Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 552 - 552 550 The Choice of the Shadowflame Dragon

Chapter 552: Chapter 550: The Choice of the Shadowflame Dragon Chapter 552: Chapter 550: The Choice of the Shadowflame Dragon On the Dragon Sleep Continent, the human kingdoms observed strict social hierarchies, but ultimately, this was still a world where extraordinary power converged into one.

Those with great power enjoyed corresponding treatments.

Russell had been promoted to a Phantom Beast Knight and had repelled Shuang Da’s assault on the Snowfield, and even received a personal reception from the Shadowflame Dragon. All these proved that he now possessed considerable strength, deserving of the highest level of treatment.

Therefore,

As the Chief Executive of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, Count Merlin presented his congratulations.

“Chief Executive,” Russell said with a smile as he accepted Count Merlin’s knightly salute, “I accept this congratulations.” In public functions, duties were announced; in the Council of Elders, there was no distinction between relatives, only positions like Chief Executive and Count Thunderflame.

“Please, take a seat,” Count Merlin gestured, inviting Russell to sit on his left hand side, a spot originally held by the Chief Steward.

The Chief Steward was the second in command in the Council of Elders.

However, at this moment, Chief Steward Lord Kunbei stood on Count Merlin’s right, his face brimming with an enthusiastic smile.

Russell did not hesitate and took his seat; once he was seated, the elder statesmen followed suit.

However, Russell noticed there had been changes in the personnel of the elder statesmen.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was no longer Baron Swan Quinbylf Flame-shadow, but had been replaced by Steel Dragon Knight Lord Kroya; the Chief Judge was no longer Earl Oskolo Shuiliu, but Silver Dragon Knight Lord Sandra.

The Lord Seal Minister also underwent a personnel change, transitioning from Lord Kunqiao to Golden Dragon Knight Lord Raub.

Seemingly understanding Russell’s confusion,

Count Merlin directly stated, “During your time in the Scorching Torrent Kingdom, the Shadowflame Dragon called for a re-election in the Council of Elders, mandating resignation for all non-Dragon Knight elders. Thus, Lord Kunqiao and Earl Oskolo were forced to resign, and Baron Kunbifu, due to a recurring injury, resigned voluntarily.”

Following this,

All seven elder statesmen in the Council of Elders were Dragon Knights.

Additionally, Marquis Arno who chose Princess Anxia as Regent Lady, had also left the Council of Elders, and their positions no longer existed.

Marquis Arno still held the title of kingdom’s ambassador, living a debauched life in Evernight Castle, overseeing the cultural renaissance of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy.

Princess Anxia had also left the power center once again, residing as a mascot in Red Castle as the last widow of the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family. The fate of Princess Kunlaya was similar and still uncertain.

The Council of Elders meeting commenced.

Russell briefly responded to the concerns of the group, “The strength of a Phantom Dragon Knight is lesser than that of a Dragon Knight. If we must compare, Polly and I fighting at full strength could match up to forty-sixty against the Shadowflame Dragon, with us at forty.”

Of course,

Having the capability to escape into the Gloomy Dreamland, Russell had in fact positioned himself in an invincible spot, even capable of escaping from any Dragon Knight.

“That is already very powerful!” Lord Kunbei exclaimed, “We, as Flying Dragon Knights, are nothing compared to His Highness Shadowflame!”

The gap in strength between a Flying Dragon Knight and a Dragon was immense, far more than one level. This gap was even greater than that between a Flying Dragon Knight and a Phantom Beast Knight, not even in the same category.

“So,” Count Merlin began, “the relationship between you and His Highness Shadowflame…”

Before he could finish, everyone perked up their ears, every indication suggesting a complex web of ambiguity between the Shadowflame Dragon and Russell.

But there was never an explicit response.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Russell calmly said, “My relationship with His Highness Shadowflame… just a moment ago, His Highness expressed a desire for us to collaborate further… but I have yet to agree. Both His Highness and I need to consider it carefully.”

