Bang, bang, bang.
"Open the door! Open the door! The people inside, open the door immediately, or I'll kick it down!"
A rough male voice accompanied the violent knocking, and Nora and her grandmother huddled together, trembling, hiding in the small room, staring wide-eyed at each other, not daring to utter a single word, even holding their breath subconsciously, afraid that their faint breathing would be heard by the people outside.
Nora was a freeman without status, or perhaps a vagrant would be more accurate. Since her birth, she had lived in this wilderness, far from prosperous towns.
Gathered in this dangerous wilderness were serfs, hunters, and commoners who had fled or hidden from other places, but upon arriving in the wilderness, they became freemen with liberty.
However, while the wilderness offered a freedom that was difficult for most ordinary people to attain, it also presented dangers that most people did not have to face.
Because there were many visible dangers in this wilderness: wandering Gnoll and Goblin tribes, Hobgoblins and Kobolds who liked to act as bandits, and sometimes even Ogres would break into the village walls and wreak havoc.
Moreover, there were many dangerous wild beasts. Many neighbors who might have been laughing and talking with Nora today would be lying in some corner of the wilderness tomorrow, accompanying death.
That was how Nora's parents left her, leaving Nora and her elderly grandmother to depend on each other.
Although Nora had heard the elders in the village say that their dwelling place belonged to the territory of a Red Copper Dragon, Nora had never seen this supposedly powerful True Dragon. The small village would frequently encounter accidents and dangers, yet the Red Copper Dragon Lord never came out to resolve them.
Perhaps because the territory was too vast, this True Dragon couldn't manage it all. Nora sometimes had this thought when she hoped the True Dragon would rescue the village.
Fortunately, due to living in such an environment, the people in the village were relatively united. Even if their own lives were not good, they were willing to occasionally lend a helping hand to the young Nora and her elderly grandmother, which allowed Nora and her grandmother to survive.
However, even with such difficult lives, these spontaneously gathered freemen preferred to risk various dangers to clear land in the wilderness and settle down, rather than return to their painful, constrained, and hopeless past lives.
Nora thought that such a dangerous but peaceful life would continue forever, until she grew up, her grandmother also passed away to join her parents, and she herself would have a new family in this place.
Until today, the village's tranquility was once again shattered, but it wasn't by monsters or wild beasts, nor by True Dragons, but by a group of humans acting like bandits.
These human bandits were more vicious and brutal than the Hobgoblin and Kobold bandits. Those Hobgoblin and Kobold bandits, even when they broke through the village's defenses, would only steal the village's food and livestock, and occasionally abduct some women.
But these human bandits not only stole all the food and livestock, but also dragged out the villagers hiding in their houses to take them away. In Nora's eyes, the strongest village chief, when he went up to question them, was surrounded and ambushed by those human bandits and defeated.
However, the only good thing about these human bandits was that they wouldn't kill the villagers. Every defeated villager was captured by these bandits, their hands bound and feet shackled like slaves to be sold.
Nora was small, and after seeing this scene, she quickly ran back to her home, locked the door with her grandmother, hoping to escape this disaster.
But the people outside had grown impatient. They directly kicked open the already dilapidated door, cracking it, and then walked in.
It was a tall, middle-aged man. His dark, cracked skin and greasy, shiny hair made him look incredibly destitute, yet he wore a fine leather armor, and his weapon was clearly of high quality, even Nora, who didn't understand, could tell.
In Nora's eyes, these bandits looked more like the mercenaries her Uncle Village Chief talked about.
The middle-aged man crouched down and looked under the table, a look of disappointment in his eyes. He muttered, "How is it a girl and an old woman? Not worth much. I should have chosen another house."
"Uncle, we don't have much money. The most valuable thing we have is this house," Nora said timidly, desperately shielding her elderly, dim-sighted grandmother, yet mustering her courage to speak, "I can give this house to you, or I can go with you. Please don't hurt my grandmother!"
"Heh heh, what's this broken house worth? You two are the most valuable. Come out and come with me. Although your grandmother is very old, she can still be sold for some money. Don't force my hand, just crawl out obediently." The middle-aged man ignored Nora's request, waving the curved blade with exquisite carvings in his hand as a threat.
"Let's go, Nora, don't disobey this lord's command. I'll go with you, perhaps I can take care of you for the last leg of the journey," tears welled up in her elderly grandmother's dim eyes, and her withered hands caressed her young granddaughter's face.
