Interstellar Beast World: All My Husbands Are Powerful and Rich!-Chapter 141: Pointless games

Central District.

In a remote castle on the outskirts of the city...

Aris stared at the intelligence his subordinate had just delivered, rage surging through him so violently he felt as though he might kill someone on the spot.

"You’re certain this information is correct?" His voice was low and dangerous. "The female I took a liking to today—Rory—is the very same Female Master the Beast God matched to that useless trash, Aren?"

The subordinate answered carefully, fear evident in his tone. "After discovering the initial report, I had it verified a second time. There’s no mistake."

He paused before continuing.

"We’ve also confirmed Rory’s background. She’s from Veridan City. Both parents are deceased. She currently has four matches and one official partner."

"The matches are: Jasper of the Violet Mystic Serpent Clan, Nix of the Lion-Tiger Clan, Commander Yuel, and Xarion of the Snowfield Wolf Clan."

"Her first partner is His Highness Vincent, Second Prince of the Firebird Clan. He is already Rank Eleven."

As soon as he finished speaking, the subordinate retreated back into the shadows.

The air around Aris grew heavier—thicker—charged with something violent and unrestrained.

"She has two Rank Eleven powerhouses by her side?"

Rory was merely a Rank Five female.

And the Beast God had matched two Rank Eleven males to her?

"Has that old fool gone senile?" Aris sneered bitterly. "Fine. I don’t care."

His teeth ground together as he growled, "The female I want must belong to me. To me alone."

He removed the black mask from his face and stared at his reflection in the mirror—the face he had despised for twenty-nine years.

"My dear brother," he murmured coldly, fingers brushing the glass. "You’ve stolen so many good things from me over the years. It’s time you repaid the favor. Why don’t you start by giving me your Female Master?"

A low laugh escaped him.

Then it grew louder.

Wild.

Unhinged.

He tossed the mask to the floor and crushed it beneath his boot.

"Since Vincent is her partner, she’ll definitely attend the Firebird Empress’s birthday banquet tomorrow."

He turned toward his subordinates. "Prepare everything."

Aris traced the line of his own reflection in the mirror.

"From tomorrow onward... I am Aren. It’s been so long without news from me. My Female Master must be anxious."

He smiled. "It’s time I returned to her."

***

That evening, Vincent and Yuel returned together.

Rory could hardly contain herself. She immediately told them about winning the prizes and handed Vincent the ownership certificate for the castle.

The hovercar delivered that afternoon was parked outside the manor.

She pulled both men outside and pointed at it.

"Nix already checked the hovercar. There are no issues. But I didn’t dare visit the castle yet. I wasn’t sure if there might be a problem."

She had always been cautious. Sudden windfalls made her uneasy. Better to verify first than walk into trouble.

Vincent examined the ownership certificate calmly as she recounted the entire lottery event.

A faint smile curved his lips. "Every Ten-Thousand Females Festival in the Central District has lottery events like this."

"Though," he added mildly, "the prizes were never quite this extravagant before."

Rory caught the subtext immediately. "What were the prizes in previous years?"

Yuel took one glance at the hovercar and instantly understood.

Smiling, he said gently, "Little Rory, what the prizes used to be doesn’t matter. What matters is that this year’s Ten-Thousand Females Festival prizes were all sponsored by Starlight Prime Tech."

Rory froze.

"Dax?" Realization dawned in her eyes. "So that’s why my luck suddenly skyrocketed."

She let out a small, humorless laugh. "I should’ve known. No one’s that lucky."

Vincent noticed the faint disappointment in her expression and softened his voice.

"If you like the hovercar and the castle, we can simply purchase them outright."

"No." Rory shook her head. "What I liked was the idea that I got lucky."

Now that she knew it was orchestrated, the magic was gone.

"I’m not interested anymore." She handed the certificate back. "Please return everything to Dax. And tell him not to play these pointless games in the future."

She had been so genuinely happy.

Vincent casually tossed the ownership certificate to Yuel. "Handle it."

Yuel pursed his lips.

First partner privilege, huh?

He raised an eyebrow. "Why not send Xarion instead?"

He smiled faintly. "Xarion stays home all day. He could use some fresh air. I’ll assign two guards to accompany him."

The fox had dared to scheme? Let him experience being "handled" by Xarion.

Rory hesitated. "Is Xarion really suitable for this? Maybe Nix could go."

She didn’t want to see Dax herself—but Xarion could be... unpredictable.

"Female Master," Yuel replied, patient and smooth, "Xarion may be lazy, but he isn’t stupid. And he’s Rank Eleven. He won’t suffer any losses."

Vincent’s gaze flickered knowingly. He understood Yuel’s thoughts perfectly.

Holding Rory’s hand, he smiled faintly. "Yuel is right. Xarion is Rank Eleven."

He turned slightly toward Yuel. "If you’re truly worried, Yuel can accompany him. Now."

Out of Rory’s sight, Yuel shot Vincent a sharp glare.

Was this about that earlier bonus dispute? How petty.

"Fine. I’ll take him."

Yuel collected the hovercar capsule and went straight to Xarion’s room, dragging him up from his crystal coffin.

"The Female Master has a task for you."

The moment he heard it was for Rory, Xarion reluctantly climbed out, sluggish but obedient.

***

Starlight Prime Tech.

Dax had just finished reviewing documents and was preparing to leave when his assistant hurried in.

"My Lord, Commander Yuel and Young Master Xarion of the Snowfield Wolf Clan have arrived."

Dax’s heart skipped a beat. Did Rory find out the gifts were from him?

He pressed his lips together nervously. "Escort them to the high reception room. I’ll be there shortly."

Could it be... Had she forgiven him? Had she sent them to bring him back?

Dax hurried to change into his finest attire, ensuring he looked flawless.

This time, he would show her his true face.

***

Inside the reception room, Yuel leaned toward Xarion and murmured quietly, "When we see that fox, you speak. Say whatever you like. The harsher, the better."

Xarion slowly rolled his eyes. "I don’t speak harshly."

Yuel sighed. Sure.

Dax pushed the door open and entered the room. He greeted them politely, posture impeccable.

"Apologies for the wait." They were Rory’s matches––he had to show respect.

Yuel said nothing.

Xarion reluctantly straightened, then tossed the hovercar capsule and the castle certificate onto the table.

"The Female Master said she doesn’t want your things." His glassy gaze swept over Dax. "And you don’t need to dress like that in front of me. I don’t like males who spread their feathers just to impress. You’ve already dissolved the match. Behave yourself. Stop using underhanded tricks. Don’t waste everyone’s time."

He finished speaking and stood up, swaying slightly as he headed for the door.

Was that harsh? He’d been perfectly honest, nothing more.

Dax’s face drained of color. "I didn’t... I only wanted... I just..."

Yuel rose and patted Dax’s shoulder lightly. "What you wanted doesn’t matter. What matters is that Rory doesn’t want to see you. And she doesn’t want your gifts. I’m sure the Tech Lord is a smart man. You won’t make things difficult for her."

Dax staggered slightly.

It felt as if someone had thrust a blade into his chest. The metallic taste of blood rose in his throat.