Chapter 57: Shadow of the Dragon

Words : 1036 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 57: Shadow of the DragonVacuse Vorrakyn nodded deeply in return to the greetings of the room. And with that, hushed whispers began again as the center of attention became the new heir. As the host of the dinner, Vacuse stood by the others to welcome guests as they entered the hall, especially the more important ones. Meanwhile, his New Dawn spread around the room, leaving only Lyra and Harkon behind him. Harkon is the Captain of the New Dawn, and Lyra is the leader of the logistics, while Kagerou is now Vacuse’s former personal messenger—a position of trust where whatever comes out of Kagerou could be interpreted as Vacuse’s own. Meanwhile, the stout Soulbearer had already accepted Vacuse, and he wasn’t as broody as usual. "You don’t look comfortable in that dress." Vacuse snorted. He was wearing an undercoat of thick red before he put the cloak on. He raised his hand to the red earring on his left ear. "I don’t want to think what would happen if a fight breaks out. They’ll only get in the way." Harkon’s eyes sharpened. "I doubt there’s anyone stupid enough to start a fight here, Lord Vacuse. Rest assured, and if a fight does break out, you won’t have to do any fighting." That was true. All around, concealed behind secret doors and decorative curtains, are Dragon Guard members with baleful aura that they’re trying so hard to hide. In truth, anyone who fights or does anything strange would be swiftly taken care of. But then again, someone had managed to target and wound Lord Ragna, so much so that the relationship between them turned sour so fast that Drenvar had to deploy some of his armies to the border. Later, a fight broke out and the Vorrakyn were greatly weakened. That was exactly what Vacuse was out to prevent tonight, and he had already told Zorathian and Kagerou to pay attention to the Orc tribe heir. Vacuse looked around the room for Kagerou and then nodded in satisfaction when he didn’t see him. After all, he had sent his new messenger a lot of tasks. Lyra moved Vacuse away from his thoughts when she said, "Idris Dawringer is here, my lord." Vacuse looked up, and immediately a carefree smile appeared on his face as the man swept into the room with an overbearing aura—a man of the age of sixties with white hair. He looked at Vacuse keenly. "Vacuse Vorrakyn, it’s hard to bow at this my age." Vacuse clasped his hands together, but he didn’t bow. "As much as you can hold a sword and lead your army, bowing is but a little matter." The man threw his head back and laughed. "Interesting! Don’t tell me you want to fight something, my lord?" Vacuse only smiled, but there was a glint in his eyes. "The Dragon has always liked blood." The man laughed again and left. Just like that, more and more guests appeared. All the Vassals showed themselves—from Joryn Galathar to Lysander Zarion and then to the only female Vassal among them, Aeloria Thalindra. They all greeted their new heir with smiles and politeness, but the eyes never lied. They showed the coldness in them when they saw him. Vacuse smiled warmly in return to their greetings. He wasn’t fazed, and he knew not only the Aelarions but almost all of them wanted the fall of the Vorrakyn. He couldn’t blame them. They all wanted to join powerful Houses that could lead them to more glory. But then, nobody could blame him either. He also wanted what was best for his House. In a way, only the best and most powerful would overcome. That was why Vacuse was wary of Zorathian. He told the Watch to find the traitor from the Vassals. He picked the Aelarions. And although they are indeed traitors, in Vacuse’s past life, the Dawringers were traitors as well. Maybe Zorathian only knew about the Aelarion? Vacuse gave him the grace, but deep down, he knew things weren’t that simple. "His Grace, Duke Frexon Sevrix of the Red Leaves!" a voice called. The people in the hall went silent and stood to bow to the Duke, who strode in with his customary gentle smile. He walked alone, as his entourage waited outside. But even then, it was as if hundreds of people had just entered the hall with the heavy presence he carried. Vacuse stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bowed. "Duke Frexon." The Duke also bowed in return. "Lord Vacuse. It is a pleasure to see you once again and in good health. Some people passed away silently in their sleep by unknown means. My condolences for the passing of the... queen?" Vacuse stiffened. What did the blasted Duke know? Did he know about him sending someone to poison Drenvar’s wife? But his smile was easy as he nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Your Grace. But we don’t use kings and queen titles in the Empire. I think... the highest before the Emperor is Grand Duke?" The smile froze on Duke Frexon’s face, and his eyes flashed. Vacuse just couldn’t help himself as he took a jab at the man with the hypocritical smile. He wasn’t even trying to be subtle about it. "And I am, after all, the heir to such title." The smile completely went out from Duke Frexon’s face, and his eyes went flat. "Be careful, my lord. Some people are spreading rumors that the Western Region no longer has a Grand Duke or has need for one." Duke Frexon used a sharp dagger indeed, but Vacuse only threw back his head and laughed. "Duke Frexon! Don’t tell me that you listen to such rumors? When the Dragon spreads its wings, everything under its shadow belongs to it! "And the Dragon’s shadow is long and terrifying indeed!" A light entered the Duke’s eyes. "You speak the truth, my lord. You speak nothing but the truth." Then he bowed and turned to leave, his aura more gloomy than when he entered the room. Vacuse watched him leave, and he wondered how long it would have to be before he could hold the man’s head in his hand.

Chapter 57: Shadow of the Dragon

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