No powerful figure would take kindly to another man openly inviting his women to join his harem.
He gritted his teeth and quickly made his decision. There was no point in fighting.
If they really had offended some hidden powerhouse, then continuing this confrontation would only bring disaster upon their entire clan.
He lowered his gaze, deliberately avoiding Elion’s eyes.
A moment later, he bowed deeply.
"Esteemed Lord, please forgive my young master and me for disrespecting such a great figure as yourself."
Elion raised a brow.
’Esteemed Lord?’
The man continued before he could respond.
"Under normal circumstances, I would have sought to foster goodwill with someone of your standing, but since you seem to be deliberately concealing your strength..."
His voice became increasingly respectful.
"You must not wish for your true identity to be revealed."
Elion’s expression slowly became stranger.
’What the hell is this guy talking about?’
"This entire incident was merely a misunderstanding. I understand that our actions have offended you, and for that, I sincerely apologise."
The burly man bowed even lower.
"But if you are willing to let us go, I guarantee that our Dragonborn Clan will remember your magnanimity."
Elion blinked.
’Dragonborn Clan?’
He looked at the man for several seconds. Then he glanced back toward the ruined ceremonial hall.
’Did punching this guy in the stomach really knock something loose in his brain?’
He scratched his cheek.
’It seems they have created their own misunderstanding.’ Elion couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
In any case, he had no intention of correcting them.
If this was what they wanted to believe, then who was he to ruin it?
Besides, he was more interested in learning what exactly this Dragonborn Clan was, though Paul probably knew far more about them than this burly man did. There was no reason to start asking questions now and risk ruining the image they had somehow created for him.
’I suppose I’ve already put on the appearance of an overbearing hidden expert.’ A crooked grin slowly appeared on Elion’s face. ’It wouldn’t hurt to have a little fun with it, right?’
By now, the others had emerged from the hall as well, gathering near the entrance and watching the exchange with varying degrees of curiosity.
Elion took another step forward.
"Why should I let you live?" He smiled. "I have reason to fear some Dragonborn Clan?"
The burly man’s pupils contracted.
Elion’s smile widened.
"It would be much simpler to get rid of every single one of you." The man’s face went pale. "I’m sure your elders will simply assume you died somewhere along the road."
The burly man’s eyes narrowed into tiny pinpricks. Cold sweat immediately began pouring down his forehead.
’Why didn’t I think of that!?’
His mind raced.
The man’s words had been a double-edged sword.
He had originally assumed that someone with enough power to disregard their young master would still hesitate to offend a powerful clan with countless resources, powerful elders, and generations of accumulated influence.
But what if he was wrong?
What if this man’s background was so unfathomable that he had absolutely no reason to fear the Dragonborn Clan?
Then killing them would be effortless.
And if they disappeared here...
Who would even know?
’We are in Crimson territory. There are no witnesses who would dare testify against someone like him. Even if the clan investigated, what could they possibly do?’
The burly man’s breathing became heavier.
"..."
"..."
Pat.
A drop of sweat fell onto the stone courtyard.
Pat.
Another followed, and soon the sound of sweat hitting the ground repeatedly echoed through the otherwise silent courtyard.
The man’s grip tightened around nothing. Looking at his empty hand, he realised that he had lost his staff somewhere within the hall after being sent flying.
His entire body had become tense. He had fought countless battles throughout his life, faced monsters, and fought enemy mages.
He had even stood against people stronger than himself, but none of them had ever made him feel this helpless.
Because those people had been enemies he could understand.
This man was different; he couldn’t even determine the limits of his strength.
Adonis, who had finally managed to regain enough awareness to understand just how badly they had messed up, was sweating even more profusely.
His elegant clothes were already covered in dust and blood, and now his face had gone deathly pale.
He swallowed hard.
’I really shouldn’t have said those things about his women.’ For the first time in his life, Adonis felt genuine regret.
He glanced toward Elion: The young man was smiling.
’Who exactly did I provoke?’
Elion kept his expression completely natural as he allowed them to stew in their fear. He had to admit, this was becoming rather entertaining.
The burly man eventually clenched his teeth.
"Perhaps..." His voice came out strained. "Perhaps we can offer you something worthy of your time in exchange for our lives?"
Even saying those words seemed to cause him physical pain.
The thought of surrendering one of the clan’s valuable treasures was enough to make his heart ache, but if that was the price required to keep himself, the young master, and the others alive, then it was a price worth paying.
At least, that was what he told himself.
Elion raised a brow but said nothing. The burly man immediately interpreted his silence as acceptance.
’He’s interested!’ He couldn’t afford to hesitate, so he acted with the first chance he got.
His hand moved toward the storage ring on his finger, and a brilliant white flash erupted from it.
"Whoosh!"
An object appeared in his palm.
Elion’s eyes widened.
The burly man noticed immediately.
His heart jumped.
’As expected! Even someone of his standing recognises this treasure!’
He carefully held the object out toward Elion.
"Perhaps... this will be enough to demonstrate our sincerity."
Elion stared at it.
From the appearance, he had absolutely no idea what it was. But judging from the man’s expression, it was probably something rather valuable.
And now he was very curious.
"What’s that?"
The burly man blinked. For some reason, the question made him even more nervous.
He swallowed deeply.
"Something our clan has treasured for generations."
Elion’s eyes narrowed.
"Ohhh?"
’Now I’m definitely interested.’
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter