Chapter: 727
A great sword was sent to celebrate Rutis and Perosa’s engagement.
I thought about writing something standard like “Wishing you health and harmony,” but I already used that greeting for Alice. If I’m going to give a gift, it should be something noteworthy, something that makes them appreciate it to the extreme. I mean, what’s worse than giving a gift only for the recipient to mumble about it behind my back?
So, I scribbled down something fancy. You know, some pompous phrases about honor and righteousness. Honestly, I didn’t get serious; it was more like “Here, eat this!”
And honor, righteousness—those are essential for humans, right? I really do hope Rutis becomes a fine human after receiving this gift.
“The sword sent by the Minister has been designated a national treasure and is currently stored in the sword hall.”
“Huh?”
But the impact of my scribbles was better than I expected.
“Critics praised it for succinctly capturing the values a knight should pursue. Even King Armein directly expressed his gratitude, so it’s likely the other nobles will react similarly.”
I was left in a stupor by what I had just heard.
Fast action in designating it as a national treasure? The audacity to place a foreign noble’s sword among those of the local heroes? That’s not something a second-tier country should be flaunting.
‘What gives?’
It’s confusing. A line I wrote without a second thought actually worked?
Feeling aggrieved as my flippant words got praised unfairly was frustrating. My soul-infused names never get any respect.
Like, Rize’s first nickname, “Lu,” came from me saying, “Is it because she’s a good cook?” That’s horrendous! And Titi almost got the name “Beatrix” which even my wives ignored. My naming skills seem to boast an atrocious win rate.
‘Why does it have to be in situations like this?’
I never win when it matters, but end up winning the battles I don’t even care about. How infuriating!
“I think the Minister’s wording had a profound impact on the knights. As expected from the greatest swordmaster on the continent, he seems to understand the hearts of fellow warriors.”
“That’s very flattering.”
“Do deliver some inspiring words for our Empire’s knights next time, will you? If you only gift such lines to those from other countries, our knights will feel left out.”
Under the Emperor’s scrutinizing gaze, I lowered my head down.
I don’t think I’ll experience the same luck again anytime soon.
‘Why now?’
Thinking back, it still irked me. Only when I finally relaxed did something good come out of it. Since when have I become a Zen master or some spiritual guru?
This is definitely a realization in itself, but it’s not particularly delightful.
“Hmm.”
“…What’s wrong?”
“I was decent at speaking even as a child, but it seems I’ve improved even more since becoming a distinguished teacher. Is this the dignity that comes with a title?”
My fists trembled under the table at the Emperor’s words.
If that jerk had been a noble on my level, I would’ve punched him dozens of times a day.
*
After a long time, I decided to visit Atelius.
With the recent birth of the Crown Princess’s biological brother, her focus has shifted entirely to him, and coincidentally, Atelius decided to take a nap. So it had been a few months since I last saw him.
If either of them had missed a beat, the Crown Princess would’ve complained about wanting to see the dragon uncle, while Atelius would have moped around his cave. Thankfully, everything aligned perfectly.
“Hey, Uncle! Long time no see! How’ve you been!?”
“Yeah. You seem to be doing well too.”
From the Crown Princess’s perspective, it had been a long time—meanwhile, from Atelius’s side, it felt like we just reunited after he woke up.
Playing with an excited child right after waking up is a bit harsh, but Atelius is among the top-tier dragons. He can handle a kid’s energy just fine.
“Why are you here all alone today?”
“Pedi’s playing with his little brother at home!”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yup!”
At the lively response, Atelius’s mouth curved into a small smile before he reached out to the Crown Princess.
“Come here! Since you’re back, I’ll let you ride for a while.”
“Yay!”
Response to Atelius’s invitation had the Crown Princess rushing over to climb onto his hand.
Normally, our kids would be clambering all over him, but right now, it’s just her. It must feel exhilarating to monopolize that space.
“It’s spacious! I love it!”
“But isn’t it lonely when you’re by yourself? Next time, bring your siblings along.”
“Okay! I’ll bring Carlo too!”
“Carolus?”
Atelius tilted his head in confusion at the Crown Princess’s words.
Thinking about it, Atelius doesn’t know that a prince has been born. He probably fell asleep just before hearing the news and woke up straight into playtime with the Crown Princess.
“Cal. Has a descendant of the Great Emperor been born anew?”
“Yes, elder. He is the prince who was born right after you fell asleep.”
“How delightful! It’s such a pity I couldn’t congratulate him in person.”
I found my lips curling into a smile involuntarily.
