Chapter 70: The Dragon-Watching Festival and the Banshee

After waiting in line for an hour, Rod and the others finally entered the city without further trouble.

Without lingering on the crowded streets, they headed straight for the location of the City Hall.

After presenting a recommendation letter bearing the Argyle family crest, they were immediately ushered into a reception room.

However, things were far from going as smoothly as imagined.

Forty minutes later.

Amidst the apologetic smiles of the reception staff, Rod and the others walked out of City Hall.

"I never expected that this so-called great dragon breeding ritual would be so grand here, even spawning a Dragon-Watching Festival."

Rod said helplessly.

Only then, looking around, did he realize the streets were decorated with lanterns and banners.

There were also numerous great dragon-themed merchandise items.

As night fell, a willow great dragon three people tall was erected on the square beside City Hall.

The various tourists watching around let out exclamations of awe.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rod, it was all my oversight; I only just learned that the Emerald Domain is not open during the Dragon-Watching Festival."

Gema said apologetically.

"It's fine; it's only three days anyway, and besides, they gave us tickets to the Dragon-Watching Platform. Let's take this opportunity to rest properly for a while."

Apparently, Isabella had already notified the City Hall here.

As soon as they saw the letter, they arranged for dedicated staff to receive and explain things.

It seems the relationship between the lord of Emerald City and the Argyle family is not bad.

"So the great dragons only do this for three days at a time! Brother~ look how amazing they are~"

Rod tapped Tally on the head.

"It's not three days at a time; it's three consecutive days, because their conception rate is too low."

Apparently, succubi, beings without wombs, did not quite understand.

It is said their method of conception involves extracting eggs from human women and nurturing them through special treasures.

The three left City Hall.

On a food street near the inn, they found a restaurant serving dwarf cuisine.

A major characteristic of dwarf cuisine is its heaviness and generous portions.

It is mainly based on starches like bread, supplemented with large amounts of meat broth and stews.

The meat, slow-cooked until tender, paired with various spices like rosemary and garlic, may look ordinary, but the rich aroma wafting into the nose makes one's mouth water.

Finally, the classic dwarf honey beer was added.

One must admit, this was the most delicious meal Rod had eaten during this journey.

Tally did not care for meat or vegetables, but she raved about the honey beer, gulping down several barrels in a row, until finally she got drunk and refused to leave Rod's embrace.

He thought the night would end there, but unexpectedly, after carrying her back to the room, she suddenly erupted into a frenzy.

Hissing with the scent of alcohol, she sat on Rod, wildly thrusting her hips, her posture wild and licentious.

The next morning.

Rod led the hungover and listless succubus downstairs.

"Master... my head hurts."

"I didn't expect succubi to get hungover too."

"That's because alcohol is a good thing. Our resistance is good, but sometimes we voluntarily let our guard down for entertainment-oriented medicines and drinks. I can't go on; I need to rest in the shadow for a while."

"We are going to watch the dragons later."

Originally, after arriving in Emerald City, Rod would have parted ways with Gema.

It was just that they happened to have tickets, so they agreed to go together.

"... Then wake me up when we arrive."

With that, she shot into Rod's shadow with a swish.

This was just so happened to be seen by the front desk owner.

He said discontentedly, "No magic allowed in the shop, guest."

There is no official ban on magic within Emerald City; some shop owners voluntarily prohibit it, but it is usually just a few verbal words.

"Sorry."

Rod left the inn.

Soon, he spotted Gema on the bustling street.

After all, her magical doll was quite eye-catching.

At that moment, she stood before a rock-cake breakfast shop, staring in shock at the gray rock cake in her hand.

There was a shallow Ya Yin on it; clearly, she had not managed to bite through it.

"Good morning, Gema."

"Truly Emerald City," Rod said with a smile, "just the variety of food on this street exceeds twenty types."

Gema gave a bitter smile and said:

"You might not believe it, but I just saw a cooked-food shop run by dung beetles on the edge of the city library."

"Uh..."

The two followed the crowd up the slope towards the Dragon-Watching Platform.

Along the way, they walked and looked.

Rod bought Tally a hair ornament decorated with dragon horns and a dragon tail that could be tied around her waist, planning to try them on tonight.

A true half-dragon is certainly feasible, but sometimes playing a fake role has its own unique flavor.

As they passed the massive casino beneath the third dome.

Gema suddenly said:

"Earlier, I checked the library for information on banshees."

"Oh, what about it?"

"Actually, seeing a banshee does not necessarily mean death; at the very least, the person who sees it won't necessarily die. My apologies again, Mr. Rod, I was too sensitive."

Rod waved his hand, indicating he didn't mind.

"In a Green Forest Daily from ten years ago, I found many case reports of banshees involved in fraud. They used their rumors and cooperated with professional con artists; by crying near someone's house, the con artists would then go to the door to perform Gao Jie Zhou to swindle money."

"Ah, this..."

Rod's expression was strange.

Why is the style of these intelligent races so odd?

First, the great dragons put on a live-action romance film, and then the banshees pull some shoddy scams.

This is different from what I heard on Earth.

"Actually, banshees do possess a certain ability to foretell death, but it is not very strong. In past traditions, great lords often invited them to wail at funerals; perhaps the rumors started from that time."

"Quite an impressive spirit of research, Ms. Gema."

Emerald City has many entertainment facilities.

Casinos, circuses, and dance halls are everywhere.

And yet, even during the day, one could see some brothels operating blatantly.

Rod had already seen several elves walking into these facilities.

"There are so many elves in Emerald City."

"After all, it is the human city closest to the Jade Court. Many young elves like to sneak over here to play. You know, the elves' tradition of restraint is too oppressive. We have arrived at Dragon Viewing Platform."

As he spoke.

The two walked to Dragon Viewing Platform. After the staff stamped their tickets with a special alchemical seal, they officially entered.

This was a protruding two-story platform built against the hillside.

The floor was made of translucent jade crafted by alchemy, fixed and supported by various magical vines and tree frames.

The first floor was packed with people; the second floor was clearly for VIP seats, divided into small private rooms, all enclosed by screens.

The three tickets could grant access to the second-floor VIP area, but finding it too quiet, they voluntarily went down to the lower level.

In the distance.

was a hill on the grassland outside Emerald City, with a river running alongside it.

Rod happened to see a colossal metal dragon, comparable to Shanfeng, slowly rising there.

"Wow—"

As the great dragon moved, the surrounding tourists all let out gasps of shock.

Just then.

Rod suddenly turned his head.

He saw that not far away, a human pulled a knife from a bag and looked fiercely at a blonde elf in front.

(End of this chapter)