I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 270 The Dragon Girl's Hidden Ambition Leads to a Great Cause; Returning Home in Triumph Riding the Waves

"Serbia? What are you doing here? Have you finished dealing with the matters of the Ashscale Clan and the Abyssscale Clan?"

John raised an eyebrow in surprise as he saw Serbia, who had somehow appeared beside him and was holding the cigarette John had just lit, standing beside him.

On his way to Mad Fang City, his subordinates explained to him what astonishing things Serbia had done.

Although he still finds it somewhat unbelievable that Serbia completed the Dragon God Trial ahead of schedule and won the dual tribal thrones of the Red Dragon Tribe and the Sea Dragon Tribe.

However, considering the other party's growth potential in the storyline and the talent they displayed, he didn't find it too outrageous.

"Although the plot has gone completely off track, we can only accept it now."

John sighed with deep regret, then helplessly extended his right hand towards Serbia, gesturing as if to say:

"Give me back my cigarette. You probably don't smoke this stuff, right?"

"As the new queen of the two tribes, I only need one order to relocate all my people from our homeland to Faoken. Such a small matter is naturally not difficult for me. Besides..."

Serbia arrogantly raised her delicate, white chin, then glanced at John with a playful look. Instead of obediently returning the cigarette, she gracefully placed it into her full, red lips, to John's astonishment, and then said smugly:

"As a half-dragon, there's never any rule about returning prey we've plundered. That's the rule among half-dragons. You don't even know this basic common sense? It seems you're not as knowledgeable as I thought. Also, don't impose your ideas on me. Who says women can't smoke, hmm?"

After saying that, Serbia gave John a provocative look.

John found it amusing that this proud and stubborn woman always had to put on a brave face and was obsessed with saving face.

He had already foreseen what was about to happen, and immediately spoke to the other party with a meaningful expression:

"...Whatever you want, just don't regret it."

"Regret? Ha, that word could never apply to me!"

Feeling John's 'provocative' gaze, Serbia raised an eyebrow in annoyance, but then didn't think much of it. Under John's amused gaze, he gritted his teeth and took a deep drag on his cigarette.

At the same time, he took a deep breath, mimicking the other person's usual manner.

But the next second, instead of coughing as John had expected, she frowned slightly and then slowly exhaled the smoke.

Then, to John's surprise, he glanced somewhat unexpectedly at the cigarette in his hand:

"This stuff is more energizing than I expected, and the combination of spices is quite unique. However, it contains too many impurities and some toxins, which have a serious impact on the lungs. Long-term use can easily lead to organ damage and a shortened lifespan."

"In conclusion, a cheap stimulant that is fast-acting but whose overall harm far outweighs its benefits is far inferior to a good cigar and a magic stimulant."

Serbia glanced disdainfully at the cigarette in his hand, then ignored John's pity and threw it on the ground, crushing it with his foot. He then crossed his arms, frowned, and said to John:

"So, you're using this kind of low-quality industrial product every day? For your health, I suggest you quit."

Finally, seemingly realizing that his words had been too abrupt and revealed his excessive concern for the other person's health, Serbia casually stroked his beautiful red hair and then added:

"Of course, I'm not saying this because I'm overly concerned about your health, but rather it's a rational judgment based on data analysis, so please don't overthink it, understand?"

"I understand. Your suggestion is excellent, insightful, and wise."

"Hmph, you know that much, so..."

"But I don't accept your suggestion."

"?"

Seeing Serbia's slightly furrowed brows, John lazily took another cigarette from the pack, put it in his mouth, ignored Serbia's warning look, lit it himself, took a deep drag as if intoxicated, and then slowly exhaled.

Then he grinned, wagged his index finger at the other person, and added with a smug look:

"My favorite thing to do, John Maslow, is to say 'nein' to arrogant people!"

"You're hopeless!"

Seeing that his well-intentioned advice was ignored, Serbia was a little annoyed, but he just rolled his eyes at John speechlessly.

Then, to John's surprise, she took out a handkerchief and wiped the dust off the steps, before sitting down next to him.

