Ashen Dragon

One year ago, Olivia would definitely have been flustered, but after her experience in the Imperial Senate Hall, she had discarded many unrealistic fantasies and had become much more pragmatic.

She had discerned the hidden meaning in Cassius's words—Red Dragon did not truly wish to declare war on the Melwood Clan but was offering an exit.

Cassius had said, "if Jennies's actions represent the will of the Melwood Clan" instead of "Jennies's actions are the will of the Melwood Clan."

Olivia pondered for a moment, then lowered her head and said solemnly:

"Apologies, Cassius, I apologize on behalf of the Melwood Clan. The earlier incident was not the will of the clan; it's just that my aunt is... somewhat stubborn and has some misunderstandings about you. Please forgive her."

Jennies, pinned under Cassius's claw, also realized this and quickly defended herself:

"Your Majesty Cassius, this was all my arbitrary decision; it has nothing to do with the Melwood Clan or my father. I am willing to take full responsibility..."

Cassius, in a calm tone, said: "Jennies, my patience has limits. This is the last chance. For Councillor Olivia's sake, do not let me find similar things happening again.

As for bearing responsibility?

Heh, if I killed you, that old Osedro would not sit idly by, and the Empire and the Melwood Clan would definitely go to war.

Given that, I will only administer a minor punishment, hoping you remember this lesson and do not act foolishly again."

"Hiss—"

Accompanied by the sound of flesh being seared, a mark imbued with flame appeared on the Silver Dragon's chest.

Only then did Cassius release his front claw, retracting the immense pressure of the Ancestral Dragon, and turned around to return to his iron throne.

"Huff, huff..."

Jennies felt her body lighten, and she gasped heavily, casting a grateful glance at Olivia.

With the subtle spell radiance, the Silver Dragon reverted to the appearance of a noblewoman, though her clothing was disheveled, and a mark had appeared on her fair chest.

Jennies lifted her head, looked up at the high-seated Red Dragon, then lowered her gaze: "Apologies, Your Majesty Cassius..."

"Mm..."

She clutched her chest, letting out a muffled groan as the mark around it glowed with a fiery, searing pain that felt like it pierced her soul.

Soon after, a chain of flame wrapped around her long neck, leaving seared scars on her fair skin.

Cassius, now back on the throne, spoke nonchalantly: "You have lost my trust, so I can only ensure smooth cooperation in this manner. Whenever I desire, the flame can turn your heart to cinders.

Besides... if you consider me an utterly depraved tyrant, declaring war on the Empire and playing these tricks will only make me find it laughable."

"Mm..."

Jennies nodded, gritting her teeth as she held her chest.

Listening to his disdainful words, feeling that heart-piercing pain, she looked at the mark resembling a slave brand and the ugly scars on her neck.

She should have felt humiliated.

For any Silver Dragon, this was a naked humiliation: marks, scars, chains; it was like treating her as a pet.

Yet the Red Dragon on the throne gave her an unprecedented feeling, suppressing any urge to resist and making her feel... submissive, even willing to worship.

This was terrifying, making Jennies feel a fear deep in her heart.

This obviously was an evil Red Dragon.

A tyrant.

He was originally the existence she loathed the most.

As the daughter of Wings of Silver, Jennies was highly likely to become the next Clan Leader of Melwood and had defeated countless evil forces. Why would she want to submit to such an existence?

Bahamut above, why is this happening?

"Apologies, Your Majesty."

All kinds of complicated feelings tangled together, seemingly magical, forcing Jennies to repeat her earlier words once more.

Olivia watched from the side, feeling the atmosphere becoming strange, so she took the initiative to remind: "Cassius, since this matter is already past, let's discuss the terms of cooperation between the Empire and the clan."

"Alright."

The Red Dragon nodded slightly.

Jennies finally regained some composure. She carefully took out the prepared documents and said cautiously:

"To help Anzeta Great Wilderness resist the invasion of abyssal demons, the Melwood Clan is willing to send three young Silver Dragons, twelve adult Silver Dragons, and impart various knowledge about dealing with demons.

The Ashen Empire needs to pay a certain fee and cooperate with the Silver Dragons in their activities. Moreover, when Melwood is conducting exorcism actions in other regions, the Empire is obligated to assist."

Cassius was somewhat surprised: "The old guy isn't too stingy this time, showing some sincerity."

Three young Silver Dragons and twelve adult Silver Dragons would form a considerable force even on the Fianso Continent.

It seemed the determination of that "Wings of Silver" to resist the demons was indeed genuine.

In fact, Cassius was already confident in the Empire's ability to fend off the demons; assembling these Silver Dragons was merely a bonus—more importantly, it allowed an association with the metal dragon forces in the South.

As for the second condition, that the Ashen Empire is obligated to assist Melwood in exorcising demons in various areas, Cassius did not oppose it either.

His thinking was that if the Empire occupied the Fianso Continent, or even the entire world, resisting demon invasions anywhere would be an inherent duty, thus incurring no additional cost.

This time, Jennies did not retort when Cassius mentioned "the old guy" again; instead, she whispered:

"Your Majesty Cassius, Father has fought against demons for over a millennium and his resolve will never waver, you can absolutely rest assured..."

After the recent incident, the Silver Dragon called "Scales of Silver Light" had become much more obedient, no longer brimming with indignation as she had at the Gankalo Palace.

"Seems there's no issue…"

Cassius casually perused the contract, then used the Authority of the Empire to check it before finally leaving his name on it.

A few words enveloped by sparks surfaced on the contract.

[Cassius Klaubow Noriccius]

The Red Dragon bared his teeth, his lips curling into a ferocious smile.

"Then... pleasant cooperation."

Jennies pursed her lips.

Despite the somewhat convoluted process, she had completed the task entrusted by her father, facilitating cooperation between the Empire and Melwood.

Now, Jennies had completely lost the thought of "defeating the Red Dragon" and had no desire for resistance; she just wanted to end everything as soon as possible.

With that in mind, she lowered her head respectfully and said: "Pleasant cooperation, Your Majesty."