Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 23: Naive

"Is there anything else?" Rory asked, her tone neutral as she turned back.

Paros’s relaxed gaze lingered on her face instead of answering right away.

For a fleeting moment, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. Unlike most females in the interstellar beast domains, she carried none of the sharp, artificial fragrance of advanced skincare serums.

There was only a clean, natural scent—subtle, fresh, and strangely soothing. One didn’t need to lean close to notice it; merely standing near her was enough. It was understated, yet deeply captivating.

He found himself wondering where that scent came from.

After a brief pause, he looked at her more intently and asked, "Do you know what kind of person Dax is?"

Rory nodded. "He said he belongs to the Blood Moon Fox."

Paros’s expression barely changed, but a faint unease stirred within him. He wasn’t the sort to meddle in another male’s affairs, yet something about that fox hovering around the female before him grated on his nerves. Perhaps it was the way Dax carried himself—too smooth, too bold, flaunting his presence without restraint.

"My female," Paros said slowly, "do you know what standing the Blood Moon Fox clan holds within the Astrium World?"

She shook her head. "Aren’t they just... beasts like everyone else?"

The light-brain only ever displayed species classifications. It didn’t bother listing political influence, wealth, or power structures. Rory truly had no frame of reference for such things.

Paros studied her for a moment, then a faint smile curved his sharp features. "Let me enlighten you," he said. "The Blood Moon Fox clan is widely regarded as the financial pillar of Astrium. They control trade routes, investments, and resource flows across multiple territories. Even the least favored members of that clan are far from poor."

He had promised Dax not to reveal his true identity, and he was careful to keep that vow. This was simply common knowledge—context about the interstellar world, nothing more.

Understanding dawned in Rory’s eyes. "I see. Thank you," she said sincerely. "That helps."

So Dax really is pretending to be broke, she thought. Whatever Paros’s reason for telling me this, I appreciate the warning.

At the very same moment, far from Paros’s quarters, Dax was reclining comfortably while keeping Jasper dangling on a thread of anxiety. Without warning, he sneezed.

"Ah—!"

He rubbed his nose irritably. Someone’s talking behind my back, he thought. Must be those jealous beasts. How annoying.

Shrugging it off, he adjusted his posture and resumed messaging Jasper.

Dax:

Hey, did you just try to video call the Female Master? She didn’t answer, right?

Jasper:

How did you know?

Of course Dax knew.

Rory had been in the middle of soothing Paros earlier, and no interruptions were allowed during those sessions. Her light-brain would have been shut down completely—there was no way she could have taken the call.

Dax:

Naturally I know. I’m a Blood Moon Fox, after all. You should understand how much females admire us. Out of everyone, I’m clearly the one she favors most.

Dax:

From now on, the Female Master wants my company every single night.

The Blood Moon Fox clan’s reputation for charm and allure was legendary across the stars. Jasper didn’t doubt him for even a second.

Relief flooded Jasper as he stared at Dax’s question-mark avatar, as though he’d just grabbed hold of a lifeline.

Jasper:

Brother, can you help me? Please. What should I do to earn her forgiveness? I swear I’ll repay you later.

Dax pretended to consider it.

Dax:

Tell me your species first. Maybe we can use it to your advantage and win her favor.

A pause followed, then—

Jasper:

Brother... I’m a cold-blooded therian. Ophidian. Crying.jpg

In truth, Jasper was of royal blood—the Violet Obsidian lineage, one of the most prestigious Ophidian houses in Astrium. But prestige meant little when it came to romance. Cold-blooded beasts were notoriously unpopular with females, no matter how noble their background.

When Dax read the message, he nearly laughed out loud.

Ophidian, huh? And since he didn’t specify Violet Obsidian, it’s obvious he’s not from that lineage. If he’s not Violet Obsidian, there’s nothing to worry about. An easy mark.

Dax:

Ophidian? Damn, brother, I feel for you. Cold-blooded beasts really have it rough when it comes to females.

Dax:

But don’t worry. You’ve got me now. Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you win the Female Master back.

The hook was set.

Dax:

If you trust me, send over one million star coins. I’ll pick out a gift for her in your name.

Dax:

I’ve spent days with the Female Master. I know her preferences perfectly. I guarantee she’ll love what I choose.

He wasn’t sure how wealthy Jasper really was, so he started small—just a test.

Seconds later, a transfer notification chimed.

Jasper transferred 10 million star coins

Jasper:

Brother, please make sure it’s something really nice.

Dax shot upright, eyes wide with delight.

Ten million? Looks like this one has deep pockets after all.

Dax:

No problem. I’ll put in a good word for you immediately. The Female Master will be calling you very soon.

Once Rory finished soothing Paros and noticed Jasper’s missed call, she would surely return it. Everything was lining up perfectly.

Grinning ear to ear, Dax admired the ten million star coins sitting snugly in his account before quickly messaging his assistant.

Dax:

Find me a decent-looking stone. Something worth about two star coins. No more.

No matter the era, no matter the world—it was always the naïve ones who were easiest to exploit.

Task assigned, Dax leaned back again and returned to messaging Jasper, already planning his next move.