Duke Piero had been eating and drinking well on Black Horse Island. He was no fool; he had long guessed the outcome of the Orichalcum Dragon from Liszt's composed expression.
To seize Ornn, the Gray Cast Iron Dragon, outright in such a short time was enough to prove just how formidable this young Dragon Rider—who filled Piero's heart with conflicting emotions—truly was. That was why he had traded the information on the Orichalcum Dragon for Liszt's help in securing his position as duke, hoping to preserve his power and wealth.
Once a man had tasted prosperity, how could he willingly let it go? At least, Piero could not.
"Your Majesty, the Eagle Royal Family's delegation has already spoken with me. Once the Dragon Elf transaction is complete, I can return to the Gray Iron Grand Duchy." When Piero met Liszt, he spoke frankly. "With Your Majesty's power behind me, I will still be the duke of the Gray Iron Grand Duchy. I will merely have to continue paying tribute to the Eagle Kingdom and dare not rashly sever the vassal relationship."
Secretly changing sides was one thing, but openly, he still had to consider the Eagle Royal Family's dignity. After all, the Gray Iron Grand Duchy lay a hundred thousand miles from the Flame Kingdom, yet sat right on the Eagle Kingdom's border.
"No matter. I will naturally protect you. The Eagle Royal Family and the Gray Iron Grand Duchy will not dare openly fall out with me, and your position as duke will be secure for at least half a year. But after half a year, I cannot guarantee that the Eagle Royal Family will not make a move in secret. Even within the Gray Cast Iron Family, there may be those who coordinate with the Eagle Royal Family