I realize Dragonlord is supposed to be on hiatus until Monday, but…Valentine’s Day is here! So, this is just a little something for the occasion. Happy Valentine's Day!

  Ep 193.5 (Extra). Midnight Tales

  Under a dim firelight, Serenis’ thumb lightly scraped against an opened letter in her hand.

  For the past few days, reading through the crusty parts had bee a staple pastime.

  Most were letters written by Vulka himself turies ago – though, unlike what one may normally expect, they were never meant to be received.

  After all, he was writing to someohought to have passed away.

  Some were aplishments he’d wao boast to his mother; some were regretful aowledgements of things he’d done wrong; some were simple fessions of how difficult had been, proteg and nurturing the kin all on his own.

  Despite the occasional smile on her lips, Serenis wore a bittersweet expression through most of her readings. Even in her son’s happiest moments, a rge part of her dreaded the fact that she hadn’t bee to share the moments with her child.

  But as the night deepened, an ued guest knocked on the windowsill outside to draw the dragonlord’s attention away.

  “Serenis!”

  As Serenis lifted her gaze, she could soon spot Light standing outside the window: one hand knog on the gss surface, the other holding a rge paper bag filled with food.

  Of course, the food didly seem to be anythihy; as far as Serenis was ed, that entire bag was filled from top to bottom with donuts.

  Still, the dragonlord heless put the dot in her hand back down, rising from her seat to greet the half properly at the door.

  “…Light. I wasn’t expeg you today…Karas isn’t with you?”

  “Nope! Just me today. Is your brother home?”

  “Patrick’s been gone for a while.”

  “…Yeah, I kinda figured. Thought I’d ask anyways. Out with that other officer, I bet.”

  “…?”

  As Serenis quizzically stared at the half, Light soon mirrored the dragonlord’s expression – but after a few seds, the half quickly realized what the fusion was.

  “Wait a sec. You don’t know what day it is, do you?”

  “…A Sunday?”

  “No, it’s- well, actually, it is a Sunday, yeah. But it’s also Lover’s Day!”

  As Light excitedly answered back, Serenis’ mind snapped back to all the humming she’d heard from Patrick throughout the week.

  “Ah, so that was today…Patrick has been singing about it all week. I suppose that will finally e to an end.”

  “Wait, he was singing about it? Why would he…”

  Light never did finish asking her question. As soon as realization dawned over her, the half rolled her eyes, shaking her head at her own slowness.

  “…Never mind, stupid question. I e in?”

  “?...Of course. Make yourself fortable.”

  By now, unannounced visits from Light and Karas had bee almost ordinary – the two often dropped by to share dinners, tell stories, and quite often, attempt at persuading Patrito helping out at the renewed institute.

  Though, the st bit mostly ed Karas exclusively; Light was usually just tagging along with her professor to share a diable with others. Like today.

  As the half enthusiastically sat herself on the living room area to drop the bag of donuts onto the table, Serenis curiously gnced out the door before closing it, turnitention back to Light. With only a small ember by the firepce lighting aire household, Light’s figure was barely visible.

  “Is it too dark for you? You’re wele to turn the ceiling lights ba.”

  “No, that’s okay! This is perfect.”

  …For what the half had in mind, anyways. The ambience was rather helpful in that regard.

  Not that Serenis knew what Light was thinking.

  “It’s rather rare to see you alone. I assume Karas is otherwise occupied?”

  “Eugh…yep. Professor’s been w all the admin stuff to reopen the institute. Usually I’d help, but I really didn’t want to spend a Sunday doing papers…and a special Sunday at that! Might as well do somethied to it.”

  “…I apologize if you were expeg Patrick here. sidering how the day’s named, I don’t see how spending it with me would be of any help.”

  Light beamed back a ile at Serenis’ ahe half then wiggled one finger left and right, clig her to her friend.

  “Tsk tsk tsk, sure it will. You’re not busy, right?”

  “Not…particurly?”

  “Great! Then you tell me what your love life was like.”

  “…No.”

  “...e on, please? If you want, you have some donuts too?”

  “…”

  With a resigning sigh, Serenis seated herself beside the half.

  Frankly fht, it was either this or spend the day by herself – which really just meant she’d be sulking at home alone all day. With both Karas and Ilias gohe half had little option in terms of pany. It was something Serenis had grown painfully aware of since leaving Ilias at Dragon’s Valley.

  And so, after a short pause, the dragonlord began to speak.

  “…What would you like to hear?”

  “Anything, really! I mean, you did have a husband, right?”

  “I did, yes.”

  “Then…maybe how you two met? Or how you fell in love? Wait wait wait, actually, how you two got married! Tell me that one!”

  Serenis’ eyes wide the request.

  Momentarily lost for words, the dragonlord looked away instead of answering the enthusiastic half before her; despite her minute of ption, it seemed impossible to tell the tale without revealing information she’d rather not.

  And in the end, she quietly admitted to her thoughts.

  “That’s…not particurly an endearing tale. It’s a rather embarrassing one…wouldn’t you rather hear something else?”

