Chapter 315: Tone it down

"That human female possesses technology on par with ours."

The elder’s expression grew increasingly grim. "Dax, are you sure rejecting her outright is a good idea? If she keeps targeting us like this, Starlight Prime Tech is going to suffer enormous losses."

Dax slowly turned around. His long, narrow fox eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the speaking elder, a faintly mocking smile curving at his lips.

"Elder, if you’re so afraid of losses..." His tone was lazy, almost amused. "Why don’tyougo become Bree’s partner instead?"

As he spoke, he leisurely brushed nonexistent dust from his sleeve, his voice dripping with ridicule.

"Think about it. If you go, not only will you gain a female master, you’ll also protect Starlight Prime Tech’s business. What a perfect arrangement."

His smile deepened.

"A deal this worthwhile should naturally be led by a respected veteran like you. As one of the founding elders of Starlight Prime Tech, surely you should set an example for the younger generation, shouldn’t you?"

The Elder choked on the sarcasm, his face flushing red with anger.

"You—Lord Dax—what nonsense are you talking about?!"

He snapped furiously, "I’m saying this for your own good! Don’t forget, you already dissolved your bond with your previous female master. You’re an unattached beastman now. Having a human female as your master is an incredible blessing."

Human female blood could allow beastmen to ascend all the way to Rank Fifteen.

If he were younger, he would’ve rushed to court that human female himself. It never would’ve been Dax’s turn.

"Heh." Dax let out a cold laugh. "For my own good?"

The mockery in his expression grew sharper.

"I think you’re more concerned about your own wallets."

These old men were terrified that if Starlight Prime Tech collapsed, they’d lose their precious money tree.

"Dax, don’t be so stubborn. We truly are thinking about your future."

Another elder spoke up. "Female Bree Dekhart is a human female. You know perfectly well what her blood represents. I’ve heard that since her appearance, she’s only accepted Sylas Ruan as a partner. That proves she’s a devoted and affectionate female."

The elder sighed dramatically. "A female like that becoming your master is your good fortune."

Dax’s eyes turned icy. "Then why don’tyouaccept that good fortune yourself?"

At that moment, he genuinely wanted to throw all these old fools straight out the window. His expression darkened abruptly.

"Stop mentioning Bree in front of me. And stop entertaining those ridiculous thoughts."

His voice became sharp and absolute.

"The only female master I have ever acknowledged is Rory. And even if our match bond has already been dissolved, that still hasn’t changed."

He turned toward the assistant, his gaze cold as a blade.

"Return the blood to Sylas Ruan. And tell him this clearly—I have no interest whatsoever in human females. If they want to compete with me for business, then let them come."

He wasn’t someone who could be intimidated so easily.

"Yes, Lord Dax." The assistant immediately carried out Dax’s orders and returned the tube of blood to Sylas Ruan.

***

Sylas sat inside the reception lounge. The moment he saw the returned blood sample, his brows furrowed in displeasure.

"What exactly does he mean by this? He’s refusing my female master?"

The assistant replied respectfully, "Our Lord said that if you want to compete for business, then you’re welcome to try. He also said he has no interest in human females."

"Heh." Sylas snorted in anger. "I think he’s lost his mind."

His eyes narrowed sharply. "The only reason he’d refuse my female master... is because he’s still hung up on Rory, isn’t he?"

The assistant remained silent.

Sylas picked up the tube of blood, irritation obvious in his expression.

"Go tell Dax this... Rory abandoned him a long time ago. My female master is a precious human female. If he gives up this opportunity now, then even if he begs for my female master’s attention later, she won’t spare him a second glance."

***

The next morning, the moment Rory opened her eyes, she saw Terry still sleeping peacefully on Yuel’s shoulder.

"Terry still hasn’t woken up?" she asked softly.

Yuel nodded apologetically. "Sorry, Rory. I miscalculated the timing. Everyone stayed up all night for nothing."

"It’s alright." Rory gently reached out and touched Terry. She wasn’t blaming Yuel at all. She knew better than anyone how desperately he wanted Terry to wake up.

"Right, where are Vincent and the others?"

