"How could you feel that way?"
"How could I not?" Cousin Mel asked in return.
Russell was left speechless. The "ambiguity" between him and the Shadowflame Dragon had clearly caused Mel to misunderstand as well.
But he could not explain it properly.
After all, deep down, if he could contract another dragon besides the Little Dream Dragon, he would certainly be willing to contract the Shadowflame Dragon. What knight would ever complain about having too many miraculous creatures like dragons? He would happily grovel before every last one of them.
Seeing Russell fall silent.
Mel laughed heartily. "Haha, what's so difficult about that? The Grand Duke's position is a hot potato to begin with. If you really took it over, I'd be overjoyed. Then Grandfather would have no reason to stop me from marrying Annie anymore!"
"I never intended to take it over." Russell breathed a sigh of relief. "But some things can't be discussed for now. So, Cousin, keep working hard. I'll continue supporting your bid to become Grand Duke as always... In short, the future belongs to us!"
"Well said, the future belongs to us!" Mel laughed loudly.
Afterward, Russell went to the Elder Council Hall and met his grandfather, Count Merlin, handing over the details of his diplomatic mission.
"With the Scale Tower activated and His Highness Shadowflame safely returned, this old man can finally rest easy." Count Merlin sighed. "Now that the Snow Demons are rioting and the border is unsettled, two lords have already died on the snowfields... I've been worried about you and His Highness Shadowflame."
"You can relax a little now, Grandfather. The Scale Tower has been activated. Once the power of the three dragons is gathered, the Frost Trolls and Snow Giants won't be able to cause much trouble." Russell comforted him.