Chapter 438 Conferment of Titles, Ashes of Pleasure, Hidden Dangers (Long Chapter)
The echoes of the coronation still reverberated throughout the land, and the fervent cheers had not yet completely subsided.
The red iron dragon stood majestically in the center of the coronation platform, looking down upon his nascent kingdom, his majestic gaze sweeping over the dragon retinue and tribal leaders standing solemnly below.
The effective operation of a vast kingdom requires a clear, efficient, and loyal governing structure.
Galus was determined to pursue the ultimate in individual power and explore the mysteries of evolution, and did not want to get bogged down in tedious political affairs.
For him, the important thing is to free himself from the daily grind and focus on improving his own abilities.
The ceremony has now concluded.
It's time to entrust specific authority and responsibility to those trustworthy right-hand men.
"Sologer Ignas!"
Galos's voice rang out again, steady and authoritative.
Iron Dragon Sorog immediately stepped forward, his massive iron-gray body bowing slightly before him, finally prostrating himself respectfully before the Red Iron Dragon Emperor, his voice booming like a bell: "Present!"
Garros solemnly declared: "I hereby appoint you as Regent of the Kingdom of Aura and Prince of War!"
"In the absence of me or when I am unable to do so, you shall have full authority to make all military and political decisions concerning the kingdom! Command all the kingdom's legions, and hold the power of external conquest and internal defense. With your iron wings and sharp claws, protect the kingdom's territory, and do not allow it to fall!"
This was a trust that bordered on entrusting the very foundation of the nation, a complete and unreserved bestowal of almost all of the kingdom's most important powers.
Sorog's consistent display of composure, loyalty, and exceptional abilities justifies this weighty recognition.
A burning, unwavering light shone in Tie Long's eyes. His head bowed to the ground, and his vow was firm and resounding: "I will obey the King's decree!"
"I will defend the kingdom's honor with my life and soul! Your will is the direction of our claws and the reach of our iron wings!"
His years of following and unwavering loyalty have finally paid off.
Years ago, when he was still a young dragon, Garus had promised him that he would not keep the glory to himself.
Many years later, on this very spot where royalty was crowned, Garus fulfilled that promise.
"Samantha Ignas!"
Upon hearing this, Samantha, the red dragon, proudly puffed out her chest covered in crimson scales and strode forward with a bold stride.
She, too, lowered her proud head and bowed her lithe body before the Red Iron Dragon Emperor.
"You are hereby appointed as the Kingdom's Chief Alchemist and Industrial Governor! You will oversee all alchemy workshops, golem factories, rune forging workshops, and arms research centers within the kingdom... and be responsible for the research and production of the kingdom's entire alchemy industrial system, as well as all war equipment and civilian facilities! The kingdom's future weapons of war and the daily needs of its people all rest on your shoulders!"
"As you wish, my brother! I will make the industrial fires of Aura burn throughout the North!"
Samantha responded confidently.
Next came the investiture of other core lords and special members.
Leticia the Iron Dragon, Zolaia the Blue Dragon, Alberto the Golden Dragon; Angela the Phoenix, Tirnus the Amethyst Lion, Lucy the Holy Spirit Deer… They all obtained the status of lords with a certain degree of autonomy within the kingdom's territory.
It is both an honor and a responsibility.
Afterwards, the lively and carefree golden dragon Natasha and the quirky fairy dragon Vera, as they wished, were appointed as "diplomat" and "kingdom inspector" respectively.
However, these identities are more symbolic and convenient than having much real power.
Next came the formal investiture of the leaders of the royal families who served as the backbone of the kingdom.
Karu the Glutton was appointed as the commander of the Kingdom's legion and war commander, commanding all ogres, large minions, and behemoth units, serving as the vanguard of the Kingdom's legion and an unstoppable front-line destroyer.
Elvie, a centaur, was appointed as the Kingdom's Ranger General and Plains Patrolman, commanding all centaur tribes, some wolf riders, and light cavalry units. She was responsible for patrolling, guarding, and providing rapid support in the Kingdom's vast plains, and ensuring the unimpeded flow of important trade routes.
