Volume 5 Chapter 0095 Dragon Sisters - I, The Dragon Overlord

Within the royal palace of the Dragon Song City, the atmosphere was lively with the clinking of glasses and the chatter of nobles. The guests, speaking in their distinctive aristocratic manner, discussed the recent developments within the empire and shared gossip about various high-ranking families. This celebration banquet attracted nearly every noble present in the capital, but aside from these nobles, the most significant attendees were those wielding real power within the empire. The palace's grand hall was occupied by two discernible factions—the political and the military. Even their stances differentiated them. Alexia held a golden cup in her hand, spinning it with amusement. Her authoritative, draconic gaze swept over the crowd in the hall. Every individual who met her eyes responded with a respectful bow, and the young noble knights gazed at the great emperor with unparalleled excitement, offering the empire's military salute. She sensed it was time. Rising from her throne, her movement instantly silenced the hall. All nobles, soldiers, even the clergy members and commoners invited to the banquet turned their eyes toward this sovereign, a blend of dragon and elf. Being accustomed to so many scrutinizing eyes, Alexia basked in attention. Her face, as ethereal as an elf's yet as majestic as a dragon's, broke into a smile that could shake a heart. Raising her glass, she declared, "… Everyone, this is a victory of immense significance, one that will surely be enshrined in our history. For tens of thousands of years, no surface race has dared to venture into the dark territories." "… Now, thanks to your efforts, the warriors of the Dragon Kingdom have conquered the barbarians of the dark regions, vanquishing the spider-worshipping dark elves, spreading the empire's radiance across the nether domain. Here, I must express gratitude for your endeavors, and mourn our brave warriors' sacrifices!" "Let us pray, to honor our great deities!" Upon finishing, Alexia bowed her head in prayer, followed by everyone in the hall, expressing sincere reverence—even the elves present joined in the supplication. Although the attendees didn’t all share the same faith, over two centuries since the awakening of the deities, belief had spread across all planes. The faithless were now an exceedingly scant minority. After a moment, with the prayer concluded, Alexia once again raised her goblet, surveying the massive palace as she loudly proclaimed, "… To the warriors who sacrificed, to the champions who secured victory, to every one of you present here!" Alexia downed the red wine from her golden goblet in one gulp. "To Her Majesty!" The subjects called out in unison, raising their glasses in salute to the great Empress before emptying their own cups. "Ha ha, my people, the empire thrives because of you. Let us not be constrained, for this banquet celebrates our victory. Let us sing loudly—now, who wishes to dance with me?" The Empress stood from her throne, descending the steps, and addressed everyone present with her melodious and commanding voice. Typically, the heirs of major noble families or relatively young heads of prominent families would accept the Empress's invitation. However, Alexia had reigned for over two centuries, and all nobles were well aware of her preferences. She did not enjoy dancing with men or being touched by them, so no man dared to invite trouble by stepping forward. Being a dragon who was also a demigod by birth, the empire didn’t face issues regarding her succession. Naturally, nobles were not concerned about whether the Empress had a partner or preferred women. Moreover, even though Her Majesty was over two centuries old, she appeared remarkably youthful, in the transition from a girl to adolescence; thus, any male interacting with her could easily be accused of misconduct. Soon, a beautiful young lady in a silver, elegant robe stepped forward. Under her golden locks were silvery dragon horns, visible under the moonlight. She offered a noble curtsey with a radiant smile, "… Your Majesty, let me accept your invitation." Alexia observed the tall young woman before her with a playful tone, "… It’s Aurora!" The one who stepped forward was none other than Alexia’s half-sister. When the Queen of the Subila Kingdom, Andrea, accompanied Louie to the 'Supreme Throne' to witness the complete downfall of the Prince of Lies, she too had absorbed divine essence. Although not a demigod, she became a divine being, acquiring immortality. Thus, she could remain on the queen's throne indefinitely, preparing for her ascension to godhood, while Aurora continued in her perpetual role as a princess. Though there was no vassalage between the Dragon Kingdom and the Subila Kingdom, even as siblings, Aurora was not obligated to fight for the Dragon Kingdom. Yet this time, she joined the expedition as the 'Saintess' of the Dragon God Church, slaying numerous foes and earning significant merit in battle. Seeing the Empress's sister accepting the invitation, the other nobles felt this was the optimal outcome; any lesser choice for the first dance partner could prove contentious. Alexia placed her delicate hand in Aurora's equally soft palm, and the two sisters began to dance gracefully. Despite the disparity in height and physique—one an elegant maiden, the other outwardly youthful—Alexia’s commanding presence harmonized the discord. "This time, you did exceptionally well, Aurora. You even captured two high-ranking matriarchs of the dark elves. I'm sure our Father will be pleased and proud of you." Alexia gazed at her sister, noting the slightly curved silver dragon horns under her golden hair, with delicate, dragon-scaled patterns connecting her cheek to her neck. Endowed with divine blood, Aurora was a natural sorceress, whose Draconic divine lineage became more pronounced as her magical prowess grew. To the extent that Aurora now resembled a dragon incarnated, even dragons perceived her as a kindred being of noble lineage, rather than a mere human. "This is all thanks to you, Elder Sister. Your direct leadership encouraged our soldiers to fight valiantly. You've also built Father's realm into such a formidable force; He would surely focus more on you." Aurora's words seemed to praise Alexia, but her tone carried a hint of irony. The sisters, while avoiding outright conflict, were far from being deeply bonded, often needling one another through subtle banter. "Hmph, naturally, for I am Father's most cherished daughter!" Alexia lifted her head proudly, then swiftly shifted the topic, "… Aurora, you're not young anymore. Surely many handsome nobles have courted you. If someone catches your fancy, just let me know, and I'll arrange your marriage." Aurora continued her elegant dance steps, her expression unchanged as she replied, "… Even Mother cannot decide my marriage; Father should. If He decrees whom I shall wed, then that's what I'll do." "Ha, Father is occupied with grand matters and won't concern Himself with your marriage. However, I'll inform Him and implore Him to find you a good husband." Alexia’s smile was equal parts arrogant and triumphant. "Alexia, you're older than I am; you ought to wed first, before it’s my turn." Aurora retorted, not backing down. "…" The two sisters wore expressions of familial harmony, yet beneath the surface, a fierce battle of wits and words unfolded.