Chapter 69: A Grand Proposition

“Please, take a seat quickly. We were just waiting for you.”

Theresia, usually striding with domineering confidence, now moved with graceful decorum towards the dining table.

This sight drew silent nods of approval from everyone present. ‘What a truly fine dragon,’ they all thought.

However, those intimately familiar with Theresia were utterly dumbfounded, their reactions no less astonished than Theodore’s.

Lola, in particular, suspected she was hallucinating from lack of sleep, vigorously rubbing her dark-ringed eyes.

“Oh, by the way, this meal also serves as a public relations event for the Holy See,” the Pope began, addressing Theresia and the others with a gentle smile. “After all, this is the first time we’ve hosted such important guests from the Dragon Race, the Elves, and humanity all at once. It’s a magnificent occasion, one the Holy See hasn’t seen in a millennium. Even an old man like me feels several years younger from the excitement.”

“Therefore,” he continued, “the Holy See wishes to publicize this event. We hope you will agree.”

Larkin’s pupils constricted. He had been hoping to erase the dark history of being evangelized for an entire month at the Holy Light Church headquarters. How could this possibly be publicized?

‘No, I must object.’

Yet, being deep within enemy territory, he knew he needed to carefully organize his thoughts and words.

While Larkin was lost in thought, an impatient dragon had no intention of empathizing with him.

Theresia blinked. Public relations? She understood.

After all, the life-saving grace was undeniable, and she had been meticulously cared for for a month without expectation of reward. There was simply no reason to refuse.

‘It doesn’t matter. I, Theresia, am upright and honorable.’

‘The Dragon Race’s reputation rests on my shoulders!’

Her heart swelled with arrogance, yet her outward demeanor remained elegant and gentle.

Theresia smiled demurely, her teeth hidden. “Of course, I don’t mind. If I can be of assistance, that would be wonderful. It would also allow me to breathe a small sigh of relief, as I still haven’t figured out how to repay you.”

Larkin: “Σ(°口°|||)”

With Theresia’s swift agreement, Theodore naturally had nothing to add and assented as well.

“If I can be of assistance, that would be wonderful.”

Larkin: “Σ(°口°|||)”

Unlike Theresia, who cared nothing for international affairs, Theodore was somewhat aware of the global situation. Still, as the saying went, if the sky falls, the tallest will bear the brunt. It was too late to warn anyone now, so he would let the Old Patriarch continue with the arrangements.

As for Larkin, ‘Hmm, although I’ve heard the Holy Alliance and the Ara Empire don’t get along, it shouldn’t be too terrible, right?’

Aesop, whose understanding of international affairs was on par with Theresia’s, had already been captivated by the church’s hospitality during his stay. He quickly added, “I have learned many unique dishes here, and I am very grateful for your help. I have no objections whatsoever.”

Larkin: “ﾉ°口°ﾉ”

Alicia was arguably the most knowledgeable about international affairs among them. However, what did that have to do with barbarians?

Following her partner’s lead, she quickly stated, “I agree with Aesop.”

Larkin: “ ( Д ) /”

Lola, at this point, was barely managing to stay awake, which was a concession in itself. To all questions, she simply nodded.

Larkin: “OΓ_”

Sweat poured down him, truly drenched in sweat.

He had never imagined his own teammates would stab him in the back so swiftly.

As a prince of the Ara Empire, he knew he couldn’t afford to be a carefree royal, so he was very much aware of the animosity between his empire and the Holy See.

But what could he do, situated in the enemy’s stronghold, with his own teammates already waving white flags?

All eyes fell upon Larkin, who slowly began to speak. “I, of course, have no problem.”

‘I hope I won’t be charged with treason the day after this news gets out.’

****

The dining atmosphere remained remarkably harmonious.

The Pope specifically introduced Albert, the Cardinal and the one who had discovered Theresia and her companions, to Theresia and Theodore. “Thank you very much for your rescue. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Albert offered a faint smile. “Theresia, simply for the sake of friendly relations between humanity and the Dragon Race, we could not stand idly by. As for repayment…”

Aturu, however, spoke very earnestly. “How about you spar with me? I’ve never fought a dragon before, and as a Black Dragon, you are very sturdy. It should be a thoroughly enjoyable match.”

Theodore’s expression subtly shifted. Certain unbearable memories from the past month began to flicker in his mind.

He recalled Aturu using a similar line when they first met.

Then, he had been thoroughly beaten.

It proved that sheer size did not necessarily equate to strength.

Albert’s mouth, having dropped open, remained unclosed as he stared blankly at Aturu, at his dear friend. ‘No, do you truly have no common sense at all? In this situation?’

‘Lord Theresia has just awakened. To suddenly propose this to her would trouble her. Besides, Miss Theresia doesn’t seem like the fighting type, so she’ll probably just refuse…’

“Of course, I can.”

Albert and Theodore: ‘She actually agreed!!!’

