Chapter 28: Ch 28. In the Eagle Clan
Selena stared at the small chest filled with gold, silver, and several pieces of valuable jewelry. She was on her way to the place where servants and bodyguards could be purchased—the area where the Eagle Clan was based.
She had to secure those bodyguards and servants, then stand on her own two feet. If she couldn’t, she’d have to gather these valuables to begin carrying out her second plan. After all, she couldn’t trust her five annoying beast husbands right now, especially if it were true that they had destined partners.
Damn it, Selena hated hearing that from Amena. Even if she didn’t know whether it was true or not, seeing how convinced that woman was, she knew there was no point in staying put without a plan.
"I still have my old home, located in the realm of this world. Later, after we hire bodyguards, we’ll go there too," said Selena, causing the fox servant sitting across from her to blink slowly.
"Your Majesty, are you preparing to leave the Kings?" she asked sadly, her gaze melancholy as Selena looked back at her.
"It seems that way. Do you really want to be nothing more than their Healer slave? The title of wife is just a facade—they only need me for my healing abilities." Selena snorted harshly. "I could still accept their apology from back then, even though I hate them. It’s somewhat understandable that they don’t trust me since my healing abilities haven’t manifested yet. They really are cruel and insolent—I truly hate them. And what Amena Cots said earlier just made things even more infuriating; I have no intention of prolonging my time as their wife. Once I’ve secured the bodyguards and servants I need, I’ll try to heal them and then leave."
The servant immediately prostrated herself, causing Selena to flinch in surprise. "Your Majesty, that woman is lying. There is no such thing as divorce in the world of Eldoria, nor is there any decision regarding the King’s spouse issued by the Eldorian World Council. Where did she get that idea? They have absolutely no right! Please don’t just believe what that bitch says—I beg you..." she said, prostrating herself at Selena’s feet.
Selena was momentarily speechless at the sight, but she sighed and looked straight ahead as she spoke.
"I don’t know if what he said is true or not, but one thing’s for sure—I feel there’s really no hope of staying with them any longer. They don’t love me; they married me only because they needed my abilities. If I stay there, it would just make me look like a fool," Selena replied, then looked out the window at the bright blue sky.
Smiling softly, Selena then looked at the servant who was still prostrating herself. "I have the ability as the Healer of Eldoria’s Extinction. If I’m cooped up in that palace all the time, I won’t be able to make good use of it. So, I’ll file for divorce myself—I don’t need them to do it. If I’m the one to file for divorce first, I’ll retain my dignity," she said, causing the fox servant to burst into tears.
"Your Majesty, I don’t have much knowledge, but as far as I know, the kings won’t just let you leave like that. You are their woman; the fact that they all married you at once has already been a blow to their pride. How could they possibly let you go? They won’t allow it..." the servant said, sobbing softly. "I’m also worried about your situation; being out there without a clear status won’t be good. You might run into trouble..."
"No one will be able to cause me trouble," Selena replied flatly. "Even the husbands who are now my partners won’t be able to hold me back. They won’t do it—their pride is too high."
The horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of the gate to the Eagle clan’s residence. Selena got out, followed by the fox servant who was trying hard not to force her. She knew Selena had misunderstood; she hoped that once she returned home, she could explain the situation to the Fox King and ask him to persuade Selena.
"Is there something you need? This is General Hawksen’s family residence; not just anyone can enter," said the guard stationed at the gate, his expression impassive.
"Sir, she is Her Majesty Queen Selena Grece, Queen of the Five Beast Kings and Healer of Eldoria’s Extinction. Please tell your master that Her Majesty only wishes to hire a few guards and servants," said the fox servant, presenting an official insignia.
Selena looked at the object, realizing she didn’t have a symbol like an ID card. Her situation was truly pitiful; the body of the woman she inhabited was utterly foolish and unappreciated.
"All right, wait a moment."
Selena looked around them, taking in the various shapes of buildings tailored to their inhabitants. There were houses shaped like bird nests of various forms, some made of luxurious stone—large buildings, small ones, and many other types.
Meanwhile, right in front of them, the Eagle clan’s residence was quite beautiful and luxurious. However, there was a rather strong military aura emanating from its design, indicating that this family was certainly not just ordinary residents.
In other words, the Hawksen family is part of the nobility. They have contributed to the country, so they hold a special place of honor.
"Open the gate!"
