Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 120: Challenge

By the artificial lake near the villa.

Jasper looked at Vincent and spoke earnestly. "All these years, I’ve wanted to thank Your Highness for saving my life back then. I simply never had the chance to meet you."

That year, he had nearly been seized by two old monsters in his clan and dragged away for experimentation.

It was his elder brother, Bron, who begged Vincent for help. Only then had Jasper been able to escape the Violet Serpent Clan safely.

It was also Vincent who ensured that Jasper was not captured again afterward—and who helped him establish the Hunter Alliance.

"It was nothing," Vincent said, waving it off casually. "That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about."

He looked at Jasper with a serious gaze. "Jasper, I owe you an apology—for taking the position of first companion from you."

Rory didn’t understand this. In her mind, as long as Jasper was the first, it already showed her regard and preference for him.

But Vincent—and beastmen like him who grew up in the interstellar world—understood very clearly.

No matter how the bonding was done, the one who bonded first became the acknowledged leader among all the Female Master’s male companions.

As the leader, he held authority over all other companions.

In other words, every male companion was expected to listen to him.

On the surface, that authority sounded appealing, but the position itself was far from easy to hold.

Beastmen revered strength, and each had their own pride and ambitions. Few were willing to accept another’s control.

Unless you truly possessed the power to suppress all of the Female Master’s companions, the title of leader was nothing more than an empty shell.

Outwardly, they might obey you in front of the Female Master—but behind her back, they would act independently, paying lip service while doing as they pleased.

That would seriously undermine the unity of the household and, worse, bring endless trouble—and danger—to the Female Master herself.

Jasper clenched his fist tightly, saying nothing. Vincent, however, was perfectly frank.

"I’m apologizing for Rory’s sake. But if I had to choose again, I would still do the same. Jasper, you can’t hold them down. Setting Yuel aside—even Nix might not listen to you."

Though Jasper was at the peak of Rank Nine, if he truly fought Nix in his mech, the outcome was uncertain.

As for Yuel—it went without saying. At present, no one except Vincent could restrain him.

"I have no doubt about your love for Rory," Vincent continued calmly. "But her status is special. I can’t place her safety in your hands. At least—not yet."

Vincent raised his hand and pointed toward the artificial lake. A red glimmer flashed at his fingertips.

The next second, rain poured down from the sky, drenching the air.

"Jasper," Vincent said evenly, "I allow you to challenge me. If you can defeat me, I will return this position to you at any time."

These were things Jasper had long considered.

He knew his own limits. That was why, when he had walked in earlier and seen Vincent bonded with Rory, he had remained so calm.

"I will challenge you," Jasper said steadily. "But not for that position."

He looked straight at Vincent. "I love Rory. In my heart, nothing is more important than her." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Vincent was indeed better suited to that role. Jasper would not compete for it.

But—

"Vincent, I will work hard to advance my rank. One day, I will defeat you."

Vincent curved his lips slightly. "I’ll be waiting for that day."

Every warrior who strove to advance was worthy of respect.

"So for now," Vincent added, "you can go back and prepare for your breakthrough. I’ll take care of Rory."

Jasper stood silent for a while.

So he wasn’t even pretending anymore? Just openly sending everyone away so he could monopolize Rory?

***

Meanwhile, in the kitchen.

Rory had already taken out all the ingredients she needed. When Vincent returned, he had changed into simple loungewear.

He walked over with a gentle smile. "Rory, what would you like me to do?"

"Let’s make rice porridge for breakfast, and some steamed dumplings," she replied.

After speaking, she glanced behind him and didn’t see Jasper.

She asked, "Vincent, where’s Jasper?"

Vincent smiled. "He didn’t rest at all last night, so I told him to go back to his room and sleep first. When breakfast is ready, we’ll call him down."

Rory nodded and began teaching Vincent how to cook.

The Second Prince was surprisingly quick to learn—and very serious about it. When the steamed dumplings were done and no longer scalding hot, Vincent brought them over.

"Rory, try them. How do they taste?"

She took a bite, and her eyes lit up instantly. "They’re delicious! Vincent, you really have a talent for cooking. For your first try to turn out this good—that’s amazing."

Vincent’s smile was impossible to suppress. "Then eat more. The porridge is ready too—I’ll go serve it."

"I’ll call Jasper down so we can eat together." Rory opened her light-brain and sent Jasper a message.

She then took a photo and sent it to Nix and Yuel as well. "Vincent made breakfast—super delicious. When you’re back, I’ll teach you too."

There was no way Rory was going to cook for such a big household every day. She didn’t want all her time tied up in the kitchen.

But she could teach them—whoever was free could cook.

Soon, Jasper came downstairs after showering and changing. Seeing him, Rory happily pulled out a chair.

"Jasper, come try this. Vincent made all of it. It’s really good."

Vincent placed a bowl of porridge in front of Jasper. "I made plenty. Eat more."

After serving Jasper, Vincent filled a bowl for himself as well. The three of them sat at the table, eating and chatting. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

After breakfast, Rory watched as Vincent directed the service robots to clean up the kitchen.

She was just about to go soothe Jasper, when she received a message from Paros.

Paros: Do you have time today?

Rory thought for a moment and replied: Do you need soothing?

On the other side of the light-brain, Ethan Gabriel leaned over, trying to see what Paros was chatting about.

"Lord Paros, did you tell Female Master Rory that you’ve come to the Central District? Should we go to her estate right now? I’m just saying—Yuel’s estate is a bit small for her. You could prepare an even bigger, better one for her. If not, invite Female Rory to visit our waters. Let her see the Dragon Palace—she’s guaranteed to love it."

After speaking, Ethan noticed Paros staring silently at his light-brain and couldn’t help adding,

"Paros, I know you’re focused on ruling the entire interstellar realm, but you can’t neglect your lifelong partner either. The Beast God finally matched you with a Female Master—you can’t end up like me, a lifelong bachelor."

"Enough," Paros said coldly, shooting him a glance. He was too noisy.

He stared at Rory’s message and replied.

Paros: It’s not about soothing. I said before I wanted to treat you to a meal.

During the time they’d been apart, he found himself thinking of Rory more and more. He didn’t know what was wrong with him—he just wanted to see her.

But Rory didn’t reply. After a moment’s thought, he sent another message.

Paros: I’ve prepared a lot of ingredients. Can you cook for me?

She was so good at cooking—surely she’d be happy to hear about ingredients?

Rory stared at his messages, her face full of question marks. What was this man thinking?

Inviting her to dinner—and expecting her to cook? What kind of fantasy was that?

Rory: No time. Very busy.

After sending that, she calculated the star credits Paros had transferred earlier for meals.

Subtracting what she’d already used, she sent the rest back.

Rory: Transfer complete.

Rory: Sorry. I won’t have time to cook for you in the future. Returning the extra star coins.