Chapter 202: Chapter 191: The Old King Falls, the New King Awakens

The whispers of the Iron Dragon echoed in her ears.

The human princess remained silent for a few seconds, then finally shook her head and said, “Lothern is the crown of the Federation, the heart of the nations. Even under the shadows of those giant empires, this land still shines with undying radiance.”

She gazed at the outline of the royal city outside the window, the towering magic towers and bustling streets reflecting a firm light in her eyes.

She said, “The Saint King forged the glory of the kingdom, but his departure will not cause the towers to collapse. The foundations of Lothern are deeper than you think.”

Alina still held hope for the Lotheren Kingdom.

In her eyes, although the Saint King had fallen, the kingdom’s foundation remains. As long as they get through the pain of losing the Saint King, with the wealth and resources accumulated over centuries, the Lotheren Kingdom will still be able to surpass the Federation Countries.

She said to the Iron Dragon, “I understand what you mean.”

“But look, the war hasn’t even started, and the royal family has already sensed the danger, leading by example to reduce expenditures and shift resources to the military.”

“As long as we don’t sit idle and actively respond to potential dangers.”

“I believe, with the kingdom’s foundation, we can get through this transition and head towards a more glorious path.”

“Lothern once took pride in the Saint King, but in the future, the Saint King’s spirit in heaven will take pride in Lothern.”

The Iron Dragon caressed his round belly and whispered, “Reducing expenditures… does that mean aside from Moonlight Dew, my supplies won’t change at all?”

His daily meals alone could consume the savings of an ordinary person for decades or even a lifetime.

Reduce expenditures?

It’s probably just talk.

“Alina, you are of the royal family, and you know full well how extravagant it truly is. My existence is the best proof of this; it’s not something that can be changed overnight.”

The Iron Dragon cared deeply for the human princess before him.

He said, “Don’t wait till disaster strikes to regret it.”

His voice carried concern, “Let’s go together, Alina. I will protect you. Don’t forget my identity; I am a noble and powerful Dragon Race, the chief of the Iron Dragons! In the wilderness filled with fierce beasts and monsters, I am also the top-tier creature.”

Upon hearing this, Alina looked at the Iron Dragon in a daze.

Iron Dragon Gordon lived a pampered life, and due to the comfortable and peaceful life over the years, the ferocity inherent in the Dragon Race had long disappeared from him.

But while saying those words just now.

His eyes turned into cold vertical pupils, the spines on his body standing erect, exuding the imposing aura of the Dragon Race all over.

A dragon is, after all, a dragon.

It won’t become a pet like a cat or dog just because of a change in living environment. When needed, his claws and teeth are still sharp.

Alina did not fear the Long Wei.

Years of companionship and growth made her regard the Iron Dragon as family in her heart, rather than merely a pet or playmate.

Watching the usually lazy and greedy Iron Dragon reveal such a demeanor at this moment, she suddenly smiled and said, “Gordon, it’s now that you look like a true dragon.”

Gordon discontentedly said, “What do you mean like a true dragon? I am a dragon!”

“Yes, you are a dragon, born with wings to soar in the sky, yet you’ve been confined to the palace because of me.” Alina smiled, then her smile gradually faded away. She stared straight into the eyes of the Iron Dragon and asked, “Gordon, do you want freedom? If you want, I can let you leave the palace so that you can return to the wilderness or go wherever you wish.”

“Only if you come with me.”

The Iron Dragon persistently persuaded, “Life in the wilderness isn’t as comfortable as in the palace, but it has its unique charm; you might really like it.”

Alina sighed softly.

She slowly shook her head, “It’s not about liking or disliking.”

Her face was complex as she said, “I was born a princess, enjoying the favored attention of my father and siblings, with the kingdom’s resources at my disposal, my life superior, anything I desire is within reach.”

“Now the kingdom is at a turning point, a critical moment.”

“I can’t only remember I’m a princess during the times of enjoyment, nor can I abandon my country when the storms are approaching.”

“Royal blood flows through me, Gordon. When the last torch of the royal court extinguishes, you will see me standing on the highest tower of the royal city, either wearing the crown of victory or becoming the brightest torch.”

“The citizens of the royal city will never see their princess run away at the moment of crisis.”

Her voice paused for a moment, and the human princess said word by word, “No matter what the future of the Lotheren Kingdom holds, I deeply love the land beneath my feet, and I will live and die with it.”

The Iron Dragon fell silent.

He wanted to say, what’s the point in staying, you ask?

A princess without real power, merely a mascot-like figure, staying changes nothing. There are risks of death, or even potentially worse fates than death.

But seeing the determined look and expression of the human princess, the Iron Dragon did not say these words.

“Gordon, leave on your own.”

