"I am glad that you and your Guild Headquarters have arrived safely, Lux," Lady Augustina said as she personally welcomed the arrival of the floating island at the border of her Domain. "Once again, I welcome you and your Guild Members to the territory of the Crystal Palace. This welcome also extends to you, dear sister of mine."
"You still have your sense of humor, sister," Lady Faustina replied with a smile. "It's good to know that you acting as the Supreme Leader of the Crystal Palace didn't make your head any bigger."
"Of course not. If it became any bigger, then I would have kicked your Master off his throne long ago."
"Very funny, sister. Very funny."
Although they couldn't see any sparks flying between Lady Faustina and Lady Augustina, the Dragon Borns who were watching from the side could feel the tension in the air.
The Kingdom of Karshvar Draconis and the Crystal Palace had an unsteady relationship. Although they had signed a non-aggression pact several years ago, the terms of their contract had already expired.
Because of this, the people of both kingdoms were expecting the two sides to go to war with each other in order to formally decide the One-True-Ruler of the Dragon Race.
Little did they know that both Lady Augustina and Lady Faustina were just acting to make it look like they were hostile against each other.
They were twins and grew up together. It was simply impossible for them to hate each other, even if they were on opposing sides.
But because both sides didn't know this, they simply thought that the two sisters were making their stance known for everyone to see.
"That's Lady Augustina for you! Even when facing her sister, she doesn't pull back her punches."
"The Dragon King isn't that big of a deal. If Lady Augustina gets serious, she would certainly step on his head."
"Right! I can't wait to see that showdown happen soon!"
The Dragon Borns who had escorted Lady Augustina to welcome Lux and his Guild muttered enthusiastically with each other.
Seeing their reaction, Valerie, who was beside Lux, and her two maids felt anxious.
'It seems that they really hate us here,' Valerie thought. 'Was coming here a mistake?'
Because the Dragon Princess was thinking about these things, she had subconsciously grabbed hold of Lux's arm, as if using it as a support.
The Half-Elf then glanced at the plain-looking girl beside him and noticed that her face had become a little pale.
"Are you worried about those who speak ill of Karshvar Draconis?" Lux asked with a smile. "Don't be. Lady Augustina is a fair and righteous person. She will not bully you or your maids during your stay here."
"I hope so," Valerie replied in a doubtful tone.
"If you don't believe me, just look at Cethus." Lux pointed at the Royal Guard who was proudly wearing the insignia of Karshvar Draconis on his armor.
Valerie shifted her gaze on the Dragon Born who was standing tall and proud with his arms crossed over his chest.
The Border Guards and the Royal Guards of the Crystal Palace were glaring in his direction, with some of them even badmouthing him loudly.
"Stupid Royal Guard of Karshvar Draconis! You don't belong here, so scram!"
"What are you looking at, you ugly Dragon Born? Go back to where you came from!"
"Brothers, his face annoys me. How about we beat him up together?"
Cethus stood firm and even smiled at those who were cursing at him from a distance.
Seeing how the Royal Guard of her Kingdom was able to withstand such abuse, Valerie managed to gain a bit of courage.
Just as Valerie was feeling a little better knowing that a countryman was holding his ground even in the face of hostile forces, Cethus chose that time to open his lips and make a declaration.
"You lowly peasants, who do you think you are?" Cethus asked in an arrogant tone. "Do you still not know who I am? I am Cethus! Your Steward is my Grandma! You dare curse me in front of my Grandmother? Simply courting death. Are you all tired of living?"
The Dragon Borns who heard this became silent before roaring loudly in laughter.
"Hahaha! Did you hear that? He said that he is Lady Augustina's grandson! The nerve of this ugly bastard. Does he have no shame?"
"If you are Lady Augustina's grandson, then I am her son! Fool! It is you who is courting death. Are you so tired of living?"
"This Royal Guard is really making my fists itch. Who is with me? Let's beat the crap out of him!"
"I'll join you, Brother! It's time to show the Royal Guards of Karshvar Draconis who is boss!"
"Same here! Let's go!"
"Fight!"
Just as the Border Guards and the Royal Guards were about to fly to the floating island in order to beat Cethus to a pulp, Piccoro stepped forward and glared at all of them.
"Stand down, men!" Piccoro ordered. "Although this dumb boy was dropped when he was still inside his egg, he is without a doubt Lady Augustina's grandson. Cease your actions at once!"
All the Guards, who were out for Cethus' blood, stopped in their tracks when they heard Piccoro's words. They then glanced at their Steward, who didn't even bother to look at them.
However, Lady Augustina did nod her head in acknowledgment of Piccoro's words, making those who ridiculed Cethus, including the one that said that he was Lady Augustina's son, feel as if cold water was splashed on their heads.
"Um, now that I've taken a good look at you, you're actually quite good-looking."
"I never thought I'd see the day when I would see someone as majestic and amazing as you. Although you are from Karshvar Draconis, your charm oozes from your persona. How about becoming my sworn brother?"
"I have always been loyal to Lady Augustina, and seeing that you are related to her means that I am loyal to you as well. Why don't we go grab some drinks and food later to celebrate your arrival here in the Domain of the Crystal Palace?"
Cethus, who was now being showered with praises and good tidings, raised his chin a little higher. Clearly, he was enjoying the benefits of being part of a powerful Clan that extended to both kingdoms.
"Come. I'll take you to the place where you and your Guild Headquarters will be residing from now on," Lady Faustina declared before flying towards the North.
Gaap then ordered the Sky Turtle to follow the Steward of the Crystal Palace, so they could finally settle down and take a breather from their long journey.
Aur, who was paying close attention to Lux and Valerie during the entire journey, narrowed his gaze.
He had confirmed that the Half-Elf wasn't aware of the plain-looking girl's real identity, which made him wonder what Valerie's real reason was for coming with them to the territory of the Crystal Palace.
Although he wouldn't go as far as thinking that the Dragon Princess was a scheming lady, he didn't trust her fully.
More than anything else, he wouldn't allow someone who had a hidden agenda to stay beside the Half-Elf, whom he considered to be their family's benefactor.
If Aur deemed that Valerie had evil intentions toward the red-headed teenager, he wouldn't hesitate to teach her a lesson.
Even if she was the favorite Princess of the Dragon King of Karshvar Draconis.
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