Reborn into Beast Tamer Clan with Monsters-Only Affinity
Chapter 82: Dravenhart elders

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Dravenhart elders

As Axelius lounged at the table, lazily picking at the fruit bowl placed in front of him, a sudden shift in the crowd’s murmurs caught his attention. A wave of awe swept across the gathering like a strong wind brushing through tall grass.

"Whoa," Owen breathed, bouncing once on Axelius’s shoulder.

Axelius turned his head and followed Owen’s gaze. The crowd parted slightly as a young woman entered with steady steps. She was tall for her age, her long red hair braided over one shoulder, and her golden eyes gleaming with sharp awareness. A long dark coat trimmed in silver fluttered gently with each step, and behind her padded a majestic beast—part wolf, part feline, with white fur streaked with silver and glowing eyes.

"That’s her! That’s her!" Owen whispered excitedly. "That’s Naelia Dravenhart! She’s only fifteen, but she’s already called the greatest tamer! Her beast companion was born from an elemental egg—super rare! She’s the pride of your branch."

Axelius leaned his cheek on his fist, watching as nobles of all ranks, even knights and tutors, stepped forward to greet the girl. Some bowed, others gave respectful nods, and a few younger nobles whispered excitedly behind their hands. Naelia greeted them all with calm courtesy, not overly warm, but not cold either. Her presence carried a quiet confidence.

"She’s one of the direct descendants of Lucian Dravenhart," Owen added, voice filled with admiration. "You know, The famous battle archmage who tamed six elemental beasts and founded half the techniques modern tamers use now? Well The Grand Duke, came from Lucian’s brother—different lines, same root."

"I know him okay, He’s Lorian twin brother. The hero"

Axelius’s gaze lingered on Naelia’s beast, which moved smoothly at her side like a shadow. "Huh."

"She’s already gone through awakening at the Kingdom of Solara," Owen continued, bouncing a little. "The kingdom known for its light mages. Every noble child gets sent there when they turn seven for the Grand Awakening Ceremony but her she awakened at age 4. If their mana is strong, they awaken early with great power—and if they don’t..." Owen paused. "Well, you know how it goes."

Axelius said nothing, his fingers tapping idly against the table as he watched Naelia walk past. Her golden eyes swept over the gathered crowd, not resting too long on any one face.

"She’ll probably be the one everyone watches in this trial," Owen muttered. "She’s strong. Respected. And dangerous."

Axelius gave a small smirk, then leaned back again in his seat, closing his eyes. "So? That’s her problem. Not mine."

As Naelia moved toward her seat, escorted by a few older nobles, another wave of murmurs swept through the crowd—quieter this time, but more serious. The air seemed to shift.

At the same time, from the other side of the clearing, four figures stepped forward, their robes long, trimmed with family crests and silver linings, and their presence heavy enough to pull everyone’s attention. The crowd immediately began returning to their seats. The air was filled with the rustling of silk and the quiet shuffle of polished shoes as everyone straightened up and composed themselves.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess returned to their table with Ellory and the twins, followed by the rest of the family. Axelius was still seated, his cheek resting on his palm, until the Grand Duke gave him a sharp glance.

"Axelius," he said with quiet firmness. "Stand."

With a sigh, Axelius slowly pushed himself up, brushing imaginary dust from his pants. As the four elders stepped forward, all the younger Dravenharts—including Axelius—bowed in unison, the table rows aligning neatly in their display of respect.

Owen, perched on Axelius’s shoulder, whispered low but fast, "That’s them. The elders."

The first was a tall man with short, silver-streaked red hair and a beard like fire. His presence felt like iron forged under pressure—strong, old, and unyielding. "That’s Elder Thayven," Owen whispered. "He used to lead the military division of the family. A battle tactician—scary smart. They say he never lost a single beast raid back in the border wars."

Next to Thayven was a slightly shorter man with a cold expression and deep crimson eyes. His robes were darker, and he walked like a shadow in daylight. "Elder Velric," Owen continued. "He handles the archives and intelligence. He knows every branch, every marriage, every secret that keeps this family standing. He’s a walking memory."

Then came a younger-looking man—at least in appearance—with a half-smile and long red hair tied in a loose braid. His hands were covered in rings and faint mana marks shimmered across his robes. "That’s Elder Cassiel," Owen said. "Beast researcher. Tamer, mage, alchemist—you name it. Everyone calls him eccentric, but he’s scary strong."

And last, walking with light steps that barely made sound on the ground, was the only female among them. Her red hair was pinned up neatly and her yellow eyes scanned the crowd like a hawk. She wore a white and gold robe, unlike the others. "That’s Elder Mairead. She’s the spiritual head of the Dravenhart line. Handles all awakenings, oaths, and rites. She’s also the oldest... they say even the Grand Duke listens to her."

Axelius tilted his head slightly, watching them pass.

"They’re the core," Owen muttered.

As the four elders reached the central table, the crowd straightened again, and silence fell across the gathering.

Axelius yawned into his fist. "And so?" he muttered under his breath.

Owen rolled his eyes. "Behave. Just this once."

As the silence deepened across the field, Elder Mairead’s golden eyes swept slowly over the gathered younger generation. Her gaze paused when it landed on Axelius.

The moment their eyes met, a sudden pressure slammed into Axelius’s chest—cold, tight, and suffocating. His breath hitched. It was like something invisible wrapped around his lungs and began squeezing. "A-Argh! W-what?!"

Owen felt it too. He bounced on Axelius’s shoulder nervously. "A-Axel?" he whispered. "Hey—hey, are you okay?"

But Axelius simply raised his palm slightly, signaling Owen to calm down. His jaw clenched, and he inhaled sharply through his nose. For a few long seconds, he focused on breathing, forcing the pressure down. Then, slowly, his chest relaxed. The strange suffocation faded as quickly as it came.