Selena looked back at the gate after hearing the shout. As the gate began to open, Dali Hawksen walked quickly toward her and bowed politely.
"Your Majesty the Queen, please forgive our poor reception. We’ve kept you waiting—it’s truly rude of us," he said, still keeping his head bowed.
Selena raised an eyebrow. "You’re too polite, Young Master Hawksen. It’s only proper—after all, I’ve come to the Eagle Clan’s residence, so of course there are specific rules," Selena replied with a calm smile.
The young man, with a physique as majestic as an eagle’s and clad in clothing made from its feathers, looked quite attractive; he was handsome and possessed a charm all his own.
Selena didn’t know when exactly she’d developed a taste for these animals. Could it be because their faces were so pleasing to the eye, while her husband’s face in the real world was so ugly and annoying that she’d ended up changing her tastes?
"Please come in, Your Majesty. My family was just about to come to the palace to deliver a gift, but you arrived first. What brings you here? Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Dali Hawksen, very politely, as she gently invited her inside.
Selena smiled, walked in, and saw the guards of the Eagle clan’s residence, who immediately bowed politely to greet her. She wasn’t sure whether it was her status as the Queen of the Five Beast Kings or as the Healer of Extinction that made her so highly regarded here.
Still, Selena was quite pleased because the atmosphere here was also very gentle and positive toward her.
"I’ve come because I’d like to purchase some guards or servants from you. The fox servant told me that the Eagle Clan holds the license to train beastkin in Eldoria to become guards, soldiers, or servants. I’m interested in purchasing two bodyguards and one servant who will be loyal to me. Can I get them here?" Selena asked politely, looking at Dali, who immediately stopped in his tracks.
"You want to buy a servant and bodyguards?"
Selena nodded.
"Is the palace short on servants? Don’t each of the five beast kings—your husbands—have their own training grounds for servants and guards? Why are you going to all this trouble yourself?" he asked in surprise, making Selena smile.
"I’m looking for servants and guards specifically for myself, not the ones trained for them. I want my own—ones who will only obey and follow my orders, with no connection to those five kings," Selena explained briefly.
Dali fell silent, his mind immediately filled with suspicion that something had happened to this woman in the palace.
Hadn’t he met Selena the night before when she was on the verge of being executed by her own husbands? Did Selena no longer trust her five husbands and intend to find bodyguards to protect herself?
"It’s just that I only have one box of jewelry—gold and silver. I don’t know if that’s enough to buy them. If it’s not enough, you can ask me to do anything. I’ll do it," said Selena, her face firm and serious, causing Dali to swallow hard.
"Your Majesty, you’re being too generous. I wouldn’t dare ask for payment from you—after all, you’re still the Queen of the Five Beast Kings and hold a prominent position in Eldoria. Besides, you healed me yesterday, so I’m still in your debt," he said, causing Selena to furrow her brow.
"Indebted?"
"Yes, for saving my life. If you hadn’t saved me last night, I might be dead by now. If you need bodyguards and servants, I can provide the best for you. No payment is necessary—the Eagle Clan is indebted to you; it would be inappropriate for us to accept any payment at all," the man said again, surprising Selena even more.
"Really?"
"Of course, Your Majesty. Please come with me; let’s sit inside so you’ll be more comfortable. I’ll have my deputy bring some bodyguards and servants you’ll need—you can choose them yourself at your leisure," he said with a smile.
Selena smiled back—after all, who wouldn’t want something for free? As it happened, she also didn’t yet know how to acquire money or valuables in this world. So she could save her resources for other things or for her future needs.
"Please have a drink, Your Majesty." Dali Hawksen offered politely, after pouring water into Selena’s glass. "My assistant has already gone to fetch the guards and servants you requested. Please make yourself comfortable for now."
Selena smiled, sipped the water calmly, and looked at Dali, who was sitting next to her.
"Are you here all by yourself?"
"No, I live with a large family. It’s just that they didn’t dare come here because they knew I was entertaining you."
"Oh, I see," Selena replied, looking slightly surprised. "That’s so polite—it makes me feel a bit awkward."
"Don’t say that, Your Majesty. I am the sole heir in this family capable of commanding tens of thousands of Eagle military troops and forces from various beastkin groups. Your act of saving us was immense; we cannot possibly repay it. So, just consider this your second home. Whenever you want to come visit, please feel free..."