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nThe carriage stopped outside the palace, where Aisha waited alongside several White Dragon Knights acting as her guards. When Archer stepped out, the dragonkin woman beamed and approached while hugging him.

nFollowing that, Aisha turned to the four envoys, “Welcome. I am Queen Aisha Wyldheart. I will take you to the diplomat’s apartments, which I know you’ll love as they are brand new and have all of Draconians’ inventions.”

nThe four elders nodded and piled back on the carriage as Aisha entered, followed by the knights. Archer watched her travel down the road before they entered the palace gates that had been opened for them.

nOnce inside, Demetra spoke, “I’m going to tell Kassa and Luce about our visit to my homeland.”

nArcher nodded before kissing the shark girl as she rushed off. Mary giggled at her reaction, saying, “I will tend to some plants I started growing in one of the garden ponds.”‘

n“What are they for?” he questioned.

nMary grinned, “I know you’re collecting Desert Worms from Avidia; they are currently trapped in the domain, but once it opens, I will have a lifetime supply of food for them,” she revealed.

nNew nvel chapters are published on freeweɓnvel.com.

nArcher became excited and hugged the mature woman; she was shocked but returned the cuddle. He spoke while letting her go, “Thanks, my love. I have to visit the southern deserts to collect more monsters.”

n“I know, but you need access to the domain,” she replied with a concerned expression. “We should deal with that spell soon. Who knows what powerful beings are lingering around the island it’s on.”

nHe agreed with a smile while taking Mary by her thick waist, “Yeah, we will do it in a few months once Draconia is fully set up, but come to my room tonight.”

nMary nodded before pecking him on the cheek and walking into the garden. Archer started walking toward the balcony on the opposite side of the palace. He walked through the garden while greeting the gardeners working under the afternoon sun.

nWhen seeing the surroundings, Archer loved every bit of it, but he did notice a playset for children dotted all over the garden, causing him to think with a grin, ‘Are they planning something?’

n“Oh, the big bad white dragon has returned,” she said with a smile. “Grandfather is delusional; you seem like a teddy bear.”

nArcher’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he saw the stunning woman before him, clad in a form-fitting black summer dress that highlighted her athletic, hourglass figure. While her chest might not rival some other girls, it was perfectly proportioned, complementing her elegant appearance.

nHis gaze traveled upwards to her face, which seemed sculpted by perfection. She had a charming button nose and full, inviting lips, and her vibrant green eyes radiated a depth of wisdom that misrepresented her age.

nHer short, burgundy hair was styled into a chic bob that framed her face beautifully, and her smile was simply enchanting. Shaking his head in admiration, he extended his hand with a grin. “I’m Archer Wyldheart, demon of the Verdantia Continent and devil of the Novgorodians.”

nThe young woman giggled before taking it, “I’m Sofia Volkovitch, granddaughter of Pope Jeremiah. It’s a pleasure to meet such a handsome dragon.”

nArcher’s smile grew, “You don’t share the same sentiment as the old man?”

nSofia stepped closer and bit her lip. “Of course not. I can appreciate a handsome man when I see one, but I must warn you that my aunty has claimed you as hers, and that woman is scary.”

nHis eyebrow raised as he asked, “Who is that?”

n“Catherine Volkovitch, the Guardian of the Novgorod Empire and a powerful mage in her own right. She is currently the strongest known being on Thrylos.”

nArcher nodded, “Is that the emperor’s mother and Yevdokiya’s grandmother?” he questioned as his curiosity appeared.

nSofia rolled her eyes as she muttered in a frustrated tone, “Why mention that bitch? She hates you with a passion.”

n“What’s wrong?” he questioned.

n“Yev is a proud woman and is extremely loyal to the Novgorodians,” Sofia revealed. “She cares about the common people, unlike her siblings, who are idiots.”

nArcher smiled before changing the subject, “How are you finding Draconia? Enjoying yourself?”

nThe burgundy-haired woman nodded as she joined him on his walk, “It’s peaceful, and the people are friendly here and speak to but on Verdantia, where they look at us with envy and hate.”

n“Makes sense, as the nobles don’t look after the people like I do,” Archer said with a grin. “I’ve spent billions on making sure they thrive.”