"Mm," Nora bit her lip and nodded, helping her grandmother crawl out from under the table, and followed the middle-aged man out of this dilapidated house that, to her, was the warmest and safest place in the entire world.
"Lord, lord, I'm just a traveling bard who stopped by for lodging, I'm not from this village,"
Nora looked in the direction of the voice. In a house not far away, a young man, dressed in ordinary but flashy clothes, was being dragged out by another bandit, who had him by the neck. However, the young man did not dare to resist, only desperately explained himself.
Nora knew this young man. He was a traveler who had stayed with her Uncle Villager some time ago, reportedly for research. The young man knew many stories and would wander around the village talking every day, occasionally telling stories to the young children in the village. Noraliked him very much.
"A bard, a bard is also worth money," the other bandit ignored the bard's explanation and tied his hands.
Nora watched as many villagers and her friends were tied up and taken to the village center under the threat of these bandits. Perhaps because Nora and her grandmother had no ability to escape or pose a threat, these bandits did not tie them up.
In the village center, Nora saw the person she considered the strongest, Uncle Village Chief, but the bandits called him Sir Farn.
"I never expected you to be hiding here, Farn. It is said that you disobeyed the Pope's orders and were accused of blaspheming God, and the dignified Captain of the Church Knights ended up as a savage in the wilderness. What a pity."
The bandit leader, astride a tall Red Blood Horse, taunted the village chief.
Village Chief Farn's expression remained unchanged, but he retorted, "Your mercenary group is considered reputable in the Northern Continent. Why are you doing such dirty work now?"
The bandit leader laughed heartily, "No choice. Those evil True Dragons in the Golden Landvseem very ambitious and need a lot of population to fill their territory. I didn't like doing such dirty work originally, but those True Dragon s gave too much."
Village Chief Farn's calm expression changed, and he said solemnly, "You actually trade with those evil True Dragons? Aren't you afraid those evil True Dragons will go back on their word? Moreover, once those noble lords find out you're colluding with evil True Dragon s, even if you're the strongest mercenary group in the Northern Continent, you'll be wiped out."
"Haha, Farn, no wonder you were exiled and hunted by the Church, you are too naive," the bandit leader was overjoyed, "As long as those evil True Dragon s give me lovely gold coins, they are kinder than Gold True Dragon s. Even a Gold True Dragon, if it doesn't give me gold coins, is an evil creature."
"And do you think only our mercenary group is doing this? Those nobles are doing even worse. Your village was just lucky that I found you before they got to you," the bandit leader sneered.
"Although those Chromatic Dragons are still arrogant and conceited, they are surprisingly trustworthy. Everyone who goes to the Golden Land will realize this. Besides, what business has no risk? If I succeed, I can make a fortune. This little risk is nothing to me."
These people gathered and talked in the village, but they did not notice that in the far distance of the wilderness, on a towering mountain peak, two True Dragon s were looking down at the entire wilderness. Everything happening in this village was clearly seen by the two True Dragon s.
One of them, a male True Dragon, was about sixteen meters long. His dense, strong scales emitted a soft, warm reddish-brown luster. On his head were a pair of thick True Dragon horns resembling drumsticks, and leathery tissue similar to webbed feet grew connecting his horns and cheeks.
This was a Red Copper Dragon, and also the Dragon Lord of this place, Alfred.
And a pair of broad wings, like two huge, clearly-boned sails, grew from the tail of the True Dragon's wings and connected to his body's tail.
The other, a female True Dragon, had smooth, sleek scales of a deep, rich bronze color. Webbed feet grew on her True Dragon claws, and her eyes were like glowing green orbs. Her body was about fifteen meters long, only slightly smaller than the male True Dragon.
The rest of her body structure was not much different from the male True Dragon's, with bat-like wings on her head, neck, and tail, but her wings were more like triangular sail-wings without bones.
This was a young female Bronze Dragon, the object of Red Copper Dragon Alfred's pursuit, Alina!
At this moment, the young female Bronze Dragon Alina was frowning, glaring at the Red Copper Dragon Alfred, who looked innocent, and said with a hint of anger in her voice, "Alfred, this is what you call a territory with great development potential, huh?"
