Chapter 131.

I longed to be a griffin rider my entire life. I cant imagine not being one going forward.

After some thought, Lafayette chose his status as a rider over loyalty to his kingdom. Rolands answer was no different.

Okay. I see.

Having received their answer, Seon-Hyeok immediately got up from his seat. The knights did not say anything, not thinking much of the question or their responses.

What would the Griffindor Kingdom do if the Knights of the Azure Sky do not return?

Seon-Hyeok found Commander Mangsk and hurriedly asked about the potential aftermath of the knights defection.

I dont know how to answer that what are you getting at?

If Sir Lafayette and Sir Roland wish to remain in Adenburg, what should we do?

Even average knights are highly valued by the kingdoms. What, then, about Lafayette and Roland, who arent just senior knights, but griffin riders as well?

Seon-Hyeok needed to confirm that there would not be a massive fallout from his proposed plan.

Then well have to hold onto them. What is there to think about?

Commander Mangsk unhesitatingly responded, almost to the point of rejecting his concerns.

There wont be any retribution?

It was the Griffindor Kingdom that first betrayed us, not the other way around. Why do you think they were able to do so in the first place?

Only then did Seon-Hyeok realize what he had forgotten.

Its because of the distance.

There was a massive barrier between the Adenburg and Griffindor Kingdoms, otherwise known as the Noctein Kingdom. So long as the Nocteins did not face complete destruction, there was no situation in which the Griffindors could directly attack the Adenburg Kingdom.

Of course, they could try to entice the neighboring kingdoms to act and cause minor disturbances, but thats a price worth paying for two senior knights, let alone griffin riders.

Realizing that his fears of another potential war were unfounded, Seon-Hyeok decided to explain his plan to the commander.

Oh? So the Knights of the Azure Sky referred to the unit as a whole, not the individual knights?

Commander Mangsk showed great surprise at this new information. His eyes shone upon hearing of the impending punishment of the captured griffin riders.

So it wouldnt be difficult to sway them if we can obtain the griffins.

I think so.

To be honest, what Seon-Hyeok wanted were the griffins, not their riders. Of course they were skilled, but the knights lacking in honor were little more than accessories to their mounts.

Even so, it would be good to get approval first. You should ask His Majesty yourself. He may have a different view on the situation, so you shouldnt put him in an unenviable position.

Commander Mangsk set up lines of communication with the Adenstein royal family, and they soon heard King Theodores voice.

[There is nothing to consider. Do so if you can. I will take full responsibility for any resulting fallout.]

The answer was refreshing as always, and Seon-Hyeok had been given final approval.

But how do you plan to sway those griffins, considering they already have a master?

Seon-Hyeok smiled upon hearing Commander Mangsks question.

Ill have to persuade them with words.

Even with this ridiculous answer, the commander did not question him. He was certain the foreigner had a real plan.

However, Seon-Hyeok truly did plan to talk the griffins into switching allegiances.

Say it. Declare it. If it is insufficient, repeat yourself again and again. If you do so, your words will become a promise and reality.

Of course, he would not be just speaking to the griffins. He would be using the ability granted by the dragon.

The griffins were isolated from the Knights of the Azure Sky and tied down near Redvern.

Clack.

Seeing Seon-Hyeok, the griffins snapped their beaks and tried to threaten him. However, to him, the griffins looked more pitiful than frightening. After all, they were in a truly sorry state.

Their manes were half-melted and matted, and the normally glorious, golden fur was now patchy. Even the white wings looked bare, with their feathers missing.

There was no need to ask who was responsible for the griffins condition.

Hey, I told you to go easy on the bullying. You really did a number on them.

The culprit was Redvern, the only one not tied up among the three monsters.

Chirp.

At his scolding, Redvern chirped and pretended not to notice.

After the Battle of the Istein Plains, Redvern had undergone another period of growth. It was all thanks to Aria Eisen, as she had taken up the hobby of manufacturing new and deadlier poisons. Now, Redvern was as large as Lafayettes giant griffin, Mionte, and much stronger.

Redvern used this newfound strength to bully the griffins. Shackled with chains, the griffins were unable to resist the tyranny of the ill-tempered wyvern.

The end result was the sorry sight that unfolded in front of Seon-Hyeok.

You really are a pain.

He shook his head and approached the griffins.

Roar!

The two griffins threateningly showed their manes and stood on guard.

Tsk. Im not here to bother you.

He clicked his tongue as he looked at the griffins wounds. Remembering why he came here, he immediately got to work.

I am your master. I am your master. I am your master.

Just as he had tamed Stella in the past, he constantly repeated himself as he desperately hoped for his words to reach the griffins.

Seon-Hyeoks efforts that first day ended without him knowing whether he made any progress. However, he was not disappointed.

He had to work tremendously hard to tame the Widowmaker, so it could not possibly be easy to tame the much fiercer and stronger griffins.

Afterwards, he visited the griffins whenever he could to continue imprinting onto them.

Ugh, whats wrong with you?

Jealous that its owners attention was solely on the griffins, Redvern bullied the griffins even more when he was away.

Ill tie you up too if you keep acting like that.

Redvern showed no signs of reflecting over its actions as it chirped in response. On the contrary, its status demonstrated feelings of injustice and frustration.

You cant even stand up to Goldie.

The wyvern raised its snout in defiance. It seemed to be suggesting that it would not lose so easily to Goldrake this time around.

Are you going to fight over hierarchy when we return to Rheinperl