These two are key members of Galos's family, on whom he has placed high hopes and who have a great chance of breaking through the legendary barrier.
They were all given real power and important responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the envoys from various countries on the viewing platform watched the grand investiture ceremony while assessing the ruling structure and talent pool of the Kingdom of Aura, feeling increasingly alarmed.
The most obvious weakness of the Kingdom of Aura is the number of its top-tier legendary characters.
The Red Iron Dragon Emperor was able to kill the legendary Sword Saint head-on, which already made him a legendary figure.
Today, his physique has grown significantly since eight years ago. Although physique is not entirely equivalent to strength, everyone is convinced that he has become stronger.
For conventional dragons, the possibility of breaking through to the legendary level in just eight years without going through a long period of dormancy is extremely slim.
However, given the unique characteristics and unconventional growth rate that Emperor Red Iron Dragon has consistently demonstrated, it is highly likely that he has truly entered the realm of legend in this short period of time.
Even so, the number of legendary figures in the Kingdom of Aura is still very small.
There was only one emperor.
However, those who were granted the title of "Legendary" were almost all powerful creatures of level 19 or 20, with the lowest being level 18, and they were level 18 dragons with dragon templates. Their actual combat power far exceeded that of other races of the same level.
The core subordinate leaders under his command also include a large number of high-ranking individuals.
Among them are monsters that are close to the limits of mortal beings.
These are all legendary reserves.
In this respect, although the Kingdom of Aura has just been established, its level has already exceeded expectations, even surpassing some small kingdoms that have developed over many years.
The early autumn weather in the wilderness carried a hint of coolness.
Marquis Marcus of the Kingdom of Theo felt his back was about to be soaked with cold sweat.
The claws and muscles that the Kingdom of Aura displayed during this grand ceremony made him realize more deeply the terrifying nature of this emerging dragon kingdom, and also caused his sense of crisis to rise sharply.
He was absolutely certain that if this kingdom were allowed to develop peacefully in the North, the Kingdom of Theo, its direct neighbor, would inevitably fall into continuous turmoil and threats in the future.
"Where are those two legends? Where are they? Why haven't they made a move yet?"
Marquis Marcus's gaze swept frequently and discreetly over the surrounding crowd and mountains, his heart heavy as if weighed down by lead.
Compared to eight years ago, the Red Iron Dragon Emperor must have become even stronger, and there are so many high-level creatures that are close to legendary gathered here, as well as four metal dragons with profound backgrounds and clear attitudes present.
Those two mysterious legends are probably considering retreating and dare not make a move today, here.
"If they were to actually make a move, they might not only fail, but instead become stepping stones to boost Red Iron Dragon's ferocity, sacrificing themselves for this coronation..."
He pondered anxiously, and then another thought popped into his head.
"Hmm...or perhaps, to ensure everything goes perfectly, they're carrying out a more meticulous and covert plan?"
Marquis Marcus's emotions were in turmoil, and he found it difficult to calm down.
The investiture ceremony then continued.
The serpent priestess Naris was appointed as the deputy treasurer and trade inspector, assisting Regent Sorog in managing the kingdom's complex accounts and tax system, overseeing domestic and foreign trade channels, and ensuring that the kingdom's wealth flowed in an orderly and efficient manner, like the serpents she commanded, rather than being lost in vain.
Scott, the master craftsman, was appointed as the Alchemy Director and Military Industry Prime Minister, assisting Industrial Governor Samantha. He was specifically responsible for the research, development, standardized production, and daily maintenance of various military and civilian equipment and alchemical machinery.
Russell the werewolf was appointed as the scout commander and shadow intelligence officer, commanding all werewolves and some of his followers who are skilled in stealth and assassination. He is responsible for intelligence gathering, battlefield reconnaissance, and counter-espionage within and outside the empire, serving as the kingdom's most keen eyes and a deadly fang hidden in the shadows.
