Dragons could live for three to five thousand years, theoretically spanning an entire Warm Era of human civilization.
But in reality, there were no such long-lived dragons on the Dragon Sleep Continent.
Since the founding of the Sacred Radiant Empire, dragons had become prey for Snow Giants. The vast majority ultimately fell upon the snowy plains. As dragons fell, human dynasties rose and declined in constant succession.
Some of these dragons were hunted down, while others actively sought death.
The reason was simple. Once dragons reached a certain age, they sought the elusive hope of returning to ancient times. Yet few succeeded. Most ultimately fell along the path of return. Perhaps only the lost dragon recorded in Song of the Volcano had succeeded.
It had become a peculiar dragon born for vengeance, undying and eternal.
In any case.
Dragons were the longest-lived creatures on the Dragon Sleep Continent. With the blessing of dragonflame, Dragon Knights could normally live for over a hundred years. With better luck, they could surpass two hundred. But there were no records of Dragon Knights living beyond three hundred.
King Ares was only in his sixties this year. Living another hundred years should not have been a problem.
Thus, everyone seated at the banquet would likely have decayed into dust decades later, while King Ares would probably still be healthy.
Then this stretch of time truly would be, as Count Merlin had said, nothing more than a small memory.
"Everyone, cheers!" After the guests had finished toasting, King Ares raised his cup. "May the friendship between our two nations endure forever. Let us huddle together for warmth and fight the Snow Demons as one."
The nobles of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy all raised their cups and stood, shouting along with him, "May the friendship between our