In the Shadow of the Dragon: Isekai Adventure

Discussion: Wealth, Power, and Opportunity

Inside the grand halls of Alva City's royal castle, Lord Casalain and Duke Kadar sat in a lavish conference room, discussing the unprecedented success of the Forbidden Abyss expeditions.

With the updated maps, the production of magic stones had skyrocketed, allowing Alva City to thrive. For the noble class, this was nothing short of a miracle.

"Leaving this matter to the Adventurers' Guild was truly a wise decision," Lord Casalain mused, raising his glass of fine wine.

Duke Kadar, ever the opportunist, grinned with satisfaction. "Indeed. Not only have we secured vast resources without sacrificing our own manpower, but we've ensured that the nobles retain the lion's share of these magic stones."

The duke's greedy expression was impossible to miss. His mind raced with possibilities—more wealth, more servants, more luxuries.

"It's truly laughable," he chuckled. "All it takes is a grand banquet and a simple medal to keep them satisfied. Imagine what we could acquire with just a little more persuasion."

Lord Casalain nodded approvingly, and with that, the nobles drafted an invitation, summoning Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess, and Neo to a celebratory banquet in their honor.

Preparations for the Grand Banquet

The invitation was personally delivered by Guild Master Regnas, who welcomed Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess, and Neo into his office.

"The nobles wish to express their gratitude," Regnas explained. "You will be honored guests at a formal banquet, and that means—"

"Formal attire?" Neo sighed, already dreading the ordeal.

Regnas smirked. "Exactly. You'll need to look the part."

Thus, the trio set off to Alva City's most prestigious boutique to prepare for the occasion.

Li Ran chose an elegant deep-purple tailcoat, exuding a noble yet mysterious aura.

Neo, ever conscious of his height, opted for a classic black tuxedo with high-heeled dress shoes to compensate for his stature.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess, however, stunned them both—she selected a daring black evening gown, form-fitting yet elegant, its design accentuating her ethereal beauty.

As she gracefully twirled, Neo was left speechless, while Li Ran could do little but admire her in awe.

Darkmoon Dragon Princess playfully fluttered her lashes at Li Ran. "Well? Say something."

Li Ran smiled. "You look breathtaking."

Her decision was made. This was the dress.

The Banquet: A Celebration of Triumph

As the evening of the banquet arrived, the three made their entrance into Alva City's grand ballroom, where the city's most powerful nobles had gathered.

The moment Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess stepped inside, all eyes turned toward them.

They were renowned as Alva City's top S-rank adventurers, but tonight, they moved with an air of nobility, seamlessly blending into the aristocratic world.

The room buzzed with whispers of admiration. Even among royalty, they stood out.

Neo, though slightly overshadowed, was not forgotten—Li Ran and Darkmoon Dragon Princess made sure to acknowledge his invaluable contributions.

Lavish dishes and exquisite desserts adorned the tables, filling the air with the tantalizing aroma of fine cuisine.

Then, the main event began.

The Master of Ceremonies stepped forward, addressing the grand hall.

He spoke of the perilous nature of the Forbidden Abyss, the vital importance of magic stones, and the revolutionary progress in exploration thanks to the latest maps.

Finally, he called upon Lord Casalain and Duke Kadar to present medals of honor to Li Ran, Darkmoon Dragon Princess, and Neo for their exceptional contributions.

As the awards were presented, Duke Kadar found himself mesmerized by Darkmoon Dragon Princess.

He concealed his emotions well, but deep inside, a sinister desire began to take root.

His gaze lingered on her far too long, his mind already weaving a dark plan to claim her as his own.

A Growing Threat in the Shadows

After the banquet, as they strolled back to their quarters, Darkmoon Dragon Princess spoke up, her voice laced with unease.

"Li Ran… the way Duke Kadar looked at me. It was… unnatural."

Li Ran frowned. "Don't let it bother you. Nobles like him always think they can have anything they desire."

Yet, even as he reassured her, a sense of foreboding gnawed at his mind.

Unbeknownst to them, Duke Kadar's scheme was already in motion.

The trap had been set—now all that remained was for the prey to step into it.

The night was far from over.