Chapter 497: Visiting a Grandfather.

Chapter 497: Visiting a Grandfather.

“Ah ... Well, he did say the dragonewts still worshiped him, but somehow I was expecting something smaller on Miononbolax.”

I arched my neck back, staring at the humongous onyx-stone temple built right into a mountain. The entrance was designed for dragonewts, but the sheer scale of the temple gate was large enough for adult rank B dragons to stand alongside it and feel small in comparison. Most importantly, though, the banner fluttering above the large gate displayed a dragon breathing out flames shaped into a crescent moon—the religious symbol of Kargryxmor and my clan’s family crest.

This was the headquarter of Kargryxmor’s faith, the “heart” of Loatryx. Located west from Coral Beard—the largest harbor on Miononbolax and also the capital of the Republic of Loatryx—it was built within this jagged mountain range, almost like those lonesome buddhist temples in the Himalayas. It wasn’t an “easy” jog; it was high enough to be considered hiking.

Fortunately, dragonewts could fly, so the trip wasn’t as arduous or inconvenient as one might think. Nevertheless, Coral Beard did have a smaller temple within its confines for those with less time. Good, since it was too far away to be considered a Sunday trip to church if I was living in the harbor.

“So far away ...” I stated as I stared in the horizon, able to see the large, metropolitan-sized harbor city from here and with it, the crescent mouth-shaped of the continent’s southern area.

To be honest, when Mom flew me over here after my meeting with Eltharion, I was blown away by the geographical appearance. If you were to fly over and look through the window of a plane, then the Loatryx portion of the continent honestly looked like the head of a dragon.

In fact, this crescent mouth-like form could almost be considered an atoll with a lagoon. The beach was pretty shallow, to the point I questioned why it was a harbor city in the first place, only to remember this Loatryx, they had floating cities.

The main portion of Coral Beard was located next to the beach and lagoon, with most of the amenities, lodgings for travelers, businesses, and temples built there. Meanwhile, the floating archipelago city housed the clan mansions, factories, the government and administration, and also the dragoon order. This floating city was located directly above the harbor built on the water, which accepted ships and also provided ferry services for visitors to reach inland.

Oh, and I also learned why my elven doctor told me why dragons considered Kel’Thun part of Miononbolax. The island was part of the atoll, with Ke’Thun creating a northern and southern channel for ships to enter through. Meaning, if you wanted to reach Coral Beard through the sea, you had to pass through the elves first.

Regardless, my geography lessons could wait for another time. I could do that once I returned to our clan’s mansion after this trip.

“Princess Hestia!”

I snapped my head around as I heard that voice, seeing a group of white-black robed dragonewt priestess rush over to. They quickly bowed before Mom before turning their attention to me, doing the same motion. As they kept their tails tucked and their heads down, Mom had to order them to raise their heads before we could talk.

“You recognized me?” I said.

“Yes, your highness. The kinkyuro informed everybody of your presence in Coral Beard. Uh, not to mention, her highness, Princess Wendriosa did the same,” one of them informed me. He looked like a head priest or bishop with how different his robe was to the five behind him. “Also, a female crimson scaled and haired dragonewt with a young adult human face wearing a robe for a shrine maiden of Goddess Aurena is quite rare, even in our expansive lands.”

... So detailed. Thanks, Sis.

Well, I had to expect that, honestly. First, the kinkyuro were the government of Loatryx, composed of the six greatest dragonkin clans, descendants of the five last rank SSS dragons and a kirin. In other words, Kargryxmor and the fathers of five of the six empresses.

Why only five? Well, Mom’s father was only a rank SS when he ascended into the heavens. He didn’t fit the criteria, but it didn’t really matter for the Nordor dragonewts, since the kinkyuro’s influence was minimal on Frozen Nest. Therefore, they were Loatryx’s government in Iceskale.

Secondly, I slept in the mansion managed by the Kargryxmor dragonewts yesterday. I even met the clan’s representative in the senate for dinner, so of course people would know about me. Cheêck out latest novels on n/o/ve/l/bin(.)c/o/m

It was almost similar to the situation in Iceskale where the populace knew about me, but they treated me as any other true dragon. With reverence but part of life; a far cry from how human commoners treated their nobles. It was similar to how the dwarves did it, and I couldn’t be happier.

