"I once said, we do not fear war; we control war. War can be chosen by others to start, but when it ends, it is up to us!"
"Therefore, these matters need to be discussed to reach a conclusion. They invaded our territory and offended the Dragon clan, but they have not yet been punished, only having paid some price."
As the Red Dragon finished speaking, the entire royal hall fell silent, with only the Dragons's breathing becoming somewhat heavy.
The dragon blood is always sensitive enough to war and destruction.
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos stretched his long neck and mumbled, "You are our leader, what else is there to discuss? Just say it. If you want to fight the Beastman, I, Kadilos, will definitely blast them, no matter how!"
"Even if I am the Dragon Lord, the monarch of the Empire, every True Dragon in the clan is a part of the Dragon race. A united Dragon race is better than a single True Dragon. The will and wisdom of the True Dragons are better than lonely thought."
Kalon said, "I will not ignore your will and wisdom, because that would be a foolish act. That is why I will let all the True Dragons participate in the discussion in this public setting."
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos sheepishly retracted his head, always feeling as if the two words 'foolish' from the Ancestral Red Dragon's mouth were stamped on his forehead.
"Regarding the handling of the Beastman, there are only two choices: one is war, and the other is to temporarily put it aside and deal with it later," Blue Dragon Akzi proactively stated.
"However, the Dragon clan's shipyard is not large, because of previous decisions, the shipyard has been developing towards steel warships driven by magic steam hybrid engines, but currently, it has not achieved good results."
"If ordinary merchant ships are converted, it would, firstly, consume a huge amount of materials and time, and secondly, it would be difficult to achieve any useful offensive effect."
The Blue Dragon Akzi, as the commander primarily in charge of the territory's legions, had a very clear understanding of these matters.
"If war is forcibly launched, the loyal warriors in the territory might suffer great losses, which would undoubtedly be a net loss."
"So your suggestion is to temporarily put it aside? Akzi, have you lost your courage in the wars of these past few years?"
The Female Red Dragon Klenaya unceremoniously retorted Akzi's words. Even though the Blue Dragon Akzi now controlled the power of the legion, in the eyes of these Dragon Lords, they were all on an equal footing.
Mortal power cannot influence the Dragon Lord within the Dragon clan, because every Dragon Lord possesses the power to interfere with mortals.
"No, what I mean is, instead of large-scale mobilization of the dependent legions, it is better to leverage the True Dragon's advantages," the Blue Dragon Akzi shook his huge head and patiently explained to the somewhat irritable Red Dragon Klenaya.
"We are True Dragon, agile enough to go wherever we want and leave whenever we want."
When the Blue Dragon Akzi mentioned war, his expression also became somewhat excited. He said, "We just need to strike within the Orc Kingdom's territory like those Centaur legions, without needing to directly confront the entire Orc Kingdom's power."
"No matter how many troops the Orc Kingdom has, can they surround every city and every village like an impenetrable fortress?"
"If they don't concede for a day, we will destroy a city. If they don't surrender for a day, we will destroy several villages. No matter how large the Orc Kingdom is, how long can they last?!"
The Blue Dragon Akzi, having experienced the baptism of war, had clearly improved his grasp of warfare significantly. His vertical pupils glowed with a cold electric light.
"We can freely destroy their food production areas, destroy their weapon workshops, destroy the support of ordinary Beastman warriors for those Beastman nobles, and destroy the foundation of the Orc Kingdom. We are Chromatic Dragons. This trip is not for conquest, but for destruction, solely to unleash our fire of punishment!"
Kalon swept his gaze across the Dragons, seeing True Dragons of different scale colors baring their fangs and claws, their aura boiling, evidently moved by the Blue Dragon's words. Even Alfred, a Metal Dragon, looked eager to try.
The Ocean Dragon Nakson, this neutral Ocean Dragon, also showed an approving expression. In Ocean Dragon Nakson's view, the Orc Kingdom's invasion of his country deserved such a lesson.
Even the three Metal Dragon outside the door had no thoughts of upholding justice at this moment. Infringing upon the Dragon clan's territory was an unforgivable offense to the Dragon clan. They also did not want to waste time pitying those Beastman who were about to die under the Dragon clan's wrath, because they still needed to pity themselves.