  With a widening smile, Light rapidly shook her head. A donut was already pced between her lips, swinging side to side with the mouth holding it.

  A muffled answer soon followed afterwards.

  “That’s what I’m ting on. Spill.”

  ? ? ?

  Serenis still vividly remembered the locations she’d frequented in her past life: the valley’s caverns that her kin had once used as homes, the clearing she’d ofteo sleep in peace, the beach she’d found her missing daughter at with Kedor.

  But etched most deeply in her mind was the interior of a crude, wooden household.

  “…Serenis.”

  The hearth’s fire was always crag – mostly because she’d never awoke before it was alit. She’d often awake underh sed and third yers of bhat had been pulled over her ht, feeling a gentle pull on one of her cheeks.

  “…Serenis!”

  “…”

  More often than not, she’d purposefully remain still to indulge in the warm touch. She’d keep her eyes close and pretend to be asleep, if only to hear the familiar voice calling her name aime.

  “Serenis! Rise and shine, your majesty!”

  “…Mnn.”

  Though, eventually, she would open her eyes in time; after all, she couldn’t see his face while pretending to be asleep.

  As the dragonlord stirred from her bed – or rather, his bed, inside his house, within his vilge – Adam let out his usual m sigh, apanied by a small ughter.

  ‘Seems like yesterday when she was just a big old lizard in the middle of nowhere…’

  Now, he was waking the same lizard from a bed inside his own home.

  Admittedly, Serenis had maintained a humanlike form for years now: ever since she’d morphed herself to apany Adam to his vilge, she’d remaihis way ever si’d allowed the vilgers to accept her presence more easily, and for Adam’s bed to support the dragonlord’s weight.

  As Serenis zily squirmed within her bs, her eyes would gradually open – though only halfway.

  And, as amusing as it was to observe the half-asleep dragonlord, Adam couldn’t help but nag at her Serenis about her m ritual…or ck thereof.

  “Haha, how much longer do you expect me to do this? I ’t wake you up every m. Sooner or ter, you’ll have to get up on your own.”

  “…”

  Before, it would’ve been unthinkable for a human to disturb the lord ons in her sleep; in fact, a decade prior and she may have elected to swat him aside like a bug.

  But with her body no longer ag as it had before – which, acc to Adam, artially from spending too much time curled up asleep – Serenis was finding it harder and harder tue against the healer’s words.

  And so, with half-closed eyes and a faint smile on her lips, the dragonlord began to answer him in a half-asleep voice.

  “…How e?”

  “? How e what?”

  “How e you ’t wake me up every m? I don’t see a problem with our current arra.”

  “…A…uh…?”

  For a moment, Adam’s brain gged behind as he failed to form a coherent reply.

  There were a number of things wrong with their current arra: for starters, a demonlord was living within a human household, inside a human vilge. The house owner was waking her every single m. A mere human was treating the lord ons like he would a close friend.

  And, most importantly – they’d spent years like this without ever discussing what this arra even was. What initially began as a friendly home invitation quickly became a start of cohabitation.

  …Though, her of them had seriously pined about how things had bee.

  Then, Serenis swiftly reached out with one hand, pulling Adam right down into her bedside before he could actually return his answer.

  “If you’ve grown tired of stirring me awake, then perhaps it’s time you sleep at my side instead.”

  “S, Serenis! The sun’s risen!”

  “I don’t see what the problem is.”

  “…Mirha’s son is still sick. I have to go see him for a while, at least.”

  “…”

  Serenis’ first rea ursing her lips in disappoi.

  She knew her partner had to leave; after spending years in a vilge, even a dragon was wont to grow versed with the life here.

  As it turned out, Adam had been the only one healer in his entire vilge; if anyone was injured or sick, then he’d be occupied for the day. Naturally, it quickly became apparent that the only days Serenis could keep Adam to herself was when absolutely no one was reatment.

  To achieve this, the dragonlord had made every effort to keep vilgers well: she’d prevented floods, protected them from wild beasts, and even removed snow when it piled too high during the winter months.

  But despite her efforts, there really wasn’t much she could do about a little child’s fever.

  “…Fine…”

  After a relut answer, Serenis forced herself to let go of her partner’s warmth.

  After slipping out of bed, Adam beamed ba apologetic smile. He then pulled on the ends of Serenis’ lips, curving it into a half-forced smile.

  “Don’t be too glum. I’ll be back as soon as I .”

  “…”

  Relutly, Serenis forced her eyes to remain open, nodding back at the leaving healer.

  Adam briskly turo leave for his work with a sheepish smile on his face. Another few minutes of watg Serenis squirming in bed, and even he would start wanting to stay home.

  After a short farewell, the healer headed outside – but even on his way to treat his patient, he tio hum a soft tuo himself.

  A sight that someone wasly pleased about.

  A few minutes passed in silence as they watched Adam leave from outside. With crossed arms and displeased eyes, the individual shook his head in disappoi several times.

  And when the healer finally disappeared from sight, they headed io see their daughter.

