"The Snow Demons have returned to the Grand Duchy. I thought it was a sign that the Frost Trolls had left, but I never expected this to happen."
Count Merlin puffed on his cigar and gazed at the distant Shadowflame Volcano beyond the window. "I have governed the Elder Council for over a decade, yet the Grand Duchy's situation has only worsened... Russell, do you think your grandfather has truly grown old?"
In the reflection on the glass window, Count Merlin's head was already full of silver hair.
Ever since Grand Duke Kunsitan had fallen, Count Merlin had gone white overnight. Not even a Wyvern's Dragon Breath could restore his hair to its former blackness.
"Grandfather, human strength has its limits. Many things are beyond our control," Russell comforted him. "Under your governance, the Shadowflame Grand Duchy's national power has flourished. In that regard, you are a qualified Chief Executive."
After a pause, Russell continued, "As for the Snow Giants and Frost Trolls, this already involves beings on the level of dragons. It is only natural that you cannot handle it. There is no need to trouble yourself over it."
"Perhaps." Count Merlin sighed.
Though the bitterness in his heart had not faded, Russell's counsel lifted Count Merlin's spirits somewhat.
By the afternoon, all the Wyvern Knights had arrived.
At the expanded Elder Council meeting, Baron Kunbif gave a detailed account of the Torrent Dragon's situation and the news of its attack.
Russell then described the battle at Thunder Marsh and the details of what had happened that day.
"With that, the matter is clear." Lord Kunbei, the Chief Steward, summarized, "Snow Giant Da and the Frost Troll behind him clearly treated our Shadowflame Grand Duchy as their hunting ground."
His expression solemn, he continued, "Under the joint assault of