The second layer of Burning Steel Castle, reception hall.
"Sit."
The voice of the Red Iron Dragon echoed in the spacious hall.
His strong and majestic body was the first to lie down on a large and flat stone platform at the main seat.
These so-called "seats," similar to the layout of the third layer council chamber, were all made from whole blocks of hard Obsidian or Molten Rock, sculpted and polished into high platforms, broad and flat enough to accommodate the Giant Dragons in various comfortable postures—squat, coiled, or like Galos, relaxedly lying prone.
Other Giant Dragons also casually found a stone platform to sit on.
At the sa ti.
The low arched doorways around the hall, specially designed for servants’ passage, silently opened.
Teams of skilled and diverse servants filed in.
They deftly weaved through the legs and claws of the colossal beasts.
Strong ogre attendants carried whole roasted giant rhino legs, golden and crispy with dripping grease; Snakefolk maidens carried silver trays brimming with various exotic fruits and spirits... soon, the stone platforms in front of the dragons were piled high with bountiful food and wine.
A dozen Snakefolk dancers gracefully walked to the open space in the center of the hall.
Accompanied by the ancient and primitive rhythm of the drums beaten by musicians in the corners, they twisted their waist serpentine-like, arms stretching like vines, dancing a ritual-like dance full of raw tribal allure.
Alberto, however, had no ti to admire, his gaze briefly sweeping over the enchanting dancing snake won, then quickly shifting away.
He lay silently on his stone platform, his massive dragon claw grabbing the roast giant rhino leg offered by the ogre, tearing off large pieces of fragrant at with his sharp teeth, chewing quietly.
In the core territory of the Evil Dragons.
Surrounded by several powerful, hostile Dragons, even with Galos’ "hosting," the Golden Dragon Alberto remained in a state of high alert.
Though the food was abundant, at this mont, it tasted to him like dry wood, tasteless as wax.
The other dragons seed much more at ease.
Clearly accustod to the fortress’s atmosphere, they indulged themselves, their sharp dragon teeth easily crushing hard beast bones, and hot spirits pouring into their throats like streams, uttering satisfied growls or rumbling noises, enjoying the lavish feast.
"Let formally introduce myself, my na is Galos, Galos Ignas."
The deep voice of the Red Iron Dragon shattered the prolonged silence, filled only with the sound of chewing and drum beats.
His gaze turned to Alberto.
After a brief pause, Galos went straight to the core question: "Alberto, you have journeyed from afar to the Border Area, surely not rely for so negligible wealth. Tell ... what is your true purpose?"
At this point, further concealnt was unnecessary.
The Golden Dragon Alberto swallowed the piece of at in his mouth, lifted his head covered in Golden Dragon Scales, speaking clearly and resolutely, without a hint of hesitation: "My purpose is to start from the Border Area—to forge my own ’Golden Law,’ to establish an eternal ’Golden Order’!"
"Golden Law? Golden Order?"
Galos’ gaze flickered slightly, showing a touch of inquisitive interest, and he pursued: "Why choose the Border Area? In your grand blueprint, what foundational role does this land play?"
Alberto seed to have deeply contemplated this question.
Slowly, he spoke: "The Border Area, it is like a wedge, firmly embedded between the Sel Wilderness and Eternal Frost Tundra; in peaceful tis, its value might be underestimated, appearing insignificant."
His dragon claw gently grazed the stone platform, continuing: "However, now within the Lothern Federation, internal conflicts are nurous, unstable like a ship about to capsize; while in the north, the fires of war among the tribes on the Eternal Frost Tundra are burning fiercely."
"In this delicate and tumultuous situation."
"This seemingly marginal land will beco a critical junction, a pivot capable of shifting the situation between north and south."
Reasonable... quite a precise strategic vision.
Galos thought to himself, his success in occupying the Border Area certainly held strong power as a foundation, but indeed it involved so favor of fortune.
This land lacks in riches and fertility, but its privileged geographical position compensates for the resource shortage.
"Then..." The Red Iron Dragon leaned slightly forward, asking further: "Could you elaborate more on your ’Golden Law’ and ’Golden Order’? I am deeply curious about this."
Discussing ideals, sharing deep thoughts with a companion who understands, or even possibly agrees with one’s vision.
Without a doubt, it is sothing that would make any ambitious individual feel exhilarated and greatly delighted.
Alberto clearly could not resist this allure either.
Because of Galos’ attentive listening stance, his occasional nods of agreent, his tily acknowledgnt, and the encouraging look in his eyes... Young Golden Dragon Alberto’s taut nerves gradually relaxed unwittingly.
He unfastened the floodgate of his mind, beginning to express his grand, intricate, even slightly radical ideological blueprint in torrents—about the absolute authority of law, the supremacy of order, and the perfect nation in his ideal.
He even temporarily put down his vigilance.
rely upon a brief sniff, he began to indulge in the spirits continuously offered by the attendants.
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