The Alpha's Regret Return Of The Betrayed Luna (Addison) novel Chapter 574

Chapter 574: Chapter 574 I am Yours

"Yes, traveling merchants move between kingdoms and races, bringing goods from one land to another. But that’s nowhere near enough."

She paused for a fraction of a second.

"What I learned bef—"

The words caught in her throat. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

She had almost revealed that she learned it during her time as the Luna of the Midnight River Pack.

A dangerous mistake.

Only her family knew that part of her past. If the council caught on, questions would inevitably follow, questions she wasn’t prepared to answer.

Without missing another beat, she smoothly corrected herself.

"What I learned from the Midnight River Pack is that becoming self-sufficient wasn’t the only reason they prospered."

"They didn’t stop after expanding their farms and livestock. They opened trade routes with neighboring races, particularly the dwarves and the elves."

"They exchanged agricultural goods for dwarven machinery that improved productivity and elven silk and craftsmanship that elevated their industries."

Her voice remained calm, but every sentence carried the confidence of someone who had witnessed those successes firsthand.

"We can do the same."

"Instead of relying solely on wandering merchants who come and go whenever they please, we should establish official trade routes that connect every territory in our kingdom to our neighboring races."

She slowly clasped her hands behind her back.

"Doing so wouldn’t merely increase the Royal Treasury’s revenue. It would stimulate local economies, create more opportunities for our people, and allow resources to circulate throughout the kingdom instead of remaining concentrated in a few regions."

Her sharp eyes swept across the room once more.

"And trade doesn’t only move goods."

"It moves information."

"Merchants hear rumors before warriors do. They witness economic changes, political shifts, military movements, shortages, and unrest long before official reports ever reach a throne."

"If we build reliable trade networks, we gain access to valuable intelligence about other races, their economies, their political climate, and even potential threats before they arrive at our borders."

She lifted a finger.

"Of course, that advantage cuts both ways."

"Opening our borders for commerce also creates opportunities for spies, smugglers, and enemy agents to slip into our kingdom."

Several elders exchanged uneasy glances.

"But that risk is manageable."

"We establish checkpoints. We regulate where foreign merchants may travel. We limit access to sensitive locations, require permits, conduct inspections, and strengthen our intelligence network."

Her expression remained unwavering.

"The objective has never been to throw our gates wide open."

"It’s to control what enters while expanding what leaves."

"Our priority is still increasing food reserves, strengthening every territory’s self-sufficiency, strengthening every border, and extending our reach beyond our borders. Intelligence and diplomacy are simply additional benefits."

She glanced toward her mates before looking back at the council.

"We already have a Royal Merchant capable of handling foreign negotiations."

"Rather than leaving diplomacy to wandering traders, we should entrust official trade agreements to the Royal Merchant while each territory focuses on producing the resources it excels at."

A faint smile finally appeared on her lips.

"And there’s one more thing."

"We now have the Tigren Clan standing beside us."

"Whether we announce it or not, word will spread."

"The moment the neighboring races learn that the Werewolf Kingdom has gained the loyalty of the Tigren Clan, they’ll have to reconsider every hostile thought they harbor against us."

"After all..."

"...few kingdoms are foolish enough to provoke a nation protected by the strongest warriors on the continent."

Addison turned her gaze toward Leon.

"What do you think, Chieftain Leon?" she asked calmly. "Can the Tigren Clan add another layer of protection to this kingdom? Enough to make every potential enemy think twice before setting foot on our borders?"

The corner of Leon’s lips curled upward.

"Just give the order."

His deep voice echoed throughout the council chamber.

"If you command me to wage war against a kingdom, I will lead my clan into battle, crush their armies, and return with their ruler’s head laid at your feet."

"If you order me to conquer a nation, I will return only after its banners have fallen and its lands kneel before you."

"There is nothing beyond my reach if it is your wish."

He slowly rose from his seat.

Every movement was steady, unhurried, and filled with quiet dominance. Under the stunned gazes of the elders, ministers, and Alphas, Leon crossed the chamber until he stood beside Addison.

Then...

To everyone’s disbelief—

The proud Chieftain of the Tigren Clan lowered himself onto one knee.

His right fist rested firmly over his heart while his head dipped just enough to signify absolute respect.

"My Princess..."

His golden feline eyes remained fixed on her alone.

"My sword is yours."

"My warriors are yours."

"My clan is yours."

"My life is yours."

"So long as you desire it, I will become the shield that guards your kingdom, the blade that slaughters your enemies, and the monster your foes learn to fear."

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