CHAPTER 82: DRAGON STONE

In the front courtyard along the garden of the Gandolf family mansion. An old man in his seventies, wearing a blue robe, with a clean shaven face and short white hair stood tall waiting for someone. He was the patriarch of the Gandolf family, William Gandolf.

Behind him stood a young man in his thirties, wearing a full body armor. His brown hair long and tied into a ponytail. He was the son of the patriarch and the next in line for the seat, Hayden Gandolf. And in their back in attention, stood a row of soldiers with spears in their hands.

Just then an oval, egg shaped metal airship, about ten meters long, came flying and stopped over them in the air. Slowly it descended on the courtyard, releasing gusts of air downwards, which led to dust flying out in a wave as the robes of the one below fluttered from the wind.

The airship came down and kept levitating just a few centimeters above the ground. A door opened from the side and a staircase came out as it touched the ground.

About ten soldiers with halberds and full body armors marched out and stood on both sides of the path. After that a huge seven foot tall man with a braided beard and adorned in a full body wyvern armor walked out, followed by a dark skinned young man behind him.

"Welcome! Duke argon." William greeted with a wide smile as he walked forward to receive him.

"Hahaha! How have you been Duke William?"

"I’m fine by the grace of the emperor. This is my son Hayden."

"I greet the empire’s sword." Hayden bowed slightly as he greeted.

"Haha! I’ve heard of your heroics in the territorial war with the snow tribes, young man. Being a master mage at such a young age is commendable."

"I’m honored for your praise Duke Argon." Hayden said politely.

"Keep up the good work." Argon patted his shoulders in praise. "This is my beloved disciple. He’ll be sixteen this year and has reached the fourth circle already. Take care of him as your junior."

"I’m Navajo." He bowed in respect, greeting both William and Hayden.

Hayden nodded with a smile and William praised the young man for his achievements at such a young age.

"Let’s talk inside with some fine firebred wine." William said with a smile as he asked them to move inside.

"Haha! You know my preferences Duke William." Argon was ecstatic as he loved wine, especially the strong ones, and firebred wine was among the top of the list.

With smiles and laughs they moved inside the mansion while the soldiers waited outside upon Argon’s orders. They passed through the hall and the corridors to reach the guest room with a lavish sofa, expensive chandelier, beautiful paintings and fine swords and decorations, expressing the grandness of the Gandolfs.

Argon and William took a seat opposite each other, as they sat face to face. Navajo and Hayden stood behind them.

Two servants entered the room, one with a tray with two wine glasses and a curved glass jar filled with crimson red wine. While the other one brought a hexagonal box fitted with expensive jewels and gold, and placed it on the table near William.

The servant placed the wine glasses in front of the two of them and poured the wine with finesse and left the jar with the tray on the table and both of them moved out of the room.

Argon picked the glass up and took a sip. His eyes opened wide as a wide smile crept on his face. The wine was so hot that it almost burned through his throat as it passed by, making him ecstatic with the strong burning sensation.

"I hope you liked it, Duke Argon."

"Amazing! Haha! I’ve tasted it after a long time. I have to sing praises for your hospitality now. Hahaha!"

"I’m relieved that you liked it." William said as he took a small sip, his brows twitched as he somehow endured it in front of Argon.

Argon nodded as he took the last sip of the wine. He put the glass down and faced William.

"I don’t like to beat around the bush Duke William. Explain what you said in the message, and tell me what is it that you need my help with." Argon said solemnly.

"As you know Duke Argon, along with my two sons, I have a daughter, Hela. She is married to Duke Danver of the house Ranatosh. The first son of Duke Ranatosh is born manaless while his second son and my grandchild Leo has awakened and reached the second circle already."

"Since his two daughters can’t inherit the seat of the patriarch, he should have already announced Leo as the rightful heir to the seat, but he just keeps delaying it with no reason. My daughter has asked him a million times, even I once discussed this matter with him, but he refuses to carry on with the announcement."

"And what is it that you need my help with in this matter?" Argon asked.

"I just think that it would be great if you have a talk with him. Among the turmoils of the continent, no one knows what may happen to oneself. If the Duke unfortunately loses his life, a civil unrest may arise among his children, which may disturb the inner peace of the empire."

"I have a very good relation with Duke Danver, I especially respect his household that has produced heroes like Levi Ranatosh. The succession rights rest with the duke himself, I cannot force him to change his mind or influence him. I don’t think me talking with him could change anything." Argon said nonchalantly.

"It would be enough if you just share your opinion with him in this matter. your voice holds value, and he wouldn’t be able to ignore you outright." William said, his eyes hopeful as he looked at Argon.

"I’m asking this as a favor Duke Argon, and for this I’ve prepared a gift befitting of your status." William opened the hexagonal box, turned it towards Argon and pushed it near him.

Argon’s eyes opened wide in shock. He was stumped. He couldn’t believe that William was ready to part with such a valuable treasure for such a small favor.

"Are you sure you want to gift this to me Duke William?" Argon asked skeptically, though his eyes fixed at the glowing amber stone of about just a few centimeters, placed carefully inside the box.

The stone was releasing intense heat, so much so that even Navajo, who was standing behind could feel the temperature on his face.

"A father can do anything for his children Duke. This is just a small price for their happiness."

"Still to give a dragon stone away...this is quite the hefty price." Argon asked again as the dragon stone was a small part of the huge mana core of the only destruction class Dragon to have been hunted a century ago and one would give up their life rather than giving it away, and just from that, Argon realized that William was planning something big for him to give this up.

"I have no regrets." William said with a smile.

"Hahahahaha!!" Argon laughed out loud. he held the box in his hand and with a wide grin on his face looked at William.

"You’ve given me quite an enticing offer Duke William. Guess I’ll have to pay the Ranatosh Dukedom a visit."