"So this is Lord Russell!"
"Indeed. No wonder he's the knight chosen by the Shadowflame Dragon. Wherever he goes, he is always under a dragon's gaze."
"I thought our Young Master Mel was already outstanding enough. Who would have imagined that the Grand Duchy could produce a genius like Lord Russell as well?"
After night fell, several knights gathered in a tent beside the rocky road through Black Horse Snow Forest, drinking a couple of cups of Ice Burn.
They chatted casually as well. "Lord Russell's appearance may be unfortunate for Young Master Mel, but for the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, it is an enormous blessing. In times of national crisis, both the dragon and Red Keep need a knight to hold them up!"
"Indeed. Fortunately, Young Master Mel and Lord Russell are close as brothers. No matter which of them rises to power, it will be a good thing for us."
"Exactly. I certainly don't want to see Kunsley, or that Augustus, take the position."
"Come, raise your cups. Let us wish for Lord Russell to ride a dragon as soon as possible, and for Young Master Mel to smoothly marry his lovely bride!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
After a couple of drinks, the knights dispersed, some to stand watch and others to rest. In another tent, Uncle Saislo, Cousin Mel, and Russell had also finished their Ice Burn wine and warmed themselves up.
"It's getting late, Russell, Mel. I'll turn in first. You two should get some rest early too," Saislo said as he rose.
"You go rest first, Uncle. Russell and I will chat a little longer." Mel waved his hand.
After Saislo left, Mel said, "Russell, you weren't serious about what you said this afternoon, were you? The Torrent Dragon has taken a fancy to you too? Is that