"You even sold these barely useful humans to those bandits. What do you want me to govern? Rule over ignorant wild beasts and those despicable monster bandits? I am not one of those foolish, desperate Chromatic Dragons who accept any monster as a vassal!"
The young Bronze Dragon Alina was furious, her slender fangs grinding menacingly, as if she wanted to take a harsh bite out of the Red Copper Dragon, who was feigning innocence before her.
Female Bronze Dragon Alina had different hobbies from her kin. The Bronze Dragon race was very curious, especially fascinated by war, and would often transform into small, friendly animals or humans to observe adventurers and humans who entered their territory up close.
They would also use polymorph to join armies as war observers to get closer to war. They would engage in lively discussions about the art of war when they met, much like how people in a certain never-setting empire like to discuss the weather.
But Alina preferred to discuss the art of governing territory and ruling a country. For this, she once transformed into a human and entered the libraries of various human kingdoms to read materials and books. She also had her parents specifically hire human teachers for her, to learn about governing territory from them.
When the female Bronze Dragon transitioned from adolescence to young adulthood, the independent Alina did not choose to find and conquer her own territory in the sea like her parents. In her opinion, no matter how vast the maritime domain, it was not the ideal kingdom she envisioned.
The foolish Fishmen and arrogant evil Naga also disgusted her, so she chose to come to land and apply to Dragon Lords who needed officials to manage their territories, hoping to prove her abilities, but most attempts ended in failure.
These Dragon Lords did not trust that a female could manage a territory well and bring them much help; Alina, who concealed her True Dragon identity, was just an educated young female from an ordinary family, and was not trusted at all.
In fact, even if Alina revealed her Bronze Dragon identity, these Dragon Lords would not accept her. Although Bronze Dragon are also members of the good True Dragons, they are not as well-received as Gold Dragon.
During Alina's travels and attempts, she met the young Dragon Lord Red Copper Dragon Alfredat a Metal Dragon gathering.
Although Red Copper Dragon Alfred did not understand Bronze Dragon Alina's ideas, nor could he comprehend Alina's so-called art and wisdom of territory management, Alfred, coveting Bronze Dragon Alina's beauty, quickly expressed his admiration and pursuit to the female True Dragon.
He also promised to hand over his territory to Bronze Dragon Alina to rule and manage, which finally moved Bronze Dragon and made her follow him to Alfred's territory.
Who knew that Red Copper Dragon Alfred had already been bribed by these humans' gold coins and no longer cared about the residents living in his territory, allowing them to be abducted and sold, and he could not go back on his word.
Of course, the most important reason was that these humans had signed a contract with Red Copper Dragon Alfred, and the other half of the gold coins would only be delivered after the transaction was completed.
Therefore, when Bronze Dragon Alina saw this scene, she was so angry. Alina chose to apply to human kingdom Dragon Lords precisely because she despised those monsters who only knew how to plunder and wander without engaging in production.
Now, the humans in Alfred's territory were also disappearing, which made her very angry and gave her a feeling of being defrauded.
"How about this, you give me half of the gold coins you received from those humans, and I will forgive your deception and seriously reconsider the possibility of becoming your companion," Bronze Dragon Alina took a deep breath. After her goal was not achieved, this young female True Dragon wanted to make a profit first.
Red Copper Dragon Alfred, who had an innocent expression on his face, immediately changed his expression. Treasures were an untouchable domain for True Dragon.
Even Alfred, who had seemed somewhat flustered before, would not hand over his treasures. Even if Platinum Dragon God Bahamut stood in front of Red Copper Dragon and made such an impolite request, Alfred would consider the possibility of giving Platinum Dragon God Bahamuta big slap.
However, still coveting the beauty of the female True Dragon in front of him, Red Copper Dragon Alfred tried to retain her. He said loudly, "Alina, I can even entrust you with the territory, which is the most important thing for a Dragon Lord. Can't that prove my feelings?"
"And you can earn treasures through my territory. After you become my companion, all the treasures in the territory will be yours!"
"Hmph," the female Bronze Dragon Alina sneered, "Your territory is so desolate that even birds don't like to perch there? Forget it, Alfred, save those words to deceive the next female True Dragon!"
Bronze Dragon Alina spread her wings, ready to leave.
Red Copper Dragon Alfred's eyes rolled, and a flash of astonishing wisdom suddenly gave him an idea. He shouted, "Wait, Alina, don't you just want to manage a territory with humans? I have a way."
