- 2 days ago
I Swapped Husbands At My Wedding : New π
Category
π₯
Short filmTranscript
00:00On the day of our bonding rite, my fiancΓ© paraded his pregnant mistress before everyone just to humiliate me, ordering
00:06me to raise their child.
00:08He thought I had no choice but to obey him, but I decided to just swap him for someone else.
00:13I am the divine maiden of the deer clan.
00:15When I was born, the high priest had prophesied that I possess the noblest bloodline and status.
00:19Whoever I bond with, I'll always be the most revered female in the tribe, entitled to everyone's worship.
00:25Naturally, my mate should be the most noble male.
00:27Yet, my fiancΓ© Soren, the third prince of the fox clan, walked up to me, hand in hand with a
00:33delicate-looking woman.
00:34She wore the engagement necklace that Soren had once swore would be mine.
00:38He had vowed to place it on me with his own hands during our bonding rage.
00:43Lynette and I have already mated.
00:45She'd be my only mate if Mother didn't force me to bond with you.
00:49Don't you ever dream that I'll love you!
00:52I just gave Lynette a light glance, but she acted like I'd hurt her, shrinking behind Soren in terror.
00:58Soren turned to her tenderly and gently touched her stomach.
01:02She's carrying my child.
01:04Once my cub is born, Elwynn will raise him as her own.
01:12Watching Lynette put on that pitiful act, I almost thought I'd actually done something wrong to her.
01:17I'll continue the rate if you promise to treat Lynette well and serve her as your mistress.
01:23You'll wait on her hand and foot while she's carrying, tend to her recovery afterwards, and then raise the child
01:29on your own.
01:29I won't have Lynette exhausted by any of this.
01:33Oh, and since you're this divine maiden of the deer clan, you can personally toot our child.
01:37Make sure the child turns out well and make sure they treat Lynette right when they grow up.
01:42Elwynn is so kind.
01:43I'm sure she won't give me a hard time.
01:45Soren and I hadn't fully completed the bonding rilt yet, so I still had the chance to call it off.
01:50I am no one's servant, and I'll never take care of the child you have with her.
01:54In that case, let's call off the bond.
01:57Whoever wants to be my mate today, step forward.
02:00I'll complete the rile with you right now.
02:07A flicker of Hesitantin crossed everyone's face.
02:10After all, my noble lineage was an irresistible prize.
02:14I thought someone would step up, but Soren to Soren just let out a cold scoff.
02:19Alera, stop embarrassing yourself.
02:21My mother arranged our bond, and our names are already carved together on the bonding stone.
02:25Even if I don't want you, you can't have anyone else.
02:28Anyone who tries will be going against the Fox King.
02:31It would be seen as treason!
02:35Soon as the word treason was mentioned, the crowd lay silent.
02:38Sensing their fear, Soren wore a smug, triumphant look, staring down at me with utter arrogance.
02:44This was why he was so fearless.
02:46Even if he let me go, no one would dare to take me in.
02:50Elvin, look around.
02:52If you don't bond with me, you die.
02:54What's it gonna be?
02:56For a moment, I felt hopeless.
02:58Everyone wanted my status and my blood, but no one would actually help me.
03:04Just then, someone approached.
03:08The Queen of the Tribe, Nora.
03:16You filthy slave!
03:17How dare you seduce your master and disrupt the right!
03:20Guards!
03:20Branquist!
03:21Take this slave out and execute her at once!
03:24She's mine.
03:25Touch her and you're dead.
03:28My dear, I know I failed to raise him well.
03:32I'm sorry you were treated like this.
03:34But today is the big day and all the nobles are watching.
03:37Can you just play along for now and finish the reed?
03:41Trust me, I'll back you up later.
03:42I won't let that slave climb over you.
03:46You want me to be his partner only because of my bloodline?
03:49Our bond has not even been sealed yet, and Prince Sodan is already allowing a slave to flaunt herself before
03:54me.
03:55And now there is even a disgraceful child.
03:58I'll never consent to be the mate of such a man.
04:01You belong to the crown.
04:03If you don't finish this, I promise your family will pay for it.
04:08Is this really my only fate?
04:11Finally, the silence broke.
04:12Does your offer still stand, Lady Elwynn?
04:15Everyone turned their heads and went silent as they saw someone slowly approaching the altar.
04:20No, wait.
04:22It was someone being pushed in a wheelchair.
04:25It was Avalian, the Fox King's eldest son and the rightful crown prince.
04:30They said he had a strange illness in his childhood.
04:33Whenever it flared up, he would lose his mind and become violently restless.
04:37A cruel complication of his condition left him frail and paralyzed, unable to stand on his own.
04:43Only by finding your fated mate and bonding with her can you be soothed, and your strange affliction healed.
04:49But if you forge a bond with someone incompatible, your body will violently burst apart, and your partner will die
04:56right alongside you.
04:57Aririan wasn't Nora's son.
05:02His mother was the previous mate of the Fox King, and she died to protect the king.
05:10He alone is destined to take the throne of the Fox King.
05:14Your Highness, this isn't a joke!
05:16You can't just bond with anyone!
05:19You'll be dead!
05:21Lady Elwynn, does your offer still stand?
05:24I looked into his blue eyes.
05:26They were as clear as water.
05:28Don't be a fool.
05:28If you bond with him, the ceremony will turn into your funeral.
05:31Don't gamble your life away.
05:32You don't have to do this.
05:33Do you know what will happen if you don't bond with Sorin?
05:37Sorin reached out his hand, like he was offering a collar.
05:40This is your last chance.
05:41Just give in.
05:43Everyone fell silent.
05:44They were all waiting for my answer.
05:47Eland, you'd better think this through!
05:49I heard my own footsteps, leaving those greedy gazes behind me.
05:53The chains binding me felt broken.
05:55I'd rather die than be a slave.
05:58Does your offer still hold?
05:59Yes.
06:00Everyone looked at each other and started whispering.
06:02I want to bond with her.
06:04Nora froze.
06:05Her face dark.
06:06But since Avarian was the crown prince, there was nothing she could do.
06:11Elirwynn, are you done playing this game?
06:13Apologize now, and Lynette and I might forgive you.
06:16You may even keep your place by my side.