“Ah!” Several senior council members looked at each other in dismay.

Lord Kunbei cautiously inquired, “So Lord Russell, is there anything else you need to consider?”

“This matter is of great importance, and there are many details that cannot be disclosed, so please, no more questions,” Russell played the role of the riddler this time, though of course, he was just learning from the Shadowflame Dragon.

Count Merlin frowned and said, “Russell, you need to at least give us some definite assurances.”

“Chief Executive,” Russell stated, “please discuss this matter with His Highness Shadowflame… In any case, the assurance I can provide is this: whether His Highness Shadowflame and I collaborate more closely or not, with me here, the Shadowflame Duchy will only grow stronger.”

Having said this,

Russell then took his leave from the Council of Elders.

The others got up to see him off, but Russell raised his hand, “Stay, I do not care for these formalities, I’ll be leaving now.”

After Russell had left, Count Merlin looked at the others, “What do you all think?”

“Old man thinks, Lord Russell — no, it should be Lord Russell now,” chuckled Lord Kunbei, “With Lord Russell’s strength rivaling that of a dragon and his promise given, we need not worry anymore.”

“Indeed,” Lord Welchi chimed in, “Since Lord Russell has instructed, asking the Council of Elders to consult with His Highness Shadowflame, we might as well seek His Highness now… For Lord Russell’s rewards and titles, and his position, we need His Highness Shadowflame’s approval.”

“The day was bound to come eventually, we were already mentally prepared for it, weren’t we?” Lord Gerard, who always maintained neutrality, added his voice to the discussion.

The three new Flying Dragon Knights also nodded in agreement.

Sighing inwardly, Count Merlin calmly said, “Then let’s go.”

The path to the Shadowflame Volcano was long, but never before had Count Merlin wished that it could go on forever.

Governing for fifteen years,

Having experienced too many ups and downs, he had put his whole heart into Red Castle, into this nation.

But,

This country did not belong to him; it would eventually welcome its true ruler, perhaps, even today.

…

At the Shadowflame Volcano, the seven members of the Council of Elders sat cross-legged on a platform, discussing state affairs up close with the Shadowflame Dragon.

“Lord Russell has initiated a new realm within the Way of the Knight, becoming the first Phantom Dragon Knight of the Dragon Sleep Continent. He has made great contributions to the nation and brought immense glory to all humanity… Your Highness Shadowflame, how would you reward Lord Russell?” asked Lord Kunbei on behalf of the Council of Elders.

After a moment of silence, the rumbling magic dragon language followed, “Bestow the title of Marquis, dissolve the Council of Elders, entrust governance to Russell and reorganize the Cabinet… The Flamecrest Dragonblood Family… should govern the Shadowflame Duchy with Russell.”

The assembled were all Flying Dragon Knights, who had some knowledge of the dragon language.

As soon as the Shadowflame Dragon finished speaking, everyone’s eyes widened in shock, but they quickly regained their composure.

Frowning, Count Merlin asked, “Your Highness Shadowflame, what do you mean by joint governance?”

“Do you not understand?” The Shadowflame Dragon opened its eyes, which had been shut, revealing deep and narrow pupils, “Then Shadowflame will simplify it. The Flamecrest Dragonblood Family is now declining, and it is time for Shadowflame to entrust the nation to Russell’s governance.”

Count Merlin, unflinching, pressed on, “Then, Your Highness, why not just directly choose Russell to succeed as the Grand Duke!”

“Well asked, Little Merlin,” the Shadowflame Dragon shifted its enormous body, causing the entire Flame Mountain to tremble as well.

When the trembling ceased, it faced the seven council members and spoke in a cold tone, “Then according to your human customs, let Russell succeed as the Grand Duke. From today onward, by the name of Shadowflame, Russell shall be the new Grand Duke of the Shadowflame Duchy!”