Chapter 11 Just Not Bother With Any Of It
“Lend? This was mine to begin with,” Karina scoffed.
In her previous life, Corvus had entrusted the trading caravan to bring back half a jar of salt and various resources every month. But by the time they reached her, there were barely a few grains left..
She wasn’t as gullible as before.
Hearing her response, the females surrounding Avani burst into laughter, clutching their stomachs.
“Karina, are you delusional?”
“Ava’s reproductive ability is a level six. That’s why she gets this much salt. Who do you think you are?”
“Ava, you’re just too kindhearted,” one of them added. “She nearly burned you alive, and yet, here you are still treating her well. I say she’s nothing but ungrateful.”
Avani spoke softly, her voice filled with apparent goodwill. “Please, don’t talk like that. I don’t
blame Rina.”
Turning to Karina with a pitiful smile, Avani continued, “Rina, I would’ve gladly given you my share, but your reproductive ability is zero. Technically, there’s no difference between a male and a female with no reproductive ability. If I gave it to you, people would have concerns.”
“If you really need salt, I can lend it to you,” she added, her eyes glinting with subtle malice.
Ha! You dare to challenge me? It was just a house. As long as I keep my secret, nothing would be out of my reach. I’m going to make sure that even what I discarded would still be unattainable for Karina!
Suddenly, a loud laugh interrupted them. Avani turned sharply, her face growing angrier ast Ariel’s laughter rang out, almost bringing her to tears.
“Level Six Reproductive Ability? And yet, I haven’t seen you bearing any children. The chief hasn’t even made the official announcement! Who knows if your fertility is real or not?”
“And you lot!” Ariel scolded, addressing the others. “You’ve lost your minds. Avani stole someone else’s house, and you’re surprised she got burned? If you love making sacrifices, why don’t you offer up your own homes to her?”
“You!”
Avani and the others were fuming, practically trembling with anger.
Karina felt a surge of joy. In her past life, she hadn’t realized how much Ariel’s straightforwardness resonated with her.
8:20 PM ·
Chapter 11 Just Not Bother With Any Of It
after the salt distribution. Don’t disrupt things here.”
It was as though Karina was the one being unreasonable.
Finished
“Don’t wait until all the salt’s gone.” Karina placed her hands on her hips, her voice loud and clear as she continued. “I don’t mind the reproductive ability rules, but Chief Aethor, you haven’t officially announced the results yet. So how does Avani already know hers?”
“Could it be that you have a special fondness for Avani and told her first?” she questioned.
Avani’s face turned pale instantly. Karina’s insult hit her hard, suggesting she had something going on with a man old enough to be her father.
“That’s nonsense!” Aethor snapped, his face red with anger.
“You little brat, spreading rumors about Ava! I’ll tear that mouth of yours apart!” Haleira, seething with rage, lunged at Karina.
But Karina reacted quickly, delivering a slap that sent Haleira sprawling to the ground like a dog. She wasn’t a fool. She knew that many of the schemes Avani used against her in her past life were likely orchestrated by this vile woman.
“Mom!”
“Haley!”
Aethor instinctively moved to help Haleira but was halted by a stern look from her.
Karina’s eyes narrowed, a small smile tugging at her lips. She had barely begun probing, and these people were already flustered.
“Chief Aethor, I’ve received my portion,” Karina said, her voice calm but firm. “Now, what about the resources my brother entrusted you to bring back? Shouldn’t I be receiving those as well?”
She added, “And don’t tell me there’s nothing left. You sent my brother to the Briarhide Tribe, promising to bring back salt and other goods every month. If there’s nothing, then go bring him. back right now,”
Her words cut through any excuses the Aethor might have had. A brief flash of panic crossed his face before he stepped forward, smiling weakly. “Of course, we’ve got them. Come with me, and I’ll explain everything inside.”
He couldn’t let Karina discover the truth about Corvus.
