Chapter 774 - 436: Investiture, Joy of Ashes, Hidden Dangers in the Shadows (Extended - )

Chapter 774: Chapter 436: Investiture, Joy of Ashes, Hidden Dangers in the Shadows (Extended Chapter)

"As for the specifics of our cooperation... there’s no rush, we have plenty of time."

This nonchalant, vague response left Marquis Butler, who had prepared a slew of arguments, as if he were punching a fluffy cushion with no place to exert his strength.

His lips moved slightly, wanting to add something more, trying to steer the topic towards something more substantial.

However, Galos had already naturally turned his gaze to other corners of the banquet hall, clearly not intending to waste any more time on this topic.

Marquis Butler’s enthusiastic smile stiffened.

In the end, he bowed again and retreated tactfully.

"King, it seems you are quite adept in the art of political and diplomatic maneuvering."

Deep in his mind, came the low, amused whisper of Iron Dragon Solrog, who had also silently observed the brief but subtly sharp dialogue just now.

"Don’t forget, I too have the blood of the Iron Dragon flowing in my veins."

"Just because I don’t like doing certain things, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to do them, or that I can’t do them well," Galos replied calmly. "Besides, Solrog, among brothers, there’s no need for formalities in private exchanges."

If he truly had no knowledge of these matters, how could he have gathered so many unruly dragons and powerful followers under his command, earning their sincere loyalty, step by step, in this perilous frontier?

Galos did not rely solely on power to reach where he is today.

Not long after, Marquis Marcus from the Theo Kingdom approached with a heavy gait, holding a wine glass.

His expression was far more solemn and complex than that of Marquis Butler earlier.

The Theo Kingdom had once had serious conflicts with the Molten Iron Tribe and now borders the new territories of the Ola Kingdom. The long border extends their involvement in resources, security, influence, and more.

"Honorable Emperor Ignatius."

He approached and bowed respectfully, "First, allow me to congratulate you on behalf of the Theo Kingdom, on the formal establishment of the Ola Kingdom."

"Reflecting on the past... perhaps indeed, there were some regrettable misunderstandings and frictions between our two nations."

Galos watched him quietly, with no ripple in his Dragon Eyes, not interjecting, but merely waiting in that oppressively silent manner for him to continue.

Marquis Marcus took a deep breath and continued, "The Theo Kingdom sincerely hopes to cast aside past grievances and open a new Chapter of peace and stability with the new Ola Kingdom."

"We are willing to have open and in-depth negotiations on the specific delineation of the Northern Border, bilateral trade tariff agreements, and certain unpleasant incidents in the past, to seek a mutually beneficial and acceptable resolution for both parties."

"After all, lasting peace and border stability serve the common interests of our two nations."

This statement, with a lowered posture, was akin to extending an olive branch for peace talks.

Hearing this, Galos wore a smile with an unclear meaning on his face.

He, of course, understood what the Theo Kingdom was worried about.

A unified and powerful Giant Dragon Kingdom rapidly rising in the Northern Territory completely altered the regional landscape, making Theo, as a neighboring country, feel an unprecedented threat.

"Marquis Marcus," Galos began slowly, his voice steady as usual, "Peace and development are also the wishes of me and the Ola Kingdom."

"As for the past events..."

He paused, his tone indifferent, "Minor frictions are nothing more than insignificant dust."

Saying this, Galos raised his wine glass, took a light sip, and then said:

"The doors of the Ola Kingdom are always open to neighbors with goodwill and sincerity, but how to step through this door and whether a solid relationship can be truly established depend on the wisdom and sincerity of the Theo Kingdom itself."

He did not explicitly reject the proposal for talks, nor did he mention any substantive commitments or concessions, showing no concern over those past "misunderstandings," as if they were indeed trivial dust.

Such slick and cautiously reserved diplomatic language is often the speak of seasoned politicians.

Listening to this conversation, the surrounding envoys found it truly difficult to associate such impeccably careful and poised speech with the imposing image of the Red Iron Dragon Emperor they saw before them.

This indicated that he not only possessed immense power but also had a sharp and calm mind.

Marquis Marcus felt a sinking feeling, knowing that this Giant Dragon Monarch was far more challenging to deal with than he had anticipated.

Rationality told him it was time to take what he had and retreat timely.

However, the delay of the two mysterious legends’ appearance made him extremely anxious; he was also bearing the heavy pressure from political opponents back home and His Majesty the King; hence his trip also held the arduous task of "easing relations"; plus, to muster courage and dispel boredom, he had consumed quite a bit of strong liquor.

... All these factors intertwined, making him immensely agitated, a rush of hot blood uncontrollably surged up his head.

"Your Majesty, I toast to you!"

He didn’t retreat according to etiquette, instead, he raised his glass again, looking at Galos with blazing eyes, his voice slightly elevated due to excitement.

"I earnestly hope you can overlook past misunderstandings and frictions before the establishment of the Kingdom!"

"I also believe, with your wisdom and foresight, Your Majesty will undoubtedly make the best choice most beneficial for the Ola Kingdom regarding major issues concerning the future of both nations!"