Chapter 199

The villagers stood in stunned silence, feeling the sting of an injustice they couldn’t fathom.

They hadn’t done a thing.

The chief had heard the creature before them, a Werewolf, no less, had been denied some mystical title because of someone’s blunder, and he’d called the culprit an absolute fool, nearly fainting in disbelief.

“My lord, who are you referring to? Who’s this person?” he asked, despite having a sneaking suspicion of the guilty party.

It was likely the descendant of the hunter who once brought wealth to their little hamlet.

Almost reflexively, the chief’s eye’s swept over the crowd of villagers, searching for a particular face among them.

He remembered that family had come to the gathering that day.

Some of the older folks seemed to grasp the situation as well, their gazes falling on a pale–faced young man.

Aleck Lane, his family was among the wealthiest in the village.

After all, it was the Lane family whose fortunes had spurred the local economy, owning almost half of the mandrake farming contracts.

The Lanes were well–regarded in the village, and Aleck had lived a life of luxury since birth, moving to the city and only returning to his roots during the holidays, carrying with him the airs of a spoiled rich kid.

He was popular with the village youth, loved his liquor, and was known for his drunken rants.

Today, he’d come to the mountain seeking excitement and a glimpse of the rumored Werewolf, never imagining it would all come crashing down on him.

As the accusation sank in, Aleck vaguely remembered something absurd he’d once said, something he’d dismissed as a drunken dream.

He’d never connected it to the odd occurrences plaguing the village.

If only he’d known…

But how could he have confessed?

With a grumble, Aleck was jolted from his thoughts as a swift kick landed on his behind, sending him tumbling to the ground.

The villagers parted, giving him space to fall.

Before he could lash out, he felt a painful twist on his ear. It was Cox Lane, his father, who’d come with him to the mountain.

The Lane family had suffered most from the recent misfortunes, and Cox was determined to see things resolved.

Money, effort, he hadn’t hesitated to contribute. But to discover that the source of all this trouble was Aleck. “You’re gonna be the death of me. Look at the mess you’ve made. I told you to focus on your business, not waste your days drinking and gambling with your fair–weather friends. See the trouble you’ve brought on everyone?”

Cox had experienced hardship and knew the value of hard–won happiness.

11.40 The family business involved the forests, and with a deep respect for the spirits of the woods, passed down! from the elders, they were always the main contributors to the village offerings.

Who would’ve thought his son would ruin everything?

The Werewolf had protected the village for years, and it wouldn’t have been too much to build a shrine in its honor.

Helping it gain its title could have meant a windfall for the Lanes and the village.

But now, all was lost.

In a fit of rage, Cox didn’t hesitate to discipline Aleck on the spot, with none of the villagers raising a voice in defense.

The Werewolf watched coldly, silent until Cox finished and, half–fearing, half–ashamed, bowed deeply before the creature.

“It was the ignorance of Aleck that offended you. Whatever punishment you see fit, the Lane family will bear it. Please don’t hold the village accountable. Just say the word, and we’ll do whatever we can to make amends.”

Cox’s plea, though not entirely selfless, was practical.

According to the Werewolf, the village had benefited from his family’s fortune for years. If it all ended now, they had no right to complain.

But he couldn’t just say that.

People were quick to resentment, focusing on losses rather than gains.

If Cox demanded the village to share the consequences, it would only breed bitterness.

Better to take the blame and earn their gratitude. After all, the family’s roots were still in the village, and he had no desire to become its enemy.

As expected, Cox’s words softened the villagers‘ stance, even earning the chief’s approval, who added, “This is a matter for the whole village. We can’t let your family shoulder this alone. We’ve all prospered thanks to you.”

The others agreed, and together they all bowed to the Werewolf, asking how they could make amends.

They no longer expected its protection, only that it would spare them further misery.

The Werewolf watched Aleck get a thrashing from Cox, feeling some of the resentment fade, yet it wasn’t ready to let bygones be bygones.

Cox had offered punishment or penalty, whatever it wished, but he was secretly terrified.

After all, this was a cunning Werewolf. If it truly sought vengeance, it could claim his son’s life.

He dared not think of it.

Silently, Cox pinned his hopes on Winnie from the television crew nearby.

He had seen her power. Without her presence, the Werewolf probably would’ve lashed out at their first encounter.

After a tense wait, the Werewolf’s shrill voice finally spoke, “Then he shall serve me in the mountain for three years. After that, I will release him, and all ties with the Lane family shall be severed. Do you agree?”

Hearing this, Cox felt the world go dark.

Three years? Could Aleck even survive three years in the mountain wilds?

Aleck was incredulous, unable to accept this verdict.

All for some drunken nonsense? He was willing to apologize, and now he was to be secluded for three years? Wasn’t that the same as living as a hermit?

Unable to express his anger, Aleck felt the bitterness well up inside.

Aleck didn’t see the connection between this werewolf and his ancestors, nor did he have any pact with the beast. Why should he be the one to bear the brunt of this mess alone?

At the end of the day, Aleck was still a young man in his early twenties, and right now, the pressure was getting to him. He turned to his father, tears welling up in his eyes, pleading with a voice choked by sobs, “Dad, I can’t. I can’t do this.”

The mood among the villagers was tense as well. Though they didn’t want to continue being targeted, the thought of sending one of Aleck to face the consequences was more than they could bear.

Despite Aleck’s reputation for being a bit of a spoiled brat, he was, after all, a boy they had watched grow up among them.

Cox implored, his voice thick with entreaty, “Can’t we discuss this matter further? Perhaps we could offer something else in exchange?”

He was willing to pay any price if only it could be settled with money or goods.

Unfortunately, the werewolf’s response was cold and uncompromising, a sharp, “No way.”

Cox felt a sense of despair at the sound of that refusal.

Just when everyone felt at a loss for what to do next, Winnie, who had been quietly observing the situation, finally spoke up…