Evil dragon has a warm heart
Chapter 567 - 567 565 Turning the Tide by Sheer Effort

Chapter 567: Chapter 565: Turning the Tide by Sheer Effort Chapter 567: Chapter 565: Turning the Tide by Sheer Effort After Cousin Mel’s wedding ceremony, Marquis Merlin made another decision—he decided to pass the title of Count Flo Pot, bypassing his son Mejie Yujiuhua, directly to Mel’s hands.

Doing so,

naturally, was to prevent his daughter-in-law, Lady Kuna Shadowflame, from taking advantage of her husband’s inheritance of the title to stir up some brainless troubles.

Handing the title directly to his grandson, who now had a wife as well, meant he was less likely to listen to his mother’s influence, and Lady Kuna would thus lose any room to maneuver.

Uncle Mejie didn’t have much objection.

His talent was poor, and to this day, he was just an ordinary Phantom Beast Knight. He had placed his hopes on his son from early on. Now that Mel had successfully become a dragon rider, it was even less likely that he would compete with his own son, and he calmly accepted the reality.

After all, he retained the title of Viscount.

“Work hard, inheriting the title of Earl and riding atop Lord Mercedes, you must strive to become Russell’s strong supporter,” Uncle Mejie extinguished any fantasies of stirring trouble, only hoping his son could fulfill all these for him.

“Father, rest assured, I have already spoken with Ro… His Highness; once I finish my honeymoon, I will go to Red Fort to help him with his work.”

Mel added, “So, this family will still need you, Father, to take the helm.”

“Ha ha, no need to worry about that, your mother and I have gotten used to working at Tributary River Mouth, living like this all our lives is just fine,” Uncle Mejie said while patting his son’s sturdy arm, “Go on then, enjoy the bliss of your honeymoon.”

…

After relinquishing his title as the lord of Tributary River Mouth and breaking the contract with the Manganese Steel Dragon, it could be said that Marquis Merlin had shed all his burdens.

He devoted himself wholeheartedly to the establishment of the Cabinet.

Compared to the glory of a Flying Dragon Knight and the authority of the lord of Tributary River Mouth, this elderly man nearing old age clearly preferred the feeling of controlling the reigns of power in the Red Fort.

“How does His Highness define the criteria for Cabinet members?”

“Choose less Flying Dragon Knights.”

“Why so?”

“I want the Cabinet to concentrate on handling state affairs, and the Flying Dragon Knights to focus on combat,” they discussed the selection of Cabinet members seriously within the Red Fort Hall, “I will establish a Flying Dragon military advisory group outside of the Cabinet, specifically responsible for the invasion from the Snowfield.”

Marquis Merlin thought for a moment, then nodded and said, “That’s a good idea. Flying Dragon Knights dividing their attention is less effective than focusing solely on combat.”

He paused.

Then he asked, “So, what are the plans for Mr. Luo Man?”

“I will propose to my father to take up the position of commander for the Flying Dragon military advisory group,” Russell smiled, “With you, Grandfather, taking charge of state affairs for me, and my father taking charge of military affairs, I would then be able to move forward with confidence and boldness.”

Although he was now a Grand Duke,

Russell had no intention of letting trivial matters entangle him; he still wanted to travel around the entire Dragon Sleep Continent and see the different landscapes of the world.

“Lord Kunbei can continue to oversee internal affairs; the Chief Stewardship belongs to no other,” Marquis Merlin said, “As for the Flying Dragon military advisory group, he should not be involved. He’s getting on in years, and I truly fear for him if he were lost on the Snowfield.”

“That’s acceptable.”

“Lord Kunqiao can return to continue managing the seal; this person has participated in mundane affairs for many years and is very experienced, although he needs to be motivated often,” Marquis Merlin mentioned another candidate, the former Lord Seal Minister with experience under several reigns.

“Lord Kunqiao?” Russell stroked his chin, his greatest impression of Lord Kunqiao stemming from the Grand Duke Kunstan era.

At that time, big brother Roland had been assisting Lord Kunqiao, and the Grand Duke, Lord Kunqiao, and big brother Roland could all sleep late into the day before heading to the hall to work. However, during the Council of Elders era, Lord Kunqiao also showed diligence.

After weighing his options, Russell nodded, “Then let it be him.”

