Deep within Burning Steel Fortress, the Red-Iron Dragon's consciousness slowly retracted.
He temporarily ended the Bloodline connection with Iron Dragon Gorton, waiting for a response.
At the final moment, Garros once again emphasized several key details to Gorton that required extra attention and could not be overlooked—including how to share information with discretion, how to evaluate changes in Elena's true intentions, how to avoid risks in the Early Stages of cooperation, and so on—ensuring that this brother in the heart of the enemy camp would not expose himself or jeopardize the entire Ignas Dragon Flight's plans through a momentary oversight.
"Based on the detailed descriptions sent back by Gorton, cross-referenced with information from the Gem Merchant Guild's intelligence network..."
"It is essentially confirmed that Crystal Princess Elena... is by no means a short-sighted, simple-minded fool raised in the palace."
Garros calculated in his mind.
"On the contrary, she is very intelligent, possessing keen political intuition and impressive magical prowess. More importantly... deep within her, there burns a passionate desire to serve her country and share the burdens of the precarious Lothern Royal Court. She is a potential collaborator with ambition and drive."
Garros's dragon head tilted up slightly, his eyes flickering as he thought:
"I hope... she eventually makes the correct choice... the one most beneficial to both of us."
The Red-Iron Dragon's massive body shifted slightly, adjusting to a more comfortable position that allowed the thick, plate-armor-like scales on his belly to fully stretch out.
The Snake-woman Warlocks understood.
With cold fingertips infused with Demonic Energy, they began to gently and precisely massage the relatively soft areas of the Red-Iron Dragon's abdomen, helping him relax his body, which was as hard as cast iron and steel.
While enjoying this rare moment of relaxation, Garros sank his mind into the invisible Bloodline connection network.
He first contacted Iron Dragon Sorog, followed by Red Dragon Samantha, who was overseeing the alchemy production line in the Black Iron Plain.
At the same time, he was silently waiting for the key news from Gorton at the Lothern Royal Court regarding the Crystal Princess's response.
Meanwhile.
Starfire Monastery.
"Listen up, you little brats!"
Iron Dragon Gorton shouted.
"The great King of Steel is setting off to return to the Royal Court! Next time we meet, I hope your 'Qi' burns a bit brighter and you can mimic a few of a great dragon's postures!"
Under the gaze of the surrounding young apprentices—a mixture of awe, curiosity, and a hint of accustomed helplessness...
His massive body, covered in dull metallic scales like a mobile fortress, clumsily stood up on its powerful limbs. With heavy steps that made the ground groan slightly, he raised his large dragon head and left the Starfire Monastery in a posture he considered majestic, though it was actually somewhat comical.
Shortly after.
Inside Crystal Princess Elena's luxurious study in the Lothern Royal Court, which resembled a small magic museum.
Elena reclined on a velvet-cushioned window seat, one slender hand resting lazily on Gorton's cold, hard scales.
She was listening to Iron Dragon Gorton vividly describe, with spit flying, his peerless and exceptionally wise Bloodline brothers who were about to establish an immortal hegemony in the wilderness.
At first, she didn't care, treating it as if she were listening to Gorton tell a story.
In her eyes, Gorton was like a pet, a playmate, and as she grew older without children, an object for her maternal instincts.
However, as she continued to listen.
The indulgent smile on Elena's delicate face gradually turned serious, followed by a hint of unmistakable doubt.
Her gaze involuntarily slid from Gorton's passionately orating dragon head to his massive body, which looked exceptionally round and plump from his long-term comfortable life at the Royal Court.
Then she compared it to the image of the fierce brothers he described, who had fought and grown amidst the blood and fire of the wilderness.
Wasn't this contrast a bit too stark?
"Look! Elena! I knew you'd make that face!"
Gorton keenly caught the distrust in the princess's eyes and immediately let out a dissatisfied low growl.
He flexibly (for his size) twisted his neck, extended a giant claw covered in metallic scales, and pulled several copies of the Federation Daily from a nearby newspaper rack—different dates, but all with shocking headlines on the front page.
Like displaying trophies, he slapped the newspapers down in front of Elena.
