Beast Soul Awakened

"What happened to Hachi?" Aria inquired with concern as she observed him sleeping.

She gently touched his forehead. "He's running a fever. Is he unwell? Can beastmen get sick?"

"No, he's not sick. I believe his beast soul is on the verge of awakening," Xerxes explained.

"Beast soul?"

"Beastmen go through three stages in their lives. The first stage is the newborn stage, where they primarily exist in their animal form until they mature. The second stage involves their complete transformation into human form, during which their strength, agility, and ability to speak like humans develop. The final stage is the awakening of the beast soul, a stage that bestows them with potent strength. However, it's also the most critical phase. If a beast's body is weak, there's a risk they may not survive the process." Xerxes explained further.

"So, you mean Hachi could... potentially die?" Aria became increasingly worried. "He's still so young. What if..."

"Hachi is a resilient child. It's remarkable that he's on the cusp of awakening his beast soul at such a young age. Don't fret, I'll keep a close watch and assist him through this." he said.

"Please ensure his survival." she said.

"I promise... I've also sent a letter to Valentine. He possesses divine powers and can provide assistance." he added.

Valentine had become a Paladin.

"I trust you," she muttered.

"Now, return to your room and rest. Stress is not good for the baby," Xerxes advised.

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....

"Are you certain this is the place?" Baron Campbell inquired as he gazed at the shop.

"Yes, my Lord. This is where I spotted the young Lord. It's also your daughter's favorite bakery," the butler replied.

"Hmm... But how can I be sure he'll return here? We can't linger here every day, waiting for him," the Baron said.

"Perhaps we could inquire with the shop owner? He might be a regular customer." the butler suggested.

"You're right, let's ask them." They entered the shop.

The Baron sighed when the shop owner had no information about his son. Given the large number of customers visiting the shop daily, it was challenging for them to recall faces.

"What should we do now, my Lord?" the butler inquired.

"I suppose we should return home for now. Shanella is likely waiting for us," the Baron said, casting one more look at the shop.

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Napoleon was on his way to the Imperial Palace when he spotted the Baron of the East. The Baron was one of his father's business partners.

"Halt!" he commanded.

Their carriage came to a stop in front of the Baron and his butler.

"Hello, Lord Campbell! It's a pleasant surprise to see you here," he greeted.

"Well, look who's here, Lord Napoleon! It's nice to see you as well. It's been a year since we last met," the Baron said.

"I've been busy, my father assigned one of his hotels to me, and I've been managing it."

"Hoho! You've truly become a businessman now. I believe you're the youngest businessman in our empire."

He chuckled and scratched his head.

"By the way, what brings you to the capital?" Napoleon asked.

The Baron rubbed his neck. "Actually, I'm searching for my long-lost son."

"You have a son?" Napoleon was surprised. He had thought Lady Shanella was the Baron's only child.

"Yes, I lost him when he was just a baby. I had assumed he was gone, but my butler claims to have seen a young man here in the capital wearing the same necklace as my wife. We gave that necklace to our son during his first month. It gave me hope, if he truly is my son, I'd bring him back to our estate. I think he's about your age." the Baron explained.

"But if you lost him as a baby, finding him in the vast capital will be quite challenging with so little information." Napoleon commented.

The Baron sighed. "You're right. But if, by any chance, you happen to see a man wearing this necklace, please send me a letter." He showed Napoleon his wife's necklace.

"All right, I'll remember this. I have to leave now, Lord Campbell. I have an appointment with the Empress at the Palace."

"Very well, have a good day."

Napoleon boarded his carriage and departed, while the Baron and his butler decided to return home.

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....

"It surprised me when I heard that you were pregnant," Napoleon remarked as he sipped his tea.

"Even I was surprised, I still can't believe I'm going to be a mother," Aria said, gently caressing her belly.

Napoleon felt a twinge of jealousy. The Emperor was incredibly fortunate; his child would be the Empress's firstborn. Probably, the other husbands were experiencing jealousy as well.

"How did the investigation go?" she asked.

"It's confirmed that the Duke is involved in drug smuggling within the empire. Ryu, disguised as a member of the guild, infiltrated their operations. He's one of the laborers responsible for transporting drugs to the west. He plans to obtain samples and send them to Arthur immediately." Napoleon explained.

"We must put a stop to their drug production and distribution. I'll find a way to visit the west with Izekiel. If Izekiel discovers this, it will spell the end for Duke Wolfsbane and the others." she said.

"But given his relationship with the Duke, he might offer the Duke a chance to explain and prove his innocence. He could still escape consequences." he continued to drink his tea.

"Do you have a plan in mind?" she asked.

"We need witnesses. In addition to catching them in the act, we require witnesses. It won't be easy, those working for the Duke are fiercely loyal to him, whether out of trust or fear." he suggested.

"Then capture them in secret and force them to speak up. If they refuse to cooperate, torture them." Aria said.

Napoleon swallowed nervously. Aria was truly frightening when she was angry.

"All right, we'll proceed with that approach," he agreed.

"I'll send a letter to the Crimson Blades and request that Xerxes prepare a place to detain and hide the captives." she said.

"It's settled then," he said, helping himself to a slice of cake.

