9
Not long after school started, it was time for the Beastman Grand Tournament.
This competition offered generous rewards, with every major family sending their beast-men to participate.
The most valuable prize was said to be a thousand-year Merman Pearl, rumored to possess the power to resurrect the dead.
Even though the rumor’s veracity was questionable, this Merman Pearl was still coveted by various powerful factions.
The night before the competition, I unexpectedly ran into Valerie, with Julian by her side.
Compared to our last meeting, Julian looked ten years older, not only gaunt but his originally alluring fox eyes were devoid of life.
<
It seemed he’d suffered quite a bit in Valerie’s hands.
Seeing them, Caleb instinctively stepped forward, shielding me behind him.
Valerie’s eyes swept over Caleb, her smile not reaching her eyes.
“He was your former owner, yet you show no loyalty?”
“How curious. Has the Blackwood family fallen so low that they need to talk about
loyalty?”
I spoke calmly, “Ms. Blackwood, are you here to pick pockets today?”
Valerie scoffed, clearly annoyed.
“Anya Sterling, how about a bet?
“We’ll bet on who wins tomorrow’s Grand Tournament.
“If I win,” she pointed at Caleb, “I want him.”
I raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
Just as I was about to refuse, Valerie shook a finger, smiling brightly.
“Don’t be so quick to refuse.
“What if your beast-man prefers me?”
