Chapter 4 Mother

  "Hum hum, young master, you really are the best master in the world."

  Buried in a basin of delicious fresh fish, Barshte completely lost the elegance of the cat family, on the one hand, she was eating with her mouth open, and on the other hand, she didn't forget to slap her cheeks and flatter.

  Raymond, who was standing beside her, couldn't help but look at Bastet's eating habits with some embarrassment. Ever since the Cat People's leader had given Bastet to him, this silly cat girl would always have something surprising about her.

  Among the beastmen, the hierarchy is strict, especially among the Bimon tribe. Due to their own strength, they look down on any other race. Someone like Reimond would actually sit at the same table as a lowly cat person, which is impossible to see in other Bimon people. This kind of unconventional behavior has also triggered disgust from his own kind.

  For such a stigma, the always optimistic Raymond did not take it to heart. For him, being close to subordinates does not mean losing dignity, and similarly, the respect of subordinates for oneself does not need to be obtained through keeping a distance.

  There was a beastman who reacted to Amada about this matter, asking her to remind Reimund to pay attention to the prince's dignity. Her Majesty the Queen smiled and said something that no one understood.

  "Haha, this kind of behavior style really makes me miss it."

  Look up at the sky and see that it's getting dark. No way, things during the day should still be told to mom.

  Bastard, who was eating with his head down, hastily wiped his mouth and stood up. Raymond patted his hand: "It's okay, you can continue eating."

  "No, the clan leader has instructed me that as your personal attendant, I must be by your side at all times." Bastet didn't even glance at the remaining fresh fish, and said seriously: "Besides, although we are in the palace, I don't think you are absolutely safe."

  A hint of surprise flashed across Raymond's eyes once again, he nodded: "Alright then, follow me."

  Raymond left his residence and walked with Bast to another part of the Beast King's Palace. The nocturnal Beast King's Palace had an awe-inspiring silence, with its palace built from massive and rough rocks, casting a deep black shadow under the endless night sky. Except for the torches that were lit every few meters, the rest was shrouded in darkness, and walking through it was like walking inside the belly of some unknown monster.

  Bastet followed Ramon for a short time, and this was the first time she entered the Beastman King's Palace. She closely followed behind Ramon, her eyes wide open as she looked around curiously.

  "There's nothing good to see." Raymond said as he walked, "Wait until you've been with me for a while, there will be plenty of opportunities to come here, and by then you'll probably be sick of it."

  "I was memorizing the route and the location of the sentry posts, which is also what the chief taught me. Every time we arrive at a new place, this is the first thing to do." Bast said, suddenly she let out an "ah" of surprise: "Oh no, as soon as I talk to you, I forget everything I memorized."

  Looking back at the anxious Bast, who was clutching his ears and cheeks, Raymond shook his head with a bitter smile. Alas, I don't know if I've picked up a treasure or a fool.

  Before long, the two arrived outside Amada's bedchamber. The beastman's dwelling was not as luxurious as that of humans, and even Amada, the queen of the beastmen, had a bedchamber that was only a slightly larger stone structure.

  The guards here are confidants of Amada, so they have great respect for Raymond. Seeing him, the two Bamun soldiers straightened their waists at once.

  "Is Mom home?" Raymond asked as he walked in.

  One of the guards replied: "Your Majesty is in the reception hall, meeting with the High Priest Robard of the Minotaur tribe."

  "Oh, has the High Priest arrived?" Raymond's face lit up with joy and he immediately quickened his pace.

  "Wait for me here." With that, Raymond left Basita outside the living room and pushed open the door.

  "Mom."

  As he walked in, a petite woman turned her head and looked over.

  Judging from her appearance alone, she was a lovely and cute little girl. She wore a magnificent long dress, with silver hair scattered behind her head, and every move she made was elegant and refined. Even in the simple stone room of the beastman, she was like a fragrant white orchid, emitting an enchanting aura. Of course, what caught people's attention the most was probably her appearance, which was no different from that of a human being.

