Chapter 286 Blood Relatives (Mother and child are safe and sound, thank you for your blessings)
Deep within the Burning Steel Fortress, Red Iron Dragon's consciousness slowly receded.
He has temporarily severed his blood ties with Iron Dragons' Gorton and is awaiting a response.
In the final moments, Garros once again emphasized to Gorton several key details that required extra attention and could not be overlooked in the slightest—including how to convey information with tact, how to assess changes in Elena's true intentions, and how to avoid risks in the early stages of cooperation—to ensure that his brother, who was at the heart of the enemy camp, would not expose himself due to momentary negligence, or even implicate the entire dragon group's plans.
"Based on the detailed descriptions sent back by Gorton, and corroborated by the information transmitted from the gem merchant's intelligence network."
"It can be basically confirmed that the Crystal Princess Elena... is definitely not some short-sighted, simple-minded fool who has been kept in the palace."
Galos pondered in his heart.
"On the contrary, she is very intelligent, possesses a keen political sense and considerable magical skills, and more importantly... deep within her heart burns a strong flame of desire to serve the country and to share the burdens of the beleaguered Lorthorn Royal Court. She is a potential collaborator with ambition and drive."
Garus raised his dragon head slightly, his eyes gleaming, thinking:
"Hopefully... she will ultimately make the right choice that is in the best interests of both of us."
The Red Iron Dragon shifted its massive body slightly, adjusting to a more comfortable position that allowed its thick, plate-like scales on its abdomen to fully unfold.
The snake-woman sorcerers understood.
With their cool, magically imbued fingertips, they began to gently and precisely massage the relatively soft areas of the Red Iron Dragon's abdomen, helping him relax his steel-like, hard body.
While enjoying this rare moment of relaxation, Galos immersed his mind in the invisible network of blood ties.
He first contacted Iron Dragon Sorog, and then connected with Red Dragon Samantha, who was overseeing the alchemy production line in Black Iron Plains.
Meanwhile, he was also quietly waiting for Gorton to send back crucial news from the Lorthene court regarding the Crystal Princess's response.
at the same time.
Starfire Monastery.
"You little brats! Listen up!"
"Iron Dragon Gorton shouted."
"The great Steel King is setting off back to the Royal Court! When we meet again, I hope your 'qi' will burn even brighter, and that you can mimic the posture of the great dragon!"
Under the gaze of the group of young apprentices around him, a mixture of awe, curiosity, and a touch of resigned acceptance.
His massive body, covered in dark metallic scales like a mobile fortress, awkwardly propped up his strong limbs, taking heavy steps that made the ground groan slightly with each step. Then, with his enormous dragon head held high, he left the Starfire Monastery in what he considered a majestic but actually somewhat comical manner.
Not long after.
In the Royal Court of Lorthene, in the luxurious study of Crystal Princess Elena, which resembled a small magical museum.
Elena leaned against the window seat with its velvet cushions, one slender hand resting lazily on Gorton's cold, hard scales.
She was listening as Iron Dragon Gorton passionately and vividly described his powerful, wise, and soon-to-be immortal brothers who would establish an unparalleled empire in the wilderness.
At first she didn’t pay attention, just thinking that Gordon was telling a story.
In her eyes, Gorton was like a pet, a playmate, and someone who shone with maternal love as she grew older and had no children of her own.
However, as I listened...
Elena's delicate face, which had been carrying a doting smile, gradually became serious, and then a hint of undisguised doubt appeared.
Her gaze involuntarily drifted from the dragon's head, which was full of passionate expression during his speech, to his large, rounded, and full body, which appeared particularly plump due to his long-term pampered life in the royal court.
Then compare that with the image of those fierce brothers he described who grew up fighting and growing in the wilderness.
Isn't this contrast a bit too stark?
"Look! Elena! I knew you'd make that face!"
Gordon keenly caught the distrust in the princess's eyes and immediately growled in dissatisfaction.
He nimbly (for his size) twisted his neck, extended his massive claws covered in metallic scales, and pulled out several copies of the Federal Daily from a nearby stack of newspapers, all with different dates but all featuring alarming headlines on the front page.
