Dragon King's Harem Chapter 288. The Witch Tribe's Delegation II (Patreon)

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 288. The Witch Tribe's Delegation II

Al's response was immediate and resolute, his tone carrying an air of certainty that matched his unwavering demeanor. "60%," he stated, his eyes meeting mine without hesitation. It was a response that held no room for doubt or ambiguity. Al was steadfast in his assessment, and I respected that.

My inquiry might have been tinged with doubt, but Al's confidence served as a reminder of his astute judgment. The witch king was a master of manipulation and his motives were shrouded in layers of complexity. It was only natural that Al's estimation was a calculated approximation rather than a definitive answer.

"Hmm…" I murmured, my brows furrowing as I delved into my thoughts. The prospect of dealing with the witch king's proposal was a puzzle, a challenge that demanded careful consideration from every angle. "That could be a problem," I stated with a sigh, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders.

Al's response was a nod of understanding, his expression reflecting his acknowledgment of the complexity of the situation. "Yes," he concurred. "But you know him. I can't give more estimates than that." There was a tinge of regret in his voice, a recognition that the enigmatic nature of the witch king's intentions made precise calculations a near impossibility.

A rueful smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I responded. "True." It was a single word, but it carried a depth of understanding that transcended the immediate conversation.

"So, what's your plan?" Al's voice held a tinge of curiosity as he leaned slightly against the doorframe.

I considered his inquiry carefully, my fingers drumming a thoughtful rhythm against the armrest of my chair. "I will meet with the delegates first," I began, my tone measured. The witch king's proposal was no small matter, and my approach needed to be deliberate and calculated. "Deciding on the others can wait for now. Just send him my message," I instructed, my gaze locked with Al's.

Al's nod was respectful, his understanding of the situation evident in his demeanor. "Yes, Your Majesty," he affirmed, a hint of determination underlining his response.

Before he could take his leave, a thought crossed my mind, prompting me to speak up once more. "Oh, also," I interjected, my voice carrying the weight of another impending matter. "I might go with Evelina to the healer tribe in two days." The mention of this journey was met with a raised eyebrow from Al, his curiosity piqued. "I have some business with her father," I clarified.

Al's voice carried a tinge of concern as he addressed me, his brow furrowing slightly. "Did something happen during the war, Your Majesty?" His question was laced with a sense of worry, his gaze fixed on my expression as if searching for signs of trouble.

Leaning back in my chair, I allowed a faint smile to grace my lips as I shook my head slightly. "No, nothing of that sort," I assured him, my tone calm.

His frown persisted for a moment, a lingering shadow of concern etched across his features. "Then, if I may ask, what prompted this decision?" Al's curiosity was palpable as he leaned in slightly, eager to grasp the motivation behind my actions.

With a thoughtful exhale, I turned my gaze toward the window, where the moonlight danced upon the landscape. "I just want to prove that I have taken good care of her," I began, my voice carrying a mixture of reflection and determination. "She's been waiting for me for decades, after all," I continued, a touch of sincerity underlying my words.

Al's surprise was evident in his widened eyes and the quirk of his eyebrow. "You're doing this to show appreciation for her patience?" he asked, his disbelief evident.

I nodded, my smile taking on a rueful quality. "Not all women would endure decades of waiting for a dragon as cold as I am," I admitted, a note of self-awareness coloring my words. Evelina's loyalty and steadfastness were remarkable, and my decision to formally present her as my wife was a testament to my recognition of her unwavering dedication.

Al's lips curled into a smile, his disbelief giving way to a touch of amusement. "I never thought I'd hear these words come out of your mouth," he remarked, a hint of playful incredulity in his tone.

The sentiment resonated within me, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Believe me, I never thought I'd say them either," I confessed, a wry grin playing at the corners of my lips. 'Since these are words that wouldn't come from the real Argod,' I thought.

"Should I prepare some gifts for the healer king then?" he proposed, his voice brimming with a sense of purpose.

"Yes, that sounds like a prudent course of action," I replied, my tone thoughtful as I contemplated the options. “Something from the orc tribe might be a good choice," I mused aloud, a small smile playing on my lips. The symbolism behind such a gift was twofold – a demonstration of unity within our tribe and a message to potential adversaries that the dragons stood as staunch allies of the healer tribe.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Al affirmed, his enthusiasm unflagging. "I will begin preparations and present you with a selection of suitable choices.”

"Good," I responded with a satisfied nod. "Also, Al," I interjected, a playful undertone lacing my words.

He turned back, his expression expectant. "Yes?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by my interruption.

A mischievous glint danced in my eyes as I couldn't resist seizing the opportunity to tease him. "Did you just blow something up? You smell like smoke," I remarked, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.

Al's lips curved into an unabashed grin. "You caught me," he confessed with a chuckle.

With a theatrical sigh, he conceded defeat in our playful exchange. "I suppose a trip to the bath is in order now," he admitted.

"Goodnight, Your Majesty," he bid me farewell, offering a final bow as a gesture of respect before departing.