At the end of the day, I still made my way here.

Gazing at the castle bathed in the moonlight, Rhode couldnt help but scratch his head and mutter to himself.

Based on the news from his younger sister, it seemed like a pregnant dragon needed 30 to 50 years to give birth to her child, which explained the low birthrate of several powerful races. The process of conceiving a child was more than half of the human lifespan. Moreover, even after the child was born, the child also required a long, long time to grow from a young age. Take Erin, for instance. She lived for four to five centuries since she was born, and despite that, she looked like a 16 or 17 years old. This went to show how slow dragons grew, which kind of put Rhodes mind at ease a little. Because even if Erin were really pregnant with his child, she didnt need to fight against Chaos with a big belly. After all, no matter how busy his side was, the situation wouldnt last more than a year or two. And according to the younger sister, even if Erin did conceive his child, the effects on her would be basically zero. After all, a dragons body was still really strong and healthy, and normal injuries wouldnt affect the child too much either.

But even so, Rhode eventually came to the Moon City. Although he wasnt sure about Erins pregnancy, those words from Lydia also werent entirely not reliable either. However, since Lydia mentioned about Erins weak health, there had to be no doubt about it. That was why after serious considerations, Rhode finally decided to check on Erin. Even if he didnt discuss anything about her pregnancy, he had to care for her in terms of her identity as the Dark Dragon. After all, the combined strength of the five Creator Dragons were needed to open the plane channel in the future. If Erin were to get into a mishap like her big brother, things would be much more troublesome.

As the Darkness Capital had been demolished into scraps by Lapiss Plane Destruction Bombs, it was inevitable for the Country of Darkness to move its capital. In the end, Erin chose the Moon City, located in the southwest and in the middle of the Moonlight Forest, as the new capital city of the Country of Darkness. This land was Erins, to begin with, and could also be considered her villa. Although it was a bit out of place to be used as a capital of a country, the Country of Darkness itself had also lost a large chunk of territory, so it was like a perfect match

But after witnessing the Moon City for the first time, Rhode had an inexplicable feeling of dj vu.

In the shimmering moonlight, the white, towering castle by the sea glowed softly against the darkness of the night and seemed incomparably bright in comparison to the pitch-black ocean under the night sky. For some reason, upon seeing the Moon City, Rhode couldnt help think of the Munn Kingdoms Golden City. Although the geographical locations werent quite the same, both cities felt equally beautiful and mesmerizing. The Golden City was as dazzling as the sun, while the Moon City was as bright and crisp as the moon. Looking from a distance, the Moon City was built on a peninsula surrounded by a dark ocean, glowing brightly like a full moon in the night sky. No one could ignore its brilliance.

It seemed like it wasnt without reason that Erin and Lydia were so close with each other.

Master, youre here.

With Rhodes identity, he didnt need to inform of his arrival beforehand. As a matter of fact, before he arrived, he had already informed Angelina through spiritual communication. At that moment, Angelina stood at the entrance of the Moon City, ready to welcome him. Upon seeing his arrival, she stepped forth and bowed immediately. She intended to hold a grand welcome for him, but he wasnt interested in such formalities in the slightest. Besides, it would also waste his time, so he rejected her idea. This time, only Angelina was here by the entrance to invite him in.

Despite being a city of undead creatures, the Moon City was much more livelier than other cities. After all, this was Erins fief, and she was quite fond of humans. For that reason, there were more humans in the Moon City as compared to other cities. According to Angelina, this place was also a territory shared between her and Garcia. However, she was in charge of the east, while Garcia watched the coast in the west. That was because undead creatures disliked the ocean, which was the opposite of humans. Come to think of it, Rhode was really curious as to how these people were going to fish a land of eternal darkness. That would be a problem too, wouldnt it?

But this time, he didnt come to the Moon City to explore their customs.

Wheres Erin?

Following Angelina into the Moon City, Rhode sized up the castle around him and asked casually. He had to admit that this place was really made to Erins liking. At a glance, one could see expensive artwork hanging along the corridor. And in addition to the paintings, there were also some unknown, ancient artifacts dug out from the ruins that were very pleasing to the eye under the illumination of luminous pearls. Rhode estimated that if all the treasures in this corridor were to be recovered, they would be worth enough to buy half of Casabianca.