He slammed the newspaper down in front of Elena like he was displaying a trophy.
[A deadly star has descended! The century-old gem mine of the Principality of Raymond has been ravaged by a dragon.]
[The mining stronghold of the Blackrock Principality was turned into a hell overnight, with no survivors. It is suspected that it was destroyed by a surprise attack from the evil dragon Burning Mountain Wings. This evil dragon is guilty of heinous crimes and has a bounty of ten million gold coins on its head.]
Besides the title, what other pictures are included?
—The mine, melted into glass-like pits by dragon's breath; the steel city walls, ravaged by a giant beast; and… the blurry yet ferocious, sky-covering, grotesque outline captured by the magic image crystal.
"Look! Take a good look at these!"
Gorton's voice carried an intense confidence: "This is the masterpiece of my blood relative—'Death Star'! Just listen to that name! Look at that record! Isn't it impressive enough?!"
Elena took a deep breath.
Could it be mistaken for the Winged Mountain of Burning? She had heard of this infamous dragon.
She sat up straight, her expression becoming focused and serious, and with the keen insight unique to a high-level mage, she carefully read through the duchy's reports, which she usually didn't pay much attention to.
Gradually.
The image of a dragon with unbelievable strength, astonishing growth rate, and cautious and steady behavior... a dragon that no force could underestimate, became incredibly clear and real in her mind.
Elena slowly lifted her gaze from the newspaper.
She looked at the round ball in front of her again, scrutinizing Gorton from head to toe several times.
It was as if they wanted to dig out bloodline evidence that could connect him to that ominous star of death from beneath his rounded appearance.
She said hesitantly, "Gorton, are you sure... that dragon known as the Death Star is really your brother?"
She paused, her tone becoming more questioning.
"You two...are you really close relatives sharing the same bloodline? You're not mistaken?"
Her underlying meaning couldn't be clearer: The difference between you two... is just too great, isn't it?
A ruthless and decisive demon king descended upon the wilderness.
One of them, pampered and spoiled in the royal court, had become as fat as a ball.
"Of course! Absolutely true!"
Iron Dragon Golden's answer was resolute.
"We have similar blood flowing through our veins, there is absolutely no mistake about that."
Elena remained silent.
She scrutinized Gordon's eyes and expression repeatedly, trying to detect any trace of pretense, but all she saw was pure pride and unquestionable certainty.
She recalled Gorton's origins—he was indeed discovered and brought back to the royal court in the desolate wilderness of Sel, far removed from civilized order and filled with primitive struggles and cruel laws.
After thinking and questioning Tielong for another ten minutes,
She gradually accepted this seemingly absurd and bizarre fact.
"The Wilderness of Sel... The Ignas Dragonflight... The Principality of Abel..."
Crystal Princess's gaze became deep and sharp, as if piercing through the walls of the study and reaching the vast, unpredictable land on the edge of the kingdom's territory.
All along.
A fierce resentment burned within her like a raging fire, day and night—she was unwilling to be merely a delicate vase adorning the Lorthorn court; she yearned to prove her worth, to use her wisdom and strength to do something useful for this kingdom she loved so dearly, now teetering on the brink of collapse.
However.
She was located in the very heart of the royal court. Her noble princess status, while bringing her glory, also became a heavy shackle that bound her hands and feet.
Those brothers and sisters who constantly covet the throne and see her as a potential threat or bargaining chip use all sorts of rules and methods to set limits and obstruct her in every way... In this critical moment when the Federation is turbulent and the situation is as tense as a fully drawn bow, she has a lot of ambition and the power of a high-level spellcaster, but she sadly finds that she can hardly do anything substantial that can touch the core and change the status quo.
But now.
Things seem to have taken a turn for the better.
“Gorton”.
Elena abruptly withdrew her gaze, refocusing it on Tie Long, her voice becoming more solemn and clear than ever before:
"Are your blood relatives capable of rational and effective communication? Are they willing to accept certain commissions from the Royal Court in exchange for specific resources of value to them, or sufficiently generous magical rewards?"
