Chapter 233: Athena's Anger and Decision

In a vast and luxurious workspace, a stunning woman in a fiery red gown sat with her long red hair cascading to her buttocks, her plump and sexy legs elegantly crossed.Though her expression was calm and nonchalant, there was an underlying aura of authority that made anyone who saw her instinctively bow their heads.

This woman was none other than Athena Hellness, the Dragon Empress of the Dragon Empire and the strongest dragon in the world.

Seated in her chair, Athena regarded a beautiful woman in golden armor standing respectfully before her.

Though the woman's beauty paled in comparison to Athena's, she exuded a captivating charm, her long golden hair tied back in a ponytail that highlighted her heroic presence.

"So, were you able to resolve the issues in the northern region, Nivirea?" Athena asked in an indifferent tone.

Nivirea, the beautiful woman in golden armor, gave a calm nod and a slight bow.

"The troubles in the north have been dealt with as you requested, Your Majesty. The battalion of the Golden Dragon Army handled them effectively," Nivirea replied respectfully.

Athena's indifferent expression softened as she listened, and she couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Very good! You and your battalion of Golden Dragon troops never disappoint," Athena said, nodding in satisfaction.

Within the military structure of the Dragon Empire, there were four renowned and formidable battalions: the Red Dragon Battalion, the Golden Dragon Battalion, the Blue Dragon Battalion, and the White Dragon Battalion.

These four battalions were the cornerstone and backbone of the Dragon Empire, earning immense respect and admiration from all its people.

Each of these battalions had specific duties and responsibilities, all aimed at safeguarding the Dragon Empire.

The Blue Dragon Battalion, the weakest of the four, was tasked with maintaining societal peace and preventing crimes that could endanger the populace.

The Golden Dragon Battalion, the second-strongest, was responsible for defending the empire's borders from enemy incursions and similar threats.

The White Dragon Battalion, the third strongest, focused on intelligence gathering, a crucial role for the empire's security.

Lastly, the Red Dragon Battalion, the most powerful of all, was entrusted with protecting the palace and the capital from the shadows.

As the Dragon Empress, Athena took immense pride in these four battalions, knowing that they were forces she had personally forged with her own hands. S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Nivirea slowly raised her gaze, her smile widening with the praise from Altair.

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. It is our duty, as well as that of the Golden Dragon Battalion, to fulfill our responsibilities," Nivirea said with humility, further pleasing Altair.

"By the way, Nivirea, I have a question for you," Athena said thoughtfully. "Have you identified the cause of the rising monster attacks in the northern region?"

The northern region of the Dragon Empire was particularly vulnerable compared to other areas, as it bordered the Ancient Eternal Flame Mountains—an ancient range that had existed for millions of years.

The name "Ancient Eternal Flame Mountains" comes from a legend that claims an eternal flame burns deep within the mountains, unextinguished for millennia.

However, no one has ever verified the existence of this eternal flame, so it remains a myth passed down through the ages.

Furthermore, as an ancient mountain range with a long history, the Ancient Eternal Flame Mountains are inhabited by countless powerful and fearsome monsters.

Each year, these creatures descend from the mountains to assault the northern region of the Dragon Empire, creating a persistent issue that remains unresolved.

Upon hearing Athena's question, Nivirea shook her head, her expression tinged with regret.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but neither I nor the Golden Dragon Battalion have discovered any clues regarding the recent surge in their numbers and aggression," Nivirea replied with a small sigh.

Athena nodded without showing any sign of anger, as Nivirea's response was what she had anticipated.

Leaning back in her seat, Athena closed her eyes momentarily, contemplating, 'What could be causing this? Why have their numbers grown to such alarming levels?'

Over the past twenty-three years, the monster invasions from the Ancient Eternal Flame Mountains into the northern region have surged dramatically without any apparent cause, leaving Altair profoundly puzzled.

Despite extensive investigations, she had been unable to uncover the reason, which was deeply frustrating.

'Hah~ I can't believe I forgot to consult the ancestors about this.' Athena opened her eyes, massaging her forehead as a look of helplessness appeared on her strikingly beautiful face.

As an ancient dragon, her ancestor should have been able to provide insight and help resolve this issue. However, she had completely overlooked this due to her excitement over uncovering the truths from 7,000 years ago.