"What way do you have? You're not trying to fool me again, are you?" Bronze Dragon stopped and looked suspiciously at the confident male True Dragon.
"I warn you, my parents are the great Dragon Lords of the Phosphorescent Sea. If you dare to deceive me, be careful not to get a severe beating," the young female True Dragon warned, baring her fangs.
Red Copper Dragon Alfred's eyes changed from vertical pupils to round pupils, rolling around. Then he patted his muscular chest with his thick True Dragon claw and said loudly, "You know the Kogmora Dragon Clan that rules the Golden Land, right? Kalon, the leader of this True Dragon Group, is my good friend."
"I learned from the adventurers I caught and invited from the seaside that the Golden Land is gradually prospering under the True Dragon's rule. There are not only many humans but also many other races becoming the True Dragon's subjects. It's just right for you, Alina, to display your talents and prove your wisdom and art of territorial governance."
Although Red Copper Dragon Alfred had only met Red Dragon once and had a brief conversation, their relationship was far from close. But at this moment, with the arrow on the string, for the sake of his proud True Dragon face, he could not lose his momentum in front of the beautiful True Dragon, so he confidently promised the female True Dragon he favored.
"The territory ruled by Kalon and the True Dragon is far larger than my territory, but it lacks talent for managing the territory. You also know that the Chromatic Dragon can only accept some useless and crooked dependents."
"With your ability, Alina, and my relationship with Kalon, you will definitely be treated with courtesy when you go there. Maybe Kalon will let you manage a large area of territory because of your knowledge! Moreover, the True Dragon is recruiting talents to manage their territory. Can't your knowledge, Alina, surpass those vulgar races?"
Red Copper Dragon used his most eloquent persuasion to convince this female Bronze Dragon, spontaneously mastering temptation and provocation. Alfred decided to entangle this female True Dragon by any means necessary.
This was also the courtship secret taught to him by other Red Copper Dragon elders: even the most proud and fierce female True Dragon feared a persistent male True Dragon.
"Kalon Kogmora, and the Dragon clan he rules, I know. I heard that under the leadership of this Red Dragon, the True Dragon burned the capital of Catha Empire to ashes, and the magnificent imperial palace was forever submerged into the underground magma by the True Dragon, and countless elite Imperial soldiers were slaughtered."
Bronze Dragon Alina had also learned about this from her elders. Although True Dragon are all quite proud and arrogant, preferring to stay in their lairs and be self-contained.
However, among the Metal Dragon, except for Red Copper Dragon and Bronze Dragon, which are somewhat eccentric True Dragon species, the other three Metal Dragons—Gold Dragons, Silver Dragons, and Bronze Dragons—are more concerned about the movements of human civilization.
Especially these three True Dragon are keen on using polymorph to blend into human society. In some human kingdoms on the southern continent, there are even examples of Gold True Dragon and Silver Dragon serving as counts and dukes in human kingdoms.
"Are you asking me to submit to those evil True Dragons and work for those foolish, arrogant, and chaotic Chromatic Dragons? You, Red Copper Dragon Alfred, are a good Metal Dragon. How can you be friends with those evil True Dragon?"
Female Bronze Dragon Alina, like all Bronze Dragons, is inherently kind. Some kind Bronze Dragon even reach the level of some Silver Dragon saints.
They would not even harm intelligent animals, except, of course, the Fishmen race, which these Bronze Dragon all like to eat. However, these Bronze Dragon therefore do not recognize Fishmenas an intelligent race, so it does not go against the Bronze Dragon's kind nature.
Alina therefore had no good impression of the Chromatic Dragon, especially feeling disgusted by the Kogmora Dragon Clan that had carried out a massacre in the Catha Empire capital.
If it weren't for knowing that she couldn't defeat the True Dragon, and other Metal Dragon she knew were too lazy to move, she would have long since gathered a group of Metal Dragon to cause trouble for Kalon and them.
"Hmph," Red Copper Dragon Alfred clearly had his own subjective judgment. He actually sneered at his goddess True Dragon, "Alina, don't let your stereotypes blind your intelligent mind. If you were caught by those humans, your parents would definitely not hesitate to destroy the entire Catha Empire to wash away the disgrace."