Tasha, the leader of the dragons, was appointed as the Sky Patrol Envoy of Crimson Flame Royal City, commanding the dragons that had submitted to the city. She was responsible for aerial reconnaissance and rapid support missions in the royal city and its surrounding important areas, as well as maintaining the security and order of the royal city.
Mobel, the leader of the Violent Bears, was appointed as the commander of the Royal Guard of the High Mountain Court. He commands the powerful Violent Bear clan, is responsible for the daily defense of the Dragon Court region, and safeguards the safety of the Dragon Court. He is one of the emperor's closest personal protectors.
………
As each of the various but equally formidable leaders of the Aura Kingdom received their titles, the kingdom's ruling structure was further improved and solidified.
These leaders, each with their own responsibilities, together with the dragon lords at the top, formed an efficient and loyal ruling network covering all aspects of military, domestic affairs, economy, and intelligence, ensuring that this emerging kingdom could break free from the loose structure of the tribal era and operate effectively as a truly centralized kingdom.
Their existence is solely for the purpose of enabling Galos to focus wholeheartedly on strengthening himself.
For Galus, there was only one most important thing.
—Get stronger, keep getting stronger!
Unlike many traditional kingdoms where the monarch "exists because of the kingdom," the Kingdom of Aura "exists because of the king."
It was built around the Red Iron Dragon King, whose existence and power are the foundation upon which the Kingdom of Aura was born and will stand strong in the future.
"Gentlemen!"
After the investiture ceremony, Emperor Red Iron Dragon solemnly declared: "A new chapter has been turned in the kingdom's history. The future glory and prosperity will not be enjoyed by me alone, but will be forged by us, by everyone present!"
"For the Kingdom of Aura!"
"For His Majesty! For the Kingdom!"
All those who received the title, whether dragons or their kin, responded in unison with their most impassioned voices, and the sound waves merged into one once again.
Then, as the sun began to set, this grand and unprecedented founding ceremony slowly came to a close.
But the story of the Kingdom of Aura has only just begun.
"It seems... my deterrent power is still a bit too strong."
Galos narrowed his eyes, calculating in his mind.
His gaze was sharp as he swept across the area where the delegations from various countries were located, but he did not sense the presence of any legendary powerhouses.
According to international custom, no country will send its own legends to participate in such ceremonies without prior consultation and explicit consent from the host country.
Each legend is like a walking nuclear weapon.
The sudden appearance of a legendary powerhouse in the heart of another country would be interpreted as a serious provocation or even a declaration of war.
"Are there really no legendary figures who infiltrated the ranks while hiding their identities?"
"It's also possible that the other party possesses extremely sophisticated concealment techniques, while I haven't yet developed the necessary sensory and detection abilities to detect them."
Galos thought to himself.
He had initially harbored a sliver of hope that by not actively announcing his ascension to legendary status, he might attract the attention of some treacherous individuals at today's grand gathering.
With their lives and blood, they added even more majestic power to their newly born kingdom.
It's only been eight years.
Under normal circumstances, dragons might grow in size through certain secret techniques, but it would be impossible for them to break through to the legendary level so quickly. Moreover, his battle with the bronze dragon took place in the boundless ocean, which could only be detected by magic satellites at the imperial level, and the discussions within the Dragon Realm did not spread to the outside world.
Even so, the aura of a monarch he exuded was so strong that it was enough to intimidate the entire audience.
As a result, potential enemies, after weighing the pros and cons, dared not act rashly.
No one chose to invite trouble when his dragon might was at its peak and the morale of the kingdom was at its highest.
However, this was ultimately just a casual, unintentional move.
It would be best if some clueless fools could be brought out, but if not, Galos wouldn't be disappointed in the slightest.
Those who can step into the realm of legends are not often truly foolish.
As for deliberately feigning weakness to lure the enemy... he saw no need for it at all.
That approach goes against his nature and could potentially push some neutral observers to the opposite side.
Unbeknownst to them, night had quietly fallen, like a giant curtain draping over the Dragonspine Mountains and the Crimson Flame Royal City.
