The Mighty Dragons Are Dead

Chapter 750: Chapter 0747: Platinum Platinum (Third Update, 10,000 Coins Reward for 3/3 Celebration)
 

This chapter is a special update sponsored by “Dreamwalking Immortal”.

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“As for the imminent arrival of the Steel Ridge Kingdom Envoy Group, grandfather and father, what do you think would be the best approach?

The conversation in the study revolved around the matters of founding a new Kingdom, slowly unfolding as Liszt awaited political wisdom from Marquis Merlin and Marquis of Bull Tail. Truly, he was a Dragon Knight at the pinnacle of power, but founding a Kingdom was not something that could be stabilized merely by strength; it still required balancing internal and external forces.@@novelbin@@

In this aspect, he was clearly not as perceptive as the two seasoned Nobles.

The main issue was that his rise to power had been too rapid, and his understanding of this world’s chivalric system was not yet profound enough; or rather, he had some disdain for such a backward system in his heart. He knew that systems must match productivity, but he couldn’t shake off the sense of superiority from coming from a more civilized world and change his disdain for the backward system.

“First, we need to analyze the purpose of the Steel Ridge Kingdom Envoy Group,”Marquis Merlin set the tone. “Based on the current information, the Envoy Group is most certainly focused on Liszt’s soon-to-be-founded Kingdom, the alliance of Dragon Knight and Archmage, an unstoppable combination. Steel Ridge’s stance should be clear by now.”

Li Weiliam nodded, “Steel Ridge wishes for our nation to become a vassal state, expanding their influence, much like how they treat the Duchy of Sapphire… It might not be long before you, Liszt, are appointed as the Grand Duke of Flame.”

“Then, father, grandfather, do you support my nation becoming a vassal to Steel Ridge?”

“If we establish the Kingdom in this ocean, becoming a vassal state to Steel Ridge is the best option. The Eagle Kingdom has already mastered sailing technology and competes with us. Moreover, as the Eagle Kingdom’s power wanes, allying with Steel Ridge might let us share in even more benefits in the future,” said Li Weiliam.

Marquis Merlin frowned, “It might not be beneficial to ally with Steel Ridge. Only when there is a balance of power on the Continent can we take advantage of both sides. If Steel Ridge becomes too dominant, they may well turn their ambitions toward the high seas… The rise of Liszt, the Dragon Knight, and Acherloides, the Archmage, will change how the Continentals view the ocean.”

“But the Eagle Kingdom has already become our enemy; I’m afraid we have no chance of shifting allegiance.”

“A nation has only interests, no friends or enemies.”

“Still, I tend to favor becoming a vassal of Steel Ridge, joining forces with Sapphire to dominate the sea, and completely cut off the Continental Kingdoms’ reach into the ocean.”

“Li Weiliam, you’re being too superficial… cough, cough…” Marquis Merlin coughed a few times, his health deteriorating but his spirit growing excited, “The ocean is no longer the exclusive domain of Sapphire. Since the Bull Family’s defection, which took the sailing technology, the ocean is about to embrace a new era!”

“What era?” asked Li Weiliam.

“An era of strife. If the Eagle Kingdom can perceive the threat of the ocean, then naturally Steel Ridge can see its conveniences. The rise of Dragon Knights and Archmages will accelerate the changes in the oceanic situation… If this archipelago can raise Dragon Knights, then it will no longer be a desolate land!”

“But the ocean is ultimately scarce in resources and simply cannot accommodate too many factions’ interference.”

“They will interfere no matter the lack of space; Continental Kingdoms will no longer give island nations the time or opportunity for development. Just watch, the struggles over the ocean will no doubt be more tumultuous than those on the Continent,” Marquis Merlin said with insight sparkling in his eyes, as if he already saw a magnificently vast age of navigation.

The Long Taro Family had always been known for their shrewdness.

His father had once gambled the entire family fortune to support the Grand Duke’s Pioneer Mandate, reaping huge profits from Red Crab Island.

He himself had maneuvered for decades, accumulating vast resources to elevate the family’s status. It was only a shame that his descendants were not prosperous; his son lacked talent, and his grandson’s talents were also mediocre, which always left him frustrated. However, in his grandson, he saw the glory of the Long Taro Family’s bloodline resurging—who could blame Liszt for inheriting too many of his mother’s good looks.

