Chapter 84: Little Snow White and the Subjugation of the Centaurs [Fourth Watch]

Three days later, Lyle Kingdom.

Watching Segovia Castle fade away, Fulade's lips curled into a cold smile: "Ravenna, get ready for the gift I'm sending you; I hope you'll like it~!"

As the words fell, Fulade drove the carriage, carrying the infant girl Aisha, toward the Centaur Secret Realm.

The reason for coming to Lyle Kingdom, of course, is that it has the Snow White of fairy tales.

Being familiar with the story, Fulade naturally knows that soon Ravenna will arrive here.

Using the Puppet Legion's assault on Lyle Kingdom as a chance, he disguises himself as an innocent woman to approach the king and seize the kingdom's succession.

Having been away from Wallachia for far too long, Fulade naturally won't waste time here for Ravenna.

Thus, he arrived in Lyle Kingdom early, preparing a surprise for Ravenna.

Of course, he also pretended to be a charlatan, fooling the still‑young Little Snow White.

Meanwhile, in Lyle Kingdom, inside Segovia Castle.

A little girl with bright eyes and pearly teeth, lips as red as blood, skin like fresh winter snow—pure and flawless, with a faint rosy hue.

She solemnly prayed before a slightly ominous statue.

The girl wore a sky‑blue dress, her dark‑brown hair draped over her back, exuding a natural, pure aura, truly radiant and charming.

The contrast with the malevolent sculpture created a strong sense of rupture and opposition, very discordant.

Her long lashes fluttered lightly; on her snow‑white face was a serious expression, and in a childish voice she intoned: "Great God of Blood and Fire, who represents birth and ruin, thank you for healing Little Snow White's mother. I will pray for you day and night, becoming your most loyal follower."

It turned out the little girl was Snow Princess, though at this moment she appeared as an eight‑ or nine‑year‑old.

When she opened her bright eyes sparkling with tiny stars, having finished today's prayer, a black bird landed on her shoulder, chirping noisily.

"It's the little magpie, you're back again," a melodious, youthful voice of joy sounded.

It was the wing‑injured bird that Little Snow White had rescued not long ago.

The bird seemed unafraid, hopping and chattering on Little Snow White's shoulder, as if recounting its recent experiences to her.

Little Snow White gently pursed her bright red lips, her star‑filled eyes shimmering, listening with a smile, showing no sign of impatience.

It seemed as if she could understand what the little magpie was saying, exuding a pure, flawless natural charm.

Perhaps being too earnest, she didn't notice a figure that had silently appeared beside her.

The newcomer was Little Snow White's father, the Lyle King.

A middle‑aged man with a tangled beard and a strong military bearing.

At this moment, as he looked at the statue that Little Snow White had venerated, his face turned solemn, a flash of reverence passing over him.

Watching the warm interaction between his daughter Little Snow White and the little magpie, the Lyle King couldn't help but smile fatherly and said, "Snow, have today's prayers been completed?"

Hearing the voice from behind, Snow Princess turned back in surprise: "Father, you're awake."

"Yes, thanks to the God of Blood and Fire's blessing, I foresaw the impending crisis and was granted the power to face future dangers."

"Snow, you must pray devoutly; the great true god will always watch over us," the Lyle King said with fervor.

"Mm‑mm~" Hearing her father's teaching, Little Snow White blinked her starry eyes and nodded earnestly.

Yet she didn't notice her father's occasional throat tremor and the fleeting strange red glint in his eyes.

Centaur Secret Realm.

Reentering this place, Fulade clearly sensed a slightly oppressive atmosphere.

Seeing the Centaur warriors flickering through the dense forest before the realm's entrance, it was evident that the massive invasion earlier had greatly affected them.

This gave Fulade even more confidence in his purpose.

"Brother Fulade, mother, sister, Brother Fulade is back!"

Just as Fulade reached the doorstep of Ailu's sister's house, Leiya, who was practicing outside the courtyard, noticed him.

With Leiya's joyful call, a half‑centaur maiden of stunning beauty burst from the house, her face alight with excitement, galloping toward Fulade.

However, due to her shy nature, when she reached Fulade she blushed and fidgeted, eyes slightly averted, saying, "Brother Fulade, you… you're back, we… we missed you so much."

