Chapter 539: Dark Dragon Knight Demon (6k)
The duke’s carriage arrived at the palace before nightfall.
The afterglow of the setting sun hung like golden gauze in the sky, casting half of the palace in a deep red hue.
Dressed in a black suit, Dark Demon stepped down from the dragon-horned carriage accompanied by his maid Olivia. After passing through the identity check by the palace guards, he switched to riding one of the smaller carriages used for transportation within the palace.
These small carriages could accommodate one to three people and came in various styles, including antique models made from rare ancient wood, opulent Victorian styles, and even gothic dark designs.
Every time Dark entered the palace, he couldn’t help but marvel at how the queen had the leisure to design these small carriages.
“Perhaps life inside the palace is just too boring?”
Dark lifted the curtain and looked at the other carriages around him, his thoughts drifting away.
The current king has three consorts.
The queen is close in age to him, and they were childhood friends since young. She is also a noblewoman who only bore a daughter in her thirties, now known as the Big Princess Eliza.
The second consort is the first royal princess, the mother of the eldest prince, Charles. She is in her early forties and looks quite youthful.
The third consort is the second royal princess, who gave birth to two little princesses before turning twenty. She is still in her early thirties and remains very beautiful.
As the king grows older and his children grow up, both royal princesses have moved out of the palace to live relatively free lives, only occasionally returning for visits.
Therefore, within the high walls of the palace, only the queen resides permanently.
Most of the palace affairs are managed by her.
Tonight’s feast for the two young princesses’ enrollment is likely her doing.
Dark’s gaze shifted slightly.
The invitation actually mentioned two names, but Alvaraite did not come, so only he attended.
Unlike the enrollment feasts for Jon and Joie, the princesses’ feast was very formal and grand, with a high threshold for invitations.
With so many nobles present, there was no chance for him, a junior, to stand out.
So tonight, he could fully enjoy himself and find an opportunity to slip away unnoticed.
…
After about five minutes, the carriage arrived at a garden filled with blooming flowers.
A two-story mansion was specially built for the banquet inside the garden.
The lawn outside was lit with night lights, and there were snacks and drinks everywhere.
Nobles dressed in luxurious attire strolled leisurely on the lawn, occasionally chatting with each other and laughing softly.
Mellow melodies floated in the air, and a gift tree adorned with small gift boxes stood in the center of the lawn.
After getting off the carriage, Dark entered through a side door in a very low-key manner.
He then deliberately found a quiet spot to sit quietly, experiencing the gradually lively atmosphere of the banquet.
Olivia waited until he sat down, then carried a small gift to the gift tree, gently placing it among the pile of gifts.
That was all.
Dark’s task for tonight was complete.
…
Since this was a banquet for two princesses, quite a few young nobles were in attendance.
The kingdom’s nobles, tempered by war, are not lacking in those who are understated yet luxurious and refined.
Even if they weren’t, the young attendees would package themselves as such.
They were usually more popular than superficial young noblemen, being at the center of peer interactions.
Dark observed the crowd with interest, searching for familiar faces.
But students like Angus Jeffrey from Saint Maryann Academy were extremely rare; most of the Saint Maryann students seemed to have left the capital city on the morning magic train.
Instead, students from the Royal Academy and Secret Rite Academy were often seen.
The Royal Academy and Secret Rite Academy are located on the eastern and western outskirts of the capital respectively, facing each other across the entire city.
Secret Rite Academy, like Saint Maryann, is a full-time boarding school, while the Royal Academy is semi-residential, which adds another layer of complexity.
But in any case, they are outside the city, so students can easily register at their schools the day after tomorrow.
Not long after, Dark spotted Joshua Middleton and Brown Eugenie in the crowd.
Their fathers were a marquis and a financial officer, respectively.
Then, Dark saw Phelix Laraman and Kyle Demon, both students from Secret Rite Academy.
Phelix Laraman is the daughter of a count, and Kyle Demon is Dark’s cousin. Dark had invited him to spend a night in his beloved wooden cabin when he was very young, though the chubby boy didn’t seem to appreciate it much.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Brother Kyle since his birthday party. Even last night’s twins’ enrollment party, he didn’t show up.”
Dark stroked his chin, pondering whether he should greet him.
But Kyle suddenly turned his head, and their gazes met across a large expanse of lawn.