06:18Elowen, don't throw your life away just because of me.
06:21Everyone watched us without blinking.
06:24Aurelian cut his palm, and I did the same.
06:26We held hands, our blood mingling.
06:29A golden light lit up the altar.
06:31But then, terrifying black veins crawled up Aurelian's face.
06:34His clothes tore open, and I saw the black veins spreading.
06:38They spread all the way from his abdomen to his neck.
06:41It looked like black vines trying to burst through his skin and tear him apart.
06:45His muscles bulged, and his eyes, they turned red.
06:49And I could feel his magic surging, ready to explode out of him.
06:53His pupils had turned crimson and gone on focus.
06:56The rumors about his illness were true.
06:59Did I trigger his sickness because I wasn't his true mate?
07:02Are we going to die here?
07:05The crowd gasped.
07:08Stop!
07:09Stop it now!
07:10You aren't a match!
07:11If you complete the bond, you'll both die!
07:14Yet, a golden era had sealed the altar, trapping us within.
07:26I'm sorry.
07:27I brought you to this.
07:28Let go.
07:29Stop now, and you might still live.
07:31Are you crazy?
07:32Elowen, stop!
07:33I'll give you another chance!
07:34I ignored them all.
07:36Don't throw your life away just to spite me!
07:42Elowen, don't be afraid.
07:44Hold on to me.
07:48I could feel his pain too.
07:50It felt like we were both about to be burned to ash on the altar.
07:55I frowned, gripped his hand, and before anyone could stop us, we pressed our hands onto the bonding stone.
08:01Our blood mixed and seeped into the stone's wooves, filling them up instantly.
08:08Aurelian let out a harrowing roar, his whole body curling inward as the veins pulsed violently beneath his skin.
08:16I gritted my teeth, balled my hand into a fist, and squeezed out more blood.
08:21The blood dripped steadily onto the wound in his palm.
08:24With my free hand, I gently stroked his fox ears.
08:27We can do this.
08:29I know we can.
08:30Just when I was about to lose hope, Alarion started to recover.
08:34His magic calmed down, and the black veins faded.
08:37The same golden fox head mark, the symbol of a completed bond, appeared on both our foreheads.
08:41It soon faded.
08:42Alarion was alive, his eyes back to a clear blue.
08:46The bond is complete.
08:48On the bonding stone, my name was still there, while Sorin's name disappeared, replaced by Aurelian's.
08:54This can't be...
08:56You can't be a match.
08:57I didn't say anything, but the fox head marks on our foreheads glowed again.
09:01On the left side of my neck, the silver antler mark that symbolized my supreme bloodline began to flow with
09:06silver light.
09:07It flowed through our joined hands and into his body.
09:10Then the same mark appeared on the left side of his neck.
09:13Everyone stared at us in shock.
09:15He accepted me, and my blood recognized him.
09:17From this moment on, our lineages were connected.
09:21The rite is complete.
09:22I'm his mate now.
09:25Aurelian's fox ears twicked, perhaps out of happiness.
09:29After a few seconds of silence, everyone rushed over to congratulate her.
09:34His highness really is blessed by the fox god.
09:39You two are a perfect match.
09:43Let's go home.
09:44I nodded gently.
09:45I pushed him home.
09:48His propalysis was caused by that strange illness.
09:51Since I'm his true mate and I've cured the illness, maybe I could heal his legs as well?
09:56By the time we reached his manor, it was dark outside.
10:00Everything happened so quickly.
10:01I had no time to prepare.
10:03I'm sorry for this.
10:08If you weren't there, I'd be stuck with Soren, living as a servant.
10:12Thank you for everything.
10:18No, I should be the one thanking you instead.
10:23I honestly thought I'd be nothing but a broken man for the rest of my days.
10:29Please don't get me wrong.
10:32I didn't choose you just for your bloodline.
10:34I know.
10:36He looked at me, but didn't say anything else.
10:42The next morning, I woke up in a strange room and felt a bit daisy.
10:47I had actually become Aurelian's mate.
10:52There was a knock at the door.
10:54It was Aurelian.
10:55He still looked pale, slowly wheeling himself in.
11:00He handed me a gift list.
11:08Today, I'll take you to visit my mother's memorial, then we'll go see your parents.
11:12See if you want to add anything.
11:13I looked over the long list of FoxClan treasures.
11:16It was perfect.
11:20You've thought of everything.
11:22Nothing needs to be added.
11:25Great.
11:26Let's head out then.
11:27Oh, and is there anything you want to buy today?
11:29We can stop by if you want.
11:31I looked at his legs.
11:33Dear our great healers.
11:34With the right medicine, I think I can cure him.
11:41I want to visit Silvertail Apothetary.
11:44It was the vault where the Fox Tribe kept their secret, medicinal treasures.
11:49A place accessible only to royalty.
11:51I figured I would find exactly what I needed there.
11:56Sure, let's go.
11:57However, I didn't expect to run into Sorin and Lynette there.
12:01Aurelian heard that a new vial of magical potion had just been refined and wanted to take a look,
12:06so he followed the manager into the inner room.
12:09I headed to the warehouse on the other side.
12:14As I walked in, I heard Sorin's voice again.
12:18Bring out the finest medicine you have.
12:21Lynette is carrying my air.
12:23She deserves the best of the best.
12:26Sorin froze for a second, then sneered.
12:31Well, well.
12:33Didn't you bond with that cripple yesterday?
12:37Why are you here alone today?
12:39Did he dump you?
12:42Oh, right.
12:43He can't even stand up, so I guess he can't walk with you.
12:50Looks like even the crown prince can't make you happy.
12:56Perhaps you should return to Sorin's side and serve me?
12:59I didn't want to waste any words on them.
13:03I picked up a blue potion.
13:05It was a special, nourishing potion.
13:08Extremely difficult to refine.
13:10Lynette's eyes lit up.
13:11She grabbed Sorin's arm.
13:15That's the tonic I need.
13:16I need it!
13:18Elowen, give that to Lynette.
13:20Lynette is pregnant.
13:21She is far more precious than you are.
13:23Only she deserves to use that medicine.
13:26I didn't move.
13:28I said coldly.
13:30I took it first.
