The two dukes had, in a rare move, put aside their differences to discuss matters together.
Duke Nall was a fourth-level warrior himself, and reportedly had some Icefield Berserker blood as well, making him exceptionally large and hairy.
Standing a full two meters twenty tall, he looked like a ferocious humanoid beast covered in fur.
Duke Olivier beside him was his exact opposite. At most a meter seventy tall, he was handsome, with meticulously groomed graying hair that lent him a mature charm.
He wore robes so luxurious they bordered on fussy. Every movement exuded aristocratic elegance, affectation, and needless fussiness, forming a stark contrast with the beastlike duke opposite him.
"He definitely knew there was a Ruby Dragon Egg inside."
Duke Olivier spoke first. "Otherwise, he would never have disposed of the troops we left behind so directly. Berry pulp unique to Dragon Island was also found at Ruby Volcano."
A glint flashed through the foxlike duke's sharp eyes. "He may even have found a Ruby Dragon. That would explain how he activated Ruby Volcano's portal so quickly."
Although Duke Nall deeply loathed this rival who dressed himself up like an elf every day, he largely agreed with his deductions.
With shared interests at stake, whatever bad blood existed between them could be overlooked. They were nobles, after all. Their families' interests came first.
Neither could stomach having the rewards that should have been theirs snatched away by some minor mage from a backwater like the Northern Frontier.
They knew Kroya had a certain reputation with both the Mage Association and the Royal Court. The milk tea shop and the Magical Beast, Magic Plant, and Battle Pet Shop alone occupied prime locations in the Royal Capital. Their daily earnings were practically incalculable.
More frustrating still, even the ladies and