Tale of the Red Dragon Without Dragon’s Might
Chapter 154 - 153: The So-Called Balance

Chapter 154: Chapter 153: The So-Called Balance

Exiting the Lost Plateau signifies that this migration is essentially coming to an end.

Though they still need to traverse a forest and cross tens of kilometers of sea to reach the Volcanic Island, as long as they don’t get lost in the mountains, they’ll be fine.

The guide was stolen, or rather, kidnapped by Cecilia, a Human with flexible morals. Even serving Evil Dragons was acceptable for him. Now, it’s about time to let him go.

"You’ve done well, you didn’t lead us astray or pull any tricks. Here is the reward I promised you." Leon, true to his word, handed the guide ten Gold Coins, which made Cecilia’s eye twitch.

Green Dragons may belong to the Evil Dragons, but they are also members of the Order Camp, generally keeping their promises. Ten gold coins were not worth breaking her word, but that didn’t make it any less painful.

Not to mention the guide, who lived in the Lost Plateau and knew exactly what kind of creature the Red Dragon was—an obsessive collector who valued its treasure above all else, and was willing to slaughter for a missing copper coin. The guide had thought surviving was enough but was incredulous to receive Gold Coins, thanking them profusely before disappearing into the mountains.

In the forest, Leon resumed his Dragon Form and stood up, towering at the height of a four-story building, or even five or six stories if he stretched his neck. His gaze swept over the boundless forest to the vast blue sea, and beyond that, Watchtower Port.

Leon was still pondering how he would get those Salamanders, Fire Snakes, the captive Fire Giants, and Dwarves onto the island, especially the cumbersome Magma Land Shark.

"Master, I’ve just thought of something," Cecilia spoke up.

Leon withdrew his gaze to look at the Green Dragon, who had also resumed her Dragon Form and was imitating him by stretching her neck to gaze towards the sea. He said succinctly, "Speak."

"Master, aren’t you playing the role of Watchtower Port’s guardian deity right now?" Cecilia said, "Why not go ahead first? When we approach Watchtower Port, threaten to destroy it, then jump out to chase us away. By then, everyone will surely be grateful to Master."

What kind of "hero saving the beauty" cliché is this?

Thinking this, Leon said, "You truly are a natural-born troublemaker."

"Is that a compliment?" Cecilia chuckled, her sharp teeth gleaming as she entered the forest, which put her in a good mood, "It’s all for Master."

"Perhaps we could also play the ’nurturing a menace for protection’ game," Cecilia’s inspiration surged, one bad idea after another, "Like me hiding in the forest, playing the bandit. As long as I’m there, the people of Watchtower Port must rely on Master."

Leon contemplated the feasibility of the Green Dragon’s plan.

"Do you think you’re Leon?" Tassera didn’t resume her Dragon Form because, compared to the Red and Green Dragons, the neck of a Blue Dragon was relatively short, and standing up she was much shorter than the others. Not wanting to lose face, she maintained her human form and used Flying Skill to hover in the air.

Tassera continued to be the wet blanket, "He’s not afraid of Dragon Slayers. You—a feeble Green Dragon—might just attract some adventurers who’ll end up slaying you."

Cecilia turned to look at Tassera, wanting to swallow that detestable woman whole, even though what she said wasn’t without merit. Her strength didn’t allow for recklessness... Even though Divine Tiamat had activated her bloodline, why was it that after so many years, her strength had improved, but it was at most on par with a normal Green Dragon’s level.

"Tassera has a point," Leon basically agreed with Tassera, "The adventurers here are quite troublesome, including a Bronze Dragon that likes to disguise herself as a female knight brimming with a sense of justice."

"That Bronze Dragon is one of your subordinates, right?" Cecilia naturally knew about the Bronze Dragon.

"She agreed to help me on the condition that I could rule this city, but not harm the common people without cause..." Leon frowned, "Anyway, it’s better to avoid that simple-minded creature as much as possible."

"So why does the master still keep her around?" Cecilia bared her teeth and glared threateningly.

Leon suddenly laughed upon hearing this, speaking frankly, "Even if I ruled over Watchtower Port, I probably wouldn’t spend much effort managing it. It’s highly likely I’d still leave it to you... I can’t be at ease with an Evil Dragon like you in charge, so I must introduce a force to counter you, which is the bronze dragon. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know if you’ve undermined me."

Having been treated as a corporate drone, Leon had some understanding of power. A clever leader must be an outstanding balancer. The key to stable power lies in balance, whether it’s the east wind prevailing over the west or the other way around—it’s never good.

"My loyalty to the master is clear for all heaven and earth to witness," Cecilia said aggrievedly. "After all this time, does the master still not trust me?"

"It’s not that I don’t trust you; it’s to protect you so you don’t accidentally lose yourself in power and make mistakes." Leon did not want encounters similar to "they take two million, and I take one million."

Cecilia wrinkled her nose and remained silent.

"That settles it," Leon decided. "Let’s not complicate things. Salamanders and Magma Land Sharks obviously aren’t your subordinates. If you invade Watchtower Port with them, unless I kill them all, any discerning person could tell we’re putting on a duet... Just stick to the original plan, no need for complications."

"You head straight to the beach with your people. I’ll look for a ship. If I can’t find one, I’ll make a few trips using spells to take them across." Leon said and flew up, heading towards Watchtower Port.

"I’m coming too," Tassera hurried to catch up with Leon.

Soon after, Leon appeared on the docks of Watchtower Port. Sniffing the air, the smell of fish was strong. He looked around briefly; there were many seagulls and small boats, but not a single large vessel, which were still uncommon.

"What are you looking at?"

Had Fiora not taken the initiative to greet him, Leon might not have noticed her at all, with his mind fully focused on how to find a ship to ferry his subordinates across the sea to the Volcanic Island.

Tassera, sensing the presence of a kindred spirit on Fiora, said, "She must be the bronze dragon you mentioned?"

Fiora sized up Tassera, slightly furrowing her brows, "You must be a Blue Dragon... I can smell the scent of lightning."

"Nice to meet you," Tassera extended a warm hand towards Fiora.

One does not strike a smiling face; Fiora shook hands with Tassera, thinking to herself that an evil force had increased in Watchtower Port, and the city was beyond saving. Thankfully, she was unaware of the Green Dragon lurking in the forest outside of Watchtower Port; otherwise, she would truly despair.

"Do you know where I can find a big ship?" Leon asked.

"I don’t know," said Fiora. "What do you want a big ship for?"

"If you asked me nicely, I might tell you... Why be so wary? I don’t feel like telling you now." Leon too had a temper, and at that moment, it was pretty substantial.

"Forget it, looking for a ship seems quite troublesome; I might as well do it myself." Prepared to leave Watchtower Port, Leon turns to see Tassera standing motionless and reminds her, "We’re leaving."

"You go ahead. I can’t be of much help with your affair." Tassera turned to Fiora, then walked towards the dock, "I’d like to hang around here a bit."

Leon took a serious look at Tassera, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "As you wish."