"By the way..." he shifted his gaze away from her. "Regarding my proposal... will you still turn me down?"

He had been courting her for over a year,

Right, I almost forgot about him.

Napoleon had made significant contributions to capturing Viscount Milano and his son, assisting with the investigation of Duke Wolfsbane, and exerting considerable effort to help her. For a year, she had largely ignored him.

"But I already have five husbands. You can have a wife who chooses only you as her husband, free from competition," she said.

"But I only love you. I don't want any other woman; I only want you." he said.

This man was as persistent as Claudius. I had nearly forgotten that, before the rebellion, he used to visit frequently, bringing numerous gifts and even serenading me. Should I accept him or reject him? My husbands are enough for me. And the question here, do I have feelings for him too? Argh! This is frustrating!

Napoleon lowered his head. He seemed upset. "My feelings for you are genuine..."

Sigh...

"Give me some time to think it over. Please be patient and grant me more time." she said.

"All right, I'll await your answer," he said.

Knock! Knock!

The door opened.

Cedrik entered and bowed. "Your Majesty, His Grace Valentine has arrived."

He had come for Hachi.

"Ask him to come to Hachi's room," she instructed.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Cedrik bowed.

Napoleon noticed the necklace Cedrik was wearing.

Could it be...

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....

"How is he?" Aria asked with deep concern when she saw Hachi struggling.

"This won't be easy. Hachi's not fully grown yet, his beast soul has awakened earlier than expected. He must endure and fight through the process, or he won't survive," Valentine explained.

"I've received information that the blood of a mate or master can help the beast increase its strength during this transformation. Aria, you're his master, we can use your blood to aid him," Xerxes suggested.

"I'll do whatever it takes to help him through this," Aria agreed with determination.

Xerxes added a crucial detail, "Before we proceed, you should be aware that once he has received your blood, he will never have a mate in the future. His life will be bound to you, and his loyalty and devotion will be dedicated to you alone."

Aria pondered this weighty decision for a moment. "This is a matter of life and death, and I don't mind having him by my side forever. Hachi and I can discuss this further once this is over."

Xerxes nodded.

"Xerxes, create a barrier for me. I need to stay inside and channel my divine energy to transfer it to his body. It should help ease his pain," Valentine ordered.

Xerxes nodded in understanding.

Aria took a knife and cut her hand, allowing her blood to flow into a cup of liquid. She then carefully made Hachi drink it.

Xerxes created a protective barrier, as instructed by Valentine. Valentine remained inside with Hachi, and a radiant light enveloped them. Hachi initially cried out in agony, but he gradually calmed down as he fought in silence.

Cedrik approached Aria to bandage her hand while they both watched Hachi.

"AAAAHHHHHH!!!"

Aria panicked as Hachi's screams filled the air. He appeared to be in excruciating pain.

"Don't worry, it's normal. The process is nearing its end," Xerxes assured her while reinforcing the protective barrier.

Hachi transformed into a magnificent silver wolf, towering over them.

"Is that Hachi?" she asked.

He's so beautiful.

Valentine finally ceased his efforts, and Hachi slowly opened his eyes, displaying a wolf symbol on his forehead. He let out a resounding howl.

"Hachi!" Aria rushed to him.

"Your Majesty!" Cedrik called out, worried that Hachi might inadvertently harm her.

"Don't worry, it's still Hachi. He's just evolved," Xerxes reassured them.

Aria embraced Hachi. "You're so beautiful."

Hachi gazed at her and then transformed into his human form, leaving everyone in awe.

Hachi had become a teenager, appearing to be approximately 17 years old, exuding remarkable charm.

"Master," he said, gently caressing her face.

Blushing, Aria stammered, "H-Hachi? Is that really you?"

Oh my goodness! He's incredibly handsome! He's not my baby Hachi anymore!

Hachi smiled. "Master!!!!" he hugged her tightly.

Okay, I was wrong, he's still acting like a baby despite his adult appearance.

"Master! Hachi is stronger now!" he declared, still holding her close.

Xerxes rolled his eyes and pulled Hachi away.

"Hey! Let go of me!" Hachi protested.

"Aren't you ashamed? You're naked!" Xerxes scolded him.

Aria's face turned crimson as she realized that Hachi had been naked when he hugged her.

Why didn't I notice!

"Now that he's fine, why don't we have some tea?" Valentine suggested, flashing a warm smile.

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....

Rasheen glared at Hachi, a scowl on his face. "Why did he have to transform into a teenage male? Look at him; he looks almost the same height as us!"

"Aren't you happy that Hachi has grown up?" Gawain asked, a cheerful smile on his face.

"I will never be happy! Just look at him! He's been hugging Aria since earlier!" Rasheen complained.

He's right; Hachi refuses to leave Aria's side.

"Hey doggie, stop acting like a baby. You're not a kid anymore, and you can't do the things you used to," Rasheen said.

"He's right, Hachi. If Izekiel sees you like this, I'm afraid he'll cut you in half," Claudius added.

"Hmph! You guys are just jealous. You can't accept that I'm more handsome than you," Hachi smirked.

The men appeared furious, as if they wanted to tie him up and toss him into the sea.