Chapter 34: The Armor’s Secret and the Seeds of Rebellion

Such a look was not only incredibly cool, embodying both majesty and mystery, but it also invited endless praise.

Theresia had long yearned to adopt this persona, yet on Dragon Island, the Old Patriarch’s watchful gaze prevented her from indulging her ‘delusions.’ Moreover, being surrounded by familiar faces made it impossible for her to act out. Thus, upon arriving in Montoire, she finally let loose, embracing the opportunity to show off.

Naturally, she couldn’t confess her adolescent delusions to Lola. Instead, she spoke with an air of absolute certainty. “After all, we’re searching for your elven tribe’s secret treasure, so it wouldn’t be wise to draw too much attention. Imagine, if I, a Black Dragon, were to arrive in my dragon form, we wouldn’t need to navigate the maze. Instead, the Montoire Maze would be overflowing with those eager to ‘conquer’ me.”

“In human form, the disparity in my power and appearance is too vast, easily inviting unnecessary trouble. Do you understand now why I chose to wear this armor?”

Theresia herself found this impromptu excuse remarkably logical, and Lola, for her part, was deeply convinced.

After all, she found herself in her current predicament precisely because she had tried to ‘conquer’ Theresia.

Seeing that Lola believed her, Theresia swiftly changed the subject. “Speaking of which, why are you dressed like that? Aren’t you an elven princess? You look quite destitute.”

Lola’s expression stiffened.

She absolutely could not reveal that she had been a s*ave for seven years and had only recently been redeemed by her mother!

Such a revelation would completely disgrace her!

Indeed, it was as if the Elf Queen had finally remembered she had a daughter, belatedly sending someone to redeem her after seven long years. At least, that was how Lola perceived the situation.

During those seven years, she had attempted to escape multiple times, but every method she tried was effortlessly thwarted by the master who had purchased her. With each attempt, her ransom doubled.

Upon realizing her master was not someone to be trifled with, Lola had considered simply waiting for the person to die of old age, then dancing on their grave in revenge.

However, after a ‘chance’ discovery that her master was a witch, she began to diligently work to earn her ransom.

These witches were not ordinary mages; they were alchemists who had mastered the art, rumored to be immortal. While this was an exaggeration, their lifespans certainly began in the thousands of years.

Lola’s own psychological expectation was, at most, two hundred years.

A thousand years?!

If she worked hard, a thousand years would be more than enough to earn five times her ransom!

Even more infuriating, her miserly master cruelly exploited her slaves. While food, clothing, and shelter were provided, Lola had to pay for them herself, or the cost would be added to her ransom. Furthermore, a substantial sum had to be paid monthly, or interest would be compounded on the ransom.

To earn her freedom as quickly as possible, Lola shed her princessly decorum. She scrimped and saved every day, even developing a habit of scavenging for usable items.

Plain boiled water and rye bread became her daily staples. Every day, she ventured into the maze to hunt monsters for material fees and commissions. Later, she also had to clean rooms, do laundry, cook, and assist the witch with various alchemy experiments.

Despite her relentless efforts, after paying her monthly dues, the remaining money was barely enough to buy a bit of fruit for a treat.

Initially, Lola wanted to save up for equipment to venture into deeper levels of the maze, hoping to accelerate her earning efficiency.

However.

“That’s out of the question. If you die in there, wouldn’t I suffer a huge loss? You may only go to floors one through ten of the maze, departing and returning at fixed times each day. Violate the rules, and you’ll be confined, with food and lodging expenses deducted as usual during that period.”

That hateful witch had no idea of her power as an elven princess! If not for the s*ave contract and collar, she would have unleashed a righteous explosion on that despicable, stingy, ugly witch.

For floors one through ten of the maze, Lola had no need for extra magical equipment. After much deliberation, she saved this expensive and unnecessary expense, continuing this until her mother sent people to redeem the elf.

Tragically, Lola had just handed over all her savings.

