Evil Red Dragon

The scene abruptly ended, and the light screen shattered and disappeared.

Helena slowly withdrew her magic: "This is all I can see. The fragments are too chaotic. Forcibly extracting more might damage her consciousness."

As soon as she finished speaking, the magic circle went completely dark, and all the magic crystals on it were used up.

Isa withdrew her gaze from Cinsella, lost in thought:

"That's enough. We now know where the mithril came from, and we also know the approximate location of the dragon's nest, which is extremely far away. What's more troublesome is that there's also an adult red dragon..."

She played with the mithril ore in her hand:

"But if the mithril came from near the dragon's nest, why didn't the red dragon detect it? That doesn't make sense."

"That's certainly unusual."

Helena continued speaking while repairing the magic circle:

"Red dragons have a natural, more acute sense of treasure than hunting dogs. Mithril, an exceptionally precious magical metal, holds a fatal attraction for them, unless..."

She slowly raised her head: "Unless there is no mithril vein near that dragon's nest at all, and this is just a stray ore that this little dragon was lucky enough to encounter."

The magic circle started operating again, and Cinsera fell into a dream once more.

Helena drew out the long, drawn-out sound:

"And even if there really is a mithril vein there, we both know what a fully grown red dragon means."

Even the most ordinary adult individual possesses at least level seven strength. I don't want to face it alone, and it's unrealistic for you to bring the Knights and come with me to storm the dragon's nest..."

After a long silence, Isha finally spoke:

"You're right, but..."

She turned to Helena:

"In this young dragon's memories, there are not only clues about the dragon's nest and mithril, but also her brother, another red dragon."

Helena clapped her hands and raised an eyebrow with interest:

"Oh? That huge little guy who devours ore? You're interested in him?"

"Very interested."

Isa took two steps forward:

"His behavior is unusual; he takes the initiative to learn, organize resource mining, and even teach the young of his own nest. This is unlike a typical red dragon, and Your Highness should like him."

"so?"

Helena crossed her arms:

"You want to find it? The Endless Mountains are vast and boundless; searching for a deliberately hidden red dragon is like finding a needle in a haystack."

"There's no need to search for a needle in a haystack."

Isabella smiled enchantingly and gently stroked the mithril ore:

"The clue is right here. Alecto's every action is orderly, almost like a human being. And order requires a stable environment. Do you think it would choose to nest there?"

Helena paused, her expression gradually turning serious:

"You mean... he might be nesting near human settlements?"

"Very likely."

Helena fell into deep thought.

That makes sense.

After a long pause, she slowly nodded.

"But the borders of humanity are vast, and he may not necessarily be on our side."

Isa didn't deny it, she just shrugged:

"It's okay if it's not here, this red dragon will do, but that one is more ideal, it would be best if we could find it."

Helena and Isa stared at each other for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly:

"You're quite interesting. How about joining our Witch Guild?"

Isa asked in confusion, "Hasn't Her Highness already joined you?"

I meant you.

Helena pointed at her, blinked, and said in a half-serious tone:

"The Witches' Guild never has too many smart people."

"I will only follow Your Highness."

Isabella shook her head and then asked:

"But why do you guys publicly display your organization's name in the tavern? Aren't you afraid of being attacked by those mad dogs from the church?"

Helena waved her hand casually:

"So what if they come? The entire Graystone Town is under our control now..."

"It's under my control."

Isabella corrected her calmly.

"We're all in the same boat, why distinguish between you, me, and her?"

"He's so outgoing," Isha thought to herself.

That makes sense, though; they are indeed now in a situation where one's fortunes are the same as the other's, and one's loss is the same as the other's.

She stopped dwelling on that and continued discussing the important matter at hand:

"And what about the little red dragon? Should we maintain the status quo? How are her mental and physical condition?"

Helena opened her mouth and yawned widely, her pink tongue sticking out:

"I know what I'm doing; after all, damaging her won't do me any good."

Isa didn't mind the impolite behavior of the other party, after all, she knew that Helena was of commoner origin and it was normal that she hadn't learned aristocratic etiquette.

"This place is too small and inconvenient for the ceremony. Should I arrange a more suitable location to move this red dragon here?"

Helena rubbed her eyes: "It's up to you. I'm going to sleep."

The meeting between the two ended hastily.

A day later, the Silverwing Knights lined up on both sides of the city gate, their silver armor gleaming in the sunlight.

The townspeople were confined to their homes, and the streets were deserted, with only the wind swirling the fallen leaves on the ground.

Isa stood in front of the city gate, dressed in military uniform, her long silver hair tied back.

Behind her stood ten officers of the Knights Order, each with a solemn expression.

A bugle call sounded in the distance.

First, the figures of cavalry appeared at the end of the road. Twenty knights in silver-white heavy armor walked slowly, carrying banners embroidered with thorns and roses.

