Chapter 901: The Game of the Dragon-Raising Family

Mithril is light as nothing, adamantine is indestructible, and orichalcum is unbreakable.

These are the three magic metals of the legendary continent. Currently, only these three are known in the market, though Liszt also possesses some magic metals from the Sun Children—blue iron and malleable aluminum.

These magic metals are highly attuned to magic, making them excellent conduits for magical energy, each with unique properties. Whether crafting enchanted equipment or mass-produced weapons, they are top-tier raw materials. Thus, their prices remain exorbitantly high, only affordable to the elite nobility.

None of the three great kingdoms or their vassal states possess magic metal dragons. It is said that only the empires of the legendary continent control them—mithril dragons, adamantine dragons, and orichalcum dragons.

To think the Kingdom of the Eagle had discovered an orichalcum dragon and sent André Sapphire, the grandson of Marquis Bull, to subdue it?

Soon, Duke Piero revealed what he knew, though he omitted the orichalcum dragon’s location: "André’s mother was the daughter of a marquis from the Kingdom of the Eagle. They met during the war, so André spent his childhood in that marquis’s territory, training in the Iron Knight techniques."

It’s hard to say whether André’s parents’ union was born of love or the Kingdom of the Eagle’s political scheme. Regardless, the Bull family had long been entangled with the Kingdom of the Eagle.

Thus, André was born.

Not only was André exceptionally talented, but his luck was also extraordinary. During a hunting trip with adults, he stumbled upon traces of the orichalcum dragon.

Of course, though the orichalcum dragon showed some affinity toward André, its arrogant nature wouldn’t allow it to acknowledge a nobody, let alone be ridden casually. André’s discovery was quickly learned by his family elders and the ever-watchful royal family of the Kingdom of the Eagle.

"Adonys originally planned to capture the orichalcum dragon and slowly tame it, but he found its power overwhelming. After all, orichalcum is unbreakable, far surpassing the combat strength of a White-Mouthed Iron Dragon. Even without a dragon knight, it drove the royal dragon knights to retreat."

Thus, the Kingdom of the Eagle decided to support André in taming the dragon.

They poured vast resources to help André tame the orichalcum dragon, reaching a critical stage with thorough preparations. It’s said that as long as he gets the chance for a battle of wills, he will undoubtedly earn the orichalcum dragon’s recognition and become a formidable magic metal dragon knight.

"Your Highness, though André reached the level of a sword saint by eighteen, compared to your terrifying talent, he pales in comparison. You easily claimed the grey cast iron dragon and the Lightgreen Gem Dragon. I believe riding the orichalcum dragon would be just as easy for you. May this information prove my sincerity," Duke Piero said.

He also revealed André’s talent—a sword saint at eighteen, meaning he likely became a sky knight by sixteen, or even younger.

However, Liszt had long stopped caring about others’ talents. This world was full of geniuses. Even his follower, Emily, became a sky knight at fourteen—impressive, but no threat.

Because he was backed by fate itself.

Yet, the orichalcum dragon was irresistibly tempting for Liszt—both for the value of magic metals and the dragon’s combat prowess.

"I still have two Milon Mind Fruits left. I can save one for a future contract with a Fairy Dragon and use the other to tame a dragon. So, should I use this Milon Mind Fruit to ride the orichalcum dragon?" he pondered. Without the fruit, taming the dragon would be impossible.

After all, he had already tamed four dragons. Given dragons’ prideful nature, without external interference, none would willingly submit to Liszt.

Fire Drake Rio was too young and naive, mistakenly eating the Milon Mind Fruit and losing both body and mind. Lightgreen Gem Dragon Ethan was mortally wounded and mentally broken by the Soulfruit Tree, falling unconscious and losing his will. Invisible Dragon Bard was terrified after becoming disoriented in the material world, and under the influence of Smokegrass, he haphazardly formed a bond.

The grey cast iron dragon fought tooth and nail, only yielding under forced coercion to consume the Milon Mind Fruit, allowing Liszt to erase its will.