[Death Omen Star Descends! Duchy of Raymond's Century-Old Gemstone Vein Massacred by Dragon]
[Blackrock Duchy Mining Outpost Turned into Purgatory Overnight, No Survivors; Suspected Raid by Evil Dragon Mountain-Burning Wings; This Dragon's Sins are Monstrous, with a Bounty of Tens of Millions of Gold Coins]
Besides the headlines, there were the accompanying images.
—Mining sites melted into glass-like craters by Dragon Breath, steel city walls looking like they had been ravaged by a giant beast, and... a blurry but ferocious outline captured by magic recording crystals, a terrifying silhouette that blotted out the sky.
"Look! Take a good look at these!"
Gorton's voice carried intense confidence: "This is the work of my blood relative—the 'Death Omen Star'! Listen to that title! Look at these achievements! Is that enough weight for you?!"
Elena took a deep breath.
To be mistaken for Mountain-Burning Wings? She had heard of that notorious dragon.
She sat up straight, her expression becoming focused and serious. Using the keen insight unique to an Advanced Spellcaster, she carefully read the reports from the duchies that she usually didn't pay much attention to, word by word.
Gradually.
The image of a dragon with unimaginably powerful strength, terrifying growth speed, and a cautious, steady style—one that no force could afford to underestimate—became incredibly clear and real in her mind.
Elena's gaze slowly lifted from the newspaper.
She looked back at the round lump in front of her, sizing Gorton up several times from head to toe.
It was as if she wanted to dig out some Bloodline evidence from his plump exterior that could link him to the Death Omen Star.
She said somewhat hesitantly, "Gorton, are you sure... that Dragonkin known as the Death Omen Star is really your brother?"
She paused, the doubt in her tone increasing.
"Are you two... truly close relatives sharing the same Source Blood? You haven't mistaken him?"
Her hidden meaning was more than obvious: The difference between you two... is just too great, isn't it?
One is decisive in killing in the wilderness like a Devil King descended to earth.
The other has lived such a comfortable life in the Royal Court that he's turned into a ball.
"Of course! It's absolutely true!"
Iron Dragon Gorton's answer was categorical.
"Similar blood flows within us; there can be no mistake about that."
Elena fell silent.
She repeatedly scrutinized Gorton's eyes and expression, trying to catch any hint of falsehood, but she saw only pure pride and unquestionable certainty.
She recalled Gorton's origins—he had indeed been found in the Serel Wilderness, far from civilization and order, filled with primitive struggles and cruel Laws, and brought back to the Royal Court.
After thinking and questioning the Iron Dragon for another ten minutes or so...
...she gradually accepted this seemingly absurd and bizarre fact.
"Serel Wilderness... Ignas Dragon Flight... Duchy of Abel..."
The Crystal Princess's gaze became deep and sharp, as if piercing through the walls of the study and looking toward that vast land full of variables at the edge of the kingdom's map.
All along.
A strong sense of unwillingness, like a blazing fire, burned in her heart day and night—she was not content to merely be a delicate vase decorating the Lothern Royal Court. She longed to prove her worth and use her wisdom and strength to do something useful for this kingdom she loved, which was now in a precarious state.
However.
Being in the very heart of the Royal Court, her noble status as a princess brought a halo but also became a heavy shackle.
Her siblings, who constantly coveted the throne and saw her as a potential threat or a bargaining chip, used various rules and means to set limits and obstruct her in every way... In these dangerous times, with the Federation's undercurrents surging and the situation as tense as a fully drawn bow, she had a heart full of ambition and the power of an Advanced Spellcaster, yet she sadly found... that she could do almost nothing substantial that could reach the core or change the status quo.
But now.
Things seemed to have reached a turning point.
"Gorton."
Elena's gaze suddenly snapped back, refocusing on the Iron Dragon. Her voice also became unprecedentedly solemn and clear:
"Your blood relatives—are they capable of rational and effective communication? Would they consider accepting certain commissions from the Royal Court in exchange for specific resources valuable to them or sufficiently generous magical rewards?"
She asked the key question that would determine whether cooperation could begin.
