I am a wicked dragon, and you want me to fall into goodness?

Chapter 115 Earl Austin of the Holy Radiance Empire (4k)

Red Fruit Court was a palace built by the Levi nobles as a united front, specifically for handling various internal disputes among the Levi.

In terms of authority, there are some conflicts with the courtroom of the Dragon King's Court.

However, handling internal affairs on their own has relieved some of the pressure on the Julong Royal Court's trial court.

Karen paused slightly upon hearing this, turning to look at the knight: "An envoy from the Holy Radiance Empire?"

The Holy Radiance Empire is a long-established and powerful nation in the southeastern part of the continent. It has been vying for hegemony over this continent with the Crimson Empire for thousands of years.

The Starshine Kingdom is a newly emerging power, based in Starfall City and integrating various races. Logically speaking, it should not be of any interest to the Holy Radiance Empire.

What is the purpose of sending such a sudden delegation? Is it to investigate the truth?

Or are they using the guise of an alliance to actually covet the mineral and forest resources within Xinghui's territory?

That shouldn't be!

Would the Holy Radiance Empire, with its immense power, even be interested in the minerals and resources within the Star Radiance territory?

Furthermore, Starshine and the Crimson Empire's Elia territory are practically bordering each other. Logically, if the Holy Radiance Empire wanted to attack Starshine—

The Crimson Empire was the first to disagree.

He nodded slowly, his voice indifferent: "Understood. Prepare the carriage and come with me to Red Fruit Court."

The knights stepped back to prepare, and Green immediately flapped his wings and flew to Karen, his voice more solemn than usual.

"Karen, you must be careful of the people from the Holy Radiance Empire! Those guys have mental talents; they can either subtly give people psychological suggestions or forcibly manipulate their minds."

"If you're not careful, you could be misled by them or reveal things you shouldn't say!"

Fearing Karen might not believe her, she quickly added, "They are skilled at using gentle tones to persuade others, and can even subtly make people agree with their ideas."

"The Holy Radiance Empire exists in a terrifying way. Many different races live under its rule, yet they all willingly serve the Silver Moon Clan!"

"You need to be careful of their mind manipulation and suggestion."

Karen lowered her eyes to look at the little golden dragon in front of her. Seeing the genuine worry in her eyes, her heart stirred slightly, but she still felt no warmth. She simply said, "I understand, Green."

He wasn't dismissive of Green's warning; the Holy Radiance Empire's spiritual talent was already legendary.

However, having faced life and death over the years, his will has been tempered to be as firm as a rock.

Ordinary mental suggestions cannot penetrate him, especially since he was already wary of the Holy Light Mission and would naturally be more cautious.

After saying that, Karen didn't linger and turned to board the black carriage that had been prepared.

Two elite Red Fang Knights stood on either side of the carriage, their horses' hooves making a steady "clatter" sound as they rode toward Red Fruit Court.

Green was worried, so he quietly flapped his wings and followed behind the carriage, shrinking his size and landing on the top of the carriage, fearing that something unexpected might happen on this trip.

Hongguoting is located on the west side of Xingluo City, and its architecture reveals the unique carving craftsmanship of the Levi people.

Compared to the old palace, the Dragon King's Court is now more refined, but less imposing.

Several Holy Radiance Attendants, dressed in silver-white formal attire with golden crosses embroidered on their collars, stood outside the Red Fruit Courtyard, their postures upright and their expressions respectful.

As they saw Karen's carriage approach, someone immediately stepped forward and said humbly, "Lady Karen, Lord Austin is already waiting in the main hall of the palace."

Compared to the Levi nobles who huddled to one side, their movements somewhat restrained, they seemed more like the masters of this place.

Karen pushed open the car door and got out. She glanced at the entrance, taking in the changes in the waiter's expression. Without saying a word, she strode straight in.

The trees planted in the palace courtyard were lush and verdant, yet they inexplicably exuded a sense of oppression.

Karen kept Green's warning in mind, her concentration high, wary of any temptations from the spiritual level.

Upon reaching the entrance to the main hall, two Holy Knights dressed in magnificent brocade robes stood guard on either side.

The golden cross pattern on the armor shimmered faintly in the light and shadow.

The two men looked at Karen with a scrutinizing gaze, their smiles formulaic.

Karen ignored it, raised her hand and pushed open the heavy wooden door, revealing the scene inside the main hall.

The main hall was spacious and bright, with a snow-white animal hair carpet on the floor and chairs placed on both sides.

At the very top seat sat a young man, nearly thirty years old, dressed in a purple and gold brocade robe.

He had a handsome face, fair skin, and an innate aristocratic arrogance between his brows. His fingertips lightly tapped the armrest of his chair, and his deep eyes looked at Karen with a mixture of inquiry and pressure.

