Volume 1 Chapter 126

Volume 1 + Chapter 126: The Great Black Dragon

Chancelianne had originally wanted to ask Eve about something, but she soon noticed that Eve was currently chatting animatedly with Alice. Her expression was focused and earnest, as if she were completely immersed in the conversation.

Naturally, Chancelianne did not wish to disturb her, so she waited quietly, her gaze drifting casually toward the window. However, in the very next moment, Eve’s expression suddenly grew tense. The entire carriage shook violently, and immediately afterward, a loud boom came from outside, causing even the windows to tremble slightly.

Eve frowned deeply. A trace of unease flashed across her face—subtle, yet unmistakable. Clearly affected by the disturbance outside, her expression darkened, and she even looked somewhat unhappy.

Seeing this, a vague sense of anxiety surged up in Chancelianne’s heart. Almost instinctively, she spoke to comfort her, “Don’t worry, Miss Eve. It’s probably just some minor situation outside. The guards we brought along will definitely protect us.”

Her voice was gentle, carrying a hint of reassurance, as though she feared Eve might become overly anxious.

After all, in Chancelianne’s eyes, the current Eve was truly an extraordinary figure. Her wisdom, her bearing—even her every subtle movement—filled Chancelianne with admiration.

Especially the map Eve had given her—it was something Chancelianne simply could not put down. Just the fact that the markers and layouts on it could change in real time was enough to completely captivate her.

Had she not married early, she might very well have been deeply moved by this gesture—perhaps even to the point of wanting to devote herself wholeheartedly.

The strategic significance of that map was nothing short of astonishing. The value it carried, and the future potential it represented, far exceeded any conventional imagination.

To be able to possess it, Chancelianne felt that no matter what price she had to pay, she would not hesitate.

It was not merely a map—it was more like a key to the future, something immensely precious in her heart.

However, at this moment, Chancelianne knew clearly that she could not allow herself to overlook something even more important just because of the map.

Eve’s current condition was the most critical concern right now. There was no room for confusion or distraction.

“Your Majesty the Empress—something’s wrong!”

The panicked voices of the guards came from outside the carriage, immediately souring Chancelianne’s mood. She had just confidently told Eve not to worry, and now these incompetent fellows were already shouting that something was wrong.

“Miss Eve, please wait a moment. I’ll resolve this very quickly.”

With a trace of apology, Chancelianne smiled gently at Eve.

“Alice, take good care of Miss Eve.”

“Understood!”

Alice answered decisively—though the corners of her mouth were nearly curling all the way back to her ears.

Being alone with Miss Eve, with chaos outside… if something were to happen inside the carriage, wouldn’t that be—

Hehehe.

“What’s all this panic? You’re imperial royal guards—you should—”

Chancelianne angrily pushed open the carriage door. She wanted to see for herself what kind of earth-shattering event within the empire could make these supposedly elite guards lose their composure like this.

But the moment she saw what was blocking the road, she nearly fainted on the spot.

She had thought the sky had darkened, yet there was a blazing sun hanging clearly overhead. Eve’s map even had real-time weather displays, and today was undoubtedly a clear, sunny day.

The reason Chancelianne felt as though it had turned dark when she stepped out of the carriage was because a gigantic jet-black dragon was blocking out the sunlight.

The dragon’s massive body looked terrifying, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression.

Those crimson-gold vertical pupils locked onto Chancelianne the instant they saw her.

Although the dragon did not speak, Chancelianne could still feel the pressure it radiated.

The temperament of dragons was well known to all. They were extremely fond of glittering things like gold coins and jewels—and secondly… beautiful women.

And Chancelianne was, without question, a beauty among beauties. She was deadly to humans, and just as lethal to dragons.

It was said that the evil dragons dwelling near other nations often abducted beautiful women from merchant caravans, and some even went so far as to raid towns directly.

The evil dragons near the empire seemed to only rob goods, but Chancelianne had still heard a fair amount about the infamous deeds of other dragons.

What was more, the giant dragon before her was staring at her with unmistakably ill intent.

“Your Majesty, please return to the carriage first. Leave this to us.”

“Yes, with such a disturbance, the other knight orders stationed nearby should arrive with reinforcements soon.”

Though several guards were steadying themselves on the surface, their hearts were pounding. They knew very well what kind of fate awaited such a thin force when facing a dragon.

Not to mention that this one was the most dangerous of all dragons—a black dragon… the strongest overall, and also the most bloodthirsty and greedy.

“……”

Chancelianne said nothing, merely staring nervously at the massive dragon before her.

To be honest, she was afraid—how could she not be? At this moment, she felt that even taking a single step forward might cause her legs to give out, sending her collapsing to the ground.

But she could not lose her composure. Not only because her subordinates were watching, but more importantly because inside the carriage were her beloved daughter—and Eve, the future hope of the empire.

“Whew… calm down. Dragons should be able to understand human language, right? Try negotiating first.”

Chancelianne muttered softly to herself. After all, she was the Empress—her presence was extraordinary.

With such a massive dragon standing there, an ordinary person would have long been scared out of their wits. Even without considering the dragon’s dangerous aura, just its mountain-like size alone was enough to overwhelm anyone.

Even the valiant imperial royal guards could not help but feel their courage falter.

That Chancelianne could still think rationally under such circumstances was already remarkable.

Huff.

The giant dragon snorted heavily, the force of its breath nearly knocking Chancelianne off her feet.

Chancelianne, who had been planning to negotiate with the dragon, immediately began to reconsider.

At that moment, the carriage door was pushed open.

Eve stumbled out, her clothes slightly disheveled. She instinctively moved behind Chancelianne, as if hiding from something, breathing heavily.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the mountain-like dragon nearby, yet she seemed not to notice it at all. Instead, she pressed herself close to Chancelianne, her gaze fixed straight on the carriage interior.

As though whatever was inside was far more terrifying to her than the dragon outside.

“Miss Eve, why did you come out? Didn’t I tell you to stay inside properly?”

“It’s dangerous here—”

“Dangerous?”

Eve straightened her collar. Madam, your daughter inside the carriage is the real danger, alright?

I was almost eaten by her.

If Eve hadn’t run quickly enough, that little ‘toy’ would already have been forced onto her by Alice.

And Eve had absolutely no way to deal with it. Alice maintained an impeccable image of a well-behaved girl in front of others, and she herself was extremely adept at disguising things.

Even if Eve complained to Chancelianne, a search would probably turn up no evidence whatsoever.

It was completely impossible to expose her…

“Hm? Wait… a dragon?”

Only then did Eve notice the great black dragon beside her.

But when Eve’s gaze met hers, the originally imposing and fearsome dragon suddenly lowered her head obediently—like a little puppy.

As if saying: Sorry, I didn’t recognize you earlier, Miss Eve…