Chapter 9: A Nation within a Nation

Chapter 9 - 9: A Nation within a NationThe border nobles certainly know to help each other, as the monster clans beyond the border are an endless threat to them. If there's no external support and the territory's internal strength becomes depleted, the entire territory would be destroyed. But such agreements rely solely on self-awareness, which is very incomplete in Noah's view, leaving room for exploitation. If there's a highly powerful and intelligent monster clan, declaring attacks on a specific noble's territory and retaliating against any who dare assist, then how many border nobles would still adhere to agreements and offer support? Rely on the conscience and courage of the nobles? Or test their spirit and will, don't kid yourself. At such times, a strong will needs to emerge to suppress all dissent and organize all forces to resist. All border nobles require assistance; they share the same need. Hence, a powerful, prestigious, and highly ranked noble is needed to unify them. "Once such a mutual alliance is formed, it would be like a nation within a nation." Having patiently listened to Noah's advice, Casius gave him a meaningful glance. "This is a necessary move to defend against monster invasions beyond the borders." Noah said earnestly. Although his foster father believes that problems should be solved with swords, dismissing political intrigue and scoffing at noble marriages, he couldn't believe such a mutually beneficial alliance could be resisted. "This kind of reason can't fool the Noble Council." "As long as it sounds plausible, who cares what they think." Noah held human nobles in disdain, mocking them, "If you're really afraid of trouble, you can privately ally with those nobles and make it public after reaching the legendary rank. By then, Uncle, you'd qualify to be king; I bet these nobles wouldn't dare utter a word." "Easier said than done. A lot has to be accomplished to reach that point." Casius's brow furrowed as he pondered the feasibility of Noah's suggestion. The more he thought about it, the more it gave him a headache, as he first needed to go to the Capital to elevate his rank, then contact all surrounding nobles to subdue them. "That's because, Uncle, you have the capability to do it. So, why not seek a status and position that matches your ability?" "I will seriously consider your advice." Casius shifted the conversation away from discussing this with the young dragon, as he had delayed it not just for a day or two. In terms of qualifications, when he broke through the Gold Rank and reached the Extreme Intent of Technique, he could have become a Marquis, but because he didn't want to waste words in the Capital among sycophants, he delayed it until now. However, when he accepted the Golden Dragon's request to care for this young hatchling, the little one would occasionally suggest a rank advancement, and today's reason indeed got him thinking. "Do you like any of these?" Carlos pointed to the remains of powerful monsters from his recent hunt, all of which were Extreme Intent monsters, but only established in the Realm of Life's Extreme Intent or Power Extreme Intent, crushed by him. "Just keeping some meat is fine. As for the carcasses, I won't take them. You can cut off their heads and hang them on the city gate or fortress." "My castle doesn't lack these; you can keep whichever you like." "When I grow up, I'll hunt powerful evil beings myself to decorate my castle." Even though Golden Dragons love peace, espouse benevolence, and appreciate human-like civilization, it doesn't stop them from using powerful evil heads or weapons to show strength, like in the Dragon Nest's Exhibition Room. "Not bad, then all this gold and gemstones are yours." Casius's eyes showed appreciation as he took out more of his hunt's spoils from storage, including golden Horseshoe Gold and various shimmering gemstones, piling into a small mountain. Noah laughed happily as his foster father divided the hunting gains with him, especially those gemstones that made him salivate with desire. For a Golden Dragon, gemstones abundant in magic power are the best food during growth. This is why a caretaker for a Golden Dragon must have a high-standing reputation, even if not a Monarch, a renowned great noble, because only slightly poorer ones cannot properly raise a Golden Dragon, a true golden-devouring beast. Of course, dragons can be raised frugally, but malnourishment affecting their future potential could provoke the wrath of an adult or even ancient Golden Dragon. "I have another suggestion; apart from the marquis title, you could propose to the Noble Council to add an exile penalty for certain criminals. Sent nobles or certain troublesome figures to the border." Noah, unable to resist, pounced onto the pile of gemstones, giving another suggestion as his body surged with excitement, "Territory development can't rely solely on farmers; scholars and talent with varied knowledge and skills are needed." "Do you think I seem like someone who can influence the Noble Council's decisions? Unless you have me lead the Knight Order, threatening them to amend the Kingdom's laws." Hearing Noah's final suggestion, Casius was amused. "That might have to wait until you reach legendary rank to try." "But you have a point; developing territories truly needs talent. If I go to the Capital, I'll buy some slaves to bring back." "Uncle, are you planning to go to the Capital?" Noah was a bit surprised but delighted, not expecting his suggestions today would be taken seriously by his foster father. "You've said so much. Of course, I'd consider it, at least to get the rank you most hope for me to achieve." Casius smiled. "Since you plan on going to the Capital, you should take this gold and these gemstones. I'll only keep a portion." Noah reluctantly glanced at the gemstones sparkling beneath his dragon claw, then resolutely grabbed a handful, leaving the rest. "No need; whether you choose to eat or collect, it's up to you. It's an agreement between your father and me. I can cover the trip to the Capital." Seeing Noah willing to part with the gold and gemstones he gave, this stirred waves in Casius' dark eyes, seeing Noah differently.