“Also, I don’t think anybody could ignore Empress Melloxtressa’s aura, haha ...” the man smiled bitterly as he looked over, only taking a glance at Mom’s icy glare. He also took a peek at my four companions. “Ahem, news has already spread. Congratulations on being considered a fledgling, your highness. We might not be your kin, but Loatryx as a whole celebrates the birth of our newest princess.”

They all bowed once more.

“We are thankful you survived your ordeal, your highness. May the empire and its republic blossom under your crimson wings. Allow us humble dragonewts serve you in your divine goals as a blessed of Goddess Aurena and the Black Tyrant of the Skies.” Once again, they bowed. “As a fledgling, you now have the right to join the succession, correct. We wish you luck. However, if you wish to use your new authority to manage Loatryx like your siblings, please, do not hesitate! Our church will gladly help you!”

... Ah, there it is. Well, I guess all that ass-kissing would be more awkward if they didn’t have any ulterior motives.

Everything he said was the truth. Aside from having the right to become the heir apparent, I now had the responsibility to also manage the empire and its vassal, Loatryx. Wendriosa already gave me the lecture on how to be a good ruler, and I already received the expectant eyes of my dragonewt relatives yesterday and this morning. Technically, I didn’t have to, according to Mom.

It was the duty of an empress to handle matters concerning the empire in the emperor’s stead. Their children were exempt from it but there was a social pressure to contribute since we were scions of the emperor. We were an extension of his will and the “gateway” to the next era, not to mention, the proof for the success of the adulthood pilgrimage the empresses instituted. To bring knowledge from the outside world to Kargryx, to slowly ramp up our development while remaining reclusive.

In short, I could help Mom with Frozen Nest, if I wished. I was legally able to get a job despite biologically being a kid.

In any case, Mom forcefully changed the topic, having also noticed the priest’s intentions. She explained my reason for being here was to pray to Kargryxmor’s alter and commune to him as a blessed. The priests couldn’t help but bow and welcome us in.

The main attraction of this temple was the fact the inside was actually just part of one large cavern. You could say it used the natural rock formation to its advantage to create this mystical, authentic feeling, as if a pilgrim or questing knight found some rural shrine. Unlike the dwarves, the dragonewt left most of the place as nature created it, merely keeping everything clean and lit with aromatic candles.

“You seem to like it quite a bit, Lady Hestia,” Tasianna said as she noticed my eyes wandering.

I nodded. “Quite. You know, in all our adventures, we never really entered some hidden, spiritual place that screams like it is hiding some special treasure.”

“Doesn’t the ruin we explored after we arrived in Firwood count?”

“Kiiro and the onnikai? Hello? Remember? There was nothing spiritual about it when a horde of undead rushes after you!” My body shivered a bit, causing Tasianna to giggle. I mean, I would giggle too if I still didn’t have some zombie trauma with all the growling.

In any case, the priests quickly led us to our destination before they promptly left, fully intimidated by Mom as wouldn’t have them speak another word. As we entered the altar room, Mom let out a deep sigh.

“It has been a while since I entered any of Kargryxmor’s temples. Seeing them tells you enough.” Mom glared at how pristine the room was maintained, as numerous offerings and small trinkets in Kramps’s image were laid before a bus-sized statue of the god himself. “Every time one gets destroyed, another is built. Far larger than the one before.”

“It would be a surprise if after over 2500 years, a building wouldn’t see any accidents,” Tasianna commented. “How many were there, Empress Melloxtressa?”

“Three, if I remember correctly. Three centers of faith. The first was made after Loatryx was founded by Kargryxmor during his campaign to establish his Empire, as a way to pacify the agitated dragonewts. It was destroyed during the civil war and rebuilt afterwards, until it collapsed due to an accident with Phsothophus a while back. A clumsy little darling, hiehie.” Mom smiled. “The last two iterations were located inside Coral Beard, until the kinkyuro decided to have it rebuilt here. The atmosphere is far better, I must say.”