"And Kalon and his True Dragon are not as foolish, arrogant, chaotic, and evil as other Chromatic Dragon. You can find out the truth and conclusions of some things from those human adventurers. If you don't believe me, you can go and see with your own eyes and listen with your own ears. I don't want the female True Dragon I like to be a conceited fool!"
Red Copper Dragon Alfred's head was held high with pride, as if despising the female True Dragon's shortsightedness. This was also a secret method taught to Alfred by the Red Copper Dragon elders: one cannot always be submissive to female True Dragon; occasionally, one needs to strike at the female True Dragon's overly proud heart and arrogant personality.
Of course, this only works for truly intelligent female True Dragon. Some brainless, arrogant female True Dragon will become even more enraged by such derogatory words, instead of reflecting on their problems like intelligent female True Dragon.
Indeed, female Bronze Dragon Alina's face showed hesitation. She also became curious about the True Dragon ruling the distant Golden Land because of Red Copper Dragon Alfred's words. She was curious whether what Red Copper Dragon said was true, and also curious about what charm the other party possessed to make a Metal Dragon speak for a Chromatic Dragon.
As for the matter of these bandits abducting and selling humans to the Dragon Clan Territory, these minor matters are considered basic operations in the eyes of True Dragon and are not associated with evil. When those Metal Dragon build their territories, they also purchase many slaves from human kingdoms, with Gold True Dragon buying the most.
"Alright, I admit I'm somewhat convinced by your words, Alfred," female Bronze Dragon Alina also held her head high. She also disliked being considered a conceited and shortsighted True Dragon. "I plan to go to the distant Golden Land to see if what you said is true."
Bronze Dragon Alina glanced at Red Copper Dragon's delighted eyes, and her vertical pupils revealed a lively cunning. She said in a clear voice, "I wonder if I would be so lucky as to invite this Mr. Red Copper Dragon, who has a good relationship with the Kogmora Dragon Clan, to accompany me."
Before Red Copper Dragon Alfred could react, this young but clever female True Dragon flapped her wings and flew away into the distance.
Red Copper Dragon Alfred was so carried away by the female True Dragon's words that he momentarily forgot the secret taught to him by the Red Copper Dragon elders—always maintain a relatively high posture to ensure the female True Dragon's long-term admiration and obedience.
He quickly spread his wings and followed the female True Dragon in front, shouting, "You're flying in the wrong direction, Alina! You should go that way, and let me tell you, when I met Kalon and the True Dragon, that Red Dragon praised my graceful and powerful physique. My relationship with him is extraordinary..."
...
"Recruiting pioneering immigrants! Every immigrant who signs up to go to the Golden Land will be granted the status of a freeman, with free food, drink, and accommodation, and all travel expenses waived."
"Immigrants who go to the Golden Land can freely cultivate land, and the cultivated land will belong to them. People who go to the Golden Land will also receive resettlement fees and be properly settled."
"If you have a special skill, you will also receive some copper coin rewards. If a whole family immigrates together, they will also receive copper coin rewards. The conditions are generous, don't miss out!"
Soldiers on the street held notices and loudly advertised, recruiting so-called "pioneering immigrants" as they patrolled the slum streets.
The slums, which used to be frequented only by naked, expressionless paupers and beggars with tattered clothes and sour, smelly odors, now became exceptionally lively. Not only were there rare patrolling guards, but also many elite mercenary groups and merchant group stewards leading their subordinates, moving in groups back and forth through the slums.
Under the temptation of food, these people in the slums began to show some interest in their propaganda, and the crowd began to gather, with expressions of expectation appearing on their numb faces.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the city, teams of prisoners were escorted by soldiers to the docks outside the city, and put onto large ships. These soldiers also diligently patrolled the streets they passed, checking for any incidents of theft or kidnapping. These soldiers eagerly anticipated catching those who disrupted order, as each head meant shiny copper coins.
Currently, the public order in all cities within this territory is unprecedentedly good. The petty thefts that used to be common on the streets have disappeared, because everyone who was caught vanished from the city. Even the dark gangs hidden in the sewers and various corners of the city were completely wiped out.
This made the residents of the town applaud. The public order problems that were difficult to eradicate in the past were wiped out under the severe crackdown of the Dragon Lord, causing the people living in the territory to praise the Dragon Lord endlessly.
However, these changes did not affect the majestic castle, high above, built against the mountain, and situated on a high slope.
