The Unlucky Fire Dragon

Edolas Royal Palace, Main Hall

"Your Majesty, Lord Bairo requests an audience!"

"Hm?!"

After frowning for several seconds, the white-haired elder reclining sideways on the throne with one hand supporting his forehead said emotionlessly, "Let him in!"

"Yes!"

Shortly afterward, a short, white-haired old man hurried into the hall.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

"Chief of Staff, don't panic. The sky isn't falling."

Hearing the tapping from above, the Chief of Staff forced a bitter smile.

My king, if you knew what happened, you'd be even more anxious than I am!

Just as the Chief of Staff was offering his internal commentary, a not-so-loud thunderclap exploded beside his ear.

"Chief of Staff, didn't you have something to report?"

"Ah... ah?!"

Seeing the Chief of Staff's loss of composure, His Majesty the King's expression instantly darkened.

"Gasp!"

After drawing in a sharp breath, the Chief of Staff hurriedly fell to his knees and answered tremblingly, "Your Majesty, this matter is of grave importance, so..."

"Hm."

With a wave of His Majesty the King's arm, the attendants hurriedly withdrew.

"Can you speak now?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Taking the opportunity to wipe the sweat from his eyelids, the Chief of Staff trembled as he said, "Your Majesty, we just received a report from the guards at the side hall. Someone took advantage of the three prisoners' jailbreak to break into the side hall and steal the Magic Crystal sealed inside."

"What did you say?!!"

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

His Majesty the King strode down from the dais and raised his right foot toward the Chief of Staff's chest.

"Hmph!"

Just as his foot was about to strike the Chief of Staff, His Majesty the King let out a cold snort and forcibly stopped himself.

"Huff... huff..."

After several heavy breaths,