@yldDavid - didn't the big dragon tell it straight? If you help a lot of people, there would be at least one or two girls who would fall in love with you. You'll get strength, money and fame too.
Sure, more serious or greedy people ask for rewards first, while more open-handed people help first and let the other side reward them as they see fit, but the end result doesn't change. Fantasy adventures are about using your strength and wisdom for other people.
@xyzzy - the dragon king talked him into that. And I guess getting another woman or two is a good way to forget your old love.
@themanj - I think that's just what the lord did. Except she has a catgirl friend who eats thugs for breakfast or something.