"Gordon, maintain your utmost patience, and don’t act like those short-lived species driven by their fleeting lifespans to pursue immediate gains."

Galos earnestly reminded.

Iron Dragon Gordon promised:

"I understand! I guarantee I’ll take steady steps and won’t be rash! Galos, you know me best. Compared to Solrog, that Iron Dragon who loves to boast without action, and Samantha, who always seeks the spotlight... I’m far more stable and reliable than them!"

His tone was full of assurance in his own wisdom.

"By the way."

Galos changed the topic, asking: "What about your current relationship with the Crystal Princess?"

The Crystal Princess he referred to was naturally the Princess of Lotheren who greatly favored Gordon — Alina.

Crystal Princess is her official title, originating from the lavish ceremony symbolizing her coming of age, where the old King spent extravagantly, gifting her a rare mineral vein rich in Magic Crystal as her exclusive private asset. This generous gift created quite a stir throughout the Kingdom at the time.

"Good! Very good!"

Gordon’s voice suddenly rose, filled with undisguised pride: "She remains infatuated with me always! My scale radiance, my graceful demeanor... Oh, and of course my ’wisdom,’ all leave her deeply enamored!"

The Iron Dragon indulged in self-absorbed narration.

Infatuated...?

The Red Iron Dragon on the other end of the Mind Link harbored deep skepticism toward this claim.

He knew this brother of his too well — perhaps driven by yearning for what he lacks, Gordon habitually embellishes and exaggerates his own charm when describing it, almost instinctively.

However, regardless.

To raise Iron Dragon Gordon, this enormous dragon with a large appetite, so well-fed and glossy-scaled in the Royal Court... Crystal Princess Alina’s material provisioning for him must indeed be generous and unreserved.

After a brief contemplation, Galos decided to splash some necessary reality onto his brother indulging in fantasy.

"Gordon, be realistic."

He cautioned in a solemn tone: "As far as I know, Crystal Princess Alina is already over thirty years old."

"A Kingdom Princess as noble as she is, past marriageable age, should in normal circumstances — according to royal conventions and political needs — have been married into a major noble family holding great power domestically."

"Or wed a renowned military general to stabilize army morale, or perhaps... serve as an important diplomatic piece by marrying into another powerful Kingdom or Duchy, weaving networks of interest."

"Are you certain that, given her princess status, she can remain untouched by pressure, solely for ’infatuation’ with you, this... hmm, unique Dragon?"

Clearly, Iron Dragon Gordon hadn’t entirely dismissed this issue.

He immediately responded: "Hey, you don’t need to worry about that, Galos, several years back, Alina did mention those bothersome things to me."

Gordon’s tone appeared relaxed, seemingly unworried.

"She is naturally captivated by exploring arcane truths, having used this as an excuse to decline countless noble suitors since her youth. Now she receives favor and blessings from the Mistral Sanctuary, her determination unwavering, and has already sworn to devote her entire life unreservedly to the hall of Magic and her beloved Lotheren Kingdom."

Mistral Sanctuary, also known to followers as the Mistral Church.

It’s more widely recognized in Bernardo World as — Magic Goddess Temple.

Despite Alchemy Industry civilization represented by steel and metal having become highly developed on this planet named Bernardo, with Legendary Level powerful lifeforms not uncommon, and even a few touching the pinnacle of material world power.

The belief and reverence for transcendent Divine Spirits, however, have never truly disappeared from this world.

Whether representing the magic origin with Mistral Sanctuary, the hope of light with Dawn Court, or balance and contract with Libra Sanctuary... these sects’ presence in the long history and power map have always occupied an indelible and vibrant scene.

Kings of various nations usually do not repel the influence of divine power.

On the contrary.

The vast majority of monarchs will wisely adopt divine power, even establishing a specific temple as the country’s National Church.

They are skilled in calculating, assessing the situation, and according to different circumstances, may choose to tactfully suppress its influence, or vigorously support its growth.

Because such complex dance with divine power often brings unexpected stability and consolidation to the ruler’s own rule at deeper levels.

After several seconds of silent contemplation, Galos made up his mind, saying:

"Gordon, the time has come, you can attempt to discreetly reveal to Crystal Princess Alina some information about the Ignas Dragon Group’s impending actions, without divulging everything; just hint — you have several powerful kin brothers who’ve been dormant for a long time, and they’re now ready, about to officially advance into the expansive and opportunity-rich Wilderness."

Even though the main body of the Lotheren Kingdom hasn’t formally engaged in the war, its vassal Haltai Duchy and Ripos Kingdom’s arm Abel Duchy are long embroiled in flames of war, and both have numerous resource footholds established in the Sel Wilderness.

In a sense, it can be said.

The Federation’s civil war fire has been officially ignited.

This also signifies that the Molten Iron Tribe, accumulating and honing skills in the shadows for years, is finally ready to unveil its concealed sharp claws, advancing toward unclaimed wastelands rich in resources and vast lands.

The duration of Duchy versus Duchy battles is unknown.

Before the wars escalate in full intensity and those mightier backing Kingdoms directly engage in more fierce fires, it is imperative to establish solid camps, bases, and foundations in the Wilderness.

To establish a foothold there.

Await the burning flames to rise skyward, fiercer and more unrestrained.

Under this strategic deployment premise.

Galos hopes to reach a preliminary cooperative understanding with that intelligent and influential Crystal Princess.

If this could be successfully advanced, at least on the resource guarantee level, he would welcome a strong backing — from the crystal mine outputs controlled by this Princess; not merely luminous ordinary ornaments, but precious Magic Crystals as energy sources.

Further down the line.

The solidified Black Oil Crystals representing advanced energy forms might also have an opportunity to gain some supply.

These are indispensable resources for rapidly upgrading life levels.

"Great! I can’t wait any longer!"

Gordon replied excitedly.

Just imagining the scene:

His mighty kin brothers opening territories, dominating in the broad chaotic lands of the Sel Wilderness.

Even though Gordon currently remains in the prosperous yet treacherous Federation Royal Court... just thinking about his own indispensable contribution at the enemy heart center amid the grand undertaking of the Ignas Dragon Group.

He couldn’t help but hum lightly, puffing out his chest, feeling an immense pride.