She asked the crucial question that would determine whether the collaboration could begin.
Gorton's jaw muscles twitched involuntarily.
The words "Of course they would! They couldn't be happier!" almost burst from my throat.
However, just as these impulsive words were about to burst forth...
He recalled Red Iron Dragon's advice: "Keep calm, Goldon. Never let the other side easily see our bottom line. Let them take the initiative to make their demands and reveal their bargaining chips."
He swallowed back the affirmation that was about to escape his lips, and quickly switched his expression to one of deep thought and even some hesitation.
Tie Long was silent for a few seconds before slowly saying, "They... well... are not those ignorant dragons who follow a chaotic nature and only know destruction and plunder. They naturally possess basic wisdom and the ability to communicate rationally."
The tone then shifted, and he added:
"However, perhaps because they have lived on the edge of civilization and in the desolate lands where order has collapsed for many years, their behavior is inevitably tainted with a strong sense of wildness, unruliness and arrogance."
"Moreover, they have now developed a formidable and vast empire, gathering numerous powerful monster followers under their command. They are already powerful lords who dominate a region and deter surrounding forces from making any rash moves. Their arrogance... is probably far greater than that of an excellent iron dragon like my Gorton."
"Ordinary gold and jewelry, common magical ores... have long lost their appeal to them. They have their own independent grand visions and strategic plans for the future."
"They probably won't easily or rashly accept a request for a commission from an unfamiliar force—especially from a human kingdom."
Not accepting something rashly implies that there is a possibility of acceptance.
Elena seemed lost in thought.
Whether they can accept it depends entirely on... whether the price offered is shocking enough, whether it is enough to move those proud and arrogant wilderness overlords who are used to "big scenes".
“Gordon.” Elena’s voice regained its usual elegance and composure, but with an undeniable royal authority: “On my behalf, and on behalf of the Royal Court of Lortheon, convey a formal message to your blood brothers.”
"Just say—"
"The Royal Court of Lortheon, with utmost sincerity, hopes to explore the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation with the powerful Ignas Dragonflight."
In order to prevent the princess's status from being neglected.
She deliberately invoked the name of the Royal Court of Lortheon.
This demonstrates the utmost sincerity and importance, and also silently declares to the other party: the one who is about to speak with you is not a princess seeking private help, but... a kingdom with supreme authority and vast resources! This is enough to make even the proudest dragon lord... set aside his pride and seriously consider the astonishing value behind this proposal.
Of course, they might have doubts.
But at least it gives her a chance to have a conversation.
"Okay! Leave it to me!"
Upon hearing this, Iron Dragon Gorton immediately raised his head and solemnly guaranteed:
“My blood brothers value my opinions and views highly, and they respect my judgment. Since it is you, Elena, who wants to establish cooperation with them, I, Gordon, will do my utmost to act as a go-between and facilitate the partnership.”
"Then, I'll leave this entirely to you, Gordon."
Princess Crystal nodded slightly.
Having said that, she seemed to finally put down the burden in her heart, and leaned back, resting gently on the hard, cold scales of the Iron Dragon, which were like those forged from steel.
She casually picked up a heavy book with a cover inlaid with moonstone, gracefully turned the pages, and quietly began to read, as if the conversation that had just taken place—a conversation that could have changed the fate of the kingdom—was merely an ordinary interlude in the afternoon.
But her gaze lingered on the pages of the book, her thoughts clearly already wandering to the vast land known as the Wilderness of Sel, and to the dragons.
Borderlands, Dragon Valley, Burning Steel Fortress.
After a period of remote communication and internal discussions, with Red Iron Dragon's ideas as the main focus, the core members of the Ignas Dragon Clan... finally finalized the detailed action plan for the next step of the Molten Iron Tribe's formal march into the Sel Wilderness.
The tribe's massive war machine is about to be launched with a roar.
First stop: Scaled Soil Crack Road!
With the death of Viscount Thorn, control of this trade route was taken back by his family superiors, who continued to operate it based on the reputation initially built up by the Ironforge tribe, transforming it into a relatively prosperous trade route.
Select here.