Kyle then leaped like a plump rabbit caught by a wolf and quickly disappeared.
“Tsk.”
Dark clicked his tongue and turned to look at Phelix, who was walking towards him.
“Good evening, Phelix.”
He stood up, straightened his collar, and greeted her proactively.
“Good evening, Dark.”
Phelix still wore her trendy drill hairstyle, her slightly round face and petite figure making her look like a delicate doll.
“I thought you had left this morning, but here you are at the banquet.”
Phelix unfolded her fan and smiled sweetly.
Each time they met again, her inclination towards Dark seemed to deepen.
As the only daughter of Rex Laraman, a member of the thirty-six senators, Phelix’s actions typically reflected the will of her father, and their political stances were highly aligned.
Thus, those who knew her well realized this was a sign that Rex Laraman’s political stance was tilting towards the moderate wing.
However, this raised questions because Rex Laraman had not been in contact with the Valkyrie or the Big Princess recently.
…
Dark invited Phelix to sit beside him, maintaining an appropriate distance while making small talk.
He originally planned to simply get through the evening’s banquet, but unexpectedly, Joshua Middleton, son of a marquis, joined them soon after.
Joshua Middleton is sixteen years old. Originally, he and Dark did not get along, but after the magic chess match at the beginning of the holiday, their relationship improved somewhat.
Yet
Subtle changes.
This time, the proactive gesture was entirely a change in attitude.
His father, Marquis Middleton, was not only a powerful warrior but also a seasoned strategist.
He was influenced by his father and was not foolish.
However, Dark was not very familiar with him, their conversation only scratching the surface.
Then, Brown Eugenie came over as well.
As the link between the “Public Dueling Society” and the “Eugenie Chamber of Commerce,” Brown had already met Claire.
So far, their exchanges had been pleasant.
The Eugenie Chamber of Commerce was likely to become one of the distributors for the “Public Dueling Society.”
…
Administration, military, commerce.
Unconsciously, these three forces gathered around Dark Demon.
This was still under the condition that most students from Saint Maryann Academy were absent.
Those who did not know him at all probably could never imagine how a playboy like him, originally like a lone wolf, managed to get this far.
But Dark himself had no such intentions; he even found these people somewhat annoying.
He originally just wanted to sit in a quiet corner and make it through this feast, but this small intention was thoroughly shattered after the three of them gathered around him.
He undoubtedly became one of the many focal points again.
Being stared at by so many people was certainly not a good experience.
…
The feast officially began half an hour later.
There were no fixed seats for this gathering.
The people attending the feast were not there for the palace’s delicacies; rather, they took this opportunity to socialize with those they usually couldn’t reach, or to show kindness to those seeking favors, or to continue nurturing relationships with closer acquaintances… This was the true purpose of the feast.
Of course, on the surface, they would all congratulate the two young princesses on their enrollment.
Tonight, Anna and Angie were dressed up magnificently, though their little faces clearly showed reluctance, they still followed their mother’s wishes and paraded on stage, pouting cutely.
After they finished their performance, the Big Princess Eliza and the Big Prince Charles went up to bless their two younger sisters.
Then came the king’s speech.
Dark had, of course, seen this already aging king before.
In fact, he had met him several times each year before enrolling.
The king was sixty-three years old this year, and he should not have looked so old, but he personally went to battle during wartime, suffering severe injuries. To heal, he consumed a great deal of his vitality, thereby shortening his lifespan.
However, after gradually delegating the busy government affairs to his children and ministers, the burden on his shoulders lightened considerably. He also had the leisure to meddle in the matchmaking of his eldest son and daughter, regaining much of his vigor.
He indeed had thoughts of abdication, but neither the Big Princess nor the Big Prince seemed mature enough in his eyes.
As the monarch, he could not casually hand over the throne to an immature successor due to his own fatigue.
He hoped that Eliza and Charles would quickly grow through competition and then establish a clear hierarchy with one as the primary and the other as the secondary.
The old king already had his plan in mind.
After ascending the stage with the queen, the king briefly composed himself, then displayed the demeanor befitting a ruler of a nation.
The murmurs below instantly ceased.
Then he slowly surveyed everyone present, solemnly congratulating the two young princesses on their enrollment and expressing his hopes.
At the end, he casually mentioned, “It shouldn’t be difficult for her to become the chief.”
