"Yes." Russell did not refuse Fred's offering.
He had sheltered Fred and the others, so naturally they had to offer a pledge of allegiance. That was simply the rule of Dragon Sleep Continent. "When the time comes, I will grant you a Wyvern and a Warm Enclave to help you establish a new family."
They chatted about the arrangement for a while.
Fred no longer had any reservations about joining the Shadowflame Grand Duchy.
At that moment, he suddenly opened the small box he carried with him. Holding it in both hands, he solemnly presented it to Russell. "My lord, thank you for coming to offer your condolences at once. On behalf of the Molten Fire Dragon Blood Family, I offer this to you."
"What is this?" Russell accepted the box, somewhat puzzled.
Fred said, "This is the hope left behind by the Molten Fire Dragon. There is no point in keeping it in the Molten Fire Dragon Blood Family anymore. If I give it to you, my lord, perhaps it can offer you some guidance as you climb to new heights on the Knight's Path."
"The Molten Fire Dragon's hope!" Russell's eyes widened.
He had never seen the hope the dragons cherished—the hope of returning to ancient times. Moreover, the Shadowflame Dragon had happened to have this hope stolen from him.
The box instantly seemed to weigh ten thousand tons.
Still, Russell accepted it calmly. Just as Fred had said, there was no meaning in the Molten Fire Dragon Blood Family keeping the Molten Fire Dragon's hope.
"This offering is far too precious." Russell suppressed the urge to open it immediately.
Fred shook his head. "The Molten Fire Dragon died in battle... There is no point in keeping it, nor does it matter whether it is precious or worthless."