Chapter 538
-“Kyu~?”

Acorella placed her hands on her hips and looked up at the dragon. The creature just sat there, nodding its head slightly. Its temperament seemed relatively gentle, but given its massive size, it was overwhelming just to look at it. How on earth were they supposed to manage this thing?

As Acorella calmly tugged at her hair in frustration, the mages began poking the dragon with their wands.

“Don’t you think they’re treating this one differently from Beric?”

“Maybe it knows something. Like that Beric’s its equal.”

“Are dragons usually like this?”

“There must be some real brutes out there. But those kinds can’t be brought in without experts.”

“True. Before crossing the border, that muffin probably got killed.”

“This one’s probably the most controllable, and just troublesome enough to give us a hard time. Let’s start with the Gakrin analysis.”

“Gakrin? What’s that?”

“That thing.”

“You sure you’re up for this, Captain?”

It had been a long time ago, but Acorella had once nearly died from a dragon Gakrin infection. She tightened her protective gloves and turned around.

“If not me, then who? Anyone here ever handled dragon Gakrin? Or even knows how to deal with it?”

“…No one.”

“Exactly. So keep your eyes open, do some research, and be prepared, all of you.”

“Geez, Captain, you caught the infection yourself, didn’t you?”

“Well, if you don’t like it, catch it yourself.”

Carefully, Acorella approached the dragon and lifted a layer of its scales.

The dragon tilted its head, sensing something was off, and the mages immediately went on alert. They knew the chains binding it were a pathetic control measure at best. If it suddenly went berserk, they’d have to subdue it immediately.

“Whoa, whoa. Ease up. You’re making it nervous.”

“If you’re not careful, the Captain’s head’s gonna roll.”

“Oh, since when did you start worrying about me?”

“Behave yourself. You’re breaking the scales.”

“Who do you think’s the Captain here, seriously.”

With a snap, Acorella peeled off the scale, and the dragon’s eyes widened. It snorted sharply, and saliva dripped from its mouth. This was no ordinary reaction.

While the mages tensed, Acorella pulled another scale.

“…Ca-Captain!”

“Why do you keep calling me that?”

“It’s crying.”

“What?”

Acorella tilted her head in disbelief. What she thought was drool was actually tears. She also noticed the dragon trembling slightly and sighed, holding the two torn scales in her hand.

“That’s enough. We’ll use these for testing.”

“Don’t cry, you big lug. Why are you crying?!”

-“Kyu~!”

“This is driving me crazy. Stop crying. What do you eat? Meat? Fruit?”

“Let’s give it what we were going to give Beric.”

The mages, who had been on edge ready to restrain the dragon, slowly approached and began stroking its forehead. Seizing the moment, the dragon rolled over, belly exposed. The mages marveled and touched it all over, but Acorella warned them.

“Hands off. No approaching until the Gakrin test is done.”

“Oh, you’re so cold-hearted.”

“What’s that? You want to die?”

“But the more I look at it, the more fascinating it is. Why does it like strangers so much?”

“Beric hated people.”

“Beric’s not really human. Anyway, even in front of the Luswena delegation, it was docile, but not like this. Maybe it likes mages because it’s a monster? Luswena brought a mage with them, right?”

Snap!

Acorella gave a sharp tap to the mages who weren’t backing off.

“Build a fence and chain it up. I said no approaching. If you break that, consider your life forfeit and I’ll invite you to the lab.”

“Got it! We’ll remember.”

Tsk, tsk. Should’ve done that from the start.

Acorella headed straight to the lab and placed the two Gakrin scales into a clear glass cup. Ideally, it was better if defects were found in the dragon. That way, they could send it back through Repin and possibly expand the royal family’s justification depending on the issue.

‘But the Gakrin incident happened ten years ago. We already have some information. Luswena knows about it too, so it probably isn’t the same plague. Hmm.’

She slid on her protective goggles and took a light breath—a ritual before any sacred research. This was an important moment to uncover what kind of mischief Luswena had sent through the dragon, so she had to focus.

Clatter.

Boom!

“…?!”

Ten minutes into the experiment, a sudden explosion startled the mages in the Mana Stone Research Department. They all glanced toward Acorella’s lab but quickly lost interest, as this kind of thing happened often. They returned to their desks, resting their heads.

They needed to conserve energy for the coronation.

---

Meanwhile, the banquet hall was in a state of mild chaos.

The scent of spilled wine mingled with the laughter of the drunk, while the nobles lounged comfortably, puffing on cigars. Whether in a marketplace or the royal banquet hall, the true face of a party was much the same.

“Lord Repin.”

“Hm?”

“The Prime Minister of Hawan and the Minister of Magic are nowhere to be seen.”

Repin, equally drunk, stroked his mustache and frowned.

“Maybe the minister went to rest? I saw mages coming and going in shifts.”

“That’s possible, but the Hawan Prime Minister is missing too. I’m worried. Maybe they’re having a secret meeting.”

“Hah! What could he possibly do? He’s been exiled after losing the political fight.”

“Still, it’s worth checking. Hawan and Luswena are close, so their movements matter more than Bariel’s. If Shatima returns backed by Bariel, it’ll be a headache not just for Hawan but Luswena as well.”

Repin’s face twisted as he sipped his drink. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. He covered his mouth with his hand and asked,

“What about the dragon?”

“The Ministry of Magic took it away, but there’s been no further reaction. Seems ‘fine’ for now.”

