Chapter 747 Platinum Platinum

Here is the edited translation incorporating the expert suggestions:

This chapter is an extra update sponsored by "Celestial Dreamer" with a reward of 10,000 gold coins.

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"How should we handle the upcoming envoy delegation from the Kingdom of Steel Ridge, Granddad, Dad?"

The discussion in the study revolved around the matter of founding a kingdom, unfolding gradually. Liszt looked forward to the political wisdom of Marquis Merlin and Marquis Niuwei. Though he stood at the pinnacle of power as a Dragon Knight, establishing a nation required more than sheer strength—it demanded balancing internal and external forces.

In this regard, he was clearly less insightful than the two veteran nobles.

The main reason was that his rise had been too rapid, leaving him with an insufficiently deep understanding of this world's knightly system—or rather, an ingrained disdain for its backwardness. He knew institutions must align with productivity, yet he couldn't shake the superiority of his modern worldview, nor his dismissive attitude toward outdated systems.

"First, we must analyze the purpose of the Kingdom of Steel Ridge's envoy delegation," Marquis Merlin began. "Judging from current information, the delegation is undoubtedly here due to Liszt's imminent nation-building. A Dragon Knight and an archmage joining forces makes this unstoppable. Steel Ridge's stance should be clear."

Lee William nodded. "Steel Ridge hopes to make your nation their vassal, expanding their influence, treating the future 'Flame' as they did the Sapphire... Perhaps before long, Liszt, you'll be titled the Flame Grand Duke."

"So, Father, Grandfather, do you support my nation swearing fealty to Steel Ridge?"

"If you establish your nation in these seas, swearing fealty to Steel Ridge is the best choice. The Kingdom of the Eagle has already mastered shipbuilding techniques and is our competitor. Moreover, the Eagle's power is waning. Allying with Steel Ridge might allow us to gain greater advantages in the future," Lee William said.

Marquis Merlin frowned. "Swearing fealty to Steel Ridge isn't necessarily good. Only with a balance of power on the continent can we benefit from both sides. If Steel Ridge grows too strong, they might turn their ambitions toward the seas... Liszt's Dragon Knight status and Acheronides's archmage title will change how continental powers view the seas."

"But the Kingdom of the Eagle is already our enemy. Switching sides may not be an option."

"Nations have no permanent friends or enemies, only interests."

"Still, I lean toward becoming Steel Ridge's vassal, joining forces with the Sapphire to dominate the seas and sever the mainland kingdoms' reach over the waters." "Lee William, your view is too shallow... *cough*..." Marquis Merlin coughed a few times, his health deteriorating but his mind sharpening. "The seas are no longer the Sapphire's exclusive domain. Ever since the Bull family's betrayal and the spread of shipbuilding techniques, the seas are entering a new era!"

"What age?" William Li inquired.

"An age of conflict. If the Eagle Kingdom can perceive the sea's threats, then Iron Ridge naturally sees its advantages. The rise of Dragon Riders and Archmages will accelerate seafaring developments... If these islands can nurture a Dragon Rider, they cease to be barren wastelands!"

"Yet the seas remain resource-scarce, unable to sustain too many factions."

"Regardless, mainland kingdoms will no longer grant island nations time or space to rise. Mark my words—the coming struggle for the seas will rival the turmoil of the mainland." Marquis Merlin's eyes gleamed with foresight, as if witnessing the dawn of a great age of seafaring.

The Longyu family had always been famed for their shrewdness.

Years ago, his father wagered their entire fortune backing the Grand Duke's expansion decree, securing Red Crab Island's bountiful returns.

He himself spent decades navigating political waters, amassing influence to elevate their house. A pity his lineage proved lackluster—his son's talents unremarkable, his grandson's merely passable, leaving him perpetually frustrated. Yet in his grandson, he saw the Longyu bloodline's brilliance rekindled—for Liszt had inherited his mother Melissa's exceptional beauty.

That striking visage invariably recalled his cherished youngest daughter, Melissa.

"Liszt Flames, you hold the power to redraw the map of the seas. Future oceans will be roiled by towering waves of your making. Iron Ridge, the Eagle Kingdom, even Sapphire—all shall yield before you. Seize this tide. The Grand Duke's title—'Master of the Seas'—will be yours."

"Naturally."

Liszt accepted his grandfather's praise with calm assurance; this had always been his destined path. "Though any nation I forge likely won't rise in these waters. Our expedition fleet hasn't sailed, but when we locate suitable isles, they'll lie distant from Iron Ridge—perhaps beyond the Eagle Kingdom's reach."

"Interesting."

"Quite plausible."

William Li and Marquis Merlin nodded as one. "Then we should put off the envoys until we chart our founding waters. Should the seas prove unsuitable, we might sound out possibilities within Iron Ridge's domain."

"Our nation needn't anchor in Iron Ridge—but we must gauge their crown's true intentions."

"I understand. In that case, Grandfather, Father, when the delegation arrives, I’d like you to handle discussions with them on my behalf."

"Agreed." Marquis Merlin nodded without hesitation.

As Liszt's father, William Lee naturally had no reason to refuse.

...

Three days later, on December 24th, the delegation from the Kingdom of Steel Ridge arrived at Black Horse Island, escorted and accompanied by the crown prince.

Liszt greeted the delegation at the docks.

The leader of the delegation, speaking with the polished Steel Ridge accent, bowed gracefully.

"Respected His Highness Liszt Tulip, I, Kent Magic Elephant, head of the delegation from the Kingdom of Steel Ridge, bring greetings on behalf of His Majesty Osborne Platinum, the sole king of Steel Ridge, to congratulate you on becoming a dragon knight. I also extend my regards to Archmage A Ke Luo Yi De Si-Zhen Li, whose emergence signifies the return of truth to the mortal world."

Liszt nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for His Majesty Osborne’s kind words. On behalf of both myself and Archmage A Ke Luo Yi De Si, I return our sincerest greetings to His Majesty."

"Your Highness Liszt, if I may, I would like to present the gifts His Majesty has sent for you and Archmage A Ke Luo Yi De Si." Kent gestured, and members of the delegation stepped forward, bearing an array of lavish gifts.

One by one, the gifts were handed over to Liszt’s knight attendants—each an exquisite treasure: gemstones, jade, magic metal, materials from magic beasts, and rare local specialties. As each item was exchanged, a member of the delegation loudly announced its name.

The sheer opulence of the gifts drew awed gasps and murmurs from the assembled knights.

Liszt waited with a composed smile as the exchange proceeded. This was the kingdom’s moment to display its grandeur and wealth, and he had no objection to the delegation’s theatrics.

His gaze, however, lingered on the delegation’s distinctive attire.

With "Magic Elephant" as his surname, Kent, the delegation leader, undoubtedly hailed from a noble clan that practiced both magic and mana—much like the long-extinct Magic Goat clan of the Sapphire Duchy a century ago. It seemed King Osborne had deliberately chosen such a lineage upon hearing of an archmage’s emergence—a gesture that spoke of genuine sincerity.

As for King Osborne himself, Liszt knew little, though the Sapphire Duchy had mentioned him as a young, capable, and extraordinarily gifted monarch.

Not yet a dragon knight, however.

The young king’s ambition was to form a bond with the Platinum Dragon—also known as the White Gold Dragon or Platinum Gold Dragon—nesting in Steel Ridge’s dragon roost. It was this legendary beast that had given rise to the royal family’s surname, "Platinum."