This is the badge of Princess Elena, the thirteenth princess.

Four pure white horned horses slowly pulled a silver-white carriage inlaid with gold.

Magical runes were carved on the carriage.

The curtains on the car windows were drawn low, obscuring the figures inside.

Ten foot guards stood on each side of the carriage, all dressed in mithril light armor, with long swords at their waists, and their steps were perfectly synchronized.

Finally, there was the entourage and supply train, with dozens of horse-drawn carriages loaded with various supplies.

The entire procession consisted of about two hundred people, and they moved in complete silence, with only the sounds of horses' hooves and wheels rolling on the road.

As the carriage approached the city gate, Isa stepped forward, placed her right hand on her chest, and knelt on one knee.

"Isa, Commander of the Silverwing Knights, warmly welcomes Your Highness to Graystone Town."

The officers of the Knights saluted in unison.

The carriage stopped, and the door slowly opened.

A slender, jade-like foot stepped onto the red carpet that had already been laid out, clad in a high-heeled red shoe, followed by a deep purple goose down skirt.

Princess Elena, the thirteenth princess, stepped out of the car.

She looked no more than seventeen or eighteen years old, with red hair that reached her waist, delicate features, fair skin, and clear, bright violet eyes.

Elena glanced at Isa, who was kneeling on the ground:

"Get up, Isa."

Isa stood up, still bowing:

"Your Highness must be tired from your journey. I have prepared a palace for you. Please move and rest."

Elena nodded slightly and climbed back into the carriage.

The convoy started again and slowly drove into Greystone Town.

Isabella mounted her horse and led the way.

The former mayor's residence has been rearranged and has become Elena's temporary residence.

Inside the mansion's main hall, all other people were dismissed, leaving only Elena, Isa, and two personal maids.

Elena sat in the main seat, and a maid served her a hot drink.

She took a small sip, put down the cup, and looked at Isa:

"Tell me, what's the situation?"

Isa stepped forward and took out a scroll from her bosom, presenting it to him:

"Your Highness, these are the results of my investigation."

Elena took the scroll, unfolded it, and quickly browsed through it.

The scroll contains detailed records of Greystone Town's population, economy, defense capabilities, and the situation in the surrounding areas.

But she didn't care about any of that.

"Where is Baron Oddo?"

"As you commanded, he has been sent back to the capital. During his tenure, he was severely corrupt and his accounts were in disarray. I have sealed all the evidence, which can be submitted to the capital court at any time."

Elena nodded and tossed the reel aside:

"Never mind him, how's the red dragon?"

"Helena is watching over it. As you instructed, I haven't alerted anyone and have secretly placed it in a safe location."

Elena stood up: "Take me to see."

Inside the underground space, Cinsera remained imprisoned in the center of the magic circle.

But today was different; she was unusually lucid and was cursing loudly in the Dragon language:

"Despicable humans! ***! ****..."

The insults were too vulgar to translate.

So how is Cinsyra feeling right now?

I feel nothing but anger and regret! In short, I'm extremely regretful!

She was assassinated before she could even begin her extraordinary life.

First, she encountered a level 5 magical beast and died, which was bad enough. Then a level 7 human mage came and instantly killed her.

They've kept her imprisoned ever since!

If I had known it would turn out like this, I would have been better off going with Alecto!

Helena was busy around the magic circle, with various magical materials placed around her.

Piles of magic crystals, bottled magic potions, and several artifacts radiating powerful magical energy.

"Don't overreact. I won't do anything to you. A big shot has taken a liking to you. Just behave yourself, and your good days are coming."

Cinsela was taken aback by what she said.

An important person? What do they need her for?

At that moment, she suddenly had a wrong idea.

While it is true that some nobles enjoy buying magical beasts that can transform into human form as slaves to satisfy their unknown perverted fetishes.

She... swore even more.

As Elena and Isa walked in, Helena was embedding the last level-six magic crystal into the groove of the magic circle.

"Your Highness."

Helena turned and bowed, but her movements were casual, unlike Isabella's respectful gesture.

Elena didn't care; her gaze was completely drawn to the red dragon in the center of the magic circle.

"Is this the red dragon?"

She walked slowly closer and carefully examined Cinsella.

Cinsera struggled to lift her head, the chains rattling.

Her vertical pupils reflected Elena's image, and she continued to roar:

"Despicable human! How dare you treat the great red dragon like this! You will die a horrible death!"

"Your Highness, please be careful."

Isabella stepped forward and shielded Elena behind her.

"It's alright."

Elena withdrew her hand and stood up:

"How's the preparation going?"

Helena said confidently:

"Your Highness, everything is ready. Although red dragons are the most difficult to tame among the dragons, this young dragon is still young and its mind is not yet fully mature, making it the perfect time."

What is the success rate?

"Fifty percent."

