"Replacing the Shadowflame Dragonblood Family would be the worst possible choice for me. Grandfather, can you understand how I feel right now?"
Russell casually brushed his hand over a flower. Dragon Breath—no, more precisely, Dragon Flame—the Dragon Flame power of the Phantom Dragon Sacred Unicorn swept over the flower, instantly pulverizing it into dust with the force of the Lightning Element.
His strength already rivaled that of a dragon. There was truly no need for him to replace the Shadowflame Dragonblood Family and claim this nation.
Of course.
The population and wealth accumulated by the Shadowflame Grand Duchy over four centuries were indeed tempting. Russell did not deny that.
He continued, "Originally, I thought the Selecting the Young Master system was quite good, and I was more than willing to support Cousin Mel's ascension. Cousin could become Grand Duke, while I establish a new nation. That way, our two families could watch over and support one another."
These were Russell's sincere words.
Count Merlin had spent a lifetime reading people and could tell that Russell was speaking from the heart. That gave him some comfort.
Yet alongside that comfort came even more bitterness.
The nation he had spent half his life laboring for was apparently not all that important in Russell's eyes. It was not even the best choice—rather, it was some sort of worst possible choice.
After the bitterness came a sudden surge of anger, the resentment of seeing something precious casually cast aside by another.
His tone gradually turned stern. "Russell, riding a dragon does not mean you can establish a nation. The Torrent Dragon belongs to the Scorching Torrent Kingdom. After contracting it, at most you would be granted the title of a semi-independent duke!"
Then he revealed an expression of frustration at Russell's failure to meet