“Ziya, we need to work harder!”
Baining tapped her finger against the Sand Table Deduction Map as she spoke.
“The Blood Clan Bloodline in Pops has already tasted the delicious flavor of blood.”
She was teaching Ziya the intricacies of deploying troops and managing generals, her tone carrying a sense of urgency that could not be ignored.
Ziya’s slender brows furrowed slightly, her pink lips pouting.
“But we’ve made such a huge commotion in both our countries. The movements of our troops are loud enough to shake the heavens, yet the Dragon Race’s side is calm and quiet, without a single movement…”
“Hmph, most likely, that little brat Longjiu saw through our bluff and probably looks down on us because of it.”
Baining curled her lip and snorted, but her eyes were fixed on the edge of the sand table, her heart filled with silent doubt.
Ziya puffed out her cheeks, her face full of resentment.
“Huh? How is she so amazing! She’s clearly younger than us, yet she’s all-knowing and all-powerful, proficient in both governing and leading armies. It’s simply ridiculous!”
“She’s nothing special!”
Baining retorted stubbornly, but her mind was in turmoil, and suspicion grew within her.
‘What exactly is going on with that girl Longjiu? The governing talent and imperial aura she displays are simply too illogical to be believed.’
Although the Dragon Race had always been famous for their innate strength, governing a country and using intellect and schemes was far more important than brute force.
Since Longjiu restored her nation, the Dragon Race had been thriving, their national strength increasing by leaps and bounds.
Now, they vaguely showed a momentum that could crush every other country on the continent.
This feeling was as if the legendary Dragon Queen, who had once ruled the world, had been resurrected and returned through reincarnation…
Baining shook her head violently, not daring to think further.
‘If it truly is as I suspect, then Longjiu’s depth is unfathomable. All that innocent and romantic behavior she showed since childhood was nothing but a facade. That level of acting would be even more divine than when I was an undercover agent. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.’
***
Inside the office of the Dragon King, ink, brushes, paper, and inkstones were placed neatly.
The air was filled with a faint scent of Ambergris.
“Reporting—Your Majesty the Dragon King!”
A Dragon Soldier strode in and knelt on one knee to report.
“An urgent report has come from the border! The Vampires and the Succubus have recently increased their troops on a large scale. Their border defenses are extremely tight!”
Longjiu did not even lift her head.
Her brush moved rapidly across the official documents, and her voice was as steady as a mountain.
“Pass down the order. The entire army is to enter a state of high alert. Soldiers are to conduct patrols in shifts twenty-four hours a day, without the slightest relaxation. Should there be any unusual movement at the border, report it immediately. When that time comes, I will personally handle it.”
“By your command, Your Majesty!”
The Dragon Soldier took his orders and stood up.
Just as he turned around, he glimpsed a strand of snow-white hair peeking playfully through the crack of the door.
It was Bai Li, who was secretly watching Longjiu work.
‘This little princess is far too clingy with the Dragon King, but being clingy in such a cute way is also a wonderful thing.’
‘It’s just… this little princess looks like a mixed-blood. Her appearance is slightly different from a pure-blooded Dragon?’
The Dragon Soldier thought to himself, ‘Forget it. The Dragon King dotes on the princess so much; she is undoubtedly her own flesh and blood.’
The Dragon Race had always been free-spirited and unrestrained.
If the Queen had a romance while she was away and gave birth to a mixed-blood princess, it wouldn’t be surprising.
He muttered to himself as he hurried away, needing to quickly relay the orders to the border generals.
Behind the door, just as Bai Li’s small head pulled back, she heard a gentle voice filled with laughter coming from inside the room.
“Little baby, have you seen enough of your mother working from the doorway?”
Longjiu had already finished the documents on her desk.
She stood up and walked slowly toward the door, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents as she stared at the lock of white hair that couldn’t stay hidden.
Bai Li’s cheeks instantly turned crimson, like a ripe cherry.
She hid her hands behind her back and walked out from behind the door with a sheepish expression.
“Uwu… I was discovered by Mother…”
She ran to Longjiu with small steps, looking up with watery eyes.
She stretched out her slender arms in a soft, squishy request for a hug, her voice trailing off with a seductive sweetness.
“I… I missed Mother so much~”
Longjiu’s heart softened.
She leaned down and steadily picked Bai Li up, her tone full of doting coaxing.
“Mother missed my favorite little baby so much, too~ But we are members of the Dragon Race. In the future, be a bit bolder. Don’t always be so shy. It’s fine to jump into my arms proactively. Mother will never reject you~”
Bai Li rubbed her head against Longjiu’s warm chest, feeling the familiar sense of security.
Her small face was flushed as she buried it in Longjiu’s neck, her voice sweet enough to be cloying.
“Mhm, mhm. I love Mother the most~”
“Mother loves my little baby the most, too~”
Longjiu lowered her head and pressed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head, her eyes filled with a tenderness that couldn’t be dissolved.
The Shadow Guards protecting them from the shadows saw this heartwarming and slightly sappy scene.
They glanced at each other and silently exited the room, leaving the space to the mother and daughter.
Although they felt it was a bit mushy, they couldn’t bear to disturb this unique warmth.
“Mother! What the soldier said just now was so scary! He said people are moving troops at the border to fight our Dragon Race!”
Bai Li said with a hint of nervousness.
“Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. Mother is here~”
Longjiu lowered her head and gently patted her back.
“Whoever dares to invade, Mother will drive them away with a single claw. I’ll make sure my baby is safe and sound.”
Bai Li rubbed her small head against the crook of her neck.
“Mm… but I also want to help Mother. I see you managing ten thousand things every day, yet you still have to take out time to play with me… I always feel like a little burden who only adds trouble.”
“What nonsense are you talking about, silly baby?”
Longjiu gently poked her soft cheek with her finger.
“You spend every day acting spoiled and chatting with me, helping me relieve my boredom and relax. That is already a huge help to Mother~ This is a comfort that no one else could ever replace.”
Her tone shifted as her eyes curved with a touch of gentle temptation.
“Oh, it’s about time. Baby should eat~”
As Longjiu spoke, she proactively tilted her neck to the side.
Under her fair, delicate skin, the light blue veins were clearly visible.
Carrying the crisp and alluring scent of Dragon Blood, she brought it close to Bai Li’s lips.
Bai Li’s eyes lit up slightly, and a blush spread across her small face.
She extended the tip of her tongue and licked the warm skin, then obediently revealed her small, sharp fangs and gently bit down.
The sweet Dragon Blood, which carried a domineering sense of power, flowed into her throat.
Warmth instantly spread through her limbs and bones.
Bai Li’s eyelashes trembled, and her small body unconsciously curled into Longjiu’s embrace.
Her breathing gradually became long and satisfied.
She had long since grown completely accustomed to this body of the Demon Race.
Even this special method of feeding had become something she enjoyed.
She was gradually becoming intoxicated by this warmth and nourishment that belonged only to her Mother, unable to pull herself away.