13:31Sorin's face filled with anger.
13:33Who do you think you are?
13:35Elorion only took you in for your bloodline.
13:37He's just a loser anyway.
13:39Even if you are bonded to him, in my eyes, you are still nothing more than a filthy, lowly deer.
13:45If I say you can't use this medicine, then you won't have it.
13:49Just then, Aurelion's chilling voice cut through the air from the doorway.
13:53Funny how my brother is acting so bold, daring to insult my mate.
13:57Lynette turned pale and let go of Sorin.
13:59It's a mister standing.
14:01It was all a misunderstanding.
14:03Lady Elowen tried to snatch the tonic from me.
14:05Sorin was just defending me.
14:06He meant no disrespect to your highness.
14:08Sorin had still been holding his head high, but the moment he met Aurelion's eyes, cold
14:11sweat began to break out across his skin.
14:13Aurelion might have been frail, but the presence he carried was far beyond that of ordinary men.
14:17Aurelion, you need proper care.
14:19She's the divine maiden of the deer clan and rather proud by nature.
14:22I'm afraid she may not be attentive enough.
14:24It's already difficult for you to move around every day.
14:26If your mate doesn't know how to care for you, and you end up hurt or injured, wouldn't
14:30everyone be worried?
14:31Every word was a hidden jab at Aurelion's legs.
14:33He was mocking the fact that Aurelion needed attentive care, and implying that I was not
14:37capable of taking care of him.
14:39The room went dead silent.
14:40Aurelion gripped his wheelchair tighter.
14:43I stepped forward and stood in front of Aurelion.
14:46Aurelion, that's none of your concern.
14:47I'm his mate, so I'll take care of him.
14:50As for his legs, I'll have him back on his feet in less than two weeks.
14:55And by then, see if anyone dares to say such things again.
14:59Elevon, just because your tribe put you on a pedestal, you actually believe you are capable
15:03of anything?
15:03Even our best doctors can't fix his legs.
15:06What makes you think you can?
15:08Are you just lying to flatter him?
15:10You'll see soon enough.
15:12I was done with him and started pushing Aurelion.
15:14Let us leave.
15:15There is no need to waste our time here.
15:17Aurelion nodded and glared at Sorgen.
15:19You'd better keep her in line and keep your mouth shut, or I'll do it for you, my little
15:24brother.
15:24You think I don't know what you said earlier?
15:26Don't let it happen again, or I won't go easy next time.
15:29Sorin was furious, but he didn't dare say a word.
15:32No matter how cocky he was, he couldn't mess with the crown prince.
15:35Aurelion, the king favored Aurelion the most.
15:38If the king got mad, Sora was toast.
15:40Back at Aurelion's manning, I started brewing the medicine.
15:43I added the potion and dropped in some of my own blood.
15:51When I handed him the medicine, he was surprised.
15:54This... is this for me?
15:56I nodded.
15:57They say your condition is just muscle weakness caused by the illness.
16:00This will nourish your body and wake up your muscles.
16:03Take it once a day for a fortnight.
16:05It should work.
16:08Plus, I'll use my dear clan healing magic on you.
16:11Aurelion looked at me, then drank it down without hesitation.
16:15It must be bitter, yet he didn't even furrow his jow.
16:19Bitter?
16:20I asked.
16:21He shook his head.
16:22This is way better than the medicine I drank when I was a kid.
16:25Looking at him, I couldn't help but touch his fuzzy ears.
16:28He looked up, startled, and I quickly pulled back,
16:32hutting my hand behind my back as if nothing happened.
16:35Aurelion gave a soft chuckle.
16:37Touch them if you want.
16:38Only you can caress them.
16:40I looked at him, wondering what he'd look like when he finally stood up.
16:44I put my hand on his legs and sent in my blue magic.
16:47Feel anything?
16:48I asked him.
16:49He looked down.
16:51It feels warm.
16:52I can feel my legs again.
16:54Hearing the fox crown prince was visiting the dear clan,
16:57my parents were waiting early.
16:59When they saw Aurelion in his wheelchair,
17:01my father looked conflicted and frowned.
17:05Elevan.
17:07I never expected you to bond with their crown prince.
17:10It's just...
17:11I knew what he wanted to say.
17:13Aurelion's legs.
17:14I patted his hand to stop him.
17:15Father.
17:16Elyrian is good to me.
17:17And I like him.
17:18Don't worry.
17:21Father looked at us both and finally nodded.
17:24Your highness.
17:25Elunden is the apple of our family's eye
17:27and the crowning jewel of the dear clan.
17:31If you dare fail her,
17:32I won't let you get away with it
17:34even if I have to risk the entire dear clan.
17:38That won't happen, I assure you.
17:41You have my word.
17:42Aurelion is my mate,
17:43the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.
17:46I promise I'll never hurt her or make her sad.
17:50If I break my vow,
17:52may my soul be destroyed.
17:53Seeing the sincerity in his eyes,
17:55father finally relaxed and invited us in.
18:00Mother asked about the fox clan,
18:02so I told her funny stories about the manor
18:04and I didn't mention Sorin at all.
18:06When we got back,
18:08I went to help him out of his wheelchair like always.
18:11Unexpectedly, he pushed himself up,
18:13his legs gaining strength,
18:15and managed to stand up a little.
18:16His eyes were full of surprise,
18:18and he grabbed my hand excitedly.
18:21Elevin, my legs.
18:23They are really getting better.
18:25I can feel the strength returning.
18:27I nodded with a smile.
18:29They'll only get better from here.
18:31Trust me.
18:32I'll make sure you can walk again.
18:34He grabbed my hand.
18:35His palm warmer than usual.
18:37You have actually found a way to heal my legs?
18:40What do you want?
18:41Treasures?
18:42Land?
18:42Just name it, and it's yours.
18:45I shook my head.
18:47I don't want anything.
18:48Just be careful.
18:50I think Sorda's planning a rebellion.
18:52The smile vanished from his face,
18:54and his eyes turned sharp.
18:56I'll handle this.
18:57I've been so lenient that they've started to think
19:00they can doesn't belong to them.
19:02The night breeze blew through his hair.
19:05Looking at his twitching fox ears,
19:07I realized that bonding with him might be the luckiest thing that's ever happened to me.
