Bound To The Ice Dragon King
Chapter 71: Can’t assist

Chapter 71: Can’t assist

"So, you’re unwilling to assist us because you’re trying to protect Valen?"Rhea expressed her disbelief, "That guy is not deserving of your protection, he’s a womanizer and a cheat, Aria. He kept you as his mistress but showed little care or concern for you. His life revolves around drinking and gambling."

Although Rhea had only known Aria for a year, they had shared many secrets. Rhea was aware of Aria’s relationship with the illegitimate son of the Santino family. Valen, who owned The Den Of Pleasure, had appointed Aria as its manager and kept her as his mistress. He would spend his days and nights gambling, often needing to be escorted home by his stepfather’s men after getting drunk.

Despite knowing Aria’s feelings for him, Valen would spend his nights with numerous other women at The Den Of Pleasure, neglecting his mistress. Rhea had never approved of the way he treated her friend like a possession. Now, when they could use Valen’s help to locate the establishment, Aria was refusing to cooperate.

"Rhea, it’s not what you think. It’s not only about Valen, but Edmund Santino. His stepfather is not someone to be taken lightly."

Of course, Rhea was aware that Edmund Santino wasn’t someone to take lightly, especially when he was the infamous Alina Credan’s uncle. He had been placed as the Emperor’s advisor due to Alina’s influence. He had a deeper connection in Birhhan than anyone could imagine, he also owned several assassin guilds. He could assassinate anyone who dared crossed him. Family or not, money and status matters to him more.

Edmund Santino was not a person to be reckoned with.

However, Draven had only been in Birhhan for only two decades, and in those years, he’d lived as the hideous general of Birhhan who secluded himself in the border town. Jurian wasn’t the type to show himself in public. Thus, Draven adopted a similar lifestyle and rarely involved himself in matters concerning the capital city. On the rare occasions he did, his sole interest lay only in updates regarding Alina’s life or the accomplishments of the fire controllers in Birhhan. Other individuals held no significance to him, as his focus revolved solely around his greatest enemy, Alina.

It could be said he knew nothing about the Santinos nor the Emperor and the rest of the officials, as he hadn’t attended any of the royal court meetings Jurian was invited for through the years he was living as the general.

Aria remained silent for awhile, before saying. "Rhea, how did you first find out about the elixirs in the capital city? For all I know, those informations were confidential, only the higher ups know about it."

"Well, a female dragon ghost that was killed by the fire controllers told me about it. She wanted me to release her son." Saying this, Rhea quickly added, "Um, Aria...if you’re unwilling to disclose any information about the establishment, you should at least arrange a meeting for us with your Valen. You see, the ghost is beginning to transform into a malevolent spirit, and if her son is not released, there could be dire consequences...."

"Apologies Rhea, but I cannot organize a meeting between you and Valen if you plan to involve him in your mission," Aria responded, placing her cup down and gently tapping the rim. "However, I can provide you with some information. The elixirs are indeed being produced in a establishment owned by Edmund Santino, although I am unaware of its exact whereabouts. Valen, on the other hand, possesses that knowledge. Nevertheless, I cannot permit you to meet him."

Rhea frown, "Why?"

Aria glanced at Draven, who had been silently listening to their conversation for the entire time. Rhea noticed Aria’s hesitation and reassured her, saying, "You can speak freely. Just pretend he isn’t present in the room. He doesn’t have any connections with anyone in Birhhan besides me. Even if he overhears everything, there is no one for him to share it with." Rhea nonchalantly shrugged and added, "His entire life now revolves around me."

Draven turned towards Rhea and understood once again that her words were undeniably true. He truly had no one in Birhhan except for her. But the tone with which she had said those words had him raise a brow.

Aria smiled slightly in amusement at Rhea’s words, but then her smile quickly faded and her expression turned serious. She then explained, "Rhea, Valen is not who everyone thinks he is. His true motive is to seek revenge for his birth mother’s death. Edmund Santino was responsible for her death, solely for the purpose of inheriting her wealth and preventing Valen from receiving anything. Right now, in order to gain his stepfather’s trust and access to his resources, Valen has to hide the truth about the elixirs and pretend to support them."

Despite Aria’s explanation, Rhea scoffed dismissively. "So? Does that justify why he’s whoring around like a bitch and recklessly gambling away his life like a lunatic? Even though you love him, he has neglected you all this time. He’s just another pawn of the Santino family."