Atelius, who once dreamed of eternal rest, is now joyous about the arrival of new life. It’s clear that he has moved on from desiring to perish and is embracing life.
I made a great decision by introducing Atelius to the children. If he could grow fond of wild rabbits, how would he feel about kids?
“Now that I’ve heard good news, I can’t just let it slide.”
Atelius said, plucking a scale from his empty hand.
“With this, you can make a garment for the prince.”
“Oh, yes! Thank you!”
What an astonishing sight—giving away dragon scales, which all nations on the continent covet, as if he were bestowing a fancy garment.
But I’ve received quite a few scales and claws from Atelius already. I’m starting to think it’s normal to be handed a scale on the spot.
‘This shouldn’t become a habit…’
Nothing’s scarier than accepting the abnormal as normal. From now on, if Atelius presents a gift, I’ll decline at least three times.
“Is this a gift for Carlo? Thank you, Uncle!”
The Crown Princess’s bright expression of gratitude made Atelius’s smile widen with pride.
This is bad. If I refuse three times, he’ll likely suggest four!
*
After the two visitors left, silence enveloped the cave once again.
In that silence, I turned my gaze to the nearby rabbits, who were looking up at me, ears perked.
Considering my size, I would seem scary—but they weren’t shying away. I felt a twitch of affection wanting to pet them, but I held back, knowing that I could accidentally crush them with a wrong move.
‘Should I transform into a human?’
For a moment, that thought struck, but I quickly brushed it aside.
Living in human form is exhausting. My wings and tail disappear, my vision narrows, and my body shrinks drastically—everything gets skewed. I wouldn’t want to do that, nor maintain it, unless absolutely necessary.
Thinking this way just proved how amazing the previous Dragon Lord was. How did they maintain such a form for so long?
‘Is it the power of love?’
The previous Lord’s partner, the Great Emperor. The Lord took a human form to share a connection with the Great Emperor.
Sure, for someone I loved, I might endure a bit of discomfort. Love is a significant emotion for beings living for eternity.
‘…I doubt I could do it even if told to now.’
In truth, I’ve forgotten how to transform due to not doing it for so long. I might remember if I tried recalling, but I’m not keen on putting in that effort.
I mean, the benefits of being big far outweigh the issues. The little kids who visit my cave adore my massive form. When I lift them high while they’re sitting in my hand, their joy is off the charts!
That’s enough. As long as there are people who cherish me, I should just stick with this form—and—
“Hmm?”
I felt an odd sensation and turned my head southeast.
In that instant, it was just a fleeting moment. If I were otherwise occupied, I wouldn’t have even noticed.
Yet, during that brief moment, I felt an unpleasant and sticky energy. It was a sensation so clear that I couldn’t chalk it up to a mere misunderstanding.
‘That energy feels oddly familiar.’
How strange. If I had experienced such energy even once, I would never forget it. Yet here I am, unable to recall it—am I really getting old?
Regardless, I went down memory lane. Southeast, discomfort, ugliness, stickiness… If I try to connect the dots, something should come to mind.
‘Southeast, huh.’
Focusing on the direction, the source of that energy lies roughly between the Empire and the Holy Kingdom…
‘Oh.’
As I added the clue of the Holy Kingdom, it all clicked into place.
That strange, unpleasant energy. Though I never want to feel it again, I’d shoved it out of my memory.
‘The Demon King!’
About 800 years ago, the being that shook the continent.
Dead but not deceased, leading those who defy death to attack the living. A grotesque monster who built up evil deeds until it was ultimately defeated by a band of heroes led by the saint of that time.
‘It’s unmistakable!’
It’s definitely the Demon King’s energy. It’s no coincidence that it’s southeast, as that’s where he was defeated, which means it has to be him.
‘But why?’
Soon, a fundamental question flooded my thoughts. I may not know the full details of the Demon King’s downfall, but I’ve heard that the saint thoroughly trampled and obliterated him. How could such a being awaken after 800 years?
It’s indeed a bizarre affair. For multiple gods to be resurrected, even the Demon King? The continent has been a hot mess lately.
‘Should I inform someone?’
Shaking my head while looking in the direction where the sword had vanished.
There’s no need to bring it up. The dragons have decided not to interfere in continental matters or human affairs anymore. Even if the Demon King resurges, that’s a problem for humans to solve. If I intervene, it would break the pact made with the previous Dragon Lord and the Great Emperor.
Besides, he’s already been defeated once. I find it hard to believe he could overcome humans now.
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