19:11So I whispered,
19:13Okay.
19:14I believe in you.
19:17After that,
19:18Avarian was like a completely different person.
19:21Though he was the crown prince,
19:23he rarely went to the royal palace because of his disability.
19:27Most of the time,
19:29he stayed in his own estate.
19:30He headed to the palace early every single day,
19:34volunteering to handle state affairs for the fox king.
19:38Whether it was military,
19:39economic,
19:40or public welfare matters,
19:42he had everything under control.
19:45Aurelian is now more diligent than the young fox king.
19:48The king couldn't have been prouder,
19:50telling the elders,
19:52Avarian is becoming so mature and reliable.
19:55I can finally afford to take a break.
19:59It was clear to everyone just how much the king favored him.
20:05Back when Avarian was crippled because of that strange illness,
20:09the elders and nobles urged the king to pick a new heir.
20:12But the king stood his ground.
20:14He insisted that the throne belong to no one but Avarian.
20:18Now that Avarian was doing so well,
20:20the king was even more thrilled.
20:22Rare treasures were sent to Avarian's estate one after another.
20:27Meanwhile, the other princes grew increasingly anxious.
20:31Sora, in particular,
20:32had assumed that with Avarian's legs crippled,
20:34it wouldn't be long for Avarian to lose the status of the heir.
20:37He thought all he had to do was wait to be named the next fox king.
20:40But then,
20:40with Avarian's influence growing
20:42and his marriage to the dear clan's divine maddis,
20:44how could he possibly stay calm?
20:46Eventually,
20:47at the fox folk gathering,
20:48he snapped.
20:52Father!
20:54I'm here to accuse Avarian.
20:55He's getting way out of line.
20:57He snatched my mate and forced a bond with Elvin.
20:59She's the dear clan's divine maiden,
21:00the one prophesied to be queen.
21:02He's just using her to build his own power.
21:03He's plotting a coup.
21:05Father, I think so too.
21:06Yesterday,
21:07he even mobilized the knights outside the city without permission.
21:10He claimed it was only a drill,
21:11but who knows if he was using it as a chance to see me's military power.
21:15He has been meeting with the nobles often these past few days.
21:18I think he is clearly building his own faction
21:20and plotting to take the throne.
21:21Both sides were not to be trifled with
21:24and no one wanted to get dragged into the conflict.
21:27Go and summon Avarian's mate.
21:29As soon as he said that,
21:31Soden and the others froze.
21:33Their father must suspect Aurelion too
21:35and wanted to trap me into saying something wrong.
21:37As long as I slipped up,
21:39Aurelion's guilt would be confirmed.
21:42This was the final Vosel.
21:44Once Aurelion drank it,
21:45he would be able to stand for good.
21:47The Fox King requests your presence.
21:54I heard Aurelion had found himself a beautiful and capable mate.
21:59But this is my first time meeting you.
22:04So you are the Divine Maiden of the Deer Clan.
22:07You truly live up to your name,
22:09graceful, noble, and well-mannered.
22:14This was no interrogation.
22:16He was clearly praising me.
22:20You flatter me, Your Majesty.
22:29Aurelion,
22:30you're quite thoughtless, aren't you?
22:33Why didn't you bring such a perfect mate to meet me sooner?
22:38She is my daughter-in-law, yet I had never even met her.
22:41Wouldn't that make others laugh at me?
22:44This is my fault, Father.
22:45From now on, I will bring Elwyn to see you often.
22:49Now everyone understood.
22:51The Fox King was protecting Aurelion and Elwyn.
22:56Sorin's accusations wouldn't go anywhere now.
22:59Sorin glared at me with pure hatred,
23:01looking as if he wanted to tear me apart.
23:05The Fox King looked at Sorin,
23:07and his voice turned cold and dark.
23:11You claim Aurelion is plotting rebellion?
23:15And you say the prophecy about Elwyn is your proof?
23:18Then let me ask you this.
23:19Aurelion is the heir and will one day be the king.
23:22Who he bonds with,
23:23who he keeps by his side,
23:24and what he chooses to do.
23:25Is any of that your place to question?
23:27Elwyn is Aurelion's mate and is meant to become queen.
23:30How did that become proof of rebellion?
23:32Father,
23:33but Aurelion,
23:33but what?
23:37I should be the one asking you.
23:39These days,
23:40neither of you has been diligent in your training.
23:43Come on then.
23:44Let me see how well you have been practicing.
23:46Sor had no choice but to brace himself
23:48and strike the stone with his palm.
23:51The stone did not move at all.
23:53Everyone present burst into laughter.
23:55Prince Sorin,
23:56I believe I saw you drinking with a woman in your arms
24:00just a few days ago.
24:01You seem to be enjoying yourself very much.
24:05You don't speak nonsense.
24:11Father,
24:12then what about him?
24:13He cannot even stand.
24:14Let him strike this stone.
24:16Can he shatter it?
24:17You are the one chasing women and neglecting your training,
24:19yet you still dare drag Aurelion into this?
24:22Father,
24:23since you favor him and trust him so much,
24:25which why not let him try?
24:27Otherwise,
24:27how will he earn the clan's respect?
24:29How will he ever become Fox King?
24:31Very well.
24:32I'll try.
24:33Aurelion smiled and shook his head at him,
24:35then wheeled himself up to the great stone.
24:38He pressed his palm against the stone,
24:40his fox ears twitching slightly.
24:42Loud quash rang out,
24:43and the stone shattered into pieces.
24:45The gust it stirred up sent fragments flying,
24:48cutting Sorin's face.
24:50How is this possible?
24:52How?
24:53I just cannot stand,
24:54but I never say I've lost my strength.
24:56That's my good child.
24:58I knew it.
24:59You have always been the best.
25:02We also have something to report,
25:03your majesty.
25:04Sorin seized a commoner girl by force.
25:07The girl refused,
25:08and he just killed her!
25:09He also colluded with the serpent tribe
25:11in an attempt to stir up chaos.
25:13I have already intercepted their secret letters.
25:15After saying that,
25:16the two elders handed over the evidence.
25:18The more the fox wing read,
25:19the worse his face became,
25:20his lips trembling.