This family castle belonging to Duke Istvan seemed to be the residence of a noble spirit overlooking the mortal world. Its tall and thick walls blocked the praises and slanders of the mortal world. It ruled mortals, yet was separated from the world of ordinary people.
Even during the day, the tall castle required countless candles and lanterns to be lit to keep it bright. The candles and lamp oil consumed by the castle every day were enough for an ordinary family of three to use for a year.
Finely woven, wide, and long carpets covered every hall and corridor of the castle. Each intricately patterned carpet was enough to cost an ordinary family ten years of savings.
The complex and beautiful frescoes on the high domes of the castle, the exquisite screens placed in the castle, and the furniture made of valuable wood, the silver utensils used for eating on the dining table—all these things were precious items that the mortals outside the castle could not imagine possessing.
And in one of the banquet halls of this castle, only three people sat at a spacious dining table made of valuable wood.
One of the elders sat at the head of the table, his back to countless oil paintings by famous artists. His hair was graying at the temples, but his eyes were bright and piercing. This was the patriarch of the Istvan family, and also the ruler of this territory, Duke Istvan.
When the Catha Empire split, the territory that originally belonged to the Emperor of the Catha Empire was divided and swallowed by various great families. Duke Istvan, as a high-ranking noble of the Catha Empire, also received a rich territory. Today, the power of the Istvan family is even greater, and its strength ranks among the first-class among the many kingdoms and duchies in the Northern Continent.
Sitting to the right of Duke Istvan was a young woman. Her beautiful face had eyes like two pools of clear water, but her gaze revealed an aggressiveness like that of a lion. Her full bosom was tightly bound by close-fitting soft armor, clearly indicating she was an extremely ambitious woman.
This was Countess Bartoli, Duke Istvan's eldest daughter. She was a controversial countess, who had admired martial prowess since childhood, was more competitive than the men of her clan, and was more outstanding in strength than the men of her clan. At a young age, she had already crossed the realm of High-level Extraordinary and touched the edge of the Saint Rank.
Count Kailie, who was on good terms with the Istvan family, had admired Bartoli's character and beauty since childhood. After becoming the count in charge of his family, he chose to propose to Duke Istvan's eldest daughter.
With the intention of a strong alliance, Duke Istvan agreed to Count Kailie's request, and the two families officially united through marriage.
But on the second day after marrying Count Kailie, who was on good terms with the Istvan family, Bartoli persuaded Count Kailie to go hunting with her in the mountains. As a result, an accident occurred during the hunt.
Bartoli and Count Kailie's party were lost in the desolate mountains and wilderness. By the time other soldiers found traces of their party, everyone except Bartoli had already died.
The soldiers found that the backs of Count Kailie and his attendants were covered with claw marks of wild beasts. Only Bartoli, relying on her soft armor, escaped the beasts' attacks from behind.
Although these soldiers were also puzzled as to how wild beasts could quietly approach the Count's party and succeed in a sneak attack against a High-level Extraordinary warrior, they knew that the Count and his attendants were also powerful warriors with keen instincts.
Although these soldiers did not dare to express suspicion on the surface, rumors spread as a result.
Especially after Count Kailie's younger brother, the only remaining heir of the Count's family, also died shortly after due to a sudden serious illness, rumors spread throughout Count Kailie's family territory. Some loyal warrior legions even openly accused Bartoli of having killed the two successive Counts and wanting to replace them.
But after the leaders of these warrior legions who accused Bartoli successively died mysteriously, the rumors within the territory gradually came under control. Even if there were still some secret "slanders," they were limited to the dark corners.
Since then, Bartoli inherited Count Kailie's title, becoming one of the rare female counts.
And sitting opposite this controversial countess was a Squinty-eyed mage wearing a luxurious magic robe, Hsiusir, or perhaps he should be called Hsiusir Istvan.
After all, to cultivate a High-level Mage, ordinary nobles simply cannot afford the Mage's expenses. If you don't have money and still want to learn magic, you might as well expect a True Dragon to bestow its treasure upon you.
The three nobles were elegantly dining. Even though the servants around them had been dismissed, thanks to their aristocratic habits, the three did not speak during the meal, creating a silent yet relaxed atmosphere.
After a long while, after spitting out the last mouthful of mouthwash, the old Duke with graying hair finally spoke, as if he had been contemplating for a long time, still weighing his words, "Hsiusir, has your teacher, Archmage Lapers, made his final choice?"
