A Mastermind? No, I'm just the Live-In Son-in-Law - Chapter 1: Crisis From the Start

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

Some say reincarnation is a blessing, but for me, it's a dreadful curse. Cursed with endless reincarnation, I've been reborn as a villain 137 times. And all 137 times, I've been toyed with and killed by heroes who are far more cruel than the said villains... If I can't win no matter what I do, then I'll crush those so-called heroes at their very roots. - Quality Fan Translations, Made by Fans for the Fans - Villain Takes Over The Academy

Life is unpredictable. Her husband loved her stepsister, deposed her as Empress and even forced her son to death. In that Cold Palace, she was forced to drink poisonous wine. So in the next lifetime, she made a promise to never do good deeds and help others, to never step into the palace and to never become the Empress!

CONTENT WARNING – JUICY LEMONS DETECTEDThis novel contains:System-triggered intimacySkill fusion via bondingSeduction-based class evolutionMILFs with buns, blades, and traumaEmotional tension that may result in citrus explosionsLemons served hot, spicy, and metaphorically satisfying.All content is Webnovel-safe, but your sanity might not be.Reader discretion (and hydration) advised.THE STORY:I got summoned to save a kingdom.But instead of the Holy Hero class, I got this:[SSS-Rank Class Assigned: MILF Hunter]Now every mature woman with curves and baggage looks at me like I’m the main quest.The Queen adopted me.A shrine spirit rode me.A widow pinned me until the system glitched.Every MILF I bond with unlocks a passive.Every one I please evolves my class.And now?[Threadweave Fusion Unlocked]I can fuse skills. Reforge reality.Break the system from the inside out.This isn’t just a harem.It’s a divine glitch with thighs, scars, and consequences.I’m not the hero they asked for.I’m the anomaly the gods want erased.If you’re into:Dominant queens and combat widowsBond-powered level-upsForbidden skill craftingCombat as foreplayCitrus-coded corruption arcsThen open this book.And bring a towel.[MILF Hunter System Online]Exposure: Rising…Watchers: Engaged…Lemon Protocol: Armed and dripping…Add to your Collection.Drop a Power Stone.Choose your MILF.Because the queens are thick.The class is cursed.And the system?It doesn’t believe in chill.