Aria’s gaze dimmed slightly at Rhea’s words. If she hadn’t known Rhea for a while, she might have been upset by her blunt comments. However, Aria understood that Rhea always spoke her mind honestly. Thus she adjusted her expression and smiled bitterly. "He has no real power in the organization; everything is controlled by his stepfather and the officials."

Rhea rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "You all don’t realize the danger you’re in by not taking action sooner. If the East Dragon Clan finds out about the involvement of humans with their kind, it will only lead to disaster. Especially if a certain individual regains his powers and joins forces with them."

This dragon might appear calm to the eyes, but his heart had already been blocked with hatred and vengeance. The sooner the people of Birhhan stopped this, the better it would be for them.

Aria smiled faintly and said, "I can not assist you because I want to protect Valen. I’ve been his mistress for quite some time, and I’m aware that he also desires to put an end to this situation. However, he is currently incapable of doing so, which is why he chooses to ignore it. Nonetheless, I won’t hinder your plans any longer. Just be cautious not to reveal anything to anyone, as even the Emperor wouldn’t hesitate to order your execution if you ruin everything."

Rhea nodded in acknowledgement. It seemed even the Emperor was aware, it wasn’t just Alina’s doing. But what were they trying to achieve by doing so? It couldn’t just be the forever young elixirs.

Rhea stood up and said to Aria, "Well, thanks for your help. At least now I know if I go to Edmund Santino to demand the establishment whereabouts, it wouldn’t involve Valen."

Aria frowned, "You want to go to Edmund Santino’s mansion?"

"No, I am not that reckless." She waved her hands, "Don’t worry, I know how to figure it out myself, you can just sit here and keep protecting your man." Rhea turned around to face Draven with her eyes closed, "Let’s go back to our room and figure out a way."

As the pair made to leave the room, Aria softly called, "Hold on,"

Rhea sighed, "I said you shouldn’t worry, I won’t ask you about it again, so there’s no need to give me another advise."

"Who said I’ll be giving you another advise?" Aria mildly rebuked, then got up and approached her wardrobe and brought out a black wristband. "I wanted to give you the aura masker you requested for yesterday. I’ve gotten it for you, your friend’s aura is all over the place, it won’t take long before they get to you if you don’t cover it."

Rhea looked back when those words were spoken and noticed the black wristband in Aria’s hand. It appeared to shimmer a bit, but it didn’t resemble the mask she had anticipated. She accepted it, examined it, and then passed it to Draven. "Try putting it on and let’s see how it functions."

Draven received it, his fingers unintentionally grazing against Rhea’s hand. He didn’t feel anything from the brief contact, but Rhea had a different reaction. She seemed as if she had been shocked by lightning, her entire body quivered, and she immediately pulled her hand away.

Draven was akin to a forbidden entity for her present state. She could not look at him, nor make physical contact, or even approach him. Every aspect of him, including his voice, elicited a visceral reaction from her.

Draven didn’t even pay attention to Rhea and swiftly wore the wristband that magically sank into his wrist and blended with his skin. Not long, his overwhelming dragon aura disappeared, even his unusually pale complexion appeared more ordinary.

He turned his eyes to Rhea when he realized the smell of her arousal was also all over the place, it would be embarrassing for them if she should go around like this, thus he asked. "What about you?"

When Rhea heard his question, she subconsciously looked up at him, their eyes met. Once again, her body heated up. "Good Heavens! Haven’t I warned you not to ever look at me again?! Turn away!!" She yelled in frustration.

Draven acquiesced and turned his head in another direction, clenching his teeth. If the opportunity arose for him to regain his powers, he would definitely reclaim his core and eliminate this girl. "It seems I’ll have to endure this situation for who knows how long. This is not the typical response from female dragons after taking the potion."

Aria nodded quickly, "Yes, you’re correct. However, you should consider yourself fortunate that she isn’t a female dragon; otherwise, she would have forcefully taken control of you or..." Draven turned his head towards Aria, a frown appearing on his face. As if realizing something, she stopped speaking and cleared her throat.

Draven raised an eyebrow, "You seem to possess more knowledge about dragons." He whispered, his gaze lingering on Aria as he tried to discern something.

Aria waved her hand with a smile, "I simply read about it somewhere." She replied, swiftly changing the subject, "By the way, I heard that the leader of the fire controllers has dispatched additional men and fire controllers to safeguard the establishment. If you intend to go there, the two of you must be extremely cautious not to get caught."

Rhea nodded, "Understood. We will go there tonight, and I have a method to determine the location myself."