The sky gradually darkened as night fell.
Thunder Dragon City, the Duke’s study.
"Speak. What’s the latest news?"
A middle-aged man with a commanding presence and a few silver strands in his hair sat behind a large desk, reviewing docunts.
He was the Duke of Thunder Dragon, Aiden Thunder Dragon.
Before the desk, another middle-aged man stood with a slight bow. This was Ramon, the Duke’s most trusted confidant, responsible for all intelligence and internal affairs of the Duchy.
Ramon bowed slightly again and reported in a clear, organized manner.
"Your Grace, first, news from the Red Leaf Earl’s Domain. As you predicted, the Old Earl is critically ill, and his two sons, Gao Wen and Alan Rickman, have begun fighting for the succession."
Duke Aiden’s expression remained neutral, as if this ca as no surprise.
"Alan Rickman’s backer is that boy, Eliot, isn’t it?"
"Yes, Your Grace. The First Highness, Eliot, has secretly dispatched his confidants into Red Leaf City and arranged for Baron ngde of Ironthorn Territory to intervene, helping Alan Rickman contend for the title of Count of Red Leaf Territory. However..."
Ramon paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Just today, our n discovered that the Second Highness, Raylo, has taken Gao Wen’s side."
"Currently, he and Viscount Baker of Red Maple Territory are eting with Gao Wen in Red Leaf City."
"Oh? Raylo?"
"Viscount Baker is involved as well?"
Duke Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"My second boy? I recall his personality used to be quite... hm, weak?"
He chose his words carefully, his past impression of Raylo clearly not a positive one.
"Yes, Your Grace. That’s why it is indeed surprising that the Second Highness has dared to interfere in the affairs of Red Leaf Territory this ti," Ramon replied.
"Interesting. That boy Eliot has no small amount of ambition, but his vision and thods are lacking. Since Raylo wants to get involved too, let the young ones sort it out themselves."
"Let them use Red Leaf Territory as their battlefield. The two brothers can compete and test their skills against each other!"
"The Duchy’s current position wasn’t achieved by sitting back and enjoying the fruits of others’ labor; it was forged through blood and steel."
He seed pleased by this developnt.
"How is that boy Raylo’s developnt in Black Stone Territory coming along? How does he have the spare capacity to ddle in the affairs of Red Leaf Territory?"
Ramon continued his report.
"Regarding the Second Highness’s progress in Black Stone Territory. According to the intelligence we’ve gathered, after arriving in Black Stone Territory, this Baron Raylo’s transformation... can only be described as a complete rebirth."
"Oh?"
Duke Aiden finally showed a flicker of interest.
"Tell in detail."
"Yes. In Black Stone Territory, the most remarkable thing the Second Highness has done is assemble a Pegasus Knight Squad. He also subdued a Storm Griffin. In several battles to eliminate the Demon Serpent’s Fangs and bands of robbers, they played a crucial role, displaying formidable aerial combat capabilities."
"Pegasus Knights?"
Duke Aiden’s gaze sharpened. Even for a great and powerful domain like the Thunder Dragon Duchy, an aerial force was an extrely valuable strategic asset.
"Where did the boy get Pegasi?"
"Pegasi are wild and difficult to ta. Only the Holy See can dosticate them on a large scale. Has the boy made contact with the Light Holy See?"
Ramon shook his head.
"They were reportedly captured near the Black Stone Mountain Range. Many people saw it, so it should be unrelated to the Light Holy See."
Ramon continued.
"With this aerial force, the Second Highness not only successfully repelled multiple raids from the Demon Serpent’s Fangs coming from the Black Forest, securing the territory’s borders, but he also took the initiative to attack and annihilate the Blood Wolf Corps, a large band of robbers that had been entrenched in the Black Stone Mountain Range for years."
"This action not only earned the Second Highness the support of his people but also opened up several important trade routes, leading to a significant improvent in Black Stone Territory’s finances."
"Annihilated the Blood Wolf Corps?"
This ti, Duke Aiden was genuinely surprised.
He fell silent for a mont, then chuckled.
"It seems I’ve underestimated the boy. To accomplish so much in the barren Black Stone Territory... he has so of my spirit from when I was young."
"I had you arrange for an Earth Knight to go to Black Stone Territory to protect the boy. Who did you send?"
"From the Third Brigade of the Thunder Dragon Knight Order, I sent an Earth Knight nad Alex. He is currently disguised as a Wandering Swordsman and is a ’guest’ in Black Stone Territory," Ramon said.
"The Knight known as ’Gale’?" Duke Aiden had so recollection of Alex.
"The very sa."
"A good choice!"
Duke Aiden affird.
"Have Alex find an opportunity to pledge his loyalty to that boy, Raylo!"
Duke Aiden smiled, then changed the subject.
"How are the preparations for Lillian coming along? Her coming-of-age ceremony is in a few days. It is also the important day for the Thunder Dragon Cub to choose its master, so there can be no mistakes."
At the ntion of his only daughter, a rare softness appeared on Duke Aiden’s stern face.
The Duke of Thunder Dragon had four sons and one daughter. Lillian was his most beloved daughter, exceptionally talented, and the only Mage among his children.
"Your Grace, all arrangents for Miss Lillian’s coming-of-age ceremony are in order. The Thunder Dragon Cub is in good condition and its Magic Power fluctuations are quite compatible with Miss Lillian’s. We are just waiting for the official bonding ceremony on the day of the rite," Ramon answered.
Duke Aiden nodded in satisfaction.
"Very good. The continuation of the Thunder Dragon Bloodline is of the utmost importance."
"Lillian’s talent is considerable. She should be able to gain the Thunder Dragon Cub’s acknowledgnt."
He sighed and muttered to himself.
’If I sent her to the Northern Border, Anna would raise hell and turn all of Thunder Dragon City upside down.’
After a mont, his tone returned to its previous calm.
"Finally, has Eliot made any other restless moves recently?"
Ramon replied.
"Aside from his actions in Red Leaf Territory, the First Highness has been relatively restrained lately. However, despite your previous warning, he continues to actively curry favor with various factions, especially within the military, where his movents have not been small."
Duke Aiden snorted coldly.
’A petty clown.’
’Who does he think he’s fooling with those petty sches of his?’
’His vision is too small, his mind too narrow. He only understands petty sches and will never amount to anything great.’
’Letting him cause trouble is just a way to let him serve as a whetstone for his younger siblings.’
His tone shifted as he gave an instruction.
"Also, have n keep a close eye on him. Don’t let him go too far. There are so lines that must not be crossed."
"As you command, Your Grace."
Ramon bowed and replied.
Duke Aiden walked to the window, gazing at the layered, distant mountains under the gray northern sky.
"Without a Giant Dragon, you cannot protect this country!"
"But with only a Giant Dragon, and not the breadth of mind and capability of a ruler, you can only lead the Duchy to ruin!"
"The Northern Border is a good place. A wilderness filled with Demons and many Giant Dragons. My children, if you cannot gain the acknowledgnt of a Thunder Dragon, then go to that Wilderness and find your own opportunities!"
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