Beneath the Red Dragon-Chapter 235 - 89: Branches of Fate
A white-haired boy, with snow-colored pupils and hair like it's wrapped in a layer of icy brilliance, sits on a wide chair.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the third floor of the castle, a flock of seagulls and terns are draped in the sunset glow, carrying with them the forest-breeze, stirring up waves along the coast.
White Dragon Gomot holds his forehead with one hand while revising documents with the other. One document after another goes through his review and annotations, now piling up into a thick stack on the wide and long desk.
After finishing revisions on the last two reports, "On relocating and digesting the Elf Tribe internally," and "Suggestions on attracting technical and cultural talents through cultural propaganda and generous treatment," he finally lets out a long sigh.
Despite the reports on affairs related to the Dragon Group Territory being written in the simplest and most straightforward form under the proposition of Bronze Dragon Alina, the ever-increasing workload each day still causes a headache even for the energetic Giant Dragon.
Now, with monthly population growth, the Dragon Group Territory is bustling with affairs; the new slaves and free immigrants attracted by the conditions offered by the Giant Dragon Territory are increasing as its reputation spreads.
Yet, the settlement and planning of these populations require a lot of energy, and those newly recruited human scholars strive to prove their abilities to the rulers, almost capable of writing several suggestion reports a day.
These document reports, having been filtered by Giant Demon Fafnir, deemed valuable, have already accumulated to half a person's height.
For handling political affairs easily, White Dragon Gomot recently garrisoned in a newly established castle in the Golden City. This castle, facing the sea, while high and large enough to allow the Giant Dragon to land freely.
But for convenience, White Dragon still uses the Transformation Skill to take human form. Now, within the Dragon Group, only Karon and White Dragon Gomot have mastered the Transformation Skill. After transforming, White Dragon Gomot's height far exceeds that of a normal person.
Were it not for the still somewhat youthful face, merely judging by the figure alone, one would think him to be a tall warrior.
This is dictated by the aesthetics of the Giant Dragons; apart from the Female Dragons, almost every male Giant Dragon uses the Transformation Skill to choose a tall, imposing image.
However, even though the Juvenile Dragon White Dragon tries hard, his somewhat immature face still faithfully reflects his true age.
Knock, knock, knock, outside the wide door, an Elf Maid cautiously taps the open door, her beautiful eyes darting swiftly across the broad study,
before speaking softly, "Lord Gomot, a Beastman Noble waits outside the castle for your audience; he has passed Fafnir's inspection and been allowed!"
These Elf Maids were chosen publicly from the tribes relocated to the Dragon Group Territory from Greenfield Forest, being the first Elves to express submission to the Giant Dragon.
To expedite these Elves' integration into the territory, many Elves were recruited as attendants within the Elf Tribe.
Each Dragon is equipped with at least two Elf Maids, and Karon even provided Black Dragon Rosani with four Elves considered extremely beautiful by Giant Dragon aesthetics, holding out a faint hope to save Rosani's overly unique aesthetic preference.
The towering figure of White Dragon Gomot in human form rises from behind the desk and nods, "Let him come up!"
White Dragon Gomot reverts to his original Giant Dragon form, as most Giant Dragons prefer their original form. Even the Silver and Golden Dragons, who most enjoy using Transformation Skill to become humans and Elves, view the Giant Dragon form as the highest form of beauty.
Moreover, White Dragon Gomot also finds reason in what Red Dragon once said, "Make those who are unsure whether they're facing a friend or foe overestimate your weaknesses."
White Dragon Gomot considers his white scales a handy disguise, even though he begrudgingly admits that White Dragons generally come off as not very intelligent.
The White Dragon faces the tall floor-to-ceiling window, silently waiting as he looks at the scenery outside.
Thud, thud, thud, the sound of heavy footsteps and light footsteps reach Gomot, followed by a robust voice behind him, "I salute you, honorable White Dragon, Fati sends you his highest regards!"
White Dragon Gomot recalls the usual look and demeanor of his compatriot brother Camid, then his lively eyes turn slightly dull as he turns around.
White Dragon Gomot mimics Camid's tone, saying, "Speak, Beastman, what is it that you seek from the illustrious Giant Dragon!"
…
"Those Beastmen actually mistake me for a common White Dragon, thinking the Dragons in the Group are all forcibly restrained by Karon from owning their own territories, even attempting to tempt me with this," White Dragon Gomot scoffed as he exposed the terms offered by Beastman Fati, watching the Dragon Group's movements.
The Dragon Group had already gathered in the orchard, except for Karon and Black Dragon Rosani, who were far in Greenfield Forest, even Bronze Dragon Alina, overseeing matters in Bay Stream City, had already arrived.
Whenever a major decision arises during Karon's absence, the Dragon Group holds a meeting for joint discussion. Bronze Dragon Alina and Red Copper Dragon Alfred have earned the respect and acceptance of the Group through their performance, no longer as inconspicuous as they once were.
"This is the Dragon's Covenant established even in Juvenile Dragon times; besides, everyone is clear about the territory's current situation — being a solitary Dragon Lord is just asking for trouble,"