25:22Good.
25:24Very good.
25:25Very good indeed.
25:26I never imagined you would dare
25:28to do such things behind my back!
25:31From today onward, Doran,
25:32you will stay in your residence
25:34and train properly.
25:35Without my permission,
25:36you are not allowed to leave!
25:38And you, Sorin,
25:39it seems to me that the one
25:41truly plotting rebellion is you.
25:44No, father.
25:45I didn't do it.
25:46I have always been loyal to you.
25:48How could I possibly rebel?
25:49Sorin,
25:50I may be old,
25:51but I'm not blind.
25:52If you don't want others to know,
25:54then you shouldn't do it.
25:56From today onward,
25:58Sorin is stripped of his right as heir.
26:00He will never inherit the throne
26:02of the fox king.
26:03Send him to the late
26:04Silver Fox Duke's place.
26:06From now on,
26:07he will be the Silver Fox Duke's son
26:09and inherit only that title.
26:14I know I was wrong!
26:16I won't do it again!
26:17Please don't do this to me!
26:18Being adopted by the late Duke
26:20means he has completely forfeited
26:22his eligibility for the throne.
26:24Do it!
26:25Now!
26:26Aurelion had arranged
26:28for all these elders beforehand.
26:30He had found proof
26:31of Sorin's crimes long ago,
26:33but he had held back.
26:34Now,
26:35he used this chance
26:36to crush their hopes completely.
26:44Was I good?
26:45Yes.
26:46Very impressive.
26:52Elevin,
26:53thank you.
26:58The only one
26:59who could truly save you
27:00was yourself.
27:02I was certain
27:03that even if I had bonded
27:04with Sorin back then,
27:05he still would not have become
27:06the fox king.
27:07A noble bloodline
27:08cannot cleanse the filth
27:10in a person's heart.
27:11After Sor inherited
27:12the title of Silver Fox Duke,
27:14he showed no restraint at all.
27:19Let her go!
27:20He seized women in the streets,
27:22allowed his slaves
27:22to beat nobles
27:23and even secretly contacted
27:25those who still supported him.
27:26Nora has been meeting
27:27with the Third Prince
27:28often lately.
27:30Last night,
27:31she even gave them something
27:32that looked like a crest.
27:33I also found out
27:34that they hired a band
27:35of death-sworn fighters
27:37from the black market
27:38and the Third Prince
27:39seems to have bribed
27:39several fox guard captains.
27:41They may be up to something.
27:44I understand.
27:45Keep watching them,
27:45but be careful
27:46not to be discovered.
27:48Are they planning a rebellion?
27:50They couldn't hold back
27:51after all.
27:52The crest in the queen's possession
27:54was a command token
27:55granted by the former fox king.
27:57It can be used
27:58to summon some
27:58of the old forces.
28:00And with Sorin
28:01bribing the fox guards,
28:02they must be planning
28:02to strike at my father.
28:04Then should we...
28:06I've arranged everything.
28:08Those captains
28:09he thought he had bought off
28:10were placed there by me.
28:13We knew every move
28:14they made.
28:15All we had to do
28:16was wait for them to strike,
28:17then catch them all at once.
28:20If they had stayed in line,
28:21they could have lived in comfort
28:22for the rest of their lives.
28:24But they just had
28:24to choose this path.
28:26Ambition isn't a bad thing,
28:28but their hearts are rotten.
28:31More than ten days later,
28:33the fox king went
28:33to make offerings
28:34to the fox god,
28:35as was the custom.
28:37Halfway there,
28:37a large force suddenly
28:39rushed out from the roadside.
28:41Alarion,
28:42you useless cripple.
28:44You don't deserve
28:44to be the heir.
28:46Today,
28:46I'm taking back
28:48the place
28:48that should have been mine.
28:50Averion gave a soft laugh
28:52and waved his hand.
28:53Squads of fox guards
28:54immediately surged in
28:56from both sides
28:56and surrounded them.
28:58The captain of the fox guards
28:59dismounted
29:00and bowed to Averlion.
29:02We have been waiting
29:03for this for a long time.
29:05Alarion gave a slight nod,
29:06then raised his hand.
29:08The two sides flashed.
29:09It took little effort
29:10for them to continue the rebels.
29:13You useless cripple!
29:14Why you?
29:15Why do you get
29:16to be the fox king?
29:18How am I any worse than you?
29:19You're nothing but a weak'un
29:21who hides behind a woman!
29:23I should have been dead!
29:38Everyone present
29:39reacted differently.
29:40Some were moved,
29:41some were shocked,
29:42and some were terrified.
29:45Sorin stared at Averlion
29:46as if he had seen a ghost.
29:48How is this possible?
29:49How can you...
29:50How can you stand?
29:51This is the surprise
29:52I prepared for you,
29:53little brother.
29:55Elevan told you before,
29:56didn't she?
29:56Only then did Sorin remember
29:58what I had said
29:58when he took the medicine.
30:00Averlion's legs would heal.
30:03No!
30:04I don't believe this!
30:24Let's go back.
30:32When Nora heard the news,
30:34she panicked on the spot.
30:36You dared to kill Sorin!
30:39My son is innocent!
30:41He didn't plot a rebellion at all!
30:45Unjustly accused?
30:48Speechless?
30:51You should end this yourself.
30:56Dealing with them,
30:57I suddenly thought of Lynette.
31:02Sorin!
31:03Your Highness,
31:03have you come to pick me up?
31:05How is this possible?
31:07How could this happen?
31:09He died.
31:11He promised me
31:13I was going to be queen!
31:15You must be lying to me!
31:16You liar!
31:18Sentence her to death.
31:19After such a great joy
31:20and such a terrible shock,
31:22the Fox King could not bear the blow.
31:25He fell ill and became bedridden.
31:28This is grief,
31:29not sickness.
31:30It cannot be cured.
31:32I never chose Averion as my heir
31:34simply because I favored him.
31:36I watched him grow up with my own eyes.
31:39But they...
31:41The Fox King summoned Averion to see him.
31:48You're healed.
31:50Your legs are healed.
31:52Father,
31:52I can stand and walk on my own now.
31:56I promised your mother
31:57that I would protect you
31:58no matter what.
