Warm Dragon

Creak! Creak! The sound of hooves striking the charcoal-paved road echoed softly as a group of three knights leisurely made their way, admiring the estate ahead, bathed in sunlight. A crooked sign at the roadside read "Serpent’s Waist Estate," with a smaller line below: “Serpent sightings in the area. Poisonous, be careful of bites.” As though worried that some might not be able to read, next to the small print was a charcoal sketch of a dark, coiled serpent, with a large “X” drawn over it. “Of the 19 estates in the Glimmering River Valley, Serpent’s Waist is considered a large one. Spanning nearly 20,000 hectares, it houses 580 serfs, approximately 3,500 people,” said the middle-aged knight on the left, with a scruffy beard and yellowish teeth. He cracked his whip and said contentedly, “The Baron has granted you this estate as your fief. Clearly, he holds you in high regard, Russell.” “A heavy responsibility too,” replied the young and handsome knight in the middle. With sharp brows and bright eyes, his lips red and teeth white, he didn’t wear his knight's helmet. His pale gold hair flowed smoothly as he smiled gently, “Professor Charles.” Charles, the middle-aged knight with the scruffy beard, laughed. “Downstream from the Glimmering River, beyond Serpent’s Waist, there’s a vast expanse of dark river caves. The peasants there are your best defense, no need to worry.” Upon hearing this, the knight on the right muttered, “The free people of the Echo River caves are unreliable.” Charles casually responded, “But you’re here, Eric. As Russell’s chief bodyguard, you’re responsible for the estate’s safety. It’s your duty.” Eric, who looked to be in his thirties with a square face, nodded slightly. “I’ll do my best.” “Alright, both of you, the estate hasn’t been transferred yet. We’ll make detailed plans once the handover is complete,” said the young knight, gently kicking his horse’s belly. The steed, a majestic black horse, immediately galloped forward along the charcoal path, heading straight for Serpent’s Waist Estate. The wind howled in their ears. Though the weather was still cold, with tiny ice crystals in the air striking their faces, the continuous surge of their battle aura easily neutralized the biting cold. Despite their thin clothing, their bodies remained warm. “Battle Aura!” Even after experiencing it for a week, Russell was still amazed by this magical power. The hooves thundered as they approached the entrance of the estate. Russell could see vast farmlands along the Glimmering River, where many serfs were bending over, working in the fields. Near the fields was a cluster of low cottages, none taller than two stories. Faint sounds of chickens clucking and dogs barking drifted from the distance. The hooves clicked against the stones by the river’s edge. “Russell, not going in to have a look?” Charles, following behind, asked. “No need, I’m just here for a glance today. After the handover, we’ll have plenty of time to explore,” Russell replied. Having just completed his coming-of-age ceremony, Serpent’s Waist Estate had not yet been handed over to him. Currently, there were only the serfs and overseers. He still needed his parents to recruit attendants, servants, and provide him with enough wealth to settle into the estate comfortably. “This place will be your foundation for greatness,” Charles said flatteringly, pointing to a two-story stone house across the Glimmering River. “That, the Baron’s annex, could serve as your castle. How about naming it?” Russell shook his head. “No need.” It was just a two-story building, slightly larger than a rural villa back home, but nothing close to a castle. It felt improper to give it a name. Seemingly guessing Russell’s thoughts, Charles chuckled, “Don’t underestimate it. Every noble starts as a lord. Russell, your position is already more stable than anyone else’s. With ten years of hard work and military merit, you may very well be promoted to a baron.” Eric, who was somewhat reserved, nodded in agreement. “That’s true.” Russell smiled faintly in response. Suddenly, Charles changed the subject and said mysteriously, “Of course, I think the most reliable path forward is to win Lord Ross’s favor. Really, Russell, if you can make a pact with Lord Ross, perhaps even a barony could be yours!” “Enough, Professor Charles. Let’s not talk about this anymore,” Russell’s smile faded as he glanced at Charles calmly. Charles immediately laughed awkwardly and quickly changed the topic. “Ah, the ice age this year has lasted longer than usual. The Glimmering River is still shallow, unlike in previous years when it was already churning by now.” The conversation shifted, and the three knights slowly trotted along the small river, casually taking in the general sight of Serpent’s Waist Estate. As the sun began to set, Russell turned his horse around. “Let’s head back.” The black steed surged forward like an arrow, racing down the road toward their previous path. Charles followed and turned his horse to look at Russell’s swiftly disappearing figure, giving Eric a quiet signal. “I was suggesting a good shortcut, wasn’t I? Gaining Lord Ross’s approval is far more effective than any military achievement.” Eric responded quietly, “This is the Baron’s personal matter, Charles.” After a pause, he spurred his horse to catch up with Russell. “Honestly... We’ve already branded ourselves with Russell’s seal. His rise is our rise… Why does no one care? We have a shortcut, but we’re not using it!” Charles muttered to himself before quickly catching up with Russell and Eric. At that moment, Russell, galloping ahead, did not feel at ease. This was a strange and fantastical world, a world filled with extraordinary power: “Snow demons freeze the land… volcanoes give birth to oases… knights, battle aura… elves, mushrooms, mythical beasts… And most importantly, dragons!” Dragons could determine everything! And Lord Ross? He was a dragon, a dragon of the Glowshroom family! Note: This is my first attempt at writing a book. I hope everyone enjoys it and supports me! Love you all!