The two young princesses were immediately overwhelmed!
…
After the king descended from the stage, he pulled Anna and Angie aside and whispered something to them before leaving the hall first.
The atmosphere in the hall then became noticeably livelier.
Noble men and women skilled in socializing moved about the venue, while more reclusive nobles drank alone, and some even conducted business right there.
Regardless of what the feast was ostensibly for, it generally turned into this scene after the midway point.
Dark declined Joshua Middleton’s offer to drink, instead promoting milk tea to him.
Since Olivia successfully replicated various flavors of milk tea, this trendy beverage quietly gained popularity among the nobility. It has even made its way onto the royal dinner table.
Brown Eugenie had set his sights on bubble tea from the start and had already downed several large cups.
Dark originally wanted to warn him about weight gain from drinking too much milk tea, but after looking at his ball-like belly, he decided against it.
Phelix soon moved to the circle formed by the noble ladies after the feast began.
Dark occasionally glanced over and felt that those noble ladies were sneaking glances at him.
He took a deep breath, put on a meticulous smile, and dealt with the unfamiliar nobles approaching him.
Annoying…
It was already so annoying now.
In a few years, it might be even worse.
…
The only thing that gave Dark comfort was that the two young princesses were clearly restrained by the queen and didn’t come looking for trouble.
When they widened their eyes and glared at him, Dark blinked at them in a timely manner to alleviate his frustration.
As for whether the two young princesses would feel even more annoyed because of this?
That was definitely certain.
By the latter part of the feast, Dark finally seized the opportunity to slip out of the hall.
But when he tried to leave, Phelix blocked him at the door.
“Hey, Dark, leaving so soon?”
Phelix seemed to have had a bit to drink, his cheeks flushed slightly red.
Dark frankly said, “I actually don’t quite like noisy occasions.”
“I can tell.” Phelix nodded. “But it seems you still owe me a dinner.”
Dark blinked, wanting to say that was just politeness.
Phelix continued, “Speaking of which, you’ll be enrolling soon, right?”
Dark nodded, “Two days left.”
Phelix frowned, “If that’s the case, we won’t meet again for nine months. Don’t forget your promise.”
Dark was taken aback, “What promise?”
Phelix counted on his fingers, “First, you still owe me a dinner. Second, when I invite you next time, you said you wouldn’t refuse.”
“Just that?” Dark responded, “Of course, I won’t forget.”
Just an invitation.
Not a lion’s den.
…
“Good.”
Phelix’s tone instantly brightened.
She suddenly leaned closer to Dark, closing the distance between them, the fragrance reaching him.
Just as Dark instinctively wanted to step back, she straightened up and stepped aside, “Then
Good night, don’t forget about me once you get to the academy.”
“Good night.” Dark waved lightly, but left no trace behind.
Phelix watched him gradually disappear before slowly reclaiming his expression.
A moment later, a middle-aged man with fair skin and golden hair appeared from behind him.
Phelix turned back and said, “Father.”
But Rex Laman, the Count, continued to gaze in the direction where Dark Demon had vanished.
Then, he asked in a tone that even he doubted: “Phelix, what do you think, if Dark Demon marries Eliza after coming of age, would Charles still have a chance?”
Phelix was startled and puzzled. “Father, why would you think such a thing? Dark and Eliza are at least six years apart, right?”
Rex Laman, however, calmly replied, “Six years, just two threes.”
Phelix’s tone stuttered, “You make a very reasonable point.”
Rex Laman then lowered his head and looked into his daughter’s eyes, smiling gently, “I’m just saying. After all, the Big Princess must eventually marry someone.”
Phelix crossed her arms and said, “It’s a marriage by proxy!”
Rex Laman helplessly agreed, “Alright, it’s a marriage by proxy.”
…
“Olivia.”
Dark whispered softly as he walked away a little.
Olivia stepped out from behind him and walked beside him.
“Is anyone there?” Dark whispered.
Olivia replied, “It’s Count Rex Laman.”
Dark frowned slightly, pondering, “Rex Laman, is he a doting father?”
Olivia thought for a moment and said, “Miss Phelix is Count Laman’s only daughter, and the Count’s care for her is indeed extraordinary.”
Dark said, “I wonder what they’re talking about now.”
