Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1518 - 522: What Is He Approaching For? (Part 2)
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
In that instant, Rein appeared to glimpse the expansive, sparkling stars within Menia’s lovely eyes, though even more evident were the feelings of delight, timidity, and profound love.
What's more, unlike her earlier bashfulness, Menia didn't look away from Rein this time. She offered a gentle smile and simply gazed at him.
....
Several hours prior.
At Reef Island, the Federation's Sword Saint Terrio was engaging in light conversation with Hernandez, the Water Element Dawn Wizard rushed here urgently just days before, when abruptly, a mighty presence surged up from beneath the earth.
Right after, the soil in a certain spot on the island burst open, and a majestic colossal red dragon erupted skyward from the ground, unleashing a fierce, blazing energy across the surroundings.
"An Extremely Old Dragon!" Hernandez cried out.
The overwhelming power of the newcomer halted Hernandez's spellcasting for a brief second.
"This presence feels entirely new; it can't be Rein or Prince Menia." Terrio didn't respond at first, and only after observing the dragon climb several hundred meters high did he finally utter his words.
In the close airspace, the Imperial Guardian known as ’Earth Pulsation,’ Reginald, who was scouting the area low with his massive dragon ally Ted, suddenly spotted the enormous red dragon launching from Reef Island and promptly increased his speed to give chase.
"Hmm? The emblem of the Dragan?" The Ancient Red Dragon Fermo’s huge dragon gaze easily spotted Reginald, Yellow Dragon Ted, and the Imperial Airship trailing them.
"Honored and mighty red dragon Crown, I am Reginald, Guardian of the Dragan Empire; I offer my respects!" Sensing the intense aura waves from the other, Reginald positioned himself atop his giant dragon companion Ted and gave a slight bow.
"Ah, are you with that lovely human Menia’s group?" Fermo quickly pieced it together.
"Have you seen Prince Menia?"
Upon hearing ’Menia’ mentioned by this Extremely Old Dragon, Hernandez’s eyes brightened at once, ignoring the mix-up in title, and he questioned right away.
"Yes, she and her companion are down in the molten lava lake underneath, but I recommend you hold off for about half a day before looking for her—she’s tending to her wounds right now." The Ancient Red Dragon Fermo remarked with intent.
Without pausing for Reginald to inquire more, the Ancient Red Dragon Fermo beat his wings and sped off faster.
"Companion? Might that be Lord Rein? This..." Reginald observed the vanishing, incredibly potent unknown red dragon, obviously unable to intercept him once more.
After pondering briefly, he chose to follow the strange red dragon’s counsel and delay any moves. Interfering with Prince Menia’s recovery would spell serious trouble.
Still, this positive update must reach the Federation promptly. Plus, they ought to keep tabs on this formidable red dragon’s path for now. Should he have misled them, Elder Ivan’s arrival would ensure he faced consequences.
...
Upon receiving Reginald’s report, Terrio, Hernandez, and even Federation Deputy Speaker Bertrand and Trena, who were hurrying toward Reef Island, all felt a surge of elation!
"Crown Reginald, I’ve reached out to the Federation’s seafaring fleet and watch stations; they’ll keep an eye on that unknown red dragon’s course. That said, if it veers into remote territories, tracking might prove difficult." Sword Saint Terrio stated.
"Yes, grasping the broad route will do." Reginald affirmed with a nod.
"Should we not descend to verify?"
"No need at present; that red dragon has little reason to deceive. Let’s bide half a day, and should nothing stir afterward, we’ll head down as a group to investigate." Reginald proposed.
"Very well!" With Reginald, the Empire Delegation’s deputy leader, saying so, Sword Saint Terrio had little else to add, simply nodding in acceptance.
...
The half day flew by swiftly!
Right when Deputy Speaker Bertrand, Sword Saint Terrio, and various other top officials started growing somewhat restless.
Menia and Rein appeared, holding hands in a remarkably close manner, rising from a fissure in the earth, which made Sword Saint Terrio and Hernandez’s eyes slowly widen until they were fully round, sharing a look that revealed mutual astonishment.
As seasoned adults, both could instantly discern from Prince Menia’s present attitude and her degree of familiarity with Rein that these two had probably solidified a bond like lovers.
Hernandez let out an involuntary sigh, commenting, "I’d always figured we were merely outpowered by this young Lord Rein. Yet now, it appears there’s more to it than that..."
"True enough; lagging in might is one matter, but to lose ground here too..."
This left Terrio and Hernandez completely baffled.
Everyone knew Rein possessed great strength, a promising talent among the Empire’s youth, but when stacked against Prince Menia, his standing and origins still showed a clear disparity.
Furthermore, rumors from years back indicated the Empire’s ’Red Queen’ Prince Menia regarded all men—be it for their might or looks—with cool detachment.
Had Rein somehow ensnared the ’Red Queen’ Menia with some form of mind-bending sorcery?
Were it not for their familiarity with Rein’s nature, the pair might have already dragged him off for intense questioning.
Finally, one more aspect: during Prince Menia’s current trip to the Federation on behalf of the Empire, her regal bearing, vast wisdom, formidable skills, and almost flawless looks and build had already captivated countless Federation notables.
Plenty of epic-tier powerhouses like themselves were among them, none of whom succeeded in drawing Prince Menia’s interest.
To sum up, while representing the Empire in the Federation, Prince Menia had turned into the latest fantasy ideal for men there, irrespective of strength or years.
Yet surprisingly, this brightest and toughest bloom from the Dragan Empire had been claimed by Lord Rein.
...
A parallel notion naturally swirled in ’Earth Pulsation’ Reginald’s thoughts and lingered on.
Thinking back to his and giant dragon partner Ted’s earlier pursuit of that mighty Extremely Old Dragon level red dragon Fermo, the other’s puzzled words now clicked perfectly for him.
That said, differing from Terrio and Hernandez, Reginald—as an Imperial Guardian acquainted with Menia over many years—approached the situation from another angle than those two.
But one shared element remained.
No matter what, Reginald couldn’t fathom how Rein had forged a romantic tie with Prince Menia?
....
Deputy Speaker Bertrand shared the surprise, though for him, the link between Rein and Menia mattered less. The key was their safety and survival, his utmost worry.
These last days had left him feeling as if half his hair had vanished.
Had calamity truly struck them, he—as the United Faction’s envoy and chief liaison for the Empire Delegation—couldn’t evade blame, potentially dooming his Federation political path!
What a blessed escape!
...
"Prince Menia, your safe return has brought me genuine joy." Bertrand advanced and voiced earnestly.
Just then, a faint blush colored Menia’s stunning features, as though she was still basking in the recent closeness with Rein. But noticing the crowd awaiting her, she timidly slipped her hand from his.
"Lord Bertrand, I regret the worry I’ve inflicted on you and the other Crowns." Menia dipped in a slight bow, responding with poise.
"The apologies are mine, Prince Menia. Permit me to convey, for the Federation, our deepest regrets to you and the deceased Empire troops over this occurrence, in hopes it won’t hinder our ongoing tight alliance."
"In particular, concerning the Sea God Sect, I propose we join forces to strike them hard!"
...
While Bertrand and Menia talked, the lovely Trena’s gaze kept shifting between Rein and Menia.
One fact she couldn’t overlook: Menia’s flawless beauty, free of any lines and boasting a striking form, marked her as a supreme example of a grown woman.
"Reports were spot on; Rein favors mature women distinctly."
"Still, why did he act so differently with me back then..." Trena mused, glancing down at her own notable curves, and let out a quiet inner sigh.
"Truth be told, next to Prince Menia, I’m a step behind....
....