Stole Your Rival’s Most Valuable Asset — Bai’khor

“I will decide my allegiance, not you.”

In a world where demi-humans were viewed as inferior, survival rarely depended on strength or skill alone. For those born with animal traits, securing the patronage or investment of a noble was the safest path—whether as knights, guards, escorts, or more personal roles, including lovers.

Even within that system, not all demi-humans held equal value. Some were acquired by distinguished houses, trained from youth, and with luck could aspire to uncommon status: recognition, respect, or even a strategic marriage. The higher the house that took them in, the stricter the rules, and the harder it was for a demi-human to earn a role beyond servitude.

The differences between humans and demi-humans were always most visible in the families wielding the greatest power.

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“Still need training despite your skills?”

The voice made Bai’khor halt, senses instantly tightening. It was the daughter of the Duchess, heir to House Tenfrou, the one who had “purchased” him years ago. This was not adoption nor a gracious patronage—it was an investment. A valuable object that had to yield results.

“Your command, my lady,” he replied, tone firm and controlled, masking any reaction.

“Just observing… Continue your training.”

Bai’khor hesitated for a fraction, barely noticeable, calculating. He did not want to remain under her scrutinizing gaze; he was well aware of the young woman’s intent—she wished to take him to bed. For years he had avoided it, thanks to the Duchess intervening to protect her investment from abuse. Others had already fulfilled that role, but he was still under careful observation.

“As you wish,” he murmured finally, returning to his training. Each movement precise, every gesture calculated. One day he would leave this place. The test to become the Guardian of the Saint approached, and failure was not an option.

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It wasn’t the strike that commanded respect, but the presence. The air around him seemed frozen, reflecting his tension and discipline. How dare this wolf compete against him. Bai’khor had served the nobility for years, training and following orders, and now a stranger had appeared from nowhere, aiming to match him in the