Seeing Ailu fidgeting with her fingers, her face showing excitement and joy, Fulade gave a slight smile.

He gave Ailu a slightly ambiguous glance, making the shy girl turn bright‑red.

At this moment, Ailu's mother also approached. Watching Fulade and Ailu interact, Lu'anna's slight frame paused, then she stepped forward: "Fulade, you're back." Her tone was calm, yet gave the impression of a wife warmly awaiting her husband's return.

Lu'anna clearly sensed the ambiguity of that sentence, her complexion flushing unnaturally, the hint of dignified smile on her face turning expressionless.

Yet her wandering gaze revealed the inner unrest of this ripe Centaur Maiden.

"Hmm, I'm back." Looking at the mother and daughter before him, Fulade smiled faintly, answering naturally.

The few entered the house, and Fulade briefly recounted his recent experiences to them, mentioning that he needed to meet the Centaur Chieftain to discuss some matters.

During the casual chat, Fulade learned of recent changes within the secret realm.

Seeing that it was still early, Lu'anna stood and said, "Alright, while there's still time, I'll take you to the Chieftain; you still have business, right?"

After speaking, Lu'anna rose, leading Fulade toward the home of the Centaur Chieftain Otes.

Watching Lu'anna lead the way, Fulade couldn't help finding it amusing; from his experience it was clear the Centaur Maiden might be a bit jealous.

He then calmly stepped forward, engaging Lu'anna in quiet conversation.

Seeing a smile gradually spread at Lu'anna's mouth corner, Fulade became more convinced of his guess.

After casting a deep glance at Lu'anna, a dilapidated house appeared before Fulade.

"We've arrived," Lu'anna said.

Looking at the rundown building, Fulade could imagine how impoverished the Centaur tribe lived, giving him more leverage in persuasion.

The meeting between Fulade and the two Centaur leaders lasted until night before barely concluding.

When Fulade stepped out of the house, the smile on his face showed how satisfied he was with the outcome.

escorted by the elder Centaur Chieftain and the garrison commander Krus, Fulade and Lu'anna left.

Until then, Lu'anna still looked at Fulade with a hint of disbelief.

Apparently, the interview with Fulade earlier left her feeling very surprised.

"What, is there something on my face?" Fulade asked, puzzled.

Lu'anna shook her head and couldn't help but ask, "You really intend to support us with food, weapons, and armor?"

"Of course. You heard it before, didn't you?" Fulade shrugged.

"But your terms are excessively generous, aren't they? All we have to do is become your subjects and pledge loyalty to you to receive them."

Lu'anna felt this was not much different from a free giveaway.

Seeing Lu'anna's expression, Fulade couldn't help but think the differences inside were considerable.

This is, in the name of the Centaur, a lifelong allegiance to him through a signed magical contract.

If they were to break it, the Centaur of this time could not bear the consequence.

Although Lu'anna thought the terms were unusually generous.

But as a Centaur chieftain who has lived for over a hundred years, he could clearly see that this condition was the harshest, and the hidden risks were beyond even his own estimation.

Because from the moment they accepted this condition, the entire Centaur race would live under Fulade's rule, obey his orders at any time, and execute them steadfastly.

It could be said that this was a high‑stakes gamble betting the entire Centaur's fate.

Only, this sugar‑coated cannonball, Chief Ao Desi had to swallow.

It was not only for the potential future crisis, but also to carve out a way of survival for the Centaur.

It should be known that since the mysterious realm's upheaval three years ago, the Centaur have been plagued by food shortages, causing the newborn population to decline year by year.

Up to now, everyone can only barely maintain existence, unable to eat their fill.

Especially as surrounding hunting resources, due to the Centaur's massive appetite, are about to face a barren depletion where nothing can be hunted.

Facing the olive branch suddenly thrown by Fulade, if they do not wish to sit and wait for destruction, they can only agree to this seemingly lenient but actually harsh condition.

The intricacies inside here are not something Lu'anna can comprehend at this moment.

Seeing Lu'anna's hair, which emitted a faint silvery glow under the moonlight, Fulade couldn't help but curiously reach out and touch it.

As Lu'anna's delicate body quivered slightly, an ambiguous atmosphere began to sprout for a moment.

(End of chapter)