The atmosphere between the Scorching Dragon and the Shadowflame Dragon was far from harmonious, but Russell and King Ares got along quite well.
"A pseudo-dragon can continue evolving into a phantom dragon. That truly is astonishing." King Ares lifted his teacup and curiously examined the green leaves floating on its surface. "Was this brewed tea newly developed by the Red Keep?"
"You could say that." Russell smiled. "This is green tea."
Back when he had still been at Wuyou Snake Manor, Russell had wanted to find tea leaves and brew himself a cup of green tea as a reward, but unfortunately, he had been unable to find any tea trees.
It was not until he took control of the Red Keep and thoroughly examined the Sprite Paradise that he found one.
The Red Keep's Sprite Paradise housed a vast number of sprites, including seven Great Elves, more than three hundred lesser sprites, and countless Spirit Worms. It could be said that even the combined fortunes of all the High Nobles in the Grand Duchy could not compare to the Sprite Paradise.
All of it now belonged to Russell.
Of course.
Most of these sprites had not been contracted. Instead, they were raised by the Red Keep—if every generation of Grand Duke truly contracted them all, their telepathy would become a complete mess. Besides, managing sprites was simple and did not necessarily require contracts.
Of course.
Some mischievous sprites that loved darting about everywhere were assigned contracts—the contractor could be the Grand Duke, or one of the Red Keep's "special knights," knights specifically trained to care for sprites.
Russell had now contracted all seven Great Elves, while the more than three hundred lesser sprites remained uncontracted.
Including his own Tobacco Great Elf Nicole, he now had a total of eight Great