**Hey guys, just a quick update—my contract application wasn't approved this time. It's a bit of a bummer, but I'm not giving up! Your support is what keeps me going. If you're enjoying the story, please help me out by dropping some Power Stones. Your votes really mean the world to me. Thanks for being part of this journey!
The sky gradually darkened as night fell. In Thunder Dragon City, inside the Duke's study, the air was heavy with the scent of old parchment and expensive tobacco.
"Speak. What news do you have?"
A dignified middle-aged man with streaks of silver in his hair sat behind a massive desk, reviewing documents. He was the Thunder Dragon Duke, Aden Thunder Dragon. Before him stood Ramon, the Duke's most trusted confidant, responsible for the Duchy's intelligence and internal affairs.
Ramon bowed slightly and began his report with practiced clarity. "Lord Duke, first regarding the Red Leaf Earl Territory. As you anticipated, the old Earl is critically ill. His two sons, Gawain and Alaric, have begun their struggle for succession."
Duke Aden's face remained expressionless, as if this were entirely expected. "And Alaric's backer is that boy Elliot, I assume?"
"Yes, My Lord. First Prince Elliot has secretly dispatched confidants into Red Leaf City while arranging for Baron Monde of Ironthorn to intervene on Alaric's behalf. However—" Ramon paused, choosing his words carefully. "Just today, our agents discovered that the Second Prince, Leylo, has taken Gawain's side. Currently, he and Viscount Baker of Red Maple are meeting with Gawain in Red Leaf City."
"Oh? Leylo?" Duke Aden raised an eyebrow. "And Viscount Baker is involved too? That second son of mine... I remember him being rather—well, weak?"
He picked the word with some hesitation, clearly holding a less-than-positive impression of Leylo's past.
"Yes, My Lord. Which is why the Second Prince's sudden move into Red Leaf's affairs is quite surprising," Ramon responded.
"Interesting. Elliot has ambition, but his vision and methods lack refinement. Since Leylo wants to dip his toes in as well, let the youngsters bicker among themselves. Let Red Leaf be their arena; they can test their mettle against one another!" The Duke seemed almost amused. "The current state of this Duchy wasn't won by sitting idle; it was carved out with blood and steel. How is Leylo doing in Blackstone Territory? How does he have the spare energy for Red Leaf's business?"
Ramon continued, "Regarding the Second Prince's progress in Blackstone... according to our intelligence, Baron Leylo has undergone a complete transformation since his arrival."
"Oh?" Aden finally showed a flicker of genuine interest. "Details."
"Yes. Most notably, the Second Prince has assembled a squad of Pegasus Knights and even tamed a Storm Griffin. They have played a vital role in several battles against Demon Snake lackeys and bandit groups, demonstrating formidable aerial combat capabilities."
"Pegasus Knights?" Duke Aden's gaze sharpened. Even for the vast and wealthy Thunder Dragon Duchy, aerial forces were a precious strategic resource. "Where did the boy get Pegasi? They are notoriously wild. Only the Holy See has mastered large-scale taming. Has he made contact with the Church of Light?"
Ramon shook his head. "Reportedly captured from the Blackstone Mountains. Many witnesses saw it; it appears unrelated to the Church. Furthermore, with this aerial force, the Second Prince hasn't just defended his borders; he took the initiative to wipe out the 'Blood Wolf' bandits that plagued the mountains for years. This has won him the people's favor and opened trade routes, significantly improving Blackstone's finances."
"He wiped out the Blood Wolves?" Duke Aden was truly surprised now. After a moment of silence, he chuckled. "It seems I underestimated the boy. To build such a legacy in the barren Blackstone Territory... he has a bit of my youthful spirit in him. Who did we send to protect him?"
"A Tier 5 Earth Knight from the Third Squad of the Thunder Dragon Knights, named Alex. He is currently posing as a wandering swordsman 'visiting' Blackstone," Ramon replied.
"The 'Gale' Knight?" Aden recalled the name. "A good choice. Tell Alex to find an opportunity to formally swear fealty to Leylo."
The Duke smiled, then shifted the topic. "And Lillian? Her coming-of-age ceremony is in a few days. It is the day of the Thunder Dragon hatchling's recognition. There must be no mistakes."
Mentioning his only daughter, the Duke's stern face softened. Of his four sons and one daughter, Lillian was his favorite—the only mage among his children and exceptionally talented.
"Everything is prepared, My Lord. The hatchling is in good health and its mana resonance aligns well with Lady Lillian," Ramon assured him.
Aden nodded. "Good. The Thunder Dragon lineage is vital. If Lillian's brothers fail to gain recognition, they can find their opportunities in the savage North. Without a dragon, one cannot protect this nation. But having a dragon without the heart and capability of a ruler only leads to ruin."
He looked out the window toward the gray, distant mountains. "Let the First Prince continue his games for now; he is merely a whetstone for his siblings. But keep a close eye—some lines must never be crossed."