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nArcher looked at the beautiful tiger woman standing in front of him, gave her a charming smile, and introduced himself, “I’m Archer Wyldheart. Are you Ashoka Ganesha?”

nShe nodded before responding in an Indian-like accent, instantly catching his attention, “I am. It’s good to meet you finally. May I join you? I often come here to relax.”

n“Of course,” he motioned to the space next to him. “Don’t let me scare you away.”

nThe tiger woman giggled. “Dragons don’t scare me. Maybe when I was a little girl, but no longer,” she said.

nHer revelation caught Archer’s interest, causing him to question, “Why?”

n“Because I can fight them when they’re not in the air,” Ashoka replied with a grin.

nHe sensed a challenge in her words, prompting him to huff and ask, “Are you looking for a fight?”

nAshoka giggled before nodding, causing Archer to agree as he informed her, “I may be about to shrink if I use the mana. Do you have a Primal form like the others?”

n“Yes, but I unlocked it in my teens, which was many moons ago,” she replied. “Let’s fight on the training field.”

nThe duo walked through the palace gardens while heading for the training field. When they arrived, Archer noticed Nala, Maeve, and Talila fighting in a free-for-all, which caused him to admire their prowess.

nAshoka joined him as she spoke, “They are all beautiful; I see that is your weakness.”

n“Guilty as charged, I do love a beautiful woman, but I have to be interested in them before anything can happen,” Archer replied with a smile.

nShe started laughing, which was a beautiful sound, and Archer found himself loving the noise, but it stopped before she spoke, “Let’s fight; I want to see if the rumors are speaking facts or lies.”

nArcher nodded before transforming into his dragon form but ordered it to shrink him,

nallowing him to fight Ashoka, who also radiated as she turned into a massive tiger that stood eight feet tall and twelve feet long.

nShe was brown all over with orange stripes, causing him to smile in excitement as they were the same size. Ashoka made the first move and lunged forward. Archer chuckled before jumping to the side and lashing out with his tail.

nThe tiger woman dodged the swing and lunged onto his back, but Archer flipped around before squashing her; following that, the duo started fighting by biting and slashing at each other’s skin.

nSome of Archer’s scales sent sparks flying when Ashoka’s claws hit them, but it only left behind minor damage. He counterattacked by lunging at the giant tiger, biting her shoulder, and, ultimately, having her by the back of the neck.

nAshoka growled, her claws swiping at Archer. With a playful grin, he quickly restrained her, holding her like a mere kitten. He released her, but she wasted no time-immediately pouncing on him.

nThey tumbled and wrestled on the ground, their playful combat a mix of rolling, grappling, and finally laughing as an hour passed. Archer returned to his humanoid form, followed by Ashoka, who was sweaty,

nThe woman turned to him; her brown eyes gleamed excitedly and fondly. “Why did you hold me like that? It’s been over thirty moons since that happened,” she said with a smile.

nArcher smiled before replying, “I’m not entirely sure; something told me to do it,” he said. “Why?”

nAshoka giggled at his curious expression and explained, “My mother used to carry me around like a kitten; I always felt safe when she did that.”

n“Well, if you want me to carry you like that, I would happily do that,” he said with a knowing smile.

nThe tiger woman’s brown cheeks went a shade darker in embarrassment, but she spoke quietly, “Maybe.”

nArcher beamed but changed the subject, “Do you want to get something to eat? I’m sure the cooks will make a delicious meal,” he offered.

nAshoka nodded with a smile before the duo walked toward the palace entrance. When they passed by the White Dragon Knights, they saluted, which caught the tiger woman’s attention, causing her to question, “Your soldiers seem extremely loyal; how come?”

nHe explained that he had provided them with a home within his domain, where his generals meticulously trained soldiers for years, honing their skills until they became formidable warriors.

nWhen he eventually conquered Draconia, he appointed them as his royal guards-a position they cherished deeply. Intrigued by the story, Ashoka began to probe for every intricate detail, her curiosity piqued.

nArcher, taken aback by her intense curiosity, responded earnestly. He explained that he paid each soldier two hundred and fifty gold annually, ensuring their families were well cared for. In the event of a soldier’s death in battle, the state would provide support for the widow and children.

