Elegy from Another World

In a dimly lit study in the heart of Valencia, heavy velvet curtains shut out all the noise and light from the outside world. The air was filled with the unique aroma of aged leather, ancient books, and expensive cigars. The fireplace burned quietly, its flickering flames casting dappled light on the polished, dark floor.

A figure slumped lazily in a soft leather sofa. He wore a well-tailored deep purple velvet tuxedo, with intricate silver embroidery adorning the cuffs and collar, and several rings on his fingers that held a subtle, magical allure. In his hand, he held a glass of amber-colored spirit, gently swirling it, the ice cubes clinking against the glass.

His face was somewhat blurred in the shadow of the fire, only his hard jawline and a pair of gray eyes that gleamed with calculation in the dim light could be seen.

"How is the plan going?" the nobleman asked, his voice deep and magnetic, yet carrying a chilling quality, like a venomous snake gliding across silk.

In the shadows of the corner of the room, an even more indistinct shadow, almost blending into the darkness, stirred slightly, making a sound like sandpaper rubbing together: "Reporting back to the Lord, proceed steadily. The selection of the 'sacrifice' is more than half complete; only the final 'fuse' awaits."

"Oh? Do you need any special 'fuse'?" The nobleman took a sip of wine, his tone slightly amused.

"It requires intense emotions, filled with resentment and despair, preferably a curse originating from the same bloodline... Such soul energy is the finest nourishment," the shadow replied.

The nobleman's lips curled into a cold smile as he raised his wine glass to his eyes, peering through the amber liquid at the distorted fire in the hearth: "Excellent. It seems my disobedient niece Tina... can finally be of some insignificant value."

He put down his wine glass, leaned forward slightly, and a shadow swept across half of his face, making his smile appear even more sinister.

"The task of 'training' her is entirely yours. I want to drive her to the brink of collapse through endless suffering, to make her pay the price for her foolish resistance. Remember, in the final moments of her life, I want to witness her regret and despair... and then let her perish completely in that despair."

"Yes! I understand!" Shadow's voice was filled with absolute obedience.

The nobleman leaned back on the sofa, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, as if recalling something: "Also, I heard an interesting rumor... Some say that someone slaughtered a rare white dragon in the border region. Is this true?"

"Indeed, my lord," the shadow confirmed. "The source is reliable, and there are numerous eyewitnesses. The dragon's corpse... or rather, at least part of its body, was seen by someone outside the city of Teferi."

"White Dragon..." A greedy glint flashed in the man's eyes. "Dragon horns are top-tier conductors of magic, and a dragon's heart contains boundless primal magic—it's an immeasurable treasure. Such things shouldn't be left to roam freely, much less be defiled by those ignorant adventurers."

"Understood. I will find a way to retrieve it."

The nobleman's voice suddenly turned cold and resolute, like tempered steel: "At any cost!"

"yes!"

The shadow vanished silently into the deep darkness of the study, as if it had never existed, like ink dissolving in water.

The nobleman was left alone. He raised his wine glass again, gazing at the leaping flames in the fireplace, a meaningful, expectant smile on his face. Tina's despair, the white dragon's power… everything was like a chess piece on a board, moving step by step towards his predetermined end, according to his will. And the identity of the dragon slayer… he narrowed his eyes slightly. Perhaps it was time to investigate that thoroughly. Any potential variables had to be controlled, or… eliminated.