Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 528 - 528 526 Earthquake

Chapter 528: Chapter 526 Earthquake Chapter 528: Chapter 526 Earthquake After the astronomical observatory’s proposal was accepted, Russell began to inquire about the progress in the research on the “Demon-hunting Tower.”

As the name suggests, the Demon-hunting Tower is a high tower designed to locate Snow Demons.

It is another piece of magical gear developed on the basis of Lightning Spears and Detecting Arrows, specifically for pinpointing the whereabouts of Snow Giants and Frost Giants.

Its principle lies in searching for unique sources of disturbance through the oscillations of the Power of the Earth and the magical vibrations of the ice caps.

“Ah, Lord Russell, there hasn’t been much headway with the Demon-hunting Tower just yet. We have tried various methods, and still haven’t met the requirements,” Great Scholar Placido said, scratching his increasingly sparse hair with a sigh.

“I don’t mean to be pessimistic about this project, but with our current level of research, it’s unlikely we will see results within ten years,” said another Grand Scholar.

Another Grand Scholar added, “The only good news is that the Great Scholar Tower of the Scorching Torrent Kingdom is also studying the Demon-hunting Tower, and they even have the Frost Holy Relic provided by King Ares, so there might be hope.”

“Take your time with the research, perhaps someone will have an inspiration one day, and the Demon-hunting Tower could just be a success,” Russell encouraged.

He had no particular expertise in the realm of magical gear.

Therefore, it was not his place to interject. After concluding this round table conference, he left the Great Scholar Tower. Riding on Ross the Black Oil Dragon, he soared skyward from Red Castle and swiftly vanished into the horizon.

Meanwhile, within Shadowflame Volcano.

The Shadowflame Dragon, slumbering within the magma, suddenly opened its eyes and gazed toward the sky above the volcanic crater. It sensed Russell’s approach and departure. But Russell had not come, and it had not beckoned anyone.

Gurgle, gurgle.

The lonely echoes of magic dragon tongue resonated through Shadowflame Volcano: “This lad, hasn’t visited Shadowflame Mountain for many days…”

The magma churned.

The dragon tongue of magic quickly disappeared, and the Shadowflame Dragon closed its eyes once more, immersing itself in the magma to bask in the nourishment of the Power of the Earth.

…

January 15th of the year 5585 of the Dragon Calendar, the fierce snowstorm of winter did not prevent the celebration hosted by the Great Tobacco Sprite, Niko.

The guests filled the hall.

While some nobility did not attend in person, they all sent knights with their congratulations.

“Baron Gevedas, what brings you here in person!” Lady Ingrid, with an enthusiastic grip on Baron Bullhorn’s hand, exclaimed.

“Lady Ingrid, at a glorious moment for Lord Russell, how could I not come to offer my congratulations personally?” Baron Gevedas replied with equal warmth, “My son, Glontan, is following under Lord Russell’s command, and my daughter is Roland’s wife; our families are like one!”

“Indeed, one family, one family. Please come in.”

“After you, Lady Ingrid.”

…

“Baron Gold, Dyson Golden Top Mushroom has met with Lord Roman,” said Baron Dyson, who had also personally come to offer his sincerity.

Baron Roman graciously responded, “Sending a knight would have sufficed; why brave the ice and snow to come here in person?”

“The Golden Prairie and the Thunderflame Territory are neighbors, and the Ice-Snow Trade Route is already half constructed. I just took this route over, which is significantly shorter than detouring through the Volcanic Oasis,” Dyson said with a touch of reverence.

Among all the barons, he had inherited his title through a lateral branch and was always somewhat cautious and fearful.

“I hope the trade route opens soon,” Baron Roman said. “Come in, and make sure to have a few drinks at the luncheon.”

…

“Haha, Russell!” Mejie Yujiuhua arrived at Cigar Castle on a white Antelope Illusion Beast, accompanied by a group of knights.

“Uncle Mejie!” Russell personally stepped forward to greet him.

“Big brother!” Lady Meryl also hurried over, “You’ve had a long journey, come in and have a cup of milk tea to warm up.”

“This bit of frost and snow means nothing to knights,” Uncle Mejie said as he took off his cloak, handing it to a servant, and entered Cigar Castle, “The castle is small, Russell, this place no longer suits your status!”

Russell laughed, “It’s alright, it’s just a temporary residence.”

Mejie paused for a moment then burst out laughing, “Indeed, just a temporary residence, but even a temporary dwelling should be fitting for your status.”

“Big brother, let’s talk about something else,” Lady Meryl interjected.

“Alright, alright, we won’t talk about that,” Uncle Mejie said, entering the living room and immediately mingling warmly with the guests.

