Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 406 - 406 405 Conversation with the Dragon at the

Chapter 406: Chapter 405: Conversation with the Dragon at the Summit of the Volcano Chapter 406: Chapter 405: Conversation with the Dragon at the Summit of the Volcano The unexpected arrival of the Torrential Flood Dragon disrupted the plans of Count Merlin’s Dragon Blood Knights to patrol the border, forcing him to return to the country to welcome the Torrential Flood Dragon.

“Russell, you escort the Dragon Blood Knights back to Populus Gobi for a temporary rest while I go to Red Castle to prepare a welcome ceremony.”

“Grandfather, as you wish.”

“Although the arrival of the Torrential Flood Dragon means that Snow Giant Da must be in hiding, you still must not be careless.”

“Understood.”

Two days later, the Dragon Blood Knights returned to Populus Gobi and no longer needed Russell’s protection.

Thus in Fort Poplar, he was forcibly retained by Baron Gevedas who hosted him warmly for the night. Early the next morning, he rode on Black Oil Dragon Ross to Red Castle.

Now of noble status, Russell moved unobstructed through the outer sections of Red Castle and directly descended into Count Merlin’s private small castle.

He discovered that Marquis Arno was also there.

“Lord Russell.” Since witnessing Russell’s Secret Technique: Sword of Thunder, Marquis Arno had become even more enthusiastic toward Russell.

“Lord Arno.” Russell responded with a smile, adhering to the principle that one does not strike a smiling face.

“Russell, you’re back. Are the Dragon Blood Knights settled?” Count Merlin gestured for Russell to take a seat.

“They are indeed settled.”

“Good.” Count Merlin nodded and then said, “Today, Lord Arno has come as an emissary of the Torrential Flood Dragon to conduct necessary communications with me and discuss the joint defense against Snow Giant Da by our two countries.”

“Exactly,” said Marquis Arno. “The actions of Snow Giant Da have captured the attention of His Majesty the King, so he specially dispatched the Torrential Flood Dragon to assist the Shadowflame Dragon and support the Shadowflame Grand Duchy in resisting Snow Giant Da.”

Russell’s eyes narrowed, already understanding that the Scorching Torrent Kingdom might be changing its policy toward the Shadowflame Grand Duchy.

The Kingdom’s previous tactic was merely to indulge Snow Giant Da, forcing the Shadowflame Grand Duchy to capitulate until it was annexed.

But now, it seemed that the pressure on the Shadowflame Grand Duchy had been temporarily suspended, shifting to providing support instead.

“It must definitely be because of Snow Giant Da,” Russell thought to himself. According to many years of human battle with Snow Demons, Snow Ghosts had no intelligence, and Snow Demons were of low intelligence; even Snow Giants had limited intellect.

However, the tactics used by Snow Giant Da during the Second Fallen War and the various stealth attacks that followed the loss of an arm obviously showed greatly enhanced intelligence.

A foolish Snow Giant, regardless of its strength, need not be overly feared.

But a cunning Snow Giant poses a significant threat, especially since Snow Giants have the endless Snowfields as their support.

In a war of attrition, humans are simply no match for Snow Giants.

Kill one Flying Dragon Knight today, slay one Bipedal Flying Dragon tomorrow, and within three to five years, the Shadowflame Grand Duchy would collapse.

“Your country’s support is deeply appreciated by Merlin, but the specific aid strategy will require approval from His Highness Shadowflame,” Count Merlin said.

Marquis Arno’s smile did not fade: “Naturally, I will discuss this with you, Count Merlin, first, and then Prince Torrent will have to negotiate personally with the Shadowflame Dragon. Only this way can we finalize the necessary support schemes that are mutually beneficial.”

Immediately, Count Merlin and Marquis Arno engaged in a meticulous discussion.

They covered everything from how the Torrential Flood Dragon would station itself in the Shadowflame Grand Duchy to the tax exemption quota for corn and wheat.

Russell quietly listened from the side; this too was a form of learning.

Someday, he would govern his own country, inevitably dealing with such civil affairs.

“However… it seems Marquis Arno has again become assertive,” Russell observed Marquis Arno’s demeanor throughout.

Since that display of the Secret Technique: Sword of Thunder, Marquis Arno had indeed been low-key for a while. However, with the arrival of the Torrential Flood Dragon today, Marquis Arno reverted back to his original proud royal marquis demeanor.

