"We, um... explaining this might be a bit complicated."

Ethan was eager to answer Lady Fengweidie's question. Clearly waiting for his explanation were Rowena and Lindong as well, but in fact, Ethan didn't know what caused this sudden change.

The rules of the plane have changed once again. In his understanding, the only explanation is that before the project was completed, the project team already completed the relevant design. The discarded file was like a red button on the wall, tempting anyone passing by to press it.

So the question arises: how did they manage to secretly create so much under the leadership codenamed "Bald" without being discovered?

"Then explain slowly, we have plenty of time."

Lady Fengweidie wasn't planning to skip this topic. Too many changes had occurred recently. The changes that happened overnight meant that most of the kingdom's understanding of magical creatures would be overturned, and as summoners, their future would develop in unpredictable directions.

"I'm afraid not."

The man with the white headscarf appeared at the scene once again in his elusive way. Ethan thought that if this guy wasn't a poacher, he might have a future as a war correspondent or paparazzi.

The white headscarf brought the latest issue of the "Cuckoo's Diary."

The Royal Summoner Association has already held meetings regarding the large-scale appearance of mechanical magical creatures. The association is sending personnel to heavily affected areas, and the kingdom has launched an emergency backup plan, forcibly conscripting all young summoners who have completed their coming-of-age ceremonies.

The royal family believes a war is approaching, and every young summoner in the kingdom must be prepared.

Those nearby quieted down, all listening to the white headscarf recite the contents of the diary, each with a different expression.

A catastrophe was about to strike, but many smelled the scent of opportunity.

Forced conscription meant the kingdom would distribute magical creature eggs, saving ordinary families in remote areas considerable effort.

"I don't know what you all think, but I plan to try my luck in the Royal Capital."

The white headscarf spoke.

He considered himself a country boy. In his youth, he shared the dream of other summoners: to win an audience with the Crimson Queen, then find a good position in the Royal Capital. If lucky enough, be dispatched to another city to serve as City Lord. Unfortunately, like countless summoners who embarked on adventures, his dreams were mercilessly crushed by reality.

But now, opportunity had come knocking once again.

"Since there's going to be a war, the royal family must need an excellent military advisor."

Watching the white headscarf's unwavering confidence, Lady Fengweidie helplessly held her forehead. She truly didn't understand why this poacher could always maintain such fantasies. The Royal Summoner Association has a dedicated organization; outsiders like him are not needed to interfere.

She was too lazy to extinguish the white headscarf's dreams and turned to Charlotte, saying, "In that case, you can leave your duel for the Royal Capital, and complete it under royal witness."

Despite her eagerness to visit the Royal Capital immediately, the people of Mistforest County still needed her.

Lady Fengweidie handed the envelope she had prepared last night to Charlotte, "I entrust you with delivering this letter to the royal family, Charlotte... and Sakaki, come with me. The rest is up to you."

...

The destination was the City Lord's Mansion, where Lady Fengweidie stopped before a tree.

This was a teleportation method only the City Lord mastered, to be used only when necessary. She faced the ancient tree, reverently clasping her hands together. The tree seemed to hear her call; rough bark revealed two eyes, scrutinizing the two following Lady Fengweidie.

"Charlotte, I know you."

The ancient tree spoke with a voice like an old man's, its brown bark rippling with each word, "When you were born, the people of Moon Forest City were all chanting your name... That was over a dozen years ago."

Charlotte's face was full of confusion, but Ethan felt his heart skip.

The previous person hailed at birth had ravaged their hometown. It was no good omen. When Ethan thought about it, he realized that for this plane, mechanical plagues and natural disasters were essentially no different; once this virus erupted, most of the kingdom would swiftly become a plague land.

Ethan steadied himself, and beside the ancient tree in the City Lord's Mansion courtyard appeared a corresponding introduction:

'Cautious Tree (Grass), Level: 71.'

This tree, speaking like an old man, had a higher level than the City Lord's trump card. From its name, it seemed related to the Nonsense Tree.

"...You know me?"

Charlotte was startled by the suddenly speaking ancient tree, her speech tinged with formal respect.

"Oh, yes, of course I know you; your name has already spread among us."

The ancient tree tried to adopt a kind expression, but its "wrinkles" rendered the effort unimpressive, "The lucky one who draws the Queen's attention, born with affection for flying dragons. On the day you were born, a white dragon flew over Moon Forest City—a dragon species never recorded before. When you were a month old, your mother invited a Divination Master who predicted that when you came of age, that noble creature would return."

"But they've never told me any of this."