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

To be honest, Lilith found Caelus's aloof demeanor even more charming. He stood out so remarkably that he dismissed all forms of earthly authority without a second thought.

During her more reflective times, Lilith genuinely felt jealousy toward Violet. That lady passed her days roaming through the Tribe lands, caring for her plants and trimming blooms, but she earned profound admiration just for being Caelus's mom.

This showed clearly how, in their realm, relentless effort 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 sensible. "We'll erect the city's framework—the barriers, the bases—and leave the remainder to him. And honestly, it's about time you assigned Violet a genuine task. She can't keep roaming the untamed areas forever."

Lilith's face grew a bit somber. "The world keeps evolving. The wild areas won't remain secure for a solitary horticulturist for long."

With Caelus fixated on his sword, the responsibility for overseeing the city's building would inevitably land on his mother's shoulders. Imagining the lazy Violet suddenly overwhelmed by the identical pile of organizational duties that plagued Lilith every day sparked a sly, pleased grin across the Succubus's lips.

"What about Elara?" Lilith inquired.

"She's a girl," Orion started, his voice carrying no rejection, just a protective edge. "While she remains unwed, this fortress serves as her dwelling."

Yet Orion understood the truth. Elara's drive wasn't confined to being a damsel in isolation. She aimed to rule as a Queen on her terms. The Stoneheart Horde acted only as her starting point, a spot to regroup and replenish before venturing into vast seas.

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

Lilith agreed with a nod. Through the passing years, she had discerned Elara's character. The young woman shone with intelligence, strategy, and an immense vein of arrogance. She refused to plead for authority, yet if her siblings gained domains while she stayed empty-handed, the resentment would endure forever. Much like when she insisted on her own escorts because everyone else possessed them, Elara insisted on perfect fairness across the board.

"When the Titanion Realm's chaos settles, I've got further schemes for the kids."

Orion shared his vision for the distant future with Lilith. Holding the title of prince or princess in the Stoneheart Horde didn't guarantee endless ease. Upon reaching maturity, the easy path closed. Expanding territories and safeguarding tomorrow became their obligation. Be it plunging into the Abyss or dominating foreign realms, they needed to prove their value.

The Horde provided their foundation and fallback, yet crafting their own enduring marks rested solely on them.

Lilith's face lit up with joy. Discussing the offspring's prospects always lifted her spirits. It rendered those endless nights of governance truly rewarding.

"Oh, that jogs my memory," Lilith remarked, flicking her fingers as a fresh idea emerged.

Orion gazed at her expectantly.

"Princess Ariselle from the Blood Elf lineage nears Stoneheart City. Lycanor leveraged connections; she hopes for Ariselle and Pallas to encounter each other," Lilith clarified. "They seek a wedding pact to strengthen bonds between our groups. I avoided rejecting Lycanor outright."

She fixed her eyes on Orion, assessing his response.

Lilith chose her phrasing carefully. She hadn't turned down Lycanor. Nor had she endorsed the Blood Elves. The gap between those positions loomed large. With Orion now a Demigod, the Stoneheart Horde operated on a superior level. In reality, absent Lycanor's direct role, Lilith wouldn't have glanced at Ariselle's dossier.

"Leave it to the young ones," Orion dismissed with a wave. "I refuse to act as go-between or the brute who splits them up."

Orion kept his approach straightforward: He intervened solely during talks of dowries or bride prices. Otherwise, his heirs navigated their romances independently.

Lilith inclined her head, viewing his lack of opposition as permission. "Now, regarding Kronos."

Orion stiffened. "Hold on. Don't say it. A romantic tangle? Siblings clashing over one Blood Elf? Spare me from this turning into some trashy love story."

Lilith erupted in giggles, giving his torso a gentle pat. "What wild notions swirl in your mind? No, it's unrelated to Pallas or Ariselle."

"Praise the heavens," Orion breathed out, easing up. He lacked tolerance for youthful drama.

"It concerns Lola, twelfth princess of the Sea-Drake kin. They've long desired a union with Soaring Bird City," Lilith noted, her gaze sparkling with tactical insight. "Darling, are you on board?"

This pairing demanded deeper consideration. Though Ava bore Kronos, she wielded zero influence in politics. She might propose or wish, but the final call belonged to the monarch and his consort.

Orion shook his head—not rejecting, merely staying impartial. "The guidelines stay the same. I stay out unless requested."

"Reasonable. I'll set up opportunities for them to interact," Lilith replied, envisioning strategic maneuvers. "As the invasion from beyond draws near, forging ties with the Sea-Drake folk proves wise planning."

Lilith pondered the layout. The Stoneheart Horde controlled expansive coastal domains. Should the Sea-Drakes join the family, they'd form the Horde's naval force, guarding the eastern side from sea-based dangers. Such a move would erase a critical weakness.

"Follow your judgment on what's optimal," Orion murmured tenderly. He noticed the weariness in her stare, the unending strategic weighing she endured for the Horde's benefit. "Thanks, Lilith. For all of it. I realize it's been tough."

"It's not tough," she murmured, nestling against him. "Not truly. Beside us... beside the rest... Kaelen troubles me most. He endures the real agony."

The instant Kaelen's name arose, the room's coziness vanished. Orion grew quiet.

Emerald Dream Realm, The Chaos Continent

This location wasn't a sanctuary. It functioned as an enclosure.

Guarded by Demigods, the Chaos Continent formed a confined habitat, encircled by an arcane shield resembling an electrified barrier. All within counted as mere cattle.

Yet even livestock develops ranks.

Confine a flock within bars, and a chief arises without fail. For access to supplies, for air, for endurance, the males clash heads relentlessly until a single victor remains.

Just the mightiest beast claims the feast. The others serve as fodder.