I couldn’t disagree with that.

Before I could pray, the twins were already on their knees before the statue, giving the God of Dragons his rightful respect. Once they were done, I looked at Tasianna, Vifi, and Mom, who gave no reaction, so I walked before the altar. I touched the black, volcanic stone statue, feeling the heat of Inferno Nest from it and took a step back.

I clasped my hands in prayer, closed my eyes and then ... opened them again. I stared up.

“I’m not coming up. Come speak with us here. Tasianna, an [Air Shield], please.”

Tasianna did as I say without even questioning it, while Mom howled in laughter. Cackling uncontrollably while pointing at the ceiling, she smacked her forehead, closing her eyes as she was having trouble breathing while laughing.

“It’s only been three years—two years for her—and you already lost all goodwill from your only blessed. How fitting. Even your most adored grandchild is putting her tail down, and you call us fools and slackers? Did you really think she would side with you after all she’s heard?”

“Initially, I have only accepted two of my grandchildren. Nongramos, and you,” he stated. “However, this was only during their debut. Wendriosa seemed too similar to her brother at first, but I grew to like her during her pilgrimage. I had intended to change my opinion on her, but I decided otherwise when she reached the end of it.”

He sighed. “Wendriosa, I admit, does have promise. Unlike her brother, she has a larger vision for the empire, while he prioritizes stability. It is a case of stability over innovation, but the current emperor already supports the former. An empire that doesn’t develop for over 2500 years will die out, eventually. She would be a good empress, yet I still have this gnawing feeling that she is too similar to Phsothopus. Is her ambition truly her own, or does she have such a grand image of her eldest brother that she believes this ambition is hers?”

I raised a brow. “Does it matter? You heard her, she sounds exactly how you want the dragons to be, albeit, she would only prioritize defending the empire’s allies.”

Kramps tilted his head but shook it in the end. He couldn’t tell an exact answer, making me believe Wendriosa truly had the best chance to change his mind amongst my siblings. So, why didn’t he like Nong?

“He is a liar,” Kramps stated without a single hesitation. As if it was a fact. “He has the grandest vision to be like me, but in the end, he is a coward. A swindler. The fly with the brightest light also dims the fastest.”

“Hold on a moment, do you mean to tell me he told me a lie?”

“He told the entire family a lie. A lie Eltharion knows but is keeping to himself, because he knows his son doesn’t wish it to be known. Nongramus’s travels did not end as he said it did. He did not stay incognito like he told you. He is like you and Fargryneill—the three of you wish to shine one way or another. To be known to the world. To be more than a footnote in history,” he said, causing my chest to cramp up a bit. I knew he was telling the truth about me. “Confront him, if you wish. I dare say, he already contemplated the idea that I might tell you this. Hehe, the worm is shivering even now ... ‘Do not lie to family.’ He proudly proclaimed that to you? Pah!”

... This was a shocker. Well, admittedly, I had expected more dirt about my family so this was quite tame in comparison, yet hearing that Nong lied to me made me feel ... betrayed. To be honest, considering we’ve only known each other for less than a week, this reaction was too strong. I felt naive.

Yet, we’ve only known each other for less than a week. A big brother lying to impress a younger sister wasn’t some far fetched idea, and I could imagine that peacock doing it. Thinking it like this made the bad feeling go away entirely. He must have had his reasons. Just like Kramps and Eltharion did.

... Honestly, what the hell was with this family?

I scratched my head, sighing in the end as I felt a bit of headache forming. In the end, I decided to just accept this as part of family life. It would be weirder if my siblings weren’t hiding stuff from me.

“Okay, I’m happy .. The time has come, I guess, what is my divine Quest? Why did you summon a reincarnator to this world to do your bidding as your granddaughter, God Kargryxmor?”

Noticing my respectful tone, he nodded. “My religion has been declining over the centuries, resulting in my influence weakening to the point I barely am gaining enough faith to remain strong enough to protect this world from dangers. The Edjurl god you saw at the end of your battle against the envy prince was due to my failure. I was too weak to stop the interference.”