Then, she rested her chin on her hand and gazed quietly at John, her wine-red pupils seeming to be looking at a unique treasure, her eyes filled with admiration.

John even sensed a kind of intimate feeling, like that of newlyweds, in the other person's eyes.
What's with this feeling of a haughty wife gazing indulgently at her mischievous young husband?
This is absolutely unbelievable!

When did Serbia become so patient with itself?
Even John couldn't help but get goosebumps from the eerie atmosphere.

Although he didn't know exactly what was going on, John's frantically twitching right eyelid instinctively told him that if he stayed any longer, he might be in for an unprecedented, epic bout of bad luck.

John, feeling restless, immediately tried to chuckle awkwardly and change the subject, but Serbia, as if sensing his thoughts, raised an eyebrow and then spoke with a forced smile:

"John Maslow, does sitting with me make you feel uncomfortable?"

"Ahem, no, it's my honor."

"So who are you trying to impress with that dead fish look?"

"Could it be that in your eyes, I'm not even as comfortable as letting you stare at the air?"

Before John could even defend himself, Serbia abruptly lifted John's chin, then slowly turned his head towards him, bringing his own face close until their noses were only a centimeter apart, before finally stopping.

"!"

Immediately, her wine-red pupils stared intently at John's strange black pupils.

Feeling the other person's breath quicken uncontrollably, and their eyes tremble uncontrollably, as if from shock or fear of having their inner turmoil exposed.

At that moment, as if confirming a certain idea, Serbia's lips, which had been tightly pursed in anger, suddenly curved upwards into a smile.

But she didn't do anything excessive afterward. Instead, she gently touched her forehead to John, then stood up and distanced herself from the tense John.

Then, with one hand across his chest and the other hand, he pulled a folding fan from his pocket, unfolded it to cover his face, and then looked at John with a playful tone and slowly said:

“John Maslow, in my impression of you, I once thought that you were the kind of person who could always maintain a calm and composed demeanor no matter what happened, but your performance today has somewhat surprised me.”

"It seems you are not the emotionless machine I imagined, but still within the realm of humanity."

"However, considering the expression you just gave me that I found very pleasing, making me feel happy for the first time in a long time, I can forgive your offensive words in this pleasant mood." "And as someone who defied the wishes of the Red Dragon Queen, who was destined to ascend the throne of the two tribes and become the ruler of all half-dragon clans, reaching the pinnacle of power, yet survived, I think you should feel honored to be treated specially by me, shouldn't you?"

"..."

Looking at the person in front of her, who was extremely shy because of the close contact just now, her ears had turned bright red and her pupils were trembling uncontrollably.

But John silently rolled his eyes at the woman who was stubbornly trying to save face and deliberately putting on a calm demeanor.

However, he also knew that once he exposed the other party's true mental state, what awaited him was the Serbian red dragon's trampling in a fit of rage, followed by a beating for nothing.

Out of respect for the vanity of this Red Dragon Queen, who had just reached the pinnacle of her life and was eager to flaunt it to the world, he still spoke sincerely to her:

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. It is an honor."

“…Very good, I am pleased that you understand this blessing.”

Seeing that John neither exposed her deliberately feigned embarrassment nor took the opportunity to pull her close for a kiss, Serbia was filled with frustration at realizing that her seduction plan had failed.

At the same time, she couldn't help but curse John inwardly as an idiot, since she had just given such obvious signals.

How could this usually cunning and treacherous bastard suddenly become an emotional idiot at the crucial moment, failing to notice such an obvious flaw?
Could it be that this guy saw through it, but didn't intend to take action, and instead wanted to use a feigned retreat tactic instead?
"Hmph, what a cunning man! He actually tries to steal the initiative in our marriage from me, who is destined to become the Red Dragon Queen. How naive!"

After employing his extraordinary wisdom, Serbia quickly 'saw through' John's intentions, and a playful smile immediately appeared on his lips, his wine-red pupils gradually filled with fighting spirit.

The frustration of the failed honey trap vanished instantly, replaced by unprecedented excitement.