Gorton's jaw muscles twitched subconsciously.
The words "Of course they would! They'd love to!" almost burst from his throat.
But just as those impulsive words were about to erupt.
He remembered the Red-Iron Dragon's instructions: "Stay calm, Gorton. Never let the other party easily see our bottom line. Let them take the initiative to state their needs and show their chips."
AI Model: gemini-3.1-flash-lite
He forcefully swallowed the affirmation that was on the tip of his tongue, his face rapidly switching to an expression of hesitation that suggested deep consideration, or even a hint of difficulty.
The Iron Dragon remained silent for a few seconds before speaking in a slow, measured tone: "They... hmm... are not those ignorant Evil Dragons who follow chaotic instincts and only know how to destroy and plunder; they naturally possess basic intelligence and the ability for rational communication."
His tone then shifted as he continued: "However, perhaps because they have long resided on the fringes of civilization, in wild lands where order has collapsed, their style of conduct inevitably carries a heavy air of wild, unbridled, and untamable spirit."
"Moreover, they have now developed an impressive and vast foundation, gathering numerous powerful monster subordinates under their command. They are already formidable lords who dominate their region, causing surrounding forces to dare not act rashly. Their pride... is likely far above that of an excellent Iron Dragon like me, Gorton."
"Ordinary gold and jewelry, common magic Ore... have long lost their appeal to them. They have their own independent, grand visions and strategic plans for the future."
"I fear they will not easily or rashly accept commission requests from unfamiliar forces—especially from human kingdoms."
Not accepting rashly—meant there was a possibility of acceptance. Elena was lost in thought.
And the key to whether they would accept lay entirely in... whether the price offered by the other party was shocking enough, and whether it was enough to move those arrogant wilderness overlords who had seen "big scenes" before.
"Gorton." Elena's voice returned to its usual elegant composure, but with an added touch of unquestionable royal authority: "On my behalf, and representing the will of the Lothern Royal Court, convey a formal intention to your blood brothers."
"Just say—" "The Lothern Royal Court, with great sincerity, hopes to discuss establishing a long-term strategic cooperative relationship based on mutual trust and win-win benefits with the powerful Ignas Dragon Flight."
To prevent her status as a princess from being undervalued, she specifically invoked the name of the Lothern Royal Court. This was not only to demonstrate the highest level of sincerity and respect but also to silently declare to them: The one about to speak with you is not just a princess seeking personal help, but a kingdom entity possessing supreme power and vast resources! This would be enough to make even the proudest Dragon lords... lower their stature slightly and seriously weigh the astonishing value hidden behind this proposal. Of course, they might be suspicious. But at the very least, it could win her a chance for a conversation.
"Good! Leave it to me!" Upon hearing this, the Iron Dragon Gorton immediately raised his dragon head and swore with certainty: "My blood brothers highly value my opinions and views; they have great respect for my judgment. Since it is you—Elena—who wants to establish cooperation with them, I, Gorton, will definitely do my utmost to act as a bridge between both sides and strive to make it happen."
"Then, I leave this matter entirely to you, Gorton." The Crystal Princess nodded slightly. After speaking, she seemed to finally set down the heavy burden in her heart, relaxing her body as she leaned back, gently resting against the Iron Dragon Gorton's hard, cold scales, which felt like they were forged from fine steel.
She reached out and picked up a heavy tome with a moonstone inlaid on its cover, elegantly flipping open the pages to read quietly, as if the conversation that might change the fate of the kingdom was just an ordinary afternoon interlude. However, her gaze did not focus on the pages for a long time; clearly, her thoughts had already flown to that vast land called the Serel Wilderness, and to that group of Dragons.
The Borderlands, Dragon Valley, Burning Steel Fortress. After a period of remote communication and internal discussion, primarily guided by the Red-Iron Dragon's ideas, the core members of the Ignas Dragon Flight... finally determined the detailed next step in the action plan for the Molten Iron Tribe's formal advance into the Serel Wilderness. The tribe's massive war machine was about to roar to life.