Shortly after, a cry of a bipedal flying dragon suddenly echoed from outside, “Roar!”

It was neither Black Oil Dragon Ross nor Ros the Clay Dragon but a bipedal flying dragon from Red Castle.

A lord with a good memory immediately recognized it, “That is the call of Footprint Dragon, Lord Volcanic Minister Welchi has arrived!”

Indeed, outside Cigar Castle was Lord Volcanic Minister Welchi, descending from the sky upon the back of Footprint Dragon.

Ever since that day at the Council of Elders, Lord Welchi had decisively changed course and now has become a leading vanguard in supporting Lord Russell’s ascension.

Thus, Russell promptly led the nobles of the castle to welcome him at the entrance, “Lord Welchi, you’ve had a long journey.”

“Lord Russell is too courteous!” Lord Welchi pounded his chest in salute, “The birth of a new great sprite in the Grand Duchy is not only a glory for you, Lord Russell, but also for the entire Grand Duchy. Welchi has come here to offer congratulations!”

“Please come in quickly.” Russell ushered Lord Welchi inside.

Approaching noon, as the banquet was about to begin, guests had already arrived one after another, all waiting in the great hall and chatting among themselves.

In the hands of every knight was a Frost Snow Cigar they could not usually obtain, puffing out clouds of smoke and enjoying themselves thoroughly. Russell was not keen on socializing, so he simply greeted the guests and did not linger in the great hall to chat; Baron Roman and his son Roland were there to host in his stead.

Because it was the Ice Age, it was difficult for carriages to travel on the trade routes, so there were very few women, all gathered in a side hall and hosted by Lady Ingrid and Lady Meryl.

“My lord, the kitchen is ready with the dishes and we can start the meal at any time,” Butler Morris reported to Russell.

Russell glanced at the wall clock; the time was approaching twelve.

He nodded and said, “Then notify the guests to proceed to the banquet hall for the meal.”

As soon as he finished speaking.

There was suddenly a shaking underfoot, as if the entire Cigar Castle was trembling. Russell stood unflinchingly, but Butler Morris slipped and was about to fall.

Russell immediately grabbed him.

Then he quickly walked to the window to look outside, where the snow on the towers and walls tumbled down with the shaking.

“An earthquake?” Russell was surprised.

“Could it be an echo from the warming lands?” Butler Morris, supporting himself on the table, asked anxiously, “My lord, could it be the echo from the Qinqiu’s warming lands that caused the earthquake at Cigar Castle?”

“No, it’s just an earthquake,” Russell calmly stated, “The magic power beneath the earth is in disarray; this is not a sign of an echo from the warming lands… It’s alright, the earthquake has ended, and the power of the earth has returned to normal.”

With the sharp perception of a flying dragon knight and a Dragon Domain Lord, Russell had already determined that the brief earthquake had ended.

It lasted just over a minute from start to finish.

He gestured Butler Morris to go and calm the servants.

He himself hurried to the great hall, where it had become a noisy uproar; many guests had even run outside Cigar Castle.

“Father, big brother!” Russell saw Baron Roman and his elder brother Roland.

“Is it an echo from the warming lands or an earthquake?” Baron Roman immediately asked, “Previously, it seemed that echoes from the warming lands did not cause earthquakes.”

“It’s just a normal earthquake, nothing to worry about,” Russell said offhandedly, “Father, big brother, you two calm the guests, I am going to check on grandmother and mother.”

Roland quickly responded, “I’ve already checked; grandmother and mother are both fine.”

By this time, Uncle Meijie had already brought the guests who had stepped outside back into Cigar Castle, loudly laughing, “Russell said it’s just a normal earthquake, Cigar Castle is made of sturdy material, there is no need for panic, let’s eat and drink as planned!”

“Haha, even Mother Earth has come to congratulate Lord Russell!” a lord said with a laugh in compliment.

Others immediately joined in, “Both sprites and dragons are the children of the earth, it’s only fitting for Mother Earth to come and offer her congratulations.”

The scare from the earthquake was thus assuaged.

Russell spoke out loud, “Gentlemen, the earthquake was but a minor incident; the banquet has started, please proceed to your meal.”

“Lord Russell, after you.”

“Lady Ingrid, please proceed first.”

“Let’s all go, apologies for the rustic hosting, please don’t be shy,” Lady Ingrid said, smiling as she walked into the banquet hall, supported by Russell.

Once the guests were seated, Russell gestured for Charles, who was attending to guests, to come over, “Don’t rush to eat; send someone to investigate the conditions of the earthquake in the Thunderflame Territory to see if there were any casualties or financial losses.”

“Yes, Sir,” Charles turned and left the banquet hall.