In the depths of Burning Steel Fortress, Red Iron Dragon's consciousness slowly subsided.
He has temporarily ended Blood Kin Link with Iron Dragon Gordon and is waiting for a response.
At the last moment, Garos once again emphasized to Gordon several key details that required special attention and must not be ignored at all - including how to deliver information appropriately, how to evaluate changes in Elina's true intentions, how to avoid risks in the early stages of cooperation, etc. - to ensure that this brother who was at the core of the enemy camp would not expose himself or even implicate the entire dragon group's plan due to a moment of negligence.
"Based on the detailed descriptions sent back by Gordon, combined with the information transmitted by the Gem Merchants' Guild's intelligence network, they corroborate each other."
"It is basically certain that Crystal Princess Elina... is definitely not a short-sighted, simple-minded, stupid person who was raised by the palace."
Garos is thinking in his mind.
"On the contrary, she is very smart, has a keen political sense and good magical attainments. More importantly... deep in her heart, there is a passionate desire to serve the country and to solve the problems of the precarious Lothern Royal Court. This is a potential collaborator with ambition and action."
Garos's dragon head was slightly raised, his eyes flickering, thinking:
"Hopefully... she can finally make the right choice... that is best for both of us."
Red Iron Dragon's huge body moved slightly to the side, adjusting to a more comfortable position that allowed the thick plate-like scales on its abdomen to fully stretch out.
Snake Woman Warlocks understand.
Using their cold fingertips containing Magic Energy, they began to gently and accurately massage the relatively soft area of Red Iron Dragon's abdomen, helping him relax his hard body like cast iron.
Garos is enjoying this rare moment of relaxation while sinking his mind into the invisible Blood Kin Link network.
He first contacted Iron Dragon Sorog, and then contacted the red dragon Samantha who was supervising the alchemy Flowing Water Dragon Realm line at Black Iron Plain.
At the same time, he was also silently waiting for Gordon to send back key news about Crystal Princess's response from Lothern Royal Court.
At the same time.
Sparkfire Monastery.
"Kids! Listen up!"
Iron Dragon Gordon shouted.
"The great Steel King is about to return to Royal Court! When we meet next time, I hope your "qi" will be more intense and you can imitate the posture of the great dragon!"
Under the gazes of the surrounding group of young and teenage apprentices with a mixture of awe, curiosity and a hint of accustomed helplessness.
His huge body covered with dark metal scales was like a moving fortress. He raised his strong limbs slightly awkwardly, taking heavy steps that made the ground groan slightly with every step he took. Then he held up his huge dragon head and left Sparkfire Monastery in an attitude that he thought was majestic but actually was a bit comical.
Soon after.
Lothern Royal Court, Crystal Princess Elina In the luxurious study room that is like a small magic museum.
Elina was leaning on the velvet-cushioned couch by the window, a delicate hand lazily resting on Gordon's cold and hard scales.
She was listening to Iron Dragon Gordon spitting and vividly describing his blood brothers who were extremely powerful and intelligent and were about to establish Immortal Realm hegemony in the wilderness.
At first she didn't care, she just thought she was listening to Gordon telling stories.
In her eyes, Gordon is like a pet, a playmate, and some objects of maternal love that were born as she grew older and had no children.
However, listen, listen.
Elina's delicate face, which originally had a doting smile, gradually became serious, and then a trace of suspicion that was difficult to conceal appeared.
Her eyes involuntarily slid from Gordon's dragon head full of passionate speech expression to his huge body that looked particularly round and plump due to his long-term pampering at Royal Court.
Then compare it with the image of those fierce brothers who grew up fighting in the wilderness in blood and fire.
This contrast is a bit too strong, right?
"Look! Elina! I knew you would show this expression!"
Gordon keenly caught the distrust in the princess's eyes and immediately growled in dissatisfaction.
I saw him twisting his neck flexibly (for his size), stretching out his giant claws covered with metal scales, and pulling out several copies of different dates from the newspaper rack piled next to him, but all with the shocking title "Federation Daily" printed on the front page.
