Rushing to the Battlefield

The two who were playing around stopped what they were doing and asked in unison, "From where did the dragons of the Western Continent invade?"

"Your Majesty, the dragons of the Western Continent have attacked a small town under the jurisdiction of the Principality of Babaronza. The King of Babaronza is currently waiting for Your Majesty in the Council Hall."

Sordil and Eileen exchanged a glance, and then Irene said, "Go tell King of Babaronza to wait a moment, we'll be there soon."

"Yes, Your Her Majesty Irene!"

After speaking, the guard bowed and retreated, leaving the courtyard.

"Sordil, don't you feel like something's not right?"

"Yes! Something is definitely not right! It's certain that the dragons from the Western Continent will invade, and it's also possible that they chose the Principality of Babaronza as their invasion site, but it's unreasonable to only launch their operation in one location!"

"That's right, that's what I think too! I think the invasion that occurred in the Principality of Babaronza was most likely carried out by a small group of troops sent here by the dragons of the Western Continent to conduct reconnaissance, rather than a large-scale invasion."

"That being said, the Principality of Babaronza is, after all, a member of the United Front Alliance. If we don't go to their aid, the other members of the alliance will lose faith in it, rendering the alliance in name only. Moreover, this is the best opportunity for us to gain a general understanding of the Western Continent, and we absolutely cannot miss it. Therefore, both for the public and for private reasons, we must make a trip to the Principality of Babaronza!"

Irene nodded and said, "Then let Belserion and Acnologia take the dragons of Dragunov on a trip to find out what's going on in the Western Continent."

"No, Belserion and the other two need to stay and protect you. Besides, they're not familiar with the situation on the Western Continent. It's more appropriate for me to go!"

Upon hearing that Sordil intended to personally travel to the Principality of Babaronza, Irene immediately grasped his hand and then shook her head vigorously, indicating that she disagreed with his actions.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to the Principality of Babaronza alone. I'm going with Brother Igneel and the others. There won't be any problems. Besides, with my unparalleled ability to escape, who could possibly stop me?"

"Pfft"

Upon hearing Sordil's proud declaration, Irene instantly broke into laughter. After a long pause, Her Majesty the Queen raised her head and gazed into his eyes. Seeing the unwavering look in her beloved's eyes, Irene finally had no choice but to agree to his plan.

Council Hall

King of Babaronza, having already tasted countless cups of black tea, paced anxiously, glancing up every now and then towards the gate, hoping to catch a glimpse of the figure he had long awaited. Just as his nerves were about to snap, a beautiful figure wearing a crown and a red dress appeared before the gate.

Upon seeing the visitor, King of Babaronza immediately rushed forward with great excitement, then patted his chest and bowed.

"King of Babaronza greets Her Majesty Irene!"

Irene bowed to King of Babaronza in return, and then said, "King of Babaronza, I already know the purpose of your visit!"

"Then please, Your Her Majesty Irene, quickly dispatch dragon experts to aid my Principality of Babaronza!"

"King of Babaronza, please rest assured, I have already made arrangements for this matter. Later, Prince Sordil of Fostadu will lead his men to your country to help you fight against the dragons of the Western Continent. When that time comes, you must make sure your subordinates cooperate well with Prince Sordil and his men."

"Your Her Majesty Irene, rest assured, all members of the Principality of Babaronza will do everything in our power to cooperate with Prince Sordil's actions!"

Upon hearing King of Babaronza's statement, Irene nodded in satisfaction and said, "Yes, that's good!"

Just as the two finished their discussion, a dozen or so heavy thuds were heard outside the council hall.

"It must be Prince Sordil and his entourage. King of Babaronza, let's go out and greet His Your Highness the Prince!"

"Your Her Majesty Irene, please!"

So, Irene went first, followed closely by King of Babaronza, and the two strode quickly toward the outside of the palace.

"Brother Sordil, weren't we heading to the Principality of Babaronza? Why did you bring us here to Erin again?"

"Brother Igneel, don't worry. We'll wait here for someone. Once we meet up with them, we'll head to the Principality of Babaronza."

"Alright! I'll do as you say, bro!"

Just as Sordil finished answering Igneel's question, Irene led a middle-aged man with a full beard over.

"Prince Sordil, this is King of Babaronza. He will lead you to your destination this time!"

After Irene finished speaking, King of Babaronza took a step forward and bowed to Sordil and the others. Sordil first shrunk his body to adult size, then walked up to King of Babaronza, helped him up, and said, "Thank you for personally guiding us, King of Babaronza!"

Looking at the approachable dragon Prince before him, King of Babaronza said excitedly, "It is an honor to Your Highness the Prince. On behalf of all the members of the Principality of Babaronza, I thank Your Highness the Prince for your assistance!"

Sordil gently patted King of Babaronza on the shoulder, then comforted him in a soft tone, "King of Babaronza, we belong to the United Front Alliance, so it is only right that we lend a helping hand. There is no need for such thanks!"

After resolving the issue of King of Babaronza, Sordil's gaze fell upon Irene. The two stared at each other for two or three minutes before exchanging a knowing smile.

"Your Her Majesty Irene, if there is nothing else, please allow me to take my leave!"

"May Your Highness the Prince a safe journey!"

After saying goodbye, Sordil returned to his original size and carried King of Babaronza on his back towards their destination.

Western Continent, Dragon Clan Secret Realm: Artek Carl

"Glaide, how does it feel to be the leader again?"

Upon hearing Goodpes's question, Glaide broke out in a cold sweat. He sensed a hint of embarrassment and anger in the question, which meant that if his answer failed to satisfy the other party, Glaide's life would return to its previous state, or even worse.

"Goodpes for your promotion, Lord Gudepes. I will serve you wholeheartedly!"

"Serve me wholeheartedly? If you truly serve me wholeheartedly, then why have you spent nearly a month and still not finished investigating Ishgar's situation?"

Upon hearing Goodpes's reprimand, Glaide knelt down with a thud, slapping himself repeatedly with both hands, saying apologetically, "It is my incompetence that has delayed your affairs, sir. Please punish me!"

"Alright, alright, stop now! I'll give you five more days to handle this. If you still haven't finished it by then... hmph!"

"Your subordinate will certainly not let you down!"

"Go down!"

"Yes, Your subordinate takes his leave!"

Glaide, head bowed and back bent, backed out of the cave where Goodpes was. Not long after Glaide left the cave, a third voice suddenly echoed from within.

"Goodpes, your subordinate is quite something!"

"I know exactly what this kid is up to. If he weren't still useful to me, do you think I would have let him go for so many years?"

"It's best if you know the truth, but I still want to remind you to be careful not to make a mistake!"

"Kelsu, you didn't come here just to remind me of these things, did you?"

"Of course not! Delsd sent me to inform you that we will officially Ishgar in ten days, on July 18th!"

"Clear!"