“The tactics last time were still too gentle,” Russell silently reflected, but had no further thoughts of making trouble.

There was no other reason.

With the arrival of the Torrential Flood Dragon, Marquis Arno indeed became untouchable, or else one would have to face the dragonfire of the Torrential Flood Dragon.

Russell had to be cautious even when facing the crippled Snow Giant Dadu, let alone a vigorous giant dragon—even though this dragon’s power would be compressed by the snowfield away from its volcanic warmth, it was still overwhelmingly strong.

Raising his teacup, Russell silently sipped the broth tea, “Once the Torrential Flood Dragon leaves, I will find Lord Arno and have a good drink with him.”

The verbal duel lasted for about an hour.

Finally, after much negotiation between Earl Merlin and Marquis Arno, an agreement was barely reached, and the atmosphere became lively once again.

During the midday banquet, Russell curiously asked, “Lord Arno, where is the Torrential Flood Dragon? I did not see it near Shadowflame Volcano.”

“His Highness Prince Torrent is currently in the Fire Ant Swamp, after all, this is the territory of the Shadowflame Dragon. His Highness would not easily disturb it,” said Marquis Arno, as dragons do not invade each other’s territories unless it’s for seizing hope.

Shadowflame Volcano is the territory of the Shadowflame Dragon, so the Torrential Flood Dragon naturally keeps a respectful distance and only stays in the peripheral warm enclave.

Pausing, Marquis Arno added, “Of course, once he has the consent of the Shadowflame Dragon, His Highness will visit the Shadowflame Volcano again to negotiate personally how to deal with the Snow Giant Da’s crisis.”

Indeed, that was the case.

After the midday banquet ended, Earl Merlin reported the negotiation results with Marquis Arno to the Shadowflame Dragon by the afternoon.

By evening, a thunderous “hmm” resonated between heaven and earth; Torrential Flood Dragon, its scale gaps flickering with blue light, flapped its sky-covering wings and flew from the northwest directly to the crater of the Shadowflame Volcano.

“Roar!”

Shadowflame Dragon also let out a ground-shaking roar, then slowly flew up from the magma and landed on the other side of the volcano’s crater.

The two colossal beings sat squat at either side of the volcano’s crater, facing each other from afar.

Meanwhile, many Flying Dragon Knights and Phantom Beast Knights arrived at the crater, either flying or running.

Russell, in his capacity as Baron Thunderflame and deputy of the Dragon Blood Knight Regiment, was boldly among them.

However, the M-shaped mark on his palm had completely settled, totally severing his connection with Little Dream Dragon, which, to avoid being sensed by the Torrential Flood Dragon, had fallen into a deep slumber, revealing not a trace of its presence.

With the protection of the Shadowflame Dragon, his presence could just barely go undetected by the Torrential Flood Dragon.

Without the protection of the Shadowflame Dragon, Russell would not dare to bring the mark of the Little Dream Dragon in front of the Torrential Flood Dragon.

Gurgling.

Rustling.

Two unique art magic dragon tongues arose.

One was the magic dragon tongue of the Shadowflame Dragon, like bubbling magma; the other was that of the Torrential Flood Dragon, akin to waves striking the shore.

The two giant dragons, separated by the volcano’s crater, continued their dragon tongue communication.

Having lost the communication through the M-shaped mark, Russell could no longer understand the dragon language. Fortunately, Lord Volcanic Minister Welchi occasionally translated the giant dragons’ conversation to the participating elder nobles and Flying Dragon Knights, informing them of the progress.

“Prince Torrent stated he wished to establish Torrent Scale Towers on seven warm enclaves to facilitate the transfer of his power through them,” said Lord Volcanic Minister Welchi.

“His Highness Shadowflame opposed and agreed only to establish a Torrent Scale Tower in the Fire Ant Swamp, with the other towers to be established on the snowfield,” he relayed.

“Prince Torrent agreed to step back but insisted on establishing a Torrent Scale Tower in the newly formed Thunderfire Land, besides the Fire Ant Swamp,” he continued.

“His Highness Shadowflame firmly disagreed,” he added.

“His Highness Shadowflame conceded by not allowing a Torrent Scale Tower in the Black Fire Plains but agreed to establish one in Leize,” Welchi concluded.

“Prince Torrent was delighted…”