It had nothing to do with objective factors—it was purely a matter of metaphysical probability.

"West still has no children. If a Beastman could increase the chances, then it wouldn’t be a bad choice."

Reiya always thought from Westheid’s perspective. For the head of a clan, continuing the bloodline was more important than anything, so she was very concerned about Westheid’s ability to produce an heir.

If the goal was to continue the bloodline, then anything could be understood and accepted.

Westheid shook his head. "Ha, I’m actually in no hurry for that."

To outsiders, Duke Qinghui was perfect in every way, except for the worrying state of his clan. It was far too dangerous for the direct lineage to be left with only a single person.

He had to have an heir!

But Westheid himself had never considered having an heir to be crucial. Some Celestial Gods left bloodlines in the Mortal World as anchors, but Duke Qinghui was already prepared to learn from the virtues of the Yonglan Riding God.

"Let’s just let nature take its course. I won’t force anything. Let’s not discuss the matter of heirs anymore. Come here and let’s cuddle!"

Westheid wrapped one arm around Reiya’s slender waist and the other around Mivana’s fragrant shoulders, pulling his two lovers forcefully toward him.

Their delicate, flawless cheeks pressed against his, feeling each other’s warmth.

"Hahh..."

"Mmph!"

The White-haired Dragon Lady and the Wolf-eared Maiden let out cute, soft cries, but neither resisted in the slightest. They adjusted themselves into comfortable positions, resting their heads on their lover’s shoulders.

At this moment, silence was more eloquent than words.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty..."

Just as the moment turned warm and tender, a Qinghui Guard strode over, saluted Westheid, and said:

"The Yonglan Knights... some Yonglan Knights have arrived. There are several Grand Knights among them. They wish to visit Dusk Lamp Territory as guests. Should we let them pass?"

"I did invite them, but they actually came?"

Hearing this, Westheid subconsciously raised his eyebrows and looked at Mivana.

The Lord of Dusk Lamp Territory nodded. "If they come in good faith, there’s no problem."

So Westheid waved his hand grandly and declared:

"Let them come! Why shouldn’t they? Let the Yonglan Knights see the current state of Dusk Lamp Territory. I think this shows our confidence."

As he spoke, Westheid stood up and fastened Shadow-Born, which had been lying beside him, to his waist.

"But that’s only if they’ve truly come as guests. Friends will be treated to fine wine, but enemies will be greeted only with the blade of a sword."

He decided to personally greet and escort the visiting Knights. Although he didn’t think any rational person would provoke him after the last battle, the thought that these were Yonglan Knights made him consider that any sort of heaven-defying act was possible.

Leading a group of Qinghui Guards, Westheid hurried to the outskirts of Dusk Lamp Territory’s main city and saw the visiting party of Knights.

There weren’t many, just over twenty Yonglan Knights, but among them were three or four Grand Knights. The lineup could only be described as impressive.

"Lord Westheid, we meet again."

Uther, having shed his black heavy armor and now wearing only a sharp knight’s uniform, gave a slight nod to Duke Qinghui and said:

"I hope we are not disturbing you. It seems you are in the middle of a celebration here."

"Of course not. In fact, I’m a little surprised. I didn’t expect anyone would actually come to visit Dusk Lamp Territory. I would think a Beastman territory is a place you wouldn’t want to set foot in even if it killed you."

’It would be a different story if they were stepping foot in it as conquerors, of course.’

Westheid noticed that the visiting Knights were mostly unarmored, carrying only their side swords. The scabbards were even wrapped and sealed with black cloth.

This was a gesture indicating their visit was not for combat—a sign of extremely high etiquette in the Country of Yonglan.

Westheid was very pleased with this. These Yonglan Knights had truly been beaten into submission; they no longer had their initial arrogant and untamable demeanor.

"To be honest, we were quite hesitant ourselves. It was Lady Mephit who first suggested we come."

Uther looked toward the blue-haired Grand Knight beside him as he spoke.

The young Knightess immediately bowed slightly and waved at Westheid, her sky-blue, shoulder-length hair flowing with the movement and covering half of her lovely face.

"Hiii~~"

Mephit gently adjusted the pure white cape draped over her shoulders. Beneath it was a fitted uniform with exquisite platinum embroidery that perfectly revealed her slender, youthful figure. Her slanted, phoenix-like eyes lifted slightly at the corners.

