Chapter 638: Feeling Guilty for Fooling Young Dragon
"Even for a blue dragon famous for wisdom, stepping into human imperial airspace for the first time makes it impossible to pinpoint the exact location where spatial ripples erupted."
"So... I attempted exploration across numerous regions, flying from the northern mountain ranges all the way to the eastern coast, searching along the shoreline, then venturing deep inland for broad-scale investigation."
Her eventual mid-air collision with Lyra returning to the capital was purely coincidental. Without Lyra’s assistance, Theresa would have transformed into human form herself to investigate useful intelligence within the empire, indeed, she hadn’t even known where or what the capital of the Valeria Empire was.
Listening to Theresa’ words, Astrid’s gaze flickered as her crimson pupils reflected the blue-haired girl’s restored pale cheeks.
"I see... Might Miss Theresa then reveal the detailed route...?"
"For instance, some landmark structures. The seventh emperor of the Valeria Empire, particularly loved grand construction projects. He designed numerous massive ports, windmills, sky-scraping wonders, and stone archways across the imperial territory."
"One would think even from high altitude, Miss Theresa should have noticed them."
Lyra had determined her direction returning home relying precisely on the landmarks marked by the head maid. There was no reason Theresa couldn’t have done the same.
Faced with Astrid’s inquiry, Theresa, who bore the ’crime’ of ’trespassing into the airspace of another sentient race’, had no room to counterattack. After a moment of silence, she began explaining her journey’s sights and experiences to the silver-haired beauty before her.
After several minutes passed, Astrid and Lyra sat on chairs beside the desk, while Theresa sat on the bed opposite them, finishing her account of the final encounter with human knights.
From this narration, Theresa appeared truthful, each landmark matched correctly, consistent with Lyra’s observation of her flight speed when they met.
Maintaining an attitude of believing eight parts while reserving two parts of doubt, Astrid chose not to press further on this topic. Given Theresa’ current cooperative stance, being overly aggressive might backfire.
In Astrid’s view, a middle tier Arcanist mage-class dragon daring to enter the human empire alone was itself quite reckless. She was a genuine dragon, blood, sinews, bones, flesh, all prime magical materials, truly unafraid of being hunted, stripped of every component.
If Astrid disregarded possible diplomatic complications, the human experts stationed in the capital right now could certainly detain Theresa.
Still, this perfectly matched Theresa’ outward demeanor, passionate about magical knowledge, yet inept at interpersonal relations and political negotiations.
"I roughly understand Miss Theresa’ request."
Astrid gently crossed her legs, her night-sky colored gown with lotus-leaf hem covering her rounded knees. Her straight, jet-black calves gleamed softly in the light, along with her tender snowy feet enclosed in side-cut metallic high heels, revealing delicate silk contours.
"You come bearing ideals of peace and exchange, seeking cooperation with the human empire."
Momentarily dazzled by the human’s unintentional display of exquisite beauty, Theresa slightly lowered her head, softly concurring.
"Correct. That is exactly my purpose."
"Most of my kin believe draconic magic is the world’s supreme and most powerful sorcery, thanks to no supplementation from foreign magics. Yet I believe the magical systems established by other sentient races may not be without benefit to us."
Regarding arrogance, having grown up in the magically saturated dragon lair, Theresa inevitably absorbed some. However, through extensive reading, her arrogance remains relatively lower than other book-ignoring clan dragons.
Human Arcanist mages also possessed extraordinary capabilities capable of moving mountains and filling lakes. Powerful Crusaders who trained their bodies long-term might even withstand direct impacts from sharp dragon claws.
The world is so vast, even for blue dragons born with superior physiques and exceptional magical talent, a humble heart remains necessary.
"..."
The room fell briefly silent. After a while, Astrid spoke softly.
"I’m glad to hear such sincere words from Miss Theresa. As host, I should also provide some intelligence I know."
"The spatial ripples Miss Theresa seeks do exist within the Valeria Empire, and I also understand certain aspects of their internal operating principles."
Upon hearing this, Theresa’ eyes brightened, her pupils openly revealing yearning and desire.
