Chapter 504: Allies
If it had been a year ago, Olivia would have panicked.
But after the trial in the Imperial Council Hall, she had shed many of her unrealistic illusions, becoming far more pragmatic.
She heard the subtle implication in Kai Xiusu’s words—Red Dragon wasn’t truly intent on declaring war on Melward. He was offering a way down.
Kai Xiusu hadn’t said “Jennyhis’s actions were Melward’s will,” but rather, “if Jennyhis’s actions represent Melward’s will.”
After a moment of careful consideration, Olivia lowered her head and spoke in a quiet, solemn tone:
“I apologize, Kai Xiusu. I speak on behalf of the Mervold Clan. The incident earlier was not a reflection of our clan’s will—it was merely my aunt’s stubbornness, a misunderstanding toward you. I hope you can forgive her.”
Jennyhis, still pinned beneath the claw, finally understood. She quickly stepped forward to defend herself:
“Your Majesty, Kai Xiusu, this was entirely my doing. It has nothing to do with the Mervold Clan, nor with my father. I take full responsibility for all consequences.”
Kai Xiusu’s voice remained calm.
“Jennyhis, my patience has limits. This is your final chance. For Olivia’s sake, do not make me discover anything like this again. As for responsibility? Hmph. If I killed you, Old Home over at Oszedro wouldn’t let it go quietly. The Empire and the Mervold Clan would be at war. So I’ll settle for a mild punishment. Last Hope—remember this lesson. Learn to recognize your place.”
Hiss—
A sharp, searing sound echoed as flesh burned.
On the Silver Dragon’s chest, a mark flared into existence—rippling with flame-light, glowing like a brand forged in fire.
Only then did Kai Xiusu release his front claw, retracting the overwhelming presence of the Ancestral Dragon. He turned, walking back to his Iron Throne with deliberate calm.
“Huff… huff…”
Jennyhis felt her body lighten. She gasped, drawing in air as if emerging from deep water. Her eyes flickered toward Olivia—filled with gratitude.
With a soft shimmer of spell-light, the Silver Dragon reshaped herself once more into the form of a noblewoman. But her robes were torn, disheveled. And across her pale chest, the brand remained—a vivid, burning imprint.
She lifted her head, gazing up at the arrogant supremacy of the Red Dragon, then slowly lowered her eyelids.
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“Hmph.”
She clutched her chest, letting out a low groan. The mark pulsed with heat—flames surging beneath her skin, burning with agonizing intensity.
Then, chains of fire coiled around her slender neck, leaving deep, crimson scars on her flawless skin.
Kai Xiusu settled back onto his throne, his tone casual.
“You’ve lost my trust. So I must ensure cooperation remains smooth. As long as I wish, the flames can turn your heart to charcoal at any moment.
And if you think I’m some irredeemable tyrant… then declaring war on the Empire, playing such childish games—it only makes me laugh.”
“Hnngh…”
Jennyhis clutched her chest, gritting her teeth. She listened to his scornful words, felt the unbearable pain, stared at the brand like a slave’s mark, at the scars on her neck—ugly, humiliating.
She should have felt shame. For any Silver Dragon, this was naked humiliation—brand, scars, chains—reducing her to nothing more than a pet.
Yet… sitting upon the throne, the Red Dragon exuded something utterly new. It stirred not rebellion, but submission. Even worship.
It was terrifying. A fear that came from deep within her soul.
This was a malevolent Red Dragon. A tyrant. The very existence she had once despised most.
Jennyhis, daughter of Silver Wings, heir to the next generation of Melward, had once shattered countless evil forces. How could she now feel such desire to submit to this… abomination?
By Bahamut’s grace—why was this happening?
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
A storm of conflicting emotions swirled within her—so powerful, so overwhelming, it felt like magic itself. She could only repeat the words once more.
Olivia watched from beside her, sensing something strange in the air. She stepped forward and gently reminded:
“Kai Xiusu, since this matter is settled, perhaps we should now discuss the terms of collaboration between the Empire and the Clan?”
“Very well.”
The Red Dragon gave a slight nod.
Jennyhis exhaled, regaining a measure of composure. She carefully withdrew the pre-prepared documents and handed them over.
“To assist Anzeta Great Wasteland in repelling invasions from the Deep Abyss Demons, the Mervold Clan pledges to send three mature Silver Dragons, twelve adult Silver Dragons, and share all knowledge necessary to combat demons. The Empire of Ashen will pay a fee to fund the operations of the cooperating Silver Dragons. In return, when Melward conducts demon purifications in other regions, the Empire shall have an obligation to assist.”
Kai Xiusu raised an eyebrow—slightly surprised.
“This old Home fellow isn’t being stingy this time. There’s sincerity here.”
Three mature Silver Dragons, twelve adults—enough to form a formidable force even by Feanso standards.
It was clear the “Silver Wings” truly meant to stand against the Demons.
But in truth, Kai Xiusu had no doubt the Empire could handle the Demons on its own. Summoning these dragons was merely a bonus—far more important was forging an alliance with the Metal Dragon Faction in the south.
As for the second clause—Empire’s obligation to assist Melward in demon purifications—Kai Xiusu had no objection.
But his thoughts ran deeper:
If the Empire conquers the entire Feiansuo Continent, even the world itself—then no matter where a Demon Catastrophe strikes, repelling demons would be a natural duty of the Empire. No cost. No burden.
When he referred to “the old Home fellow” this time, Jennyhis didn’t argue. Instead, she whispered quietly:
“Your Majesty, my father has fought Demons for over a thousand years. His determination will never waver. You may rest assured…”
After what had just happened, the once proud and defiant Silver Dragon—known as “Silverlight Scale”—had become docile, far more obedient than she had been in the Gangkalo Palace. No more outrage. No more defiance.
“Seems acceptable…”
Kai Xiusu casually skimmed the treaty, then verified it with the strength of his Imperial Authority. Only then did he sign his name.
A few ember-like sparks danced around the characters as they formed above the parchment.
【Kai Xiusu Claudew Noirikexius】
The Red Dragon parted his lips slightly—a faint, fierce smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Well then… may our collaboration be fruitful.”
Jennyhis pressed her lips together.
Though the path had been turbulent, she had fulfilled her father’s mission. She had secured the alliance between the Empire and Melward.
Now, the thought of defeating the Red Dragon had vanished completely from her mind. Not even a whisper of rebellion remained.
All she wanted now was to end it—as soon as possible.
She bowed her head, voice respectful and quiet:
“May our collaboration be fruitful, Your Majesty.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