nShe glanced at him before retorting, holding back more laughter: “I heard about your hilarious bank robberies. Uncle scolded grandfather after losing so much wealth that it set the invasion back a year or two.”

nWhen Archer heard the last part of her sentence, he commented, “Invasion?”

nSofia nodded, “Yes. Every realm on Verdantia has entered an alliance and plans to conquer the other continents. The army they are building is the biggest Thrylos has ever seen, with trillions of well-trained soldiers, billions of warships, and millions of battle airships that the High Elves construct.”

nArcher coughed when hearing this and commented, “How have they built such a large army and navy?”

nShe shrugged, “I’m not sure. Uncle was secretive, but they had been recruiting for months and built castles all over the continent, turning Verdantia into a fortress continent.” Hearing this information, he grew concerned and questioned, “Have they fortified the coast?”

n“Unfortunately, I’ve already discussed with Admiral Olivia the possibility of your navy targeting the southern coast. While it’s the most heavily defended area, a coordinated assault from both the north and south could force the alliance to redeploy troops from the southern defenses. This would create an opportunity for you to use the Landing Craft to successfully deploy your legions onto Verdantia.”

nWhen Archer heard this, he grew curious, but Sofia spoke concernedly: “I know they plan to turn the world on your kingdom regardless of whether the realms agree. Uncle said if anyone resists, he will wipe out the royal bloodlines and put the people to death.”‘

n“When does he plan this? Soon?”

n“A few years at least. They brought many kingdoms to their side, but they are slaves in all but name,” she said with disdain. “They want to build up their forces until the economy can’t support it, forcing them to launch their invasion.” freёwebnovel.com

nArcher nodded, but then a thought came to mind, “Why are you helping me? They are your family,” he asked.

nSofia laughed, but he knew she was covering up immense pain, “Grandfather killed my father and stole my childhood away by having me train for years. He banished any friends I made, which forced the other children to avoid me.”‘

nShe shook her head and smiled before changing the subject, “I have a meeting with Leira, Nefi, and Hemi. The girls want to go over some old tomes we found.”

n“Well, have fun and tell those two I said hello and will see them soon,” Archer said as Sofia

nstarted leaving.

n“I will, loverboy, but we will chat again,” she said with a beautiful smile.

nOnce she was gone, Archer used Blink to appear on the closest balcony but soon realized he

nwasn’t alone. Meredith was sitting there reading a book but turned when hearing him and smiled, “Hello, Master. Need some peace?”

nArcher nodded at the blonde maid, “Yes. I want to watch the sunset,” he said while sitting

nbeside her.

nHe lay back in the chair while watching the afternoon sun start to set in the distance. Meredith then commented, standing up, “Do you want some tea and biscuits, Arch? I was going to get

nsome.”

n“‘Yes please,” he answered. “Bring some extra, I’m hungry.”‘

nMeredith nodded with a beautiful smile before leaving him alone on the balcony. He pulled out some chocolate and started eating as wyverns flew south of the palace.

nHe felt a sense of peace as the sun’s light softened, transitioning from the intense blaze of late afternoon to the gentle, soothing shades of twilight. The shadows grew longer, and the first stars began to peek out, timidly at first, then more confidently as the sky darkened. Half an hour later, Meredith approached quietly, her footsteps barely audible against the stone. She carried a tray with delicate porcelain cups of tea and a plate of biscuits. She set it down beside him with a soft smile, her presence a comforting contrast to the grandeur of the

nsunset.

n“Here you go, Arch,” she said, her voice a gentle murmur. “Tea and biscuits, just as you

nasked.”

nArcher smiled, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “Thank you, Meredith. This is perfect.”

nHe reached for a cup, savoring the warmth of the tea as he took a sip. The rich smell mingled with the scent of the day’s heat. As the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, the sky darkened to a deep, velvety blue, sprinkled with the first twinkling stars of the evening. The garden lights flickered on, casting a soft, warm glow over the landscape, echoing the fading warmth of the sun. Archer settled back in his chair, his thoughts calm and reflective. The day had been filled with challenges and plans, but for this moment, he was happy.

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