Ashen Dragon

The Boske Duchy did not merely send an envoy; they dispatched an entire high-status diplomatic mission, which included historians, bards, and court mages.

Leading the group was Count Trischka, who was skilled in diplomacy and had frequently represented the Holy Fadlan Federation.

His title was merely honorary without any actual fiefs. It was both a testament to his outstanding diplomatic achievements and a symbol of the Boske Duchy's emphasis on foreign diplomacy.

Escorted into the hall by the guards, the handsome Count Trischka wore a luxurious ceremonial suit and bowed deeply, exuding a pleasant and courteous manner that showcased centuries of Northern nobility etiquette.

"Greetings, esteemed King of Ashen."

"I bring you greetings from Duke Leo."

Cassius still lay sprawled on the steel throne, looking down upon the envoy without immediately responding.

The air in the room suddenly became still.

The guards inside the hall clutched their spears tightly.

Despite appearing calm and composed, the slight tremble of Trischka's hands and his inability to meet Cassius's gaze betrayed his inner tension.

The other members of the diplomatic mission were in no better condition.

Despite their mental preparation, the aged historian Morr, at over fifty, turned pale and broke into a cold sweat upon facing the twenty-meter-long giant dragon, almost fainting, and barely managed to stay upright with the help of an attendant.

Yelena, the famous female bard known as the "Flower of Stratholme" who could perform flawlessly at gatherings of thousands, was now so frightened that her beautiful face was drained of color, and she inadvertently let out a scream.

Cassius found it somewhat amusing.

The Red Dragon narrowed his eyes and finally spoke, breaking the oppressive silence.

"Envoys from Boske, I would very much like to extend my greetings to you out of courtesy." he said slowly.

"But your Duke has just recently organized an assassination attempt against me. How should I be convinced that you are not another group of assassins with ill intentions?"

This statement immediately made the hearts of the diplomatic mission jump to their throats, pounding heavily.

Faced with such a dangerous question, Trischka's forehead broke into a cold sweat, but this scenario was within their anticipations.

He adhered to the prepared response, striving to maintain a calm tone, and answered:

"Esteemed King of Ashen, our Boske Duchy did not participate in that action and were not even aware of it. It was solely the decision of the Principality of Norton.

"And you should know very well that they have already received their due punishment."

"As for those Lionheart Knights, they have long been expelled from Boske's ranks, acting on their own. We had no authority over them..."

"Enough."

Before Trischka could finish, Cassius interrupted him.

"Envoy from Boske, you do not need to feign ignorance before me. Everyone here understands very well what has happened, and I am also aware of your Duke's little schemes."

The Red Dragon's mouth curled into a sinister smile, with the scales around his eye sockets raising slightly, sending chills down the spines of the members of the diplomatic mission.

"However, this time, I do welcome you becoming so-called 'observers' because only when you truly see the disparity in strength will you refrain from causing trouble behind my back."

He exhaled a breath imbued with the scent of sulfur.

"After all... flies can be easily crushed, but it is quite annoying to let them buzz incessantly around one's ears."

Hearing Cassius's remark, Trischka felt a wave of indignation but dared not show it.

After hesitating for a moment, he mustered the courage to speak unyieldingly,

"Lord Cassius, I acknowledge your immense strength, incomparable even if thousands like me were to gather."

"But..."

He slowly raised his head, fighting his instinctive fear, and met the Red Dragon's golden eyes with trembling determination.

"Are you not being somewhat arrogant?"

As soon as these words left his mouth, the other members of the diplomatic mission were stricken with fear, terrified that the Red Dragon would erupt in fury and turn them all to ashes with a single breath.

Contrary to their expectations, Cassius did not become enraged. Instead, he gazed at Trischka's eyes with a keen interest.

"Why, do you say so?"

Hearing the Red Dragon's question, Trischka feigned calmness and continued:

"To be frank, Anzeta is ultimately a remote region, a desert in terms of wealth, culture, and strength."

"Over the past decade or so, I have traveled to the Empire of Fadlan in the South and the Free Trade Federation in the West. I have seen lands flowing with honey and milk, the Emperor's vast treasures, and Sun Warriors akin to demigods. Such prosperity is beyond the imagination of Northerners."

Hearing this, Cassius finally understood the envoy's ulterior motive—to divert danger southward, exploiting the Red Dragon's inherent greed to lead this formidable force elsewhere.

"It's a clever idea. But with my current strength, heading south would likely result in conflict with numerous important figures."

Cassius thought to himself.

The Red Dragon narrowed his eyes but did not respond, saying instead in a detached tone,

"I am tired of the Boske people's flowery words. I will arrange for you to witness this battle from Trischka's gullet."

"Record everything carefully and report back to your Duke."

"So he will refrain from petty tricks."

With that, Cassius summoned his Goblin Guards to escort the diplomatic mission out of the Council Hall.

Morr, Yelena, and the others could no longer bear the overwhelming pressure within the hall. Hearing Cassius's command, they felt as if they had been granted a reprieve.
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They let out long sighs of relief, glad they no longer had to worry about becoming a Red Dragon's meal due to his capriciousness.

Count Trischka, however, remained deep in thought.

The members of the diplomatic mission had already reached the outside of the hall.

Old Scholar Morr took out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow and couldn't help but complain, "Trischka, you were too reckless this time!"

"Had we angered that Red Dragon, we all would have perished here!"

Yelena, her arms crossed, added with lingering fear, "That scene was terrifying, like an executioner's guillotine ready to drop at any moment."

"Yes, thank the Gods we survived unscathed this time."

Trischka, however, frowned and stared worriedly at the tightly shut metal doors behind him.

"If he were so easily provoked, it would only mean he was an ordinary Red Dragon, prone to uncontrollable rage, pillaging, and greed."

"While such unchecked recklessness may flourish temporarily, such entities are ultimately short-lived and will eventually be eliminated by the important figures who maintain order."

"Yet he did not."

"I believe he is not a typical, scholarly Red Dragon of cruel brutality but a more cunning and terrifying existence."

"Perhaps... he truly has the potential to completely unsettle the ruling of the North."