Even more tragically, her mother informed her that even between mother and daughter, accounts must be settled clearly; the ransom had not disappeared, merely transferred.

And most tragically of all, her mother had no intention of providing her with startup funds, leaving her to find a way to earn money herself. Until the ransom was fully repaid, she remained a criminal, forbidden from returning to the Elven Capital.

The good news was that her mother didn’t restrict her earning channels like the witch had; now she could venture into deeper parts of the maze.

The bad news was that the cumbersome ‘junk’ was all her current savings. She couldn’t afford information about deeper maze levels, nor could she buy weapons and equipment.

Lola was beginning to doubt if she was truly her mother’s biological child. Could she have been adopted from the Dark Elves? (Dark Elves refer to fallen elves, known for their cruelty, viciousness, and love for slaughtering other elves.)

If her mother hadn’t at least given her a task that promised significant earnings and contact with dragons, she would genuinely go and check her bloodline.

“Are you alright?”

Meeting Theresia’s concerned gaze, Lola instantly snapped to attention. Those tragic past events absolutely could not be revealed to Theresia!

Lola’s gaze hardened. Although her past life had been miserable, now the darkest hour had passed, and sweetness followed bitterness!

The opportunities she had once lost were now before her again. First and foremost, she must not expose her impoverished past. She needed to display the nobility and elegance of her elven race and swiftly improve Theresia’s impression of her.

The dream of becoming an Elven Dragon Knight acted like a jack, lifting Lola’s already wrecked chassis.

“It’s like this: as an elven princess, the task at hand must be kept secret. It concerns our elven tribe’s secret treasure, so the more low-key, the better. All of this is my disguise, and I’ve painstakingly adapted to this role for some time.”

*Such* dedication?

Theresia hadn’t considered the possibility of Lola being sold into slavery. After all, a dignified elven princess, even if she made a mistake, would at most be confined for a period. How could she possibly end up looking so impoverished?

She had no idea this was the direct result of her own mother’s actions.

After a thorough and ‘frank’ exchange, both parties completely believed each other’s given reasons and began further discussions.

As Theresia introduced her plan to Lola, she began to scheme internally.

She had initially assumed that the delegate sent would merely be a small fry, serving a supervisory role. She never expected such a significant figure as an elven princess.

Therefore, her original plan, which was quite exploitative towards elves, would no longer be suitable. Making Lola suffer too much would make it difficult to explain to her mother.

After all, the Elf Queen had been Theresia’s super-generous patron for the past seven years, so she couldn’t be treated too casually.

Just as Theresia pondered how to subtly pocket and authenticate the elven secret treasure if she truly obtained it, she felt an intensely piercing gaze. Turning her head, she found Lola staring at her with a look of infatuation, her nostrils flaring as she breathed heavily.

*Wow!!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ*

A crazy fan!

*Wait, could this person be a ‘Dragon-obsessed’ type?*

Rumor had it that some intelligent creatures from other races, upon encountering a dragon, would exhibit extremely frantic expressions. They would try every possible means to flatter the dragon, constantly trying to bridge the gap in their relationship, ultimately aiming to ride a dragon!

The Dragon race had a collective term for such intelligent creatures: Dragon-obsessed!

*Ugh, Dragon-obsessed people are so disgusting.*

Theresia felt extremely fortunate that Theodore, whom she had painstakingly chosen, wasn’t Dragon-obsessed. Otherwise, she truly wouldn’t know how to interact with him.

(Theodore intentionally concealed his ‘Dragon-obsessed’ nature from Theresia, fearing he might scare her.)

*Theodore is so much better.*

However, most Dragon-obsessed individuals weren’t bad people (to dragons, at least); their intensity was just a bit much for dragons to handle.

*Oh no, this one really is after my body.*

Theresia’s mind raced. When dealing with ‘Dragon-obsessed’ types, pretending not to notice would only make them think they still had a chance. This was a moment for proactive engagement.