The clamor and fervor of the founding ceremony gradually subsided, but the splendor and liveliness within the capital city did not dim. Instead, a grand court banquet was held to entertain envoys from all sides.
As night deepened, the entire Crimson Flame Royal City was brightly lit, as if it were daytime.
Countless magical orbs floated in mid-air, their brilliance complementing the dragon flame braziers burning on the city walls and towers, as well as tens of thousands of torches, illuminating every corner of this colossal city with dazzling light.
Laughter and rousing music replaced the somber atmosphere of the daytime.
The main venue was set up in a huge plaza in front of the Dragon Ridge Mountains, where everything had already been prepared.
On the long dining table covered with a gorgeous tablecloth, delicacies from all over the wilderness were laid out: giant roasted meats, huge flaming fruits flowing with amber honey, carefully brewed specialty wines with a fiery taste... The various aromas mixed together and filled the air, whetting the appetite.
Dancers and musicians from various ethnic groups performed with great enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
As the sole protagonist of this grand event, Garus did not attend in his true form as the Red Iron Dragon.
He used shapeshifting to transform into a dragon-human form that was more convenient, allowing him to better enjoy food and communicate.
Even so, his body was still so tall and strong that it was almost suffocating, as if it were cast from black and red metal. His key joints and torso were covered with dense dragon scales. His face was cold and majestic, and his eyes were calm as he calmly surveyed the entire scene.
He sat upright in the most prestigious seat at the banquet, his posture casual yet naturally exuding a sense of pressure.
He treated dazzling gemstones as after-dinner snacks and drank carefully blended black oil as if it were fine wine.
In addition, such occasions are naturally rife with diplomatic undercurrents and probing.
The first to be unable to contain himself was Marquis Butler of the Kingdom of Reipos.
After Galos downed a large glass of dark, oily wine, Marquis Butler, holding his glass and wearing a warm smile, walked over with steady steps.
He bowed deeply to Galus, who was seated on the throne, in a very humble manner.
"Your Majesty Emperor Ignas, please allow me, on behalf of the Kingdom of Rebos, to offer my sincerest and warmest congratulations on your coronation and the birth of the Kingdom of Aura."
He spoke earnestly and in a spirited tone.
"I am aware of the blessing from the Kingdom of Reipos, Marquis Butler."
Galos nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the other person, his tone flat and emotionless, revealing no trace of joy or anger, making it impossible to guess his true thoughts.
"Your Majesty," Marquis Butler said, taking another step closer and lowering his voice, "You may not know this, but the Kingdom of Lortheron, though seemingly powerful, is plagued by rampant bureaucracy, bloated institutions, and inefficiency."
"Their cooperation with you is probably more of a pretense than a long-term and genuine consideration for mutual benefit."
He paused, observing Galos's unfathomable eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of any emotion within them.
Seeing that the other person remained expressionless, he took a deep breath and continued enthusiastically:
"However, the Kingdom of Reipos is completely different!"
“We appoint people based on merit and never care about the race or origin of our partners.”
“We possess the continent’s top engineering technology, an incredibly rich reserve of various resources, and… a far more sincere willingness to cooperate than Lorthern.”
"If Your Majesty is interested, we can reach an agreement far superior to cooperating with Lorthern in areas such as mining, arms trade, and even the sharing of certain key technologies."
In such a public setting, the Marquis of Ripos's unabashed conversation with the Red Iron Dragon Emperor attracted numerous overt and covert glances.
Moreover, his words were almost entirely undisguised, a blatant attempt to win over and sow discord between Lortherne and Lortherne.
"I understand the Marquis's suggestion."
Red Iron Dragon neither showed interest nor directly refused, saying, "The Kingdom of Aura is newly established and everything is renewed. In our interactions with all parties, we should take the fundamental interests of the kingdom as the sole criterion."
"As for the specific details of the cooperation... there is plenty of time in the future, so there is no need to rush."
This understated and rambling response left Marquis Butler, who had prepared a whole host of arguments, feeling as if he had been punched hard into fluffy cotton, with nowhere to land.