Seeing this handsome and charming face reminded him of his beloved daughter Melissa, like a precious pearl in the palm of his hand.

“Liszt Flame, you have the power to change the maritime landscape, and the future of the ocean will undoubtedly surge with waves because of you. Whether it is Steel Ridge, Bear Eagle, or Sapphire, they will ultimately lose to you. Seize the opportunity; the once Grand Duke’s title ‘Master of the Sea’ will belong to you.”

“That, of course, I understand.”

Liszt calmly accepted his grandfather’s praise, for it was within his plans for the future, “I just feel that even if a kingdom is to be established, it’s unlikely to be in this sea area. The Adventure Fleet hasn’t set out yet, but once a suitable Founding Archipelago is discovered, it’s likely to be far from Steel Ridge, or even far from Eagle.”

“Hmm,”

“That’s indeed a possibility.”

Li Weiliam and Marquis Merlin nodded in unison, “If that’s the case, it might be best to smoothly gloss over the interactions with the Envoy Group for now, wait until we’ve pinpointed the location for founding the kingdom at sea, and then discuss the next steps… If no suitable location is found on the seas, we could feel out the situation to see if it’s possible to found the kingdom within the sphere of influence of Steel Ridge.”

“It’s not essential to found the kingdom within Steel Ridge, but it is essential to understand the attitudes and sincerity of the Steel Ridge Royal Family.”

“I understand. In that case, grandfather, father, when the Envoy Group arrives, I’ll have you both take my place in communicating with them.”

“Certainly,” Marquis Merlin agreed immediately.

As Liszt’s father, Li Weiliam naturally would not refuse.

…

It was three days later, on December 24th, that the Steel Ridge Kingdom Envoy Group, accompanied and escorted by the First Prince, arrived at Black Horse Island.

Liszt received the Envoy Group at the dock.

The team leader of the Envoy Group, speaking in a standard Steel Ridge accent and bowing with elegant grace.

“Honorable Liszt Tulip, leader of the Steel Ridge Kingdom Envoy Group, Kent Magic Elephant, on behalf of the only King of Steel Ridge Kingdom, His Majesty Osborn Platinum, extends greetings to you and congratulates you on becoming a member of the Dragon Knights. He also extends his greetings to Lord Acherloides Truth, whose birth as an Archmage signifies Truth once again walking in the mortal world.”

Liszt bowed slightly to accept the courtesy from the other party, “Thank you for the greetings from His Majesty Osborn. I also, on behalf of myself and Lord Acherloides, extend our sincere greetings to His Majesty Osborn.”

“Prince Liszt, please allow me to present the gifts His Majesty has sent for you and Lord Acherloides here.” Kent waved his hand, and members of the Envoy Group immediately came forward carrying a pile of gifts.

Liszt’s Retainer Knights took delivery of the gifts one by one. They were all very precious gifts, including gemstones, jade, Magic Metals, Magical Beast Materials, and some specialties. As each item was presented, members of the Envoy Group announced the name of the gift aloud.

The valuable gifts caused many knights to gasp in astonishment at their worth.

Liszt smiled and waited for the exchange of gifts to be completed. This was a moment for a kingdom to proclaim its majesty and wealth, and he didn’t mind the Envoy Group’s actions.

He merely glanced subtly at the distinctive style of the Envoy Group’s attire.

Having Magic Elephant as a surname, Envoy Group leader Kent must have been born into a Noble family that practiced both Magic and Dou Qi, much like the extinct Magic Goat Family of the Duchy of Sapphire from a hundred years ago. It seemed that King Osborn, having heard that an Archmage had been born, had intentionally selected someone from such a family.

From this gesture, it was apparent that King Osborn was indeed quite sincere.

As for King Osborn himself, Liszt didn’t know much, although he had heard a bit from the Sapphire Duke, who described Osborn as a talented and exceptional young ruler.

But he wasn’t a Dragon Knight yet.

This young monarch’s goal was the Platinum Dragon in the Dragon Nest of the Steel Ridge Kingdom. The Platinum Dragon, also called the Platinum or Platinum Dragon, was the origin of the royal family surname “Platinum.”