Dragon Race
“Who told you to shoot?! Who told you to shoot?!!”
Although the chief’s first reaction should’ve been to shout at his men, it was already too late. While it didn’t look as though anyone on humanity’s side was hurt or bled, that wasn’t important to the humans. What was most important was the North’ attitude. As the North fired, the businessmen from humanity had a perfect excuse to escalate the situation. Troy could remain inside the Imperial Palace the entire time and ignore the humans at the plaza; however, if it developed into a diplomatic issue, he’d be forced to get involved.
The humans immediately started shouting. They picked up their weapons and rushed toward the soldiers. The gunshot didn’t scare the humans. To the contrary, it was the soldiers who were frightened. They panicked as they used their rifles to stop the group’s charge. They were nonchalant before, but they were afraid once the situation spiralled out of control. They were afraid they’d hurt another human with their bayonet. They erred once already; they didn’t want to err a second time. Nevertheless, that only fuelled the humans’ audacity.
If the humans broke through the soldiers’ lines, they’d rush to the Imperial Palace. If they charged into the Imperial Palace, Troy would be forced to show himself.
As for who fired the shot or if it was humanity that scripted it and acted it out themselves, nobody ever found out. Every guard’s gun that was recovered was fully loaded. The traces of gunpowder disappeared long ago. No soldier admitted to firing the shot, while humanity claimed they weren’t acting. Investigate as they may, they never found any evidence. What happened after the gunshot, though, was recorded.
A voice frightened the crowd and extinguished the humans’ rage. The dragon’s howl intimidated all creatures with inferior mana; in other words, the present anthropoids and humans. The crowd laid down the things in their hands with blank looks. The sky was dark. A menacing pair of eyes swept over the rioting crowd. The silver dragon swooped down and landed on the ground, generating a gale that caused dust particles to thrash about. The silver dragon scanned the crowd below it and howled at them again.
Everyone’s fear almost brought them to their knees. Nobody dared to meet with the dragon’s eyes that could practically melt their souls. Dragons were the most venerated and strongest species on the continent. Humans deemed dragons mythical creatures. Unlike elves, humans had never seen a dragon. They never even imagined that they’d encounter one. Not one person dared to budge. The soldiers were all startled. They knew about the story of dragons in the North, but they never thought there was one so close to them.
“Th-Th-Th-.”
“She’s one of my lovers. I never told you about it, but she’s actually from the dragon race in the North. Dragons have always existed in the North. Where? Right where the fur you’re looking for is located. The dragons have ruled the place since always.”
While everyone was in a state of shock, I ambled over and touched Irina’s silver scales. There were some humans who had wet their pants. I laughed: “Being frightened when you see a dragon is nothing to be ashamed of. The dragons are a surprising existence, after all. . It’s normal for you to be afraid of the greatest species on this continent. In saying that, sometimes, fear is a good thing since it can stop your schemes and fears. That’s why I think this isn’t bad.”
Irina suddenly jolted. She fearfully looked at me. She lowered her head and gently lied down next to me. I touched her face. Though scales didn’t feel as good as skin did, I was used to the feeling. I was covered in scales, after all.
With a grin on my mug, I continued, “I don’t know what that shot was about, but you must believe that my guards never intended to hurt you. You just happened to cross the line. I told you already: if you have anything you’re dissatisfied about with regards to the matter and route, you can let me know. What are you trying to achieve with this act? What you’ve just done is destroy the peace in the North’s Imperial City. What would Empress Elizabeth do if our people were to do this in Hilles City?”
“That… that…”
“Lay your weapons down, and go back to your lodging. I won’t pursue this matter with you. The three nations’ leaders will soon convene. Do you want me to tell Empress Elizabeth about this? If I was to inform her of your greed and plans, I don’t think she’ll be too happy. If you still have any questions, wait to discuss them with Freya. This matter ends here. If you want to continue causing trouble, I can’t say for certain what will become of you while you’re here.”
Nobody spoke. The entire scene wasn’t silent, though. The sound of rattling metal was still audible. I knew they wanted to throw down their weapons upon seeing the dragon. Nobody could maintain their fighting spirit in front of a dragon.
The soldiers made way. The humans left via the path made. To be precise, they fled that way. They lost the determination to fight and resist to the bitter end.
I was relieved. I had to return to Troy City soon, so the human businessmen wouldn’t have any chances to meet me in private. Moreover, my guards were on alert after the fiasco; therefore, such a thing would not happen again. Subsequently, humanity’s final hope was crushed.
I touched Irina’s scales and gave her a smile: “Thank you for your help this time, Irina. Had you not calmed them down, there’d be a violent riot now. I can’t rely on Ling Yue for the meantime, but you’re very reliable.”
“Th-Thank you… I-I just heard what Queen Sylvanas said… so… so I acted… U-Um… I am happy to help!”
“That said, your dragon race has now been revealed. Is that a good thing? You don’t like humans, do you?”
“We do not like them, true. As you previously said, nevertheless, the world is changing. Our race will be discovered sooner or later. This is fine as it is. Plus, my son will be coming here.”
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