Rossweise was slightly taken aback.
While interacting with A-Donkey, she had indeed used a subtle thread of magic from Soul Judgement to soothe his stubborn nature. But the magical fluctuation was so faint it was nearly imperceptible, requiring incredibly sharp senses to detect.
Yet, Claudia had noticed...
In response to the question, Rossweise simply offered a modest smile. "Just a minor application, not worth mentioning."
Much of her progress with Soul Judgement was thanks to the foundational knowledge from the tome Claudia had provided, so humility was only appropriate.
"But how did you know I have been practicing Soul Judgement?" Rossweise asked.
When she and Leon had initially asked Tiger to find books on Primordial Magic, they used the excuse that "Leon wanted to study it." Tiger had likely passed on the same reason to Charlotte.
But for Claudia to immediately identify the magic as Soul Judgement suggested more than just keen observation.
Claudia chuckled softly. "Initially, Charlotte asked me for texts on Primordial Magic, claiming it was for Leon's training. But Primordial Magic is inherently a draconic art, and it is notoriously difficult for outsiders to master."
"So, I suspected... perhaps Leon was requesting it on your behalf."
Rossweise nodded. "Just as you surmised, Senior. At the time, we were unaware of your connection to Tiger and Charlotte, so we used a small pretext."
Claudia waved a hand dismissively. "It was no deceit—merely a thoughtful husband securing a valuable resource for his beloved wife."
"..."
Why did every dragon they knew seem to frame everything in terms of their "husband and wife" relationship? Did she and Leon really project that image?
Did they?!
Suppressing a sigh, Rossweise looked down at her hands and continued where Claudia had left off. "I have been practicing Soul Judgement for some time now. After the battle in the Far North, my understanding of Primordial Magic has deepened. With this knowledge, I hope to be better equipped to protect my clan."
Claudia listened quietly, her chin resting on her hand as she gazed thoughtfully into the distance. "Most dragons possess a natural drive for greater power, and you are no exception. But unlike others who seek power for conquest or dominance, your desire for strength is rooted in 'protection.' That is a noble pursuit."
Rossweise offered a small, humble smile. "You flatter me, Senior. It is not so grand."
"To continually hone oneself for the sake of those one holds dear, regardless of the hardship involved... perhaps it is not 'grand' in the annals of history, but on a personal level, it is more than enough," Claudia remarked.
Rossweise accepted the praise gracefully. It was straightforward and meaningful, without empty flattery.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Rossweise ventured a new question. "Senior, is the Sea Dragon Clan preparing for a succession soon?"
"Yes. Once my father returns from his travels, the formal transfer of authority and the coronation ceremony will take place."
"So, you are to be the next Sea Dragon Queen?"
"What, do you plan on challenging me for the title?" Claudia teased, a glint of humor in her eyes.
Rossweise chuckled, lightly covering her mouth. "Nothing of the sort, Senior."
In dragon society, rulership was not strictly hereditary; the throne passed to the most capable individual. Claudia, as the eldest princess, had proven her worth through rigorous trials, rightfully earning her place as the next queen.
Having spent this time with her, Rossweise could see she was more than qualified.
Which also meant... Leon's network of connections had just expanded significantly. Not only was his wife a Dragon Queen, and his sister-in-law another, but now his foster mother's sister was about to become one as well.
"I have never been a queen before, so in this regard, you are the experienced one," Claudia commented.
"Oh, I would not say that..." Rossweise demurred.
"You ascended at a remarkably young age; your future is undoubtedly bright," Claudia noted.
Most Dragon Kings or Queens ascended around five hundred years of age. Rossweise had become the Silver Dragon Queen at just one hundred and fifty. As Claudia said, such early success spoke volumes of her determination and talent.
"To be honest, I have always believed... ruling is not about age, but about capability," Rossweise said.
It sounded profound, but her mind had momentarily drifted. She found herself thinking, Noah, my dear, please grow up quickly. Once you turn twenty, you can run for Dragon Queen, and by twenty-five, you can take the throne! Then your father and I can retire and start a farm!
It was a whimsical thought, and the idea of a "twenty-five-year-old Dragon Queen" was admittedly a bit alarming.
Bringing her focus back, Rossweise steered the conversation toward more pressing matters. "The current Emperor of the Empire... it is about time he retired, don't you think, Claudia?"
Claudia immediately understood the implication.
"So... Leon is planning to formally declare war on the Empire?"
"Yes. We have gathered all the evidence we need to prove his innocence and expose the Empire's conspiracy. Delaying any longer will only lead to more unnecessary sacrifice."
"Good." Claudia's expression hardened slightly. "I have long despised that wretched emperor, especially after he dared to target Charlotte for her Heartguard Dragon Scale."
So, Claudia held a deep grudge against the Empire, just as Leon had suspected.
This meant... recruiting her assistance might be more straightforward than anticipated.
"However, Senior," Rossweise began carefully, "we might be... slightly short on manpower."
Claudia paused, her gaze shifting from the scenic view to settle directly on Rossweise.
Rossweise met her look steadily, without a trace of hesitation.
After a moment, a small chuckle escaped Claudia's lips.
"So, you want my help?"
"If you would be willing, Senior, we would be immensely grateful."
After a brief pause, Rossweise added, "If you have any conditions, please name them. We will do our best to meet them."
"Oh, there are conditions, of course. I do not offer my aid for free," Claudia said, inspecting her nails with a faint, knowing smile.
Rossweise pressed her lips together, mentally preparing for a significant demand.
"In that case... have your eldest daughter come stay with me for a little while. How does that sound?"
"...What?" Rossweise blinked, certain she had misheard.
Claudia shrugged casually. "Helena has been wanting to play with Noah. Arrange that, and I will lend you my support."
Rossweise realized that Claudia's "condition" was practically no condition at all. She wasn't asking for treasure, territory, or political favors—just a playdate for her daughter.
But after a moment of thought, Rossweise did not immediately agree.
Seeing her hesitation, Claudia raised an eyebrow. "What is the matter? Is that too difficult to manage?"
Claudia knew her request was a mere formality, a pretext to help Rossweise and Leon while also doing a small favor for Charlotte by facilitating the girls' friendship.
She hadn't expected Rossweise to hesitate over something so simple.
"It is not that I cannot," Rossweise explained carefully. "It is just... Leon and I have always respected our daughters' own wishes and autonomy. I am not comfortable using them as a bargaining chip, even for your help."
Claudia's eyes widened slightly, then a look of understanding dawned on her face. "Ah, I see... This is a human parenting principle, is it not?"
As a more traditional dragon, Claudia had raised Helena with typical draconic values—which were not bad, but meant Helena's upbringing was more structured compared to the environment Noah and her sisters enjoyed. It hadn't occurred to Claudia that Rossweise would object to involving her daughter in what she saw as a simple exchange. This level of respect for the child's independence was clearly an influence from Leon.
"Yes," Rossweise confirmed. "Leon is wonderful with the girls, and he respects them deeply. So... might we discuss a different condition?"
Claudia massaged her temple in mock exasperation. "Fine. How about this: Helena can come and stay at your place for a few days. As long as she is with Noah, the location does not matter."
She then added with a touch of maternal pride, "That is what Helena actually requested; I am respecting her wishes this time."
Rossweise couldn't help but smile at her elder's roundabout yet heartfelt way of offering help.
"All right, then. Helena is always a welcome guest in our home."