However, among the True Dragons, there was still one maintaining calm restraint and contemplation, and that was Alina. Clearly, this Bronze Dragon had a different opinion on the matter.
Kalon's gaze pulled Alina out of her thoughts. This Bronze Dragon waited until the Dragons's aura had calmed down before speaking, "I agree with Akzi's point, but actually, we can do more."
Kalon nodded, signaling the Bronze Dragon to continue.
"Since we have already established a formal Empire and become a legitimate civilization, we can also, at an appropriate time, use legitimate means to make our objectives more justifiable."
Alina's beautiful face revealed a sneer, "We can, in the name of the Empire, issue a declaration to the Orc Kingdom, demanding that the Orc Kingdom apologize for the aggressive war it launched, and demand compensation for all losses within our territory."
"Not only the direct losses caused by the war but also the profits the territory lost due to the several years of war should be included. This will be an incredibly vast sum of compensation."
Hearing what Alina said, the Dragons's greed flowed from their eyes, emitting a brilliant light in the hall.
"If the Orc Kingdom accepts this compensation, then we can gain a considerable fortune to develop the territory. When we have sufficient strength in the future, we will reconquer the Orc Kingdom."
Whether Chromatic Dragon or Metal Dragon, these True Dragons may be massive in body, but their minds are never small. Every True Dragon is an exceptionally vindictive creature, and their incredibly long lifespans and ample energy mean that once a True Dragon holds a grudge, it is almost impossible for them to forget.
Even if they received compensation from the Orc Kingdom, these True Dragon still had no intention of letting the Beastman Empire off the hook, not even Alina.
"If the Orc Kingdom cannot afford this huge sum, or refuses to compensate, then we will have legitimate reasons to wage war on them at will. Even those meddling Southern Good Dragon Alliance will not be able to stop our revenge because of this."
Alina's sneer turned into a smile, "At that time, it will be the time for the True Dragon's destruction and plunder."
"Very good, everyone, any other opinions, or let's vote directly."
Kalon surveyed the Dragons, giving every True Dragon a sense of immersive participation and honor.
"I agree," Camid lazily lay on the Black Stone Throne, his long tail behind him Warped up, wagging like a raised hand.
"I agree with Alina's point."
"I agree!"
One by one, the True Dragon raised their claws or wagged their tails, expressing their agreement.
The three Metal Dragon hiding at the door exchanged glances, further deepening their understanding of this peculiar True Dragon.
In the traditions of these Metal Dragon, even Metal Dragon families were decided by the patriarch's word, though not as strictly as among the Chromatic Dragon.
But in the Kogmora Dragon Clan, every member played a very important role and could speak freely, truly participating in decision-making. This would undoubtedly give these True Dragons a greater sense of belonging to the entire True Dragon, making them more united and their relationships more intimate.
"Very good, since you all agree with this opinion, then I will respect your will," Kalon nodded, "Regarding the Murloc, what are your thoughts?"
"These inferior fishmen should be dealt with according to the previously issued'Slaughter and Extermination Order' for the territory," Dos said, "However, we can also take advantage of our free time to strike and destroy these Murloc tribes one by one. But we do not yet know the locations of the Murloc tribes, so we need to issue a bounty and continue investigations."
"We can issue a declaration to the entire Northern Territory, offering a bounty for the heads of these Murloc," Ocean Dragon Nakson raised a claw, "I know a True Dragon who likes to be active in the sea mists, Deniro, the Mist Dragon."
"He is acquainted with a Naga tribe in the deep sea. Those Naga are also enemies of the Murloc. Perhaps we can contact those Naga tribes through Deniro, the Mist Dragon to obtain information about the fishman tribes. The ocean is too vast, even True Dragon scannot compare to the power of these deep-sea races."
"I can go out to sea every day to patrol for news of those stinky fish. White True Dragon in the water will not be weaker than those Ocean Dragon."
The Young White Dragon Sloka proactively stepped forward. This Young White Dragon was gradually gaining a sense of participation in these events, and he was eager to achieve something.
The Adolescent White Dragon Loni also raised the tip of her tail, wishing to sign up for this activity that entertained the True Dragon's body and mind. Although these White True Dragon were weaker, they were sufficiently excellent hunters.
