Leveling Up by Seducing Milfs-Chapter 68. Official Recognition

That night, Sylvia called for a formal meeting in the throne room. Dragons from all over the citadel came together, and thousands of them in human form filled the giant space. Rick stood next to Sylvia’s throne in ceremonial robes that showed he was her consort.

Drakor and the other warriors Rick had fought during the trials were also there, along with the Council of Elders. Everyone seemed interested in why they had been called.

As soon as Sylvia got up from her throne, the room went quiet. With a look of royal authority, she looked over her people, but Rick could feel the warmth beneath it through their bond.

"Dragons of the Northern Peaks," Sylvia said, and her voice echoed through the whole room. "You have all seen Rick Rolland’s problems."

"You have seen him go through physical punishment that would break most people. During the Trial of Mind, he proved to me how smart and emotionally intelligent he was. And you were there when he did the impossible, which was that he made a spirit bond with me that should have killed him."

People in the crowd murmured.

"Some of you didn’t believe him, and some people still do. But I am here to make an official statement in front of all dragons." Sylvia’s hand found Rick’s, and their fingers intertwined. "Rick Rolland is now and will always be my official partner."

"He has my bond, my colors, and my full trust. Anyone who goes against him goes against me! Anyone who threatens him is also threatening the Dragon Queen, and it will brand you as a traitor!"

The room reacted right away. Some dragons cheered, others looked doubtful, but no one could deny that the announcement was official.

"Also," Sylvia said, and Rick felt a surge of anxiety through their bond, "I know about his relationships with other partners." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"The High Priestess Liora Sunweaver, the knight Carmilla Crimsonford, and the mage Natasha Ravenscar."

"These ties don’t make him less connected to me. They make it stronger instead."

"We have created a network of Spirit Bonds that makes Rick stronger than any individual connection could."

Drakor stepped out of the crowd. Rick got tense when he thought about their brutal fight during the Trial of Strength, but the warrior with red scales didn’t look frustrated. He looked like he was thinking.

Drakor said, "Your Majesty," in a formal way.

"I was one of those who didn’t believe the mortal. I thought he was weak and not worth your time, but it turns out... I was wrong." He looked at Rick. "You have shown that you are strong enough to survive tests that would have killed most dragons."

"You have shown strength, courage, and the ability to go through pain that most people can’t even imagine without breaking."

"I formally take back my opposition and say that you are worthy of standing next to our queen."

Other dragons whispered their agreement. Rick could see that not all of them were convinced, but there were enough of them that the tide had clearly turned in his favor.

Rick said, "Thank you, Drakor," and bowed his head in respect. "That means a lot to me."

"Don’t let it go to your head, mortal," Drakor said, but he seemed to be smiling. "You’re still weak compared to real dragons, but at least now you’re weak with potential."

"I’ll take what I can get."

The gathering went on for hours, with different dragons coming up to formally congratulate Rick on his new position. Some people were truly welcoming, while others were just following the rules.

By the end of the night, though, it was clear that Rick was Sylvia’s consort. Rick felt the weight of what had happened settling over him as they went back to Sylvia’s private chambers.

He said softly, "This is real."

"I’m really the partner of a Dragon Queen. That’s what I’m called now... by them."

"Are you scared of that?" Sylvia asked, keeping a close eye on him.

"A little. It comes with a great deal of responsibility and power... a lot of dragons are looking at me now."

"You’ll be able to do it. You’ve dealt with everything else I’ve thrown at you." Sylvia came closer and took his hands. "Rick, I have something to say to you. About letting your other partners have you."

Rick got a little tense. "Okay."

"I’m not going to lie and say I’m perfectly fine with it, but dragon possessiveness runs deep, and every instinct I have tells me to keep you all to myself." Sylvia’s grip got stronger. "But I’m also a thousand years old, and I’ve learned that love isn’t about having someone."

"It’s about trust and accepting."

She took a deep breath. "I’ll share you with Liora, Natasha, Carmilla, and even the upcoming women you’ll bond with."

"But they need to know something. I’m not just another person in your network. As a Dragon Queen, I’ve taken you just as much as you’ve taken me."

"They need to respect that, just like I will respect how close they are to you."

Rick said, "I’ll make sure they get it, but Sylvia, it works both ways! Now you’re mine too."

"Not as a thing, but as someone I love and want to be with. That means all the complicated and messy feelings that come with being in love."

Sylvia smiled. "I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Rick felt the bond between them thrum with happiness when they kissed. He could also sense the presence of his other partners within the network.

Carmilla was very protective and wanted to know when he would be back. Natasha was coolly interested in what he had done. Liora patiently accepted the news and felt happy knowing he was alive and well.

Rick said, "I should go back to Valdris soon," when they stopped the kiss. "They need to meet me in person."

"I know. I’ll make arrangements for transportation tomorrow."

"I’d take you myself, but if I showed up as a dragon, it might scare people again." Sylvia’s face looked like she was up to something. "It would be quite the entrance, though."

"Maybe we shouldn’t scare the whole capital again."

"Spoilsport."

Rick thought about everything that had happened that night as he lay in Sylvia’s bed for what might be the last time for a while. Three weeks ago, he had come to the Northern Peaks scared and unsure.

He was now leaving as the recognized partner of a Dragon Queen, with powers he had never imagined and a network of bonds that had never been seen before. He had gone from being a dead shut-in gooner to the progressive Hero of Mature Hearts, but it still didn’t feel real.

"What are you thinking right now?" Sylvia asked, her head on his chest.

"How crazy my life has gotten. In the best way possible."

"Good crazy or bad crazy?"

"Definitely good. It’s also scary, but good."

Sylvia chuckled softly. "That’s the way to do it."

"Now go to sleep. I want you to get a good night’s sleep because you have a long trip tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Call me Sylvia in private."

"Yes, Sylvia."

She kissed him softly. "Good night, my brave little person."

"No sex for tonight?"

"Honestly, I want to have sex, but I have a lot of important things to do tomorrow, and you also can’t be late for Valdris!"

"Hehehe, I know, I’m just playing with you." Rick gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Good night, my Dragon Queen who owns me."

Rick felt the bond network humming with happiness as he fell asleep. All four connections remained steady and robust, supporting him and reciprocating their assistance. He wouldn’t have to deal with any problems on his own.

The tests were over. The bonds were made. Now it was time for the ultimate test: saving a world that had only six months left before darkness consumed everything.

However, that issue would need to be addressed the following day. Rick was precisely where he wanted to be tonight, surrounded by love and finally believing he deserved it.

[REST AND RECOVERY PERIOD COMPLETE]

[NEW ABILITIES INTEGRATED]

[+600 EXP: DEEPENING DRAGON BOND]

[LEVEL UP: 19 → 20]

[TITLE GAINED: CONSORT OF THE DRAGON QUEEN]

[ALL FOUR BONDS AT MAXIMUM STABILITY]

He would go back to Valdris tomorrow.

He would see Carmilla, Natasha, and Liora again.

And tomorrow, the real work of bringing the Seven Powers together would start again after collecting two so far. But tonight, Rick Rolland was content to simply be happy.