  This woman, by virtue of her extraordinary means to end the internal strife, became the first queen in the history of the Beastmen tribe, and held power for over ten years - Amada.

  It wasn't until he saw her that he was no longer surprised by Raymond's appearance. Especially because of the physical characteristics of the Miao nationality, Amada's face had hardly aged, still as delicate and charming as ever, with only a more mature and noble demeanor, making her even more captivating.

  Seeing Raymond, Amada frowned slightly: "How many times have I said it, don't call me that, you should also have some of the prince's dignity."

  To her scolding, Raymond was completely unfazed. He chuckled and dodged the issue: "Hey, I'm calling you that to show affection."

  "Are you right, Robard the priest?" he said, turning to the Minotaur beside Amada.

  This Minotaur has a physique that is even more robust than his peers, with one of the horns on his head broken off and the remaining one being extremely thick, covered in scars from swords and knives, showing his extensive battle experience. However, upon closer inspection, it can be seen that the hair under his chin has turned white, indicating that he is no longer in his prime.

  He wore a rare robe among the Minotaurs, holding a huge wooden staff in his hand. The staff was also covered with scars and had the skull of a top-level fire-elemental lizard, Lava Saurian, embedded on its tip, showing off his noble status as the most respected Shaman High Priest among the Minotaurs.

  Robard smiled and nodded repeatedly, his eyes showing undisguised delight: "Long time no see, Your Highness is still so interesting to talk to."

  "It's still better if it's you, High Priest, who is more open-minded, unlike my mom, who is getting more and more conservative."

  High Priest Robad was one of the few beastmen close to Ramon, and it was he who presided over the ceremony of blessing by the god of war when Ramon was born. It can be said that Ramon grew up under his care since childhood, so the relationship between the two is extraordinary.

  Although she was scolding him, it could be seen that Amada actually loved this son very much. The old and young pair got along well, and immediately she lost her temper. In front of outsiders, the majestic queen was now only helplessly shaking her head.

  "High Priest, what brings you to Crag Tooth as well?" Raymund asked after they sat down.

  Robard nodded: "I am here on behalf of the clan leader to attend the War God Festival. Due to the unstable situation on the Ice Frozen Plateau, the clan leader is leading troops to guard against the barbarians' attack."

  The Frostborn Plateau is located west of the Orcish Empire, and since 20 years ago when the barbarians there took advantage of the orcs' internal strife to break free from their slavery and establish a nation, relations between the two sides have been tense. Currently, most of the wars fought by the orcs are against the barbarians.

  Amada said, "Just now I was discussing this matter with Robard the priest. After the festival is over, I plan to withdraw troops and fight a decisive battle against the barbarians. This time, I must make those barbarians dare not cross the snow line again."

  "Your Majesty, please do not be anxious. The barbarians have the support of the Dinar Kingdom and especially receive weapons and supplies from Lovell, so they are well-equipped and we do not have the upper hand."

  "Ahmada Airways: 'Hmph, the Kingdom of Dinerral signed a peace treaty with us, yet they're making these underhanded moves behind our backs. Robard, what did the envoy we sent to protest say?'"

  Robard sighed, "That's what they said on the other side. It was a voluntary trade between Lovell and the barbarians. They have no right to interfere with the lord's freedom of trade. Of course, that's just an excuse."

  There was a loud crack, and Amada slammed her hand on the table. She was furious: "It's Lovell again! That guy! After 20 years, does he still want to oppose me?"

  In his impression, Raymond rarely saw Amada so angry, but he didn't know why this place called Lovell in the kingdom of Dinar would make his mother so angry.

  He was about to ask, but saw Robard's urgent eye color, apparently indicating that he should not speak, so although very puzzled, Raymond had no choice but to give up.

  Amada rubbed her forehead: "Forget it, let's talk about this after the festival. There's a Moro elder sitting in town over there, so there shouldn't be any problems for now."

  He turned to Raymond and said, "Raymond, what are you doing here?"