"Very good, let's do it this way," Kalon pretended to ponder for two seconds before affirming.
After bringing up two matters that wouldn't deviate much regardless of how they were handled, and letting the Dragons participate in the decision, the Red Dragon then brought up the final matter, something no one could change his will on.
Although he could suppress the entire True Dragon with his strongest power, if he could use a few small tricks to make the True Dragon more united, he didn't mind adding a few more steps.
"Finally, at the beginning of the Empire's establishment, two laws need to be formally promulgated. Nixon, as the chief law enforcement officer in the territory, you will need to implement these two laws."
The Ocean Dragon Nakson was perched on the Black Stone Throne. This Ocean Dragon became a Lord not by his own power, but truly by his merits, earning his place on the Black Stone Throne.
He lowered his head, then raised it again, listening carefully to the Red Dragon's words.
"First, throughout the Empire, formally promulgate the'Slave Promotion Law'. Regardless of the reason, whether they are prisoners of war, serfs who sold themselves, or natural slaves born to slaves, they can gain freedom through the labor of their own hands. The specific standards for promotion need to be carefully considered by you."
Although the Dragon Clans Territory had prior precedents for this, it had not yet been formally written into the Dragon clan's laws. This was undoubtedly a huge change.
Fortunately, the Dragons were already accustomed to such precedents and did not take it seriously. The current True Dragons did not need such simple and crude methods to gain benefits; they completely disdained such inefficient behavior.
And within the entire Dragon Clans Territory, although some small slave owners had begun to emerge, they were completely unable to make any discordant sounds in a country under the True Dragon's absolute control.
The entire territory was built by the True Dragons from scratch, little by little. They didn't even need to enforce absolute violence; a few small dissenting voices would be drowned out by the masses.
This was also Kalon preparing in advance for the upcoming expansion and conquest. Conquest was for better rule and maximizing benefits, not merely war and destruction.
The Silver Dragon Christiana, and the two Bronze Dragon, Gros and Natalierie, were shocked by the magnanimity of this True Dragon. In their view, once such a law was promulgated, there might be no one daring to oppose it within the True Dragon's territory, but it would face fierce reactions from other nobles and conservative forces.
Kalon looked at the unresponsive Dragons and said loudly, "The second, and most important, is this."
The Dragons, who had been indifferent, instantly sat up straighter. The Red Dragon's tone indicated that his level of importance was increasing accordingly.
"The Golden Empire, the Empire created by the True Dragons, the civilization we jointly established, will temporarily declare to the entire Northern Territory that any True Dragon of any scale color can seek refuge in the Golden Empire, as long as they abide by the Empire's laws and follow the will of the royal court."
The Red Dragon's eyes became extraordinarily captivating at this moment. His dark golden vertical pupils quietly lit up with an austere majesty. His voice reverberated heavily throughout the royal hall, causing the aura of every True Dragon to boil, making it difficult for them to control themselves.
"The Empire will declare to the entire Northern Territory that no race, no force, no individual is allowed to enslave True Dragons, is allowed to harm True Dragons, is allowed to kill True Dragons."
Kalon's fangs gleamed with a cold light, and his tone was even colder than his fangs. "Even True Dragons are not allowed to arbitrarily harm, arbitrarily enslave, or arbitrarily kill other True Dragons without the Empire's permission. All of these powers belong to the Empire!"
The Young Red Dragon Kadilos's True Dragon eyes lit up, Female Red Dragon Klenaya's True Dragon eyes lit up, and Alina's True Dragon eyes also lit up. The eyes of every True Dragon, like golden lamps, lit up simultaneously at this moment.
An unparalleled aura enveloped the entire royal hall. No True Dragon cared about the consequences of this law's promulgation, even the calm Alina.
Even the Bronze Dragon Gros, Natalierie, and The Silver Dragon Christiana, who were chained like slaves, had their dragon blood stirred and boiled uncontrollably by the words of the Ancestral Red Dragon, radiating their majesty.
"He who wishes to wear the crown must bear its weight," Kalon, seated on the throne, smiled faintly, "The Southern Good Dragon Alliance, I wonder how it will compare to my True Dragon Empire!"