A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 101

Surprisingly, Yelin's ears were long and pointed.

'Is the Ishtar family an elven race?'

He had never heard in his previous life that the Ishtar family were descendants of the elven race.

Upon closer inspection, only a few members, including the family head and Yelin, had pointed ears.

Sieg had once had a companion from the Ishtar family in his previous life.

Through him, Sieg learned that the Ishtar family, like the Drakers, valued pureblood, and those with pureblood markings gained stronger power and could rise to key roles within the family.

He finally understood what the pureblood markings his companion mentioned were.

At that moment, when Jamila Ishtar, the family head, clapped her hands, a door opened, revealing an enormous steamer carted in.

The attendants placed the steamer in the center of the round table.

Inside, an unidentified red broth bubbled like lava.

The rising steam gave off an extraordinarily spicy scent.

"What is this?"

The dish from earlier had been incredibly mild, but the banquet food exuded such overwhelming spiciness that it was hard to handle.

Next to him, Carus was already pale just from the scent of the spicy air.

While Sieg inspected the food, the attendants carefully spooned the red soup and its contents from the steamer into bowls in front of them.

Jamila spoke again.

"Today is a joyous day permitted by the Law. Let everyone enjoy the heavenly taste bestowed by the Earth God."

At Jamila's words, the people of the Ishtar family, their faces full of anticipation, picked up their utensils and began eating the red soup and its contents.

"Whoo! Whoo!"

"Ssss!"

Everyone's faces were flushed as they ate the soup like they were entranced, sweating profusely.

Sieg and Carus watched them with peculiar expressions.

Then Yelin, beside him, gestured to Sieg to start eating.

As Sieg nodded and lifted his spoon, she too began eating the red soup with a satisfied expression.

Sieg, seeing the suspicious oil floating on the soup, decided to maintain his manners as a guest and brought a spoonful to his mouth.

"Whoa!"

His mouth felt like it was on fire, and even his throat burned.

The unprecedented shock of spiciness left Sieg speechless, while the Ishtar people mistakenly thought he was savoring the taste.

Sieg closed his eyes and quickly focused on his Healing Factor.

"Recover quickly. Recover."

Fortunately, the Healing Factor was effective against spiciness.

When Sieg opened his eyes, Ezgi, who was sitting nearby, looked at him in surprise.

"Are you okay?"

The soup was filled with 'Reaper Pepper'.

In Ishtar, Reaper Pepper was known as the blessing of the Earth God, but in other regions, it was called the devil's spice.

Seeing Ezgi and Yelin's curious faces, Sieg nodded calmly.

"The flavors and umami are excellent. It seems to be a dish that showcases the Ishtar family's long-standing tradition and history."

The Ishtar family all nodded in admiration at his words.

"Blessed by the Earth God."

"A young man who can truly appreciate the spiciness."

"Impressive."

Admiring Sieg's reaction, Ezgi added, "Impressive. From what I've read in the records, outsiders often show lack of respect while eating this blessed dish..."

"Cough! Sieg, this is poison!"

Ezgi looked at Carus, who was clasping his neck after trying the soup, with disdain.

"... The records mentioned reactions like that."

Without a word, Sieg pulled out a potion and poured it into Carus' mouth.

After rinsing his mouth with the potion for a long time, Carus finally regained his composure.

"Hah, Sieg... I almost died."

Ignoring Carus, who trembled at the sight of the red soup, Sieg took a deep breath and had another sip.

The searing sensation numbed his tongue, mouth, and throat.

'Why do they eat this at all?'

Nonetheless, Sieg continued to eat the soup, aiming to gain favor.

Without the Healing Factor, his throat might have already been swollen and ruined.

Once he grew accustomed to the spiciness, Sieg decided to make a decisive move.

"What is responsible for this spiciness? Is there more of it?"

At this, Jamila expressed surprise.

"I've never seen an outsider enjoy the taste of Reaper Pepper. Bring more Reaper Pepper for Sir Sieg."

An attendant brought a bottle filled with red powder to Sieg.

That small bottle, the size of a palm, was equivalent in value to a lump of gold.

Sieg generously added Reaper Pepper to the soup.

The horrendous red soup turned an even deeper shade of red.

The Ishtar family watched Sieg with pride as he finished the hellish soup that was spicier than theirs down to the last drop, wiping his mouth with a satisfied expression.

"It was truly an excellent banquet, Family Head."

Jamila, too, nodded and smiled with satisfaction at Sieg's words.

"You've demonstrated many admirable qualities, Sir Sieg. If only you were not a Draker, you would be perfect."

He thought only the Ishtar family would dare speak so openly against the Drakers.

As soon as the spotless steamer was whisked away by the attendants, a fragrant, clear tea was served.

For the first time that evening, Sieg genuinely savored the aroma of the tea, sipping it slowly.

Then the family head turned to Sieg.

"So, Sir Sieg, when is the wedding with Yelin scheduled?"

Sieg almost spat out his tea at the question.

"A wedding? What wedding?"

He strained his mind to understand Jamila Ishtar's cryptic words, replaying his actions in his head.

"The Ishtar Law contains nothing about marriage..."

Suddenly, Yelin sprang to her feet, vehemently signaling her objections to Jamila without speaking.

Looking at the rebellious Yelin, Jamila said, "Yelin! Are you planning to defy the Law? You clearly stated you would marry a man who could defeat you! Behave in a manner befitting the rightful successor of Ishtar!"

