Chapter 24: The evil dragon is a little boy?

“The reason I’ve stayed in this valley, aside from it being my home, is another matter…”

“Londe has long coveted the valley’s mineral deposits. The consequences of them obtaining those resources would be severe. So, if you want me and Fratina to leave, you must ensure Londe is restrained. That’s my fundamental condition.”

Lucia laid out her terms directly.

This was non-negotiable.

In truth, if it meant saving her life, Lucia might have been flexible.

But after declaring to Fratina her resolve to protect the valley against Londe, changing her stance now could ruin her image in Fratina’s eyes.

To her surprise, Dorothy didn’t seem shocked.

“Just that condition?”

“Yes… what’s your stance?”

“If that’s all, I can agree on behalf of the Church.”

“Huh?”

Five minutes earlier.

In Fratina’s room.

“Lord Lucia seems very concerned about the valley’s minerals being exploited. That’s why she’s stayed here so long. I suspect… if she negotiates with you, she’ll focus on protecting the vein.”

Fratina shared her observations of Lucia, predicting her likely terms.

“So, Sister Fratina, you’re suggesting I use the Church’s authority to stop Londe from mining here?”

“Yes.”

“That’s easy!”

Dorothy agreed readily.

Barring Londe from the valley required only a Papal decree and stationed guards.

Under the Church’s pressure, Londe wouldn’t dare object.

Even if Londe violated the ban, refining stolen ore into weapons or currency would take time—time the Church could use to rally neighboring nations for sanctions.

By doing this, the Church could bring the Hero back and gain a dragon’s strength—a massive gain.

“As long as Lucia’s other conditions aren’t too extreme, I can negotiate directly with Londe’s king.”

“So, any other conditions?”

Seeing Lucia’s surprise, Dorothy didn’t dwell on it, moving to other terms.

Lucia thought, then looked at Fratina.

“Regarding the contract between me and Fratina, I don’t want outside interference.”

“…”

Dorothy didn’t agree immediately, glancing at Fratina.

Fratina gave a slight nod, and Dorothy turned back to Lucia.

“I can agree to that.”

“Then let’s discuss the first condition in detail.”

They spent nearly an hour discussing how the Church would protect the valley, reaching an agreement.

The Church would station soldiers at the valley’s entry points, barring anyone seeking to mine but allowing hunters and woodcutters to work.

Additionally, the Church would assign overseers to monitor nearby town markets, investigating any illicit ore trade.

Other protective and regulatory details were included in the agreement.

Lucia trusted the Church’s people.

Most were virtuous and devout, making bribery difficult.

With independent oversight, corruption would be minimized.

Fratina recorded the terms on paper.

After both sides reviewed the draft, Dorothy stood, extending a hand.

“We find this agreement acceptable. We’ll present it to Londe.”

Lucia stood, shaking her hand.

Dorothy sensed something off.

‘Her hand is so small? It feels like mine.’

Lucia was a dragon, rumored to be male, yet her human form had such a… feminine frame?

A chill ran through Dorothy, and she quickly withdrew her hand.

Lucia didn’t find the gesture rude.

As dusk fell, outside the cave, Alexius and his soldiers stood guard.

Nearly two hours had passed since the Saintess entered, and night had fully set in.

The soldiers whispered anxiously, only held back by Alexius’s presence from storming in to rescue her.

Just then, Lucia, Fratina, and Dorothy emerged.

Seeing the Saintess unharmed, the soldiers sighed in relief.

Dorothy addressed them. “Camp at the base tonight. My talks with Lucia went well. Tomorrow, we return to Londe.”

“Saintess.”

Alexius stepped forward, whispering, “Are you alright? Did the dragon threaten you?”

“No.”

Dorothy shook her head.

“Things aren’t as you expect. Lucia is a potential ally against the demons, and her conflict with Londe is complex…”

Seeing the Saintess defend Lucia, Alexius was stunned.

‘Did the dragon sway her too?’

Noticing his shock, Dorothy said calmly, “Don’t worry, I’m not charmed. I’ll explain tomorrow.”

Alexius nodded, leading the soldiers down the mountain.

Lucia looked at Dorothy curiously. “Dorothy, you’re not going with them?”

“Nope.”

Dorothy shook her head.

“It’s so late. Would you really let a frail girl like me stay down there?”

She glanced at Fratina, winking.

Fratina and Lucia sweated.

‘Just say you want to stay over!’