Evolving by devouring from a young dragon

After looking at it for a long time, Grimm closed the parchment, pressed his fingers on the wax seal, and felt a slight coolness in his fingertips.

He knew very well that it wasn't because he was capable, smart, or better than others.

It was because he was lucky, so lucky that when he was about to starve to death, he encountered a dragon that was willing to take him in.

Grimm stuffed the parchment back into his pocket, patted it, stood up, and picked up his cane.

It's time to get down to business.

Grimm stood at the foot of the high platform steps, leaned his cane against the stone steps, straightened his collar, and patted the dust off his cuffs.

He didn't go up immediately, but stood there for a while, going over what he wanted to say from beginning to end.

Gu Qi meticulously listed the rules, offerings, itinerary, and potential crises, ensuring nothing was missed, before stepping onto the stairs.

Without the support of his cane, he walked slowly but steadily, one step, two steps, slowly making his way to the high platform.

On the high platform, Auduin was still sleeping.

Its dark golden scales gleamed warmly in the afternoon sun, and its breathing was long and deep, with the scales on its belly rising and falling.

The fire spirit chick on the dragon's horn tucked its head under its wings, revealing only a sliver of its red tail feathers. Its tail rested on the edge of the platform, the tip drooping slightly and swaying gently with its breath.

Grimm stopped five paces away from the dragon's head and bowed.

"The great dragon."

The voice was deep and steady, neither too high nor too low, just enough to reach Alduin's ears.

Auduin's eyelids twitched slightly, but he did not open his eyes.

"Master, the messenger from the southern tribe has departed. I have informed them that I will arrive in Golden Picker City on the fifteenth of next month to attend the Golden Banquet."

Grimm maintained his bowed posture and spoke calmly.

"This matter concerns the survival of the tribe, and Grimm dared not make a decision on his own. He has come here specifically to await his master's decision."

The goblins from various tribes sent him invitations to a banquet, but this was no small matter and he had to consult his lord.

At least, in Grimm's view, this was a huge deal.

Alduin opened his eyes, his dark gold vertical pupils shining through as he looked down at Grimm.

"explain."

Grim straightened up, took the roll of parchment from his pocket, held it with both hands, and presented it to Alduin.

"This is an invitation, sent by a goblin. This year, the Eberon royal family didn't send a secondary invitation; it's a formal invitation that goes directly to Golden Pickaxe City."

The old servant speculated that the territory's mineral production and exposed resources had attracted the attention of the royal family.

Auduin glanced at the parchment, his vertical pupils lingering on the gilded patterns for less than a second before looking away.

The invitation was not encrypted with any magic, so he could see through all its contents at a glance.

To be honest, goblins are everywhere, and since he basically lets goblins handle all the trade, it's normal for him to attract attention.

But that's okay.

After all, it's impossible for humans to travel such a great distance to cause trouble for a young dragon.

The manpower and resources used far exceeded the benefits, making it a losing proposition.

Auduin recalled the Crimson Mountains, whose existence had long been known to humankind.

But as long as he deliberately hides and doesn't provoke humans, they can't do anything about him.

But I'm afraid things will be different once he turns 18.

However, Alduin estimated that it would take him at least a century to reach adulthood and ascend to legendary status, so there was no rush.

Two flowers bloom, each representing a different aspect, drawing my thoughts back to the present.

Auduin closed his eyes again, pondering to himself.

The Eberon Empire, also known as the Golden Land, is a testament to the wealth of the goblins.

The so-called Golden Party is, to put it bluntly, just a gathering of goblins to show off their wealth, satisfying their penchant for comparison but not daring to be too ostentatious.

However, their national strength is too weak, so they dare not be too presumptuous and can only show off within their own circle.

If you're really that capable, why don't you invite other races to participate?

Auduin harbored resentment in his heart.

But if you actually ask him to come along, he's not willing.

After all, the holding of this party still requires the approval of both the human and dwarven empires...

However, despite this thought, Auduin was actually quite curious about the Golden Party.

Goblins possess the greatest wealth on the continent, so the extravagance of this banquet is unimaginable, not to mention the unimaginable business opportunities it will bring...

If they can manage to do it, the territory's strength can be further enhanced.

Seeing that Alduin was silent, Grimm assumed that he had not explained himself clearly, so he quickly continued to speak, repeating what Gucci had told him.

He spoke in great detail, even quoting Gucci's famous line, "When the shrimp is gone, not even the shell is left."

After saying this, he closed the parchment, held it in his hands, and bowed his head, waiting for instructions.

Auduin pondered for a moment, then asked, "What are your own thoughts?"

Grimm touched his chest, somewhat flattered, and quickly said, "Grimm has three ideas."

Before Auduin could even ask, he began to speak on his own.

"First, this party helps maintain inter-ethnic exchanges, stabilize the external environment, resolve potential conflicts, and ensure long-term stability in the territory."

Second, to find out what the higher-ups are up to.

The Magic Empire is increasing its annual tribute by 20% this year and 30% next year. We need to figure out exactly how much they want, how big their appetite is, and what their plans are.

Third, finding things.

The territory workshop is short of runestones, high-quality magic crystals, and rare metals. At the Golden Wine Party, anything can be traded, and I want to find out the sources and channels for these supplies.

He had already prepared his explanation, so he didn't hold back and revealed all three of his plans.

Auduin glanced at him, but said nothing.

After thinking for a moment, he raised his eyes and opened them wide. His vertical pupils narrowed into two thin slits, and his gaze sharpened as he locked onto Grimm.

Grimm felt a chill run down his spine and lowered his head even further.

"Grimm".

"Great dragon! What else do you need?"

"You may bring people to the Golden Cocktail Party, but please remember to be mindful of boundaries and abide by the rules."

"Grim will remember your command."

Alduin continued, pointing a claw at her, "First, you're not going to the party to show off your tribe's status. Goblin identity is worthless to me."

Grimm stiffened and nodded repeatedly.

The first point he made was, to put it bluntly, that he wanted to elevate the status of the tribe, but there's nothing wrong with what he said.

"Secondly, regarding the Magic Empire's increased tribute, you just said you wanted to find out their appetite. No need to find out, I'll tell you directly, human greed has no bottom."

Grimm quickly responded, understanding Alduin's unspoken meaning.

The pressure of paying tribute is a problem for the goblin royal family and upper tribes. As long as they do not submit to the empire and are not subject to their control, this pressure will not fall on their own heads.

The foundation of all stability lies in absolute loyalty to this territory and to Alduin.

This was also a veiled warning from the dragon, urging him to uphold loyalty and remain faithful.

"You only need to do one thing well this time."

Auduin paused slightly, then said solemnly, "To do business."