Gold dragons, known for their lawful good nature and fondness for humans of good character, would not mind helping humans they find agreeable when in a good mood and without risking their own interests or lives. However, risking their lives for a large-scale rescue of humans is a different story. Any gold or silver dragon, after some thought and hesitation, would ultimately choose to abstain, deeming it not worth the risk.
Given the Necromancer Council's fearless approach, capable of challenging even divine incarnations, any dragon encountering them would face certain death. The Necromancer Council does not hold back against metallic or gem dragons, knowing well that dragons are treasure troves.
Thus, when Golden Dragon Luther asked who would help rescue the humans of the Bavarian Kingdom, despite many gold and silver dragons showing hesitation and sympathy, none responded to Luther's plea.
"Sorry, Luther." When Golden Dragon Luther looked towards the Golden Dragon Lady, Caslana shook her head slightly, refusing. The risk of encountering legendary undead while trying to rescue humans was too high—she wasn't that selfless.
"It's okay. I understand." Golden Dragon Luther's expression darkened with understanding. If he weren't a first-class privileged marquis of the Bavarian Kingdom, with vast and fertile lands under his care, he wouldn't be as desperate.
The Necromancer Council's targeting of the Bavarian Kingdom directly affected his interests. Given their habit of casting Plague of Undeath upon sighting a city, he was certain his lands were now overrun with a sea of undead, skeletons, and zombies everywhere.
"Lady Caslana, may I know how to contact your grandfather?" A despondent Luther perked up slightly as he asked Caslana.
"What do you need my grandfather for?"
"I can't save the Bavarian Kingdom, but I can try to save my subjects. After all, many of them have paid taxes their whole lives, supporting me for so long. It's time I protected them."
"Do you know the cost of asking my grandfather for help?" Golden Dragon Lady frowned.
"I do." Golden Dragon Luther took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. "Starting at ten thousand elemental crystals. Having been a privileged marquis for nearly a century, I can afford this cost."
"To spend ten thousand elemental crystals for a bunch of humans is unreasonable," a crystal dragon said, shaking its head in disbelief. "I really don't understand what you metallic dragons are thinking."
"Don't lump all metallic dragons together. Although I'm a brass dragon, I can't understand Luther's actions either."
"Understanding aside, I still admire him. Ten thousand elemental crystals, that's quite generous."
"Youngster, you've got quite the backbone," a grand and majestic voice suddenly echoed from the breach in the wizard's tower created by the golden dragons.
Among the dragons, a thin black line appeared, quickly thickening, dividing, and extending. With a series of "click" sounds, space shattered, forming an irregularly shaped black portal.
Then, a middle-aged man in a white robe, exuding an air of effortless authority, with golden hair and eyes, stepped out from the formed spatial portal with a leisurely stride.
His gaze first fell on Golden Dragon Lady Caslana. "My dear granddaughter, you seem to have grown stronger since we last met."
Identifying this sudden appearance as the legendary ancient gold dragon, the Light of the Sky, Alvis Aeryan, caused a slight stir among the dragons.
Even among the strongest lineage of gold dragons, legendary dragons are significant figures, as surviving to such an age is no small feat given the myriad dangers that can occur over centuries of growth.
"I informed you earlier, why did you arrive so late?" Seeing her grandfather greeting her, the Golden Dragon Lady's expression turned stern, voicing her dissatisfaction.
"Ah, when I received your message, I was on another continent, so it took some time to get here," the ancient gold dragon Alvis, instead of showing any anger, smiled sheepishly, rubbing his hands together.
"Is that so?" Caslana eyed her grandfather skeptically. "Or did you go back to sleep after my message woke you?"
"Of course not," Alvis said seriously. "When I received your message, I was exploring an ancient ruin. How could I have time to sleep?"
"Fine, let's leave it at that."
Seeing Caslana speak so casually with her grandfather, Muria couldn't help but feel envious, then remembering his own grandfathers, he shook his head. He couldn't dare to speak so freely in front of them.
Noticing he managed to deflect his granddaughter's suspicion, Ancient Gold Dragon Alvis quickly shifted the topic. "So, this is the gold dragon you wanted me to help? Impressive, it's rare to see such a responsible young dragon. I heard you've helped my granddaughter. Considering that, the fee for my assistance, I could consider waiving..."
"Cough!" Caslana coughed loudly, interrupting what Alvis was about to say, pointing at the well-behaved Muria, "You're mistaken, the dragon I need your help with is over there."
"Ah!" Alvis turned around, his expression unchanged as he assessed Muria, "Such a young lad. Your aura, it's familiar. I must have met your parents!"
"My mother is Atrelis Aelonsar."
"The offspring of the Golden Sun." Alvis's face briefly showed a complex expression but quickly returned to normal. "What do you need my help with?"
"I've captured a group of green dragons loyal to the Emerald Dreamer Ysera. Under the influence of my good character, some have chosen to forsake the Emerald Dreamer and follow me. Others refuse to follow me. I'd like to ask you to intervene, contact the Emerald Dreamer, and negotiate a fair price for the ransom of these loyal green dragons."
"If you're Atrelis's offspring, you should just go to your mother, why bother having my granddaughter fetch me?"
"Cough, I've recently done something to greatly anger my mother, so she won't be helping me anytime soon."
"Is that so?" Alvis stroked his chin in thought, then seeing his granddaughter's expressionless gaze, he quickly added, "It's a small matter. I'll negotiate with the Emerald Dreamer for you and ensure you get a satisfactory ransom."
___________________
(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)
If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters
Read Ahead
Patreon.com/INNIT