The value of a young dragon was understood by everyone. Not only were dragon parts treasures, but adult dragons were too powerful to defeat. If one dared to kill a dragon and use its parts to forge weapons, they would face dire retaliation from the dragon clan unless they possessed immense strength.
Young dragons, however, were different. Aside from their blood and scales, merely forming a contract with a young dragon brought endless benefits. Once a contract was established, even if the dragon clan came seeking retribution, they would be hesitant to act. Every young dragon was a treasure to the dragon clan; they would simply wait for the human to grow old and die, allowing the young dragon to be free. Compared to dragons, humans had insignificantly short lifespans.
"You say this young dragon has some relation to our Viscount Rose?" the envoy mused, stroking his chin.
"My lord, do not forget Lord Maurice," the knight reminded him. The allure of a young dragon was irresistible, but one must also consider their own capabilities. He had no desire to fill the envoy's greed with his own subordinates.
"I am aware. Send someone to inquire about the news."
"Yes, my lord." The knight understood his words had not deterred the envoy's intentions and could only hope that Lord Maurice would manage to sober him up when the time came.
Upon hearing the dragon's roar, Lin Yan realized Joey's bloodline had fully awakened. She immediately rose and hurried towards the sound, encountering Morris, who was also rushing in the same direction, on her way. When they arrived, they saw Joey flitting around the room, flapping his small wings. Anita and Orisis watched him with great relief. Lin Yan, seeing Joey's appearance, was completely at ease. Now that he had fully awakened his dragon bloodline and become a young dragon, even if his water and fire magic talents couldn't be resolved, the impact on him would be minimal. His robust physique also allowed him to withstand more potent medicinal effects. Even if Lin Yan couldn't balance his water and fire, she could employ other methods. She was confident that such methods existed within the dragon clan.
Soon after, Egbert also arrived. Egbert held significant autonomy within this manor, and no one questioned his movements.
"What is this?" Egbert exclaimed, looking at the young dragon.
"This is Joey, Lord Morris's sister's child. Those are his parents," Lin Yan introduced the people in the room to him. He was aware of Anita's dragon lineage, and seeing the young dragon now made him even more accepting of his sister being with Morris. Looking at the healthy and lively young dragon, Egbert seemed to envision the future children of his sister and Morris.
"Right," Egbert whispered to Lin Yan, "I saw the knight accompanying the envoy also trying to come this way, but he was stopped by your servant."
"I am aware. He won't cause any significant trouble." This envoy seemed overly confident and perhaps underestimated her. Even knowing Morris's strength, he still attempted to meddle under his nose. It was a joyous occasion, and she did not wish for an insignificant person to dampen their spirits.
Joey had fully transformed into his dragon form, though he was still unable to freely switch between human and dragon shapes. Joey quite enjoyed his current state, flying around the room. His wings, though still tender, were much stronger than before. He loved the feeling of flight and would not wish to become human again. Perhaps the previous roar had exhausted him, as he soon felt tired. He let out a small yawn in mid-air and then nestled into his mother's embrace, quickly falling asleep. Anita gently stroked his back, listening to his soft purrs, a tender expression on her face.
"I plan to take Joey back to Dragon Island in a few days," Anita announced.
"Indeed, it is time to return to Dragon Island," Morris agreed. Now that Joey's dragon bloodline had fully awakened, it was time for the clan leader to see him.
"I won't be returning with you," Morris said with some hesitation.
"I wasn't expecting you to go back with us. I'll be taking Orisis. We'll return as a family. What would I do with you!" Anita retorted with an eye roll. Anita knew Morris was reluctant to leave. After all, he and Lin Yan were in the throes of their passionate romance, a time of deep affection, and how could he bear to be apart?
"Angelina, I intend to speak to the clan leader about you. May I?" Anita asked Lin Yan formally.
"Of course, I had no intention of concealing the fact that I treated Joey," Lin Yan replied with a nod.
"That's good." Although Anita asked, she wouldn't have spoken if Lin Yan had disagreed.
"If you intend to leave, please wait a few more days. Joey's body is not yet at its peak. It's too cold outside now, and even with the best protection, it might affect his health."