System S.E.X. (Seduction, Expansion, eXecution)

Chapter 767: Chapter 767: Arrival at the Imperial Capital

After cutting through the distortion of space, the White-Sea Dragon finally emerged into the skies above the dazzling Capital of the Golden Dragon Empire. Guided by the descending maneuvers of the imperial personnel, the colossal vessel glided down onto a runic docking platform reserved for the royalty of vassal kingdoms.

As the main hatch opened, Ethan stepped out first, accompanied by a squad of royal guards, the Southern General, and Great General Vaelen. The group took strategic positions at the foot of the ramp to guard the descent of King Alaric and Princess Isabella.

Below, an official delegation awaited, headed by an ambassador wearing golden silk robes and an expression of poorly hidden superiority.

”Ah, Your Majesty Alaric, welcome to the Imperial Capital,” the ambassador said with a slight tilt of his head that bordered on insolence. ”I am Ambassador Kaelen. We hope your journey was free of overly... troublesome setbacks.”

King Alaric descended the final steps of the ramp with a firm stride, keeping his gaze locked on the imperial diplomat.

”I see the Empire’s etiquette has changed quite a bit in our absence,” Alaric commented in a tone laden with refined sarcasm. ”I assumed that to receive the king of an allied nation, they would send one of the Grand Ministers or at least an elder from the Imperial Council, not a mere messenger to do the footwork.”

Ambassador Kaelen offered a rehearsed smile, though the vein on his forehead betrayed his discomfort.

”The Council elders and ministers are currently extremely busy organizing the preparations for the Imperial Tournament, Your Majesty,” Kaelen replied coldly. ”You surely understand that the time of the Empire’s true eminences is scarce and must be reserved for matters of real relevance.”

”Is that so?” Vaelen chimed in, taking a step forward and leaking a fraction of his True Spirit Physique pressure. ”It seems that in the capital, the elders have grown either cowardly or simply too old to walk. I recall a time when ministers used to greet me in person.”

Kaelen paled under the presence of the legendary Great General, but he clenched his teeth to maintain his diplomatic composure.

”Great General Vaelen, always such a jester,” the ambassador forced out, straining his voice. ”If you will follow me, we will escort you to your designated quarters before the opening banquet begins.”

Ambassador Kaelen gestured with his hand, and a luxurious carriage pulled by four winged beasts with golden fur glided forward, coming to a halt at the base of the platform. The carriage’s structure was engraved with defensive arrays and adorned with high-purity mana crystals.

”Please, Your Majesty,” Kaelen invited, indicating the open door. ”The Palace of the Southern Vassals has been prepared for your stay.”

Ethan observed the winged beasts with boredom as the delegation began to board. However, just as Isabella was about to step into the carriage, Kaelen extended his arm to gently stop the youth.

”One moment,” the ambassador said, measuring Ethan with a haughty glare. ”This transport is reserved strictly for the royalty of the Soaring Dragon Kingdom and their high-ranking protectors. Escort guards and secondary personnel must travel in the rear carriages.”

An icy silence immediately fell over the platform.

Isabella stopped dead in her tracks, turning her head with a scowl of disgust, while King Alaric narrowed his eyes menacingly.

”He is no secondary guard,” Alaric’s calm yet powerful voice intervened. ”He is the Deputy General of our kingdom and Princess Isabella’s Personal Protector.”

Kaelen raised an eyebrow, wearing a slight, skeptical smirk.

”A Deputy General at such a young age?” the ambassador questioned in a mocking tone. ”With all due respect, Your Majesty, the Empire maintains strict regulations regarding noble and military titles in the capital. Not just any boy in the Dao Manifestation Realm can be treated as an eminence simply because you handed him a decorative piece of cloth.”

Ethan let out a soft chuckle and took a step forward, causing Kaelen to involuntarily flinch back a millimeter.

”Don’t worry so much about titles, ambassador,” Ethan said, adjusting the sheath of his black sword while his voice echoed with icy indifference. ”I’m not too keen on riding crammed in a box on wheels either. But a polite word of advice: keep that mouth shut when speaking of the Soaring Dragon, lest you end up losing a tooth in the capital.”

”Insolent!” Kaelen barked, turning red with anger. ”Do you have any idea who you are talking to?”

”Enough,” Great General Vaelen interrupted, stepping past the ambassador with a stride so heavy it made the stone platform tremble. ”He is riding in the main carriage. If you have a grievance with protocol, go cry to your ministers—if they can spare the time from their ’busy schedules’.”

Kaelen clenched his jaw in suppressed rage, but under the combined glares of the king and the legendary Great General, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and step aside.

Ethan boarded the carriage alongside Isabella and Alaric without sparing the diplomat another glance, as the convoy of winged beasts unfolded their golden wings to soar over the majestic, imposing pavilions of the Imperial Capital.

During the journey through the capital’s skies, the luxury carriage glided forward with smooth fluidity. Isabella gazed at the immensity of the floating towers and pavilions through the glass window before turning toward the youth beside her.

”Have you ever seen a view like this, Ethan?” Isabella asked with genuine curiosity.

”Never, Your Highness. I must admit it’s quite impressive,” Ethan replied, taking in the vast runic gardens stretching hundreds of meters below.

”When you were in the southern sects...”, the princess continued with a faint smile, ”did no landscape marvel you?”

”No, Your Highness,” Ethan answered with complete nonchalance. ”My priority was destroying them; I didn’t have time to admire the views.”

Upon hearing the unfiltered response, Ambassador Kaelen, riding on the carriage’s front platform, scowled in evident annoyance at the youth’s casual tone. However, before he could retort, another diplomat clad in blue robes riding beside him leaned in with curiosity.

”Pardon the intrusion...” the man intervened, staring at Ethan with wide eyes. ”I couldn’t help but overhear what you said. Were you perhaps involved in that southern sects incident?”