“I’ll give you a substantial fortune and send you wherever you wish to go.”

Alina said softly.

But the Iron Dragon shook his head and said, “I will stay here until the end.”

Immediately after, he said with a chuckle, “But the wealth you mentioned… you better not take it away from me.”

Alina nodded with a smile, then quietly snuggled against the Iron Dragon, feeling the cool touch of its Dragon Scale, bringing a sense of profound tranquility to her heart.

The Iron Dragon remained silent, savoring the moment of peace.

Yet, his gaze flickered slightly, the dragon face lost its usual laziness and relaxation, his spirit tense, pondering how to protect himself and Alina in the impending chaos.

He was a young dragon, inherently possessing formidable power.

But among the kingdom-sized giants, it wasn’t much.

The guards in the royal court have an average life level exceeding 10, and even a minor head can be a 15-level strong person, with legendary presences openly and covertly.

Accordingly.

Those eyeing the territory and wealth resources of the Lotheren Kingdom are not to be underestimated; even adult dragons can’t do much in such situations, let alone a dragon not yet in youth like him.

Not long after, Alina left the Iron Dragon’s abode.

Gordon pondered back and forth, eventually the only thing he could think of was that one day when war engulfed the capital of the Lotheren Kingdom, regardless of whether the human princess was willing, he had to find a way to help her escape the inferno, and then head into the Sel Wilderness.

Suddenly.

An inspiration struck Iron Dragon Gordon.

At the thought of Sel Wilderness, he also recalled the young dragons he once lived with.

He was somewhat aware of Galos’s current situation.

During the dull times in the royal court, he often perused the Federation Daily, especially paying attention to news about Dragon Race.

One report about a Mixed-blood Red Iron Dragon slaughtering human nobles and plundering gemstone mines caught his eye.

Considering the rarity and age match of the Red Iron Half-blood Dragon, he could confirm that the dragon labeled as “Sky-Splitting Wings,” “Death Omen Star,” was none other than his brother Galos.

When he enjoyed the abundant life in the royal court, Red Iron Dragon had grown to a notorious Evil Dragon known enough to appear in the Federation Daily, possessing such a resounding moniker.

This made him envious for a time, believing that if he hadn’t been brought to the Human Realm, he would certainly have gained such fame as well.

“Galos was always the wisest and strongest among us since childhood.”

“He must be a Lord Dragon now, with territories and followers.”

“Perhaps I can offer a certain price, find a way to contact him, seek his assistance, at least, I can have a reception when I escape to the wilderness with Alina.”

The Iron Dragon pondered silently.

Although no concrete method to contact Galos was available yet, Gordon was in no hurry.

It’s not long since the Saint King’s demise, the news hasn’t fully spread, the Lothern Federation still appears calm on the surface.

The matters he worried about wouldn’t happen immediately; there’s still time to plan.

Moreover, he’s always had good luck.

The current predicament might resolve itself one day.

“Since things have come to this, let’s eat some food.”

“After eating, I need to train and digest, can’t be as lazy as before.”

The Iron Dragon curled his tail around the bell, shaking it for the servants to deliver food.

Time passed leisurely, quietly, before they knew it, two years had elapsed.

New Calendar Year 249 (Bernardo Empires mark the day of the first interstellar spaceship launch as the epoch starting point, symbolizing the advent of the interstellar exploration era).

It was the third year after Luo Sern Saint King’s demise, a fact known to all.

The Lotheren Kingdom officially announced his death, held a state funeral, with envoys from various countries offering flowers and eulogies, praising the Saint King’s grand achievements, while mourning his passing deeply.

All the kingdoms and duchies within the Federation were commemorating this creator of the Federation.

Luo Sern Saint King was also a pillar of the Federation.

He established the Federation, swept away stagnation, ended the strife of the Southern Countries, allowing the nations to usher in vigorous development in peace.

The respect for Luo Sern Saint King from respective countries was heartfelt.

However, respecting the Saint King didn’t mean they could continue to respect the present Lotheren Kingdom, just temporarily suppressing discontent.

The Saint King’s demise left the Federation in a heavy atmosphere, with no visible friction or feuds between nations, though an unspoken undercurrent was slowly brewing.

Border Area, Dragon Valley.

Not long after the funeral bell fell silent within the Southern Countries.

The white roses presented by envoys from various countries still emitted their final fragrance in front of the Saint King’s tomb.

And deep within the cave in the Dragon Valley, rocks long undisturbed for ten years started to crack.

With the old king’s collapse, the Red Iron Dragon that had been slumbering for ten years in the cave began to awaken, opening its eyes to reveal Dragon Eyes as profound as the darkest night.

PS: End of the month, asking for a monthly ticket

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