“What I think is irrelevant. The world has its victors and losers. I, naturally, want to live. However, it’s not up to me to decide. That power rests with you. That said, if I were given a chance to live, I would even grovel in the dirt if that is what it takes,” Elvira stated.
She had accepted her present predicament.
“Interesting,” Lord Narvim uttered thoughtfully.
The dragon lord decided to put the two Fallen Witches’ judgment on hold and deal with the other human group first.
After turning his gaze to Astoria’s side, he asked, “And what about you humans? Where do you come from? And why are you here?”
“I am Astoria Braveheart, the Battle Maiden of Holy Light and the headmaster of Blackmoon Academy in the Kingdom of Black Rose… This is Aeliana Leclair, Lord of Sunpeak Town in the Kingdom of Black Rose… This is Hester Thornton, a retainer of Lord Helia of Redpine City in the same kingdom… And this is Vaan Raphna, a rising star in our kingdom and someone I consider as my teacher…”
Astoria introduced everyone one by one to reveal their importance in the Kingdom of Black Rose before stating their objective, “We came looking for the Wyvern-type Abomination to save her.”
“Hmm…” Lord Narvim hummed in thought.
The red dragon tribe wasn’t completely cut off from the outside world. They had their own means of collecting information about the events outside.
As such, the dragon lord possessed some knowledge about Astoria.
A black-armored Astoria didn’t quite fit the description of the Battle Maiden of Holy Light. However, he didn’t sense any falsehood in her words, which implied she was speaking the truth.
He was simply behind on the news.
“Save the Wyvern-type Abomination? How kind of you to put it like that when all you’re actually going to do is kill her,” Lord Narvim snickered with contempt shortly after.
However, Vaan shook his head and refuted the dragon lord, “You’re wrong, Your Excellency.”
“We truly came with the sincere intention of saving the Wyvern-type Abomination. I’ve cured someone from the Abomination state before, and I can do it again. These three ladies have come at my behest,” Vaan boldly claimed.
Shortly after the dragon lord glanced at him, he showed a little more interest.
“Or so you, and also appears to be the truth…” Lord Narvim confirmed before commenting offtopic, “The shape of your soul is quite unique and interesting. Are you really human?”
Just as the dragon lord wanted to study Vaan’s soul form further, Topaz popped her head out from Vaan’s head and glared back defensively.
“Kyuu!”
“A Spirit Contractor of a High-rank Earth Spirit, huh? My, where are my manners? I suppose it’s a little rude to peer into one’s source without permission,” Lord Narvim’s gaze subtly changed before saying, “You seem like someone who can hold a conversation with this Lord.”
Out of all the humans present, Vaan appeared least strained by his oppressive aura.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t quite the appropriate situation and position for one, Your Excellency. More importantly, how do you plan to deal with us?” Vaan calmly asked.
There was no need to mention whether they were uninvolved in the young dragon’s death; the dragon lord knew who was guilty and who wasn’t.
“My Lord, if I may be permitted to speak, I hope you can be lenient in your judgment for this group of humans. I believe we have much to gain from them. On the other hand, I don’t care how you deal with the other two black witches,” Jergag suddenly spoke up from the crowd.
As per their agreement, the elderly True Dragon had put in a good word before the dragon lord made his decision, even if it meant interrupting the dragon lord’s trial.
Although a few True Dragons were disgruntled, the dragon lord himself didn’t mind Jergag’s interference.
“If Uncle Jergag speaks so favorably of these humans, how can this Lord not consider your suggestion?” Lord Narvim stated his stance, revealing his close relationship with the elderly True Dragon.
Although Vaan had noticed the elderly True Dragon had the high status and seniority out of the four True Dragons that escorted them to Ninth Peak, even he didn’t expect the dragon lord to call the elderly True Dragon uncle.
“That said, I’m a little disappointed, Uncle Jergag. Was I such an unreasonable lord in your eyes? I wasn’t planning on killing them. This Lord still knows how to distinguish the innocent from the guilty and deliver appropriate punishment where it is required,” Lord Narvim claimed.
“It seems I have spoken unnecessarily, my Lord,” Jergag retreated wry look.
“Not at all, Uncle Jergag,” Lord Narvim argued before expressing his interest, “It’s rare for you to speak out for someone, let alone a human. Now, this Lord is even more curious about this human.”
“Nevertheless, this Lord shouldn’t keep everyone waiting. My decision has been made. Killing our kin is a crime punishable by death, but making it to our land is a commendable feat,” Lord Narvim stated.
Shortly after, he glanced at the Fallen Witch beside Elvira first.
“Since you weren’t the one who directly killed our kin, I will give you a chance. If even one dragon pleads for you, I will allow you to descend the mountain after wiping your memories. Alternatively, you can participate in our Trial by Fire. If you overcome the second stage, you can visit and leave our land as you please, and this Lord won’t wipe your memories.”
“As for you.” Lord Narvim turned to Elvira and said, “You may also choose to participate in Trial by Fire for a chance to live. Alternatively, I can offer you a swift death and spare you from the needless suffering.”
Shortly after the Trial by Fire was mentioned, the crowd of True Dragon immediately buzzed with discussions in their dragon tongue.
(The Trial by Fire is a sacred training ground for tempering our dragonkin. How can the Lord allow outsiders to participate in it?)
(Right? Those black witches will taint our sacred land. And what if they succeed? Do we really have to let those black witches go?)
(You worry too much, Friatus. To us, red dragons, the Trial by Fire is indeed a great training ground used for improving ourselves. But for humans? That place is no different from infernal purgatory. Accepting the Trial by Fire will only prolong their suffering before death.)