This man is the leader of the Holy Radiance Mission, the youngest count in the Holy Radiance Empire, and a level 14 Holy Light Paladin—Auston.

Level 14 is the pinnacle for top-tier professionals on the mainland, the ultimate achievement for mediocre individuals.

Of course, it is said that the Crimson Empire has a technology that can forcibly allow top professionals to break through to the Hero rank, but there will be no further opportunity to go any further.

The Austin in front of Karen has reached the pinnacle of top-tier professionals and will definitely reach hero level in the future, or even touch the threshold of legend.

Karen felt the pressure.

He is currently only a senior professional.

Although on the verge of becoming a top-tier professional, a genius encounters another genius who has gone even further—

Holy Light Paladins are not only incredibly powerful in combat, but also highly skilled in Holy Light magic and the art of soothing the mind.

As a member of a collateral branch of the Holy Radiance Empire's royal family, Austin inherited the Holy Radiance nobles' most powerful mental talent, making his strength unfathomable.

Several members of the delegation stood beside him, their eyes all fixed on Karen.

There was scrutiny, disdain, and curiosity, as if examining a novel object.

Karen didn't care at all. She stood alone in the center of the hall, her aura was not weak at all. Even when facing a level 14 top professional, she remained calm and composed.

"This must be Lady Karen of the Starshine Kingdom. I've heard so much about you."

Austin spoke first, without any airs, his voice gentle and mellow, like a spring breeze brushing past Karen's ear, immediately making her feel good about him.

He slowly rose and gracefully descended from the main seat: "I am Earl Austin of the Holy Radiance Empire, and I have been ordered to come to Starshine."

"Firstly, to congratulate the establishment of the Starry Kingdom; secondly, to discuss diplomatic relations between our two countries with your esteemed nation."

As soon as she finished speaking, Karen clearly sensed a gentle force quietly approaching her, attempting to invade her mind.

This force is like a frog being slowly boiled in water; it is silent and insidious. If one's will is not firm, one will inevitably lower one's guard unconsciously.

Karen sneered inwardly. Just as Green had said, he had used mind control right from the start.

He immediately focused his mind and shut out that gentle power from his thoughts.

"Greetings, Earl Austin. I apologize for the long journey you have taken. Starshine is a newly established business and there are still many shortcomings in its construction."

The young man said in a gentle tone, "There's no need to rush things regarding diplomatic relations. Xinghui has never entertained such an honored guest as you before."

"I would like you to stay a few more days, to remain in Starshine, this kingdom under the protection of the dragon."

Instead of discussing diplomatic relations, he tried to change the subject.

What diplomatic relations?

The two countries were not on equal footing at all, allowing the Holy Radiance Empire's delegation to be stationed in Starfall City.

What's the difference between this and having someone else acknowledge a father?

A hint of surprise flashed in Austin's eyes; he clearly hadn't expected Karen to be less reserved than he had imagined.

After Karen sat down, the count tried to steer the conversation back on track: "The Holy Radiance Empire wishes to form an alliance with the Starshine Kingdom. Your country is rich in mineral resources and has vast forests."

"The Holy Radiance Empire possesses exquisite smelting techniques and abundant technology. An alliance between the two countries would allow for the exchange of technology and achieve a win-win situation."

"Of course," Austin said, changing the subject.

"After the alliance is formed, the Holy Radiance Empire will also send powerful warriors to garrison Starfall City to help resist the invasion of the Crimson Empire."

"The Crimson Empire has enormous ambitions, and Starshine has only just been established; it will likely be difficult to withstand them."

These words sound sincere, but in reality, they are full of scheming.

The alliance was a pretense, the coveting of Starfall's minerals and forests was a pretense, and the dispatch of powerful figures to garrison the city was a deliberate attempt to infiltrate Starfall and seize control of Starfall City.

All claims of development are fake.

They simply wanted to legitimately bring the Knights of the Holy Radiance Empire to Starfall City.

Karen, of course, knew this, and looked up at Austin: "Karen, on behalf of the Star Kingdom, appreciates your kindness."

"Although Starshine is weak, it is capable of protecting itself. The threat from the Crimson Empire does not require the great Holy Radiance Empire to intervene."

"As for minerals and forests, Xinghui also has some mining technology."

Karen once again rejected Austin's offer outright, giving him no chance whatsoever.

Upon hearing this, the members of the Holy Radiance Mission in the main hall all turned pale. A nobleman dressed in a silver robe couldn't help but speak up, his tone arrogant.

"You are far too arrogant! Starshine is merely a nation established by integrating a few small tribes."