He slapped the newspaper in front of Elina like a trophy.
[Death Omen is coming! Raymond Duchy century-old gem mines were washed away by giant Dragon Blood]
[Black Rock Principality mine stronghold turned into a purgatory overnight, no one survived, and was suspected of being raided and destroyed by Evil Dragon Mountain-Burning Wing. This Evil Dragon has committed heinous crimes and has a bounty of tens of millions of gold coins]
In addition to the title, there are also pictures.
--The mine that was melted into glass-like pits by Dragon Breath, the steel city wall that looked like it had been ravaged by giant beasts, and... captured by the magic shadow crystal, that vague but exuding ferocious aura, the ferocious outline that blocked the sky and the sun.
"Look! Take a good look at these!"
Gordon's voice carried a strong confidence. "This is the masterpiece of my blood relative - "Death Omen"! Listen to this name! Look at this record! Is it significant enough?!"
Elina took a deep breath.
Could it be misjudged to be Mountain-Burning Wing? She had heard of this evil dragon.
She sat up straight, her expression became focused and serious, and with the keen insight unique to a senior mage, she carefully read word by word those reports about the principality that she usually didn't pay much attention to.
Gradually.
The image of a giant dragon that was incredibly powerful, grew at an alarming rate, and acted cautiously and steadily... an image that could never be underestimated by any force, became extremely clear and real in her heart.
Elina slowly raised his eyes from the newspaper.
She looked back at the ball in front of her and looked at Gordon from beginning to end several times.
It was as if he wanted to dig out the bloodline certificate that could be linked to that Death Omen from under his mellow appearance.
She hesitated and said, "Gordon, are you sure... that Dragonkin called Death Omen is really your biological brother?"
She paused for a moment, and the doubt in her tone became more serious.
"You two... really are close relatives with the same blood? Have you not admitted your mistake?"
Her hidden meaning is obvious: You two... the gap... is too big, right?
A man who kills decisively in the wilderness is born like Demon King.
A pampered person in Royal Court has become fat as a ball.
"Of course! It's absolutely true!"
Iron Dragon Gordon's answer is decisive.
"We have similar blood flowing in our bodies, there's no mistaking that."
Elina was silent.
She examined Gordon's eyes and expression again and again, trying to catch any trace of forgery, but all she saw was pure pride and unquestionable affirmation.
She recalled the origin of Gordon - he was indeed discovered and brought back to Royal Court in that area of Ser Wilderness that was far away from civilized order and full of primitive battles and cruel laws.
After thinking and asking Iron Dragon for more than ten minutes
She gradually accepted this seemingly absurd fact.
"Ser Wilderness...Ignas Dragonflight...Aber Duchy..."
Crystal Princess's gaze became deep and sharp, as if penetrating the wall of the study room and looking towards the vast land full of variables at the edge of the kingdom's territory.
All the time.
A strong reluctance was like a raging fire, burning her heart day and night - she was not willing to be just a delicate vase adorning Lothern Royal Court. She was eager to prove her worth and to use her wisdom and strength to do something useful for this kingdom that she loved deeply but was now in turmoil.
However.
She is located in the core hinterland of Royal Court. While her noble princess status brings a halo, it also becomes a heavy shackle that binds her hands and feet.
Those brothers and sisters who always covet the throne and regard her as a potential threat or bargaining chip use various rules and means to set up restrictions and obstruct her in every possible way... At this critical moment when Federation is undercurrent and the situation is as tense as a bow, she has no ambitions and high-level Spellcaster power, but sadly finds... that she can hardly do anything substantive that can touch the core and change the status quo.
But now.
Things seemed to be taking a turn for the better.
"Gordon."
Elina's eyes suddenly retracted and refocused on Iron Dragon, and her voice became more solemn and clear than ever:
"Are your blood relatives able to communicate rationally and effectively? Are they willing to consider accepting... certain commissioned tasks from Royal Court in order to obtain specific resources that are valuable to them, or sufficiently generous magical rewards?"
She asked the key questions that determine whether cooperation can be launched.
