Dan sat in a relaxed posture on a large, luxurious chair. Before him, Warlord Ayato stood with his head bowed in clear respect and fear.
"You have done well in following orders precisely," Dan said calmly. "Your control over the new territory was swift and effective."
Ayato raised his head slightly, his voice completely submissive. "Yes, Lord Dragon. I am your servant. I would never dare to defy your command."
Dan studied him in silence for a moment, observing his expression, his features, and the tone of his voice. He thought to himself: It seems the harsh warning I sent—the brutal annihilation of his rival Takin and his entire army—has worked perfectly. Ayato is terrified. He is obedient. Completely broken.
For Dan, this was exactly what was required: subjects who are entirely submissive, who do not dream of rebellion, and who execute orders without hesitation. However, Dan understood human nature well. Constant pressure and fear without any reward or hope eventually lead to a psychological collapse or desperate rebellion. A person cornered with no way out becomes dangerous.
Therefore, he intended to follow a time-tested philosophy: the carrot and the stick. Fear and reward. The threat and the promise.
For this very reason, Dan had granted Ayato a much larger region to rule, nearly doubling his territory. At the same time, he had delivered that bloody, midnight warning. Both were necessary. Both served the same goal: absolute control.
"Very well," Dan said in a steady but clear voice. "What I need you to do in the coming period is to tighten your grip on the borders." He paused for a moment. "Under no circumstances are you to enter into military conflict with neighboring warlords. No expansion, no wars, no strife. Simply govern this territory well and keep it stable."
He looked directly into Ayato's eyes. "And I promise you: no one will be able to challenge your rule, not in your lifetime, nor in the lives of your descendants after you. Because they will be protected by us. By the Dragons."
It was a powerful vow. A massive reward. Ayato's eyes widened. Eternal protection for his lineage? This was more than he had ever dared to dream.
Dan continued in a commanding tone: "Second: officially declare yourself King—not a warlord, but the King of your realm. Strengthen trade between cities and villages. Make your capital larger, stronger, and more prosperous. Boost agriculture and encourage the farmers; provide them with tools and protect their crops. And grant the farmers full ownership of the lands they work."
This last order was radical for this era, where most farmers were little more than serfs or slaves who owned nothing. But Dan knew from history that granting ownership increases productivity immensely.
He rose slowly from his chair and walked toward a nearby wooden table in the corner of the room. He placed a thick leather scroll on it, written in his own hand, containing dozens of orders and specific details.
"In this scroll, you will find a very detailed plan on how to manage your region efficiently—covering taxes, trade, agriculture, the military, and justice. Everything. Apply it exactly as it is. Do not delete or modify anything."
He looked sharply at Ayato. "I want the territory you rule to flourish. I want it strong, stable, and wealthy." A strong region meant a strong front for his family. More resources. Longer stability.
Then Dan placed a second scroll next to the first—smaller, but written with the same precision.
"This second scroll contains a list of things I need you to prepare for me personally," Dan said. "They are to be sent regularly and punctually every single month."
In it, he had detailed all the basic daily necessities his family required: various types of clothing for men and women, for summer and winter, and high-quality fabrics. Large quantities of rice, wheat, and grains of excellent quality. Real paper—not leather, but plant-based paper produced correctly. Metal tools such as knives, cooking pots, and various implements. Everything his family lacked in their isolation in the middle of the wilderness. This, in essence, was one of the primary reasons for his contact with the outside world: access to essential resources.
Ayato, kneeling in total submission, replied: "Your command, My Lord. I will ensure every order is executed with absolute precision."
"Good," Dan replied, his tone satisfied. Then he grew quiet for a moment, as if considering something else. He continued in a casual voice, "It seems you have an eldest daughter of marriageable age."
As soon as Ayato heard these words, his face turned completely pale with sudden terror. His heart raced. Horrific thoughts flooded his mind. His daughter? Why was he asking about his daughter?
"Yes, My Lord," he answered, his voice trembling slightly. "My eldest daughter is nineteen years old."
His fear intensified, thinking the Dragon Lord would demand her as a sacrifice, a slave, or something worse. Dark thoughts clouded his mind.
Dan looked at him calmly, noticing the obvious fear. He said in a slightly reassuring tone, "Calm down. You are overthinking things negatively."
But Ayato did not calm down. Instead, he said quickly in a desperate voice, "I do not dare to object, My Lord! If you want me to offer her as a sacrifice to you, I will! As you command!" He was entirely prepared to sacrifice his own daughter to appease the terrifying Dragon.
Dan looked at him as if looking at a fool. "There is no need for such nonsense," he said with slight disdain. He paused, then added clearly: "What I want is for you to give her as a bride to one of my sons."
Upon hearing this, Ayato let out a long, audible sigh of relief. A marriage! Not a sacrifice! Once he fully grasped the situation, his mood shifted instantly. He struck his head against the floor with clear excitement and joy.
"With great pleasure, My Lord! It is a supreme honor!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine delight.
Internally, his mind was racing: This is a golden opportunity! He hadn't married off his daughter yet, even though she was past the usual age for this era, because he had intended to marry her to a powerful prince later for a political alliance. But now, in his current situation, facing this immense supernatural power that controlled him completely... if he could form a family connection through marriage with the "Dragons"—with this mysterious force—it would bring him and his lineage endless benefit, protection, and power! It was far better than any alliance with an ordinary warlord.
Dan understood the reason for his sudden enthusiasm perfectly. Humans always think of their interests. It was natural, and useful as long as their interests aligned with his.
He then gave further orders in a commanding tone: "From this day forward, officially declare that the Sacred Dragon Forest is also the land of your ancestors—a sacred, inherited territory. It is strictly forbidden for anyone to enter under penalty of death. Post some of your army on regular patrols to ensure this and maintain the borders."
He stopped, then added: "Also, establish a large, well-equipped headquarters in the forest—on the outskirts, not deep inside. That is where everything I requested monthly will be delivered. You will leave the resources there, and we will collect them."
A dead drop point. Safe and away from prying eyes.
Finally, Dan said in a serious tone: "One last matter, and it is very important. I want you to gather young women of appropriate marriageable age for me. They must be beautiful, in good health, pure, and chaste." He paused and looked directly at Ayato. "Because I wish to marry them into my lineage. Do you understand?"
This was part of his plan as well—expanding the family and bringing in new blood. His sons needed wives, and the outside world was full of suitable women.
Ayato replied quickly and enthusiastically, "Yes, My Lord! Your command! I will gather the most beautiful and pure maidens!" He thought: Another chance to please the Master and bind my family closer to this power.
"Fine. That is all for today."
Then, without another word or a farewell, Dan vanished instantly. No sound, no trace. It was as if he had never been there.
Ayato remained kneeling in the now-empty room, staring at the spot where his "Dragon Master" had been sitting. He took a deep breath. Once, then twice. So many orders. Heavy responsibilities. But also... immense opportunities. If he succeeded in pleasing this mysterious Master, the future of his family was guaranteed. Protected. Powerful.
He stood up slowly, carefully took the two scrolls from the table, and began to plan. Much work awaited him.
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