"That's right, that's the feeling. Compared to something that comes easily, the feeling of having to engage in a long-term struggle with the other party before finally achieving victory is what I like the most."

“And John Maslow, you must think so too, right?”

Seeing John deliberately engaging in an 'emotional game' with him, Serbia's smile immediately grew even wider.

At that moment, she suddenly felt that the conditions of her marriage agreement with Dormammu could be put aside for the time being.

After all, these snacks were just what she wanted and were incredibly tempting.

If you don't tease it properly before swallowing it whole in your palm, even if you successfully possess it, it would just be a waste.

Of course, the most important point is that, compared to this kind of forced binding, she would rather use her charm to make the man in front of her willingly submit to her and fall at her feet, and be willing to give her everything!
"Because from the moment you provoked me, you were destined to become my prey."

"No one can change this, and you are destined to be unable to escape my grasp."

"After all, legendary creatures like red dragons are just that domineering."

"You should have known this long ago, shouldn't you, John Maslow?"

Looking at his mischievous destined partner, a playful glint flashed in Serbia's eyes. He then stopped his attack, slowly closed the folding fan in his hand, and put it back into his pocket.

She then gracefully smoothed the dust off her red dress, and calmly addressed John:

“John, as previously agreed with Marshal Dormammu, I will return with you on this triumphant journey to complete the pre-arranged incorporation ceremony of the Imperial Half-Dragon Special Operations Legion and the corresponding conferment of military ranks.”

"As for the troops of the Emberscale Clan and the Abyssscale Clan, I will leave them in the Golden Lion Territory to assist the defense forces in completing the subsequent garrison mission. I have already discussed this with that Lord of Ravage and received his consent. In addition, I have instructed the clansmen in advance to only be responsible for patrol and guard activities, so I can ensure that they will not cause you any trouble."

"So, I'm afraid I'll have to rely on you for the rest of the journey, Commander John Maslow~"

After speaking, Serbia gracefully extended her slender, fair right hand to John, looking at the man in front of her with a smile.

"..."

John felt a surge of warmth as he looked at Serbia, who was ostensibly fulfilling an agreement but actually intended to use his upcoming appointment as the head of the newly formed Imperial Army Group to support him in his turbulent political career.

He did not refuse Serbia's offer, but under the other's nervous and slightly shy gaze, he gentlemanly took the other's hand, then leaned down and placed his lips five centimeters above the other's palm, making a standard hand kiss.

Then, he slowly raised his head and gazed at Serbia, whose eyes were as still as water, and spoke to him in a gentle tone:

“It is my honor, Your Highness Serbia Reinhardt.”

……

After confirming with Serbia the arrangements for their joint return to China, before John could even offer his leave, Serbia said he needed to pack some things and then got up to leave.

After being disturbed by Serbia, John's previously depressed mood eased considerably. He then walked to his tent and woke up the pig-headed squad leader, who was hugging his blanket and wearing a silly grin.

Then he urged the other party to pack their things, preparing to go to the dock of the Golden Lion Territory with the main force to board the ship and return to the Empire.

After a period of tedious preparation, the supplies were successfully prepared, and the wounded were placed in the vehicles sent by the National Defense Force.

John, having completed the handover of command with Irias, led his troops in a grand procession toward the port of the Golden Lion Territory.

After exchanging brief greetings with Bob and his men, who were waiting at the port, John boarded the warship docked at the port with his troops.

Feeling the slightly chilly sea breeze of early autumn, John took one last, poignant look at the port he had first arrived at two months ago.

Then he turned his gaze to the boundless sea in front of him, his eyes gradually becoming firm and calm.

"beep!"

The heavy whistle of the warship as it sailed out of the harbor accompanied this sound.

He listened to the excited voices of his subordinates who were crowding around him, discussing the upcoming rewards.

At that moment, John realized clearly.

As the warship slowly moves forward beneath their feet, a war without gunpowder ensues—a war unlike any other on the battlefield, but one that is no less dangerous.

It's almost here.

"Wow!"

[Volume 2, The Great Wave of Fauken, Complete!]

……

(End of this chapter)