MTLNOVEL Chapter 04: Dragon Valley (4)
The wind blew gently, the green leaves of the forest resembling the waves of the sea, flowing one after another.
The entire world was quiet.
Gray looked up, silently gazing at the Golden Dragon Great Elder. He remained quiet.
The members of the Silver Moon Knight Order had their hearts in their throats.
Time trickled away, yet Gray remained silent, still locking eyes with the Golden Dragon Great Elder.
The dragons began to whisper quietly among themselves.
"What do you guess he will answer?"
"He will likely ask us to remain neutral in their war with the Black Dragon Clan, which violates our agreement with the Black Dragon Clan."
"He doesn't have enough leverage to ask us to do that, at least not now."
"The key issue is that his relations with Heaven and Hell are terrible, and he has no reliable allies. We all know this."
The fragmented whispers floated in the wind, faint yet clear enough for Catherine and Vivian, and even Aikleion and Lucy, to hear clearly.
At this moment, *Gray's mind was already in turmoil.*
"My God, I thought he would be more courteous, but he just asked outright?"
"This answer is especially important; we must think carefully."
"Did you not think about it previously?"
"If we could come up with a flawless reply or exchange of interests, there wouldn't be a need to come directly. We could just write them a letter, right?"
"My God, so does that mean our mission could actually fail?"
"Directly presenting our terms won't work; we must think of a strategy."
"You, help brainstorm how to answer this question! Kneeling down and begging them is surely not the way! This kind of negotiation won't conclude an agreement!"
"Don't rush, he didn't say we need to answer now. Maybe we can think more about it."
"Wait, who are you? Richie?"
"Um... yes, it's me. I'm just here to listen."
*While Angels and Demons were spinning anxiously in circles, two Liches were off their game, and the Black Cat hadn't yet found the words for negotiating from such a disadvantaged position, the Golden Dragon Great Elder spoke again.*
"Young Lich King, is this question difficult for you? Have you not even clearly thought about what you want?"
All the noises suddenly ceased. Especially the voices in Gray's mind, quieted immediately. Or rather, they got stuck.
*Instead, Gray, who had not spoken, opened his mouth. He said calmly,* "Of course I know what I want, please believe me, Dragon Clan Great Elder. I have never been clearer about my desires."
"Then why don't you answer my question?"
"Because I am considering how to fully express our intentions, and more importantly, we value the friendship of the Golden Dragon clan."
"Is that so? Can you answer me now? What do you want us to do?"
"I don't want you to do anything for me. To be precise, I want to invite you to join me, to journey alongside the Holy Light. It's not about seeking your help."
Upon hearing this, everyone, including the dragons present, and even the members of the Silver Moon Knight Order, including the Great Elder before Gray, and the Black Cat in the armor, were all stunned.
"Hahahaha," after a moment, the Golden Dragon Great Elder slowly laughed, "this statement is very interesting. It's the first time I've heard it. Clearly, you need something from us, yet you say you are inviting us to journey with the Holy Light? It seems we should be thanking you. I didn't know the Lich King's rhetoric was so superb."
"No, this is not rhetoric. This is a thoughtful and sincere invitation." With everyone's eyes on him, Gray lightly said, "Just as I mentioned before, 24689 years have passed since the forces of Heaven and Hell arrived on this land. It's been a long era. They brought civilization to the races living on this land, but also brought disputes. We have had glory, warfare, and times of ignorance and darkness. Now, all of this is coming to an end. I don't resist Heaven and Hell themselves; indeed, I thank them. They are our teachers. What I oppose is their distorted beliefs based on their own interests. The beings on this land have awakened; we will pursue our own future, not continuing as pawns in their game. The Golden Dragons, as brilliant and magnificent beings, as part of the Keltos Continent, I sincerely invite you to join our ranks. The faith of Heaven has boundaries, but what we seek will be a boundless future."
"So, your goal is for the races of the Keltos Continent."
"Yes."
"But it does not include the Black Dragon Clan?"
"It includes them, but it also includes the people of Gustav. A bright future should not be built on the foundation of slavery and deceit. If anyone insists on using their power to twist justice, fairness, and equity, I will have to act to save those who are oppressed. This is the purpose of the White Bone Holy Light Court. The weak and the strong both share the right to live under the same sky. And the deceased will become the most resolute enforcers of justice."
The entire world fell into silence, including the Golden Dragon Great Elder, and the other dragons present, even the voices in Gray's mind.
Richie opened his eyes slightly, his face full of amazement.
Bong beat his eyes desperately, whispering, "I never knew what I did was so great, really."