CHAPTER 1025: CHAPTER 157 - THE CENTAUR KINGDOM (1)

We led the march toward the Centaur Kingdom, the once-proud assassins trailing behind us with ropes tied snugly around their torsos. The cords were tight enough to sting but not so much that they couldn’t walk—though every step they took reminded them that they were no longer free warriors of the plains, but captives of those they once looked down upon. Each clop of their hooves against the dirt sounded heavy, almost resentful, like they were swallowing chunks of their pride with every stride.

Still, there was a certain tension hanging in the air, that thick, awkward kind of silence where everyone knew that one wrong move could turn into a mess. The ropes connected them together, so if one of them stumbled or tried to run, the rest would follow right after—like a herd collapsing over itself. And for a centaur, falling while bound, while seen by their enemies? That was worse than death. No warrior of their kingdom would allow themselves to be seen as that weak and that vulnerable.

"I never thought I’d live long enough to experience this," Lionel said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he gave the rope a playful tug. "Leading a centaur around by a rope like a damn dog. Honestly, this might just be the best thing that’s happened to me so far."

The centaur prince beside him growled, his muscles tensing as his pride flared up. He couldn’t even look at Lionel without his jaw twitching in rage.

"You should be thankful my father hasn’t invaded your filthy lands yet!" the prince barked, trying to puff himself up even while tied. "If he did, you’d understand just how powerless your kind truly is before our might! You’d crumble!"

Lionel chuckled, tilting his head to the side. "Oh really? Then remind me again—who’s the one I’m dragging by a rope right now? You’re really talking big for someone who’s literally lost."

"T-That was a fluke!" the prince stammered, his tail flicking nervously. "If we fought seriously, I could’ve killed him in an instant!"

Lionel’s smirk widened, and he let out a small, mocking laugh. "But you didn’t. In fact, you had your men with you, and you still

lost. I don’t know what’s worse—the defeat or the embarrassment that came with it."

The prince’s nostrils flared. He clenched his teeth so hard it looked like they might crack. Everything Lionel said was true, and he knew it.

"You’re going to pay for this," the prince hissed, his eyes burning with fury.

Lionel and I shared a glance, then shrugged almost in unison. We’d heard enough empty threats for a lifetime.

After a while, the trees started thinning out, and before long, the land opened up into wide plains that stretched beneath a bright sky. And there it was—the Centaur Kingdom.

For two kingdoms that had been locked in bitter conflict for decades, it was shocking how close they were. Barely three days separated the Centaur lands from the Feliann Tribe’s borders. Close enough to make the tension feel like a ticking bomb.

The moment we got near the massive gates, a few guards noticed us. Their expressions shifted fast—from calm, to confused, to pure shock when they saw who we were escorting.

"W-What’s going on here?" one of them blurted, eyes darting between us and the prince. "Why are the beastkin here—and with the prince of all people!?"

"Did... did they get caught?" another muttered, disbelief written all over his face.

We kept walking, but before we could even reach the gates, a centaur soldier stepped forward, his spear digging into the dirt before us. His voice came out sharp and demanding.

"Where do you think you’re going? And why are you with our prince? Explain yourselves—now."

Lionel smirked slightly, resting his hand on his hip. "You already know, don’t you? Your prince showed up at dawn trying to slaughter one of our people. You expected us to just sit back and let it happen? We’re here to talk to your king."

The guard’s eyes narrowed, his tone dripping with disdain. "That’s not possible. No beasts are allowed within these walls. You creatures may act like men, but you’re still wild things. Uncivilized. You have no place here."

Lionel’s grin faded. His tone grew heavier, almost dangerous. "You people really think we’re beneath you, huh? Do you want me to show you who’s actually uncivilized?"

The guard scoffed, though his voice wavered slightly. "See? Just as I said. Wild. Savage. Itching for a fight." His hand twitched toward his sword, trembling even as he tried to act composed.

Before anything could escalate, a deep, commanding voice rang out from behind him.

"What’s going on here?"

The guards immediately stiffened and stepped aside. From behind them emerged a tall figure—towering even among centaurs. His steps were slow but deliberate, and despite leaning on a cane, his presence was impossible to ignore. His beard flowed almost to his chest, thick and gray, swaying as he walked. His eyes, though old, burned with the sharpness of a warrior who’d seen far too many battles.

By his side stood a woman—beautiful and regal, her features refined but carrying the same half-horse body as the rest of her kin. She carried herself like someone used to command.

"It’s been a while, Reilhahand," Lionel said, his tone casual but his gaze steady as the older centaur approached.

"A decade, exactly," Reilhahand replied, his voice calm but deep enough to make even the guards straighten unconsciously. Yeah—no doubt about it. This was the Centaur King himself.

"You’ve gotten old," Lionel teased with a grin. "Still got that swordsmanship of yours?"

Reilhahand chuckled softly, the sound low and rumbling. "It’s still sharp as ever. Would you like to find out?" he said, then turned his attention to the prince. "I see you’ve taken care of my son. I heard he caused trouble in your village. I’m thankful you brought him back safely."

Lionel scoffed. "You think I came all the way here just to drop off your son after he tried to kill someone from my tribe? Don’t play dumb—you sent him to assassinate Leon."