Chapter: 66. Do You Believe It?
Even though the air was filled with the tension of a potential confrontation, Kerei still chose to leave for the time being.
No matter how hot-tempered he was, holding the position of Commander-in-Chief in the Council Chamber of the Thunder Dragon Clan and being one of the “Five Thunder Pillars,” Kerei would naturally not violate the rules established by the high-level races without justification.
If the Demon Royal Family and the Thunder Dragon Clan engaged in a fight, it would not only lower the Thunder Dragon Clan’s reputation within the high-level races alliance but also provide the Demon Race with leverage against them. Furthermore, aside from the military conflict, the Thunder Dragon Clan had many trade interactions with the Demon Territory. Giving in to momentary impulses would only lead to more trouble later on, which was simply not worth it.
Ailer stood with her hands on her hips at the edge of the tower, her crimson hair swaying in the high-altitude wind, proudly smiling as she gazed up at the pitch-black chaotic night.
In the midst of thunder and lightning, a massive shadow of a Thunder Dragon surged and leaped, its roar resonating throughout the skies. The enveloping shadow circled a few times above the tower’s clouds before gradually moving away with the dark clouds, letting the already clear night sky reveal its bright moonlight once more, returning to tranquility.
Kerei’s display of his dragon form as a show of strength did not trouble Ailer much.
She merely treated it as an astronomical phenomenon.
“Wow, quite a presence! Is this the entity known as the ‘World-Destroying Thunder Dragon?’ It’s laughable; just looking at it makes me want to hit it.”
—Just joking~
Regardless of how many punches he could take, the “Five Thunder Pillars” could stand toe to toe with the Six-Winged Demon Race, mastering super-tier thunder element magic. Without close combat beforehand, Ailer, who wasn’t skilled in magic, couldn’t confidently say she would beat him up. After all, knocking out a few of his boastful large teeth might not be a problem.
She folded her six wings, giving a wry smile as she stretched her shoulders, which had been prepared for a warm-up fight, and walked back to her designated seat at the round table.
Throughout this commotion, the Prince of the Fire Dragon Clan, Doroma, kept his eyes half-closed, neither intervening nor aiding, making it unclear what his position was.
When Ailer finally sat back in her chair with a sigh, the prince fairly stated, “I apologize on behalf of Kerei; his manner of speaking was indeed inappropriate.”
“That’s not an issue; the Thunder Dragon Clan tends to speak without considering the consequences… ahem, but I do appreciate the politeness of your Fire Dragon Clan,” Ailer said as she waved her hand dismissively. However, a fierce intensity suddenly burst from her blood-red eyes, “But… I hope everyone remains true to their words; empty thoughts and hidden agendas have no meaning.”
“……”
Ailer’s words were not just directed at Doroma, as she also shot a glance at the elven girl politician who had maintained an indifferent demeanor throughout.
Having dealt with high-level races for decades and traveled thousands of miles across various kingdoms, Ailer had long understood a single truth.
The confidence of high-level races is built upon millennia of indelible achievements, and their pride is deeply ingrained; just because they appear humble on the surface doesn’t mean they are easy to converse with.
Whether one respects or disdains others always comes down to strength and self-interest.
After a moment of silence, Doroma did not respond to Ailer’s remark but instead brought up a different topic to divert attention.
“Of course, seeking cooperation amidst conflict is the way we have always attempted to communicate with the Demon Race. Your Highness, since the meeting has concluded, may I ask you a personal question?”
“You certainly have the right to speak; the Demon Race has never silenced anyone.”
“Ha… indeed.”
Even Doroma couldn’t help but give a bitter smile at the irony of her words.
While she spoke of the Demon Race, her words also criticized the high-level races for not being friendly enough towards them.
Understanding the sarcasm, he still needed to ask his question.
Doroma slightly opened his eyes, the fiery color resembling a boundless ocean of flame, maintaining a calm facade indicative of a natural expert.
“Your Highness just mentioned the Demon Princess… I have certainly heard of her accomplishments, but may I speak frankly? Did your Highness perhaps exaggerate?”
“Can you just say it directly? I’m not in the mood for riddles.”
