In late September, Baron Roman and his eldest son Roland returned from the Poplar Desert.
After the family gathered and discussed Roland and Gewen's political marriage, they turned their attention to Russell's Dragon Riding Ceremony.
Invitations were then sent to noble estates throughout the Shadowflame Grand Duchy. Any noble with even a little standing in the Grand Duchy would receive one. Even important figures such as Princess Anxia and Marquis Arno were on the guest list.
Even certain nobles who were on poor terms with the Fluorite Mushroom Family would receive invitations—an undisguised display of flaunting and provocation.
By now,
the entire Shadowflame Grand Duchy basically knew that Russell had picked up a dragon in the snowfields and become a Wyvern Knight. News about Russell spread rapidly through every city and manor, practically becoming legend.
After all, Russell had previously been a complete nobody. His name was unknown, and the nobles' impression of him had basically been limited to one thing...
"Baron Roman's second son."
Yet this nobody had suddenly become a Wyvern Knight. Then, when people traced Russell's story, they abruptly discovered that he and the Shadowflame Dragon had even shared a true Dragon's Gaze.
This gave those curious about Russell's identity endless room for speculation.
"Yes, yes, of course I know!" In a tavern, a drunken patron began shouting. "My brother took part in the Second Battle of the Fall! Yes, yes, he told me he fought side by side with Lord Russell!"
"Really?"
"Of course it's true! True, I swear it! When the dragon looked at Lord Russell, my brother was right beside him!" No one truly believed the drunkard, but everyone still listened eagerly as he continued. "The dragon was huge, so huge, and its eyes were fixed right on Lord Russell!"
"Did they say anything