Gordon's jaw muscles twitched subconsciously.
The words "Of course I do! They want it all!" almost burst out of my throat.
But just when these impulsive words were about to burst out.
He remembered Red Iron Dragon's advice. "Calm down, Gordon, never let the other party easily see our bottom line, let them take the initiative to make demands and show their chips."
He swallowed back the certainty that was about to come out of his mouth, and his face quickly switched to a hesitant expression that required careful consideration and even a bit of embarrassment.
Iron Dragon was silent for a few seconds, and then said slowly in a slow tone, "They... well... are not ignorant Evil Dragons who follow a chaotic nature and only know destruction and plunder. They naturally possess basic wisdom and rational communication abilities."
The conversation immediately changed and he said:
"However, perhaps because they live on the edge of civilization all year round in a barbaric land where order has collapsed, their behavior is inevitably tainted with a strong aura of wildness and unruliness."
"Moreover, they have now developed a huge and impressive foundation. They have gathered many tyrannical monsters under their command. They are already powerful lords who dominate the area and make surrounding forces afraid to act rashly. Their arrogance... I am afraid that they are far superior to the excellent Iron Dragon like me, Gordon."
"Ordinary gold jewelry, common magic ores... have long lost their appeal to them Gravity. They have their own independent grand ideas and strategic plans for the future."
"I'm afraid they will not accept requests for commissions from strange forces - especially from the human kingdom - easily and rashly."
Will not accept it rashly - it means there is a possibility of acceptance.
Elina is thoughtful.
The key to whether they can accept it lies entirely in... whether the price offered by the other party is shocking enough, and whether it is enough to impress those arrogant wilderness overlords who are used to "big scenes".
"Gordon." Elina's voice returned to its usual elegance and calmness, but gained an unquestionable royal majesty. "For me, and on behalf of Lothern Royal Court's will, I convey a formal intention to your blood brothers."
"Just say--"
"Lothern Royal Court, with great sincerity, hopes to explore the establishment of a long-term strategic cooperative relationship based on mutual trust and mutual benefit with the powerful Ignas Dragonflight..."
In case the princess's identity is not taken seriously.
She deliberately used the name Lothern Royal Court.
This not only shows the highest level of sincerity and attention, but also silently declares to the other party: The person you are about to talk to is not a princess seeking personal help, but... a kingdom entity with supreme Divine Authority and huge resources! This is enough to make the most proud dragon lord... put down some of his dignity and seriously consider the amazing value behind this proposal.
Of course, they may be suspicious.
But at least it would give her a chance to have a conversation.
"Okay! Keep it on me!"
Iron Dragon Gordon Hearing this, he immediately raised his head and vowed:
"My blood brothers attach great importance to my opinions and views, and they fully respect my judgment. Since it is you, Elina, who wants to establish cooperation with them, I, Gordon, will definitely do my best to mediate between the two parties and try my best to promote it."
"Then, I leave this matter entirely to you, Gordon."
Crystal Princess nodded slightly.
After saying that, she seemed to finally let go of the heavy burden in her heart, and leaned back with her body relaxed, leaning lightly on Iron Dragon Gordon's scales that were hard and cold, like fine steel.
She picked up a heavy classic with a moonstone on the cover, opened the pages gracefully, and started reading quietly, as if the conversation just now that might change the fate of the kingdom was just an ordinary episode in the afternoon.
But her eyes did not focus on the page for a long time. Apparently her mind had already flown to the vast land named Ser Wilderness and to the group of giant dragons.
Borderlands, Dragon Valley, Burning Steel Fortress.
After a period of remote communication and internal discussions, based on Red Iron Dragon's ideas, the core members of Ignas Dragonflight... finally determined the next detailed action plan for the Molten Iron Tribe to officially enter Ser Wilderness.
The tribe's huge war machine is about to start with a bang.
First stop: Scale-Earth Rift Road!
With the death of Thorn Viscount, the control of this business road was taken back by his family superiors, who continued to operate it relying on the reputation accumulated by the Molten Iron Tribe's initial maintenance, and it has become a more prosperous business road.
