Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 321

A middle-aged noble with a scar cutting across his face stepped forward to address the Goldcrest leader.

"Are the reports from the academy guards true? Did Selphira Ashenway assault and imprison your heir?"

Kharzan nodded gravely, his own golden lion briefly flaring around him, casting ominous shadows on the stone walls. "My son was attacked without provocation while visiting his brother during the final exam in the academy. A blatant belittling of our authority, an aggression that we cannot allow to go without an appropriate response." His voice deepened, resonating throughout the chamber. "Or do you all wanna let them believe we are cowards?"

"We will not be crushed like the Starweavers!" exclaimed another noble, raising his fist.

Those present nodded vigorously, unaware that it had been precisely the Goldcrests who, some years earlier, had orchestrated the disgrace of the once-powerful Starweaver family. Kharzan allowed himself an inner smile at the irony, maintaining his expression of righteous indignation.

"That is why I have summoned you," he continued, his commanding presence filling the hall. "We need to show our united strength. Each allied family must contribute their best tamers to form a front that will make our supposed allies reconsider their actions... Show our power to those ungrateful neighbors."

Throughout the following day, from various families inhabiting the third part of Yano's territory, nearly a hundred of the best tamers arrived at the Goldcrest fortress. The minimum requirement was to possess Silver 2 level beasts or higher, though the majority boasted Silver 3 levels, with a few even at Gold 1. Together they formed an intimidating force, capable of confronting any faction that dared challenge them.

In his private chambers, Kharzan consulted with his closest advisors. The room was lit by crystalline lamps that cast a golden hue over ancient maps and strategic documents.

"The incident with Kassian has been... opportune," commented one of them, an elderly man with a cunning gaze. "It has provided us with the perfect pretext to mobilize our forces and gauge the military response of the old woman and Dragarion's children."

"We must only ensure it doesn't change the opinion of our allied nobles," responded Kharzan, observing the maps spread before him. His fingers traced territorial boundaries with possessive intent. "As long as our allies believe we are the oppressed, they will fight with fervor for our cause if the need arises."

The counselor nodded. "And what about the boy? The one who neutralized the energy?"

Kharzan's expression darkened, his lion briefly manifesting with greater intensity. "An unexpected factor... we must observe his development."

♢♢♢♢

After completing the shipment paperwork and carefully storing the receipt confirming the transaction, Ren bid farewell to Madam Alicia with a respectful bow.

"It has been a pleasure doing business with you, young Patinder," the woman responded with a genuine smile. "I will communicate the delivery confirmation through Miss Ashenway. I hope we can collaborate again in the future."

Upon leaving Pegasus, Min separated from the group at the first major intersection.

"My house is about twenty minutes in that direction," he explained, pointing eastward with enthusiasm. "I'll take advantage of our free time to make a quick visit. I'll see you at the meeting point with Lin to return to the academy!"

Larissa then took the reins of the group, assuming the role of guide with the naturalness of one born to lead.

"Now that Ren's affairs are settled, I propose we celebrate with a proper meal," she announced, leading the way toward the city center. "I know the perfect place to cleanse our palates of the Iron rank food we've been suffering through."

The restaurant turned out to be an elegant yet cozy establishment, with polished wooden tables and suspended light crystals creating a warm atmosphere. The menu offered dishes that Ren had never seen, much less tasted. The air was perfumed with exotic spices and magic-enhanced ingredients that made his mouth water.

When the food arrived, his mushrooms pulsed with appreciation at the aromas. Each bite was an explosion of perfectly balanced flavors, culinary techniques that elevated the ingredients to a superior level. It was, objectively, the best food he had tasted in his life.

And yet...

"Don't you like it?" Larissa asked, noticing his thoughtful expression. Her mineral fairy briefly making her hair shine, reflecting her vexation.