Seeing their rude eating manners, Seranthir slapped the table.
Bang!
All the dragons paused their movements as Seranthir's indisputable voice rang out.
"The world has the laws of the world, and dragons have the rules of dragons."
"Ailar, being so savage, where is your sense of decorum?"
"It seems that over these past decades, Dragon Island has been far too indulgent with your younger generation."
"Not only have you all learned to sneak away in secret, but you've even forgotten the most basic etiquette."
"Uncle Seranthir... I'm... I'm sorry, Ailar knows..."
Before she could finish, Friel gave a dissatisfied click of her tongue, drawing the attention of the other dragons.
"Tch~ Dragons are free by nature, arrogant, and unrestrained by anything."
"Forcing these rules and regulations upon us truly goes against the dignity and majesty of a 'Dragon'."
Friel did not agree with Seranthir's view. After all, Chromatic Dragons had a free-spirited nature and naturally resented the Metal Dragon' tendency to establish useless rules for everything.
Conversely, Seranthir felt that these Chromatic Dragons lacked the self-awareness of a high-intelligence race and was equally unimpressed by them.
"Hmph! Without rules, there is no order."
"As the most intelligent dragon race, we should use our wisdom to set rules, restrain ourselves, and suppress our primal nature."
"Otherwise... heh~"
Seranthir gave a light, mocking laugh, looked around at the group, and spoke slowly.
"How would a dragon be any different from a beast?"
"If we did as you say, the so-called True Dragons would be nothing more than a joke."
What Seranthir said happened to be the sentiment of most Metal Dragon.
Sasha instinctively wanted to change the subject, but Friel beat her to it.
"What you say is indeed not without merit..."
Just as Seranthir was feeling a bit smug and the other dragons were in disbelief, Friel's tone shifted.
"But I must ask you a question. If the guardian of your Dragon Island, that Ancient Gold Dragon, violated the rules and refused to accept punishment, would you forcibly punish him?"
As soon as Friel said this, the surrounding atmosphere visibly grew oppressive.
Friel's question hit the nail on the head. Her mouth split into a wide, malicious grin, and instead of backing down, she pressed further.
"No answer? Then let me ask another. If the seven Ancient Gold Dragons under the Platinum Dragon God made a mistake, or if the Dragon God himself made a mistake, would you still hold them accountable?"
The atmosphere was incredibly heavy, with lightning element particles flickering in and out of existence.
Jona Velli also prepared herself to intervene at any moment.
Right then, a saving grace of a voice arrived, breaking the oppressive atmosphere.
"You unfilial son! How dare you steal food from your old man?! Give it here!"
The dragons turned their gaze and found Harmody pinning Gris down, trying to snatch the large ham hock held in his hand.
Gris held his arm out as far as possible while using his other hand to constantly push against Harmody's chest.
"Survival of the fittest! Whoever is stronger gets it! That's the iron law of nature!"
Gris was still talking back stubbornly.
"You brat! Who the hell would've thought you'd snatch my ham hock right now!!"
"What do you know! This is called the element of surprise!!"
"Give it back!"
"No!!"
...Watching this comical father-son duo, Jona Velli couldn't help but facepalm, but fortunately, the atmosphere had finally softened quite a bit.
A long sigh was heard.
"Sigh—"
"Putting it that way, your point isn't entirely without merit. Although your intent to attack was very obvious, there is a basis for it."
"However, I believe the Dragon God is wise, and our leaders would not do anything foolish."
Seranthir's response was outside Friel's expectations. Friel set aside her arrogance and began to seriously size up this Bronze Dragon.
"Interesting..."
One must know that for a Metallic Dragon, facing the questioning and provocation of a Chromatic Dragon was almost intolerable.
Yet the one before her viewed things very... objectively?
"Alright, everyone, let's not let a small interlude ruin our friendship."
"Come, keep drinking, keep eating."
Jona Velli beckoned everyone to start their meal.
Although what just happened had dampened their appetites, the delicacies made by Kelu managed to forcibly seize their fading taste buds.
It was clear that his culinary skills were extraordinary.
While everyone was eating, Jona Velli secretly instructed Medusa to bring up some wine.
Seeing Medusa leave and the expectant glint in Jona Velli's eyes, Friel understood. She gave her a dissatisfied glare and whispered in her ear.
"Didn't I say you're not allowed to drink? You're still doing this, what do you mean by it..."
Jona Velli glanced sideways, the corners of her mouth curling slightly. Her delicate face suddenly leaned in close, showing a mischievous smile.
"Ara ara~ small fry Friel, are you... worried about me?"
Friel, whose intentions had been exposed, froze for a moment before stubbornly retorting.
"As if! Stop being so narcissistic. Go ahead and drink your wine; it'd be best if you drank yourself to death!"
Friel turned her head away, stabbed a piece of beef, and took a vengeful, hard bite, tearing at it as if it were some person who had made her upset.
"That's what you said, no taking it back~"
Hearing Jona Velli's smug tone, Friel deliberately avoided looking at her, instead turning her frustration into an appetite.
Soon, a group of personal maids arrived at the round table carrying wine vessels and fine wine.
They served the drinks to the dragons one by one.
*Sniff sniff—*
Hmm!
Ailar sniffed the wine. The mellow aroma of the alcohol drifted into her mind, making her eyes widen.
"Is... is this actually wine?!"
Jona Velli raised her glass toward the other dragons.
"Of course. This is wine produced right here in our White Crystal City. It's not something those inferior products outside can compare to."
"As the saying goes, those who come from afar are all guests."
"As the host, it's only natural to bring out the best food and drink to entertain you guests, wouldn't you agree?"
Seranthir narrowed his eyes, his bright green pupils trying to see through Jona Velli.
"This is merely human etiquette. For a Chromatic Dragon like you to do these things, are you just that bored?"
Hearing Seranthir's words, Jona Velli gave a calm smile.
"When one is bored, one must always find something to do."
"Fine then, thank you."
Seranthir tilted his head back and downed it. With him taking the lead, the other dragons were no longer reserved and began to drink one after another.
As for little Fenni? Alcohol wasn't suitable for her, so she could only drink orange juice.
Originally, Seranthir hadn't thought much of it, as he had tasted no small number of human foods and drinks.
Even the wines they called 'exquisite delicacies,' he always felt were lacking something, to the point where he wasn't very interested in this so-called fine wine.
But! This wine was different.
It was delicious, it was beautiful!
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