Chapter: 642
I successfully persuaded the dragon who sought eternal rest.
Although it was a conditional declaration to postpone my intentions until my death, the fact that someone who declared eternal rest momentarily reconsidered is positive. That fleeting moment could spark a renewed will to live.
“Well done, Judicial Minister.”
When I reported this, the Emperor let out a small sigh. It was filled with relief more than confusion or frustration.
“The great elder of the Imperial Family personally requested this of you. They said it wasn’t necessary to overexert yourself, but how could one approach it lightly?”
“That’s true. Moreover, the person Lord sent to persuade was someone who greatly contributed to the founding of our Empire.”
“Exactly. If such a person chooses eternal rest, I can’t possibly lift my head as the Emperor.”
I nodded in understanding of the Emperor’s feelings.
The dragons oppressed by the Apels supporting the Krasius Empire and the Livnoman Imperial Family were effectively proof that destiny had shifted from the Apels to the Krasius realm. Thus, past emperors of Krasius made every effort for the dragons to live comfortably for three hundred years.
But now, for the first time since the Empire’s founding, a dragon had died? And chose eternal rest of its own volition?
‘There’s bound to be backstory here.’
If the dragon chose eternal rest on its own, there must be a significant reason behind it, and speculation would surely run rampant. Discussions about disappointment in the fallen Empire or grievances with the royal family would have flourished.
However, by persuading the black dragon, I was able to prevent such a catastrophe. From the Emperor’s perspective, he had fulfilled the request of the elder of the Imperial Family while also preserving the face of both the Empire and the royal family.
“You did a tremendous job, Judicial Minister. Thank you.”
“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”
This time, I subtly bowed my head as the Emperor patted my shoulder in commendation.
In truth, I was quite lucky with this persuasion. While the black dragon praised my eloquence, upon closer inspection, my arguments were more emotional appeals than anything meticulously crafted. If the other party’s heart had been firmly closed, my words would have been dismissed with a casual ‘So what?’
Thus, the black dragon’s acquiescence was not my doing. It was due to the speck of longing that the dragon inherently possessed.
‘If he truly let go of everything, he wouldn’t have cared for the rabbits.’
The rabbits who had clustered together in the cave. They were the black dragon’s lingering feelings and represented a new pillar that could possibly fill the empty void left behind.
Of course, one could argue that the rabbits remained in the cave only because the dragon paid them no attention. However, in the ecological pyramid, a rabbit is a mere prey, existing far at the bottom. It wouldn’t make sense for such prey to coexist with a massive dragon. Even if the dragon remained still, the rabbits must have felt terrified and avoided coming near.
If the rabbits were in the cave, it meant that, knowingly or unknowingly, the dragon had been caring for them. Even a terrifying dragon could be a good master if it takes care of them.
‘A small spark can engulf mountains in flames.’
So, I showed the black dragon this spark. I suggested that if he was paying attention to such small and insignificant rabbits, he might also make new connections. He could establish new pillars.
He had not given up on everything yet and still possessed small emotions and connections.
‘Did the rabbits save him?’
I nearly burst out laughing at the thought. The concern of the Dragon Lord and the Emperor’s unease over the dragon’s eternal rest scenario resolved by mere rabbits seemed truly incredible.
Thank you, cave rabbits. Even when your time is up, I will remember you.
“Oh, Judicial Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. What is it?”
“When the Lord hears this news, he’ll be overjoyed. How about you personally tell him of your accomplishments?”
“…What?”
I stared blankly, my mind going blank due to the sudden drift.
What do you mean? Me, say it myself? I hadn’t even recovered from the shock of the one-on-one meeting with the dragon who wishes to rest!
“Do you perhaps know if the Lord will bestow any gifts, like nails or scales from the dragon?”
I don’t need that. The black dragon’s scale is already proudly displayed in the mansion’s storage.
“I am truly honored, Your Majesty, but to stand before someone of such stature for my small achievement feels too shameful—”
“The Lord will want to see the minister who saved his friend in person. I’ll likely accompany you when that time comes.”
“It would be an honor to be a small source of joy for him.”
If I don’t go now, my only option would be to accompany the Emperor later!
Imagining that horrid situation was enough for me to choose to go now. It would be easier to meet just the Dragon Lord than face the Emperor too.
‘Damn it.’
Suddenly, feelings of sorrow struck me. I never expected to meet another dragon instead of the Lord. I certainly didn’t anticipate seeing the Lord before the Crown Princess’s enthronement again.
Is there anyone else in the history of the Empire like me?
I moved to the cave where the Dragon Lord resided.
The last time I visited, it felt like I was tagging along with the Emperor and the Vice Captain, but this time visiting alone came with considerable pressure. Interacting with the Emperor was exhausting, but meeting the elder of the Imperial Family? That would be even more taxing.
