In the depths of Burning Steel Castle, the consciousness of the Red Iron Dragon slowly gathered.

He temporarily ended the blood connection with Iron Dragon Gordon, waiting for a response.

At the last moment, Galos once again emphasized several key details to Gordon that needed extra attention and absolutely could not be overlooked—how to convey information with discretion, assess the true intentions and changes in Alina’s attitude, and avoid risks in the early stages of cooperation—to ensure that his brother at the core of enemy territory would not expose himself due to negligence and jeopardize the entire dragon group’s plan.

"Based on the detailed descriptions sent back by Gordon, combined with the information conveyed by the Gem Merchant Group’s intelligence network."

"It can be basically determined that Crystal Princess Alina is definitely not some shortsighted and simple-minded person nurtured by the royal court."

Galos mused.

"On the contrary, she is very wise, possessing keen political acumen and noteworthy magic prowess, and more importantly... deep within her heart, burns a strong desire to serve her country, to relieve the troubled Lothern Royal Court. She is a potential collaborator with ambition and action."

Galos raised his dragon head slightly, his eyes shining, thinking:

"Hopefully... she will ultimately make the choice that is most beneficial for both of us... the right choice."

The massive body of the Red Iron Dragon slightly adjusted, finding a more comfortable position to fully relax the thick armor-like scales on his abdomen.

The Snake Woman Mages understood.

With fingertips imbued with magical energy, they began gently and precisely massaging the relatively soft area of the Red Iron Dragon’s abdomen, helping him relax his steel-forged rigid body.

While enjoying this rare moment of relaxation, Galos submerged his mind into the invisible blood connection network.

He first contacted Iron Dragon Solrog, then connected with Red Dragon Samantha, who was overseeing the alchemy assembly line in the Black Iron Plain.

At the same time, he silently awaited critical news from Gordon about the Crystal Princess’s response from the Lothern Royal Court.

Meanwhile.

Starfire Monastery.

"Listen up, brats!"

Iron Dragon Gordon shouted.

"The great King of Steel is setting out to return to the royal court! Next time we meet, I hope your ’energy’ will burn stronger, and you can mimic the posture of the great giant dragons!"

Under the gaze of the surrounding young apprentices, mixed with awe, curiosity, and a sliver of helplessness.

His massive body, covered with dim metal scales, moved awkwardly like a mobile fortress, lifting his strong limbs, each step eliciting a soft moan from the ground, then lifted his huge dragon head in what he thought was a dignified but somewhat comical manner, leaving the Starfire Monastery.

Not long after.

In the Lothern Royal Court, within the luxurious study of Crystal Princess Alina, resembling a small magic museum.

Alina leaned on the lounge by the window, draped with velvet cushions, one slender hand lazily resting on Gordon’s cool, hardened scales.

She was listening as Iron Dragon Gordon passionately and vividly depicted his powerful, wise blood brothers, who were about to establish an immortal empire in the wilds.

Initially, she didn’t take it seriously, just thought Gordon was telling stories.

In her eyes, Gordon was like a pet, a companion, and as she grew older, without offspring, a subject of some maternal affection.

However, as she continued listening.

The delicate face that had a slight indulgent smile gradually became serious, followed by a tinge of undisguised suspicion.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted from Gordon’s passionately expressive dragon head to his large body, which appeared particularly round and full due to long-term pampering at the royal court.

And compared with the images of the ferocious brothers battling and thriving in the bloody wilderness.

This contrast was undeniably stark.

"Look! Alina! I knew you’d show that expression!"

Gordon sharply captured the princess’s distrust, immediately growling in protest.

He adeptly (considering his size) twisted his neck, extending his massive claw covered in metal scales, and pulled out several different dated issues from the nearby pile of newspaper racks, each with shockingly headline-front pages from the "Federation Daily."

He displayed the newspapers in front of Alina like trophies.

[Death Omen Star Descends! Raymond Duchy’s Hundred-Year Gem Veins Washed in Dragon Blood]

[Black Rock Duchy’s Vein Returned to Purgatory Overnight, None Survived, Suspected Evil Dragon’s Mountain-Burning Wings Attack and Destruction, The Evil Dragon With Sins Has a Million Gold Coins Bounty]

Besides the headlines, there were also accompanying illustrations.

—Mining sites melted into glass-like pits by dragon breath, steel walls like they’d been trampled by giant beasts, and... the magic memory crystal captured a blurry yet ominously shrouded, grotesque silhouette.

"Look! Take a good look at these!"

Gordon’s voice resonated with strong confidence: "This is the work of my blood kin—the ’Death Omen Star’! Listen to this name! Look at this record! Is it weighty enough?!"

Alina took a deep breath.

To be mistaken as the Mountain-Burning Wings? This notorious dragon, she had heard of it.

She sat up straighter, her expression growing focused and serious, using the keen insight typical of a senior mage, meticulously reading word for word those duchy reports she ordinarily didn’t pay much attention to.