In short, following the conventional path of taming dragons, he wouldn’t have succeeded with even one. Even beating a dragon to near death wouldn’t work unless its spirit was crushed.

To ride the orichalcum dragon, he had to sacrifice one Milon Mind Fruit.

"I originally wanted to save another fruit for a sacred dragon, but this chance won’t come again. So, it’s decided—you’re the one, orichalcum dragon!"

"When Acheronides has time, we'll study the Jade Dragon's hind legs together—perhaps we can cultivate a new Soulfruit Tree. Then we can contract as many dragons as possible!"

His mind was made up, but his expression remained calm as he responded to Duke Piero: "Very well, I need to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages. You may return and wait for now. Negotiations won’t be completed in a day or two, especially when it involves supporting your return to continue as duke."

"I believe that if Your Highness is willing, the Kingdom of the Eagle wouldn’t dare to obstruct. The Steel Ridge would no doubt welcome a weakened Eagle, and the High Furnace feels the same way—only a weakened Eagle would lower its head, allowing them to focus on more distant kingdom threats," Duke Piero added.

Liszt smiled. "I hope so too, Duke Piero. From now on, my father, Lee William, will be in closer contact with you. The diplomatic affairs of the Fire Kingdom will be his responsibility."

...

After seeing off Duke Piero, now seemingly reformed,

Liszt and Lee William pored over the matter for hours in the study before Liszt had the final say: "Reach an agreement with Piero as soon as possible. Have him reveal the whereabouts of the orichalcum dragon and Andre. I’ll personally verify the information. If it’s true, then the orichalcum dragon must be seized."

"Will the Kingdom of the Eagle agree to our demands?" Lee William asked uncertainly.

"Reduce Duke Piero’s ransom—just one Dragon Spirit will suffice. But the Kingdom of the Eagle must sign a contract with magical enforcement ensuring Piero remains Duke of the Gray Iron Duchy and opens trade channels between the Gray Iron Duchy and the Fire Kingdom."

"I fear the Eagle’s royal family won’t let Piero live long."

"Once I ride the orichalcum dragon, whether Piero lives or dies won't matter. Did we truly expect him to hand over the Gray Iron Duchy’s wealth?" Liszt focused on what really mattered—in this case, the orichalcum dragon. Securing it would be a huge advantage.

Lee William had learned to defer to Liszt’s decisions. "How should we set the terms of the dragon-slaying war negotiations with the Kingdom of the Eagle?"

"The Kingdom of the Eagle must issue a formal apology and recognize the Fire Kingdom’s legitimacy. As for reparations, a batch of supplies will suffice. Even if we don’t get them, it doesn’t matter—I’ll simply take them later. Piero was right about one thing: within twenty years, I intend to annihilate the Kingdom of the Eagle!"

Lee William frowned. "Your ambition pleases me as a father, but isn’t this too lofty?"

"Lofty? I don’t think so. Though the Fire Kingdom isn’t yet established, with lacking national power and sparse population, we lack no powerful combat forces. Twenty years is enough for me to train several dragon knights. With my abilities, leading an army of dragons and dragon knights to dominate the northeastern corner of the Legendary Continent won’t be an issue."

He swirled his teacup,

his gaze as if gazing into fate's river, where countless destinies flowed slowly.

His voice grew ethereal: "This world may claim to be ruled by knights, but for dragon-raising families, knights are merely servants who dedicate themselves to the family. Dragons are the true core. Serfs, commoners, and knights toil and fight only to supply the comforts of a privileged few families."

So-called knightly wars, so-called nations and people—

are merely games played by those at the pyramid’s peak.

"Father, because of my rise, the Tulip family is destined to stand alongside the Fire family as one of those few who control the game."

In Lee William’s contemplative gaze, Liszt spoke with hypnotic certainty: "Work hard to nurture Richard. I hope the Tulip family can also produce a dragon knight."

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