Her smile was elegant and sweet, yet faintly held a snake-like, treacherous quality.

"Lord Westheid, you said that Dusk Lamp Territory welcomes all visitors. I hope that wasn’t just a pleasantry... but even if it was, a visit in the name of the Zitherheart Clan should still be accepted, shouldn’t it?"

"Zitherheart..."

Mivana’s expression grew distant as she heard the surname of her teacher, Viona.

She didn’t know much about the Zitherheart Clan, only that it was an incredibly Prominent Knight Clan, one that could even establish its headquarters in Gale Heart. This meant the Zitherheart Clan were the core Steel Will Guardians of the Country of Yonglan, holding a permanent seat on the Knight Council.

But after the clan’s previous rising star, the Star Lake Sword, passed away in Dusk Lamp Territory, the Zitherheart Clan made no move whatsoever. They didn’t even come to collect Viona’s remains.

Mephit was only the second member of the Zitherheart Clan that Mivana had ever met.

Westheid, however, knew more of the inside story. He gave Mephit a meaningful look and extended his hand, saying:

"Since you’ve chosen to come in friendship, I naturally have no reason to refuse. If one chooses to claim the title of king, how can one not possess the necessary magnanimity?"

"Please, come in. This celebration will not turn you away. We can at least offer you a cup of Fruit Wine."

Led by Westheid, the party of Yonglan Knights entered the main city. They were given seats at the banquet, and each person was served a large cup of Fruit Wine and roasted meat.

The Beastmen watched this group of Knights with a mixture of curiosity and fear. A few of the bolder ones, seeing that Mivana and the others were present, dared to inch a little closer.

"These Beastmen... they don’t seem as uncivilized as I thought."

The visiting Yonglan Knights had clearly been carefully selected; they were among the most open-minded, with the least prejudice against Alien Races. They had steeled themselves to endure crude Beastmen, but based on their actual experience... aside from their jarring, non-human bestial features, they were no different from ordinary people.

"The prejudice in people’s hearts is a great mountain. The ten years of tireless work the Star Lake Sword put in here were not for nothing."

Westheid shot Uther a look and said, "Once you get to know this place better, you’ll understand that Dusk Lamp Territory is not Yonglan’s enemy at all."

The Black Knight, who owed him a favor, hesitated for a moment before speaking up:

"Defining Beastmen as a non-sentient species is biased. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to classify them as a race, similar to Elves."

As Uther spoke, the other Yonglan Knights nodded in agreement.

"Yes, compared to the Spirit Monsters I’ve slaughtered, these Beastmen are certainly much more normal."

"Speaking of which, I don’t think the Country of Yonglan has ever suffered any disasters caused by Beastmen, have we?"

"..."

"But the Origin of the Beastmen is tainted."

Mephit suddenly interjected coldly, a hint of melancholy in her eyes, "Although it is not their fault."

Seeing Mephit bring up a divisive topic, Uther quickly changed the subject:

"Lord Westheid, your announcement of a pilgrimage to claim the throne was terribly rushed. Even if you are fully prepared, you should at least let us understand your platform. That way, we’ll have something of substance to report when we speak to our colleagues."

This was the true purpose of their visit. They didn’t care about the Beastmen of Dusk Lamp Territory, whether they were savages who ate raw meat and drank blood or a civilized people.

"Oh, that was an oversight on my part. I originally planned to publicize my platform after the pilgrimage officially began, but since you’ve come to ask, I’ll be direct."

Westheid held up a finger and said:

"My demands of the Knight Lords are very simple. I have come to the Country of Yonglan to accomplish only two things."

"First, I want to obtain the right to initiate and command expeditions in the name of the Knightly Path—the ability to command the Knights of Yonglan to launch a glorious crusade against any enemy, be it in Chaos or the Mortal World. Of course, this will be compensated. I guarantee that every Warrior who joins an expedition I lead will benefit greatly and return laden with spoils."

"This is the authority and duty of a Knight King, so it goes without saying."

The Knights nodded at his words and asked:

"And the second thing?"

Westheid replied, "As for the second thing... it is to reform the Country of Yonglan, completely abolish the system of serfdom, and redefine the path of a knight."