Helena said, "If everything goes well, I'm 50% sure."

Elena paused for a moment, then slowly nodded:

"Let's begin then."

"Yes, ma'am."

Helena's expression turned solemn as she began formal preparations for the ceremony.

She first drew a new magic circle around the outer edge of the original magic circle.

These magic arrays are more complex, nested in layers, and connected to the original Dragon Binding Array.

Isa directed the soldiers to place the materials Helena needed in their designated positions.

Three hours later, everything was ready.

A new complex magic circle covered the entire underground space, with thirteen interconnected magic circles radiating terrifying magical energy.

Inside the Adventurers' Guild, Ronan raised his head briefly, then immediately lowered it again, pretending he knew nothing.

At this moment, Helena, holding the Dragon Fang Staff, gave a reminder.

"Your Highness, once the ceremony begins, it cannot be interrupted."

Elena stood at the core of the magic circle and nodded slowly.

"I see."

Helena took a deep breath and raised her staff.

"Then... let's begin!"

She slammed her staff heavily on the ground.

hum-

The entire underground space shook.

The thirteen magic arrays lit up simultaneously.

Cinsera let out a painful scream and struggled violently, but the chains held her firmly in place.

Helena began chanting the incantation:

"The great will of the dragon... the ancient pact... guided by bloodline, bound by soul..."

As the incantation was performed, a pillar of light rose from the center of the magic circle, completely enveloping Cinsera and Elena.

Countless runes emerged from the pillar of light, rotating and gradually seeping into their bodies.

Cinsera struggled more and more violently, her eyes filled with fear.

"Your Highness! Blood essence!"

Helena shouted and poured more magic into her staff.

Elena bit her tongue hard, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

The essence and blood transformed into blood mist in the air and merged into the magic array.

"Blood Pact—Completed!"

The blood mist condensed into a complex mark, slowly drifting towards Cinsera.

Cinsera struggled desperately to avoid the mark.

However, the binding force of the magic array reached its peak at this moment.

The mark drew closer and closer, eventually landing on Cinsera's forehead.

"what!"

Cinsera let out a piercing scream, her body convulsing violently.

The mark firmly connected her soul with Elena's.

At this moment, Cinsera was panting heavily inside the magic circle, while Long Tong stared intently at Elena.

She has formed a blood pact with that human!

From that moment on, she would be bound to that despicable human for life!

The blood pact also allowed them to empathize, understand each other's feelings, and comprehend each other's thoughts...

This is an absolute disgrace!

She's furious!

"Damn humans!"

Helena breathed a sigh of relief, slumped to the ground, and gasped for air.

"It's...it's a success..."

Isa helped her up:

"Are you alright?"

Helena shook her head with a wry smile:

"It's nothing, I just need to rest for a while."

Elena walked up to Cinsera and tried to stroke the dragon's head, but Cinsera turned her head away.

"It's alright. Your name is Cinsera, right? From now on, we'll live and die together. We have plenty of time to get to know each other. I'll release you whenever you've made up your mind."

The corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

With the blood pact in place, she didn't believe she couldn't tame Cinsera.

The blood pact allowed Cinsera to clearly sense Elena's thoughts.

This only angered her more.

"Damn blood pact..."

Cynthia growled:

"You despicable human, how dare you use such methods to bind the great red dragon!"

Elena wasn't angry; she simply turned her head slightly and smiled faintly.

"Binding? No, it's connection."

Your pain is my pain, and my glory will be your glory.

Isn't this a deeper bond?

"Bonds?"

Cinsella scoffed:

"You humans only know how to use intrigue and magic to compensate for your own fragility!"

Helena, who had regained some strength, stood up with Isa's help.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and interjected:

"My little darling, don't get so angry. By following His Highness, the resources, knowledge, and power you will gain in the future will far exceed what you would gain by struggling alone outside."

Cinsella turned her head away, unwilling to look at these people anymore.

Elena wasn't in a hurry.

She turned to Helena: "What do we need to do next?"

"The blood pact is complete; the next step is to solidify it."

Helena explained:

"You need time to adjust to the blood pact, and she needs further treatment. I suggest moving her to a safer, more spacious place, which will help stabilize her emotions and speed up her recovery."

Isabella pondered:

"There is an abandoned mine on the east side of Graystone Town. It has a huge interior space that extends deep into the mountain and has a high temperature. It can be modified and a magic circle can be set up to maintain the environment."

"Can."

Elena nodded: "I'll leave this to you. The sooner the better."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Elena looked at Cinsella again, and she could sense the inner struggle in the other woman.

Although this young dragon is stubborn, it is still just a child.

"Cynthia".

Elena called her name:

"I know you hate me now, but there's still a long way to go. One day you'll understand that this isn't slavery, but a new beginning."

Cinsela did not respond; she simply closed her eyes tightly.