Her Majesty Erin is handling some government matters right now, but it is also about time for afternoon tea.

Angelina said, leading Rhode further down the corridor. Along the way, beautiful young ladies in maid costumes bowed to them. But what astonished Rhode was that he sensed that they were mostly ordinary humans and not undead creatures at all. This felt rather strange because earlier, judging from the information that Angelina gave him, it sounded like her forces had clearly expanded. But now It seemed like she wasnt as successful as he had thought.

Whats with the maids?

Her Highness Erin still prefers humans more, and because of what happened to His Majesty Ion before, Her Highness Erin isnt really that fond of vampires anymore. Thats why I didnt get my subordinates to serve Her Highness Erin. My subordinates are responsible for foreign diplomacy and intelligence reconnaissance at the moment. The maids here are all dispatched by Sir Garcia. In terms of loyalty, there is no problem.

I see.

Upon hearing Angelinas explanations, Rhode nodded. He had also gotten Angelinas report about the dealings between Ion and the vampires, so naturally, Erin must have also witnessed that scene as well. It made sense that she wasnt very fond of vampires. If it werent for the fact that Angelina had always been on good terms with Erin, it would have been impossible for her to get the support she received from Erin now.

But looking at the indignant way Angelina talked about Garcia, it was clear that she felt rather upset, which was quite a normal reaction. To put it bluntly, the Country of Darkness was a nation of death, and mortals had no place here. Even amongst the four legendary generals, the one with the lowest status was, in fact, Garcia, not Ashvril, the reason being that Garcia was human. That was why Angelina was unhappy with Garcia. Although Garcia, being one of the four legendary generals, was powerful and wasnt going to live less than 100 years like an ordinary human, he couldnt be compared to long-lived undead creatures. Despite that, he was still valued highly by Erin, so it wasnt surprising that Angelina felt a little depressed about that.

However, it wasnt something of Rhodes concern. He roughly guessed that Erin was doing this to check and restrain the power of her men. But this was an internal matter of the Country of Darkness, and he had no right to interfere. It was also true that Angelinas desire for power was a bit too strong. If she didnt restrain herself, it would be hard to guarantee that she could achieve her goal of becoming one of the four legendary generals.

On the other hand, Angelina also didnt seem to have the intention of letting Rhode put in a few good words to Erin for her. Angelina casually mentioned this topic, but their conversation quickly returned to the right path.

How is Erin feeling lately?

I dont think theres anything wrong with Her Majesty Erin She isnt acting strangely from before, so everything should be fine.

Upon hearing Rhodes question, Angelina hesitated for a while and eventually answered. As a matter of fact, after Rhode looked for Angelina and inquired about Erin, Angelina volunteered to be Erins personal servant again. Of course, with her identity, she couldnt possibly be by Erins side 24/7. But in response to her masters expectations, Angelina bit the bullet and gave Rhode the answers he wanted.

I see

Rhode responded plainly to Angelinas reply.

Shes got nothing on her end. Looks like I can only rely upon myself then.

And the moment this thought came up in his mind, Angelina gaped with a difficult expression, pondered for a while, and said.

Erm Master, although Her Majesty Erin is fine, she did face some trouble recently.

What trouble?

Rhode asked with a twitched brow. Upon hearing his question, Angelina thought about it, but eventually continued.

According to my investigation, there seems to be someone chasing Her Highness Erin

Oh?

Facing this surprising answer, Rhodes eyes glinted in a cold flash. Who was so daring to grab food from his mouth? Erin was his woman. Even though no one was aware of their relationship except for themselves, even without this matter, wouldnt Erins identity as the Dark Dragon stop every suitor? Someone was actually so brave to chase the Dark Dragon?

What exactly happened? Who is so daring? Is he sick of living already?

Hmm

Angelina revealed an awkward expression.

I heard its someone of the same race as Her Majesty Erin

Facing Angelinas response, Rhode twitched his brow, but eventually said nothing.

Just like that, under Angelinas lead, both of them arrived outside Erins study. Then, Angelina raised her arm and knocked the door gently.

Her Highness Erin, His Majesty Rhode is here.

Please come in.