"Without the help of the Holy Radiance Empire, we will be swallowed up by the Crimson Empire sooner or later. It's better to become an ally of the Holy Radiance Empire so that we can at least maintain our stability."

Karen retorted directly: "The survival of Starshine is determined by its own people, and has nothing to do with the Holy Radiance Empire."

"As guests—Starshine welcomes such distinguished guests as you. If you make such impolite demands, Austin raised his hand to stop the silver-robed nobleman who was about to lash out. In front of Karen, he even reprimanded the nobleman a few times."

He then advised, "Lord Karen, I know you have deep concerns, but this is a matter of life and death for Starshine. Please don't be so stubborn."

Karen calmly met Austin's gaze: "Lord Austin, though Starlight is small, it fears no threat."

Their gazes clashed in mid-air, one carrying the gentleness and probing of a nobleman, the other revealing the composure and sharpness of a garrison commander.

The members of the delegation looked grim, and the Red Fang Knight gripped his sword tightly, watching the Holy Radiance group warily, ready to attack at any moment.

Austin slowly withdrew his gaze, seemingly entirely out of consideration for Karen: "Lady Karen, you've misunderstood. I was just stating the facts."

"The Crimson Empire is ambitious and has been frequently active on the border recently, not only targeting the Holy Radiance Empire, but also eyeing emerging powers in the surrounding area."

"Starshine is the first to bear the brunt, and we have come here with sincerity."

That's utter nonsense.

Elia has been a nation for many years, yet the Holy Radiance Empire has never established diplomatic relations with Elia.

These guys must know Elia's situation; he's always been on the Scarlet Empire's dinner table.

So why are they coming now, and why have they sent such a powerful delegation?

Karen thought about it for a while and then understood.

It's because of the dragon.

The Star Kingdom was born under the protection of the dragon, which is why it attracted the Holy Light's temptation.

Austin then offered another bait, his tone somewhat tempting: "If Lady Karen is willing to form an alliance with Holy Radiance, I can recommend to the Holy Radiance Royal Family that the Starshine Kingdom become a vassal state of the Holy Radiance Empire."

"At that time, all citizens of Starshine will be able to enjoy the protection of the Holy Radiance Empire, and you will also be able to become a Holy Radiance Lord."

Becoming a vassal state is essentially becoming a colony of the Holy Radiance Empire, at its mercy.

Karen's anger rose, but she suppressed the urge to curse: "Count, Starshine is an independent kingdom and will never be subservient to any country."

"I will pretend I didn't hear what you said today. If the Earl has nothing else to say, please leave. Those with ill intentions are not welcome in Starshine."

Having said all that, the pretense of civility has been completely severed.

Austin's smile finally faded, and he exuded the pressure of a top-tier level 14 professional, enveloping Karen.

"Lady Karen, don't force me to take action. The Holy Radiance Empire can easily destroy Starshine. You'd better think carefully about the consequences."

He has lost his previous gentleness and revealed his true, tyrannical nature. If bribery fails, then coercion should be tried.

The young man stood tall, unyielding: "If you want to destroy Starshine, you'll have to ask the people of Starshine if they agree, and ask the sword in my hand if it agrees!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Karen placed her hand on the Sword of Excalibur. The Red Fang Knight immediately stepped forward to protect Karen, confronting the powerful members of the Holy Light Election, as if a great battle was about to break out.

Austin came here to investigate, and did not bring many elite troops. If they really fight, he may not be able to gain the upper hand.

If the stalemate continues, it could attract the legendary Star Dragon, with unimaginable consequences.

Although the Holy Radiance Empire is powerful, it is unwilling to easily become enemies with the powerful Benevolent Dragon.

After a moment's thought, Austin slowly withdrew his oppressive aura, and a smile returned to his face.

"Why get angry? Since you've made up your mind, I won't force you. It's better to have one more friend than one more enemy."

Seeing that he did not choose to attack, Karen's aura eased slightly, and her mind gradually relaxed: "Starshine is also unwilling to become an enemy of the Holy Radiance Empire."

Austin nodded slightly, said nothing more, and with a hint of regret on his face, turned to give instructions to the members of the delegation.

"Let's go, it's time to leave."

The group left the main hall in a grand procession. As they reached the door, Austin suddenly turned back to look at Karen, a subtle glint in his eyes, and a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Karen felt a sharp pain in her head.

Austin hadn't even had time to be happy; that gentle smile was still lingering on his lips.

Karen let out a muffled groan, her brow furrowing only for a fleeting moment before quickly returning to normal.

[Apostle Bond: Your chosen apostle can share some of your talents. The apostle will gain the "Dragon's Might Protection" effect, becoming immune to mental attacks from non-divine beings, and their stamina and mana regeneration speed will be increased by 50% when they are near you.]