“Lola, do you like dragons?”

Lola paused, surprised by the question, but her body instinctively nodded.

“Is that so? Then you must want to become an Elven Dragon Knight, right?”

Lola’s eyes widened. *Why is she asking me this all of a sudden? And at this particular moment? Could it be…*

Lola grew excited, then heard Theresia say, “I’ve always believed that elves and dragons, as long-lived species, should frequently communicate, deepen their friendship, and promote the friendly development of their races.”

Lola nodded incessantly, saying, “Yes, yes, I think so too.”

“However, due to certain dragons, this matter has been delayed. Theoretically, given the lifespans of elves and dragons, there should be dozens of Elven Dragon Knights by now.”

Lola wholeheartedly agreed. “Exactly! I think so too! In fact, it’s not just dragons; some elves also have issues.”

Theresia raised an eyebrow. As a Black Dragon whose rebellious streak had been highly developed since childhood, she immediately sensed that this elf might be kindred spirit.

*This one has great potential! If she succeeds among the elves, she could be a great asset!*

“The older generation is set in their ways; they cling to tradition. But we, as the new generation of dragons and elves, have both the duty and responsibility to deepen the communication between our races, create more Elven Dragon Knights, and allow those who have toiled for thousands of years to retire early.”

Lola slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “That’s absolutely right! I think so too!”

Theresia: “…”

*Are you and Catherine perhaps blood sisters from different fathers, mothers, and species?*

Still, it worked out perfectly.

“In that case, Lola, how about I introduce you to a dragon?”

Lola excitedly asked, “You?”

“Dream on. I would never be…” Theresia suddenly remembered that Theodore had already taken all her ‘firsts’ in every sense, and immediately changed her words. “My heart is entirely dedicated to the great cause of the Dragon race. Such matchmaking affairs should be left to other good dragons, don’t you think?”

“Besides, I’m a Black Dragon with no affinity for magic. It just doesn’t fit. How about this: a White Dragon, proficient in all elements of magic? What do you think?”

“Imagine a noble elf standing atop a pure White Dragon, together unleashing terrifying magic against evil enemies. You could even research combination spells that symbolize your bond. Isn’t that stronger than a Black Dragon?”

Theresia’s vision already played out in Lola’s mind. *Hehehe, that sounds pretty good too!* But!

Lola looked at Theresia, unwilling to give up. “But Theresia, you’re the only Black Dragon in the entire world. A unique one.”

Theresia: “…”

*Seriously, sister, are you buying a global limited-edition sports car here?!*

To make this Dragon-obsessed elf give up, Theresia cupped her cheek with one hand, a blissful smile on her face. “I’m afraid it’s too late. I already have my own Dragon Knight. You came too late; we’ve already pledged our lives to each other.”

“Ah!!!”

*The dragon she had set her sights on was snatched away by some pig?!*

Lola instantly recalled the man who had stood beside Theresia back then. Even then, she had sensed that he might become her gravest concern.

Her worries had come true, and she had inadvertently given them seven years to develop their relationship.

*How I hate it! In these seven years, I lost everything!*

*That hateful witch, one day I will personally reclaim everything I lost from you!!!*

The grief and indignation on Lola’s face told Theresia that this elf likely shared similar tragic experiences as herself. She grasped Lola’s shoulders, saying earnestly, “Feel the regret, the anger, the hatred! Let us join hands and usher in our era! We will prove with our actions that the new generation always surpasses the old, sweeping away those who cling to the past!”

“Perhaps our individual strengths are not enough to contend with those corrupt, stubborn old-timers, but if we two unite, supporting each other from different flanks, a thousand years from now, let us launch a rebellious counterattack! Do you have the confidence?!”

Theresia’s empathy instantly resonated with Lola. She gripped Theresia’s hands, nodding forcefully. “Yes!”

Thus, the ‘Beggar’s Edition’ Dragon and Elf Alliance was formed!