His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to add something more, trying to steer the conversation in a more substantial direction.
However, Galos naturally turned his gaze to other corners of the banquet hall, clearly not intending to waste any more time on this topic.
Marquis Butler's warm smile froze.
Finally, he bowed again and tactfully withdrew.
"Your Majesty, it seems you are quite adept and shrewd in political and diplomatic maneuvering."
Deep within his mind, Iron Dragon Sorog whispered with a hint of a smile, as he silently observed the brief yet subtly witty exchange that had just taken place.
"Don't forget, the blood of the Iron Dragon also flows in my veins."
“Just because I don’t like doing something doesn’t mean I don’t know how to do it, or that I can’t do it well,” Galos’s consciousness calmly replied. “Also, Sorog, we brothers don’t need to use honorifics when we talk in private.”
If he truly knew nothing about this, how did he manage to gather so many unruly dragons and powerful followers under his command in this perilous wilderness, and win their hearts and minds?
Galos's success today is not solely due to his strength.
Not long after, Marquis Marcus of the Kingdom of Theo also came over with a wine glass in his hand and heavy steps.
His expression was much more solemn and complex than that of the previous Marquis Butler.
The Kingdom of Theo had a serious conflict with the former Ironforge tribe, and now it borders the territory of the newly formed Kingdom of Aura. The long border makes the two sides more involved in various aspects such as resources, security, and influence.
"Your Majesty Emperor Ignas."
He stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "First of all, please allow me, on behalf of the Kingdom of Theo, to congratulate the Kingdom of Aura on its official establishment."
"Looking back... there may indeed have been some regrettable misunderstandings and frictions between our two countries."
Galos stared at him silently, his dragon eyes devoid of any emotion. He didn't reply, but waited for the other to continue with an extremely oppressive silence.
Marquis Marcus took a deep breath and continued, "The Kingdom of Theo sincerely hopes to put aside past grievances with the newly formed Kingdom of Aura and begin a new chapter of peace and stability."
"We are willing to engage in frank and in-depth negotiations on the specific demarcation of the northern border, the tariff agreement on bilateral trade, and... some unpleasant incidents that have occurred in the past, in order to seek a solution that is beneficial and acceptable to both sides."
"After all, lasting peace and border stability are in the common interest of both our countries."
This statement, delivered in a rather humble manner, can be seen as extending an olive branch for peace talks.
Upon hearing this, Galos revealed a cryptic smile.
He was well aware of what the Kingdom of Theo was worried about.
A unified and powerful dragon kingdom is rapidly rising in the North, completely changing the landscape of the surrounding region and posing an unprecedented threat to Theo, a neighboring country.
“Marquis Marcus,” Garros began slowly, his voice still steady, “peace and development are what I and the Kingdom of Aura desire.”
"As for the past..."
He paused, then said calmly, "A little friction is nothing more than insignificant dust."
With that, Galos raised his glass, took a small sip, and said:
"The gates of the Kingdom of Aura are always open to neighbors with goodwill and sincerity, but how to enter through that gate and whether a truly stable relationship can be established depends on the wisdom and sincerity of the Kingdom of Theo itself."
He did not explicitly reject the proposal for peace talks, but he also made no mention of any substantial promises or concessions, and showed no concern whatsoever for the past "misunderstandings," as if they were truly just insignificant dust.
Such diplomatic language, which leaves room for maneuver, is often only uttered by politicians who have been immersed in the political arena for many years.
The surrounding envoys, listening to this conversation, found it hard to reconcile such impeccable and measured words with the image of the mighty and extraordinary Red Iron Dragon Emperor before them.
This means that he not only possesses great strength, but also a sharp and calm mind.
Marquis Marcus's heart sank, knowing that this dragon king was far more difficult to deal with than he had anticipated.
Reason told him that he should know when to stop and step down.
However, the two mysterious legends failed to appear, causing him great anxiety; he was also under pressure from his political enemies at home and His Majesty the King; he also came here with the difficult task of "easing tensions"; in addition, to bolster his courage and relieve his boredom, he drank a lot of strong liquor.
