Volume 5 Chapter 0096: Meeting an old god in a foreign land - I, The Dragon Overlord

The secretive thoughts of the dragon sisters were unbeknownst to the other nobles of the Empire. Under the guidance of the Empress, a lively banquet ensued. Numerous bards flowed in, bringing with them harps and flutes, joining the Empire's orchestra in playing joyous melodies. Led by the priestesses of the Goddess of Joy and the Goddess of Singing, delightful songs and elegant dances soon became the backdrop of the entire banquet, dispelling the previously solemn atmosphere. When Louie left Marches' mage tower and arrived at the palace, this was the scene that awaited him. Louie’s arrival went unnoticed by others, as if he were invisible. Only Alexia and Aurora, who shared his bloodline, sensed the presence of their father god. After dancing a piece, the sisters parted. To exhibit their sisterly affection to the Empire’s top officials, they walked arm in arm to the throne, partaking in the wine served by the court attendants while whispering jestful mockeries at each other. But when Louie arrived, the sisters immediately composed themselves, scanning the surroundings with delight until at last, through their blood bond, they recognized their father god. Alexia was filled with joy, exuding the exuberance of a young girl, completely devoid of her usual imperial majesty. Aurora's golden eyes flickered with happiness, followed by a bashful lowering of her head as some thought crossed her mind. Alexia longed to rush into her father's embrace, like a child seeking affection, but restrained herself given the circumstances, impatiently complaining about the extended length of the banquet. Louie nodded toward Alexia and Aurora, and, as if by cue, someone called out to him. “Your Highness, over here…” Hearing the bright and gentle female voice, Alexia and Aurora looked over to see its source, their hearts skipping a beat as they realized that a divine incarnation was present at the Empire’s celebration banquet. It was Heloise, the Goddess of Good Dragons, who greeted Louie. He walked over, recognizing another familiar figure beside Heloise. “Lady of Joy, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Standing by the Goddess of Good Dragons was Liela, the Goddess of Joy from the Realm of Clear Waters, along with Miriel, a minor deity of singing. Having grown familiar with the Goddess of Joy, Louie often visited the Realm of Clear Waters to enjoy delightful days with the goddesses there. However, this was his first encounter with the Goddess of Singing. Miriel’s incarnation seemed petite and adorable, resembling a young girl. Upon seeing Louie, her round face bore a shy smile as she curtsied gracefully. “...It’s a pleasure to meet you here, Prince Louie.” “I am equally delighted to meet Princess Miriel,” Louie replied, offering a slight bow. Despite the disparity between his strong divine power and her weaker one, their statuses as deities rendered them equals. Louie was surprised to see other deities present. True gods in the world barely number in the hundreds, and few of their incarnations frequented the mortal realm. Encountering familiar deities in such a vast plane is indeed a rare event. “Where there is joy and festivities, you’ll find Miriel and me,” said the Goddess of Joy as she twirled in her cream-colored gown, her eyes — full of unadulterated happiness — observing the singing and dancing worshippers in the hall. “...I heard of this celebration banquet from the bishop of the Song of Dragons church and hurried here.” “...The Empire of the Dragons is the largest nation in the mortal realm. There have been few wars in the past two hundred years, so a wartime celebration like this is rare. If I don’t partake in the festivities now, who knows how long I’d have to wait for another.” With a laugh, the Lady of Joy appeared as though she had become the host of the Dragon Empire, gesturing at the crowd, “...Look, it’s not just the nobles and commoners of the Dragon Empire here, but also envoys from various other nations. Her Majesty the Empress entrusted all the celebration programs to my church, gathering priests from all across the districts, not just from the Song of Dragons city, to ensure the Empress is satisfied and joyful with the entertainment.” Liela enthusiastically shared with Louie that wherever joy and celebrations existed, so too would the Goddess of Joy. As the mortal realm’s most powerful nation, Alexia invited the priests of the Joy Church to host and organize the festivities. For Liela, this was a form of evangelism, as other nobles would likely mimic this practice, inviting the priests of the Goddess of Joy to their own celebrations at home. Liela understood that it was due to her and Louie’s relationship that Alexia chose thusly. Otherwise, this most powerful mortal Empress would have had other divine churches as options and wouldn’t necessarily have sought the Goddess of Joy. “If it wouldn’t have caused an undesirable commotion, I’d have performed a dance for Her Majesty the Empress myself.” Liela lamented. As the Goddess of Joy, she never considered dancing for others a servile act; to her, it was a privilege. She often danced before her worshippers and petitioners to enchant them. “...You have an outstanding and beautiful daughter,” the Lady of Joy remarked with admiration. “If Alexia hears your praise, Lady, she’d surely wag her tails in pride,” Louie responded, his mood lifted as any father would when his child received praise. Accolades for himself had long grown tiresome. He preferred hearing compliments for his offspring. Although a god, Louie still had feelings, albeit more reserved. “But I must admit, I didn’t expect your Empress, who is so akin to you in reverence for order, would permit such a boisterous ball.” Liela admitted, biting her lip lightly, for hedonism was typically in the realm of chaotic alignments, while those aligned with order tended to be more serious. “It seems there is a misunderstanding. Utmost severity can stretch one's spirit to breaking. A modicum of relaxation is often necessary.” Louie replied with a smile. The Goddess of Joy cast a playful glance at Louie before cheerfully inviting, “...Prince Louie, would you be joining us in the Realm of Clear Waters later?” Louie knew her invitation carried the implication of an intimate gathering. Being a dragon, he eagerly replied, “...After some matters with Alexia, I’ll surely accompany you, Lady of Joy, to the Realm of Clear Waters.” With a twinkle in her eye, the Lady of Joy giggled behind her hand, “...Even within this palace, it wouldn’t be a problem. I’d love to bring joy to such a solemn hall.”