Chapter 329: Chapter 219: Governor Wallens (Part 3)
"Oh, you’ve heard of my reputation?" David didn’t even know when he had made a name for himself in Central Earth.
Rhodes was momentarily taken aback, seemingly not expecting the son of the Crimson Calamity to be ’so approachable.’ In his mind, it was a gamble—either he would be taken under wing or sent to hell with a blast of Dragon Breath for his offense.
He immediately began to stammer, organizing his words, and started to recount the legendary tales of David’s past exploits, most of which were from his time in Skanis.
To one side, Drow cleared his throat twice and said, "This lad has been working with us at the harbor transporting goods for years. Influenced by the Barbarians, he’s heard about your fame and has always longed to settle in Skanis with his fellow Dragonkin, so I gave him an opportunity..."
Only then did David realize that the cleanliness of the district before him, as if it were Elf City, was partly the boy’s doing.
He then asked, "Then why do you insist on becoming one of my dependents?"
Rhodes opened his mouth and suddenly voiced the longing he had harbored for years, "I... just want to live with a bit more dignity, to live... like a person... to ensure that my friends can survive. I thought, maybe by becoming your dependent, I could achieve all that..."
"A very simple wish."
David nodded and commanded, "Since what you desire is to live with dignity, you must preserve it from the start, and not grovel on the ground begging for charity as you are now. Stand up."
"...Yes." Rhodes stood up somewhat bewildered, thinking his attempt had failed.
Then he saw a crimson tail extend and press against his chest. "I heard that you’re responsible for leading the cleaning of this street block? Well done, at least it has lightened my mood somewhat."
With that, the tip of David’s tail, sharp as a carving knife, engraved a mark onto the scales on Rhodes’ chest. The pain of the Magic Power’s corrosion made his body tremble, but he neither dodged nor made a sound.
"However, being able to withstand the Sculpted Hide Dragon’s mark means at least your willpower is satisfactory."
The tip of David’s tail then patted the young Dragonkin on the shoulder, "From now on, the cleansing of this city district is your responsibility, including the ’trash’ removal. You’ll come of age in five years. If you’re still alive then, report to my barracks, and at that time, I’ll grant you the dependent ceremony and officially make you one of my dependents.
"You’ve been fortified, go now."
Having said that, he spread his wings and soared into the sky, with Tania, his self-appointed ’Governor,’ on his head, heading toward the Upper City.
"Yes! Thank you for your blessing, Your Highness! I will fulfill the mission you’ve entrusted to me, and then survive!"
Rhodes could clearly feel his skin and scales had become much tougher, as if he were wearing a layer of leather. He awkwardly imitated the human guards in a salute before running excitedly behind the group of Dragons.
He had to tell his companions!
He had found a way for Dragonkin to live with dignity!
Perhaps the human residents noticed that this group of Dragons showed no signs of destruction, especially with the Red Dragon having a ’human girl’ on its head. They immediately breathed a sigh of relief, thinking perhaps some highborn Noble had returned with a group of Dragons, and then they all went about their business as usual.
Thus, just as Rhodes’ foot entered the street block, a woman pushed open the window of the second-floor garret and poured out a chamber pot mixed with blood, dousing him with its contents from head to toe.
In an instant, the freshly cleaned street was filthy again.
Rhodes wiped his face and then roared to the sky, "Anyone who dares to pour out chamber pots again, I’ll plug up their bottom!"
At the same time, inspired by the tall tales he often heard from Barbarian sailors, a thought popped into his head: Perhaps I should organize some people and build public toilets first?