Chapter 201 - Ch. 201 The Dragon's Orb (2) (1/2)

Elena had already come this far, and she had no intention of retreating.

Once again she supported Sullivan’s frail body and they stepped into the secret space. Fortunately, the pain from her wound did not bother her severely.

Their footsteps echoed as they descended the gloomy underground passage. At the bottom of the steps, they arrived at a place that looked like a cross between a museum and a treasure vault. The walls were covered with eerie paintings and geometric patterns, and in the center of the room stood a statue of a dragon.

Elena took in her surroundings in awe.

“This is…”

Sullivan quietly finished her sentence with a remorseful expression.

“This is where the Ruford family’s secrets are kept.”

Elena’s eyes turned to the blue bead ring she was wearing. She wondered what massive secret this little ring could contain.

“What do you think of the ring?”

“I was told at a jewelry store that the gem was very unusual.”

“It’s not only that.”

There was a dark gleam in Sullivan’s eye, and when he spoke his voice was grave.

“It’s not just a bead…It’s called the Dragon’s Orb.”

“…!”

If Sullivan weren’t talking in such a serious tone, Elena would have thought that he was joking with her. She remembered something Carlisle had said before.

—My father believes that the blue bead ring I gave you is the Dragon’s Orb.

She thought it was absurd then, but the words “Dragon’s Orb” were embedded in her heart.

‘Is this bead really the Dragon’s Orb?’

She wasn’t easily convinced, and the ring was completely ordinary in all the years she kept it in her last life. Even if Sullivan’s words were true, there was no reason for Carlisle to give such an invaluable item to Elena when they were children.

As if sensing her doubt, Sullivan spoke again.

“You don’t believe it?”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t. To be honest…it’s so sudden that I don’t know how to process it.”

Sullivan nodded in sympathy.

“It is understandable. This is the first time you’ve heard a story like this. But listen to my words carefully; the power of the dragon has been passed down generation to generation in the Imperial Family, just as the myth says.”

Elena had already witnessed the transformation on Carlisle’s body, so she knew that was true. However, she couldn’t fully erase her skepticism.

“Then why don’t you speak of it? If the other kingdoms knew, they would be more afraid of the Ruford Empire.”

“That’s because not all the offspring have the dragon’s power. It is only manifested in a few select boys of the Imperial Family.”

“So when the dragon’s power was passed on to Carlisle…that meant…”

“Yes. That is why Carlisle was made the crown prince.”

If that was true, it explained how Carlisle, who showed no special outward signs, caught Sullivan’s eye and was made the heir to the throne.