It's not just about avenging past humiliations and reclaiming the original foundation.
This is also because this place is located on the border of the Ser Wilderness.
It is suitable as a bridge to continue the advance into the Sel Wilderness.
As for the pursuit by the Principality of Raymond—if those higher-level federal entities don't intervene, their garrison in the Sel Wilderness is not necessarily stronger than that of the Ironforge Tribe.
The warriors of the Ironforge tribe, and the dragons that command them, are ready to fight a fierce battle against the Federation.
However, Samantha, the Red Dragon, showed obvious doubt and resistance regarding the specific strategy of "whether to establish cooperation with Crystal Princess Elena".
Samantha's voice rang out from within the invisible network of blood ties, filled with undisguised disgust.
"Why? Why must we cooperate with those humans? I think it's completely unnecessary. I hate those hairless, scaleless little reptiles from the bottom of my heart."
"Samantha, calm down."
He replied, "Because...she can bring us gems."
"Moreover, it is a continuous, inexhaustible supply of top-quality gems, enough to fill our treasury."
"It's not just gems... The channels she represents can also provide us with other even rarer, more precious resources that are hard to buy on the market even with money, such as solidified black oil crystals, those top-tier magical treasures that only exist in the kingdom's secret vault."
After a few seconds of silence.
"snort."
Samantha first gave her usual cold snort, then her tone shifted subtly and quickly: "However, on the other hand..."
"These hairless, scaleless little humans... sometimes, if you look closely... are actually quite cute? Round eyes, soft and fluffy appearance."
"Yes, it's okay to make some contact, as long as they know how to offer enough gems to show their respect."
At that moment, Iron Dragon Sorog said, "Gorton has responded!"
Gorton's booming voice, clearly tinged with self-satisfaction, immediately resonated in the minds of every blood relative.
"Brothers! Elena is very interested in the collaboration. She is very proactive and has a strong intention to cooperate."
Upon hearing Gorton's report, Galos nodded, showing little excitement or agitation.
He had anticipated Crystal Princess Elena's positive response.
Early on, when Galus first gained a deeper understanding of the princess's personality and situation through the Gorton storyline, he had already created a portrait of her in his mind.
It was a magical flame imprisoned in a magnificent crystal cage, burning with a desire to spread like wildfire, yet struggling to find the fuse to ignite it.
And now.
He handed over the fuse.
As long as the princess's original aspiration remains unchanged, and her passion to serve her country and refuse to be a mere ornament remains unextinguished, she will surely choose to hold on tightly.
"Elena is still waiting for my reply. She wants to know our initial intentions. Should we... agree to her request? Should we give her a definite answer now?"
No rush.
Galos smiled slightly and said, "Let her... wait a little longer."
Whether it's negotiation, transaction, or cooperation, taking the initiative is crucial for the final distribution of benefits.
In the contest of patience and composure, the one who can remain calm and show less impatience often gains the decisive initiative.
Galos had barely finished speaking.
“Gorton! You fat-brained idiot, listen to me!”
Samantha, the red dragon, roared menacingly, "Don't let your love-struck mind ruin our plans!"
"If we lose gem veins or black oil crystals because of your pathetic, foolish infatuation with human insects... be careful, I'll strip you of your scales, pull out your tendons, and roast you like a pig on a volcano. I guarantee the aroma will make the entire tribe of kobolds drool for three days."
Samantha-style care is always so 'warm'.
"laugh--!"
Iron Dragon Goldon immediately let out a mocking laugh, as if he had heard the most absurd joke in the world.
"Foolish red dragon! Samantha, all you think you are, muscle-bound idiot? One of those ignorant reptiles obsessed with romantic tales of chivalry, blinded by love?!"
"Yes, I am obsessed with Elena, but it is more like an obsession with jewels and wealth than a foolish emotion."
He said firmly, "I know what to do, so you can rest assured."
P.S.: The surgery went smoothly, and both mother and child are safe.
After a few days in the hospital during my recovery period, I'll be back to writing 10,000 words a day and need to start earning money for baby formula. I'm asking for monthly votes first, and I promise to update like crazy in a few days.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
