"Excellent. Although there was an unexpected incident, it's not a major problem... No, one could even say the plan turned out better because of it."
Leon raised the corners of his lips in a smile.
The arrival and defeat of that blonde traveler had taken his plan to the next level, as Dvalin seized the opportunity to display a small fraction of his power.
It also forced the people of Mondstadt to face reality.
It was time for them to truly understand the situation they were in.
What appeared before them at that moment was pure terror—an existence that would bring only death if they dared resist.
After all, when the heroine defeats the evil dragon, it brings hope and peace. But this time, the heroine had been defeated by the evil dragon, plunging everyone into a pit of despair.
"So... let the second act begin."
Leon said this as he turned to the next phase of his plan.
In the city of Mondstadt...
"ROAARRRRR——!!!"
After defeating Lumine, Dvalin lifted the girl's body and let out a deafening roar.
Among all the people of Mondstadt, the girl who had bravely resisted seemed to be dead. (She wasn't actually dead—just hit with a paralysis shot in the butt.) Just as everyone was wondering what to do next, the evil dragon spoke in human language.
"I am the evil dragon Dva... Taslak! If anyone dares defy me, I will destroy them and wipe this city off the map!"
As he spoke, Dvalin unleashed his wind breath into the night sky.
The dark clouds covering the sky and moon were instantly scattered.
"We surrender! We will never disobey or resist! Please spare our lives, Lord Evil Dragon!" ×N
The common folk stared silently at the Lawrence family, stunned. The aristocrats, who normally held their noses high in arrogance, were now kneeling and begging even more desperately than the rest of the people.
Before anyone could react, the crowd had already fallen into loud, chaotic submission.
As for elegance and pride... those had long been abandoned. After all, the nobles who best knew how to enjoy life were also the ones who feared death the most.
"Hmph, as long as you fulfill my demands, I won't kill anyone."
"Yes! We will do our best to meet your every request!"
"Very well. Before sunrise, prepare a small mountain of gold and silver—large enough for me to lie down and sleep on. If you fail... I will destroy this city."
Dvalin spoke with a fierce expression.
"This..."
The Lawrence family was instantly terrified.
A mountain of gold and silver tall enough for a dragon to rest on? That would require every coin in their possession.
As for the commoners... don't be ridiculous.
The combined wealth of all the civilians in the city didn't even amount to a tenth of the Lawrence fortune. Even if they forced the civilians to pay, it wouldn't be enough.
No one questioned the reasoning behind the demand.
After all, whether in fairy tales or ancient legends, it's well-known that dragons love to hoard treasure.
Legends say every dragon's lair is filled with gold, silver, and jewels. And the one who slays the dragon can become rich overnight.
"If you're not ready before sunrise, you'll all die."
After issuing his threat, Dvalin flew to the northernmost point of Mondstadt—the grand Cathedral of the West Wind—and made the church his temporary nest.
The Lawrence family, hearts heavy with despair, remained behind. They ordered their servants to bring all the family's wealth and ensure a nest of gold, silver, and jewels was ready before dawn for the dragon.
Civilians nearby also wanted to help.
But after checking their pockets and the soles of their shoes, they realized they had almost nothing to contribute.
Helpless and saddened, they could only watch as the nobles handed over all their wealth to build the nest.
At the same time, they were surprised to realize that, although the dragon had caused a great commotion, most of the damage had been confined to the Lawrence family's residential area.
Only a few rundown civilian homes had been taken by the strong winds.
...At dawn the next day...
Hills of gold, silver, and jewels filled the square.
The morning sun shone upon the treasure, reflecting a dazzling golden light that nearly blinded all who looked.
Seeing it, Dvalin felt his DNA react. He couldn't wait to lie down on it, a look of pure satisfaction on his face.
"This is awesome~~!"
Although he didn't have a strong desire to hoard treasure, that urge was still within him, after all.
And Dvalin also knew his prince would make good use of all this wealth later.
That made it even more important for him to lie on it immediately. Nothing else mattered now. He just wanted to warm that mountain of gold, silver, and gems.
Bang!
Leon fired another shot.
"What are you doing? Keep acting."
Dvalin instantly snapped out of it after being hit by the familiar magical energy. (Ah, right, right—I can't relax yet. My job isn't done.)
"Ahem, you've done well. Now, if you fail to meet the second requirement, you'll all die."
"There's more..."
"Hmm?"
"Lord Evil Dragon, please tell us your orders!!"
The nobles of the Lawrence family dropped to their knees without hesitation. Their synchronized movement made it seem like they had rehearsed the night before.
Dvalin fell silent for a moment. He felt slightly embarrassed about what he was about to request, so he suppressed his emotions before speaking.
"Bring me the healthiest girl among you. If she's not pretty enough... you'll all die."
"Lord Evil Dragon, this..."
"Hm?"
They thought they had angered Dvalin, but in truth, he was just flustered. As a dragon, he had absolutely no interest in human females.
But this part of the plan had been written by Leon.
The Lawrences who had escaped also wore awkward expressions.
"Why does this dragon want a woman?"
"It's not a woman, it's a girl."
"...This dragon's kind of a pervert."
"Shhhhhh! Quiet, you idiot!"
Even though they didn't understand the evil dragon's thoughts, they quickly came up with a justification for themselves.
Dragons are just like that.
In every story, dragons like to kidnap princesses and hoard treasures. A dragon that doesn't do that isn't a real dragon.
That's why the heroes who slay dragons always end up with everything: fame, fortune, a beautiful princess... they reach the peak of life in an instant.
Now there was a problem.
What should they do?
The nobles of the Lawrence family fell deep into thought.
It was a matter of life and death. They had no idea what a dragon's beauty standards were—or if they even matched human ones.
But aside from that concern, they didn't consider much else.
"Forget it, there's no way to guess what a dragon's thinking. Just send the girl."
"Yes, hurry up."
The most beautiful girl in Mondstadt at the moment?
Ask anyone in the city, and they would all give the same answer instantly.
Less than half an hour later...
A beautiful priestess, dressed in a sacred nun's uniform with a light golden twin-helix hairstyle, was brought before the evil dragon, trembling.
"Lord Evil Dragon, we brought what you asked for."
"This is the most beautiful girl in Mondstadt. Her name is Barbara. Ahem, you..."
"Leave."
"Yes!!!"
At the same time, on the top of Snowy Mountain...
Leon handed the binoculars to Jean, who was standing beside him.
"Is that the girl?"
"Yes, Your Highness, that's my sister, Barbara! Thank goodness... Barbara is safe."
After confirming her sister was unharmed, Jean sighed in relief, covering her mouth as tears began to fall.
Leon reached out and gently patted her head.
"Don't worry. Your remaining family will be saved soon as well. I'll take care of everything."
"Although I don't fully understand what Your Highness is planning... my family and Mondstadt are under your command. I will uphold my vow."
Jean said this firmly, pressing her hand against her chest.
In truth, Leon had already done more for her than she could ever imagine. No matter how it all ended, she was mentally prepared to devote herself completely to him.
---
(End of the chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."