Didn’t know that.

He continued, “That is your major priority as my Champion. However ... I admit, maybe I was being a bit short sighted. I ... inspected my faith accumulation and a good amount also came from my family members. Dragons worshiping Eltharion and Kahalameet helps me as well ... Dragonewts worshipping you, or your entire idol profession, are also beneficial. Hestia, I must admit, I do not know. I do not know what would be the best for me or my empire.”

... Is he trying to communicate with me here?

“If it concerns garnering some faith, I could perform some concerts. It would be a bandage, but if you say it helps—”

“No,” he interrupted. “It is more difficult to sway dragons with your voice. You heard it from your mother herself, she is neutral to humanoid singing—she only likes yours. Making dragonewts your followers will not help the overall goal. The lack of faith from the true dragonkin is a large pool of untouched power. I want that.”

“... So, how do I go about it?” he asked, causing him to suddenly smirk.

“Continue as you always did.”

Huh?

“That’s it? Nothing more?”

“During your travels, have you ever needed my help with anything but your dragon abilities? No, you haven’t.” He shrugged, but I felt blindsided from this sudden apathy.

“Wait, what about Eltharion? You’re running again!” I shouted, causing him to jerk a bit. He really was trying to skim over it! “You know fully well the lynchpin to solve the succession crisis is my father. If he lives, the crisis can be delayed to the point we can maybe talk this through, instead of an unknown time limit. His soul is in danger of giving up; this can’t be solved with some weird tonic, ancient treasure, or combat—you need to speak with him!”

“... We are not on good terms. You know that, and his soul has weakened over the years. I can’t speak with him like with your mother. A single word could hurt him.”

I pointed at myself. “Yo, here’s your translator. My literal job is to spread my patron gods’ words to the populace. I can do that, Kramps.”

“He would not want to see you.”

“I’m already treated as a brat by that old fart, I can charge in again.”

“Unless you have somebody strong enough to prevent his aura from crippling you, you cannot approach him.”

“Nuh uh!” I waved my index finger at him. “I have telepathy! I have access to space-time magic that can rip through the air! I can just speak with him from afar. Besides, Mom will come to help me if I persuade her enough, so stop trying to run away!”

I stood up, pointing at him while raising my voice. “I will schedule a time for you two to speak. It will probably take a while since I need to train and deal with other stuff, but it will happen. Until then, just find your words, while I continue my job as your Champion!”

“W-wait, Hestia!”

“Bye, Kramps, and stop running away when there is a chance to solve this issue.”

I closed my eyes and had my soul returned to my body before he could say anything. Once I was back in the mortal realms, I jumped on my feet and placed Kramps on my mute list for the moment and turned to everybody else and showed them a thumbs up. Strangely, my reaction only confused everybody so I had to explain everything to them, with Mom bursting in laughter once again.

Well, she kinda stopped once I revealed the reasons why Kramps didn’t like my siblings. She had a pretty grave-looking expression, and I could guess why. She was comrades-in-arms with the other empresses so I presumed she was bound by their friendship to tell them what happened today. I felt bad for her, but it couldn’t be helped.

Sorry, Nong! I’ll make it up to you, somehow, big bro.

After my trip to the temple, we stayed in Loatryx for another whole week, partly for leisure as I wanted to go shopping with Mom, Tasianna, and Beth, but also for another reason. This was probably the more important of the two and, while I wanted it to happen sooner, one of the people in attendance was short on time.

When it was finally time, our party immediately went to the mansion of the Gueillxar’s. Who were they? Well, none other than the descendants of the rank SSS kirin, Guiellxar—Neill’s maternal grandfather. There was one person I had to meet today, and there was a favor I just had to do for them.

“Mom!” Neill shouted.

“M-my hatchling! Neilly!” the woman Neill addressed shouted before she charged through the subspace portal, ramming into her daughter’s arm in a large embrace.

Fifth empress of the dragon empire of Kargryx—Yuilengreill Huanlong Gueillxar. Neill’s mother.