One didn't even need to think to know that no one other than Friel possessed space-type abilities.
Moreover, Friel was still staring warily at the Dwarf King.
Meanwhile, Seranthir had been sizing up this so-called Dwarf King from the very beginning.
He held a slight fondness for creatures like dwarves, who were typically Lawful Neutral, Good, or Neutral Good.
Under Jona Velli's guidance, she introduced the Dwarf King to Seranthir, allowing them to become acquainted.
As the meal continued, the addition of the Dwarf King made the atmosphere considerably more lively.
More importantly, Seranthir was quite happy to converse with him.
This joyful atmosphere lasted until the meal was nearly over.
Seeing that they had enjoyed themselves enough, Jona Velli voiced her final thought.
"Seranthir, I think you've already guessed it without me having to say anything."
Seranthir thought to himself, 'As expected.'
"Are you going to say it then?"
Jona Velli nodded.
"Exactly. After I establish the empire, I will begin my path of conquest.
You know this even if I don't say it. The reason I'm being so blunt is that I want to know the thoughts of the Metal Dragon."
Seranthir's gaze turned cold.
"I cannot represent the views of all Metal Dragon, but I can state quite clearly...
Bronze Dragons love war, especially when it comes to unjust wars. If you dare to start one, I imagine many Bronze Dragons will intervene.
When that time comes, I'm afraid you will only be asking for trouble."
Jona Velli was taken aback.
"Oh? An unjust war? How is it unjust?
I simply wish to unify the entire Jesup Continent. Conquest is merely a necessary means to an end."
"Do you hear what you're saying? 'Conquest is merely a necessary means'?
Can't you just stay content ruling your own territory?"
Seranthir believed that a territory spanning half the Jesup Continent was already quite large.
Jona Velli shook her head. "You're still only seeing the surface.
The conquest I launch will not bring destruction, but salvation and enlightenment."
Seranthir frowned, not understanding what Jona Velli meant.
Jona Velli spoke in a low, distant voice.
"Think about it. Although the Whit Kingdom is called a kingdom, it actually employs a tribal system.
It is rife with internal conflict, and the Whit Kingdom is inhabited by Half-Orc, Orcs, and Demi-humans.
This has resulted in an extremely backward civilization.
I intend to dispel their savagery and ignorance, bringing them civilization and knowledge. Tell me, how can I not do this?"
Ambition flared in Jona Velli's eyes. Seranthir saw this and gave a cold snort.
"Hmph! In the end, this is essentially just a war to satisfy your own selfish desires.
What you say are just secondary conditions; your true intentions are likely something else entirely.
Do you realize how many lives will be lost because of this whim of yours?
Therefore, this is fundamentally an unjust conquest."
"Where is all this talk of justice and evil coming from? In war, sacrifice is inevitable. Today's sacrifice is the foundation for a beautiful future."
As Jona Velli spoke, she grew increasingly excited, unable to contain her grand ambitions.
Seranthir threw a bucket of cold water on her enthusiasm.
"You're dreaming. I'll say it again: wherever there is an unjust war, there you will find Bronze Dragons."
"Is that your answer? Then let us wait and see.
But until then, you are still our guest."
The best choice would have been to restrain Seranthir now or kill him on the spot.
But Jona Velli did not do so. It could be said that...
Most dragons act with honor and disdain petty schemes, often choosing direct confrontation instead.
Seeing that Jona Velli was still willing to maintain a final semblance of decorum, Seranthir fell silent.
"So be it. I have had my fill. Please, everyone, enjoy the rest of your meal."
With that, Jona Velli turned and left, with Friel standing up to follow closely behind.
The Dwarf King lay on the floor, dead drunk, with a large wine barrel pressing down on him.
The banquet thus ended on a sour note.
Seranthir watched the departing figures, lost in thought... Friel had already mastered the laws of space and could easily construct teleportation gates connecting White Crystal City to its various affiliated powers, the Demon King City, and other territories.
The date for the empire's founding was fast approaching. Almost all the affiliated powers of White Crystal City had arrived within these two days to celebrate the birth of the new nation.
Meanwhile, on a hospital bed, the vampire covered in bandages suddenly opened her eyes.
A white ceiling came into view, along with a permanent emerald-green Magic Array that was healing her.
"This place is..."
As soon as Valena spoke, a sharp pain shot through her mind, and the image of a massive fist froze before her eyes.
"That dragon... something is very wrong with her."
Thinking of that loli, Valena felt a lingering fear.
One must understand that dragons relied on their unparalleled dragon bodies and boundless mana reserves to fight above their level.
But the dragon that defeated her had only maintained a dragon-kin form and used her physical body.
The only ability she had used was a blurring of her own body, similar to Valena's own.
Even so, it had only taken two seconds to beat her into a state of heavy injury.
For Valena, such a result was undoubtedly a massive blow.
Just then, a woman with a graceful figure entered her field of vision.
She had a cold expression, and her deep blue vertical pupils stared at Valena. Her long, pointed ears allowed Valena to recognize what she was.
'Wait, how could there be an elf here? And an elf's eyes shouldn't look like that.'
While she was lost in thought, a cold voice spoke.
"I am here to deliver my master's command.
Valena of the Vampire Demi-humans, once you have awakened, use your Blood Contract Embrace with the Vampire Clan True Progenitor to notify your Queen. One million gold coins for one vampire; as an exchange, this is very fair."
Valena's pupils dilated slightly.
"How does she... know that I am a... vampire directly converted by... Her Majesty the Queen?"
Mofana looked at her and spoke slowly.
"My master's greatness is not something you mortals can comprehend. All you need to do is obey. Nothing more."
Mofana's tone made Valena extremely displeased, but no matter how unwilling she was, there was nothing she could do. Her only option was to comply.
"I understand. I will do as you say, meow."
Even if Mofana hadn't said anything, Valena would have reported the situation truthfully.
After speaking, Valena closed her eyes, searching for that indelible mark left within her body.
On the outside, a hidden pink rose pattern slowly appeared on her fair neck, emitting a faint glow.
And far away in the Rose Blood Castle of the Grand Duchy of Felba, a cold and elegant beauty sleeping in a coffin suddenly opened her eyes.
A hint of amusement flashed through those blood-red pupils.
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