The Red Dragon Just Wants To Do As It Pleases-Chapter 503 - 301: Sin of Lust

David, upon his arrival in Saeolus City this time, was personally received by Duchess Mirillian of the Silver Wheel, the local ruler, who had hurried over immediately after returning from the front line.

This demonstrated the respect and importance accorded to Saphiros, the newly acclaimed legend.

In fact, at that time, the Well of Miracles had once again changed hands due to a carefully planned Drow conspiracy.

The High Elves and Drow were battling fiercely within the borders of Saeolus territory over the Well of Miracles and several small towns centered around it.

It remains uncertain whether it was Scouts, serving as Shadow Warriors, who discovered this ’One-Winged Angel’ descending from the heavens. In an instant, as if seeing their natural predator, the Drow scattered like birds and beasts.

Watching the battlefield turn abruptly from intense conflict to eerie silence, Mirillian’s Elven soldiers exchanged perplexed glances, their faces then filling with admiration.

In less than two years, the name ’Saphiros, the Drow Slayer’ had already struck terror into the hearts of the Drow.

However, when they saw this rising star of Dewensen, the ’Elf Death God,’ step out from the forest, it was a stark departure from his usual pristine and arrogant demeanor. He was covered in mud mixed with blood, leaning on his three-meter-long blade. Mirillian, who seemed somewhat worn from constant toil and war, couldn’t help but laugh, though her concern was evident in her voice as she asked, "What happened to you, Lord Saphiros? This is the first time I’ve seen you in such disarray. Are you injured anywhere? Let me take a look."

Without further ado, she cast a precious Natural Healing Spell on him.

David couldn’t very well blame the griffin he’d scared witless, so he replied irritably, "It’s nothing. I was ambushed by Drow archers on my way here. My mount took an arrow, and we were shot down from the sky."

[Wrath]

Indeed, with his robust constitution being off the charts, he could survive such a fall from a height that would likely have killed any other Elven legendary combatant on the spot.

But this area was close to Saeolus City, where the Elves below were still fiercely engaged in battle.

With all eyes on him, he had no choice but to opt for a hard landing.

After all, he was currently posing as an Elven Wanderer.

His on-the-spot advancement to Legendary Destiny while in the Gloomy Region was somewhat plausible; calling him a once-in-a-millennium Elven genius wouldn’t be an overstatement.

However, consider a wild wanderer who hadn’t read a book in over a hundred years. If he suddenly had an epiphany between life and death and used an Aerial Dance Technique to descend like an angel, that would be truly excessive. It would also be a blatant insult to the intelligence of Elves.

After all, even cheating must adhere to some basic principles, mustn’t it?

After two years of infiltration, the time was almost ripe for the harvest.

The persona could not crumble!

The older Mirillian clearly understood that this was just a spur-of-the-moment excuse, but she had no intention of exposing him, nor did she wish to pursue the truth behind it.

After all, in the many years since Queen Arasya of the Elves had forcefully ascended to power, Saphiros was perhaps one of the few Elves willing to offer assistance.

Indeed, if he hadn’t stepped forward at critical moments, Saeolus might have long since fallen to the Drow’s relentless efforts to seize the Well of Miracles.

She promptly expressed her sincere and fervent gratitude, saying, "That’s wonderful. I truly owe you for your timely arrival. I was facing an ambush by a squad of Shadow Warriors and three Drow Matriarchs. Including this time, I owe you several lives. I don’t know how I could ever repay your kindness, Lord Saphiros."

David smacked his lips. He thought that if it weren’t for his father Attilicia’s instructions, he wouldn’t have considered transforming into an Elf to get involved in these affairs. Attilicia worried that a localized war ignited between High Elves and Drow might be exploited by Dewensen’s higher-ups. They could use it as a means to weaken and check Mirillian, the leader of the Conservative Faction, thereby endangering the personal safety of his former boss and old friend.

Before David, still somewhat unaccustomed to her drastically different attitude compared to the past, could speak, Mirillian shifted the conversation, cordially inviting him, "Let’s go. The battle here is over. With you here, the Drow wouldn’t dare make any rash moves. Come to my castle; I’ll throw a welcome party for you."

She even found a convenient excuse for David.

The Duchess, guardian of the Elven Kingdom’s border, stretched leisurely on horseback, saying, "With you here, I can finally sleep soundly. I’ve been utterly exhausted these past few days."

With things having reached this point, David found it difficult to refuse the Duchess’s kindness.

Along the way, the surrounding dust-covered Sword Dancer guards consciously formed a circle, maintaining a safe distance.

Yet, they saw their lady, Mirillian, riding and engaging in nonstop conversation with the newly acclaimed legendary Wanderer. She was all smiles and grace. It was as though they had returned to those days decades ago, when she had just come of age and assumed the title of Duchess of the Silver Wheel.

They couldn’t help but prick up their rabbit-like long ears, their hearts filled with a myriad of emotions.

They particularly remembered the last time Her Highness Mirillian had looked this way; it was because of Mr. Attilicia, the smooth-talking, handsome Alchemy Apprentice.

Regrettably, that alchemist had disappointed. It was said he fled the castle in disarray that night, clutching his clothes. Unfortunately, a maid feeding horses outside the fortress saw him, creating a storm of gossip throughout the city.

Meanwhile, David, amidst his conversation with the Duke of Silver, belatedly realized what was causing this somewhat unsettling change in her demeanor towards him.