Although Hsiusir was already accustomed to the free and unrestrained demeanor of a High-level Mage, in front of his old father, before the authority of the family elder, he still maintained a respectful and deferential posture.
Hsiusir nodded slightly, indicating respect for his father's question, and then began to answer: "My teacher has not made his final choice, but he has indicated that our Mages should gradually shift their focus towards the True Dragon. As an existence capable of observing some scales and claws of fate, what my teacher does certainly won't be without reason!"
"Hmm," Duke Istvan nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Even so, our family's resources cannot be overly tilted towards that True Dragon."
"The reason why noble families can endure for a long time, longer than empires and dynasties, is because we never put fragile eggs in one basket. We learn from those cunning rabbits, digging holes everywhere to ensure the family's retreat and stability."
Magician Hsiusir narrowed his eyes and nodded, expressing his agreement with the Duke's words, but then said, "With all due respect, Father, sending charcoal for warmth in the snow is far more impressive than sending flowers after success. Some things that the True Dragons currently lacks are not important resources in our family's view."
The Duke shook his head, "Managing a large family sometimes means you can't always do as you please. Even if I am the patriarch of the family and the Dragon Lord of the territory, there are many interests that need to be reconciled. The newly acquired territory also needs to be maintained and developed. The resources and support currently given to you are the maximum I can mobilize within my capabilities."
"Alright, Father, in that case, I will go to the Golden Land, the Dragon Clan Territory, as a Mage, and not as a representative member of the Istvan family, to contact the True Dragons."
"Also, if I may be so bold, esteemed Father and Duke, I think it's time to involve my younger brother in family affairs. Perhaps a young person will bring some fresh ideas and vitality to this sufficiently old family."
Magician Hsiusir still maintained a respectful attitude, but his words clearly expressed his dissatisfaction.
"Hmph, I am not yet old and decrepit, I possess enough wisdom and vitality, and can still manage and lead the family," Duke Istvan was angered by the Magician's filial piety, threw down the silk handkerchief he used to wipe his mouth, stood up, and stormed off.
Countess Bartoli, who had been quietly watching the verbal sparring between the father and son with a cold eye, slowly drank her sweet cream of mushroom soup. After seeing the angry old Duke leave, she unhurriedly picked up a silk handkerchief to wipe her sensuous and soft lips.
"These old fellows are always easily trapped by their stubbornness and experiences, always thinking that their own experience is the most reliable, and not daring to try new ideas and paths. The boldness and courage of their youth have long been worn away by time, Hsiusir, don't pay too much attention to this old fellow's thoughts."
The young and beautiful, full-figured Countess Bartoli smiled and showed kindness to her younger brother.
"Shh, keep your voice down, Father's strength hasn't weakened too much yet," Magician Hsiusirput his index finger to his lips, and a smile appeared on his usually calm face.
"However, you have been in contact with those True Dragons. Are those True Dragons truly as you say, worth our investment?" The young countess's eyes, like clear water, shone brightly, like a lioness on the prairie gazing at its prey before hunting, an aggressiveness emanating from Countess Bartoli's gaze.
Even the Magician Hsiusir, who had grown up with his elder sister, felt the oppressive force coming from her. The Magician's eyes involuntarily shifted slightly, and then he nodded and said, "Most successes in life are temporary, but failure occupies the main theme. However, how one faces failure can distinguish everyone into different types."
"Some people will be crushed by failure and sink into it, while others can constantly pick themselves up and move forward. This is a quality that, unless facing death, will inevitably lead to success. In my opinion, Kalon, that Red Dragon with terrifying power, is a creature that possesses this quality."
Countess Bartoli's bright and aggressive gaze quietly receded, and then she nodded, "I trust your judgment, Hsiusir. You have always been the smartest child in the family since childhood. Perhaps I can personally go to the Golden Land and get in touch with those True Dragons."
Hsiusir was startled. He understood his sister's character. "Bartoli, are you thinking..."
The young countess interrupted the Magician's words. She stood up, and her clear and crisp laughter lingered, "Hsiusir, ruling a small, narrow count's territory has already made me bored. I want to challenge a bigger stage. My life is too peaceful."
Magician Hsiusir sighed and shook his head, "Bartoli, you trust my mind, but I am a little afraid of your madness and courage!"