Chapter 88: Ch 88. Is It Wrong to Be with My Wife?

Stevan fell silent as he listened to Selena’s explanation. The smile that had been on his face all along slowly faded, replaced by a serious expression.

He had never given the matter much thought. He also hated the idea that this woman might be trying to divorce him.

After this woman’s abilities as a Healer of Extinction emerged, Stevan had also begun to regard Selena as his wife. Although their marriage had come about by the gods’ decree and not out of personal desire, her status had never changed in his eyes.

However, after hearing Selena’s explanation, he realized for the first time that there were many unresolved issues between them since their marriage.

"So, do you consider yourself unworthy of being introduced as the Dragon Queen?" Stevan finally asked.

Selena shook her head slowly.

"It’s not like that. I just don’t want to put you in a difficult situation. Just imagine how the elders and nobles of the Dragon clan would react if they found out that their King has a wife who is also the wife of four other Kings?"

Selena picked up a piece of meat, ate it casually, and then continued.

"I don’t mind visiting your palace as a guest. In fact, I’m quite interested in seeing what life is like in the Dragon clan. However, if you want to introduce me as the Dragon Queen, I think we need to consider many things first. Including, perhaps, the taunts from those who dislike me," she said, leaving Stevan momentarily speechless.

He knew Selena wasn’t belittling herself. She was simply stating a reality that could become a problem if they ignored it.

In Eldoria, interracial marriages aren’t something that can be treated as a simple matter, especially for the leaders of each race.

Every King has a duty to uphold traditions, bloodlines, and the standing of his clan. The mere presence of a Queen from another race could already spark debate among the elders.

Especially if that woman also holds the status of wife to four other Kings. That makes the situation even more complicated and difficult to resolve. Even if he manages to resolve it, it’s not certain that many people will understand.

"I never intended to hide you from my family forever," Stevan said after a moment. "I was just waiting for the right time to introduce you."

Selena turned to look at him. "In that case, have you thought about how to explain my status to them?"

Stevan fell silent again, and that made Selena smile faintly.

"That’s what I’m worried about. You might be able to think of me as your wife without caring what others think, but not everyone will share that view," she said, setting her cutlery down on the table.

"I don’t want to go there just to become the subject of gossip. Especially if someone tries to humiliate me because they think I’m not fit to be the Dragon Queen."

Stevan immediately frowned. "Who would dare do that?"

Selena looked at him impassively. "You can’t guarantee that no one will."

"I can protect you."

"I know you can protect me from people who try to hurt me directly. But can you also make every member of your clan accept your existence?"

That question left Stevan speechless.

Selena didn’t mean to underestimate his power. She knew Stevan was the Dragon King who wielded great authority, especially after he had successfully reclaimed the territory controlled by traitors within his clan.

However, personal power doesn’t always solve political problems.

If Stevan forced the clan to accept Selena without considering the elders’ opinions, she might actually become the target of their hatred.

Selena didn’t want to waste her time dealing with such issues. She was already busy enough dealing with the curse of extinction that threatened her husbands’ lives.

"I don’t want to cause you any trouble," Selena continued. "If you want to bring me to the celebration as a guest, I’m willing to consider it. However, don’t promise something you might not be able to deliver."

Stevan stared at Selena for quite a while.

Then, he sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"All right. I’ll think of the best way to explain this to my family."

Selena nodded in satisfaction. "Good. In that case, we don’t need to argue about it right now."

However, before Selena could go back to enjoying her meal, Stevan suddenly spoke again.

"Even so, I still want to take you to the main palace."

Selena raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because I want you to see it for yourself."

Stevan looked at her seriously.

"Up until now, you’ve only known the Dragon clan through other people’s stories. You’ve never seen what life is like for my people, how my palace was built, or what the territory we reclaimed from the Green Traitors looks like."

He paused for a moment. "Besides, I want to show you something."

Selena became a little curious.

"Something?"

Stevan nodded.

