Chapter 28: I Want to Teach You a Lesson

“Ha! Pass on my thanks to my dear Ronnie. I told you she welcomes me. Next time, young man, be more mindful of your words.”

Xiao Nan, not wanting to exacerbate the situation despite his boss’s apparent favor towards this infuriating count, struggled to contain his emotions.

“Just leave, okay?”

“Why should I rush off?”

“Because I don’t want to see you here.”

“But it seems someone else does.”

“Are you referring to Profit Empress Ronnie?”

“What do you think?”

“She’s not returning today. You might as well leave.”

“Fine, I’ve got pressing matters anyway. I’ll come back another time to thank Ronnie in person.”

“Her name is Profit Empress Ronnie, not just ‘Ronnie.'”

“I like calling her that. What’s it to you?”

“You…”

The air became thick with tension, Xiao Nan’s anger reaching a boiling point, his fists clenched tightly.

Draxel, however, wasn’t one to back down. From relishing nature’s serenity to confronting an antagonistic man. His role as a lord and count demanded he uphold his pride and dignity.

Approaching the irate Xiao Nan, Draxel ignored Safiya’s attempt to intervene, signaling her to stay back. Soon, the two men were face to face in an intense standoff.

“Want to fight?” Draxel challenged, grasping Xiao Nan’s hand firmly.

Xiao Nan reciprocated with equal force, and their silent struggle of strength began.

The tavern’s atmosphere intensified, charged with a palpable tension, like a prelude to an imminent, fierce confrontation.

A minute later, they released their grips. 

Xiao Nan concealed the trembling in his arms, feigning indifference with a stoic expression. Draxel, on the other hand, appeared completely at ease.

“If you’re still itching for a fight, I’ll be ready to oblige next time I come,” he said. 

It was evident to anyone with a keen eye, particularly those trained in martial arts, that the Count had emerged victorious in this power struggle.

[Reward: Wisdom +1.]

[Evaluation: Your method of reprimanding him while preserving Profit Empress Ronnie’s dignity is laudable. I’m impressed.]

Draxel internally scoffed at the system, ‘You seem to approve of anything that favors Ronnie.’

[Wisdom -1.]

‘Oh no, my bad, beloved system, dear…’

[I don’t understand what you are referring to. Please continue with the game.]

‘Great, just great.’

After putting Xiao Nan in his place, who then recognized the significant disparity in their strengths, he became noticeably more subdued.  Xiao Nan, a man of knightly honor, showed respect towards a stronger opponent. 

He then said, “You may leave now. I’ll inform Profit Empress Ronnie of your visit. Hopefully, you can come again when she is here.”

“Thank you very much. We’re leaving now.”

Although his cheeky remark cost him the wisdom points he’d just gained, the trip to the tavern proved quite beneficial. 

As Draxel and his group departed for Xiko village in the Khergit Khanate, Xiao Jia, who had been silent until now, quietly asked Xiao Nan, “Brother, is the Count’s strength really that formidable?”

“Several times stronger than you and me.”

“…”

Two nights later, Draxel’s troop was within ten miles of Xiko village.

“We should arrive at our destination by tomorrow. Everyone needs to stay alert, we are entering the territory of the rival kingdom, and our relations with Noyan Tulu are strained. Owens, Awang, take turns on night watch,” Draxel directed.

“As you command, my Lord,” Owens and Awang responded, one with a respectful nod and the other with a formal fist salute, indicating they understood.

“Safiya, you must be exhausted from holding young dragon Lein for two whole days. Let me take over with the milk feeding.”

Safiya, visibly fatigued with bloodshot eyes, still managed to respond softly, “No, I can do it. I’ll sleep after feeding him.”

Lein remained docile in her arms, always looking at Safiya with bright, hopeful eyes, as if eagerly awaiting her care.

“Roar. Safiya is such a good woman,” Lein commented.

“Yes, but it’s a pity you’re not a man.”

“Roar. You are a man, but unfortunately, you haven’t married her.”

“Watch your words, youngster. I haven’t married her yet,” Draxel whispered the word “married,” wary of Safiya overhearing.

But Safiya, overwhelmed with exhaustion, paid no mind to their squabbling.

“Alright, drink your milk. Even with milk, you can’t keep quiet. Remember, dragons prefer peace, so try to be a bit quieter.”

“Roar. You’d better remember how you speak to me now. You’ll regret it when I grow up.”

Draxel thought to himself, ‘Threatening me? Let’s see who’s threatening whom. You’re still so young and already acting tough?’

“Just remember what you said. When the night falls and Safiya is asleep, it’ll be me holding you.”

“Roar. Count, you’re actually not so bad, and I’m quite pleased with you.”

Hearing this, Draxel’s lips curled into a smug smile. Surprisingly, the young dragon Lein seemed quite intelligent, understanding the virtue of enduring hardships and the principle that ‘revenge is a dish best served cold.’ This was a stark contrast to its father, who was more aggressive and impulsive.

“Don’t worry, Lein, my embrace is warm too. I’ll take good care of you.”

“Roar. Yes, I know. You’re just tough with your words.”

After finishing his milk, young dragon Lein settled down contentedly and stopped talking.

Safiya, already drifting into sleep while feeding Lein, was oblivious to their conversation.

Observing her peaceful slumber, Draxel smiled tenderly, thinking to himself how beautiful she looked.

The night passed with a sense of weariness yet filled with familial warmth. In this world, on this land, they had become like a family to Draxel.

The next day, Draxel’s troop cautiously entered Xiko Village. To prevent any conflicts with Noyan Tulu, they opted for a low-profile approach. 

Draxel had a good relationship with the villagers of Xiko, who greeted him warmly and cooperated with his movements. The villagers followed his cues and gestures quietly, conveying their friendly greetings with nods and waves.

Soon, they made their way to the village chief’s house, familiar with the locality. Luckily, Noyan Tulu was not there, perhaps recuperating in another town.

Draxel was direct in his approach, “Village Chief, let’s skip the small talk. My purpose here is simple.”

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Note: Noyan Tu Lu will be Noyal Tulu from now on. I have a strong suspicion that this is Tulug Noyan from the game but I don’t know.