"Well... you see..."
"If there's something you want, just say it!"
King Fárbauti gritted his teeth. "Even though Nidhogg is dead, his scales and bones haven't been damaged. For most Giants, his dragon scales and bones would make exceptionally good armor and weapons..."
Adrian understood what King Fárbauti had in mind at once.
To him, Nidhogg's defenses had been easy to break. The dragon had shown none of the majesty one would expect from a "Dragon of the Apocalypse."
But to everyone else, it was a different story!
Even in Elbaf, home to so many Giants, very few could have pierced Nidhogg's defenses!
Now Nidhogg was dead, and Adrian had cut away the "spoils" he wanted.
The Giant King had his eye on the rest of the dragon's head, dismantled and scattered as it was.
Elbaf had always prized martial strength. Almost every Giant was a warrior, and their consumption of weapons and armor was staggering.
For centuries, the Giant Royal Court had struggled with the problem. To obtain enough metal for forging, they had even been forced to trade with outside merchants.
Now, an opportunity had arrived!
Sure enough.
King Fárbauti went on to ask whether he could make use of Nidhogg's valuable remains.
"Of course, we all know Nidhogg is your prize, White Ghost! Elbaf will offer something of equal value in exchange for his scales and bones."
Adrian did not care much either way. As far as he was concerned, it would put the leftovers to use.
Still, a trade was a trade.
"What does Elbaf plan to offer for those bits of Nidhogg?" Adrian asked lightly.
King Fárbauti named the offer he had prepared.
"Branches from Treasure Tree Adam. What do you say?"
"Sounds good!"
Adrian considered it for only a moment before accepting King Fárbauti's