“Alright, I’ll get straight to the point. The accomplishments of Princess Xue Feiya are remarkable, and while many high-level races may have some trepidation towards her, all her achievements have, without exception, been in battles against the Human Kingdom. Unlike the current Demon King, who has led the Demon King’s Army, the First Legion, to repel incursions from the Divine Human Race multiple times, and unlike the Six-Winged Demon Jeffrey, who has precedent for defeating the fourth strongest of the Thunder Dragon Clan in single combat.”
“So, after all this talking, you’re just going around in circles…?”
“To summarize, while Princess Xue Feiya is undoubtedly young and accomplished, she is far from the greatness claimed in rumors; the opponent determines the strength of a warrior. A little deer accidentally stepping on an ant might instill fear in a tiger, leading to tales of the deer as an unassailable powerhouse. Such statements are regrettable. I mean no offense; I’m just saying, your Highness implied that Princess Xue Feiya is stronger than you? I cannot agree with that.”
“Hey, hey, hey! You know nothing yet you’re spouting nonsense… hmm?”
Ailer’s words abruptly halted.
She froze for a moment, looking at the unchanged expression on Doroma’s face, and suddenly realized.
Wow…
These guys really have skilled negotiators.
That was close! This brat is trying to extract information from me, isn’t he?
With his character in mind, he deliberately said something provocative to prompt her to provide useful information.
It seems… the Fire Dragon Clan is very interested in the true strength of Xue Feiya?
No, it’s not merely curiosity; it’s a fear of the unknown.
The more secure and powerful a race is, the more they fear disruptions to the established order from the unknown, exhibiting an arrogant yet cautious demeanor.
Ailer shrugged and stood decisively.
She took the speech draft she had brought with her, which she had written in advance out of fear of saying something wrong during negotiations that would result in her royal brother’s wrath.
“You’re right; Xue Feiya is still just a young girl. After all, she was captured by a kingdom hero not long ago, which is really embarrassing. She still needs to practice with her troops more.”
“Oh…? Then what about your remarks just now…?”
“Just trying to scare Mr. Kerei, since he was being so arrogant.”
“Ha, he’s always like that.”
Any further questions would likely not yield any more chances for testing.
Ailer had already risen and walked around the table, clearly indicating she would not answer any more of his questions.
In situations of one-sided probing from the opponent, the most prudent way to handle it is—simply not to communicate.
The members of the Tower of Radiance dispersed, no farewells were needed, and they left on their own.
The six wings of black feathers flapped and vanished into the chaotic night sky.
The pink-haired girl leaning on the table perked up at the sound and shook her ears.
She slowly sat up, stretched, raised her arms, and twisted from side to side, finally feeling comfortable all over before rubbing her eyes, yawning, and rocking as she stood up, still drowsy.
“Ahh… is the meeting over? Great, I’m really tired… going back now?”
Without waiting for a response, the girl’s figure gradually faded.
Crimson bats appeared around her, lacking physical form, like blood mist.
As the blood mist dissipated, the Third True Ancestor Rofna had already vanished without a trace.
The Tower of Radiance fell silent.
Doroma heard the movement and looked up.
The golden-haired elven girl had already emitted soft, gentle light waves, repairing the shattered table edge caused during the earlier negotiations.
She clasped her hands in front of her and stood up; she was also preparing to leave.
Doroma sat in the middle of the round table, gazing straight ahead, seemingly indifferent as he casually spoke.
“Rofna Sen, do you believe in the existence of the Human God?”
“Oh…? Are you trying to test me as well, Mr. Doroma? Or do you find the words of the Demon Race untrustworthy?” Rofna Sen paused but didn’t turn back.
“There’s no need; after all… your Elf Race’s World Tree barrier has already clarified many issues.”
“Ha… indeed. Ultimately, whether we believe or not won’t affect whether the pages of mythology exist.”
Rofna Sen stepped on the rocky floor in her wooden shoes, weaving a garland of flowers from the forest.
It was like the harvest hymn passed down by the Elf Race.
“Whenever, the Elf God Einor will protect the mountains and rivers, the sun, moon, and stars.”
