I Alone Breed Dragons

Chapter 67: Only A Clueless Noble Object

Rollsway Island? The name rang a bell. It was a close by island to RingVlad Kingdom, while Farmshill village is situated inside RingVlad Kingdom. Rollsway Island was our little neighbor by sea.

I held my eyes on her, studying her calm demeanor, the coordination of her speech, and what she’ll ask next, pretending to be oblivious about the reason I’m here.

"You already know the reason I’m here, which is simple — to claim my position as village chief of Farmshill."

The room went silent, everyone turned their heads to their side, exchanging glances.

Out of the audacity of my words.

"And not only that," I added. I slipped my arm from Quinette, as she remained stationed at the door, while I drew closer to the table.

I continued. "I also keep my seat at this very council." I reached the table, their eyes tracked my micro movements, only for me to take my hat off, placing it on the table.

I looked to my side where Stephanie was seated, legs crossed. "That’s all I want. Once I’m granted such I’ll leave you guys in peace and not pieces."

"Very well."

I raised an eyebrow. That fast?

"We saw Baran’s will. So I’d like to respect the dead."

Lie, I said in my head. I felt this was just an act since I had stepped into the room.

"But," Stephanie raised a finger, "you have questions to answer. Baran’s will coming after his death is something very suspicious. Also, how did you leave the dragon kingdom without our notice? The queen, or the council on her side, is meant to be informed since you hold supernatural significance. And Lady Quinette?"

Stephanie lounged on her chair, changing her gaze to behind me.

"You know what you’ve done here is breaking the rule of agreement humans have with dragons. The punishment in place wasn’t a joking matter. The queen will hear from the council."

"I don’t answer to the Queen anymore, but to the man standing before you."

Murmurs then erupted from the room. "What is she saying?"

"Dragons defying the queen?"

"Then we aren’t safe, it’s a matter of time before an invasion happens."

Stephanie then tapped the table twice with her finger, at the voice dialed down.

"That’s good for you... or is it? So if I have this news shipped to your Queen, you wouldn’t dread the consequences and punishment that would follow. Unlike your man here." She gestured vaguely to me. "The Queen might spare him for his importance to your race. But you? I don’t know."

I burst out laughing,

Hand over my face, from the stupidity of this scenario I understood what Stephanie was attempting — a subtle manipulation, trying to plant doubt. But in this case those seeds landed on stone soil.

The Lianex was said to rival the queen in terms of mana; her scanner read SSS Rank last time, which means Quinette is now on par with the Queen. And Lianex, based on raw mana, then her magic behind a forbidden technique, I could bet gave her an edge, but since I hadn’t seen Lianex or the Queen’s magic in real time, I can’t fully tell.

The room went still as all eyes landed on me.

I calmed my breath, composing myself. I adjusted my coat around my body. "You think we’re scared of the dragon Queen? Well, think again."

I placed both hands on the table in an authoritative stance. "Let me make this clear, we don’t."

Stephanie gazed at me. "Still, you stand accused of Baran’s murder. You’re obligated to take account of the punishment, which is death. But—" she shifted in her seat, tracing a finger across the table, "—but for your position as village chief, we’ll sweep your crimes under the carpet."

"I refuse. I’m taking the position with me. Just take what I’ve done to Baran as punishment for selling me like a slave."

"So you do confess you were the one who killed Baran!" A noble seated at the table snapped, shooting off his seat.

"Yes, I did. And I’m not going to deny it." I tilted my head, my glare piercing into his eyes. "Tell me... what are you going to do about it? Can you kill me?"

The man clenched his fist, turning to Stephanie. "We shouldn’t be negotiating with criminals like him, he deserves to face the law. Such a crime should be reported to the king."

"I know what I’m doing, Richard. Such news, I believe, King Adan wouldn’t like to hear. Rather, I wish we kept it to ourselves, avoiding the stress of decision making."

Richard then settled down, from Stephanie’s words.

I narrowed my eyes. So the rumors are true of the king — a lazy man who prioritizes pleasure and his happiness, always avoiding his duty, relying on underlings. Most days he just wears the crown; the administration are the true ones ruling the kingdom.

Still, I don’t believe he deserves any position.

Stephanie sank down in thought, gathering her logic, deciding. She raised her head back up. "Okay, Walter. Let’s make the deal less rigid — you’ll get your title as village chief, but not a seat at the council."

"No!" Before I could reject the offer, Richard already did on my behalf. He snapped, eyes burning with resentment. Or envy.

"Who is he?" I asked.

"That’s the person meant to take over all positions Baran left behind."

"He’s not even from Farmshill, since I can’t recognize such an ugly face. Are you from Farmshill?"

"I’m not, and it doesn’t matter — we aren’t giving you any title at all. Am I the only one who thinks so?" Richard swept his eyes through the gathering of nobles, seated, expectant of a response, then everyone was silent. "Why are we even talking about this," Richard added. "His punishment is his death, that’s all."

"And tell me, Richard, how am I still alive despite the hundreds of guards you guys stationed outside for my execution on the spot."

I walked around the tables, drawing closer to where he was seated, his eyes followed me in every slow step I took.

"You are yet to understand the situation, Richard. The people seated alongside you aren’t opposing because of one thing."

I halted before him, burying my eyes into his. His face was hardened, brows still arched.

"Do you know what that one thing is? Fear. They might go behind my back to agree with you, which confirms my statement. Now tell me, now that I stand before you, what feeling is creeping up your bones."

Richard clenched his fist, wind spun around his fist in a violent whirlwind, howling around, as I stood fiercely face to face with him.

His jaw tightened. "I don’t fear you."

My lips curved into a grin. "Well, you should."