After Garon's massive body had been thoroughly washed, exuding a subtle lavender fragrance, it was already afternoon. Comfortable from the grooming, he had inadvertently drifted into a nap.
Upon waking and looking around, he saw that the beautiful maids who had been cleaning him were now drenched in sweat, panting heavily, clearly exhausted. Cleaning Garon's large body, comparable to several houses joined together, was no small task, especially since they couldn't afford to be negligent, meticulously cleaning even the smallest gaps between his scales.
Some spellcasters even helped by levitating these ordinary maids so they could reach higher areas like Garon's back. After the washing was complete and they had swapped to dry towels to wipe off the water droplets, it turned into another major task, considerably depleting their energy.
Under the pale golden sunlight, Garon's silver scales and majestic horns shone brilliantly, intertwining with the afternoon sun, radiating a faint golden-silver luster all over his body—majestic, beautiful, captivating.
The surrounding maids looked tired, yet almost none could bring themselves to look away from Garon, attracted by his aesthetically pleasing and powerful draconic form. Despite the differences in species, humans have always admired the powerful and beautiful form of true dragons, easily becoming awed.
Roel, watching Garon covertly, glanced at its own red body and sighed wistfully. Although reluctant, it had to admit at heart that its leader was far more handsome and majestic.
"You may go and rest now," Garon said to the maids, his voice deep.
They had been busy for most of the day without any food.
"Yes, if there is anything else you require, please do not hesitate to command us," they responded.
After Garon nodded, they gradually dispersed.
A few minutes later, the Duke of Thorns, dressed in luxurious clothes with a thorn-patterned golden crown, approached with a smile, sincere in his greeting. "On behalf of all the citizens of Moshia Kingdom, I pay my respects to you."
He waved his hand, and a group of men carrying iron boxes slowly walked away.
"This is the remaining part of your fee, thank you for extending your help to Moshia Kingdom."
Although it was a transaction, the Duke of Thorns did not speak of it as such, instead continually praising Garon's virtuous character.
Garon nodded slightly, accepting, "Then I shall graciously accept."
Elemental energy gathered, and translucent, fearsome dragon claws materialized out of thin air, pulling the boxes filled with coins and gems towards him.
Opening the boxes, Garon's faceplate reflected the vile colors of money and wealth.
He picked out a pigeon egg-sized blue gem, admired it for a moment, then tossed it into his mouth.
"Mmm."
A tide of mana swept through him, bringing an extremely comfortable sensation.
He had a substantial number of gems now, occasionally reminiscing the pleasure of consuming them.
In Garon's view, the gem hadn't disappeared; it had merely become one with him.
Roel watched Garon's wasteful act of directly consuming a magic gem, envy apparent on its draconic face.
The Duke of Thorns looked at the troublesome, dishonest red dragon that had exploited the situation, maintaining a surface composure with a slight smile. "Lord Red Dragon, it's delightful to see you getting along well with the great Eternal Dragon."
"Perhaps in the future, Moshia Kingdom might consider collaborating with you."
The Duke's behavior caught Garon's attention.
Roel, restless, flicked its tail and licked its lips, remembering the good old days of plundering wealth in Moshia Kingdom. "As long as the compensation is right, I might consider your request."
Roel apparently did not catch that the Duke's words were merely polite.
After being exploited by it, the Duke of Thorns would hardly dare ask the red dragon for help again, even if it offered its services for free.
Stunned by Roel's response, the Duke then turned his gaze back to Garon, his eyes filled with genuine or feigned respect. "How are the preparations for the spellbooks I requested?"
"It will take a few more days to copy and imprint the extensive collection of books. Please be patient," the Duke answered.
Garon nodded, "Do it quickly."
"Of course, Moshia Kingdom will do its utmost," replied the Duke with a smile.
Garon stretched his wings and stood up, looking down at the Duke from above. "Those maids, what will you do with them after I leave?"
The Duke hesitated for a moment before responding solemnly, "Rest assured, they are your exclusive maids, even if you leave Yinsco City."
Garon nodded, "It better be so."
Roel blinked, looking at the Duke, "Hey, old human, send me a batch of human maidens,
and I promise Moshia Kingdom will be the first I help when you need it."
"You're probably the first to take advantage of us," the Duke thought silently.
Roel's shamelessness was all too clear to him.
"I'm sorry, Lord Red Dragon."
"Moshia Kingdom will not trade its people, they serve in reverence of the Eternal Dragon's glory."
Though the Duke's words were polite, Garon remained skeptical.
"If you possess enough charm to win the hearts of human maidens, I won't stop them; rather, I'll be interested to see it," the Duke added.
After hearing the Duke's reply, Roel's face was eager, "Then just watch. With just a little effort, which human woman could resist my charm?"
As it spoke, a fiery aura lit around Roel.
The light enveloped it, suddenly condensed, and then shaped into a human silhouette.
Roel had used a transformation spell to take on a human appearance.
Tall, dressed in a flame-like garment, with flaming red hair and red pupils, his rugged face carried a slightly mischievous smile.
"If I wish, just walking through your city will leave a line of human maidens who can't resist my charm extending a hundred meters!"
The transformed Roel boasted grandly.
Then, seeing Garon looking at him, Roel spun around to show off his tall figure before asking, "Sir, how do I look?"
Ignoring the faint true dragon aura on him, he indeed bore no trace of draconic features in appearance.
"Not bad," Garon responded noncommittally, not particularly interested in admiring another male's physique.
Roel, after a moment of self-amusement, glared at the Duke then dismissed his transformation spell.
As the bright light flickered, the large form of the red dragon reappeared on the platform, radiating intense heat that no one dared approach.
Meanwhile, the Duke's eyes flickered as if struck by an idea.
"To celebrate the Eternal Dragon's protection of Moshia Kingdom, Yinsco City will host a banquet in three days, inviting nobles from various nations to attend. There will be many delicacies and fine wines."
"I hereby invite you, the great Eternal Dragon, hoping you will attend the banquet."
"It is, after all, being held in your honor."
Garon's gaze flickered, almost smiling as he looked at the Duke.
"I suppose the real purpose of inviting me to the banquet is not so much for celebration but rather to warn other nations."
Caught, the Duke did not show embarrassment but merely smiled, "Such subtlety could hardly escape the eyes of the Eternal Dragon."
"However, your presence at the banquet is truly the desire of all Moshia's citizens, who hold deep reverence and gratitude towards you."
After a few seconds of thought, under the Duke's hopeful gaze, Garon slowly nodded.
"I am curious to taste the cuisine of your human kingdom, so I will attend."
The Duke's heart leaped with joy, "The chefs of Moshia Kingdom are highly skilled, I believe they will not disappoint you."
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