Once Russell had contracted Tobacco Elf Nicole, the slightly tense atmosphere in the study quickly became lively.
Rowena stepped forward, took Count Merlin's arm, and coquettishly complained, "Grandfather, you're far too biased. You actually gave Russell an elf. When I came of age, you only gave me a dress. The difference is enormous!"
"Wasn't that dress pretty?"
"It was pretty, but..."
"Then that's enough. Little Rowena, remember not to be greedy." Count Merlin chuckled teasingly. "If you could also make the Shadowflame Dragon look at you twice, how could your grandfather possibly begrudge you an elf?"
Rowena pouted. "That Grand Duke's dragon is something else. Could it be going blind with age? Why does it only look at Russell and not me?"
Though the Shadowflame Dragon was an object of faith, people often joked about it.
"The Shadowflame Dragon has been recovering from its injuries all these years. It's normal that it can't see clearly." Roland, the eldest brother, had composed himself and said with a smile.
Yet Russell could always detect a hint of bitterness in his voice.
"After twenty years of recuperation, Father, you have rendered meritorious service to the Shadowflame Dragon. It is only natural for it to look upon Russell." Viscount Meijie said, "In the future, Russell will surely become an outstanding knight who fights for the nation."
"You flatter me, Uncle." Russell smiled. "But I will certainly fulfill a knight's duties."
"That is enough."
"Work hard, Russell. Do not disappoint your grandfather's expectations." Baron Roman said approvingly.
The look in his eyes as he watched Russell was far more affectionate than before.
In the past, he had always regarded Roland as his outstanding heir, devoting most of his attention to Roland and neglecting Russell to some extent. That was also because Russell had failed to