Nina rose to her feet. "Let’s go take a look."

With the cubs in her arms and the males following close behind, she stepped out to the entrance.

Outside, a massive crowd of beastmen had gathered—almost all males. They stretched as far as the eye could see, a dense sea of figures filling the entire road.

Nina paused in surprise. Why were there so many?

"You’re looking for me? What’s the matter?" she asked.

The moment the beastmen saw her, the noisy crowd fell silent.

A ripple of awe passed through them.

What a beautiful female... was it really her who saved them?

"Honored lady... are you Lady Nina?" The one who stepped forward was a tall, powerfully built male with bronze-toned skin. "Were you the one who saved all of us yesterday?"

After they were freed, they had tried to thank the males who rescued them—but those males told them it was their Lady Nina who had saved everyone.

They hadn’t known who she was—only that she was the female those males followed, their leader.

It had astonished them. It was the first time they had ever heard of males following a female without a mating bond.

"Yes," Nina replied simply.

"Lady Nina, my name is Haas. Thank you for saving us," he said earnestly. "We’ve come today to express our gratitude."

The beastmen behind him stepped forward, offering what they carried—beast cores, animal hides, and other goods.

"This is just a small token of our thanks. We hope you’ll accept it."

If not for her, they might have died on the altar—or rotted away in the dungeon.

But as they looked at Nina’s elegant, refined attire, unease crept into their expressions. The things they brought suddenly felt... humble, even shabby.

Would she reject them?

Nina glanced at their worn clothing and shook her head gently. "There’s no need. We were already going to deal with Yosan and the others—we just happened to help you along the way."

Their clothes were old and simple. These offerings were likely everything they could scrape together.

"Please accept them," Haas insisted.

"We’re from Barbarian City. We don’t have much to offer," he added with quiet sincerity. "These may not be worth much to you, but they’re the best we have."

"Please accept them!"

"Please—take them!"

Voices rose one after another from the crowd.

They feared she was refusing because the gifts weren’t good enough. After all, she looked like someone of high status—far beyond what their rough, remote city could offer.

But even so, this was the best they had.

They might be rough by nature—but they understood gratitude. They had their own sense of honor.

If she refused, they wouldn’t be able to rest easy.

Nina hesitated.

These things meant little to her—but to them, they were significant.

"Nina, I think you should accept," Odian said softly. "Most males repay kindness. If you refuse, they won’t feel at peace."

"But they..." Nina still wavered.

"It’s alright," Sal added. "I know what you’re thinking. They can earn these things back. For them, it’s not as heavy as you think."

"Yes," Haas agreed quickly. "We can gather these again. Please—accept them."

The others looked at her with hopeful, earnest eyes.

They hadn’t expected her hesitation to come from concern for them.

She’s truly kind...

At last, Nina nodded. "Alright... I’ll accept them."

She signaled for her mates to take the offerings.

Relief and joy spread through the crowd.

"Lady Nina," Haas continued, "will you be staying in Barbarian City? If so... would you like us to repair the City Lord’s residence for you?"

They all knew how powerful Nina and her group were. Sen and Yosan had both fallen by their hands. In their hearts, the people of Barbarian City had already accepted it—if anyone were to take over the city now, it would be Nina and her companions.

They were even willing to recognize one of her mates as the new City Lord.

After all, it was the best possible outcome. If a new lord had to be chosen through conflict, it would surely bring another storm of bloodshed.

Nina shook her head. "No. We’ll be leaving soon."

A wave of shock rippled through the crowd.

She wasn’t staying?

Then who would lead them? Who would manage Barbarian City?

But as the surprise settled, understanding followed. Barbarian City was harsh, barren, and backward—no female would willingly remain here.

"Lady Nina... you’re really not staying?" Haas asked, regret heavy in his voice.

If she left, then chaos would surely follow. And who knew how many more lives would be lost in the struggle for power?

"I’m not," Nina confirmed gently.

Haas hesitated, then spoke again. "Then... before you leave, could you appoint a City Lord for us?"

It was a compromise—perhaps one they could all accept.

If the choice came from Nina, maybe the others would submit willingly, sparing them from further bloodshed. After everything they had already endured, Barbarian City could not afford more loss.

Nina paused.

This wasn’t a simple decision.

Seeing the plea in Haas’s eyes, she quickly understood the weight of what he was asking.

"Let me think about it," she said at last.

Choosing a leader wasn’t something she could decide lightly.

Before, all her focus had been on eliminating Thraxxis and the others—she hadn’t considered what would come after.

"We hope you’ll help Barbarian City," Haas said earnestly. "But... follow your own judgment."

If conflict was unavoidable, then perhaps it was simply their fate.

"I’ll give it serious thought," Nina replied. "As for your thanks—I’ve accepted it. If there’s nothing else, you should all go back and rest."

"Understood. If you need anything, you can call on us at any time," Haas said. "We’ll wait for your decision."

Nina nodded. "Go on, then."

"Thank you again, Lady Nina."

"Thank you, Lady Nina!"

The voices of the crowd rose together, loud and heartfelt, echoing through the entire street.

Nina felt a little embarrassed by their sincerity. "It’s nothing. Please, go back."

Gradually, the crowd began to disperse.

She let out a quiet breath. That had been... a bit overwhelming.

***

Off to one side, Drago had witnessed everything.

He hadn’t expected it—Nina, a single female, commanding such respect within an entire city... supported by so many powerful beastmen.

She truly was... remarkable.

And yet... He looked at her, conflicted. If he sincerely apologized... would she forgive him?

Thinking back now, he couldn’t deny it. He had been wrong. As a father, he had failed her. Perhaps... he really had wronged her too deeply.

He remembered how, when she was young, she would often bring him things she had made herself—food, little ornaments...

And every time, he barely spared them a glance before dismissing her.

Back then... she must have been heartbroken.

She had only wanted his affection.

Taking a breath, he stepped forward.

"Nina... what happened before was my fault," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I’m truly sorry. Come back with me. I’ll make it up to you."