...With all these factors combined, he became extremely agitated, and a surge of hot blood rushed to his head uncontrollably.
"Your Majesty, I propose a toast to you!"
Instead of retreating as required by etiquette, he raised his wine glass again, staring intently at Galos, his voice rising slightly with excitement.
"I sincerely hope that you can be magnanimous and forgive the misunderstandings and frictions that occurred before the establishment of the kingdom!"
"I also believe that with Your Majesty's wisdom and foresight, you will surely make the best choice that is most beneficial to the Kingdom of Aura on this important issue concerning the future of both countries!"
These words sound like a toast and a compliment, but upon closer examination, they subtly carry a hint of a threat: "I hope you make a wise choice, otherwise..."
Beside him, Marquis Butler, who had just stepped back a short distance, looked at Marcus with a surprised expression.
Has this guy gone completely drunk? Doesn't he realize his words were barbed?
To speak so recklessly in someone else's capital, at the coronation banquet of the opposing emperor... I hope you won't spill your blood on me when you die.
He silently took two steps away without making a sound.
The other envoys also wisely retreated and kept their distance.
Galos narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the human marquis before him, his gaze revealing no emotion.
He did not raise his glass in response, but simply waved his claws casually at one of the dragonborn guards standing to the side.
"Give me some wine."
He uttered two words calmly.
The guard immediately bowed, accepted the order, and quickly retreated.
Soon, the guard, holding a roughly shaped wine glass in both hands, approached Marquis Marcus and presented it to him expressionlessly.
The liquid in that glass was not the fine wine served at an ordinary banquet.
It is dark and viscous, and under the bright lights around it, it hardly reflects any light, like the deepest night.
A strong, pungent odor, like highly purified sulfur mixed with lava and some kind of metallic smell, permeated the air, causing several nearby messengers with keen senses of smell to unconsciously frown and lean back slightly.
"This is my favorite drink, Marquis, please enjoy."
Galos's voice remained flat, revealing no emotion.
At the same time, the dragonborn guard maintained his gesture of offering wine, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable air of refusal, fixed on Marquis Marcus.
Marquis Marcus looked down at the black, viscous liquid in front of him, inhaling its dizzying, pungent odor, and his facial muscles twitched slightly.
Alcohol? Can this thing even be called alcohol?
This is clearly undiluted, highly concentrated black oil!
He had no doubt that if even a single spark were to fly in, this "wine" could burn fiercely for three days and three nights!
He truly understood what it meant to be caught in a dilemma.
This cup of imperial wine was bestowed by the emperor himself, representing an attitude, a test, or even a punishment.
If they didn't drink it, it would be a blatant disrespect to the emperor, with unimaginable consequences in front of so many envoys; but if they did drink it...
I'll let you be smug for a little longer!
Damn dragon! Don't you know you've been targeted by two mysterious legends all along?! When you meet your end, let's see if you can still maintain this arrogant attitude!
Marquis Marcus lowered his head slightly to conceal the fleeting ruthlessness in his eyes, then quickly raised his head again, forcing a smile onto his face.
He reached out his slightly trembling hand and accepted the heavy, scalding glass of wine.
"Thank you so much for your generous gift, Your Majesty!"
He gritted his teeth and said those words, then closed his eyes, brought the rim of the cup to his lips, and took a big gulp!
"Ugh...cough cough cough! Ugh—!!"
Uncontrollable coughing and gagging erupted from Marquis Marcus's throat, his face instantly turning a deep purplish-red, veins bulging on his forehead, and tears streaming uncontrollably down his face.
The viscous liquid resembled molten lava with countless tiny spikes.
Wherever he went, his esophagus and stomach felt a burning pain and an indescribable nausea. He felt as if his throat had been sanded, and even his breath had a sulfurous and metallic rusty smell.
He forced himself not to vomit on the spot, but his body trembled violently uncontrollably, making it almost impossible for him to stand.
Galos watched his disheveled state with composure, as if he were watching a drama that had nothing to do with him: "It seems that my favorite wine is not to the Marquis's liking."