“The collateral branches of the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family need to be pacified. Having Lord Kunbei and Lord Kunqiao join the Cabinet also serves as a proper explanation.”

“I’m also planning to confer a few titles of lordship to the collateral members of the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family. Additionally, Grandfather, I plan to confer the title of baron to Princess Kunlaya,” Russell suddenly proposed, his thoughts often disregarding established rules, “creating the first female baron in the Grand Duchy.”

Marquis Merlin frowned deeply, “There is no precedent.”

“A new era calls for fresh practices, and I plan to emancipate women’s productive capabilities in the future, so it’s necessary to set an example,” Russell said. Once the Industrial Age arrived, women would also become affordable labor.

His Rain Dragon Cigar Factory was the best proof of that, employing only female workers to roll cigars!

“It’s still not appropriate,” Marquis Merlin continued to oppose, “Since Duke Quentin founded the Grand Duchy, titles of hereditary nobility have always been conferred based on military achievements. Princess Kunlaya has not earned such honors, so it’s inappropriate to confer her a hereditary title.”

There have been hereditary female nobles in the Shadowflame Duchy before, but those titles were also for life and not hereditary.

In fact, in the over four hundred years since the founding of the Shadowflame Duchy, there are currently only seven hereditary nobles.

Count Flo Pot, Count Broken Stone, Baron Bullhorn, Baron Youguang, Baron Gold, Baron of Blackgarden, Baron Swan.

“What about Baron Swan Kunbifu? He doesn’t seem to have been ennobled for military achievements, but simply because he comes from the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family.”

“Nevertheless, as a Flying Dragon Knight, Kunbifu also has distinguished military service. Even if his achievements don’t quite warrant ennoblement, they are not far off.”

“Well then,” Russell sighed, no longer insisting.

After all, it was just a whim. When he was in the Blackflame Plains, he often had odd ideas as well, but not every idea could be effective.

And since he had appointed Marquis Merlin to preside over the Cabinet, he had to respect Marquis Merlin’s opinion.

Seeing what Russell was thinking.

Marquis Merlin said, “Your Highness, you have already been very gracious towards Princess Anxia and Princess Kunlaya. You advocated strongly for your own ascension to the throne, and your legal right to succession is more legitimate than any law of the Grand Duchy. There’s no need to go out of your way to show goodwill.”

After pausing, he added, “Extending favors to the former dynasty is a method used by usurpers to win back the hearts of the people; you have no such need.”

Although the Shadowflame Duchy was established by Quentin Shadowflame, ultimately the entire nation was sustained on the Shadowflame Dragon.

The opinion of the Shadowflame Dragon is a hundred times more important than that of the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family.

After all.

Whoever the Shadowflame Dragon chooses is the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family. Russell’s position as Grand Duke was chosen by the Shadowflame Dragon, who also presided over his ascension ritual. The legitimacy of his succession is no different to that of the founding Duke.

“Alright, it’s not that I’m uncertain; the Grand Duchy was rather forced on me by the dragon,” Russell said, “but it still feels a bit strange to outright inherit the efforts of the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family over four hundred years…”

“Why would Your Highness think this way?” Marquis Merlin couldn’t help but smile, “The Flamecrest Dragonblood Family is extinct, and only with Your Highness’s succession can the myriad citizens of the Grand Duchy be protected… Moreover, the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family were only shepherds for the great dragon. Once you take the throne, you are the Flamecrest Dragonblood Family!”

“Ha ha, I suppose it’s just an odd feeling inside.”

“It’s because Your Highness is too generous and kind-hearted. As long as you invigorate the Grand Duchy in the future, you will live up to the appreciation of His Highness Shadowflame, the trust of the countless citizens, and the support of the nobility.”

After a brief pause.

Marquis Merlin continued, “Moreover, His Highness Shadowflame and King Ares have said more than once that a force from the depths of the Snowfield is growing stronger, and the threat from Shuang Da is ever looming. We are in dire need of Your Highness to turn the tide!”

Hearing this from Marquis Merlin, Russell’s expression became serious.

Looking out to the sky beyond the Red Fort Hall, he solemnly nodded in agreement, “Indeed, danger looms, and I now stand among the tallest in the Dragon Star. If the sky should fall, King Ares must uphold it, but so must I!”