nWhen Ashoka heard this, she was fascinated and asked even more questions, which he answered until they reached the dining hall. When the duo entered, a maid approached before bowing, “Your Majesty. How can I help you?”

n“Bring me two of every dish for me and Ashoka,” Archer said with a smile.

nThe maid nodded, “I will tell the cooks now, my lord,” she replied before rushing off.

nAfterward, Archer led the tiger woman to the table and continued their chat until one question popped up, “Have you got any plans to expand the kingdom beyond the four islands I heard you’re invading?”

nHe shrugged before speaking, “I’m not sure; it depends on what the future holds, but it could be possible to turn Draconia into an empire.”‘

n“Do you not have ambitions to grow?”

nArcher nodded, “Of course but the time isn’t right was expanding, I want to improve the kingdom before making any solid plans, its not like I’m short on soldiers or an invasion because the legions are always recruiting.”

nHe explained his plans to increase the quality of life for all the people in Draconia. Archer told her he wanted to build more towns and cities while constructing trade ports and naval bases.

nWhile talking, Ashoka added many suggestions, including higher education so the kingdom could hire specialists for his company and the government; Archer found this useful and thanked the tiger princess.

nAs they continued their conversation, the duo brainstormed various ideas, with Archer diligently jotting down hundreds of them on paper. By the time their meal arrived, Ashoka turned to him with a severe request.

n“Could I have a position in the government or army?” she asked. “I could contribute to the kingdom in some capacity or train a unit in the Eastern Sword style, which is effective against large groups of foes.”

nArcher raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s your price for all this help?” he inquired.

nWith a smile, Ashoka responded, “I want your assistance in reclaiming my family’s empire from my uncle. Will you help me, Archer Wyldheart, the so-called tyrant king?”

n“Will you bend the knee?” he answered with a cheeky smile.

nAshoka’s cheeks went dark, but she didn’t avoid eye contact before answering, “Are you always this lewd? You just met me and already want me on my knees.”

nHe laughed but nodded as he spoke, “I am, but I meant, will your empire become part of Draconia, which you can rule over however you like, apart from paying me a monthly tax that will be reinvested into the empire.”

n“What would my people get in return?” she fired back.

n“Access to all government programs once they sign a population census; I will build a train network all over Ganesha Empire and forts that my legions will occupy to deter bandits,

noutlaws, and invasions.”

n“So you want to take over my empire completely?” Ashoka asked with narrowed eyes.

n“No. You can worship whatever gods you like and continue life as normal apart from your lands. You would be secure, and your people would be well taken care of,” Archer replied with a smile. “Plus, I have my company to earn coins, which is already netting me millions of coins used to improve Draconia.”

nAfter that, the two of them started eating, and when Archer saw the dishes all over the table, he got excited. There were all kinds of meats, slices of bread, rice, and noodles, which took

nhim by surprise.

nAshoka’s laughter danced as Archer continued sampling the delicious dishes, which he loved every bite of. Unperturbed, he focused on the feast, savoring each bite with evident

nsatisfaction.

nMeanwhile, the tiger woman started her meal, her eyes occasionally flickering toward Archer

nwith a hint of curiosity. The dining hall doors swung open, and Hecate, Aisha, and Brooke strode in, their eyes immediately finding Archer.

nThis chapter is updatd by freeweɓnovel.cm.

nTheir faces brightened with warm smiles as they made their way over. Aisha went to order

nfood while Brooke, brimming with affection, gave Archer a tight hug and a tender kiss before

nstepping back.

nHecate followed, greeting him with a peck on the cheek and a loving hug. They joined the table as Brooke spoke to Ashoka: “Ash, how are you finding palace life? I hope you’re not

nbored yet?”

n“No, it’s lovely here, Lady Brooke,” she replied. “I love the library and training with the Royal Guards; they are strong warriors.”

nArcher watched with interest but let the women converse as Aisha approached the table, her eyes sparkling warmly. “Hello, my darling. How was your trip to Valoria City?”

n“It was enjoyable,” he replied with a grin. “The food was excellent, but I must say, the palace’s meals are even better.”

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