Seeing this, Astrid inwardly shook her head, thinking this blue dragon maiden was indeed overly pure and adorable.
Directly revealing one’s objective was a major taboo in negotiation, let alone Theresa expresses such obvious eagerness, it made her want to jack up the price and thoroughly exploit Theresa.
"However, since we’re speaking of exchange, both parties should logically gain something..."
"The spatial ripples originated within the human empire. If Miss Theresa wishes to study them, shouldn’t appropriate compensation be offered?"
For Astrid, the incomplete spatial array sitting there couldn’t generate additional profits anyway, but that didn’t mean Theresa could freeload.
Every noble of the Valeria Empire knew knowledge was also wealth.
Recognizing Astrid didn’t intend to hoard it privately, and that presenting a bargaining chip would grant participation opportunity, Theresa’ lips curved slightly upward. She immediately raised a hand to her chin, suppressing her expression from becoming too obvious.
"What does Miss Astrid desire?"
"I’ve heard every dragon possesses their own treasure vault. Miss Theresa should be no exception?"
After a few seconds pause, Theresa responded to Astrid.
"...Naturally."
Although not a dragon obsessed with collecting shiny rare treasures, she still owns many personal items.
"Crystalline stones of various attributes, precious mineral resources, magical materials unfindable within the human empire, I possess them all."
Never underestimate a dragon’s collection. Their long lifespans granted them abundant opportunities to gather treasures. Although Theresa was merely a few decades old, a juvenile even by dragon standards, through gifts from parents and elders, she ranked among the wealthy youth in her clan.
Crystalline stones of various attributes...
Hearing these words, Astrid narrowed her eyes, pondering internally.
To promote widespread use of magical devices within the empire, the resource issue must be solved. Without affordable elemental crystalline stones, everything would remain mere talk.
Charlotte’s current research focus had already shifted to obtain cheap and reliable elemental crystalline stones, but research required time. Once the favorable momentum from defeating the Kingdom of Velys passed, nobles opposing magic-energy device research will certainly reemerge.
Astrid needed some elemental crystalline stones to fill wartime consumption gaps, and these stones weren’t suitable to procure through Amalia again, after this war, the treasury deficit was severe. Amalia was struggling to revive the economy; making her spend more would force continued extraction from nobles, applying wartime statutes during peacetime. Such actions would severely damage the foundation of rule.
"Miss Theresa is indeed straightforward..."
Astrid lifted her lips, gently inquiring.
"Could you be more specific? What are these precious mineral resources? Can they be directly mined? And what exactly are these ’magical materials unfindable within the human empire’?"
Astrid’s ultimate goal was elemental crystalline stones of various attributes, but she couldn’t initially show excessive interest. She needed to learn about other things first to facilitate price negotiation.
The simple-minded Theresa naturally didn’t consider this layer. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have bluntly stated her purpose, instantly falling into the wicked woman’s trap, spilling every collected treasure like beans from a split bamboo tube.
Astrid listened patiently, confirming some items were useful for magic-energy device research, then gently parted her pink lips.
"Coldfall Stones from frigid regions indeed cannot be produced within the Valeria Empire. I find them somewhat interesting."
"As for the other magical materials, I currently have little need. Regarding those so-called mineral resources..."
"The mining difficulty is too high, located in extreme cold zones where humans can barely survive. Their practical value isn’t high."
Seeing Astrid seemed unsatisfied, Theresa immediately spoke up.
"Then... what does Miss Astrid want...?"
These were all she had; nothing else remains.
"..."
Pretending to ponder briefly, Astrid sighed, her tone slightly regretful.
"If truly nothing else exists, then make up the difference with elemental crystalline stones. Better than nothing, I suppose."
Elemental crystalline stones held little intrinsic value to Theresa, they simply looked nice when sparkling, sometimes eaten directly as snacks. Faced with Astrid’s proposal, Theresa readily agreed.
"Fine. I’ll proceed as Miss Astrid suggests."
