Vol. 3 Ch. 112

Rosvisser was slightly surprised.

While interacting with A-Donkey, she had indeed used *Soul Judgement* to calm his stubbornness. But the magical fluctuations were so faint that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to detect them without focused perception.

Yet somehow, Claudia had noticed…

In response to Claudia’s question, Rosvisser simply smiled and replied, “Just a small trick, nothing worth mentioning.”

Much of her ability to use *Soul Judgement* was thanks to Claudia’s guidance, so it was only right to show a bit of humility in front of her mentor.

“But how did you know I’ve been practicing *Soul Judgement*?”

When she and Leon initially asked Tiger to help them find books on primordial magic, they had used the excuse that “Leon wanted to study it.” Tiger likely used the same reasoning when asking Charlotte.

But here was Claudia, immediately recognizing her magic as *Soul Judgement*. That was more than just keen observation.

Claudia chuckled. “At first, Charlotte wanted some primordial magic books from me, supposedly for Leon’s training. But primordial magic belongs to us dragons, and it’s considerably harder for outsiders to master.”

“So, I thought… perhaps Leon had claimed it was for him to help you instead.”

Rosvisser nodded. “Just as you said, Claudia. Back then, we had no idea about your connection with Tiger and Charlotte, so we made up a small lie.”

Claudia waved her hand dismissively. “Hardly a lie—a thoughtful husband securing a magical text for his beloved wife.”

“…”

Why did every dragon seem to make this “husband and wife” joke? Did she and Leon look that blissfully in love?

Did they?!

Sighing inwardly, Rosvisser looked down at her hands and continued from where Claudia had left off. “I’ve been practicing *Soul Judgement* for a long time, and after the battle in the Far North, I’ve come to understand primordial magic more deeply. With this knowledge, I should be able to protect my people better.”

Claudia listened quietly, resting her chin on one hand, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. “Most dragons have a natural drive for greater power, and you’re no exception. But unlike other dragons, who seek power for conquest, you long for strength to ‘protect.’ That’s a noble goal.”

Rosvisser gave a small smile. “You flatter me, Claudia. It’s not all that grand.”

“To continually hone yourself for the sake of those you hold dear, regardless of the hardships—perhaps not ‘grand’ in the grand scheme of history, but for oneself, it’s more than enough,” Claudia remarked.

Rosvisser accepted the praise gracefully, recognizing that Claudia’s compliment was straightforward yet meaningful, without excessive flattery.

After a brief silence, Rosvisser asked, “Claudia, is the Sea Dragon Clan preparing for a succession soon?”

“Yes, once my father returns, the transfer of the throne and the coronation ceremony will take place.”

“You’re the next Sea Dragon Queen?”

“What, do you plan on challenging me for it?” Claudia teased.

Rosvisser chuckled, covering her mouth. “Nothing of the sort, Claudia.”

In dragon society, rulership wasn’t hereditary; the throne went to the most capable. Like how Isha often joked with Aurora, “When you grow up, your auntie will hand over the title of Red Dragon Queen to you.” But in reality, ascending to the throne required both strength and wisdom.

Claudia, as the eldest princess of the Sea Dragon Clan, had proven herself worthy through rigorous trials and selections, ultimately earning the right to become the next Sea Dragon Queen.

Having spent so much time with Claudia, Rosvisser could tell she was more than qualified to rule.

Which meant… Leon’s connections had just leveled up again. Not only was his wife a Dragon Queen, his sister-in-law was too—and now even his “mother-in-law” was about to join their ranks.

“I’ve never been a queen before, so in this regard, you’re my senior,” Claudia commented.

“Oh, I don’t know about that…”

“You ascended at such a young age; your future is bound to be bright,” Claudia remarked.

Most dragon kings or queens were at least five hundred years old when they ascended, while Rosvisser became the Silver Dragon Queen at one hundred and fifty.

As Claudia said, such determination and talent surely meant a promising future.

“Honestly, I’ve always believed… ruling isn’t about age. It’s about capability.”

It sounded deep at first, but in truth, Rosvisser’s mind had wandered a bit.

She thought to herself, *Noa, darling, hurry up and grow up. Once you turn twenty, you can run for Dragon Queen, and by twenty-five, you’ll ascend the throne! Then I can retire and start a farm with your father!*

It was a half-serious thought, but the idea of a “twenty-five-year-old Dragon Queen” was a bit daunting.

Bringing her mind back to the conversation, Rosvisser naturally shifted the topic to matters concerning the Empire.

“The current Emperor of the Empire… it’s about time he retired, don’t you think, Claudia?”

Claudia immediately caught the underlying meaning.

“So… is Leon planning to officially declare war on the Empire?”

“Yes. We’ve gathered all the evidence to prove his innocence and expose the Empire’s conspiracies. Dragging it out further would only lead to needless sacrifices.”

“Good. I’ve long despised that dog of an emperor, especially after he dared to target Charlotte’s Heartguard Dragon Scale.”

Oh, so Claudia also had a deep grudge against the Empire, just as Leon had said.

Which meant… recruiting her to help might be easier than expected.

“However, Claudia, we might be… a little short on manpower,” Rosvisser hinted cautiously.

Claudia paused, her gaze shifting from the scenery to Rosvisser beside her.

Rosvisser met Claudia’s gaze head-on, showing no signs of hesitation.

After a moment, Claudia let out a small chuckle.

“So, you want me to help?”

“If you could, Claudia, it would be greatly appreciated.”

After a pause, Rosvisser added, “If there are any conditions you need met, please feel free to name them—as long as they’re within our ability to fulfill.”

“Oh, there are conditions, of course. I won’t help for free,” Claudia said, inspecting her nails with a slight smile.

Rosvisser pressed her lips together, mentally preparing herself for any high-stakes demand Claudia might make.

“In that case… have your eldest daughter come stay with me for a while. How about that?”

“…What?” Rosvisser blinked, thinking she must have misheard.

Claudia shrugged. “Helena really wants to play with Noa. If you can manage that, I’ll lend you a hand.”

Rosvisser realized that Claudia’s condition was as good as no condition at all. She didn’t ask for money or resources; all she wanted was for her daughter’s best friend to visit.

But after a brief contemplation, Rosvisser didn’t immediately agree.

Seeing her hesitation, Claudia raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong? Can’t you manage even that?”

Claudia knew her “condition” was practically nonexistent, just a pretense to help Rosvisser and Leon while offering some support to Charlotte.

However, she hadn’t expected Rosvisser to hesitate at such a simple request.

“It’s not that I can’t; it’s just… Leon and I have always respected our daughters’ wishes, so I don’t really want to… use them as conditions for your help.”

Claudia’s eyes widened slightly, then a look of realization crossed her face. “Ah, this is… a human parenting principle, isn’t it?”

Claudia was a relatively traditional dragon, and Helena had been raised with a typically dragon-style upbringing. While this traditional approach was by no means a bad thing, Helena’s environment was somewhat… restrictive compared to the environment of Noa and her sisters.

Claudia hadn’t considered that Rosvisser wouldn’t want her daughter involved in a negotiation or exchange. This level of respect for the younger generation was obviously something Leon had influenced Rosvisser to value.

“Yes, Leon is wonderful with the girls and respects them immensely. So… could we perhaps try a different condition?”

Claudia massaged her temple, exasperated. “Fine. How about this: Helena can stay at your place for a few days. As long as she’s with Noa, it doesn’t matter where they are.”

She then added with a touch of pride, “That’s exactly what Helena said; I respected her wishes this time.”

Rosvisser couldn’t help but smile at her elder’s roundabout way of being helpful.

“All right, then. Helena is always welcome in our home.”