Ashen Dragon

South of the Radiant Mountains, within Augustus, the capital city of Thrace Kingdom, known as the "City of Sunrise".

Despite the ongoing war with the Kingdom of Cassandra, the southern border of Thrace had almost turned into scorched earth, leaving the people displaced and families torn apart.

Yet, somehow, Augustus remained unaffected, still as prosperous and extravagant as ever.

This was particularly true in the Upper City, where the Thrace Nobles resided, with its meticulously groomed lawns, lifelike reliefs, elegant Thrace-style pointed roofs, and colorful stained-glass windows...

Compared to the ravaged south, this place could truly be described as a human Heaven.

Sunshine scattered across the cobblestone streets, the fragrance of flowers permeated the courtyards, and elegant carriages passed by the fountains, all exuding an air of grace and luxury.

And there, in the southeastern part of the Upper City, was the plush residence of the Foster family, known as the "Tulip Mansion," for its magnificent gardens.

Count Donald Foster was the steward of the third prince, a collector of wealth for the Royal Family, and although his Title of Nobility was not the highest, he held a special status and was privy to many secrets.

"Have you heard? Master Donald has brought back another beauty..." In the Tulip Garden, the gardeners whispered among themselves while pruning the plants.

"I saw that young and beautiful lady enter with my own eyes," said a younger gardener, winking and exaggerating his tone. "Such looks, such a figure, tsk tsk, like a tender bud, one that everyone would hesitate to pick."

The older gardener sighed, "Yes, I do envy these Important Figures, to have such a beauty as a wife would make a man's life worthwhile."

"Don't even mention making her a wife; even just to meet her once, I'd be willing. It's just a pity she's going to be one of Master Donald's mistresses," lamented the young gardener.

The lady appeared very young; it seemed a waste for her to give herself to the over-fifty, famously greedy and lascivious Count Donald.

"But if his wife finds out about this..."

"So what? From what I know, she isn't Master Donald's only mistress, and it's said he has over thirty illegitimate children. Still, he lives his life carefree."

"That is the lifestyle of a noble, indeed..."

Just then, from the mansion came the coquettish protest of a woman, followed by a string of silvery laughter. "Oh, Lord Earl, not like this, we have plenty of time to enjoy..."

Suddenly, the gardeners held their breath, their imaginations running wild.

However, they dared not spy on the Earl's private affairs and could only pretend to keep pruning in the garden while actually listening attentively.

In a spacious bedroom, a woman in her twenties lay on the bed, her long black hair spilling over her shoulders across the bed.

Her figure was exquisite, shrouded in a thin veil outlining her subtly visible graceful curves, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin at her chest.

"Lord Earl, don't be too hasty; I'm... still a bit nervous. Could you get me some wine?" the woman asked with lowered eyelids, a blush blooming on her fair cheeks like a ripe apple.

"Of course, of course! Miss Lea, just wait here obediently, I will be right back," said Count Donald, unable to contain his longing as he stared at Lea with naked desire in his eyes.

"Yes, my lord, where else could I go if I'm right here?" The woman's face revealed a hint of seduction.

He turned to fetch the wine, eagerly anticipating the enjoyment to come with Miss Lea.

Count Donald, around fifty, was a chubby man with a large head, and although he had an obese figure, he dressed exquisitely with three pure gold teeth in his mouth.

At that moment, humming a tune, his face flushed with excitement and his body trembling at the thought of the delightful moment ahead.

Miss Lea was someone he had met at a banquet, reportedly an aristocratic girl from an Exotic Realm, a refugee seeking shelter in Augustus, now only eighteen, in the prime of her youth.

Her beauty was not the only outstanding feature; the unique garment known as "stockings" was also causing a great stir in Count Donald, making him restless with anticipation.

The fire of desire burned fiercely in his heart, uncontrollable and unextinguishable.

And so, at Miss Lea's request, Count Donald went into his room where he kept fine wines, selecting them carefully.

As soon as he left the bedroom, the supposed "Miss Lea" couldn't help but retch, her expression turning extremely gloomy. "This disgusting Fatty, he's going to make me sick..."

A familiar voice came from the pendant on her ear. "Chairman, without a bit of patience, the grand plan could collapse. Our plan is about to succeed!"

"We will remember your sacrifice, Chairman..."

"By the way, you look really good in drag, using Tifa's face model I presume? Let the brothers enjoy the view next time, shall we?"

"Get lost," Lea lay on the bed, forcing out her response in an annoyed whisper.

"I hear footsteps; the target is approaching the room. He will be back soon!" The voice from the pendant became urgent.

"Group A members, prepare to activate the Spell barrier and soundproof to prevent spying."

"Group B members, prepare for any potential danger! Be ready to protect the Chairman's safety at all times!"

Lea quickly resumed her previous shy demeanor, propping herself up with her slender arms, looking towards the door.

"Miss Lea, I'm back," Count Donald announced, huffing and puffing as he pushed open the door, holding a bottle of finely packaged red wine, his flabby flesh quivering.