Shadowflame Volcano was scorching hot, leaving the volcano itself and the vast lands at its foot utterly barren.
Furious Wind City, a hundred kilometers from the foot of the volcano, shared the same sweltering climate.
Yet this climate was ideal for growing crops, which was why the Grand Duchy had chosen to establish its capital here, enjoying the Shadowflame Dragon's blessings at close range.
Likewise, somewhat farther away, in the center of a mirror-like lake, the Shadowflame Dragonblood Family had built the magnificent Shadowflame Grand Duke Palace. This crimson castle was itself like a mountain.
Most people called it Red Castle, though some called it Red Mountain.
As for the mirror-like lake where Red Castle stood, it was called Mirror Lake. Long causeways crossed the water from each of the four cardinal directions.
At the end of each causeway stood a massive archway. Numerous buildings had been constructed around them, forming small towns in their own right.
Russell and Eric were currently at the West Archway Town, with a carriage behind them carrying one hundred crates of White Dew Rain Dragon Cigars.
"Name!" The guard knight at the West Archway blocked their path.
"Russell Fluorite Mushroom." Russell took out his Name Card, a form of identification similar to a business card. It bore the Fluorite Mushroom Family crest and Russell's name. Only nobles could have Name Cards made.
"The Fluorite Mushroom Family?" The lead guard knight was evidently a Phantom Beast Knight. He rode over on the most common kind of Nightmare Ghost Horse.
Taking the Name Card handed over by his subordinates, he looked it over before asking, "What is Lord Roland Fluorite Mushroom to you?"
"My elder brother," Russell replied.
He also gave his coat a slight shake, casually exposing the Scholar's Medal hanging over the breast of