The Beastmen have a tradition of sharing partners. Or rather, this isn’t just a Beastman tradition. In ancient times, before the Realm of Order was firmly established, such customs were quite common.

The ultimate reason for this was immense pressure to survive. In an era without a stable Order and no reliable path to power, struggling tribes faced all sorts of natural and man-made disasters, Demon Beasts, and Spirit Monsters. To continue their existence by any means necessary, they had to fully leverage the power of bloodline succession.

If a tribe had a Powerhouse, whether homegrown or lured in from the outside, they had to squeeze every last drop of value out of them.

Relying on heaven and earth was not as good as relying on people. So, breed! Everyone, breed like your lives depend on it!

A powerful tribesman... especially a powerful male, if he could cast a wide net and sow his seed, leaving behind a few high-quality offspring, the entire tribe would be blessed for it.

Unlike the Imperial Nobility’s philosophy of pursuing the ultimate in selective breeding, this custom was a desperate measure for survival that, over time, became a common understanding.

"My father was once the strongest Warrior in the tribe. Nearly all the females of age were his mating partners. As a result, I have over a hundred half-siblings, and they are the backbone of the Dusk Lamp Territory today."

"But because of the blockade, it’s difficult for my brothers and sisters to go out and find partners. After all, we’re not like the Imperial Nobility with their pure blood that fears no disease."

Mivana spoke at length about her family, but the central message she conveyed was clear.

’Her sisters had suffered for so long; it was time to let her kinswomen have a taste of happiness.’

’The chieftain has carefully selected and brought you the strongest, wildest, and most charming male available!’

"Heh, no wonder she’s so shameless."

Reiya suddenly smiled as if a weight had been lifted, shaking her head.

’To think I actually had a sliver of a competitive streak against Mivana before. It was just too foolish.’

’This wolf cub doesn’t even know the meaning of jealousy!’

Mivana felt no conventional possessiveness over Westheid. In fact, she was proud and boasted of his amorous exploits. This strange mindset finally had an explanation.

In the Wolf-eared Maiden’s view, the more females her partner could possess, the more it proved his excellence as a male. Wasn’t it a joyous occasion that Westheid was so sought-after and acclaimed?

"How savage."

Westheid clicked his tongue. He didn’t actually have any prejudice against this custom; he could only say it was a natural phenomenon under the circumstances.

However...

"This custom and tradition has its merits, but under the protection of the Qinghui Territory, you no longer have to worry about survival. It’s better to choose your partners freely."

’If Reiya weren’t here, Westheid might have just gone with the flow and agreed, just to make Mivana happy.’

But at this moment, Westheid was the very picture of righteousness. Even surrounded by the full, soft bodies of several Beast-eared Maidens, he remained composed and gentlemanly.

"I’m not that kind of casual guy. Don’t bring this up again."

Westheid did his best to avoid the pitiful, wronged looks in the Beast-eared Maidens’ eyes as he refused.

He truly wasn’t that desperate. To be honest, Westheid’s standards were quite high. Nowadays, unless someone could share a good Talent or Specialty with him, Duke Qinghui wouldn’t spare them a second glance.

He appreciated beautiful women, but it was just a natural part of being human; he hadn’t reached the point of thinking with his lower body.

"If West is unwilling, then there’s nothing to be done."

Mivana’s ears drooped as she looked at her kinswomen.

"We understand. As expected, we aren’t worthy. It’s only natural."

The Beast-eared Maidens sighed with regret and disappointment, reluctantly getting to their feet.

"How could weaklings like us ever hope to receive the favor of a powerful male such as yourself."

’They’re not wrong about that. Duke Qinghui has enough eye candy at home; he doesn’t need to take care of any more people who are all for show.’

However, for Mivana’s sake, Westheid decided to give the Wolf-eared Maiden’s kinswomen a chance.

"Don’t be too discouraged. It’s not that there’s no chance. While I can’t follow the customs of the Beastman Tribe and sow my seed equally among all of you, once you embark upon the Extraordinary Path, work hard to advance and become my personal maids. Then you will naturally have your chance to receive my favor."

Westheid spoke comfortingly, causing the eyes of the simple Beast-eared Maidens to light up again with excited anticipation.

Within Duke Qinghui’s court, the most core maid positions were not for mere eye candy. They were Elites who had gone through layer after layer of screening, and were even strictly selected by the Pure Holy Spirit. The maids who could finally enter the Holy Land to serve Duke Qinghui were the Elites of the Elite—loyal, devoted, and unparalleled in both talent and beauty.

What’s that? You say this is basically just choosing concubines?

Sigh... well, you’d be right. As the unmarried and childless Duke Qinghui, Westheid’s right to "educate and train" was limitless!

"Then it’s a deal! We’ll work hard!"

The Beast-eared Maidens’ large tails began to wag rapidly with excitement, sending a gust of air straight into Westheid’s face.

It carried an exceptionally rich fragrance. They were in heat, plain and simple.

If they weren’t so weak, there was no doubt they would have pinned Westheid down and ravished him fiercely! Mivana was already considered gentle and graceful among her people.

Reiya suddenly asked, "By the way, is there reproductive isolation between Beastmen and normal humans?"

"It depends on their constitution. Some are, some aren’t. No one can say for sure without trying it firsthand. But at my stage, trying to have an heir is no different from playing the lottery."

Westheid shrugged as he spoke. The higher one climbed in the Extraordinary Tiers, the more one’s Life Tier was sublimated, and the lower the probability of siring offspring became.