Chapter 46: Caught the Eye of Another Woman

“That woman’s arrows had a peculiar smell of urine, which I could trace all the way here. And your sword, it’s crafted from the teeth of my beloved mount.”

Draxel reflected for a moment, suspecting the urine scent might have originated from the young dragon Lein. As for his weapon, it seemed the Valkyrie Tianyan had indeed noticed something peculiar about it.

Internally, he cursed, blaming the voracious dragon for its strong scent of urine from its diet of meat and milk, which had led them to be tracked.

Regarding the weapon, it appeared that as long as he continued wielding the Wolf King’s sword, Valkyrie Tianyan could always find him, drawn by the blade linked to her cherished mount.

“May I reserve my third question for later, like you? I believe we shall meet again.”

“No, that counts as your third question. You’ve now asked all three. Well, I’ve decided to kill you. Speak your last words, and I’ll ensure they reach Uxkhal.”

“Valkyrie Tianyan, can we talk about this more? Perhaps you found the questions unsatisfying. Ask more, and I’ll share all I know. Besides, I must return Noyan Tulu to you. You might need me alive for now.”

Hearing this, Valkyrie Tianyan let out a series of laughs, then fixed Draxel with a menacing, unsettling gaze.

“Do you think I need your permission to take someone from Uxkhal? You think too highly of yourself. Make your choice, to die by my hand, or to be torn apart by my wolves?”

At that moment, Draxel could sense she was serious. It seemed today might truly be his last.

Draxel inwardly pleaded, ‘System, we desperately need to cheat right now, otherwise, we’re both going to die today. Do you get that? We haven’t even secured our gravesites yet!’

[System Alert: Sorry, I am powerless to assist. Please continue with the game.]

‘Continue my foot, you…’

Watching Draxel stay silent and motionless, Valkyrie Tianyan grew impatient and remarked, “Fine, killing you would just dirty my hands. Since you killed my mount, let me be reasonable, I’ll let my mount kill you instead.”

‘It does sound like you’re a reasonable person.’

[System Alert: Are you seriously analyzing her catchphrase right now!? But true, she is indeed a reasonable person.]

The Valkyrie Tianyan’s new mount, the new King of the Steppe Wolves, hearing its master’s calls, left behind the soldiers’ corpses it was devouring and ran towards Draxel. This Wolf King, though leaner and not as muscular as the last one Draxel had slain, was still more than capable of sending Draxel to the afterlife.

“Awoo! I am the new Wolf King! Meet your end!” The Wolf King howled skyward before charging furiously at Draxel.

“Wait, I acknowledge you as the new Wolf King, but I’d rather not meet my end just yet.”

Astonishingly, Draxel found himself understanding the wolf’s language. The charging Wolf King slowed, visibly confused.

“Awoo? You can actually understand? That’s impossible!”

“As you can see, I did understand, Lord Wolf King.”

“Awroo. This kid must be guessing. Repeat what I just said.”

“This kid must be guessing… Repeat what I said… See, Wolf King, not only did I repeat your exact words, but I also perfectly imitated your expression, mindset, and actions.”

This convinced the Wolf King entirely, and even the Valkyrie Tianyan was taken aback by the miraculous event before her.

“Even I can’t understand the speech of wolves, yet you, boy, possess such a skill. Hmm…”

After pondering for a moment, the Valkyrie Tianyan declared, “I’m a person who values reason. I admire those with talents, and your particular talent has won my favor. I won’t kill you.”

Draxel nearly burst into tears, relief washing over him. Surviving a disaster must indeed bring good fortune.

“You’re truly kind-hearted and reasonable. Thank you for sparing my life. We shall meet again in the future, farewell.”

Draxel was about to flee, thinking, ‘Damn, this woman’s mood swings are drastic. What if she changes her mind suddenly? I need to get out of here.’

“Farewell? I said I wouldn’t kill you, but did I say you could leave.”

“Then what would you like–” 

Before he could finish, the Valkyrie Tianyan appeared in front of Draxel in an instant, striking him on the temple with her elbow. He immediately lost consciousness.

Upon waking, he found himself inside a luxurious carriage, accompanied by the Valkyrie Tianyan, while her Wolf King and other wolves pulled the carriage. This magnificent vehicle slowly progressed on the road. More accurately, it was a wolf carriage, not a horse carriage.

“You’re awake. How does it feel to be in my carriage for the first time?”

“I’d say you’re quite the experienced driver.”

“What does that mean?”

“Oh, oh… I mean, your carriage is very elegant.” Once again, he inadvertently used a modern term.

Draxel slowly sat up, noting he wasn’t tied up. Not that it would make any difference. Against the formidable Valkyrie Tianyan, bindings would hardly alter the outcome.

“Where am I?”

“On the road to Tulga, the capital of the Khergit Khanate. I’ve sent letters in your name to Uxkhal and the Kingdom of Swadia, claiming you’ve decided to defect to our side and renounce your authority there.”

“What?! You… That’s a wise decision indeed. I’ve long considered joining you.” 

Draxel initially bristled with anger but quickly recognized the futility of opposing the woman before him. When under the roof of another, one has no choice but to bow. He had to endure.

“Hmm, I know what you’re truly thinking, but I’m someone who values reason. Once we arrive at the Khergit Khanate, my father will award you new lands. You’ll retain your status as a noble count.”

“Thank you, but I doubt I have the skill to manage the lands properly, which might disappoint you.”

“That’s not an issue. If you struggle, I’ll assist you. I might even make Noyan Tulu your underling.”

“I… need to use the restroom. Can we stop briefly?”

The Wolf King pulling the carriage overheard Draxel’s request.

“Awoo. Lad, I see you’re trying to stall for time, hoping for a rescue. I’d advise you to give up on that thought.”

“Why? They are very loyal, I’m sure they’ll come for me.”

“Awoo. Even f they come, what chance do they stand? They’re no match for my mistress.”

Draxel felt a deep sense of despair. Indeed, any attempt at rescue would be futile.

His every thought had been transparent to the Valkyrie Tianyan from the start.