32:00Your strange illness
32:01was caused by traitors
32:03of the Fox Clan.
32:04They hated me.
32:06So they forced you
32:07to drink a forbidden draft.
32:09Back then,
32:10I kept thinking
32:10I had failed your mother
32:11and I had failed you.
32:13Even if you could never stand again,
32:15you were still the only one
32:16fit to be Fox King.
32:18Father,
32:19now,
32:20I can finally be at ease.
32:22In a few days,
32:23I will announce
32:24that you are the new Fox King.
32:27It's all right, my child.
32:29All living things
32:30must one day die.
32:32Under your rule,
32:33the Fox Clan
32:34will only grow stronger.
32:38Today,
32:39I formally pass the throne
32:40to my eldest son,
32:41Prince Averion.
32:43From this day forward,
32:44he will be your new king.
32:45Three days later,
32:46the old Fox King
32:47formally declared
32:48that the throne
32:49would pass to Aurelion.
32:50Aurelion would become
32:51the new Fox King.
32:53Aurelion and I
32:53stood together
32:54upon the altar
32:55and lit the sacred fire.
32:56It almost felt
32:57as if the blood
32:58Aurelion and I
32:59had shed
32:59during our binding route
33:00still remained
33:01upon the altar,
33:01like a silent witness
33:02to everything between us.
33:04But by then,
33:05Aurelion could already
33:05stand and walk
33:06normally again.
33:07After the ceremony,
33:08Averion pulled my tightly
33:09into his arms.
33:10The greatest fortune
33:11of my life
33:11was bonding with you.
33:13Your blood saved me
33:15and the fate you carry
33:16helped me become
33:16the Fox King.
33:17I watched his soft,
33:18furry ears twitch,
33:20then stroked them gently,
33:21just as I used to.
33:23No.
33:24It wasn't only
33:25because of me.
33:26The dear clan's priest
33:27once told me
33:28something else as well.
33:30She said,
33:31My bloodline would only
33:33bring the prophecy
33:33to life when I met
33:34the one fate
33:35had chosen for me.
33:36I held his gaze.
33:38My hand moved
33:39gently over him.
33:40My fingers traced
33:41from his ears
33:41down to his cheeks.
33:42He seemed to shiver,
33:44and his tail gave
33:45a small twitch
33:45before curling
33:46around my arm.
33:47I stroked his tail
33:48without thinking,
33:49and he startled at once,
33:50quickly hiding it
33:51behind his back.
33:54No prophecy
33:55is ever certain
33:56to come true.
33:57You are the one
33:58fate chose for me,
34:00and you were meant
34:01to become the king.
34:05The old Fox King
34:06didn't survive
34:06that winter.
34:07Passing away peacefully,
34:09after Aurelion
34:10took the throne,
34:10he had a million
34:11things to handle,
34:12working late
34:13into the night
34:13every day.
34:14The second prince
34:15of the serpent clan
34:16requests an audience.
34:20Congratulations
34:20on your coronation,
34:21your majesty.
34:22Our serpent king
34:23heard that the queen
34:24is the divine maiden
34:25of the deer clan,
34:26so he sent me here
34:27to offer his congratulations
34:28to both of you.
34:29As it happens,
34:30our king also wants
34:31to marry a deer.
34:33What are you trying
34:33to say?
34:35If Lady Elowen
34:36has any sisters,
34:37it would be wonderful
34:38if one could marry
34:39our king.
34:40Even ordinary members
34:41of the deer clan
34:42possess spirit blood
34:43with healing properties,
34:44Heal me.
34:45Again,
34:45don't you dare
34:46hold back.
34:47That's why every clan
34:48wants deer as their mates,
34:49yet many of them
34:50view it our people
34:51as mere vessels
34:52of blood to be drained.
34:53I don't have any sisters,
34:54and the women of my clan
34:55will never be used
34:56as bargling strip.
35:00They're just testing us.
35:01The serpents
35:02have always have wanted
35:03our lands.
35:03Now that we've
35:04turned them down,
35:05they won't let this go.
35:06They're probably trying
35:07to take advantage
35:08of your succession,
35:09hoping to start a war
35:10before we can
35:10stabilize the kingdom.
35:12Recently,
35:13serpent spies
35:13have been spotted
35:14frequently near the border,
35:15moving in suspicious ways.
35:17It looks like
35:18they're scouting
35:18our military defenses
35:19and mapping out
35:20the terrain
35:20around our passes.
35:22Perhaps Vesper's request
35:23to marry a woman
35:24of the deer clan
35:25was not merely a pretext.
35:26The deer bloodline
35:27is unique.
35:28They probably want
35:30to use marriage
35:30to infiltrate the clan
35:31and seize our secret
35:32medicine and magic.
35:35You mean their real
35:36target is the deer clan?
35:38I need to warn my father
35:39so they don't get
35:40tricked by smooth talk.
35:41That night,
35:42I wrote a letter
35:43to my father,
35:44explaining exactly
35:45what the serpents
35:46were up to
35:46and telling him
35:47to watch out
35:47for their envoys.
35:48My father replied quickly,
35:50saying he had already
35:51turned down the serpents'
35:52marriage proposal.
35:52But just a few days later,
35:54terrible news came
35:55from the border.
35:56A small settlement
35:57of the deer clan
35:58was suddenly attacked.
35:59There were heavy casualties,
36:00many couldn't escape in time,
36:02and their houses
36:02were burned to the ground.
36:03What's going on?
36:04We were attacked
36:04by raiders
36:05covered in serpent scales.
36:06They moved with blinding speed
36:07and showed no mercy.
36:08On top of that,
36:09they used some kind of
36:10magic array
36:11against my people.
36:12The array was burned away,
36:14but it left behind
36:15some half-destroyed runes.
36:17The deer king
36:18has likewise sent
36:19a plea for help,
36:20stating that the deer clan
36:21alone is no match
36:22for the treacherous
36:23serpent clan,
36:24and beseeching the fox king
36:26to send troops
36:26to their aid.
36:27Dispatch troops
36:28to thoroughly investigate
36:29this incident
36:30and see to it
36:31that the mastermind
36:32is rooted out.
