65. Crimson Scale’s Invitation
Reina didn’t bother with pleasantries and directly exposed Crimson Scale’s hidden identity.
Without providing any evidence.
Everyone was shocked.
“What…?”
“A traitor?”
“Although I’ve heard rumors, but to think it’s actually…”
“How is that possible?”
They erupted like popcorn, discussing the details of Reina’s words.
Crimson Scale’s lips trembled slightly, but he maintained his composure, preventing himself from showing any weakness. He knew Reina’s provocation tactic, but he still felt a surge of anger.
“Miss Azure Scale, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Let’s cooperate.”
He extended his hand.
Reina ignored him.
Her azure eyes seemed to see through everything. Her ever-present maid uniform gave her a touch of cuteness and playfulness amidst her seriousness, causing the onlookers to stop their whispers and cautiously observe the situation, avoiding any potential disaster.
And Crimson Scale, with his awkwardly outstretched hand, looked like a clown.
“Hahaha, you’re truly remarkable, Miss Azure Scale, just like the legends say.”
Crimson Scale didn’t abandon his pretense.
But he knew that continuing this conversation in public would only make him lose face.
So, he took a small sip of red wine, raised an eyebrow, composed his slightly twisted expression, and then nodded slightly, smiling:
“I was a bit presumptuous, Miss Azure Scale.”
“This way, please.”
Reina didn’t refuse.
They left the banquet hall and went to the back garden. There, in the center of a lush, flower-filled lake, a white stone path led to a beautiful pavilion.
The two sat facing each other in the pavilion, and Crimson Scale finally revealed his true colors.
His tone changed from refined to arrogant and condescending.
“Miss Reina, I’m now formally inviting you to become my subordinate.”
Saying that, he took out a piece of paper.
Reina examined it carefully and realized it was a contract.
Contracts were agreements between dragons. For fairness, both parties had to wager something, often used as a condition for duels between powerful beings.
Crimson Scale’s condition was to submit to the orcs.
And beside the contract was a gold ring.
Reina almost laughed.
She knew Crimson Scale was arrogant and conceited, but she hadn’t expected him to be such a lunatic. She had already been disappointed in Crimson Scale, but now it seemed he still had some guts.
That gold ring represented the highest position among the beastmen.
It was a symbol of status that even Donald wasn’t worthy of.
“You should recognize this, shouldn’t you? Hehe…”
Crimson Scale said with a smile:
“I’ve looked into your background, Miss Reina. You don’t belong to the Silver Dragon Airspace. You might be the illegitimate daughter of some dragons, perhaps a child bride raised by the Dragon King, or maybe something else entirely.”
“The Dragon King is a powerful being without emotions, a monster skilled in combat.”
“Regardless of whether you were promoted or have some other background, I can confirm one thing.”
“The Dragon King has taken a liking to your power and intellect, using you as a tool. She has never considered your interests, just like how she abandoned others in the past.”
“This world operates on the principle of survival of the fittest. There’s no such thing as pure and noble intentions.”
“The orcs are planning a grand scheme.”
“Freedom.”
Crimson Scale said, spreading his arms.
“The Beast King will change the entire world. He said he wants to unite all races. The blood race is just a small part of it.”
“If you accept my plan and join me in serving the Beast King,”
“Then, you and I will be hailed as the new [Dragon Kings] by the beastmen, ruling over the dragon race.”
“At that time, you’ll have ample time and money at your disposal, and the future of the dragon race will be in your hands.”
“This is much better than working under the Dragon King’s shadow, isn’t it?”
Crimson Scale spoke passionately.
“…”
“Are you done?”
Reina yawned and wagged her tail, seemingly unconcerned.
“Miss Azure Scale, don’t be nervous. The Dragon King isn’t nearby.”
Crimson Scale said with a sly smile:
“I sought you out because I believe you’re a smart person.”
“You don’t really have a close relationship with the Dragon King, do you?”
“I can see that it’s just a facade.”
These words were based on the reports from his spies and the suspicions he had observed.
But Reina acted as if she hadn’t heard anything.
She said mockingly:
“A traitor of the dragon race can actually say such things? How eye-opening~”
“Have you made up your mind, Miss Azure Scale? If you don’t agree, you’re my enemy.”
Crimson Scale took a sip of red wine, as if Reina’s words weren’t unexpected.
His previously polite demeanor vanished, replaced by an arrogant and ugly expression.
“You can’t even imagine the extent of my network.”
“I will turn the dragon race against you, making you the greatest villain in this world.”
“Countless troubles will come your way.”
“And at that time, how will Calysia help you?”
“Tomorrow is the Demon Moon meeting. If you don’t sign the contract, I’ll make you lose face tomorrow.”
“Even if you refuse now, you don’t have time to prepare against me, the strongest Demon Moon. Give up, Reina.”
“Shining Scale and White Scale also tried to oppose me before.”
“But they’ve already been suppressed by me and can no longer step foot in the Silver Dragon Airspace, like lowly commoners.”
“Killing you won’t even require a single soldier.”
Crimson Scale narrowed his eyes, taking a sip of red wine, enjoying this feeling of superiority.
Reina smiled faintly, showing no fear:
“My relationship with the Dragon King is not for others to judge.”
“Betraying the Dragon King is a path to death.”
“And you’re not worthy of speaking the Dragon King’s name.”
“You’re not worthy.”
Suddenly, she picked up the contract, and just as Crimson Scale thought she was about to sign her name, the contract was instantly engulfed in black flames, turning to ash.
It wasn’t Reina who burned the contract.
It was simply that this flimsy contract couldn’t bind Reina. The cause and effect surrounding her were already beyond the constraints of this contractual balance.
At the same time, Reina stood up and left the banquet without looking back, heading towards the place she had agreed to meet Calysia… She had to go home and prepare lunch. There was no need to stay here any longer.
Only Crimson Scale, drenched in cold sweat, remained in the pavilion.
At this moment, Gold Scale, who had been standing in the distance, instantly appeared beside Crimson Scale.
Crimson Scale glanced at the elderly demon beside him and said seriously:
“You know what you need to do next, right?”
“Forgive my hesitation, but I truly see a glimmer of the dragon race’s future in her.”
Gold Scale shook his head.
“Are you joking? Hahaha… her?”
Crimson Scale chuckled wryly.
“I’m not denying her talent, but I know that it’s absolutely impossible for one person to fight against the entire beastman race.”
“She’s not alone,” Gold Scale closed his eyes. “She still has the Dragon King.”
Crimson Scale was speechless.
Saying that, Gold Scale vanished like a phantom, disappearing from Crimson Scale’s sight without a trace.
“Azure Scale?”
“Hehe…”
“I’d like to see when you’ll kneel and beg for mercy.”