At some point, everyone else had already disappeared from the bedroom. Only she and Yuel remained. Even the blankets spread across the floor had been cleaned up.

"They’re downstairs making breakfast."

Yuel paused before continuing, "In a little while, Vincent, Xarion, and Vangar are leaving the Central District to head to the battlefield arena for their match."

Hearing that, Rory instantly threw back the blanket and climbed out of bed.

"Then let’s hurry downstairs and eat." Her eyes brightened with anticipation. "After breakfast, we’re going with them."

She genuinely wanted to see whether Vincent and Xarion working together could actually defeat Rank Twelve Vangar.

Rory quickly washed up, changed clothes, and headed downstairs with Yuel.

Downstairs, Vincent and the others had already finished preparing breakfast. The long dining table was completely covered with an extravagant spread of food, the rich aroma filling the entire room.

Xarion, Vincent, Jasper, Paros, and Vangar were all already seated at the table. Only Wen was nowhere to be seen.

The moment Rory came downstairs, Jasper immediately stood up and pulled out a chair for her.

"Rory, sit."

Xarion pushed over a freshly warmed glass of milk. "Female Master, drink some milk."

Vincent smiled gently as he picked up a crab roe bun and placed it onto the plate in front of her.

"Rory, I got up early this morning specifically to make these for you."

His eyes softened slightly. "Try one and tell me if you like it."

Paros quietly stood up as well. He didn’t say a word.

Instead, he simply placed a small dish of perfectly peeled crystal shrimp beside Rory’s right hand, positioning it carefully so she could reach it effortlessly without feeling crowded.

He remembered that Rory liked this kind of sea beast. He had peeled every single one personally.

Seeing how aggressively everyone else was trying to win favor, Vangar naturally refused to fall behind. He immediately stood and walked to Rory’s side.

"Female Master, what would you like to eat?" His voice was serious and earnest. "I’ll feed you."

Meeting the eager gazes fixed on her from every direction, the corner of Rory’s mouth twitched. What exactly had stimulated these men overnight?

Before this, whenever they fought for attention, they at least did it subtly and in private.

On the surface, they still maintained a peaceful atmosphere.

Now? They weren’t even pretending anymore.

"I can eat by myself." Rory rubbed her forehead helplessly. "All of you, sit down."

Their intensity was honestly starting to give her a headache.

The instant they noticed Rory becoming slightly unhappy, everyone obediently returned to their seats without another word.

Even Vangar, who had been standing beside her, quietly sat back down despite the obvious disappointment in his eyes.

He had only just joined this household. He still didn’t fully understand the family dynamics or Rory’s preferences.

Compared to everyone else, he always seemed one step slower.

If this kept happening... Would his female master eventually find him annoying? Would she stop wanting to pay attention to him altogether?

Rory glanced at him briefly. Then she picked up her fork and placed a piece of meat into his bowl.

Tigers probably liked meat, right?

Vangar stared at the extra food that had suddenly appeared in his bowl.

The disappointment in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by bright, unmistakable joy.

He looked up at Rory in surprise.

Meanwhile, Xarion nearly died from jealousy. He immediately picked up his own bowl and shamelessly held it out toward Rory.

"Female Master, I want some too."

Xarion had never been the type to suppress his desires. If he wanted something, he simply asked for it directly.

"Here." Rory placed one of his favorite crystal shrimp dumplings into his bowl.

"Thank you, Female Master."

The words themselves were perfectly ordinary.

But somehow, when Xarion said them, they sounded unbearably intimate and lingering, enough to make anyone’s heart itch.

Rory’s hand holding the fork paused involuntarily.

This man... Couldn’t he tone it down even a little?

Jasper quietly glanced at Xarion before speaking calmly. "Rory, I want one of those shrimp dumplings too."

His tone was perfectly innocent. "They’re a little far away. Could you help me get one?"

"Yes, yes, I’ll get you one too..."

Rory hurriedly picked up another dumpling and placed it into Jasper’s bowl.

Since fairness mattered, after serving Jasper, Rory proactively picked food for Vincent, Paros, and the others as well before anyone else could ask.

By the time breakfast finally ended, Rory let out a long sigh of relief.

She had somehow survived the meal at last.