Fifty years ago, when he first came to the Silver Fortress, he had appeared as a young Dragon Hatchling. On his next visit, he came as Attilicia’s son.

In both those identities, he was her junior.

But now, as the Wanderer Saphiros, he was playing the role of a High Elf nearly two hundred years old.

She regarded him as an Elf of her own age...

Having understood this, David’s thoughts became clear, and he decided to detach himself from his original identity. Unexpectedly, the more they talked, the better they got along. Whatever topic he casually threw out, she responded fittingly. Her humor was intact, yet her insights were profound and unique, causing David, who was from another world, to marvel at the Duchess’s extensive knowledge.

It’s just a pity that she is, after all, only a High Elf. David reflected.

Even a conservative Elf is still an Elf.

If one day she learned of his true identity and the imminent plans against Dewensen, she would likely end up hating them, wouldn’t she?

Let there be hatred then; am I short of enemies who hate me? David suddenly saw things clearly again, deciding to indulge his father Attilicia’s naive, wishful thinking.

[Arrogance]

After all, in conflicts concerning the survival and interests of one’s race, one must never retreat even half a step due to personal feelings for a Dragon.

Giving up an advantageous opening move would likely lead to his own family spiraling towards destruction.

Once the bow is drawn, the arrow cannot turn back.

「Night fell.」

At the dinner that evening, where he was the only guest, under the Duke of Silver’s persistent urging to keep drinking, David made an exception and partook in a considerable amount of the red wine brewed by Silver Castle.

Although his constitution ensured he wouldn’t get drunk, leaning against the castle’s fully open outdoor terrace, caressed by the gentle night breeze and the subtle fragrances wafting to his nose, he felt slightly tipsy.

Gazing at the fields of Century Aroma stretching to the horizon within her domain, he couldn’t help but recall the days from fifty years ago. Back then, as a Hatchling, he had masqueraded as an Alchemy Apprentice to steal the Anger Potion formula. He smiled at the memory, yet also felt a twinge of regret.

Once a full-scale war broke out, a strategic resource like the fields of Century Aroma before him would most likely be burnt to ash by Dragon Breath.

If not by his own breath, then by that of other Dragons.

At this thought, David couldn’t help but ask, "Mirillian, what are your views on the war between Elves and Dragons?"

He had already heard Mirillian’s footsteps behind him.

"Your question reminds me of an old friend who asked something similar. And yes, he was also a Dragon, a Silver Dragon."

"Oh? And your answer?" David turned to look at the woman, who was dressed for the evening like a magnificent, blooming Century Aroma flower.

"It’s a problem inherited from history, and a serious one too. Fortunately, as things stand, it’s not something I need to worry about," Mirillian shrugged and answered with a sly smile.

"You seem quite optimistic, my Lady. But ever since the Battle of Montero Coast, hasn’t this problem been inching ever closer to your territory?"

Mirillian finally grew somber and serious. She then let out a somewhat resigned sigh, saying, "You’ve seen it yourself. Whether as a Duchess of the Elven Kingdom or as an Elf of Saeolus City, my current situation is far from optimistic. For me, the Drow who might emerge from underground at any time are a more fatal threat than the Dragons across the sea."

"So, in your opinion, compared to the Drow, the threat of Dragons is insignificant?"

"Both Bahamut and Tiamat, the Dragon Gods, have been confirmed missing from this world. However, that Spider Goddess has already ascended to great divine power. Maybe, as the guardian of the Well of Miracles, I’m already on her hit list, who knows?"

David realized then. Yes, as a native of Elariya, Mirillian truly did not understand the full scope of these matters.

Their perspectives on the issues were completely different, leading to utterly different judgments.

This is for the best... David thought.

Sometimes, knowing less might actually be blissful.

"Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll do my best to protect you... and ensure Elizabeth is safe as well," he said, thinking of his father’s old friendship.

But the instant he spoke those words without a second thought, it was as if he had triggered a switch.

Mirillian, the Duchess, looked at David, her gaze turning soft and watery. With a lift at the corner of her mouth, she softly said, "I know. You’ve been proving that for the past two years."

David, driven by a Dragon’s innate appreciation for beauty in every race, found his gaze drawn to the Duchess’s lips, which appeared even more luscious and vibrant due to the wine.

"Are they beautiful?" Mirillian asked.

"Of course," David replied honestly, though a bit embarrassed, out of politeness.

"Then... would you like to taste them?"

Mirillian’s smile became even more captivating and seductive, like a Century Aroma fruit, ripe and ready for picking.

As David’s mind froze, she added, "As dessert, following the dinner I hosted for you tonight."

Holy shit, am I being hit on? And by my dad’s former crush? David the Dragon was left utterly dumbfounded.

He couldn’t figure out which part of the process had gone wrong.

David swallowed.

[Lust]

It had to be said, tonight, the moon shone beautifully, and the wind, too, was enchanting.

"Why hesitate now? After all these years you’ve risked your life for me time and again, asking for nothing in return, wasn’t it out of admiration for me... or am I mistaken?" As she spoke, even Mirillian, the Duchess of the Silver Wheel, trembled, her voice quivering in tandem with her fluttering eyelashes.

Determined not to repeat her past mistake of scaring away the man she fancied, and looking at the equally bewildered block of iron before her,

the Duchess mustered her courage, took David’s warm hand, and pressed it against her own fiercely beating heart.

In that instant, David’s defenses finally crumbled.

He was utterly captivated by the Duchess’s ample... generosity.

Such a bright, big moon...

[Lust]