36:33But right at that moment,
36:35a riot broke out
36:36inside the fox clan.
36:37I heard the third prince's
36:38former followers
36:39are still locked up
36:40in the prison.
36:40We're gonna break them out.
36:41The raiders actually
36:43stormed the place,
36:44trying to break them out.
36:47The guards fought fiercely
36:48to hold the line.
36:50After losing a few men
36:51in the fight,
36:52they finally managed
36:53to stop the raiders.
36:55break them.
36:57I want to know
36:58who is backing them up.
37:00Someone has to be
37:01pulling the strings
37:01behind this.
37:02It was the fifth prince,
37:04Doran.
37:04He resented Aurelian
37:06for punishing
37:06the former fox queen
37:08and third prince,
37:08Saurian,
37:09so he secretly
37:09contacted their old followers
37:11to rescue the remnants.
37:12He just wanted to stir up
37:13trouble and cause chaos.
37:15He wouldn't go this far
37:16just to cause trouble
37:16for you.
37:18He wants the throne, too.
37:21They also found out
37:22during the interrogation
37:24that Doran and seemed
37:25to be plotting
37:25with the serpents.
37:27Several letters
37:28between them were found.
37:29The border attack
37:30and the dungeon riot.
37:31The timing is too perfect.
37:33It's two moves
37:33in the exact same game.
37:35Doran must have made
37:35some kind of deal
37:36with the serpents.
37:38Selling out our lands
37:39just to get the throne,
37:40I bet.
37:40I can't believe he would
37:41even betray his own people
37:42and Caloose with the serpents.
37:43I stayed up all night
37:45reviewing the clues
37:45from the deer clan,
37:47comparing the marks
37:48left by the attackers
37:49one by one.
37:50Those runes perfectly matched
37:52Doran's own personal crest.
37:59Looks like Doran
38:00had been in contact
38:01with the serpents
38:02for a while.
38:02He was definitely
38:03involved in his better attack.
38:04He thought the war
38:04would weaken the deer clan,
38:06force me to focus
38:06on my own people
38:07and then's the opportunity
38:07to bring you down
38:08and shake the foundation
38:09of your rule.
38:10Wishful thinking.
38:11I can't believe
38:12he dared to go this far.
38:14Colluding with the enemy
38:15and killing innocents
38:16just for a throne.
38:18How could someone
38:19like that
38:20ever become
38:20the fox king?
38:22Secretly moved
38:22an elite squad
38:23to surround Doran's manor,
38:24just waiting for
38:25the right moment
38:25to strike.
38:26We can't alert him yet.
38:27Let me go talk to him first
38:28and see what secrets
38:29he's hiding.
38:30It's too dangerous.
38:31I'm not letting you
38:31risk your life.
38:34I'm the queen now.
38:35He won't dare
38:36make a move on me easily.
38:38At least,
38:39he has to play along
38:40on the surface.
38:41After all,
38:42if news gets out
38:43that he killed the queen
38:44before taking the throne,
38:45it won't just start
38:46a war with the deer clan.
38:48He'll lose the trust
38:49of the fox elders too.
38:52Besides,
38:53I want to see for myself
38:54what he's actually planning.
38:57Fine.
38:59But I'll have people
39:00follow you in secret.
39:01The second anything
39:02goes wrong,
39:03they'll move in.
39:05Fifth prince,
39:06did you know
39:07the border has come
39:07under attack?
39:08Those serpents
39:09are getting reckless.
39:11As for what happened
39:12at the border,
39:13my brother should be
39:14prepared as soon as possible.
39:16You're right,
39:16but I wonder,
39:17your highness,
39:17do you happen to know
39:18anything about the serpents?
39:20Ever since my brother
39:22took the throne,
39:22I've just been partying
39:23the capital every day.
39:25Why would I care
39:25about the serpents?
39:29Your highness,
39:30we're in trouble.
39:30The troops of the king
39:31are all over the manor.
39:33I was completely shocked.
39:35How could two pure blood foxes
39:37give birth to a serpent hybrid?
39:38There was only one explanation.
39:40Doran's father was a serpent.
39:41He was a half-breed
39:42from Nora's secret affair.
39:43I immediately tried
39:44to break free,
39:45but he had already
39:46seized me tightly
39:47and dragged me
39:47toward the basement
39:48in a frantic escape,
39:49knocking over countless
39:50decorations along the way.
39:52Since everything
39:53has been exposed,
39:54don't think you're
39:54walking out of here alive.
39:56Do you really think
39:57you can escape
39:58after hurting me?
39:59Arolean already knows
40:00your true bloodline.
40:01The place is surrounded
40:02by his troops.
40:03You can't get away.
40:05As for the throne,
40:06you'll never have it.
40:07Then I'm taking you
40:08down with me.
40:10I'm denny way!
40:20Did you really think
40:21I'd let you hurt her?
40:22Why?
40:23Why do you get
40:24to inherit the throne
40:25while I had to live in fear
40:26since the day I was born?
40:28How dare you betray me?
40:30It turned out that he was born
40:31from Nora's affair
40:32with the Serpent King.
40:33Nora wanted to kill him
40:34when he was born,
40:35but she softened up
40:36and kept him
40:37because he was born
40:37in fox form.
40:38He spent every day
40:39terrified that his
40:40serpent features
40:41would show and give him away.
40:43All these years,
40:44he had remained
40:45in secret contact
40:46with the Serpent King,
40:47waiting for a chance
40:48to ruin the Fox Clan.
40:57Ararian couldn't bring himself
40:59to kill his own blood,
41:00so he just stripped
41:01Doran of his royal status
41:03and locked him away
41:04in the dungeon.
41:05After dealing with Doran,
41:06a thorough purge
41:07was carried out,
41:08rooting out several
41:08hidden spies,
41:09and a fragile peace
41:10finally settled.
41:12Before long,
41:13the Serpent King
41:14actually sent an envoy
41:15with a declaration of war,
41:17and the wording
41:17was incredibly aggressive.
41:19Our clan has just
41:20endured internal strife
41:21and it is not the time
41:22to go to war.
41:23We cannot show weakness
41:23to the Serpent Clan
41:24or there will be endless
41:25problem in the future war.
41:30The Serpent King
41:31is just making excuses.
