I really am…still not able to do it?

The most noble present was Alice.
She had the highest chance of taming the Imperial Winged Dragon.

But none of this mattered to Black anymore.

After defeating Seth—his mission was complete. Time to rest.

With Alice’s permission—Black became a proper spectator, eating and watching drama unfold.

Participants in the Dragon Duel? Far more than Literary or Martial Duels.

After all—the Imperial Winged Dragon was too tempting.

The rules were simple: Just attempt a spirit energy link.
No elaborate combat—maybe luck would make the dragon favor you?

Everyone clung to that hope.

Yet reality was cruel.

Two hours later—

All dozens who tried had failed.
As soon as they initiated the link—the Imperial Winged Dragon hissed at them like an angry hamster.

Since rules dictated lower-status nobles first—this was Empress Elizabeth’s affirmative policy.

But these nobles were wiped out.

When Counts and Dukes’ children tried—the dragon’s resistance weakened slightly.

One exception? Fat Lily—Elaina’s “sister“—flashing a greasy smile, trying to look friendly.

Unaware—she looked like a child trafficker.

The dragon’s resistance was extreme—back arched, nearly turning into a spiked-back dinosaur.
If not for the cage—it’d have torn Lily apart.

Lily screamed like a pig—making Black laugh uncontrollably.

In the end—most Duke and Count heirs still failed.

Then came Elaina.

This little bunny/gourmand gently initiated a magic link with the dragon.

Rarely—the dragon didn’t resist. Didn’t hiss.

But unsurprisingly—she failed.

The reason? Absurd. The dragon simply ignored her.
Lazily lying in the cage—didn’t even glance at Elaina.

The bunny left with a pouty face.

Black smiled. To him—Elaina failed because her presence was too weak—the dragon didn’t even bother to hiss.

Next closest to success? Krystin.

As Saintess of the Church of Creation—her status and talent rivaled Alice and her sisters.

The dragon didn’t hiss at her.
When she released magic—it accepted.

But at 80% link progress—the dragon abruptly cut it off, shaking its head at Krystin.
Like saying: “You’re not good enough.”

Krystin was shocked. Used to success—now rejected by a hatchling.

Unwilling to accept—she even asked Black for answers.
Surely the all-knowing Black knew something?

But his answer left her speechless.

“Because you’re too gentle… too pure.”

Black casually finished his wine.

This wasn’t random.

In Dragonblood’s pet lore—the Imperial Winged Dragon disliked weak, kind, pure individuals.

It preferred strong, domineering, cunning people.

If Jiaye the fate-blessed protagonist were here—the dragon might turn from hamster to lapdog.

Besides Jiaye—only Alice and Seth had chances.

Seth was already eliminated.

So truly—only Princess Alice remained.

Thus—when Alice stepped forward—Black put down his glass—watching intently.

He wondered—if Jiaye were absent—could Alice succeed?

Alice approached slowly—stood before the cage—eyes locked on the defiant golden dragon.

Her expression? Serious. Stubborn.

She silently vowed: I must tame this dragon.

The dragon’s traits made it ideal for Swordsmen.
Taming it could greatly compensate for her sword talent flaws.

Then—she could catch up to First Princess Afra.
No longer be looked down upon by other royals.

More importantly—her mother, Elizabeth, would focus more on her.

So—to Alice—this dragon was crucial.

She bit her lip—extended a pale hand—using the royal method taught by court instructors.

Spirit energy threads formed at her fingertips—offering a link invitation with imperial pride.

“By the name of Alice von August!”
“Submit to me!”

Her voice—cold, authoritative.
“You shall gain royal-level glory!”

The dragon tilted its head—clearly interested.
Golden pupils fixed on the girl—assessing her worth.

The spirit link began.

At first—smooth.
Alice’s energy flowed into the dragon’s mind—no resistance.
Even partial acceptance—progress surged: 30%, 50%, 70%…

The audience held their breath.

But at 90%—progress slowed sharply.

Finally stuck at 99%.
Not advancing a single percent.

Black watched quietly—deep in thought.

Then—as if remembering—he suddenly said:

“Your Highness has failed.”

Karina and Krystin stared—shocked.

“Why?”

Krystin didn’t understand. At 99%—why did Black claim failure?
Among all present—Alice had the best chance.
If even she couldn’t—then who could?

“Hmph…”

Seeing progress frozen—Alice grew urgent.
She must not fail.

Eyes sharpening—she increased energy flow, ignoring whether the hatchling could handle it.

The sudden surge made the dragon tremble violently—golden pupils contracting!

“ROAR—!”

It shook its head—letting out a dissatisfied growl—the spirit thread snapping instantly!

Alice’s face paled!

The dragon was clearly enraged—stepped back, golden wings spreading—bared fangs!

Even launched wind blade attacks!

At such close range—if not for the sturdy cage—Alice would’ve been in danger.

Everyone was shocked.

They never expected the princess to fail—and provoke the dragon’s hatred.

“Filthy beast—daring to disrespect the princess!”

Duke Gran—usually calm—was rarely alarmed.
If Alice got hurt—Empress Elizabeth would blame him.

Alice clenched her teeth—face dark.

She had no idea what went wrong.
She perfectly replicated the court textbook method.

Why did it stall at 99%?

“…Am I… still not good enough?”