Theresia lightly chuckled, placing a hand on her chest. “I suppose that’s a Black Dragon’s specialty, isn’t it? Hahaha.”

The reason for her agreement was simple: Theresia also needed a good, cathartic fight to release the tension and loosen the muscles and bones that had nearly stiffened from a month of slumber.

Aturu’s aura was extremely restrained, making it impossible to discern that he was a formidable powerhouse. Coupled with Theodore’s unnoticed eye signals, the outcome was developing in a direction very satisfactory to Aturu.

“That would be truly wonderful.”

Aturu was overjoyed, completely oblivious to the regretful glances exchanged between his Pope and his friend.

‘Theresia is everywhere, just in a different race.’

While the Pope pondered how to tactfully reassign Aturu on a ‘business trip,’ he smoothly changed the subject, turning to Theresia with a smile. “Speaking of which, since Lord Moria left a thousand years ago, contact between the Dragon Race and the Holy See has been rare. I wonder how Lord Moria is doing?”

Moria? Wasn’t that her and Catherine’s teacher?! He was an elderly, even ancient, White Dragon.

Theresia felt a pang of guilt. She and Catherine had constantly outwitted Moria in class, often exasperating him to no end.

Of course, she couldn’t possibly voice these thoughts!

“He’s doing wonderfully, of course! He’s responsible for the education of young dragons on Dragon Island, and I was his star pupil. He always praised me as the best he ever taught!”

Though the last two sentences were pure fabrication, Theresia delivered them with conviction.

Theodore didn’t believe a single word of it, but to maintain the overall image of Dragon Island, he remained silent.

‘Eat, just eat. Thinking about this is useless.’

‘His ultimate goal hadn’t been achieved yet.’

Having witnessed Theresia’s other form, he was now brimming with ambition.

Unable to act at present, he needed to plan his next move meticulously.

‘All his trump cards have been played; he can no longer catch Theresia off guard.’

‘That despicable dragon might also be plotting to use the great memory-erasing spell on him at any moment.’

Though he had taken Promen as his active figurine, regrettably, this figurine had not only suffered a drastic drop in power but had also completely given up, seemingly content to be killed or flayed as desired, but utterly unwilling to act on its own. ‘Don’t even think about making me do anything.’

“That truly is a wondrous fate,” the Pope said, clearly surprised. “When Lord Moria came to the Holy See, he helped us through a very difficult period. I was not yet born then, but I had heard of his glorious deeds and always wished for an opportunity to personally meet that calm, powerful, and great Holy White Dragon.”

Theresia muttered under her breath, ‘He’s still powerful, but perhaps not so calm now. Or perhaps he was just a bit irritable when dealing with me and Catherine.’

“Holy White Dragon?”

The Pope softly explained, “Oh, because Lord Moria made outstanding contributions to the Holy See, we wished to bestow upon him the title of Holy Dragon, so that the world might look up to him as an expression of our gratitude. However, the coronation ceremony could not be held before Lord Moria had to leave due to matters concerning the Dragon Race.”

“Nevertheless, a ceremony is ultimately just a formality. His achievements will not vanish simply because a ceremony wasn’t held, so we still refer to him as a Holy Dragon. Theresia, would you be interested in becoming a Holy Dragon? Our benefits here are excellent; not only would you… but you would also…”

Theresia instantly brightened. ‘The benefits are that good?! Does that mean if I become a Holy Dragon, I can eat, drink, use, and take things for free at the Holy Light Church?!’

Theodore: “Theresia, you must maintain your composure! Mere material things, how could they corrupt a great Black Dragon King?”

“I am a Black Dragon, and you know Black Dragons have a certain reputation. Wouldn’t it be… unsuitable?”

The Pope shook his head. “Suitable, of course it’s suitable! Precisely because of that reputation, if you were to become a Holy Dragon, wouldn’t it further highlight your greatness, wisdom, and virtue?”

Theresia nodded repeatedly. Indeed, with her own ancestor as a negative example, it would certainly highlight her excellence.

Cough, cough, cough.

As the Pope spoke, Theodore was swallowing something and then nearly lost his composure, coughing repeatedly beside them.

Theresia turned to Theodore with a sweet smile, asking softly, “What’s wrong, Theodore? Do you perhaps have some objection to His Holiness the Pope’s words?”

Theodore gulped down water, waving his hands frantically. “No objection, absolutely no objection. Please continue. I merely ate too quickly.”

“Mm-hmm, then eat faster. (Preferably fast enough to choke yourself to death.)”

Though Theresia didn’t voice the words in parentheses, Theodore understood.

The Pope looked thoughtfully at Theresia. From Theodore’s reaction, he surmised that Theresia’s usual personality was likely different from her current demeanor, but the ability to put on an act in public was also a skill.

Their church was wealthy and powerful. Could they not afford to support a single Black Dragon?

So he continued, “Moreover, if you, Theresia, become a Holy Dragon revered by the faithful, it would also prove that the Old Patriarch and Lord Moria are skilled in raising dragons. Besides, judging by your performance so far, Theresia, I believe you are absolutely qualified for the title of Holy Dragon.”

