Chapter 87: I Am Not a Child
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 87: I Am Not a Child
Learning the essentials of military command from Brandon in just half a day proved that the innate talent of the Dragon Race was truly extraordinary.
The problem, however, was that dragons had always been free-spirited, unrestrained creatures.
Whenever they encountered trouble, their first thought was whether they could win a fight. If they couldn't, they would hurl a few parting threats before making their escape.
In short, dragons generally weren't fond of schemes or anything that required too much mental effort.
This was especially true for Aisarakus, who had occupied the heart of the Northern Continent for years, spending most of her time living a life of leisure.
In some ways, she really wasn't much different from a human child.
Watching Aisarakus wag her tail at her like a puppy seeking praise, Xie Bai cleared her throat.
"Ahem... Alright, you’re going to be overseeing the Northern Continent for me later, so these things are indispensable..."
Aisarakus was not buying Xie Bai’s reasoning.
"Ugh... but those books are taller than I am! How could I possibly finish them? If it really comes down to it... I just won't call myself the Lord of the Northern Continent anymore..."
"Well..."
Just as Xie Bai was being swayed by the shimmering light in the dragon’s eyes, Brandon stepped forward.
"Very well, Your Majesty. You have grasped the basic essentials of being an Emperor. You may now head to the front lines to get acquainted with the generals."
As he spoke, Brandon lifted all the restrictions he had placed on her.
Feeling her suppressed power rushing back, Aisarakus’s tail froze mid-wag.
"Eh? I don't have to study anymore?"
"Well... you've finished today's portion. There’s more tomorrow. How about this: for every four days of study, you get three days off. What do you think?"
Hearing Brandon’s proposal, Aisarakus instinctively replied, "Four days of study and three days off? That sounds pretty good... wait, why should I agree to your—mph!"
Just as she was about to refuse, Brandon sealed her voice again.
"Since Your Majesty has no objections, it is settled."
With that, Brandon looked up at Xie Bai.
"May I ask if you have any specific arrangements now that you've returned, My Lady?"
Faced with Brandon’s inquiry, Xie Bai glanced at Aisarakus.
"Mm... go wait outside for a bit. I have some things to discuss with Brandon."
Hearing this, Aisarakus stammered for a long while before finally heading outside with a face full of reluctance.
Seeing this, the Lord of White Peak tactfully followed her out.
A second later, a loud crash echoed from outside, and the entire hall trembled slightly.
Ignoring the commotion, Xie Bai looked at Brandon.
After re-confirming his character panel information, Xie Bai spoke.
"Can you tell me about your Emperor? The one from Rolands."
The moment the words left her mouth, she saw Brandon’s body stiffen.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, nothing. It’s just... I am surprised that you know that name, My Lady."
Brandon took off his officer’s cap.
"Before I answer your question, may I ask where you heard that name?"
Xie Bai thought for a moment.
"I found it in the records within the Ice Dragon Nest. It mentioned a nameless Emperor, and the names 'Rolands' and 'Brandon' were written beside it."
In truth, Xie Bai had indeed discovered the existence of that Emperor in the Ice Dragon Nest.
However, the rest was a fabrication.
After all, she couldn't exactly explain the existence of the game panel.
She simply pinned it on Aisarakus.
Furthermore, the records in the Ice Dragon Nest did mention a human empire and a general, though they didn't record the specific names.
"Was it Aisarakus? Hmph... I didn't expect that ice dragon to be useful in such a way. It seems I was a bit too harsh on her just now."
Xie Bai’s lip twitched.
"So, everything you did before... wasn't that just pure petty revenge?"
"Well... I wouldn't put it that way. At the very least, the knowledge I imparted was genuine."
"Isn't that just a roundabout way of admitting it?"
"Is it? Then I shall find an opportunity to properly compensate that ice dragon later."
Brandon put his officer’s cap back on.
"My Lady, regarding Rolands, I can only provide limited information, as I cannot recall much of my memories.
"In what remains of my memory, Rolands was an incredibly glorious kingdom, but also an incredibly sordid one.
"My Emperor, in order to free the world from the shackles of the True Gods, resorted to almost any means necessary. He sacrificed too many people, including himself.
"I am not sure exactly when it happened; I only know that one day, I realized I had forgotten the Emperor’s name.
"What was even more terrifying was that every trace of Rolands in the world vanished along with the Emperor.
"Aside from myself, not a single soul could remember that glorious kingdom.
"Since then, I have wandered this world aimlessly, driven by the conviction that I must not let the traces of Rolands disappear entirely..."
Halfway through his explanation, Brandon looked back at Xie Bai.
"Originally, I intended to do as I have done before—serve you for a period of time, and then leave once everything collapsed again.
"But things are different now. The name of Rolands has resurfaced in this world, which has made me reconsider my previous goals. For that, I require your assistance, My Lady.
"If the day comes when the kingdom of Rolands can finally be laid to rest within history, I will have no regrets. To that end, I am willing to offer my—"
Hearing Brandon begin what sounded like a vow to offer his life, Xie Bai hastily interrupted him.
"Alright, I just wanted to ask about the Emperor. I wasn't asking for a blood oath. You’re not an outsider here; if you have a request, you can just say it."
At Xie Bai’s words, Brandon rose from the ground.
"Very well, My Lady. Besides the Emperor, is there anything else you wish to know about Rolands? Though I have forgotten much, I can still recount two thousand years of history."
"You should save that for Strife. I think he’d be quite happy to hear your stories."
With that, Xie Bai walked outside.
Seeing the Lord of White Peak embedded in the ground—though his health bar was still quite healthy—Xie Bai was slightly surprised by the durability provided by the Core of Silence.
After hauling the Lord of White Peak out, Xie Bai also dragged out Aisarakus, who was hiding nearby.
"Alright, I’m not going to blame you for such a small thing. And next time you hide, try to tuck in your tail."
Seeing that Xie Bai wasn't angry, Aisarakus was momentarily speechless.
"You... don't think I'm being willful?"
"Well... it’s fine. Isn't it normal for children to throw tantrums? I’ll just let Brandon handle your education."
Aisarakus immediately puffed out her cheeks.
"I am not a child! And I don't want to see that Brandon fellow ever again!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Brandon’s voice drifted over from behind them.
"I was feeling rather pleased today and thought about letting you relax. But it seems I’ll need to add some moral and ethical education to your curriculum."