Volume 5 Chapter 0097 Sacrifice to the Gods - I, The Dragon Overlord

The banquet concluded, and the guests, tipsily, took their leave of the palace, boarding their carriages to return to their abodes. Ambassadors from various countries likewise retreated to their embassies, and the nobles of the capital and provinces alike returned to their residences in the city. Thus, the palace, which had been filled with laughter and lively chatter, once again exuded a solemn dignity that commanded respect. Yet, within the palace's rear garden, a private celebration continued to unfold. Princess Leila, the Goddess of Joy, twirled joyfully amid the blossoms, her radiant laughter echoing in the air. Points of light hovered around her, as if the entire universe waltzed and sang in harmony with her movements. The Goddess of Song’s crystalline voice weaved an enchanting melody that resonated through the ether, as the air, the flowing streams, and even the distant peaks seemed to join in her celestial chorus. Gods, after all, are unlike mortals. A divine gathering may evoke a resonance across the realms, especially when touched by the sacred powers that the Goddess of Joy and the Goddess of Song command. "This place hasn’t changed much in the past two hundred years." The current palace dwarfed the manor where Louie once resided during his time as a city lord; yet this garden, where the holy springs of San Soliel flowed, remained unchanged. It had always been Louie's favored sanctuary during his tenure as the dragon lord. "Because these are Father’s cherished memories. Even if the entire city transforms, this place remains untouched." Alexia, having reverted to her dragon form, lay sprawled on the ground. Her elegant figure, with scales that were a faint, translucent layer glistening under the moonlight, was nestled against Louie. He too had assumed his draconic form, albeit not in the colossal majesty that could rival the stars, nor in the divine thousand-meter-long stature. Instead, he minimized his form to envelop Alexia in his claws and wings, tenderly grooming her scales. Under Louie's meticulous care, Alexia's spun-silver scales shimmered radiantly, their luminance growing as bright as the moonlight encircling her—a sensation that transformed her into a contented kitten in her father’s nurturing embrace, purring softly, wisps of silvery flames gently escaping her nostrils. Aurora watched on, filled with envy at the interaction between her father and sister. Yet, despite her burgeoning dragon bloodline and the growing draconic features she bore, she was ultimately of human descent and could not truly transform into a dragon. Beside Louie and Alexia was another magnificent dragon, her wings spread wide. She bore scales of mysterious mithril, her form was agile, and her horns gracefully curved. Despite her draconic nature, her feminine beauty was captivating even to humans. This was none other than Heloise, once the Mithril King, now the Benevolent Dragon God. "Father, in accordance with your instructions, we’ve dispersed the dark elf clans in the Underdark. Although the Spider Queen's worship hasn’t been entirely eradicated, it's severely weakened. Is there anything else you need me to do?" Alexia, nestled on the ground, flicked her tail, her slitted dragon eyes reflecting contentment and joy. Her tone brimmed with eagerness, as if longing for more tasks from Louie. Only when fulfilling the tasks entrusted by her father, did Alexia feel a boundless exhilaration and joy, certain that Louie's gaze was ever fixed upon her. "There’s no need for further actions now, Alexia! Socializing excessively with other gods does you no good, even though I will protect you and offer divine sanctuary, it’s best for you not to provoke true gods as a mortal!" "Your current focus should be on growth, my daughter. Witnessing your growth brings me genuine joy. You must understand a father's expectations for his daughter." Louie lowered his maw, his sharp teeth gently gripping Alexia's nape. Reacting like a kitten, she curled up, her claws, teeth, tail, and wings—the main defensive aspects of a dragon—all drawn in. Like many creatures, being grasped at the nape rendered even dragons docile, evoking memories of their youth. Uniquely, for female dragons, it also signified submission when caught by the male dragon. Alexia, caught at her nape by Louie, experienced a nuanced sensation. She released few tendrils of dragon breath, her voice altered, "…I wish I could grow up faster, Father!" "Children always yearn to mature, to become adults; yet the life cycle of a dragon is exceedingly long. Remember the beauty of youth, Alexia, for it fades with age and remains only in memory." "Even as one who governs time, the past cannot be unwound." Louie sighed, reflecting on the irreplaceable essence of childhood, a past that not even the gods can revisit—a foundational axiom of the cosmos. Despite being over two hundred years old, Alexia was still but a child in draconic terms. Even as an empress maintaining her dignity bore semblance to human emulation, though her comprehension may be limited, Alexia tirelessly committed her father’s words to memory. "Father, I have a gift for you." Opening her mouth, Alexia let out a soft dragon roar. Immediately, several graceful elven women appeared, escorting their wayward kin. Rows of dark elf matriarchs knelt, bound, shivering under the combined weight of draconic and divine auras. The radiant elves, thrilled beyond measure, offered their reverence to Louie before kneeling, and taking their leave with measured reverence. These elves, serving Alexia within the palace, were fervent devotees of Louie. To behold the manifestation of the divine was a dream fulfilled for these devout souls. "Father, these are my gifts to you. Each is a matriarch from the dark elf clans, untouched by male influence, among the most beautiful of their kin." Alexia keenly understood her father's preferences, knowing well his taste for feminine beauty, especially in draconic form. Therefore, she presented these captives as offerings to her Father, intended for his divine realm. "Hmm, they are indeed fine elves, worthy of receiving divine retribution in my domain." Louie surveyed the dark elves with a deep utterance, "Yet, more than these dark elves, I desire for you, Alexia, to offer yourself as a tribute to your god." With his maw once again gripping the nape of the ethereal dragon, Alexia coiled, drawing herself inward, a picture of serene compliance. She tucked her wings, nestling her head beneath Louie's claws, seemingly shy yet joyful.