Upon hearing Erins reply, Angelina opened the study door and gestured an invitation to Rhode respectfully. Without saying a word, he walked straight into the study. This was the first time he had been in Erins study. Unlike Lydias splendidly atmospheric and luxurious-looking room, Erins study was more chic and beautiful, decorated with a pure white sofa, scarlet velvet curtains, pale yellow carpet, and mahogany bookshelves. With the burning fireplace at the side, the study felt warm and comfortable. It wasnt until he entered the room that he deeply felt the difference between the living and the dead. Although Erin was the Dark Dragon, she was a living creature, after all. Instead of making her study like the ice-cold catacombs of undead creatures, it was filled with a homely warmth.

It gave a deep-seated sense of peace and tranquility, especially under this eternal night sky in a country filled with coldness and death. Not only that, but it also gave him an illusion of wanting to lie and rest here forever.

Mr. Rhode.

Upon seeing him, Erin stood up from her desk with a grin, walked over, and greeted him. It was obvious that she was happy about his arrival. Even though she spent secret nights rolling in bed with him, her status was on the line, after all. Marlene and Lize could keep him company, while Anne could climb into his bed whenever and wherever she wanted. On the other hand, Erin wasnt that fortunate. As the Dark Dragon, she spent most of her time on the Country of Darkness. Not to mention, the entire country was in a mess because of what happened to Ion. Not only that, but she also spent a lot of time appeasing the restless undead creatures. That was why she had minimal time to meet him. They even had to race against time to carry on a clandestine love affair, so it was impossible for them to even have time for proper romance.

That was why Erin was delighted to see Rhode show up all of a sudden.

Why are you here? How is the front line? I heard from Lydia that the previous battle wasnt too great.

Theres been no problem as of late. Chaos doesnt look like its planning to attack soon after we drove it away last time. Thats why I came over to see you Rhode paused briefly, sized up Erin, and stopped his gaze at her abdomen. But to his relief, there didnt seem to be any significant bump as her figure was still smooth and gracefully curvy. Of course, many womens bodies were so well maintained that they didnt look pregnant at all, except during the last few months. If it were before, Rhode would have been a little worried. But after learning from his younger sister that it would take at least 30 to 50 years for a dragon to give birth to a child, he was much more relaxed, and Erin didnt realize anything wrong. After scanning her body for a few moments, Rhode withdrew his gaze and asked By the way, I heard from Lydia that youre not feeling well lately? What happened?

I just overworked myself a little. Its nothing to worry about, Mr. Rhode.

In response to his question, Erin responded frankly and didnt seem to be hiding anything. Her expression was still as soft as ever, showing a calm smile, while a deep attachment and happiness could be detected from her eyes. It did seem as if there was nothing worth caring too much about.

To be honest, Ive always been reluctant to do these jobs in the past. So when Big Brother forbade me from getting involved in politics, I didnt have any objections. After all, these things are such a pain. I didnt expect myself to be doing them now. It really gives me a bit of a headache

Erin said and held her forehead as though she were really dejected.

If I could, I would prefer to return to my leisurely and carefree life so that I can follow you around, Mr. Rhode. But unfortunately, it looks like Im not so lucky.

You should rest more if youre tired. Look at Lydia; she has been a duchess for so many years and solves most troubles by sending out her subordinates. You dont have to do everything yourself. Just leave some matters to people you trust Rhode replied and couldnt help but look at Angelina, who was standing respectfully beside her. Anyway, unlike you, they wont be overworked. So make the most of them.

Just like that, Rhode sold Angelina out in front of her face.

Rhode didnt notice that when he mentioned Lydia, Erins eyes glinted with an odd smile. After Rhode finished his sentence, the smile in Erins eyes disappeared immediately, which was why he didnt realize anything strange. Facing his words, Erin forced a bitter smile.

I would like to do that if it were possible, Mr. Rhode. But the Country of Darkness is in a terrible shape now. Besides, Ive been having a little trouble lately

Knock knock knock.

As Erin spoke, someone knocked on the study door all of a sudden. Upon hearing the knocks, Erin let out a subtle, helpless sigh and said.

Who is it?

Reporting, Your Highness Erin, Sir Kolt is here to ask for an audience.

Sigh

Upon hearing the maids report, Erin let out a long, powerless sigh. Then, she lifted her head and winked playfully at Rhode.

This is my other trouble, Mr. Rhode. It gets really troubling to have such an admirer, dont you think?