The Arrival of Beauty and Tribute
The court assembly had ended, but the ripples of its events spread far beyond the palace walls, whispering like wildfire through the streets of the Drake Kingdom.
"His Majesty is actually ceding the Red Rock Iron Mine… for the sake of a beauty?"
"This is sheer folly! Favoring a woman over the stability of the realm!"
"Without the mine, our military strength will falter! And with it, the Ironforge Kingdom will grow stronger at an alarming rate. How can His Majesty not understand such simple logic?"
"He must be blinded by desire… unable to resist temptation at such a tender age!"
"Even the loyal Prime Minister has been dismissed. He doesn't even recognize his own kin! A foolish ruler—the Drake Kingdom is doomed!"
Concern etched every citizen's face; some whispered about fleeing, fearful of a future under a ruler seemingly ruled by impulse rather than reason. The neighboring kingdoms caught wind of this audacious decision, mocking Lucian Drake as a ruler consumed by vanity and desire, declaring the Drake Kingdom would surely fall under such foolish leadership.
Meanwhile, inside the lavish Imperial Palace of the Ironforge Kingdom, a different scene unfolded.
The Ironforge Emperor beamed with delight, leaning over his polished mahogany desk. "Has the Drake Kingdom truly agreed to cede the mine?"
"Your Majesty, indeed it has," replied Silas, the envoy, presenting the diplomatic letter with the utmost respect, both hands extended.
The Emperor opened the letter, scanning the contents with a satisfied smile. Yet, a shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes. "It seems to be true… but my loyal subject, recount to me precisely what transpired during the negotiations."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Silas straightened and recounted the events meticulously: the demands, the offers of gold, grain, and jewels, and finally… the proposal of the Drake Kingdom Emperor to trade the mine for Eve.
The Emperor listened intently, every wrinkle of his aged face tightening with curiosity and barely contained amusement. When Silas finished, the Emperor's lips curled into a disdainful sneer.
"Your Majesty, at first, the Drake Kingdom Emperor refused. But when I presented Eve, the most beautiful woman of our kingdom, he immediately consented! Even with all his ministers opposing, he went through with it. And he even dismissed Prime Minister Thomas White for daring to question him!"
"He seems… quite the lecher," the Emperor of Ironforge Kingdom said coldly. "To trade his own land for a woman? He will never achieve greatness."
"Your Majesty speaks the absolute truth," Silas bowed deeply, his eyes reflecting solemn respect.
The Ironforge Emperor straightened, his posture commanding, hands clasped behind his back. "Since he desires her, then we shall give her fully. The day we acquire the mine will mark the ascendancy of our kingdom! To prevent any interference, the moment the deal concludes, our two-hundred-thousand-strong army will take possession of the Red Rock Iron Mine. By then, even if they wish to reclaim it, it will be impossible."
"Your Majesty is indeed wise!" Silas echoed, bowing again in admiration.
Back in the Drake Kingdom, preparations began at once. Gold, silver, jewels, grain, and tribute were gathered meticulously, ready to be delivered to the capital. Lucian Drake's sharp violet eyes swept over each item, confirming every detail with the precision of a master strategist. His mind, functioning like an Empire Forging Map Game System, made the kingdom's resources as transparent as crystal.
Yet, what held his attention most was the veiled figure before him. He could not see her face, but every detail suggested extraordinary beauty: porcelain-like skin, pink hair cascading like a cherry blossom waterfall, a graceful and alluring silhouette. The faint fragrance she exuded was a strange, intoxicating blend of purity and temptation that filled the hall and lingered in the air.
Lucian's eyes glimmered with intrigue, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Are you… the renowned number one beauty of the Ironforge Kingdom, Eve?"
The veiled woman did not respond immediately. The faint rustle of her garments and the subtle sway of her presence seemed to speak volumes. Lucian Drake's interest had been piqued; he had anticipated a treasure in gold and jewels, yet the living embodiment of beauty standing before him promised a far more captivating challenge.
The city beyond the palace walls buzzed with anticipation, and the Drake Kingdom itself seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the next chapter in a game of ambition, desire, and political strategy—one that would be written by the audacious and unyielding emperor, Lucian Drake.