus, she would not take a married man!

“Do either of you have wives or girlfriends?”

Theodore anticipated Alicia’s intentions. “I am already engaged.”

Aesop, with a dismissive wave, declared, “Women only hinder my speed in preparing ingredients.”

Alicia was speechless.

‘Excellent. Target locked.’

And so, Alicia continued to overlook Larkin, who was now clad in his magic armor, clearly trying to assert his presence, and turned her attention to the reluctantly chosen target: Aesop.

Truthfully, setting aside Aesop’s overly blunt insults toward her tribesmen, this man possessed a unique bloodline and was an excellent cook.

“Mr. Aesop, perhaps you need to correct your stereotypes. I happen to be skilled in such matters, so allow me to assist you.”

Aesop’s face visibly paled, and he shook his head repeatedly, exclaiming, “No, I can’t. I truly can’t.”

Alicia inquired, “Are you unable to perform marital duties?”

Aesop shook his head like a rattle-drum. “No, I have decided to dedicate the rest of my life to my culinary arts.”

Alicia only heard the first two words, then continued, “Do you have an unspeakable background or powerful enemies?”

Aesop continued to emphasize, “No, I just want to quietly pursue my cooking. I haven’t thought about having children or getting married!”

Alicia, still only hearing the first two words, nodded and said, “Very well, I understand. When we return to the surface, I believe we need to communicate actively.”

“No! You don’t understand!” Aesop cried out, looking at Theodore. “Whatever it takes, I’m willing to completely give you my decision-making power for this guardian monster, just make this woman understand that I don’t want to have children with her!”

Alicia nodded gracefully. “I understand perfectly, and I do not require Sir Theodore’s reminder.”

Aesop tentatively asked, “Then can you give up on this idea? I’m telling you, I’m very rude, and I might even commit domestic violence.”

Alicia merely smiled, offering no reply.

Larkin clapped Aesop on the shoulder. “Buddy, she’s a Barbarian. You should be careful not to be the victim of domestic violence. Of course, if you’re a dragon, ignore what I just said.”

Aesop’s pupils contracted. In an instant, he understood why Alicia was targeting him. “Ignorance is bliss!”

Alicia blinked her eyes charmingly. “That’s why I’ve never done anything to you before you made a mistake.”

Aesop continued to resist, “And don’t do anything to me in the future either!”

Alicia merely smiled, offering no reply. She was a Barbarian; though she valued civility, she was still a Barbarian.

Larkin grumbled, “Hey, even if I wasn’t making a move, ignoring me completely is too much. Magic armor is also a part of strength.”

Alicia simply smiled serenely. “Yes, you’re right. So, once magic armor becomes widespread, why don’t we all just wear magic armor? Can you manifest a Barbarian bloodline?”

Larkin retorted indignantly, “Do you have the money to get magic armor?”

Alicia stated indifferently, “If magic armor is merely a symbol of power and wealth for a select few, then its development is destined to remain at its current level. In that case, there’s nothing to consider.”

Larkin was deflated. This Barbarian, it seemed, truly was different from her tribe. He had heard similar words from his own father.

While Alicia and Larkin were talking, Theodore sidled up to Aesop and whispered, “Need help?”

Aesop nodded vigorously. “Yes! I’ve already stated my demands and conditions!”

Theodore regretfully said, “I’m afraid I can’t offer a permanent cure for your predicament, but I can provide a temporary solution. You must understand that unless you make yourself biologically incapable, it’s highly unlikely to make this Barbarian completely give up right now. Of course, I understand your dedication to culinary arts.”

Aesop’s mouth twitched. “It’s not *that* resolute.”

“Good, then. This can temporarily save you from your current situation… at least ensure you won’t be forced? You understand Barbarians, right?”

Aesop nodded stoically.

****

Having dealt with Aesop in a few words, Theodore approached Alicia and began to converse in a low voice. “Will you allow Aesop to comply willingly first?”

Alicia looked at Theodore in surprise. “I thought you came to persuade me to give him up?”

Theodore asked, astonished, “Why? You are a most exceptional woman.”

Alicia covered her mouth and chuckled softly. “Mr. Theodore, you truly are a gentleman. Are you truly not considering it? I merely wish for a child with your bloodline.”

“Regrettably, my descendants are already reserved,” Theodore said with a polite smile, then continued, “I know you’ve set your sights on a target, but you should also be aware that if Aesop resists too much, things could quickly spiral out of control. It would be better to proceed slowly and methodically…”

Alicia pondered for a moment, then smiled. “I see. An excellent suggestion. In that case, I will also entrust my decision-making power for this guardian monster to you.”

****

Having settled the two most difficult individuals, Theodore approached Larkin, smiling at him.

Larkin, seeing Theodore’s confident expression, and still smarting from his earlier defeat, vowed to regain his dignity. “Heh, it won’t be easy to take the decision-making power from me.”

Theodore softly replied, “I am here on the Dragon Patriarch’s instructions to handle matters. If you have any objections, I can report to the Patriarch afterward that a human named Larkin found fault with his instructions.”

Larkin’s eyes widened, and he parted his lips, asking in confusion, “You know my identity?”

Theodore blinked. “No, but I know you must be wealthy and influential, for an ordinary person couldn’t possibly know information about Theresia. So, what’s your answer?”

Larkin countered, “I have no reason to believe you. A single bottle of wine means nothing.”

Upon hearing this, Theodore produced a golden scroll and unfurled it before Larkin’s eyes.

It was an official letter of appointment signed by the Dragon Patriarch. Of course, an ordinary person would not recognize it.

But Larkin was no ordinary person. Before his departure, his imperial father had confined him, forcing him to cram all the knowledge the empire had collected about Dragon Isle, including this very document.

Larkin desperately wanted to be stubborn, but he remembered his father’s warning before he left. The noble prince was once again defeated.

‘This world won’t spare me its malice just because of my status.’

“I understand. My share of the decision-making power is yours.”

****

The last was Samuel. Theodore sat before her, looking at the enchanting and mysterious lady. “What are your conditions?”

Samuel rested her chin on her hand, speaking softly, “I have no conditions. I am merely here on behalf of a certain heartless mother to see how my former little s*ave is doing. From these ashes, however, she seems to be doing well. After this, it’s just a greeting. Of course, if you can make the process interesting, then entrusting the decision-making power to you is fine.”

Theodore chuckled softly. “I shall certainly live up to your expectations, my lady.”