Titan King: Ascension of the Giant Chapter 1374 The Burden of Legacy and the Cage of Beasts

Honestly speaking, Lilith found Caelus's aloof demeanor even more charming. He stood out so remarkably that he dismissed earthly authority without a second thought.

During her more reflective times, Lilith secretly admired Violet. That lady roamed the Tribe's lands freely, nurturing her gardens and trimming blooms, but she earned profound admiration just for being Caelus's mother.

This showed that in their world, diligent efforts frequently fell short against the advantage of bearing the perfect offspring.

"We'll handle Caelus just like Pallas," Lilith resolved, her voice turning from jealous to pragmatic. "We'll erect the city's framework—the barriers, the bases—and leave the remainder to him. Besides, it's high time you assigned Violet a genuine task. She can't keep roaming the untamed areas indefinitely."

A subtle shadow crossed Lilith's features. "The world is shifting. The wilds won't remain secure for a solitary gardener for long."

With Caelus fixated on his sword, the responsibility for overseeing the city's building would inevitably land on his mother. Imagining the leisurely Violet overwhelmed by the endless administrative tasks Lilith faced every day sparked a sly, pleased grin on the Succubus's lips.

"What about Elara?" Lilith inquired.

"She's a girl," Orion started, his words carrying no rejection, just a father's care. "While she's unwed, this fortress remains her sanctuary."

Yet Orion understood the truth. Elara's drive wasn't to linger as a sheltered noble. She aimed to rule as a sovereign in her own domain. The Stoneheart Horde served only as her starting point, a base to regroup and replenish before venturing into broader realms.

"That said," Orion continued, "we'll construct a city for her too. Her silence on the matter doesn't mean she's not keeping track."

Lilith agreed with a nod. Through the years, she'd discerned Elara's nature. The young woman was sharp, strategic, and harbored an immense sense of dignity. She wouldn't plead for authority, but if her siblings gained territories while she didn't, the resentment would endure forever. Just like when she'd insisted on her own guards because everyone else had them, Elara sought fairness across the board.

"When the Titanion Realm settles down, I've got further intentions for the kids."

Orion was sharing the bigger picture with Lilith. Holding the title of prince or princess in the Stoneheart Horde didn't guarantee endless ease. Once they reached maturity, the privileges stopped. It fell to them to push the frontiers and safeguard tomorrow. Be it plunging into the Abyss or claiming new realms, they'd need to prove their worth.

The Horde would offer their support, their fallback, but carving out their own histories was up to them.

Lilith's face lit up with joy. Discussing the children's prospects always lifted her spirits. It turned all those exhausting nights of governance into something meaningful.

"Oh, that brings something to mind," Lilith remarked, snapping her fingers as an idea emerged.

Orion regarded her, expectant.

"Princess Ariselle from the Blood Elf race is heading toward Stoneheart City. Lycanor used his influence; he hopes for a meeting between Ariselle and Pallas," Lilith clarified. "They're pushing for a marital bond to strengthen our groups' connections. I didn't turn Lycanor down."

Her gaze fixed on Orion, assessing his response.

Lilith chose her phrasing carefully. She hadn't rejected Lycanor. Nor had she committed to the Blood Elves. The difference was enormous. Now that Orion had ascended to Demigod status, the Stoneheart Horde operated on a superior level. In reality, absent Lycanor's direct role, Lilith wouldn't have spared a glance at Ariselle's profile.

"Let the young ones sort it out," Orion dismissed with a wave. "I'm not meddling as a go-between, nor as the one who ruins their chances."

Orion's approach was straightforward: He'd intervene solely for haggling over dowries or bride prices. Otherwise, his offspring could navigate their romances independently.

Lilith nodded, interpreting his stance as permission. "And then there's Kronos."

Orion paused abruptly. "Hold on. Don't say it. A romantic tangle? Siblings clashing over one Blood Elf? Tell me we're not stuck in some cheap love story."

Lilith laughed heartily, giving his chest a gentle pat. "What kind of nonsense spins in your mind? No, it's unrelated to Pallas or Ariselle."

"Whew, praise the heavens," Orion breathed out, tension easing. He lacked tolerance for youthful drama.

"It's Lola, the twelfth princess of the Sea-Drake race. They've long desired a union with Soaring Bird City through marriage," Lilith stated, her eyes sparkling with tactical insight. "Darling, are you on board?"

This pairing demanded deeper consideration. Though Ava had borne Kronos, she wielded no sway in politics. She might propose or wish for it, but the final call belonged to the King and Queen.

Orion shook his head—not rejecting, but staying impartial. "The usual guidelines hold. I stay out unless they seek my input."

"That works. I'll set up opportunities for them to interact," Lilith replied, shifting her mental strategies like game pieces. "With the invasion from other realms on the horizon, forging ties with the Sea-Drake race makes solid sense."

Lilith pondered the layout. The Stoneheart Horde controlled expansive coastal regions. Should the Sea-Drakes join through marriage, they'd form the Horde's naval force, guarding the eastern side from sea-based dangers. It would close a major weak spot.

"Follow your judgment on this," Orion murmured tenderly. He noticed the weariness in her eyes, the endless strategizing she did for the Horde's benefit. "Thank you, Lilith. For all of it. I realize it's been tough."

"It's not that difficult," she murmured, nestling against him. "Not truly. Against what we've faced... against the rest... It's Kaelen who troubles me most. He's enduring real hardship."

The room's coziness vanished at Kaelen's name. Orion grew quiet.

Emerald Dream Realm, The Chaos Continent

This wasn't a residence. It served as an enclosure.

Guarded by Demigods, the Chaos Continent formed a confined habitat, encircled by an ancient magical shield resembling an electrified barrier. All within were mere herds.

Yet even in herds, ranks exist.

Confine a group in confinement, and a chief will rise. For access to supplies, for air, for endurance, the males clash until a single victor remains.

Just the mightiest beast claims the feast. The others become fodder.