Chapter 86: A Forbidden Alliance

“A pleasant alliance, indeed.” Afuya watched as the crystal ball slowly dimmed.

This signified the spell’s termination. It meant their two races could now mutually teleport.

However, this ability was typically only useful when no incidents occurred. Should one side come under attack or face trouble, they would, in all likelihood, feign ignorance.

“So, what did you see?” Faltis inquired.

“Dragonkin. She saw the figures of dragonkin within the Empire,” Afuya replied.

“Captured alive? That’s truly rare.”

‘The dragon race’s pride would never permit them to be caught and researched by humans.’

“But this time is different.” Afuya shook her head. “No, that dragonkin was not from our race. She was truly human.”

“You mean, a human grew dragon features?” Faltis clarified.

“Precisely as you’ve stated,” Afuya affirmed.

“Lady Faltis…?” Eileen, standing nearby, suddenly seemed unable to remain still. Was this not precisely her own situation?

“Strangely, those humans who transformed into dragonkin lost their life signs after a short period. It makes sense, I suppose. How could any human possibly withstand the characteristics of a dragon? Wouldn’t you agree?” Afuya remarked.

Eileen’s expression subtly shifted, a hint of awkwardness gracing her features.

“So, humans are currently researching how to utilize dragonic power with dragon bodies?” Faltis mused.

“Yes, exactly.” Afuya nodded. “This is a forbidden endeavor. No one knows what price it will exact, or how many will succeed. After all, we’ve had similar experiments and cases in the past, but none have ever succeeded.”

Eileen, listening from the side, found herself growing increasingly restless.

Yet, Faltis’s face remained impassive. “Do you believe the Empire will succeed?”

“They will not. We spent countless years researching this without success, eventually abandoning the entire endeavor. Do you truly believe humans could succeed?” Afuya countered.

“True enough.” Faltis shrugged. “So, your primary objective in forming this alliance is regarding the future of the dragon race?”

“What else? Do you genuinely care about human affairs? I’m telling you this only to foster a little trust between us. I’ve never once considered the Empire important,” Afuya stated.

“That makes sense.”

“However, if you ever require it, I can also provide you with a bit of intelligence about the Empire,” Afuya offered.

“Mhm.” Faltis nodded. Yet, she harbored no illusions that Afuya would share such information out of sheer goodwill.

‘There would undoubtedly be a price to pay for such knowledge.’

“However, I have a question for you.”

“What is it? We are allies now. If you have any doubts, please speak freely,” Afuya encouraged.

“Why are you so insistent on me becoming your ally?”

Afuya’s objective was clear, not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It seemed she had been observing Faltis for a long time.

“My Golden Dragon Territory, arguably, is not the weakest among dragonkind. In fact, apart from myself, it probably can’t even compare to a first-tier imperial city,” Faltis explained.

“You, you also said, ‘apart from yourself.’”

“You mean you came solely for me?” Faltis looked at her counterpart.

“Precisely.” Afuya nodded.

Her target was never the Golden Dragon Territory. From beginning to end, her sole objective had always been Faltis herself.

“The strength of one’s subordinates is never the crucial factor influencing the tide of battle. The only element that determines the outcome is the duel between the generals. No matter what advantages your subordinates gain, as long as you, the main general, are victorious, then everything else will cease,” Afuya declared.

Faltis found herself agreeing with Afuya’s words.

For instance, if Eileen were to defeat Lena, but Faltis herself failed in her confrontation with Afuya, then no matter how many times Eileen defeated Lena, it would be futile; the outcome would remain unchanged.

“But I am merely a newcomer, having only recently become a queen. I still fall far short of those who have been queens for a long time.”

Faltis was not so conceited as to believe she could defeat all the queens.

“But you also know that it is incredibly difficult to depose a queen, especially in a place like yours, where there’s no real competition yet. And you, in just fifty short years, have already reached this point.”

Faltis’s growth rate was evident for all to see.

This was also one of the reasons why Faltis was not particularly popular at the council meetings.

“However, the meeting is about to commence, isn’t it? At that point, time will accelerate.”

Faltis still maintained an air of detachment. ‘Does this mean I don’t have much time left?’

“That is something you need to consider.”

‘I have already achieved this using some information that, while important, isn’t *that* crucial. It’s just a bit difficult to acquire. The main purpose is to let Faltis see my strength.’

“Are we not allies? If any unexpected situation arises, you should come back to help me, shouldn’t you?” Faltis looked at Afuya.

“I will. After all, we are allies. I will absolutely help you; you needn’t worry about that.” Afuya extended her hand.

“True enough. A pleasant alliance.” Faltis also extended her hand, and their palms met in a firm clasp.

After seeing them out of the room, Eileen quickly approached Faltis. “Lady Faltis!”

However, Faltis’s finger swiftly pressed against Eileen’s lips.

“I know you have many questions right now, but please don’t rush. Take your time; I won’t run away. I will answer all of your questions.”

Eileen took a deep breath, tidying the dishes on the table, allowing herself to calm down slightly.

She composed herself, then poured Faltis another cup of tea. “Lady Faltis, what temperature would you prefer?”

“This is fine. Ask whatever you wish. I will tell you everything I know,” Faltis responded.

“Is humans using dragonic power a type of forbidden magic?”

“It could be considered so. However, we stopped such meaningless experiments a long time ago.”

“Then what about me? What am I, then? Am I also one of your experiments?” Faltis asked.

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