"So... About what those beastmen proposed this morning—choosing a City Lord—what does everyone think?" Nina asked.

Many of them had ruled cities before. Their opinions carried weight.

"It is necessary," Ming replied. "Without a leader, Barbarian City will likely fall into chaos."

"But who should it be?" Nina frowned slightly. "I don’t know these people well enough."

"The candidate must be strong," Taru said, "and possess leadership and the ability to rally others. Otherwise, no one will follow."

"And their character must be sound," Aron added.

Nina turned to Zena. "Is there anyone like that in the city?"

Zena shook her head slowly. "Most of the powerful ones have already been sacrificed. Those who remain... even if they have some strength, their character is questionable."

She gave a faint, bitter smile. "The ones I knew were mostly allied with Yosan. None of them were good."

The others she had enticed in the past weren’t much better.

Nina sighed softly. "Then who are we supposed to choose?"

She truly had no understanding of the people here. How could she select someone suitable in every way?

But if no one was chosen... more innocent lives would be lost in the struggle.

After a moment’s thought, she said, "What if we hold some kind of selection competition? Let them compete for the position?"

"That might help filter out the stronger ones," Ming said thoughtfully, "but character and leadership can’t be judged in such a short time."

When they chose successors, it required careful cultivation and long-term evaluation.

If the wrong person took power, Barbarian City would simply fall into another disaster.

Zena looked at Nina, her eyes bright. "Actually... I think you are the most suitable."

She smiled faintly. "You’re strong, capable, and kind. If you don’t mind Barbarian City, you’d make a perfect City Lord."

If Nina stayed, she would even be willing to remain in Barbarian City herself. And when she wanted freedom, she could always leave for a while.

Though... she wasn’t sure if Nina would accept such a harsh place.

Ming and the others turned to Nina as well.

"I agree," Taru said. "You’re powerful, and after saving so many beastmen, you’ve already earned their respect."

If he had a child as capable as her, he would entrust them with such a position without hesitation—even if she were female.

"But Nina is a female," Aro said cautiously. "Not everyone in the city knows her or has received her help. Some males might object."

Traditionally, males held power. A female leader would be unprecedented—and not all would accept it.

"Objections?" Ming scoffed lightly. "If it’s Nina, let them try to challenge her. She could defeat them without lifting a finger."

Even they weren’t her match—what could ordinary beastmen possibly do?

"Exactly," Setan added quickly. "She’s more than qualified."

He stepped forward, eager. "Nina, if you decide to stay, I’ll remain and help you. I have experience managing a city—I can take care of the details."

If she stayed, so would he.

After all, he still intended to win her over.

Zena glanced at him from the side, rolling her eyes inwardly.

Zena let out a silent scoff. Typical male. When she had asked him to stay before, how had he responded? Yet the moment it came to Nina, he changed his tune without hesitation.

So he wasn’t dull—just selective.

Her gaze shifted to Nina again. Still... Nina was worth it.

"But I have things I need to do. I can’t stay here as City Lord," Nina sighed.

If not for the need to gather the sacred relics, she might have considered settling down in Barbarian City.

The place was underdeveloped, yes—but its natural resources were actually quite good. The rest could be improved over time.

Still... Mimi needed to spend time in Sea Blue City first.

And truthfully, when she thought about it, she preferred the idea of building a home by the sea.

"Even if you leave, you can still be City Lord," Taru nodded. "Just appoint people to manage things in your absence. Come back to check on things when you have time—it won’t be a problem."

A City Lord didn’t need to remain in one place constantly. And Barbarian City, lacking entrenched factions, would actually make things easier for her. As long as her authority held, that would be enough.

Nina blinked. That... could work?

Should she really consider it?

"Lady Nina, I support you becoming City Lord," Mona said softly, her voice filled with quiet hope. "Life is very hard for females in Barbarian City. If you lead... maybe we could live better lives."

"Yes," Zena added. "Only if you become City Lord can females here truly have a chance at a better life."

Only a female could truly understand what other females needed—could stand in their place and fight for their well-being.

Even the most upright male would never fully prioritize a female’s perspective.

And the thought of a female City Lord for the first time... it was almost exhilarating.

Nina looked at them, thoughtful. "Let me think about it carefully." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

She understood what they meant—and they weren’t wrong.

If it didn’t bind her completely... if it didn’t interfere with her future plans... perhaps becoming City Lord was something she could seriously consider.

"Take your time," Zena said gently. "Don’t force yourself. If you don’t want it, then don’t take it. You don’t have to consider us."

She wanted Nina in that position—but not at the cost of her happiness.

"Exactly," Mona added. "It’s just a suggestion. You don’t have to accept it."

Nina smiled faintly. "I know. I’ll think it through."

They weren’t pressuring her—and she wouldn’t force herself either.

"Nina, whatever you decide, we’ll support you," Odian smiled.

"You only need to decide what you want," Sal added. "Leave everything else to us."

"Yes," Kith chimed in. "Don’t worry about the details. We’ll handle them."

The others voiced their agreement.

Nina nodded, warmth in her eyes. "Alright."

***

After discussing Barbarian City a bit longer, everyone gradually dispersed.

That night, Odian gathered the mates together.

His gaze sharpened slightly.

"I’ve figured out a way to suppress the curse."