Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1518 - 522: What Is He Approaching For? (Part 2)

For a brief moment, it seemed to Rein that the vast splendor of the stars was reflected within Menia’s radiant eyes; however, they were even more filled with delight, bashfulness, and a profound sense of devotion.

Furthermore, Menia did not turn her face away in her usual shy manner this time. Instead, she maintained her gaze on Rein, offering him a soft, lingering smile.

....

Several hours prior.

On Reef Island, the Federation Sword Saint Terrio was engaged in a relaxed conversation with Hernandez, the Water Element Dawn Wizard who had been rushed to the scene two days ago. Their talk was suddenly interrupted when both sensed a terrifying aura surging from deep beneath the earth.

Moments later, a section of the island’s surface shattered, and a majestic, giant red dragon soared from the depths into the heavens, radiating a fierce and blistering heat in every direction.

"An Extremely Old Dragon!" Hernandez blurted out.

The sheer power of the creature caused Hernandez’s spellcasting preparations to momentarily falter.

"This aura is unfamiliar; it shouldn't belong to Rein or Prince Menia." Terrio was also stunned for a second, only finding his voice after the dragon had climbed hundreds of meters into the sky.

Nearby, the Imperial Guardian known as ’Earth Pulsation,’ Reginald, was conducting a low-altitude patrol with his dragon partner, Ted. Upon spotting the massive red dragon ascending from Reef Island, he immediately accelerated to intercept it.

"Hmm? The crest of the Dragan?" The Ancient Red Dragon Fermo’s massive eyes easily identified Reginald, the Yellow Dragon Ted, and the Imperial Airship trailing behind them.

"Honorable and mighty red dragon Crown, I am Reginald, Guardian of the Dragan Empire. I offer my greetings!" Sensing the turbulent and massive aura of the beast, Reginald stood atop Ted’s back and gave a respectful bow.

"Ah, are you part of that lovely human Menia’s retinue?" Fermo quickly made the connection.

"Have you encountered Prince Menia?"

Hernandez’s eyes flashed with hope the moment he heard Menia’s name from the Extremely Old Dragon. Ignoring the dragon's slight misinterpretation of his status, he pressed for answers immediately.

"Indeed, she remains with her partner in the molten lava lake below. However, I suggest you wait half a day before approaching, as she is currently tending to her wounds." The Ancient Red Dragon Fermo spoke with a meaningful tone.

Without giving Reginald a chance to ask more, Fermo beat his massive wings and surged away at high speed.

"Partner? Could he mean Lord Rein? This..." Reginald watched the incredibly powerful and unknown red dragon fly off, knowing he lacked the means to stop him.

After a moment of reflection, he decided to follow the dragon's advice and delay their descent. It would be a catastrophic error to interrupt Prince Menia while she was healing.

Nevertheless, this positive update had to be relayed to the Federation at once. Furthermore, the path of this formidable dragon needed to be monitored. If it turned out they had been misled, the dragon would face the consequences once Elder Ivan arrived.

...

When Reginald shared the news, Terrio, Hernandez, and even Federation Deputy Speaker Bertrand and Trena—who were currently en route to the island—were filled with relief and joy!

"Crown Reginald, I have already alerted the Federation’s coastal fleets and watchtowers to track the trajectory of that unknown red dragon. However, if he retreats into the wilderness, we may lose his trail," Sword Saint Terrio reported.

"Understood, knowing his general heading is enough for now," Reginald replied with a nod.

"Should we really refrain from investigating below?"

"Not yet. That red dragon had no reason to deceive us. We will wait the half-day as suggested, and if there is no sign of them by then, we shall descend together to find them," Reginald proposed.

"Very well!" As the deputy leader of the Empire’s delegation, Sword Saint Terrio deferred to Reginald’s judgment and signaled his agreement.

...

The half-day period passed quickly.

Just as Deputy Speaker Bertrand and Sword Saint Terrio were beginning to grow restless with anxiety.

They witnessed Menia and Rein emerging from a fissure in the earth, walking hand in hand with unmistakable intimacy. Sword Saint Terrio and Hernandez stared in disbelief, their eyes widening until they were completely round as they exchanged shocked glances.

As men of experience, they could tell at a single glance from Prince Menia’s glowing aura and her closeness to Rein that the two had likely entered into a romantic relationship.

Hernandez let out a heavy sigh. "I had assumed we were merely inferior to young Lord Rein in terms of strength. It appears that isn't the only area where he surpasses us..."

"Truly, being outclassed in Cultivation is one thing, but to think he succeeded in this regard as well..."

Both Terrio and Hernandez were completely baffled.

It was well known that while Rein was a powerful rising star within the Empire, a significant gap in status and lineage still existed between him and Prince Menia.

Furthermore, rumors had persisted for years that the Empire’s ’Red Queen,’ Prince Menia, was cold and indifferent toward all men, regardless of their looks or status.

Could Rein have employed some form of mind-controlling witchcraft on the ’Red Queen’?

Had they not been familiar with Rein’s honorable character, they might have already dragged him away for a rigorous questioning.

Finally, there was the matter of Menia’s recent visit. Her regal presence, vast wisdom, formidable power, and flawless beauty had captivated the hearts of the Federation’s elite.

Many epic-level experts, much like themselves, had tried to win her favor, yet none had even garnered a second glance from her.

In short, during her diplomatic mission, Prince Menia had become the ultimate goddess for every man in the Federation, spanning all ages and power levels.

Yet, quite unexpectedly, the most brilliant and dangerous rose of the Dragan Empire had been claimed by Lord Rein.

...

A similar train of thought weighed heavily on the mind of ’Earth Pulsation’ Reginald.

He recalled the cryptic words of the Extremely Old Dragon Fermo during their brief encounter; everything suddenly clicked into place.

Unlike Terrio and Hernandez, Reginald had known Menia for many years as an Imperial Guardian, giving him a different perspective, yet he shared their core confusion.

Even if he were faced with death, Reginald could not fathom how Rein had managed to secure a romantic bond with Prince Menia.

....

Deputy Speaker Bertrand was just as stunned, though Rein and Menia’s romance was secondary to him. His main concern was their survival.

He felt as though he had aged years in the last few days, losing half his hair from the stress.

Had anything happened to them, he, as the host and representative of the United Faction, would have been held solely responsible. His career in Federation politics would have been utterly ruined!

This was a monumental relief!

...

"Prince Menia, I am truly overjoyed to see you return unharmed," Bertrand said, stepping forward with genuine emotion.

At that moment, Menia’s face flushed a soft crimson, still lingering in the afterglow of her time with Rein. Realizing the crowd of onlookers, she bashfully let go of Rein’s hand.

"Lord Bertrand, I must apologize for the distress I have caused you and the other Crowns," Menia said with perfect etiquette, bowing slightly.

"The apology should be mine, Prince Menia. On behalf of the Federation, please accept our deepest regrets for this incident and for the Empire soldiers who lost their lives. I sincerely hope this tragedy does not hinder our future alliance."

"Regarding the Sea God Sect, I propose we join forces to strike them with a decisive blow!"

...

While Bertrand and Menia spoke, the beautiful Trena kept her eyes fixed on the pair.

She could not deny that Menia’s beauty was absolute; her flawless skin and striking figure marked her as a top-tier mature woman.

"The rumors were true; Rein really does have a preference for mature women."

"But if that's the case, why was he so indifferent toward me that day..." Trena mused, glancing down at her own stunning form and sighing inwardly.

"It seems that compared to Prince Menia, I am indeed lacking by a small margin....

....