“Welcome, I’ve been waiting for you.”
As soon as I stepped into the cave, the Lord’s voice echoed.
“I’ve already heard from Atelius. Your persuasion moved him to reconsider eternal rest.”
“How could that be my merit? He probably changed his mind when he understood the Lord’s concern for a friend.”
I reflexively expressed modesty at the warm voice.
By the way, so the black dragon’s name is Atelius. Come to think of it, I revealed my name but didn’t know his until now.
“Don’t say such things. I did not stir the heart of my friend; he was saved solely by your power.”
Then, from the darkness of the cave, a golden hand suddenly emerged.
“Come up here. I want to see you closely.”
“…It’s an honor.”
I was momentarily taken aback by the request to climb into his palm, but I regained my composure and carefully stepped forward. After all, we were already having a private meeting; what’s a hand, right?
“Hoho…”
As he lifted me up close, the Lord let out a soft chuckle.
“It’s remarkable. Gilbert came with you, so I knew of your abilities, but I never anticipated you’d sway the dragon’s resolve with human strength.”
“It was only possible because there was a small ember in Atelius’s heart. Without that spark, how could I persuade a dragon who’s lived for thousands of years?”
“Spark, you say.”
At my words, the Lord gently closed his eyes.
“Dear black one, if you don’t mind, could you share the events that transpired with Atelius?”
With the warmly curved eyes and violet gaze welcoming me, I nodded eagerly.
“Of course.”
It seemed genuinely joyful that his friend had postponed eternal rest.
The Lord listened quietly without interjection as I conveyed my account.
How Atelius tried to dig his claws into me as soon as he saw me. How I shared my story before persuading Atelius. How I drew on his emotions by mentioning his family. How I revealed the ember he himself didn’t know existed.
Lastly, we got to how a dragon who’d lived a hundred years in emptiness was merely tending to rabbits.
“Rabbits, he was tending to rabbits…”
The rosy surprise in the Lord’s voice repeated the word ‘rabbits’ as he chuckled repeatedly.
“I’m astonished again! That Atelius, caring for rabbits…”
“It was quite the sight. I never thought a dragon could coexist so closely with creatures so small compared to him.”
“I never would have imagined either. Who would have guessed that Atelius, once deemed a horrific dragon, possessed such a side?”
I almost nodded reflexively but then felt a peculiar sense on what was said.
‘Horrific dragon?’
It seemed like something significant had just slipped past me.
“You’ve never heard this story before, have you?”
Noticeably catching the slight disturbance in my expression, the Lord continued with a smile still adorning his face.
“I heard from my mother that Atelius was termed a horrific dragon before the founding. His rage over losing his family was something even the Apels couldn’t bear.”
“Is that so?”
That made me smirk bitterly.
To treat a husband, who lost his wife and child, as a monster? Why is it that when tales of monstrosities pop up in the continent’s history, most issues trace back to the Apels?
“Nevertheless, it seems he’s taken a liking to those small creatures. With time, things may change.”
The Lord, blinking as if lost in thought, cautiously continued.
“Dear black one, may I ask you for a favor?”
I was slightly taken aback by this unexpected request.
“Please do. If it’s for my friend, I’ll do my utmost.”
But I quickly gathered my composure and answered. I had already told Atelius that I’d drop by often, so why not accept a connection quest?
Atelius’s situation didn’t feel like a stranger to me.
*
Just a few days prior, I had sent the human child—Carl Krasius of Tailglehen—back.
“Carl.”
“…Yes, Elder.”
“What on earth is happening here?”
Yet, astonishingly, we met again after just a few days.
“Wow! Wowwwww!”
And in a rather odd manner.
A silver-haired little one gazed up at me in awe, while beside him, a starry-eyed black-haired child stood.
I couldn’t comprehend it. What on earth was going on?
“The Lord said… while bonding with small animals is delightful, it’s also great to converse with human children who have much longer lifespans…”
“Wow.”
I let out a sigh at Carl’s words. I never expected that following my decision to postpone eternal rest it would come to this.
‘Human children.’
I looked down at the two tiny human kids.
Sure, they were larger than rabbits, but still, they were so small they seemed like they’d snap if touched the wrong way.
“It seems these kids aren’t easily frightened even when looking at me.”
“These children are indeed extraordinary.”
Carl answered proudly at my remark.
From their responses, it looked like these were the offspring of that kid. They don’t appear to be ordinary, just like their father.
‘…The silver-haired child is a descendant of the Great Emperor.’
Upon closer inspection, the silver-haired child had violet eyes.
Whether Carl’s child or a descendant of the Great Emperor, they don’t seem to be of ordinary lineage.
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