“It has always been our regret that Lord Moria could not have his Holy Dragon ceremony at the Holy See. As his student, you are perfectly qualified to enjoy the world’s admiration on his behalf.”

Theresia felt a little lightheaded. ‘Oh dear, it wasn’t that she was fond of fame and fortune, but ever since she was born, the Old Dragon and that increasingly irritable White Dragon teacher had never really benefited from her light.’

As a Black Dragon of pure character, she felt it was time to repay them.

‘The title of Holy Dragon sounds nice, and the benefits from the Holy See are truly making a dragon dizzy…’

“Hahaha, really? What responsibilities come with being a Holy Dragon?”

Theodore: ‘Is this dragon serious? But considering Theresia truly doesn’t care much about world affairs, coupled with the Dragon Race’s transcendent status, there are indeed some matters where she can act first and report later. However…’

“Cough, cough, Your Holiness, Theresia is still only a newly adult dragon. Such matters require advice from the Old Patriarch, as he greatly values anything concerning Theresia’s adulthood, being the only Black Dragon on Dragon Island.”

“That was my oversight.” The Pope looked at Theodore and nodded slightly. “I will personally consult with the Old Patriarch later. After all, Theresia also seems very interested in the title of Holy Dragon.”

Theodore: ‘Isn’t that just a matter of throwing money at it?’

‘Isn’t that just a matter of you throwing money at it?’

Larkin: ‘It’s over, my target for recruitment is being captured by the enemy. My aura is too strong; I can’t even speak. What should I do!!!’

“When I get a chance to be alone, I’ll ask my dad to come up with a more domineering title. Since it’s an empire, how about ‘Tyrant Dragon’? If I want something even more overbearing and imposing, then ‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ it is.”

As Larkin secretly nodded, the Pope smoothly shifted the topic to Theodore, who had just spoken. “Theodore, I hear you’ve been sparring frequently with Aturu recently?”

‘No, I was just unilaterally used as a punching bag.’

Theodore chuckled bitterly to himself. Aturu, capable of gigantification, had claimed he had never fought a giant in his life.

Then came the constant door-blocking.

With nothing else to do, and given that Aturu had indeed saved them, Theodore had agreed.

Subsequently, he discovered that even a giant was not invincible.

He was still far from the pinnacle of the world.

In Aturu’s words, his strength was formidable, but his combat skills were disastrous.

During his previous fight with Promen, although he had activated the potential within his bloodline, his memory of that battle became hazy after waking from severe injuries.

After being beaten by Aturu for a month, Theodore had only just started to regain some of his fighting sense.

“That’s true; Lord Aturu is incredibly powerful,” Theodore affirmed.

The Pope nodded, pointing at Aturu. “After all, he is our Holy See’s strongest Holy Knight, without peer. I see you use a spear; if you don’t mind, I’ll have Aturu discuss spear usage with you. Don’t let him fool you with that greatsword he carries all day; his skill with the spear is no less than with his greatsword.”

“Hmm?”

Theodore’s eyes widened as he looked at Aturu. Their previous encounters had been purely sparring, and while Aturu had offered evaluations, there had been no direct instruction.

If Aturu’s spear technique was even half as good as his greatsword, Theodore knew he would benefit immensely.

He had no suitable spear master, and even with the legacy left by giants, he could only explore it on his own.

‘You can’t expect the dragons on Dragon Island to wield spears with divine skill. A proper dragon uses its claws; who would be foolish enough to use a greatsword while wearing heavy armor that isn’t even as hard as their own scales?’

‘Right, Theresia?’

Theodore muttered a complaint, then inquired with a hint of surprise, “Is that possible?”

The Pope looked at Aturu. “Of course it is, Aturu, isn’t that right?”

Aturu frowned slightly. He enjoyed sparring but was truly not good at teaching, as he found it hard to understand why something so easy for him was always perceived as incredibly difficult by others.

However, facing the murderous gazes of his old friend and the Pope, he still agreed.

“Alright, I will teach him. However…”

The Pope, not waiting for him to finish, preemptively told Theodore, “Lord Aturu is very patient. Just bother him as much as you need; he guarantees you’ll learn.”

Aturu: “…”

After his old friend frantically poked his side, he slowly stated, “I will guarantee you learn.”

“That is truly most gracious.”

Although he could sense Aturu’s reluctance, Theodore had no choice; this opportunity had to be seized!

He needed a trump card to defeat Theresia!

Then he was met with Theresia’s disdainful gaze.

The two instantly communicated through their eyes.

“’Aren’t you just like me?’”

“’Don’t talk nonsense, I have grand ambitions.’

“’Your grand ambition is to prank me, isn’t it?!’”

“’Look throughout history, who would dare to take ‘Black Dragon’ as their ambition?! If this isn’t a grand ambition, what is?! Who else would dare to do such a thing!’”

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