Listening to their conversation, Sieg finally understood the situation.

"Damn, so this wasn't just a guest reception but a test for a prospective son-in-law."

Moreover, Yelin was the rightful heir of the Ishtar family.

Sieg sensed that things were taking a complicated turn.

The reclusive Ishtar family had a tradition of turning any outsider marrying into the family into one of their own to prevent the dissemination of their secrets.

This was why the Ishtar family had remained a mysterious clan for so long.

As Yelin's silent resistance intensified, Jamila's voice also rose.

Realizing he might end up unable to use the portal, Sieg leisurely got to his feet.

"May I speak to you, Family Head, even at the risk of being rude?"

Sieg had a very favorable standing with the Ishtar family.

After calming down, Jamila nodded as she looked at Sieg.

"I'm sorry for showing such unseemly behavior in front of a guest."

Sieg addressed the family head, "Family Head, may I request to temporarily postpone the wedding with Miss Yelin?"

Jamila's eyebrows twitched at his words.

Despite Sieg's favorable standing, she, as the head of the dreaded Ishtar family, could easily eliminate Sieg without a trace.

Sieg spoke calmly to Jamila, "I'm not saying I won't get married. If I am to become one of the Ishtar family, I too must overcome a significant hurdle."

Jamila and the other elder members of the Ishtar family understood what Sieg meant by asking to postpone the wedding.

Sieg being a pureblood Drake meant Arthur Draker, the head of the Draker family, would not standby if he became a son-in-law of the Ishtar family.

Thinking of Arthur Draker, a tense atmosphere emerged among the Ishtar family members.

Jamila asked Sieg, "Are you saying you'll personally seek permission for the marriage from Arthur Draker?"

Sieg nodded, "It won't be easy, but I'll make it happen."

Jamila sighed deeply after pondering Sieg's words. "It's harder to send my daughter to marry than to eliminate a kingdom."

Sieg addressed Jamila, "Family Head, please activate the portal to the Central Continent so I can go to the Four Seasons Castle, report to the family head, and obtain permission for the marriage."

Currently, getting to the Central Continent quickly was the most important task.

After hearing Sieg's request, Jamila nodded, "Admirable, Sir Sieg. Your determination to risk your life for love is quite satisfying! A model for the young warriors of Ishtar."

"What's that supposed to mean..."

Jamila continued, "I can allow a postponement for two years, during which you must figure out how to convince Arthur Draker. Otherwise, the crows of Ishtar will come for you."

'Damn.'

The family head seemed to have no intention of reneging on the wedding issue.

Sieg calculated various scenarios.

Two years later, he would be several times stronger than he currently was.

By then, he could easily deal with Ishtar's assassins.

Sieg confidently spoke to Jamila, "I'll accomplish it, Family Head."

Pleased with Sieg's reply, Jamila, along with the rest of the elders, nodded in satisfaction.

Only Yelin, standing in the back, looked at Sieg with an inscrutable expression.

The Ishtar family was known for their fiery temperament.

They decided to open the portal for Sieg and his party immediately.

Sieg and Carus would take the portal, while Simon and Boris would stay behind and return south later.

Though Ishtar's portal terminal was small, its facilities rivaled those of the Central Continent.

Uniquely, Ishtar's portal required standing directly on the magic array rather than using a shuttle.

Carus, curious about Ishtar's portal, looked around it in awe.

Then, Yelin and Ezgi approached the magical array.

Ezgi stepped forward and spoke to Sieg, "Sir Sieg Draker, remember the family head's words well. Ishtar never makes idle remarks."

Essentially, she was reminding him to secure the marriage approval within two years.

Sieg nodded, then turned to Yelin to express his gratitude.

"I appreciate your assistance, Yelin Ishtar."

Yelin, lost in thought, stepped toward Sieg, holding his wrist to write something on his palm.

〈I'm sorry it has come to this, Sir Sieg. The wedding idea is not mine.〉

Understanding her message, Sieg nodded and whispered, "I understand. It seems marriage is not something Miss Yelin desires."

〈I dedicate my life to martial arts.〉

Sieg nodded again.

"I respect your wishes, miss Yelin."

Yelin seemed slightly taken aback.

Sieg was the first to seriously acknowledge her statement.

Woooooong!

At that moment, the portal began to activate.

Yelin attempted to write something more on Sieg's hand but refrained and stepped back.

Ezgi aimed one last caution at Sieg and Carus.

"I trust you understand the consequences of mentioning Ishtar to the outside world!"

Carus hiccupped at Ezgi's words, while Sieg nodded reassuringly.

As they stepped away from the magic array, the portal began to gradual operation.

The portal's destination was the Pannstars Terminal.

Sieg donned the helmet of his Meteoric Iron armor and steadied his breath.

Woooooong!

As the portal opened, Sieg and Carus were enveloped in light.

Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!

They felt as if they were being sucked into an unfathomable vortex.

Their heads spun.

Flaaash!

The blinding light receded.

Sieg opened his eyes first.

Looking around, he discerned a Central Continent terminal structure, distinct from Ishtar's.

Next to him, Carus seemed light-headed, vomiting on the magic array.

"Ugh!"

Watching Carus retching, Sieg suddenly sensed something unusual around the shuttle section.

"What is this?"

Then, knights hidden around the shuttle area emerged, revealing themselves.

Among them stood a knight wearing a Draker uniform.

A knight with flaming red hair.

The Knight of Madness.

Abel Draker.