"Great [Thunder Lord], [King of Dragons], [Crimson Comet], Your Highness Xiluo.
I have come on behalf of my master, the [Crimson Queen], to fulfill the wager.
The wealth within the ring now belongs to you. Might you release the queen's son, Prince Kahn..."
Before Xiluo stood a red dragonkin, as small as a mouse.
He asked respectfully and humbly.
His posture was exceedingly deferential.
"Kahn?
I'm afraid not.
The Crimson Queen was over a month late in fulfilling the wager, and Kahn was utterly disrespectful toward me.
I believe I have the right to punish him a little.
Go back and tell your queen.
Kahn will stay in my territory for now, and I will discipline him on her behalf. Once he learns to behave and respect the strong,
I will naturally let him leave."
Xiluo slowly gave his reply.
He had no intention of releasing the dragon.
Hearing this, the red dragonkin bowed even lower, backing away as he said,
"As you wish... great [Thunder Lord], [King of Dragons], [Crimson Comet], Your Highness Xiluo."
Xiluo merely nodded at this.
Only when the figure had vanished completely from his sight
did he reveal an immensely satisfied expression.
"An unexpected windfall!
I'd thought the Crimson Queen had the ability to break the contract's restrictions and refuse to fulfill it.
Now it seems I thought too highly of her.
Two million gold coins in hand, plus the past month's income and what I already had.
I now have two and a half million gold coins!
It's about time I spent this enormous sum.
Hmm... let me think. How should I spend these gold coins?
Strengthen my mutated dragon species bloodlines?
Illusion Thunder Dragon? Thunderclap Dragon? Earth Thunder Dragon? Primal Dragon?
If I invested two and a half million gold coins in them,