Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1251: Information

’Oh? Is there something more going on?’

Initially, Izroth thought that Varuu was too occupied with keeping Shateur and the Duvelle family in check. However, if it were that alone, Varuu should have been able to make her move when she sent the two Duvelle family elders away to the frontlines. While it was far from a perfect solution, it was more than enough to restrict the Duvelle’s family movements for a decent amount of time. That is, if there was not a bigger threat than the Duvelle family.

As for whether or not Varuu would have been able to cure Holy Maiden—if it were any other Apothecary, even if they were grade nine, the chances would have been low. However, since Varuu was a true dragon who lived for over a thousand years, the possibility of her being aware of the Great Clan’s secret was fairly high.

"That is why, this one time—if there is something you wish for, as long as it is reasonably within my power and does not go against my morals, I will do my best to see that it is fulfilled." Varuu stated with a firm gaze.

Izroth was a bit taken aback by Varuu’s choice of reward. If she was willing to go this far, Izroth understood that she must have been feeling incredibly remorseful for not being able to leave Danaharpe to cure the Holy Maiden. As for the Holy Maiden making the journey to Danaharpe—it was too far a trip from the Thousand Blossoms Peak in the Holy Maiden’s condition.

’If it’s like this, perhaps it’s possible to get the information I need.’

"I take back what I said about you being close handed." Izroth said in a carefree manner.

"I am glad to see that your opinion of me has changed for the better." Varuu replied as she took another sip from her teacup.

...

After holding a casual conversation for a few minutes over tea, Izroth learned a couple of interesting things about Varuu. He also found out some of the more intricate details regarding the power dynamics of the Apothecary Guild.

The Head of the Apothecary Guild turned out to be a much more easygoing person than Izroth originally imagined, so the conversation flowed without issue.

"I want to use the reward you have given me." Izroth stated.

"Oh? Is there something you have in mind?" Varuu asked curiously.

"I want to learn about the Path of Dragons." Izroth said without hesitation.

As Varuu lowered the teacup from her lips, she paused momentarily.

"Path of Dragons? What need does Apothecary Izroth have to know about a place only true dragons ever set foot into?" Varuu questioned as she sat her teacup down.

Although it was subtle, Izroth could sense a shift in the atmosphere around Varuu when he brought up the Path of Dragons. Nevertheless, Varuu did not reveal her hand.

’Shall I lay out some more tempting bait?’

"By chance, I managed to become acquainted with the third young master of the Dragon Palace. Due to some circumstances, he invited me to attempt the Path of Dragons. Of course, I am well aware that he is a special case among true dragons. That is why I want to learn about it from another perspective." Izroth responded.

The atmosphere around Varuu grew heavy as her gaze sharpened.

Out of nowhere, a small token appeared on the wooden table’s center.

"This is the Dragon Palace Token that I received from the third young master of the Dragon Palace. It won’t be long now before he sends someone to escort me to the Dragon Palace." Izroth stated.

Varuu’s eyes locked onto the Dragon Palace Token. Not long after, the atmosphere around her seemed to soften.

"It is a genuine Dragon Palace Token. Then again, there is no one foolish enough to create a fake Dragon Palace Token. Having a connection to that eccentric third young master of the Dragon Palace—I do not know whether to say that Apothecary Izroth is fortunate or unlucky." Varuu said.

"Oh?" Izroth’s brows rose inquisitively.

"It is said that the third young master of the Dragon Palace is not on good terms with the hardline faction of the true dragons. The hardline faction believes that true dragons are superior to all other species and should not interact with them so casually as it taints them. They want to return to a time when the true dragons were worshipped as deities by the other races." Varuu explained.

’Oh? There was such a thing? Given their innate overwhelming strength, high intelligence, and long lifespans, I suppose it is not too surprising from their point of view.’

Izroth knew that the true dragons used to be worshipped by the other races. A strong race being worshipped by those weaker and less intelligent—this kind of thing was not uncommon at all even in the Seven Realms.

What Izroth did not know was that the true dragons had factions.

In the eyes of the outside world, the true dragons were united as one with the ruler of the Dragon Palace holding absolute authority over all true dragons.

However, if something like the skounaes’ bloodline could be kept a secret for so long under the noses of outsiders, then there was nothing much that needed to be said of a race like the true dragons.

’Still, to think even a species like true dragons are divided into factions. I have thought countless times about how I could potentially convince them to join the battle against the shadahis, but the existence of the hardline faction complicates things.’

"Wanting to return to a time that has long since passed and will never return—how delusional." Izroth commented nonchalantly.

The forces of the Mortal Realm were too well established. Not to mention, from humans to skounae, zensana and trephasias—all of them had grown to a point where they no longer viewed true dragons as divine entities. Of course, the trephasias and zensanas still held a great deal of respect for true dragons due to the history of their races; however, they did not see them as gods. Rather, the true dragons were viewed as sacred protectors.

"I am of like mind. Those who are ignorant of the past remain doomed to repeat it. It is true that the true dragons were worshipped during those times. But, it was not without its downsides and tragedies." Varuu stated.

"Apothecary Head Varuu seems to know quite a bit about the history of true dragons and their inner workings." Izroth commented.

"You can view it as a long time hobby of mine." Varuu said.

’It looks like she won’t budge until the end.’

Izroth released a small inward sigh. He knew that it was too much to expect Varuu to openly admit that she was a true dragon. But, he at least thought that she would say that she had some ties to them. At the very least, he thought that she would come up with a better excuse than saying it was a hobby.

"How fortunate of me to run into someone like Apothecary Head Varuu who holds such strong interests in true dragons. It makes learning about the Path of Dragons all the more likely. I would like to be prepared for what I must face, after all." Izroth said as he returned the Dragon Palace Token to his inventory.

Izroth had no intention of bringing up Varuu’s true identity. It was not that Izroth feared offending or angering Varuu. Instead, he figured that she had her own reasons. This was even more so after bringing up the hardline faction in the Dragon Palace. It was due to that Izroth was able to have a bit more of a clear picture as to why Varuu both liked and disliked the Dragon Palace when he used Divine Appraisal.

"I have some information about the Path of Dragons. However, are you certain this is what you want to use your wish on?" Varuu asked in a meaningful tone.

Not only was Varuu the Head of the Apothecary Guild, but she was a grade nine Apothecary.

Lessons, teachings, materials, money, pills—these were the things that anyone would dream of asking for if they were in Izroth’s position. It was also what Varuu anticipated that Izroth would request when she granted him a wish.

"I am certain." Izroth replied without hesitation.

Varuu let out a small sigh as she said, "Very well. Although I do not know what Apothecary Izroth is hoping to learn, I will tell you what I know through my hobby. However, I hope your expectations are not too high."

She then continued, "As I am sure you are already aware of, the Path of Dragons is a place that typically only true dragons can set foot in. If I had to put a word to it, it can be considered as a trial. But, one would be mistaken to compare it to other trials they have faced in the past."