King Ares had come in a hurry and left just as quickly, staying in the Shadowflame Grand Duchy for only one day and one night.
"Roar!"
"Roar!"
The Scorching Dragon, billowing thick smoke, and the Torrent Dragon, gleaming sea blue, let out dragon roars that echoed through heaven and earth.
Then they set off together for the Scorching Torrent Kingdom.
Once the Shadowflame Grand Duchy had completed the Scorching Scale Tower, King Ares would return atop the Scorching Dragon to activate it.
At that time, Russell would also follow the Shadowflame Dragon to the Scorching Torrent Kingdom and activate the Shadowflame Scale Tower.
From then on, the three dragons of the two nations would form a single whole, ever vigilant against invasions by Frost Trolls and Snow Giants.
"Baron Gloomlight, Baron Thunderflame, the Regent Lady invites you both to dine in the Inner Castle." A knight from the Inner Castle came to deliver the message.
"Very well, my son and I will go at once," Baron Roman replied.
After the knight had left, he joked to Russell, "I'm basking in your glory, son. Princess Anxia rarely entertains male nobles. Your mother has dined with Princess Anxia a few times, but that was all long ago."
Over the years, the widowed Princess Anxia had lived a secluded life, inviting noble ladies over only during major holidays.
"Princess Anxia's hospitality is more than I deserve," Russell said.
"Perhaps Princess Anxia and I will become in-laws."
"You're joking, Father." Russell shook his head. "Princess Kunlaya is still a child. I've never considered marrying her."
"She'll grow up someday, won't she?" Baron Roman said with feeling. "In my eyes, you were still a child yesterday, yet today you've suddenly become an adult... Time always slips away so easily."
"That only means you've lived happily,