Chapter： 160 Nine thousand gold coins...
Being easily mistaken for a silver dragon actually helps in getting around. After all, silver dragons have an excellent reputation for being kind, just, and loving to help weaker creatures, saving people from danger—they are the true saints. If he still looked like a white dragon, these people might have attacked him the moment they saw him.
At the same time, upon hearing Grand Duke Thorn's offer, Brian nodded slightly, showing a look of interest, and said, "So, what price are you willing to pay?"
Grand Duke Thorn carefully considered and slowly said, "Mocha Principality is willing to offer nine thousand gold coins."
Nine thousand gold coins... Gold and silver are hard currency on the Prime Material Plane and even in some outer planes. Nine thousand gold coins is not a small amount; an ordinary person might not even see a single gold coin in their lifetime.
Gold coins didn't weigh as much in Brian's mind as magical gemstones, but that was because the quantity wasn't enough. However... offering nine thousand gold coins right off the bat, Brian wouldn't agree so easily.
"A red dragon is not an easy opponent to deal with, and as fellow true dragons, we share similar bloodlines."
"Helping humans to fight my kin... if word gets out."
Brian's voice was low and slow.
Grand Duke Thorn: ...
He suddenly felt that the silver dragon in front of him had turned into some shrewd merchant he had seen before.
Almost the moment Brian spoke, Grand Duke Thorn understood what he meant. He had thought that with the proud nature of true dragons, they wouldn't haggle if they found the price suitable, so he had directly offered a reasonable amount. But he hadn't expected this silver dragon to be unsatisfied.
For a moment, Grand Duke Thorn hesitated. What if this silver dragon, like the detestable red dragon, was insatiable, and it became another case of inviting a dragon that was hard to send away? How would he solve it? He couldn't possibly invite a third dragon for help.
However, after thinking for a dozen seconds, Grand Duke Thorn's eyes gradually became resolute. He believed in his judgment. The silver dragon before him didn't seem kind, but it certainly wasn't an insatiable evil dragon.
"Sir True Dragon, I understand. Asking you to help humans against your kin is a difficult task."
"I've decided to increase the reward to ten thousand gold coins, plus fifty magical gemstones of different attributes."
"If you're interested, I will personally gift you ten pure young maidens."
"Additionally, if you are willing, I, on behalf of all the people of Mocha Principality, promise to offer ten thousand gold coins annually in exchange for the protection of the true dragon. If we need your personal assistance, there will be additional compensation."
Currently, Mocha Principality urgently needed a powerful force to deter other nations. Grand Duke Thorn felt that the powerful silver dragon before him could help Mocha Principality out of its crisis.
Therefore, he decided to go all in, offering money to secure the protection of the true dragon.
Brian showed a thoughtful expression and said, "I hate trouble. Your human nation is now at war. Providing protection for your country, ten thousand gold coins a year is far from enough."
Mentioning the war, Grand Duke Thorn's brows showed fatigue as he explained, "Rest assured, I will no longer involve the army in the war. Mocha Principality now only wishes to preserve itself and not become a vassal of another country."
"Therefore, Mocha Principality only needs to borrow the prestige of the true dragon to make those coveting Mocha Principality hesitate."
"If we need your personal assistance, you can refuse. Of course, if you agree out of compassion, Mocha Principality will do its utmost to offer additional wealth that satisfies you."
Because he had a request, Grand Duke Thorn used a respectful address for Brian at this point.
"No need for the pure maidens."
Brian, being young, had no interest in such matters at the moment.
Grand Duke Thorn showed a joyful expression and said, "Does this mean you are willing to accept this deal?"
Brian didn't immediately agree. He thought for a moment and said, "I am currently searching for spell knowledge. I want the spell books recorded and inherited in your duchy, regardless of the school of magic."
Grand Duke Thorn frowned slightly and said, "All the spell books in the Mocha Spell Library can be copied for you."
"I just don't know if the copied content will satisfy you."
"If you want to see the original spell books, the Mocha Spell Library is at your disposal."
The importance of books lies not in the books themselves but in the knowledge they contain, which was Brian's goal.
Brian looked down at Grand Duke Thorn and slowly said, "Deal."
