"Hmm?"
Valentina caught the underlying meaning in Xia'er's words. Her ice-blue scaled neck lifted slightly as she spoke in a low tone, "You want to leave the highlands?"
Before her words even faded, a powerful draconic aura erupted like a physical force, spreading out with a suffocating pressure that swept over everything!
Draconic Aura!
Although Valentina lacked strong opinions and wasn't a good choice to lead a dragon flight, hearing Xia'er's words instantly chilled her demeanor.
A dragon flight could expel a dragon, but if a dragon wanted to leave voluntarily, that was a direct challenge to the Dragon Lord!
"Princess Valentina, I do not wish to leave your rule."
Xia'er adopted an extremely humble posture, his voice sincere, "On the contrary, all of this is for you, for the future territory of our dragon flight to become more secure!"
Having said this, Xia'er raised his head. His emerald vertical pupils stared directly into Valentina's sapphire-like eyes as he spoke with deep concern, "Your Highness, your noble gaze sees through all things. You must have also noticed the hidden dangers along the northeastern coastline. The Sea of Frost may appear dead and silent, but it is not absolutely safe. Beneath those floating ice floes lurk ferocious magical creatures. Who knows if one day, even stronger, more greedy beings might follow the scent of blood or simple curiosity to spy upon our noble territory from the sea?"
"If enemies take us by surprise and land from the coast, threatening the dragon nest, threatening your safety, that would be an unbearable loss for the Underwood Dynasty!"
Xia'er's words fell with weight, painting a picture of potential maritime threats.
This wasn't entirely fabricated by Xia'er—there was indeed such a possibility.
"Moreover... look at yourself, Your Highness!"
Xia'er continued with earnest sincerity, "Every day, for the sustenance of the empire's subjects, you shuttle through bitter winds and dangers, flying across every barren corner of the highlands. Your toil and sacrifice, we see it all, and it pains our hearts! You are the noble Blue Dragon princess, the last hope of Underwood. Your energy should be devoted to rulership, to restoring the glory of our dragon flight, not to endlessly running about on hunting errands like common labor!"
"By establishing a coastal watchtower, I can hunt in the nearby seas myself, no longer consuming your precious energy and prey."
Xia'er's voice brimmed with a sense of responsibility and sacrifice, "I will become your steadfast shield and eyes in the northeast, guarding the sea borders, protecting the dragon nest. At the same time, I humbly request your permission to become self-sufficient, to lighten the overly heavy burden on your shoulders. This is the deepest loyalty and respect I, as the princess's right hand, can offer you!"
Xia'er's explanation was clear and powerful, stating his reasons while also offering to reduce Valentina's burden.
Clearly, Xia'er's 'all for the princess, all for the dragon flight' display of fervent loyalty, combined with his earlier lavish praise, struck a precise chord within Valentina.
Valentina fell somewhat silent.
Those sapphire-like draconic eyes scrutinized the respectful yet ambitious Green Dragon young dragon before her.
Did what he say make some sense?
The coastline did need watching, and she... was indeed too tired.
Feeding so many mouths, especially two gluttonous young dragons and several growing wyrmlings, had almost drained all of Valentina's time.
If she could offload Xia'er, one of the biggest eaters among the young dragons, and solve the problem of...
Valentina's gaze slowly swept to a corner of the dragon nest.
The Black Dragon Saga was carefully licking the scales wounded by Tyrone's earlier stomping. Sensing Valentina's gaze, he immediately flinched fearfully, tucking his neck in and lowering his head even further.
The White Dragon Disos looked over blankly, seemingly not yet understanding what was happening, only instinctively feeling uneasy.
Two burdens, solved together in one go—then she wouldn't have to work so hard!
In her heart, Valentina instantly reached her own decision.
Her earlier words of expulsion had been interrupted by Xia'er, but now she could gracefully back down.
Letting Xia'er take these two nuisances would solve the food pressure while making it appear as her own wise arrangement!
Ah, Valentina, oh Valentina, you truly are a born Dragon Empress!
"Xia'er..."
Valentina raised her head again, her draconic aura receding as she adopted a 'deeply strategic' and authoritative posture, "I understand your considerations. Guarding the sea borders is indeed necessary. That you can sympathize with my toil and proactively propose self-sufficiency shows good intent."
Having said this, Valentina paused, her massive claw pointing toward the Black and White Dragons in the corner, "However, you are, after all, just a young dragon. Guarding the coastal watchtower alone would leave you isolated and your strength insufficient."
"Saga, Disos! From today onward, you will follow Xia'er to the northeastern coast to establish a watchtower and guard the sea borders! Obey Xia'er's commands, assist him with vigilance and hunting, without fail! This is an order, and also the honor of serving the Underwood Dynasty!"
As soon as her words fell, Saga's black vertical pupils contracted sharply. His massive draconic body trembled slightly, a deeply suppressed, almost whimpering low growl escaping his throat, filled with terror. Yet he dared not show the slightest resistance, deeply lowering his head.
The White Dragon Disos appeared even more bewildered and helpless. He looked at Valentina, then at Xia'er, finally settling his gaze on Saga. Clumsily imitating Saga, he lowered his head, emitting meaningless gurgling sounds from his throat.
Xia'er felt secret delight.
Valentina's move to offload burdens played right into his hands!
He had been worrying about needing helpers to handle miscellaneous tasks and share less important hunting work after gaining independence.
Saga might be cowardly, but Black Dragons had advantages underwater—enough for fishing.
And the White Dragon Disos, though weak, could at least serve as a lookout or porter.
Most importantly, their combined appetites weren't that large, and they could even fish for their own sustenance.
He wouldn't have to pay much cost himself.
The only regret was that the Red Dragon Tyrone wasn't coming along. This way, he also lost a stable source for refreshing attribute points.
Taking a deep breath, Xia'er bowed his head, "Your Highness is wise! Your arrangement is as decisive as thunder, as far-reaching as a storm! With Saga and Disos assisting, the watchtower will be impregnable, the sea borders eternally secure! Your mercy and wisdom are like the eternal stars illuminating the northern realms! Xia'er will not fail your trust, guarding the empire's eastern gate for Your Highness!"
Valentina nodded her massive head in satisfaction. Xia'er's flattery made her feel thoroughly comfortable again, as if she had both shed a heavy burden and accomplished a wise decision.
Valentina felt at ease, waving her claw with authority, "Go. Establish your watchtower quickly. Remember, you remain members of the Underwood Dragon Flight."
"If you have any needs, feel free to ask. I will do my best to meet them."