Choose here.
It's not just about avenging shame and regaining the original foundation.
It is also because this place is located on the Ser Wilderness border.
Suitable as a bridge to continue to enter Ser Wilderness.
As for the investigation of Raymond Duchy - those higher-level Federation exist, and their garrison in Ser Wilderness is not necessarily more powerful than Molten Iron Tribe.
The warriors of the Molten Iron Tribe, as well as the dragons who rule them, are ready for a fierce battle with the country of Federation.
However, regarding the specific strategy of "whether to establish cooperation with Crystal Princess Elina", Red Dragon Samantha showed obvious doubts and resistance.
Among the invisible Blood Kin Network, Samantha's voice sounded, full of unabashed disgust.
"Why? Why do we have to cooperate with those humans? I don't think it's necessary at all. I hate those hairless and scaleless little reptiles from the bottom of my heart.
"Samantha, calm down."
He responded, "Because... she can bring us gems."
"And there is an endless supply of top-quality gemstones that are endless and of high quality, which is enough to fill our treasure house."
"Not only gems... the channels she represents behind her can also provide us with other resources that are rarer, more precious, and difficult to buy on the market if you have money, such as the solidified Black Oil Crystal, which are top-notch magical treasures that only exist in the kingdom's secret vault."
After a few seconds of silence.
"Humph."
Samantha first snorted habitually, and then his tone changed subtly and quickly. "But, then again."
"Such a hairless and scaleless thing like a human... sometimes if you look closely... it's actually quite cute? It has round eyes and a soft look."
"Well, you can also have appropriate contact, as long as they know how to offer enough gems to show respect."
At this time, Iron Dragon Sorog said, "There is a response from Gordon!"
Gordon's sonorous voice, which clearly meant asking for credit, immediately sounded in the consciousness of every blood relative.
"Brothers! Elina is very interested in cooperation. She has a very positive attitude and has a strong intention to cooperate."
After hearing Gordon's report, Garos nodded without much excitement or excitement.
The positive response to Crystal Princess Elina... he had expected it.
As early as when we first learned about the princess's character and situation through the line Gordon, Garos had already constructed a portrait of her in his mind.
It was a ball of magical fireworks imprisoned in a gorgeous cage like a crystal cover. The flame burning in the heart was eager to start a prairie fire, but it couldn't find the fuse to light it.
And now.
He handed over the lead.
As long as the princess's original intention has not changed, and her passion for serving the country has not been extinguished, then she will definitely choose to hold on tightly.
"Elina is still waiting for my reply. She wants to know our preliminary intention. Do we... agree to her? Give her a affirmative answer now?"
"No rush."
Garos smiled slightly and said, "Let her... wait a little longer."
Whether it is any negotiation, transaction or cooperation... taking the initiative is a crucial matter related to the final distribution of benefits.
And in the contest between patience and determination... it is often the party that is more composed and less anxious... and ultimately seizes the decisive initiative.
Garos just finished speaking.
"Gordon! Listen to me, you idiot with a fat brain!"
The red dragon Samantha roared angrily, "Don't ruin our good deeds because of your love brain!"
"If we lose gemstone veins or Black Oil Crystal because of your pitiful and stupid obsession with human bugs... be careful, I will strip off your scales, cramp your tendons, and roast you like a pig on the crater. I guarantee that the smell will make the entire tribe's Kobold drool for three days."
Samantha-style care is always so "warm".
"Tsk--!"
Iron Dragon Gordon immediately let out a mocking laugh, as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world.
"Stupid red dragon! Samantha, full of muscles, what do you think I am? Those ignorant reptiles who are addicted to the romantic plots in knight novels and are carried away by love?!"
"Yes, I am obsessed with Elina, but it is like an obsession with gems and wealth, not based on stupid feelings."
He said loudly, "I know what to do, so just be at ease."
ps: The operation went smoothly and mother and child are safe.
I will stay in the hospital for a few days during the recovery period and then go home and recover every day. I want to start making money for milk powder. Please ask for a monthly ticket first and update it in a few days.