First stop: Scale-Earth Rift Road! With the death of the Viscount of Thorns, the control of this trade route was reclaimed by his Family's superiors, and by continuing to operate based on the reputation initially built and maintained by the Molten Iron Tribe, it had already become a relatively prosperous trade route. Choosing this place was not just to wash away the shame and take back the original foundation. It was also because this place was located on the border of the Serel Wilderness. It was suitable as a bridge for continuing the advance into the Serel Wilderness.
As for any pursuit by the Duchy of Raymond—unless those higher-level Federation entities intervened, their garrison troops in the Serel Wilderness were not necessarily stronger than the Molten Iron Tribe. The warriors of the Molten Iron Tribe, as well as the Dragonkin who ruled them, were all prepared for a fierce battle with the Federation.
However, regarding the specific strategy of "whether to establish cooperation with Crystal Princess Elena," the Red Dragon Samantha showed clear doubt and resistance. Within the invisible blood-kin network, Samantha's voice rang out, filled with undisguised disgust.
"Why? Why must we cooperate with those humans? I think it's completely unnecessary; I hate those hairless, scaleless little crawlers from the bottom of my heart."
"Samantha, calm down." He responded: "Because... she can bring us gems."
"And it will be a continuous, countless supply of top-quality gems, enough to fill our treasure vault."
"Not just gems... the channels she represents can also provide us with other resources that are even rarer, more precious, and difficult to buy on the market even with money, such as solidified black oil crystal, those top-tier magical treasures that only exist in the secret vaults of the kingdom."
After a few seconds of silence. "Hmph." Samantha first habitually snorted coldly, and then her tone underwent a subtle and rapid shift: "However, having said that."
"Humans, these hairless and scaleless little things... sometimes when you look at them closely... they are actually kind of cute? Round eyes, soft appearance."
"Hmm, we can have appropriate contact, as long as they know to offer enough gems to show their respect."
At this moment, the Iron Dragon Sorog said: "There is a response from Gorton!" Gorton's loud voice, clearly carrying a tone of seeking credit, immediately rang out in the consciousness of every blood kin.
"Brothers! Elena is very interested in cooperation; her attitude is very positive, and she has a strong intention to cooperate."
Hearing Gorton's report, Garros nodded, without much excitement or thrill. He had long anticipated the positive response from the Crystal Princess Elena. Back when he first used the connection through Gorton to deeply understand this princess's personality and situation, Garros had already constructed a portrait of her in his mind.
It was a magical flame imprisoned in a gorgeous cage like a crystal dome, burning with a fire that longed to spread, yet suffering from the inability to find a fuse to ignite it. And now. He had handed over the fuse. As long as this princess's original intention remained unchanged, and that fervent fire of not wanting to be a mere vase but desiring to serve her country had not been extinguished, then she would inevitably choose to grasp it tightly.
"Elena is still waiting for my reply; she wants to know our preliminary intention. Should we... agree to her? Give her a definitive answer now?"
"No rush." Garros smiled slightly and said: "Let her... wait a little longer."
Whether it is any negotiation, or trading and cooperation... mastering the initiative is a matter of crucial importance regarding the final distribution of benefits. And in the contest of patience and composure... it is often the side that can hold their ground and appear less anxious... that ultimately grasps that decisive initiative.
Just as Garros finished speaking. "Gorton! You fat-brained idiot, listen to me!" The Red Dragon Samantha roared viciously: "Don't let your love-struck brain ruin our good thing!"
"If, because of your pathetic, stupid obsession with those little human bugs, we lose the gem mines or the black oil crystal... watch out, or I'll strip your scales, pull out your tendons, and roast you like a pig over a volcano. I guarantee the aroma will make the Kobolds of the entire tribe drool for three days."
Samantha's style of care was always so 'warm'. "Pfft—!" The Iron Dragon Gorton immediately let out a scornful laugh, as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world.
"Stupid Red Dragon! Muscle-brained Samantha, what do you take me for? One of those ignorant crawlers who are obsessed with romantic tropes in knight novels and have their heads turned by love?!" "Yes, I am obsessed with Elena, but it is like the obsession for gems, for wealth, not based on stupid emotions." He said with emphasis: "I know what to do, so you can rest assured."