Queen Irene

"Let's go! We'll enter the city first, and then go to the palace to see Her Majesty the Queen tomorrow!"

"That's good! Firstly, it will help alleviate our fatigue from the journey, and secondly, it will show our respect for the Queen. Since we're not in a hurry to go to the palace today, I'll take you two on a nice tour of the capital."

"Yay!"

After discussing their next itinerary, the three of them prepared to embark on a day trip to the capital of Dragunov, led by their 'guide', Kaldiz.

"Lord Kaldiz, you've returned? And who are these two?"

As soon as the three reached the city gate, a guard standing before it greeted Kaldiz and curiously observed Sordil and Diphiya. His eyes, however, lingered mostly on Sordil, for Sordil's seven-colored scales were undeniably captivating; many who saw Sordil for the first time were mesmerized by their dazzling light.

"This is Lord Sordil, the young master of the Fostadu Secret Realm, and the other is Lady Diphiya, the young lady of Fostadu. The two ladies have important business to attend to in the capital of the Kingdom of Donagunov, so I am leading them into the city. They will go to the palace to meet Her Majesty the Queen tomorrow."

"Oh, I see! Then the three of you should hurry into the city!"

Upon learning the identities of Sordil and his companion, the soldiers immediately made way for them, watching the three fly towards the city.

"Uncle Kaldiz, were you familiar with that soldier just now?"

Kaldiz, who was answering Diphiya's questions ahead, replied calmly after hearing Sordil's question, "It's alright! We met in a tavern and often get together for drinks, so we know each other quite well. Is there a problem?"

"It's nothing! I was just curious about your relationship, that's why I asked. There's nothing wrong with it!"

"Have you two finished discussing? Shouldn't we be relaxing and relieving our fatigue now? Why are you two wasting time here?"

"Alright! As Miss Diphiya suggests, let's not think about these boring things now. Let's relax in this capital and enjoy the local customs and culture."

Seeing that Diphiya was pouting and looking unhappy, Sordil didn't dwell on such a small matter and accompanied Diphiya to play in this giant city where people and dragons lived together.

Kingdom of Tsuyioru Xiu, Philiers

Royal Palace, Council Hall

"Prime Minister, why are you in such a hurry to summon me? Is there something important you need to discuss?"

While straightening her clothes, Belmod asked the prime minister anxiously.

"Your Majesty! I have just received an urgent report from Langu: a month ago, a Black Great Dragon hurriedly left the capital of Dragunov and flew southeast. Not long ago, this Black Great Dragon returned to the capital of Dragunov, but now it was accompanied by two other Black Dragon!"

Upon hearing the news reported by the Prime Minister, Belmod's brows furrowed slightly. After a moment's thought, Belmod pointed to the northwest of the kingdom and softly asked the Prime Minister:

"Hmm? The Prime Minister suspects..."

Seeing Belmod's actions, the Prime Minister nodded, tacitly agreeing with His Majesty the King's guess.

"Bang"

Belmod abruptly stood up, slamming her fist on the table. Her face flushed red with anger, and her breathing became extremely rapid. After a long pause, Belmod closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then sat back down.

"Prime Minister, what do you think is the purpose of these two people going to Dragunov?"

"Well... based on the clues we have so far, it's hard to tell. However, one thing is certain: those beings in the Cuyis Tree Sea will absolutely not Dragunov."

"Oh?"

Looking at the prime minister standing with his hands clasped and his back bent at the bottom of the steps, Belmod carefully considered his words and then nodded.

"Prime Minister, how is the Bell Dragon Rider Regiment of Oddek progressing?"

The prime minister, who was waiting for the king's instructions below the stage, was momentarily taken aback by these words, but he still dutifully replied, "Your Majesty, according to the latest report from the Lord Mayor of Kaysir City, the Bell Dragon Rider Regiment has grown to about 950 people."

"Oh? So how strong is the Bell Dragon Rider Regiment now?"

Seeing Belmod deep in thought, the Prime Minister had a bold guess in his mind, so he hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, most of the current Bell Dragon Rider Regiment are bandits, and their combat ability is only in the middle to upper tier of the Royal Army. They are no match for Fostadu at all. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Upon hearing the Prime Minister's advice, Belmod burst into laughter, then asked mockingly, "Haha! Prime Minister, you don't actually think I'm going to send the Bell Dragon Rider Regiment to attack Fostadu, do you?"

"But, Your Majesty just now..."

Seeing the Prime Minister's hesitant expression, Belmod knew perfectly well that her words had touched upon his innermost thoughts. So, Belmod walked down the steps one by one, stood in front of the Prime Minister, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Prime Minister, please calm down. I am not that impulsive."

"I only want to make Oddek the second Langu, and to make him and the Bell Dragon Rider Regiment the eyes and ears of my Fostadu!"

Dragunov, the capital

Royal Palace, Council Hall

"Your Majesty, Lord Kaldiz has returned and requests an audience with Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Please come in quickly!"

Upon learning of Kaldiz's return from Fostadu, Irene immediately ordered her guards to escort him into the palace. Soon after, Kaldiz arrived at the palace under the guidance of his guards, and upon seeing Irene, Kaldiz immediately bowed with his hand on his chest.

"Lord Kaldiz, I wonder if you have gained anything from this trip?"

"Your Majesty! Kaldiz has summoned Prince Sordil as requested!"

Upon hearing from Kaldiz that he had brought Sordil over, Irene knew the alliance was practically secured, and she became even more certain of her initial suspicions. So she hurriedly said:

"In that case, please invite Prince Sordil to come here and sign the treaty!"

"No problem, I'll go and invite Prince Sordil right away!"

After receiving Irene's permission, Kaldiz respectfully bowed and withdrew from the hall. Irene also used this time to summon her prime minister into the palace, quietly awaiting Sordil's arrival and preparing the alliance treaty to be used. Just as Eileen finished arranging the venue, three heavy thuds echoed outside the hall.

A moment later, the palace doors slowly opened, Kaldiz entered with two other dragons. Irene looked at Sordil and Diphiya following behind Kaldiz with a puzzled expression, unsure who to greet or how to handle this strange situation. While Irene was scrutinizing Sordil and Diphiya Sordil, they were also observing her.

Her long, Crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her purple eyes, framed by black pupils, were set in phoenix-shaped pupils. A straight, delicate nose stood at the center of her exquisite features. Occasionally, her small mouth revealed pearly white teeth, complementing her alabaster skin, delicate pink ears, and creating a stunningly beautiful face that seemed to have floated out of a painting. Add to that her tall, voluptuous figure, the unique aura of someone accustomed to high office, and the courageous determination in her eyes—these unique elements made her a perfect being. She was like a bright star walking among mortals, so dazzling that words could not describe her beauty.

Looking at the woman before him, Sordil naturally thought of a line of poetry he had memorized in his previous life, "She seems like a light cloud veiling the moon, drifting like swirling snow in the wind." Sordil felt that only the Goddess Luo of the Luo River in Cao Zhi's writing could compare to her.