“There’s no need for that. We’re not discussing anything shameful. Let’s settle it here.” Karina planted her feet firmly, showing no sign of budging.
Acthor’s expression hardened as he turned to one of the males. “Go fetch Corvus‘ resources.”
“And… I think it’s been about five months since I last saw anything from my brother, hasn’t it?”
Chapter 11 Just Not Bother With Any Of it
“Five months! Go get five months‘ worth!” Aethor ordered through clenched teeth.
Finished
Moments later, three jars of salt, a stack of beast skins, food, and even a Level–One Beast Crystal were laid out beside Karina. She glanced over the goods, her heart coldly laughing. Aethor was really going all out to silence her.
“All right, you’ve got what you came for. Now can you leave?” Acthor asked, his voice stern.
“Not so fast.” Karina chuckled lightly, showing no intention of leaving. “There’s been talk around the tribe about me being infertile. I’d like to retake the fertility test.”
In my previous life. Avani had stolen everything from me, even my reproductive ability. Could it have been tampered with?
As soon as she spoke, the faces of Aethor, Avani, and Haleira turned ghostly pale.
“Retest? Chief Aethor himself conducted the test. Do you think there could be a mistake?” Haleira stammered, her voice strained.
“Rina, Chief Aethor has too much on his plate. Let’s not cause him any more trouble,” Avani said. her voice full of false concern but guilt lurking beneath the surface.
Karina smirked. “Spreading rumors about reproductive ability before the official announcement only proves that Chief Aethor isn’t doing his job. How is that not stirring up trouble? If you can’t handle this simple matter, Chief Aethor, are you just busy bending the rules for personal gain every day?”
Aethor’s eye twitched.
Karina is truly out to make my life miserable!
“Fine, if you want it public. I’ll make it public now,” Aethor said, gritting his teeth. “Karina, I know you’re upset, but the truth is the truth.”
He sighed, pulling out another jar of salt and handing it to her. “I’ll even give you this extra jar. Re–testing reproductive ability is a taxing process, and it’s no easy task.”
Karina scoffed.
Do they really think I could be appeased with a jar of salt?
“No easy task, huh?” Karina closed her eyes, nodding.
Aethor’s heart leapt with joy, thinking she had finally given in.
Before anyone could react, she knocked the jar out of Aethor’s hand. Salt scattered through the air like flower petals, dusting the surrounding beastmen.
“All right, if it’s so difficult, then let’s just not bother with any of it!” Karina said abruptly, her eyes flashing.
Chapter 11 Just Not Bother With Any Of It
Finished
white.
“Karina, you-” Aethor was trembling with fury. His hand shot up, ready to strike, but he stopped. short, remembering Zareth, Karina’s beast husband who had now advanced to Level Two. Zareth wasn’t someone the Aethor wanted to cross.
“Chief Aethor,” Karina said coldly, “Are we testing or not? If we’re not, don’t even think about getting any more salt today.”
Karina rolled up her sleeves, ready to get involved. If she couldn’t live in peace, then neither could they.
Aethor’s temple throbbed. He knew she meant every word. “Fine! Test her!”
“No, we can’t!” Avani and Haleira protested in unison, their voices panicked. If they retested her, their deceit would be exposed.
“Why not?” Karina sneered, staring them down. “What are you afraid of?”
“I–I’m not! I’m just worried about you, that’s all!” Avani stammered, trying to explain. “The result won’t change, even with another test.”
“That’s none of your concern.” Karina cut her off, turning back to Aethor. “Let’s do this.”
Aethor reluctantly disappeared into the wooden cabin and soon returned, carrying a small wooden box. Inside, there was a round, black stone, shiny like polished quartz.
“This is the reproductive ability–testing crystal,” Aethor explained, visibly irritated. “Just put your hand on it.”
The crystal had been made by a beast shaman, infused with a special power to detect the level of reproductive ability in females.
Without hesitation, Karina stepped forward and placed her hand on the crystal.
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