Russell spent a long time talking with his grandfather, Count Merlin, beneath the stars in the corridor, undisturbed by anyone.
"Russell, do you think these past ten-odd years of my rule have had any meaning for the Grand Duchy?"
"Grandfather, why do you ask?"
"I have failed the two former Grand Dukes." Count Merlin sighed, his silver hair trembling under the lamplight. "The former Grand Duke was ambushed and killed by Snow Giant Da, and Grand Duke Kunsitan was ambushed and killed by Riding Blue Skin. Twice now, and I learned nothing from either lesson."
"This... can only mean Snow Giant Da has grown more cunning." Russell comforted him.
Legendary beings such as Snow Giants and dragons were simply too powerful. When they fought each other, they had no need for schemes.
Or rather, the impact of any scheme was far less direct or sensational than a head-on battle.
Besides, humans had fought Snow Demons for five thousand years. They had long grown accustomed to brainless Snow Ghosts, stupid Snow Demons, and Snow Giants that only knew how to charge headfirst. Who could have expected Snow Giants to start using military tactics, dealing the Shadowflame Grand Duchy a devastating blow with just two simple moves?
But in truth,
Snow Giant Da's schemes had not significantly weakened humanity's fighting strength. If the Scorching Torrent Kingdom had not been plotting against the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, the Torrent Dragon and Shadowflame Dragon would have joined forces long ago and slain Snow Giant Da.
"Now Snow Giant Da has ordered all the Snow Demons into hiding, further prolonging the Shadowflame Dragon's recovery... Invisibly, he has joined forces with the Scorching Torrent Kingdom to suppress the development of our Shadowflame Grand Duchy."
"Grandfather, what exactly is that Dragon Knight of the Scorching Torrent Kingdom planning?