Chapter 51: The Conclusion of the First Volume

He quietly reached out to the system in his thoughts, requesting an audit of the current total strength of his forces along with an assessment of various other statuses:

[You command three Tier 5 Swadian Knights, with Xiao Ming serving as their captain.]

[You command ten Tier 4 Tavern-hired Knights, under the leadership of Xiao Nan.]

[You command four Tier 2 Tavern-hired Veterans, uncommanded, stationed in Uxkhal, serving as gatekeepers.]

[You have three special characters under your wing: Dragon Mother Safiya (with a friendliness rating of 42), Merchant Marnid (with a friendliness rating of 55), and the captive Noyan Tulu.]

[After accounting for recent expenditures on food and troop wages, combined with earnings from warfare, your balance stands at 1200 Denars. I am accurate in my calculations. That’s all that remains after the 7500 you’ve recently disbursed to Ronnie.]

‘Hmm, not too shabby,’ Draxel pondered, believing that the vineyard’s business operations would gradually lead to prosperity. Hence, he wasn’t overly concerned about his present financial predicament.

Yet, considering King Harlaus’s immense wealth, why not entertain the idea? Why not take a chance?

Regaining his focus, he proceeded to address the king.

“Your esteemed Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your generosity and your magnanimity. It is my heartfelt desire to extend another invitation to you, for a splendid banquet in Uxkhal. Once my finances permit, I shall personally ensure to extend this invitation to you.”

King Harlaus was indeed a sagacious man, grasping the situation immediately. He silently cursed the count before him, this dead rascal, for his flamboyant and intricate use of language, mastering the art of speech as if it were a fine art.

“I was in a hurry when I set off, not bringing much money or provisions with me. Nevertheless, I believe this bag of gold coins should suffice for your needs, Draxel. Consider it a token of my appreciation for your efforts.”

With these words, the king leisurely unbuckled a pouch from his belt, and handed it to an aide, who in turn presented it reverently to Draxel with both hands.

[System Alert: This bag of gold coins is valued at 1500 Denars. Congratulations, your total balance is now 2700 Denars.]

Encouraged by this successful maneuver, Draxel readied himself to perform a hat trick, seeking to gain further advantages.

However, before he could make another request, the king interjected, “Enough, I grow weary. You may leave now, Draxel. With regard to the forthcoming conflict, I doubt there’s much assistance you can offer. Return to Uxkhal at your earliest convenience and safeguard your domain.”

“But… Your Majesty, there is one more matter I must bring to your attention. You ought to be informed about the enemy’s Steppe Valkyrie, a name that instills fear in all who hear it.”

“Is there anyone who hasn’t heard? Not a single kingdom in Calradia is unaware of her. What of it?”

“She wishes to negotiate before the war begins.”

“Very well, I take note of it… Now, depart from my presence.” The king, lapsing into contemplation, waved Draxel away.

After conveying the Valkyrie Tianyan’s message, Draxel felt an immense relief, his worries dissipated, deciding then to return to Uxkhal with a light heart.

On the journey back, noticing that Safiya was still giving him the silent treatment, clearly upset and jealous. So, Lein decided to inject some humor to lift her spirits.

“Roar. You know, Count, in front of the king, your audacity was boundless. I cringed on your behalf, yet you shamelessly kept making more demands.”

“What do you understand? What’s the value of pride compared to necessities? Without this pouch of gold, how would I afford milk and steak for you? Clearly, you don’t grasp the cost of living!”

“Roar? It’s Safiya who’s been managing our affairs. What right do you have to boast? Count, you truly lack grace.”

At this, Draxel realized the creature’s point, quickly changing his tune.

“Manage our affairs? That’s not what she’s doing. She’s… she’s saving our lives, yours and mine. She’s our savior, you little rascal.”

“Roar! Your life is more like a dog’s life! Mind your manners, Count. I’m quite hungry now, and your head seems quite appetizing.”

“Safiya, he’s saying it misses you, he longs for the days it spent in your arms, sipping milk. Perhaps you could hold it again?”

“Roar! Damn it, how dare you misinterpret my words! I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Lein, flapping its wings, purposefully nudged Draxel into Safiya.

Draxel, seizing the opportunity, feigned being knocked off course, tumbling from his horse. In a swift motion, he sprang up, embracing Safiya from behind, both sharing the same steed.

“Get off.”

“I won’t.”

“Off now!”

“I won’t! Ow… it hurts so much.” 

Safiya, seeing him act stubborn, began to twist his ear.

“Count, I’ve heard you’re quite the singer.”

“I… I know a little, ouch, my dear Princess Safiya, it truly hurts…”

“Well then, sing for me now, and I’ll let go of your ear. Sing whatever you sang for Empress Ronnie to me.”

Draxel, with his ear throbbing in pain, couldn’t recall any lyrics and improvised on the spot, “The swirling of the red wine glass, lips as… as… you’re too beautiful, Safiya, you’re just too beautiful… Despite all the risks, I yearn to protect you… I wish to claim your beauty for myself!”

Although his performance was interrupted and disjointed, Safiya discerned his attempt at appeasement and to bring her joy.

Then, Draxel, encircling her with his arms, tightened his embrace.

“Safiya, I truly appreciate you coming to my rescue. Going forward… I’ll treat you even better.”

“There’s no need. I didn’t force you to treat me well,” Safiya responded, easing her grip on his ear.

“I want to treat you well, for I, I actually like…” Just as he was on the verge of his confession, Lein, with a vigorous flap of its wings, swiftly knocked Draxel off the back seat.

Witnessing the Count’s awkward tumble, Lien couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Roar. This seat is reserved for me. You’ve got all the time in the world to chase her, haha.”

“Hey, that was quite the rough handling, Count. Are you injured?” Seeing him roll to the ground, Safiya’s concern was rekindled.

“Hmm, I’m alright, I’m very sturdy~”

The Count, concealing his injured arm behind his back, attempted to maintain a facade of nonchalance. Internally, however, he was seething: ‘Just you wait, Lein. I’ll slip some laxatives into your steak and see how you like sprinting through the green meadows.’

Thus, the day passed amidst their lively and noisy interactions. Benjamin, who had recently joined them, found their relaxed and cheerful mode of communication immensely enjoyable and easy to adapt to.

Three days later, the group safely made their way back to the town of Uxkhal.

The tavern-hired veterans stationed at the gate recognized their lord and his entourage, offering a warm greeting:

“Good morning, my lord. As you can see, Uxkhal is a picture of peace and harmony.”

“Excellent, carry on with your duties.” Draxel acknowledged with a slight nod, leading his companions back into the town.

In that moment, as he watched Lein, now capable of majestic flight, he was struck by a profound sense of wonder, ‘Damn, from breaking out of your egg to growing from a tiny dragon to what you are now, you’ve really put me through the wringer. It’s anyone’s guess what adventures lie ahead.’