Seeing cooperation proceeding so smoothly, Astrid suddenly felt a twinge of guilt. Her sharp heel scraped against the wooden floor, producing a crisp sound.
"No hurry. Specific shares will be detailed later through a messenger. I have another cooperation proposal here."
"What is it?"
"Miss Theresa isn’t extremely interested in magical knowledge from other sentient races, correct?"
Astrid propped her cheek with one hand, speaking elegantly.
"If Miss Theresa wishes, I can arrange a borrowing card for the Royal Library. Besides magical knowledge, it contains many related humanities and customs."
"Should be a decent proposal for Miss Theresa, no?"
It also aligned with Theresa’ purpose here, magical exchange with humans.
Hearing this, Theresa froze momentarily, then responded softly.
"For me?"
"Mmm." Astrid nodded, her lips parting.
"The condition is, Miss Theresa must also provide some books and magical incantations regarding dragonkind."
This was knowledge Astrid had long desired. Neither the Royal Library nor the Isabeis Magic Academy’s archive contains many records about dragons.
"No problem, Miss Astrid."
Infected by the other’s enthusiasm, Theresa softly replied, adding one more sentence.
"If progress occurs in spatial ripple research, I’ll promptly share findings with Miss Astrid."
After all, the discovery occurred within the human empire, rightfully belonging to the Valeria Empire.
Watching Theresa, who thought she’d struck a great deal, Astrid reevaluated the ancient human ruin’s value, inwardly convinced that a certain dragon unable to chant ancient French would likely uncover nothing substantial, giving a low acknowledgment.
"Alright. Let me say in advance, thank you for your hard work."
Why did she keep feeling guilty about deceiving a dragon?
Astrid gently rubbed her temples. Her previously raised legs relaxed downward, leaning diagonally with legs crossed, the pointed high facing heels Theresa nearby.
Perhaps she was better negotiated with imperial nobles or business veterans like Tristian, everyone understood negotiation, knew exactly how much benefit to take and what boundaries not to cross, able to maintain proper restraint.
Unlike dealing with negotiation novices. Although she knew she could swindle a bit more, she ultimately felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Forget it. This is enough. Granting a favor, consider it leaving a thread for an uncertain future.
Hearing Astrid say this, Theresa quickly responded.
"Consider it my apology for trespassing imperial airspace."
As the female voice fell, Astrid studied Theresa a few moments longer, speaking softly.
"I feel Miss Theresa would make a suitable friend."
Setting aside interests, exchanges, and wariness, conversing with Theresa felt comfortable for Astrid.
Despite this blue dragon before she was profoundly pretending, aside from her reckless act of impulsively flying into the empire driven by magical obsession, she truly was a well-mannered gentlewoman.
"The capital will soon host a grand exhibition of magical devices."
Besides the signal transmitter, other displayed magical devices weren’t important secrets. Even if Theresa learned about them, it wouldn’t matter.
"Miss Theresa, such a distinguished guest traveling from afar, might as well view these crystallizations of human wisdom."
Here, Astrid gave a charming smile, her seductive red eyes slightly narrowed, appearing even more coldly alluring against her snow-white skin and pure black gown.
"On a personal and friend’s behalf, I invite the erudite scholar Theresa to attend together."
"To witness the first act of the Valeria Empire’s transformation."
Gazing at that face more beautiful than the prettiest silver dragon princess in her clan, Theresa fluttered her eyelashes, softly replying.
"Magical devices... huh..."
"Mm, tools powered by magic crystals, utilizing combinations of magic runes and arrays."
"..."
"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Astrid. I am indeed interested. But before that, I’d like to see the spatial ripples first."
Having spoken, she heard Astrid respond.
"Who said the spatial ripples are elsewhere, Miss Theresa?"
"The place you wish to go and the upcoming magical device exhibition aren’t far apart."
Gazing at the skirt Lyra helped smooth, Astrid took the pink-haired girl’s hand, whispering softly.
"I’ll also introduce Miss Theresa to a middle tier Arcanist mage. She’s an expert in this field, and the primary initiator of these spatial ripples."
"Her name is Charlotte."
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