The Conquerors Path Chapter 964 - 962-Surfing Dangerous Thoughts.

The words haunted her, lingering in the back of her mind; ever since they were spoken, Nathalia had been lost in contemplation. Strictly speaking, there was no technical issue—the concept of a man having multiple wives was a standard practice, observed among all powerful men who kept more than one spouse. To someone with a mind like Nathalia’s, it shouldn't have been a problem at all.

By nature, she possessed a softer disposition; aggressive competition was not in her character, as her gentle heart simply wasn't built for it. Having grown up witnessing the polygamous lifestyle, a small part of Nathalia’s heart whispered that she might not be enough to hold onto Austin on her own. She didn't see herself as the type of primary wife who could take command and lead.

While she desperately craved Austin’s love and wanted it entirely for herself, Nathalia was plagued by the fear of her own inadequacy. Despite being the world’s most respected and sought-after creator, she struggled with deep-seated insecurities; this was precisely why her stepmother had issued an ultimatum: either she must change herself, or prepare to dwell in a prison of her own making.

<You will have to choose if you can’t change: will you live enough with just a fraction of his love, which can fade away and be taken by other women, or will you rise to the challenge and be the only one who won’t fade away?>

That conversation with her stepmother had fundamentally shifted Nathalia’s perspective, opening her eyes to harsh realities. Even if she attempted to accept Austin having other wives, the overwhelming dread that he might abandon her, lack time for her, or be entirely stolen away by another woman filled her with terror.

She recognized her own youth and naivety, yet even after much soul-searching, she remained uncertain of her path. Escaping the protective shell she had constructed was no simple task. As these thoughts swirled within her, they took a darker, more profound turn—she began to vividly imagine a life where Austin found her insufficient.

Her mind became a tangle of confusion; the repressed desires and heavy pressure in her heart began to bubble and warp her perception. Her inner self—the fierce, consuming, and dangerous monstrous side that typically only emerged during her creation process—began to surface. The brilliant, powerful intellect that defined her was slowly merging with her daily reality and character.

Trust, Pride, Confidence, Obsession, a Sharp Mind, and an iron will to achieve her goals.

These were the traits that made her a legendary creator, and they now began to twist around her. The vision of losing Austin—losing the perfection he represented—was something she could never truly tolerate. That was the truth: she did not want to share!

This internal corruption warped her mind, birthing a dangerous idea—a manipulative and twisted thought that had once crossed her mind only to be dismissed, but now it took firm root. She possessed a gift, a magnificent power; why shouldn't she use that gift to secure her desires?

Perhaps she could craft her ultimate masterpiece, a creation that would ensure Austin’s love belonged solely to her forever, so that he would be hers until the end of time—rendered incapable of being seduced or even feeling love for other women!

Within the game, interacting with Nathalia or starting her route had been impossible because of the distance she maintained from men; consequently, no one ever discovered what would happen if her affection reached its peak, or what brand of madness she would descend into....

And now, Austin was destined to find out.....

...

Lanora watched the arena; as someone who prioritized music and preferred peaceful or artistic environments, she had never found interest in such barbaric displays. She favored a good book, quiet relaxation, and practicing her melodies. However, one shouldn't mistake her preferences for weakness; she was no stranger to getting her hands dirty or engaging in combat. Anyone who assumed otherwise was in for a brutal awakening.

The music Lanora performed possessed the power to shatter even the most courageous hearts. She had journeyed away from her family tribe as part of their initiative to integrate with the wider world. Because the powers of her tribe were so distinct and lethal, she found herself welcomed wherever she traveled; her unique nature made her a person of importance everywhere.

In these foreign lands, she discovered a fresh world filled with new hopes for music, art, and literature—wonders that made her journey worthwhile. However, she was rarely impressed by the people she met; to her, many of them felt like savages, though there were exceptions.

Yet, the music of that man—Austin—made her skin flush. Such artistic melodies and masterful command of instruments were rare. She was well aware of his reputation as a world-class musician, and the realization of his talent made her senses tingle; she had been a devotee of his music from the moment she first heard it.

And she had actually been given the opportunity to perform alongside him! It was a profound honor!

She had fallen in love with Austin’s music instantly, but it wasn't just the sound—it was his technique, his gentleness, and his kindness. Even simple conversation with Austin was a joy. She could talk for hours, laughing and smiling in his presence. Her musical talent and bloodline allowed her to perceive a person’s true nature and depth simply by listening to the tunes they produced.

The music he played and the melodies he shared were pure magic to her; they struck her heart with such force that she fell for him even deeper.

According to her culture, Austin was the ideal partner; to her personally, he was the most perfect mate she could ever find. He represented everything she desired. In every aspect of her life, she wanted Austin as her mate, but she felt she first had to reach a musical pinnacle where she could stand as his equal.

Only when they achieved a state of perfect harmony while playing together would the Goddess of Music ordain them as a perfect match; only then could a marriage be sanctified in the eyes of the Gods.

Lanora’s eyes widened as she watched Austin walk toward the battle, bare-chested. She was naturally concerned about the conflict, and seeing Austin involved in such violence did not please her, yet she understood that a leader carries heavy responsibilities.

Lanora never considered herself shallow or someone easily swayed by mere looks—she found true beauty in art—but even she had to admit, gazing at him now, that Austin appeared to be a flawless masterpiece.

A lingering thought in the back of her mind resurfaced. Lanora knew she was fundamentally different from the women who grew up in the interconnected outside world. She had noticed the way several women looked at Austin—she saw the interest and love in their eyes.

In her tribe, Polygamy did not exist. When two hearts united and played music that resonated perfectly, they were bound forever—the melody would then be expanded through the family they built, with each child adding to a new tune to create a grand symphony.

Consequently, Lanora felt deeply conflicted; while she was aware of her own charm, she also knew that pursuing Austin might require great sacrifices.

It was a simple lesson she had been taught, but it didn't make her situation any easier. Lanora constantly doubted if she could truly secure the melody she had found. She couldn't be certain if she could hold onto it, as it seemed many others already had their sights set on Austin.

Thus, her instincts were screaming—alerted in many dangerous ways; she continued to rack her brain to find a way to be fully and truly connected to him.