41:33They've wanted this fight
41:34for a long time.
41:35A truce would buy us
41:36nothing but borrowed time.
41:37Since they wanted to fight
41:38then let's give them a war.
41:39I'll help you fight this war.
41:42What do you mean?
41:43The Deer Clan's healing magic
41:44can support the Fox soldiers
41:45and keep our casualties low.
41:47Besides,
41:48my bloodline is supposed
41:49to strength of Foxless warriors.
41:51That's our greatest advantage
41:52right now.
41:53Well then,
41:54let's show the Serpents
41:56that we are not
41:56to be trifled with-
41:57Afterwards,
41:58Avorion called up
41:59the entire army
42:00and urgently prepared
42:01grain, supplies,
42:02and weapons,
42:02getting ready to face
42:03the Serpents head on.
42:05The night before we deployed,
42:06Aralien called me
42:07to his study.
42:08The Serpents excel
42:09in ambushes
42:10and they move fast.
42:11The terrain is complicated
42:13and unpredictable.
42:14We have to beat them
42:15their own game
42:15and hit them fast.
42:17Don't give them
42:18a single second to breathe.
42:20I'll follow the army
42:21and set up a healing array
42:22in the back
42:22to treat the wounded soldiers.
42:24It's too dangerous.
42:26I want you to stay
42:27in the capital
42:28and just wait
42:28for me to come back.
42:29My bloodline can boost
42:30the combat power
42:31of the Fox warriors.
42:32With me,
42:33our odds of winning
42:34will be much better.
42:35I can't bear to let you
42:36face the Serpent King alone.
42:37What if something goes wrong?
42:39Fine.
42:40But you stay right next to me
42:41the entire time.
42:42Do not leave my sight.
42:44The next morning,
42:45the army set out.
42:46Banners fluttered in the wind
42:47and the soldiers' morale
42:48was through the roof.
42:49The Serpent army
42:50was already waiting
42:51outside the pass.
42:52The Serpent King himself
42:54was leading them.
42:55Orion,
42:56you've got guts
42:57to show up in person.
42:58Aren't you afraid
42:59you won't make it back alive?
43:04You've harassed my clan
43:06over and over again.
43:07This time,
43:07we're settling all scores
43:08once and for all.
43:11The wargreens rolled
43:12and both armies
43:13charged forward
43:14at the same time,
43:15their roars deafening.
43:17At first,
43:18the Serpents
43:19had the upper hand.
43:19I stood in the back,
43:20closing my eyes
43:21to channel the ancient power
43:22of my dear bloodline.
43:23A holy silver light
43:25began to wash
43:26over the Fox soldiers.
43:27My healing magic
43:28can heal your wounds.
43:29Don't be afraid.
43:31Charge!
43:33The tide began to turn.
43:35The Fox warriors
43:36fought harder and harder,
43:38pushing back
43:39the Serpent attack.
43:40Stay here.
43:41Protect yourself.
43:43After telling me that,
43:45Arolean charged
43:46straight into the enemy lines
43:47with his sword,
43:48cutting down many
43:48Serpent warriors
43:49along the way.
43:51We Serpents
43:52have never been afraid
43:53of you foxes.
43:55You were a cripple once.
43:57Even if you're
43:57the Fox King now,
43:59don't think you can
43:59ever beat me.
44:02No way!
44:03Your legs were supposed
44:04to be ruined.
44:05How are you moving
44:06this fast?
44:07That was in the past.
44:08I'm not the cripple
44:09I used to be.
44:10What,
44:10Doran forget to mention that?
44:12With one quick thrust,
44:13his sword pierced
44:14right through
44:14the Serpent King's shoulder.
44:15The Serpent Army's
44:16morale completely broke.
44:18They scrambled to run away,
44:19leaving the battlefield
44:20in total chaos.
44:21The Fox Clan
44:22won a massive victory,
44:24and the casualties
44:25were way lower
44:25than we expected.
44:27Just kill me.
44:28The Serpents
44:29will never surrender
44:30to you foxes,
44:31and we're definitely
44:32not begging for peace.
44:34I won't kill you.
44:36That would only make
44:37our clans
44:37hate each other
44:38even more.
44:39I want you to admit,
44:40with your own mouth,
44:41that you colluded
44:42with Doran,
44:43attempted to overthrow
44:44the Fox Clan,
44:45and provoke the war
44:46at the border.
44:47I want you to sign
44:47a truce agreement,
44:48return the borderlands
44:49you seized,
44:50and compensate us
44:51for the losses
44:52caused by this war.
44:53On the day of the signing,
44:54the Serpent King
44:55stamped his seal.
44:57Starting today,
44:58the Serpents
44:58will never cross
44:59into Fox Territory again.
45:00If we break this promise,
45:02may the Serpent God
45:03curse us all.
45:04We couldn't win this war
45:05without your help.
45:06It was your command
45:07that led us to victory,
45:08and also because
45:09of our brave warriors.
45:10They used to say
45:11the Fox King's legs
45:12were crippled,
45:12but now,
45:13it seems he has
45:14fully recovered.
45:15We're blessed to have
45:16such a brave king
45:17leading us.
45:19Once we got back
45:20to the Fox Clan,
45:21the elders who used
45:22to look down on Aurelion
45:23completely changed
45:24their minds about him.
45:26Nobody dared call him
45:27a cripple anymore,
45:28and no one brought up
45:29his past ever again.
45:31I once thought
45:32I would rot away here
45:33for the rest of my life.
45:35The elders were never
45:36going to let a crypt
45:37become the king.
45:38Even if my father
45:39insisted on passing
45:40the throne to me,
45:42once he died,
45:43someone else
45:43would take it from me.
45:44So for a long time,
45:45I just gave up
45:47on myself.
45:47It was you.
45:49You saved me.
45:54You were born
45:54to be the Fox King.
45:56I just gave you back
45:56what belonged to you
45:57in the first place.
45:59Let's rule the Fox Clan
46:00and protect this land
46:01together, shall we?
46:02Okay.
46:03Whatever comes next,
46:04we're in this together.
46:07No matter what storm
46:08break upon us,
46:09I shall stand beside you
46:11to shatter the dark.
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