Gradually coming back to her senses, Athena took a deep breath and turned her gaze toward Nivirea with a calm expression.

"Don't worry, I won't hold you accountable for this," Athena said reassuringly, making Nivirea visibly relieved.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Nivirea replied, bowing respectfully.

Athena gave a small nod and then continued her conversation with Nivirea, discussing various other matters.

"Your Majesty, I forgot to mention something important, and I hope you can forgive me." Nivirea's face grew slightly pale as she lowered her head in anxiety.

Athena raised an eyebrow in surprise, and her curiosity piqued.

"What's the matter? What did you forget to tell me?" she asked.

Nivirea slowly lifted her head, still looking pale, and replied, "I'm truly sorry, Your Majesty, but the message you asked me to send to the Demon Empire's palace was rejected by the Demon Emperor."

As soon as Athena heard this, her expression darkened, and the room's temperature seemed to drop sharply.

"The message was rejected? Are you certain?" Athena's gaze turned icy as she leaned her right cheek against her palm, staring intensely at Nivirea.

Feeling the chilling shift in the room and Athena's piercing gaze, Nivirea, usually unshakable, found herself swallowing nervously, her panic evident.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Demon Emperor has rejected the message you sent," Nivirea repeated, her voice trembling and her hands tightly clenched.

As the general and supreme leader of the Golden Dragon Battalion, she was renowned for her unparalleled bravery.

However, if faced with a choice between confronting the thousands of monsters invading the northern region or facing an enraged Athena, she would choose the former without a second thought.

Upon hearing this, a cold smile spread across Athena's lips.

"Hehehe... So, that damned woman rejected my letter, did she?" Athena whispered in a chillingly indifferent tone, causing Nivirea to tremble with fear.

However, Athena was oblivious to Nivirea's fear, consumed entirely by an intense rage that was ready to erupt like a volcano.

A few days ago, upon returning from her ancestor's palace, she had written a letter to Liliana informing her of her intended visit to the Demon Empire's palace, scheduled for the following day.

Her visit was, of course, driven by her desire to see Leon, the man she loved, who was now living with Liliana. Athena intended to come in person to reclaim him.

However, she never anticipated that Liliana would audaciously reject her visitation letter, igniting a fury in Athena so intense that it felt like tearing Liliana apart.

'Very well, Liliana... If you refuse my visit, don't blame me for acting on my own terms,' Athena whispered, a terrifying smile curling her lips.

As the Dragon Empress, her pride was paramount, and Liliana's refusal was a direct affront to her dignity!

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, Athena stood abruptly and issued her command with icy detachment: "Nivirea, prepare my finest dragon carriage, and inform Erick that I will need ten troops from the Red Dragon Battalion for my visit to the Demon Empire Palace tomorrow morning."

Nivirea stood frozen, her heart pounding and cold sweat soaking her as she absorbed the gravity of the situation.

"Y-your Majesty... Are you serious?" She inquired, her voice trembling with disbelief.

The Red Dragon Battalion was the Dragon Empire's most formidable force, and deploying even ten of its members to the Demon Race Palace would be akin to declaring war!

'Is Her Majesty the Empress intending to declare war on the Demon Race!?' The thought of it terrified her even more, leaving her on the brink of fainting.

The Demon Race and the Dragon Race had enjoyed peaceful relations for thousands of years. Although they were not formal allies, there was an unwritten agreement to avoid conflict.

Breaking this agreement would have catastrophic consequences, potentially plunging the world into chaos and leaving countless casualties in its wake!

Athena narrowed her eyes at Nivirea, crossing her arms in front of her huge chest as she replied, "You don't need to question my decision, Nivirea."

Realizing her mistake, Nivirea quickly bowed her head, her face pale, and her teeth clenched.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty!" she said, her voice trembling.

She felt a strong urge to punch herself for daring to question her orders.

Athena waved her hand dismissively, her anger still palpable.

"Then carry out my orders immediately, and do not disappoint me," Altair commanded in a cold tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Nivirea responded, then swiftly exited Athena's workspace, her steps trembling as she left the room, leaving Altair alone in her place.

Witnessing her departure, Athena's cold expression remained unchanged as she gazed out the window with her dark, brooding red eyes.

"Since you made the first move, Liliana, I'll return the favor and take Leon from you... hehehe..."