Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 274 - 274 273 Deserter Ross (Extra seeking monthly

Chapter 274: Chapter 273: Deserter Ross (Extra, seeking monthly tickets) Chapter 274: Chapter 273: Deserter Ross (Extra, seeking monthly tickets) Splosh!

A pink fish leapt out of the water of Mirror Lake, then crashed back down, causing a large splash.

“This is the Mirror Lake Red Pig,” Earl Merlin said, standing on the viewing platform of the castle with his hands behind his back, looking out at the now disturbed peace of Mirror Lake, “A fish species unique to Mirror Lake. Adult Mirror Lake Red Pigs have a small chance of evolving into Fantasy Beasts, and Red Castle has a Beast Knight guard squad under contract with the Mirror Lake Red Pigs.”

“How do they fight if they contract a fish-type Fantasy Beast?”

“They don’t need to fight in the snowfields. Their only duty is to guard the safety of Red Castle. Of course, they can also patrol the vast estates and farms directly governed by Red Castle along the downstream of Mirror Lake,” Earl Merlin said, sitting down at a nearby tea table.

He then picked up the warm soup tea and began to sip it slowly, “Russell, why do you refuse to be the assistant to the Volcanic Minister?”

“I have my reasons, Grandfather, and you will see them soon,” Russell replied.

He had intended to be honest with his Grandfather and admit that he was about to become a Black Oil Dragon Knight, but his father, Baron Roman, had particularly cautioned him last night before departure. He was admonished using the Fluorescent Fungi Family’s way of survival, telling him not to reveal this news to outsiders anymore.

Parent, older brother—that was enough. Grandfather, aunt, cousin, sister, and others—none should be told.

“Staying low-key is the key to longevity,” Baron Roman had said at the time, “First establish your identity as a Black Oil Dragon Knight, then it won’t be too late to share this honor with everyone. Otherwise, if too many people know, it may bring trouble.”

Fortunately, Earl Merlin did not pry further into the issue, but commented, “If you won’t take the position, then don’t. It’s not as though we’re asking you to become the Volcanic Minister; it’s just an assistant.”

“Thank you for understanding, Grandfather.”

“The Cloud and Mist series of Rain Dragon cigars you brought me are quite nice,” said Earl Merlin, “I’ve observed them carefully, and each cigar is wrapped with a single, flawless tobacco leaf.”

“Each Rain Dragon cigar represents a knight’s life. If it were wrapped with broken leaves, wouldn’t that be an incomplete knight’s life?”

“Very good, it makes me look forward to the Frost series even more.”

“When I return to my domain, I will have three hundred boxes of the Frost series manufactured as soon as possible,” Russell said, “However, Grandfather, I don’t know what to do about the hundred boxes of the Frost series for Grand Duke Kunstan.”

At the mention of Grand Duke Kunstan, Earl Merlin’s gaze darkened.

Then, he replied more light-heartedly, “If you want the Rain Dragon cigars to sell well, just give them to Arno Sunfire. Let the nobles of the Scorching Torrent Kingdom taste what a knight’s life is like. When the time comes, you should try to get a spot with the Shadowflame Caravan. It’s sure to be profitable.”

Every year, the Shadowflame Grand Duchy conducts trade with the Scorching Torrent Kingdom, but the caravan’s spots are limited.

“Alright, Grandfather.”

“Grow more tobacco. Selling cigar rather than grain or magic potions is more beneficial for the Grand Duchy.”

Russell nodded his head, indicating he understood.

The Shadowflame Grand Duchy had taken a heavy blow from this battle and would inevitably need the help of the Scorching Torrent Kingdom in the future. Since help is needed, gifts must be offered, and some of the Grand Duchy’s grain and magic potions would necessarily flow into the Scorching Torrent Kingdom.

Although the Dragon Sleep Continent is part of the Supernatural World, the nature of humanity and society is no different.

The weak will be bullied, either plundered or sold off. Fortunately, the Great Dragon of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy was merely seriously wounded, so their dignity remained somewhat intact.

