2025-05-10 09:45:59The Westbridge Manor loomed ahead, an opulent estate of marble columns and wrought-iron gates. As Ethan and his companions arrived, they were greeted by uniformed servants bearing silver trays of champagne. A melodic string quartet’s music drifted from the grand ballroom. Soft golden light spilled from tall windows, and the laughter of Avelline’s high society mingled with the clink of crystal goblets.
Ethan offered his arm to Celestia as they stepped through the ornately carved doors. Inside, the foyer was breathtaking—polished marble floors, a sweeping staircase, and chandeliers sparkling like captured starlight. Nobles in elegant attire milled about, sneaking curious glances at the newcomers. Adventurers were rare guests in such refined gatherings.
A butler announced them loudly: “Sir Ethan Lockwood and company, honored guests of Lord
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CHAPTER 107: Grand Arena Rises
The final cornerstone thudded into place beneath the midday sun, marking the completion of a monumental structure that would redefine Carosso’s future. The Grand Arena towered over the cityscape, its colossal stone arches and gleaming metal gates a testament to the combined efforts of men and dwarves. Intricate dwarven runes glinted along the arena’s perimeter walls – a gift from King Havram of Ironroot.The dwarven craftsmen lent their expertise in exchange for Carosso’s newly acquired Mistveil treasures – rare mithril and other precious resources. The result was a colosseum of unmatched grandeur. Now the Arena’s shadow stretched across bustling courtyards, promising glory and spectacle within.Conceived by Ethan as a daring joint vision, the Grand Arena stood as a living monument to power, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Grand Arena’s mission was threefold: to h
CHAPTER 106: Royal Proposition (2)
A slight, daring smile played on his lips. “Princess Fu Rong,” Ethan said, a playful lilt entering his voice, “you argue that a political marriage is the surest path to seal our alliance. My council thinks otherwise. Each view has merit... so, in Carosso, we often settle such debates in a straightforward way: we let strength decide.”Fu Rong’s eyes widened. “Strength? Decide what, exactly?” she asked slowly, unsure of his meaning, though a faint dread coiled in her stomach.Ethan’s smile widened ever so slightly. “Everything,” he said simply. “If you seek Carosso’s alliance, I would have you demonstrate Yanling’s strength, here and now, for all my court to see. Show us that Yanling’s fire is worthy to join with our dragon’s might.”Fu Rong narrowed her eyes, trying to grasp his intention. The Emperor stopped a few
CHAPTER 105: Royal Proposition (1)
Dawn’s gentle light spilled through the stained-glass windows of Carosso’s grand council chamber, casting vibrant patterns across the marble floor. Princess Fu Rong stepped into the hall with her head held high, every inch the dignified royal even as her heart thudded with anticipation.She was dressed in an elegant gown of Yanling red silk, the fabric catching the morning light and shimmering like live embers with each stride. A delicate golden circlet adorned her brow—formal enough to denote her status, but not so ostentatious as to appear presumptuous in a foreign court.At her side walked Liuyue and Leon, who would bear witness and support her but not speak unless called upon.At the far end of the council chamber, on an elevated dais, sat Emperor Ethan on the Dragon Throne of Carosso. The throne was an imposing seat of ebony and gold, carved with intertwining dragons along its back and arms. Ethan listened intently as one of his ministers finished a routine report, acknowledging
CHAPTER 104: A Feast of New Flavors
Inside the palace, a magnificent banquet awaited the Yanling delegation. Fu Rong was escorted to a place of honor at Emperor Ethan’s own table, an unmistakable sign of respect. It was a lavish feast like none she had seen. The banquet table was laden end-to-end with culinary masterpieces from every corner of Carosso. Succulent roasted meats with honey glaze, spiced stews, fragrant cheeses, warm breads, and towers of colorful pastries—the sheer abundance was almost overwhelming.Seated between Liuyue and a courteous Carossian minister, Fu Rong did her best to maintain her composure despite the dizzying array of aromas and sights. Accustomed as she was to fine cuisine, the sheer variety still astonished her. Each new bite—savory, sweet, or spicy—was a revelation.Then a particular platter of thinly sliced, uncooked fish caught Fu Rong’s eye. In Yanling, fish was always served cooked—yet here it
CHAPTER 103: The Princess Arrives
Princess Fu Rong of Yanling and her delegation finally beheld the towering walls of Carosso after countless days of arduous travel. The capital city of the Dragon Emperor rose from the plains like something out of a fable.Its fortifications were colossal slabs of stone reaching toward the heavens, etched with elaborate carvings of dragons and scenes of past emperors’ triumphs. As the great city gates slowly swung open with a thunderous creak, a wondrous sight unfolded before the weary travelers’ eyes.Beyond the gates lay Carosso, a metropolis of breathtaking grandeur. Broad avenues of interlocking stone led past majestic edifices with gilded facades. Temples, marketplaces, and mansions all boasted grand architecture, and fountains shaped like mythical beasts sent crystal water dancing through the air.
CHAPTER 102: Road of Flames (3)
The sound was deafening—a howl of flames mixed with the panicked squeals of boars caught in the hellish updraft. The very ground shook as charred leaves and sparks were whipped into the air.Knights shielded their faces from the searing heat. Several of the smaller cursed boars, already weakened by earlier attacks, were utterly incinerated in the Flame Storm’s fury.When the vortex of fire finally dissipated, they collapsed into piles of smoldering ash, their cursed life force snuffed out by overwhelming heat.Yet, incredibly, the largest boar remained standing—if only barely.It was a grotesque sight: most of its fur had burned away, revealing blackened, cracked flesh beneath. One of its tusks had shattered, and it wheezed with each labored breath.
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