He spoke slowly.
Marquis Marcus felt as if his throat was being burned by embers, his voice becoming hoarse: "...Your Majesty, please forgive me...it is...it is I...unworthy of such honor..."
“It’s alright.” Galos waved his hand casually, as if he really didn’t mind at all. “The path chosen by the Kingdom of Aura and the preferences it cherishes are perhaps inherently different from the refinement of the southern greenhouse.”
"Marquis, you need some time to adjust."
His words had a double meaning, referring both to the special black oil wine and to the two neighboring kingdoms.
"Yes...yes...thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty..."
Marquis Marcus spat out these words through gritted teeth, wanting nothing more than to escape this place that tormented him.
However, before he could turn around, the emperor's calm yet imposing voice rang out clearly once again.
"My lord, we in the wilderness have always had a tradition of respecting food and not wasting resources. The Kingdom of Aura, which is founded in the wilderness, is no exception. Since you have accepted the reward, please finish this cup of wine before you leave."
His voice remained casual, yet it sent a chill down Marquis Marcus's spine, making his blood feel as if it had frozen solid.
At this moment, Marquis Marcus's drunkenness and passion had completely subsided, and he was now fully sober, his heart filled with regret and fear.
He glanced at the black, viscous liquid in his hand, which had barely decreased in volume, and his lips trembled as he tried to find an excuse to decline.
However, under Galos's calm and unwavering gaze, he felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, making it difficult to even breathe.
He had no doubt that if he dared to refuse at this moment, blood would probably be splattered all around him in the next second.
He took a deep breath, as if inhaling the last of his courage into his lungs, then closed his eyes and slowly and laboriously forced down the remaining dark liquor in the glass.
The entire banquet was completely silent; no one intervened, they simply watched with indifference.
As the last drop of viscous liquid slid down his esophagus, Marquis Marcus could no longer hold on. The wine glass in his hand fell to the ground with a clatter, and he collapsed to the ground as if his bones had been removed, his breath weak and his face ashen.
Looking at his miserable state, Galos shook his head slightly: "If you can't drink it, why force yourself to?"
“This envoy, you are being far too stubborn.”
"Very well, take him away and find a place for him to rest."
The attendants from the Kingdom of Theo who were traveling with him were already sweating profusely and their faces were ashen. Upon hearing this, they felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They hurriedly stepped forward, lifted up the marquis who was already delirious and barely breathing, and quickly left the banquet area.
He drank so much black oil, which was a specially made, high-concentration version reserved for Galus.
The Marquis of Marcus's fate is uncertain.
On the other side, the fairy dragon Vera was leisurely perched on Deborah's shoulder.
She leaned close to the crimson dragon's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Hey, Deborah, look at Garus, he's really good at everything he does."
"He's completely in character now, a true king who's unpredictable, capricious, and awe-inspiring."
"Those envoys from the south probably never expected that a wild dragon would be so good at being an emperor, as if he was born that way."
Deborah's gaze was fixed on the red iron dragon.
She chuckled softly and said in a low voice, "Garos's current image will only last for a few days at most. Before long, he'll be itching to abandon state affairs and start frantically training himself."
The fairy dragon nodded in deep agreement: "That's true."
"However, he seems to be having a lot of fun right now."
They all understood Galus's true nature very well.
This kind of diplomatic triviality, which requires a lot of time for insincere dealings and backstabbing, is not a field he truly enjoys.
It was only on the day of the founding ceremony that he agreed to "play around" with these envoys from all sides, out of concern for the kingdom's image.
After that, such routine diplomatic and political affairs would most likely be handled entirely by the steady and reliable Regent Sorog.
He himself will once again focus on pursuing the ultimate power of his own strength.
Meanwhile, beneath the surface of this seemingly joyous and celebratory feast, all the envoys present clearly perceived Emperor Ignas's style of conduct and ruling skills.
He is confident, strong, extremely pragmatic, and has clear goals.
No amount of sweet talk or pressure with potential threats can sway his will.