At this moment, a servant dressed like a butler approached the platform, “Sir, it’s three forty now, and you have a council meeting to preside over at four.”

Upon hearing this, Russell immediately stood up, “Then I won’t disturb you any longer, Grandfather. I’ll be heading back.”

“Yes, go ahead. Also, give a message to your father for me.”

“Please speak,” said Russell.

“Bring Ross to Red Castle to admit his mistake proactively. As the Finance Minister, you should be aware of your duties without waiting for me to speak,” Count Merlin said calmly. “If Ross does not come, I will declare him a deserter.”

“Uh…” Russell laughed awkwardly, “Alright, I will immediately convey your instructions to my father.”

Upon leaving Count Merlin’s Independent Castle, Russell did not delay and returned to Baron Roman’s tower to wait until eight o’clock in the evening.

Baron Roman came back alone, Roland did not accompany him.

“Father.”

“Ah, Russell, how about we have a drink together, Sir Black Oil Dragon Knight,” Baron Roman said in a good mood, even teasing Russell.

Russell shook his head, “No drink for me, Father. I’m waiting for your return because Grandfather asked me to give you a message.”

“What message?”

“Grandfather wants you to bring Mr. Ross to Red Castle to admit a mistake, otherwise Mr. Ross will be accused of desertion.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the comfortable look on Baron Roman’s face vanished, and he furrowed his brows, pacing back and forth in the study: “Is that really necessary? Your grandfather presides over the Council of Elders, why be so petty… Mr. Ross, Mr. Ross… it was just that he was a step slow because the situation was urgent!”

When it came to the family’s Bipedal Flying Dragon, Russell could not say much; after all, this dragon was considered off-limits by his father and older brother.

He had his own dragon and did not want to interfere.

However, Baron Roman took the initiative to consult Russell, “What do you think, should I bring Mr. Ross over to apologize?”

“Father, maybe you could have a talk with Grandfather,” Russell offered his advice.

“Talk about what, your grandfather is so stubborn, I can’t reason with him at all!” Baron Roman said angrily. “He only cares about his own feathers; as for relatives and family, he doesn’t care one bit!”

“Well, perhaps Grandfather is just putting public before private,” Russell tried to soothe.

“What public before private? The… Great Dragon has already gone into slumber, who would pursue what Mr. Ross did! Did Mr. Ross not hunt the Snow Demon or not participate in the great battle? Must he come here to confess, and what if it wounds Mr. Ross’s pride?”

Baron Roman complained for quite a while, but he also knew that since Count Merlin had put it that way, avoiding it wouldn’t solve anything.

He slammed his fist on the table, breaking off a corner of the desk, “I will bring Mr. Ross over, but it will not be Mr. Ross admitting wrong; it will be me apologizing!”

“Father, what do you mean?”

“I was the one who instructed Mr. Ross not to go support the… Great Dragon. If blame must be assigned, then let it fall on me. I might as well not be Finance Minister,” Baron Roman decided resolutely. “Mr. Ross has guarded the Fluorescent Fungi Family for six to seven decades, I cannot allow its pride to shatter into pieces!”

“Father!” Russell felt a surge of pride as he looked at Baron Roman, suddenly realizing that Count Merlin pursuing the issue of Mr. Ross’s desertion might not be such a bad thing after all.

The knot in Mr. Ross’s heart needed to be untangled, or else it would never allow anyone to ride it.

He smiled and said, “Father, I support your decision, Mr. Ross deserves that we shoulder this blame for him. Without Mr. Ross’s protection, the Glowing Valley Knight Regiment would have suffered great losses; this is our debt to him.”

“Yes, this is our debt to him,” Baron Roman also smiled freely, “So you need to remember one thing.”

“Please tell me, Father.”

“Dragons are our partners but also have their own pride. We can lead them, domesticate them, but never blame them or resent them because without them, we would have none of the comforts of this land,” Baron Roman said softly.

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It’s the first day of May, I beg for everyone’s basic monthly vote, I will continue to update tomorrow~