“You mean that pink-haired mage who guided us at first? The captain, that Accordion something?”

“Captain Acorella.”

“Yeah, her. Doesn’t it feel off?”

“According to intel, the Ministry is handling the research.”

“Exactly! That’s what’s off! They’re the ones studying the dragon, right?”

If no one else was qualified, that would make sense. The attendant nodded, and Repin clicked his tongue, muttering,

“They’ll find out something.”

“Find out what?”

At that moment, King Clipoford suddenly raised his head.

His face was all smiles, eyes curved into slits. His prominent cheekbones gave him a warm, approachable air—not what you’d expect from a king. He swirled his wine glass and offered a drink to Repin.

“I’ll find out what it is myself!”

“Uh, it’s nothing, Your Majesty. You do seem to enjoy your drink.”

“For a Clipoford, this is basic! We have a drink with every meal. Come on, don’t hold back! The Crown Prince has brought us excellent wine, so not a drop should be wasted! Kyokyokyo!”

“Ah, I think I’ll stop now—”

“Why? Don’t want to drink?”

Though this was a foreign land, it was still the king offering. How could you refuse? King Clipoford’s eyes went wide as he stared at Repin, followed by the royal entourage’s gaze. How dare you refuse the king’s drink?

Repin forced an awkward smile and downed the glass.

“Good, good, glad to see you enjoy it! But I have a question.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Cough Oops, that’s bitter.”

“The dragon. Didn’t Luswena have trouble with one before? I heard a noble family destroyed by treason did something with their dragon.”

“Ah, the Haiman family?”

Repin answered without thinking and glanced around. He’d momentarily forgotten they were in the heart of Bariel’s palace. Luckily, most were too drunk to notice.

“Though the lady was from the Luswena royal family, the authorities say it had nothing to do with that incident.”

“I heard rumors they made some kind of black armor with the dragon. I’m cautiously asking if that’s true.”

“That would be a violation of the treaty. Absolutely not. Luswena only operates internationally recognized dragon breeding grounds. They know nothing about other matters. It’s regrettable how rumors spread.”

Repin stopped talking and quickly finished his drink. King Clipoford glanced around, then sat closer and whispered,

“So you’re saying you know nothing about the black armor?”

“Yes, yes. Never seen it.”

“Hmm, is that so? What a shame.”

Repin’s eyes narrowed at the king’s muttering. A shame? About what? He tapped the table lightly, pondering. Then, unable to hold back, he whispered back,

“Is something wrong?”

“Hmm. No, nothing.”

“As an envoy of Luswena, I cannot take lightly any mention of the Black Armor. Your Majesty, please speak freely.”

“Ahem. Then, come closer for a moment.”

The king motioned for Repin to approach. There was something on his mind! Repin’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as the king casually refilled an empty cup.

“It’s been ten years since the capital of Clipoford was destroyed by the fissure. It’s about time we seriously consider restoring it independently.”

“Yes, yes. Of course. It’s a matter tied to the dignity of the royal family.”

Repin’s ears perked up at the word ‘independently.’ Currently, Clipoford’s government was run under Bariel’s influence, but this sounded like a move to break free and establish a new order. Such a shift would have major implications for international affairs.

“I understand the palace confiscated quite a number of Black Armors from the Haiman family long ago, but I hear none can be sent to Clipoford.”

“That’s understandable. Even Bariel’s own forces don’t have enough to spare.”

“So, I’m asking you discreetly—do you know any way to acquire Black Armor? Outside official channels, of course. We both know Luswena and Clipoford cannot trade openly due to diplomatic tensions. Perhaps you, as the representative, could arrange something?”

“Black Armor, you say… hmm.”

“If you can just connect me to a supplier, I’ll give you ten percent of the transaction.”

Ten percent? Repin blinked involuntarily. That was an unimaginable sum. Each suit of Black Armor was worth a fortune. He lightly tapped his flushed cheek to steady himself.

‘Get a grip. This is a trap.’

Where on earth would Clipoford get that kind of money?

Even if they did pay, any Black Armor that reached Clipoford would inevitably be funneled to Bariel, tightening the noose around Luswena. This was a very, very sloppy scheme!

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but the Black Armor—”

“That’s enough refusals for now. Come, have a drink.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

Suppressing the dizzying sensation, Repin downed the cup. It was time to make his exit soon. As he wiped his damp mustache, the Clipoford king pressed on.

“So Luswena is preparing Black Armor, then?”

“Yes.”

Huh? What was that? Repin was startled by his own slip and quickly covered his mouth. But the king continued as if nothing had happened.

“Dragon Kagrin is essential for making Black Armor, and a large supply is needed. Can that be done with just the official breeding grounds?”

“…No!?”

What was going on? Repin bit down hard on his tongue to stop it from betraying him further. He was certain he’d been drugged somehow.

The king chuckled knowingly and winked.

“Then, you must have other breeding grounds?”

“Your Majesty?”

“Why the hesitation? You seem quite drunk.”

Something masked as alcohol was taking hold of Repin’s body. He suddenly thought of the antidote potion but the spinning in his head made it impossible to focus.

Damn it. I should stand up and protest that I was drugged… or else they’ll just think I’m drunk and clumsy…

Thud!

Repin collapsed forward, forehead hitting the table. The Clipoford king laughed heartily and patted his back.

“Hey! Luswena’s side, help your envoy Repin up! I don’t know why he drank so much when he can’t handle it!”