"In the main palace, there’s an ancient library accessible only to the royal family. It contains many records about the Dragon Clan’s history, including several documents regarding the Curse of Extinction."

Hearing this, Selena sat up straight.

"Documents about the Curse of Extinction?"

"Yes. I haven’t had a chance to go through everything yet, but one of the elders once mentioned that there are records regarding the cause of the disease afflicting the Dragon race."

Selena furrowed her brow.

Up until now, she had focused most of her attention on treating Stevan. Although she had succeeded in alleviating his symptoms, she hadn’t yet found a way to permanently remove the Curse of Extinction.

If the library contained useful information, a visit to the Dragon clan might prove highly beneficial to her.

However, Selena didn’t want to agree to anything right away just because she’d heard some intriguing words.

"Can I read all those documents?"

"Of course, as many as you want."

"Including documents related to royal secrets?" she asked, picking up another one. Stevan smiled along with her.

"As long as the documents are related to medicine and don’t endanger my clan’s safety, you can read them."

Selena nodded slowly. "In that case, I’ll consider it," she said finally.

Stevan seemed pleased to hear that answer.

He had actually prepared many things for Selena’s visit. In addition to the annual celebration, he also wanted to show her his domain and introduce her to some of the people who had been helping him manage the Dragon clan.

However, he didn’t want to force her to accept all his plans.

After what happened at the Eldoria court, Stevan began to understand that Selena wasn’t a woman who could be treated however he pleased just because they were husband and wife.

She had her own thoughts, her own desires, and goals that didn’t always align with his.

If Stevan wanted to earn Selena’s trust, he would have to learn to respect all of that.

"By the way," Selena spoke up again, pointing to the small bottle she had just finished making, "I’ve prepared an ointment for Dorven. This is necessary for the continuation of his treatment, so I want to give this to him."

Stevan glanced at the bottle for a moment.

"You’re still thinking about Dorven’s condition even though he’s finished his treatment?"

"Of course. I am, after all, the Healer of Extinction. If I let my patient face new problems after treatment, doesn’t that mean my work isn’t done?" Selena said so matter-of-factly that Stevan couldn’t argue with her.

However, for some reason, he felt a little uneasy.

Selena seemed so concerned when talking about Dorven’s treatment. She had even gone so far as to make a special ointment after staying up all night to aid his recovery.

Meanwhile, Stevan had come bearing food, hoping to spend some time with her.

The difference was quite clear. Even so, he quickly pushed the thought aside. After all, he hadn’t come to seek Selena’s attention.

"In that case, I’ll have someone take you to Dorven’s residence after you finish eating," he said.

Selena shook her head. "No need. I can go by myself."

"I know you can go by yourself. Still, I’d like to sit here with you."

Selena turned her head and looked at him with a puzzled expression. Stevan returned her gaze without any awkwardness.

"What? Am I not allowed to spend time with my own wife?"

Selena nearly choked on the food she’d just eaten. She hurriedly reached for her drink before answering.

"Of course you can. I’ve never stopped you."

"Good."

Stevan smiled contentedly, then took a piece of meat from his own plate. Selena could only shake her head.

These Kings are really strange. They used to not even want to look at me, but now they’re competing to find reasons to spend time with me.

She didn’t know if their change in attitude truly stemmed from concern, guilt, or simply a need for her healing abilities.

However, one thing was certain: Selena wouldn’t change her stance just because they’d started acting nicer. If they truly wanted a place in her life, they’d have to prove it through actions, not just sweet words.

And for now, Selena was more interested in finishing their treatments than in thinking about the possibility of falling in love with one of those five men. After all, she still had one goal that hadn’t changed since the beginning.

To heal the five Kings, complete her duty as the Healer of Extinction, and then gain the freedom to determine her own life.

As for whether her five husbands will be part of that future or not, Selena doesn’t have an answer yet. She doesn’t even intend to find out anytime soon.

"Your Majesty, the Kings have arrived."