The fragrant morning air of Dragon Valley was filled with an unusual aroma. It was a curious scent, like flowers, yet with a refreshing hint that was utterly invigorating.
If there was truly a place in this world where even the air was sweet, it would probably be here.
Complementing this was an enchanting, dreamlike landscape.
Springs cascaded down from the mountains, dew rippled on the green leaves, sparkling with a soft glow.
The whole world seemed to be imbued with a brand-new hue, even more breathtaking than when they had arrived just the day before.
The birds chirping among the trees sounded like a melody echoing by their ears.
Early in the morning, Archil Norman had brought Evilia and the other Dragon Clan members responsible for taking care of Gray’s party and stood quietly in the courtyard, waiting.
After a night of revelry, the Silver Moon Knight Order, including the dwarves, did not oversleep. They were already lined up in the courtyard early in the morning.
Archil Norman crossed his arms before his chest, bowed respectfully to Gray, and said, "Honored Lord of Lich King, Archil Norman will now take you to meet our Great Elder. Please mount your warhorse now."
"Mount our warhorses? Are we riding horses there?" Gray asked.
"Yes. You arrived on horseback, so I must present you to the Great Elder in the same way. Your knights as well."
"You mean... we all meet the Golden Dragon Great Elder together?"
"Yes, that’s what I mean," Archil Norman replied with a smile.
"Wonderful! I get to meet the Golden Dragon Great Elder with Father!" Richie said excitedly.
*This was an unusual proposal. Gray had attended countless welcome ceremonies, but none had ever specifically asked him to mount his horse, nor expected him to bring all his subordinates along.*
*However, after yesterday’s experience, Gray at least didn’t perceive any ill intent from the other side now.*
At Archil Norman’s insistence, the dwarves lined up in battle formation while Gray and the Silver Moon Knights each mounted their warhorses. Tenidas’ reins were handed to Archil Norman, as required.
Evilia then extended a hand towards Richie.
"Do I have to too?" Hesitant, Richie also handed over his reins while still on horseback.
Not only Gray and Richie, but Aikleion, Lucy, and Carl did the same. Even the pedestrian Carl was assigned a Golden Dragon Clan member. Though there had been no formal introduction, it was evident that overnight, the Golden Dragons had figured out who the important figures were within the delegation.
"And Miss Vivian and Miss Catherine, could you both step forward? We have prepared mounts for you."
As he finished speaking, two Dragon Clan members brought forth two unicorns.
They were real unicorns, from the Elf Forest, taller than regular horses, with slightly curly manes, and their entire bodies covered in a subtle rosy hue. Their towering horns, with spiral patterns, glistened pale yellow under the sunlight.
Vivian and Catherine had no choice but to reveal themselves and, as requested, mounted the unicorns, riding on either side of Gray.
Under the guidance of the Golden Dragon Clan members, the group began to move slowly through the verdant woods.
The terrain of Dragon Valley was a vast, egg-shaped basin. If the entrance and temporary residences were at the very bottom of the egg, then the place they were headed to was at the top of the egg.
"Now, we will lead you through the entire Dragon Valley," Archil Norman announced.
"Thank you for your effort." Gray inclined slightly and saluted Archil Norman.
Undoubtedly, Dragon Valley was the most nature-immersed place Gray had ever visited. Except for the temporary quarters, there were almost no human-made structures, not even real roads. Even the so-called "temporary quarters" resembled ancient ruins.
At the same time, it was the most ceremonious place Gray had ever visited. Every move was filled with ritual, a slow-paced elegance. The profound depth of it was something Gray had never experienced, not even at Azlan Mountain.
*It was a unique feeling.*
Carl asked in a low voice, "There are no buildings here, so where do you usually live? I mean, when you live in human form."
"Why would we live in human form?" the accompanying Golden Dragon Clan member replied with a smile. "The noble Golden Dragon Clan doesn’t need to live like humans. We only take human form when we need to hide our identity or have other special needs, like hosting honored guests."
"That’s really... very kind of you!" Carl replied with an awkward smile.
At the moment, the group realized something—the Dragon Valley today was entirely different from yesterday. There were no dragons in the sky, not a single one. All the dragons were quietly staying in their cliffside nests, heads raised, watching the delegation from afar.
Yes, all the dragons were watching them.
Dragon Valley was vast, but the surrounding cliffs were high enough as if they touched the sky. As a result, from any corner of Dragon Valley, one could see the cliffs on all sides. Naturally, from any dragon nest on the cliffs, one could also clearly see any corner of Dragon Valley.