Olivia offered, “Should I go eavesdrop?”
Dark shook his head, “No need.”
It wasn’t worth much.
…
Before the dinner came to an end, the Duke’s carriage, unique for its dragon horns, pierced through the night sky and left the palace.
Suddenly, a thunderstorm swept down, lightning tearing the sky apart, and thunder rumbling continuously.
Yet, the dragon-horned horses pulling the carriage remained steady as rocks, unafraid of the thunder. The carriage moved smoothly and soon returned to the mansion.
As Dark got off the carriage, he glanced at the dragon-horned horses, soaking wet yet still majestic. Suddenly, he had an idea and remembered something. His eyes brightened.
It was the night of August 29th, and their departure was scheduled for the morning of August 31st.
This meant they still had one day free tomorrow.
He had something he wanted to do!
…
That evening, after bathing, Dark knocked on Claire’s bedroom door.
Despite the late hour, Claire had the small animals open the door.
However, she didn’t get out of bed but moved over and patted the space next to her, blinking, “What is it? You came so late.”
Dark sat obediently by the bed and said, “I want to ask about riding.”
Claire immediately understood, “Riding? You want to ride a dragon?”
Dark nodded, “Yes.”
Claire smiled and gestured for him to come closer.
When Dark approached, she suddenly stood up, pulled him onto the bed, and laughed, “But your dragon is a bit small.”
Dark felt a bit embarrassed.
If you count his past life, he and Claire were roughly the same age.
But in front of Claire, he always felt like a true child.
“Perhaps there’s a gap in experience,” Dark shook his head and said to Claire, “It can grow.”
Claire pouted, “It can grow, but it can only maintain for fifteen minutes, right?”
Dark replied, “For learning, fifteen minutes isn’t short.”
Claire smiled, “Since you say so, I have no problem teaching you. Consider it preparation for becoming a true dragon rider.”
…
After obtaining Claire’s consent, Dark fell asleep with a faint sense of anticipation.
The next morning, the earth, washed by the heavy rain, exuded a fresh herbal scent.
Glistening dew rolled down from the leaves, splashing droplets.
Dark brought the Baby Blue-Eye Dragon to the training ground in the backyard.
Soon after, a roar echoed from the direction of the Dragon Training Grounds.
The Baby Blue-Eye Dragon, with its innocent appearance, sensed the aura of its kind and narrowed its round eyes, emitting pure dragon might.
However, Phelix’s Wyvern responded fearlessly with its own might.
The Baby Blue-Eye Dragon roared fiercely, though young, already showing signs of ferocity.
In the blink of an eye, the Wyvern’s massive body appeared overhead, circling in the sky several times before diving down.
Phelix’s Wyvern was merely a sub-dragon with thin dragon blood, but it was a seasoned veteran, its eyes revealing both age and bloodlust.
Upon landing, it faced the Baby Blue-Eye Dragon, making the size difference more apparent.
The Baby Blue-Eye Dragon was nearly three meters tall, but its body was not suitable for carrying a person, and its wings were underdeveloped.
A normal adult dragon species was at least five meters long.
Phelix’s Wyvern was larger, measuring seven meters.
“Use the ‘Flight Spell’ to hatch your dragon egg,” Claire said, sitting on the dragon’s back and looking down.
Dark envied the complete dragon saddle on the Wyvern’s back and gently comforted the Baby Blue-Eye Dragon, initiating the “Dragon Egg Conversion.”
Once the Baby Blue-Eye Dragon transformed into an egg, he immediately injected “Pride IV,” hatching the “Blue-Eyes Young White Dragon!”
The Blue-Eyes Young White Dragon, emerging from the egg, was no less impressive in physique than the Wyvern.
It spread its wings, disdainfully glanced at the Wyvern, and then turned to look at its owner on the ground.
Dark smiled and used the “Flight Spell” to fly to the dragon’s back.
As he sat down, touching the cold dragon scales, an indescribable excitement welled up from within.
Which boy hasn’t dreamed of riding a dragon?
Long-buried wishes struggled to surface, finally peeking out again.
Following Claire’s instructions, Dark adjusted his posture, activated the chakras within his body, and guided the energy from the chakras to his hands and feet, tightly gripping the dragon’s back with his legs and firmly grasping the dragon’s scales with his hands.
Then…
They soared into the sky!