To establish good relations with this emerging dragon kingdom, one must offer substantial incentives and demonstrate sincerity.
As for Marquis Marcus, who was taken away due to his inappropriate remarks and was on the verge of death... no one cared about him at this moment.
The relationship between the Kingdom of Theo and the Kingdom of Aura is already tense and delicate, and in the future, as the conflict of interests intensifies, it will most likely inevitably lead to a deeper level of confrontation.
A marquis made a potentially threatening remark in public on the day of the opposing emperor's founding ceremony.
The fact that the Red Iron Dragon Emperor did not kill him on the spot in the most brutal way was the greatest restraint he could show, considering that envoys from various countries were gathered together and that diplomatic face was at stake.
Whether he lives or dies next will not cause any ripples.
The feast then continued in an atmosphere that was outwardly enthusiastic but inwardly filled with hidden agendas.
Galos sat firmly in his throne, like a king perched at the center of a giant spider web, seemingly casually sipping wine and snacks, but in reality calmly observing the movements of each moth and assessing their intentions.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away from the Crimson Flame Royal City, in a secluded mountain valley.
When Marquis Marcus collapsed to the ground, dying and being carried away by his servants, the visual connection maintained by the secret magic was also severed.
The two grey-robed legends who witnessed the entire founding ceremony and the subsequent banquet through Marcus are located here.
They looked at each other and fell into a brief silence.
After a moment, the taller of the men in the gray robes spoke first: "What an idiot. I was hoping to observe the Red Iron Dragon Emperor through him, but he ended up courting death."
This legend made a decision immediately.
—Completely eliminate Marquis Marcus, a pawn that has lost its value and could cause trouble.
When they first met Marcus, they secretly planted a very subtle magical mark on him.
Now is the perfect time to take advantage of Marquis Marcus's weakened state and remotely activate the mark, causing him to die naturally and eliminating any future trouble.
Snap!
The gray-robed legend snapped his fingers silently.
Thousands of miles away, within the Crimson Flame Royal City.
Deep within the heart of Marquis Marcus, who was in a coma, the barely perceptible magical mark shattered, transforming into a cold and subtle death energy that rapidly eroded his already fragile heart meridian.
He would never see the sun rise the next day and would eventually die of cardiac arrest, which would be perfectly reasonable.
At the time, Marquis Marcus thought himself clever and wanted to absolve himself of all responsibility by only providing intelligence so that these two mysterious legends could assassinate Red Iron Dragon, while he watched from the sidelines.
He never considered that if he were to negotiate with a tiger for its skin, how could he possibly remain unscathed?
In the end, it will most likely be devoured by a tiger, skin and bones.
"With just the two of us, the chances of killing that Red Iron Dragon Emperor are not high, and we might even be the ones who suffer the consequences," the shorter man in the gray robe asked thoughtfully, his voice muffled by the hood: "Should we... request backup?"
The tall man in the gray robe nodded.
"To ensure everything goes perfectly, I'll summon two more colleagues."
He paused, seemingly feeling it wasn't secure enough, and added, "Also, request the allocation of that legendary weapon, 'Ember's Pleasure.' It has a high damage bonus and suppression effect against all fire-type creatures, which can greatly weaken the Red Iron Dragon's power and help us achieve our goal!"
Upon hearing this, another person in gray robes whispered in agreement: "That's right... This powerful dragon emperor, his power, his bloodline... will ultimately lead us to our final sublimation."
"He... belongs to us."
Immediately, the two grey-robed legends seemed to reach some kind of consensus. Their bodies, hidden under their wide cloaks, seemed to undergo a subtle change, and their eyes suddenly narrowed in the shadows, turning into cold, vertical pupils.
"Use scales as armor, breath as soul; use wisdom as reins, and strength as shaft."
"Looking up to the sublime, bowing our heads to the unworthy; by the oath to bind the dragon, we shall become gods."
“…”
A low, hoarse chant rang out from their mouths simultaneously.
Like a curse, or perhaps a prayer, it echoed softly in the quiet, deserted mountain valley.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
