Although Little Dream Dragon had fallen into slumber, he had already grown large enough and concealed his aura perfectly.
Whenever Russell met any dragon or Dragon Knight, he no longer had to worry about Little Dream Dragon being exposed.
So he quickly agreed to Mel's request. "Do I need a custom-made formal outfit? A clothes hanger like me looks perfect in anything. If I get another formal outfit made, I'm afraid I'll steal all your thunder."
"Give it a rest, Russell." Mel scratched a lock of golden curls hanging over his forehead. "When it comes to talent, I'm far inferior to you. But when it comes to looks, there isn't anyone in the entire Grand Duchy who can match me!"
"You should add a qualifier—except me," Russell said.
"No, including you. No one is more handsome than me. Everyone agrees on that."
"Who agrees? I've never acknowledged that." Russell patted Mel on the shoulder. "Of course, I have to admit that in the looks department, you are indeed a formidable opponent. You're not that far behind me."
The two cousins bickered with each other.
Servants from Small Castle soon brought in a master tailor to take their measurements and make their formal outfits.
Mel's engagement had been scheduled for the beginning of the warm season, a little over two months away. Factoring in the journey and preparations for the engagement banquet, they would have to leave a month early. Thus, they would depart from Red Castle on March 10.
That evening, Count Merlin returned from work, and the grandfather and his two grandsons had dinner together.
"Russell, this old man cannot attend Mel's engagement banquet. Fortunately, he has you, his younger brother, to accompany him. Otherwise, the Monochoria Family would be terribly discourteous." Count Merlin sighed deeply. He had once