  ? ? ?

  Despite still squirming in bed, Serenis wasly asleep – partially because Adam had told her not to sleep so much, partially because she didn’t want to be asleep when he’d return.

  But when she heard the door creak back open after only a few minutes, her head immediately shot up to look towards the entrance.

  “Adam? Did you fet something?”

  “Probably not.”

  “…?”

  It didn’t take very long for the smile on Serenis’ lips to wither away.

  In fact, for the first time in a very long while, the dragonlord’s expression twisted into a visible frown.

  A white-robed figure soon stepped into the household, closing the door behind them as if it were their own pce. His questioning gaze turned left and right as he studied the pce he’d e to, and his own frown deepened further wheiced his eldest daughter squirming in bed, ed within a human’s sheets and bs.

  “What is this pce? Serenis, what are you-“

  The voice was quickly cut off as Serenis summoned her tail to swing across the air. It soon buried itself into the newer with an explosive thud, making a visible dent across his lean face.

  Unfortunately, he merely stood there with the tail across his visage – unmoving, and seemingly unhurt.

  “…”

  “…”

  Even with his face caved in, the First only shook his head.

  And when Serenis’ tail finally parted from his skin, he quickly – and literally – molded his face back to shape.

  “…Serenis. What are you doing in a human vilge?”

  “I live here now.”

  “At a human’s house?”

  “It’s better than the kin’s caverns and dungeons.”

  “…”

  After a long sigh, the First stepped closer to the bedside, ripping the sheets away from his daughter.

  “Serenis. Do you realize just how much time you’ve wasted? This is not what I meant when I told you to find a mate.”

  “…”

  With anger and annoyance written all over her face, Serenis arose halfway to gre into her father’s gaze.

  While he may have been displeased, she was furious; had it been literally anyone else, she would’ve thrown them halfway across the ti.

  “…Kedor hasn’t sired childreher. Go bother him instead.”

  “Do you not realize that’s only because you tinue refusing him? How many times do you think he’s asked you to be his partner?”

  “I don’t keep t of useless things.”

  “…To this day, he climbs onto nd at least once every moon to see you. What more do you need?”

  “Adam sees me every day of the year.”

  “…”

  The First shot a brief look towards the door. It wasn’t difficult to guess whose name his daughter was referring to.

  “You’re the lord of a demon tribe, Serenis. You’ve only a single opportunity to bond with another soul. For you to choose a human as your mate is beyond ridiculous – what you’re doing is inviting a lifetime ret for the sake of a fleeting toy.”

  “…He’s not a toy. You asked me to find someoo love, and I did as you said.”

  “Really? And you think he sees you as you see him?”

  “…What?”

  “You are a demon, Serenis. A lord of their tribe at that. Humans see you in fear and pt, not love.”

  “…”

  “Learn your pce.”

  Scoffing at the dragonlord’s attitude, the First quickly turned away, dismissively waving his hand.

  “In one week, Kedor will be here to escort you to the Summit – where you two will be holding your bonding ceremony. Be thankful he’s willing to e this far for your sake.”

  Hearing the First’s sudden, ued annou, the dragonlord returned a bewildered look at her father.

  “…Bonding ceremony? Are you out of your mind?!”

  “No.”

  “…I didn’t agree to any of this. I’m not going.”

  Hearing his daughter’s adamant refusal, the First turned his head to let out an exasperated sigh at his daughter.

  “Serenis. It’s been a thousand years since I’ve told you to find yourself a mate, and all you’ve aplished is finding a oy. You’ve wasted more than enough time.”

  “…Even if what you say is true, what difference does a thousand years make? her of us are bound by time. You never even cared to rush things before.”

  “It may not us per se – but in your prolonged absence, do you realize how much your own kin’s grown to distrust you?”

  “…”

  “You’ve hardly done anything for the dragonkin. Every single day, I receive pints about how they’d prefer having ao succeed your position.”

  “…I don’t pn on having a successor.”

  “And that’s exactly why they’re ing to me. It certainly doesn’t help that you ell your kin where yoing.”

  “…”

  In all fairness, Serenis had dohat on purpose; otherwise, her kin would keep waking her in the middle of her slumber.

  Though, Adam did end up doing the same anyways…but in a better way.

  “Even should you not desire a successor, any children you bear will be a great asset to your kin. Moreover, you are one of the first lords – it’s time that you bore children of your own. You and Kedor both.”

  “…That’s ridiculous.”

  Unfortunately, the First had no mind to agree with his daughter.

  “…One week, Serenis. I expect you to be ready by then.”

  “Wait, I-“

  As the divinity swiftly disappeared into the rift he’d opened behind him, Serenis bnkly stared into the air. She balled both her hands into a tight fist, shaking in her seething anger.

  Her father’s words were nothing short of infuriating. But ohing in particur was angering her far more than anything else.

  - ‘And you think he sees you as you see him?’

  When the First had asked the question, she hadn’t been able to answer with a definitive “yes.”

  She didn’t know. She thought she knew, but she’d never mustered the ce to hear an answer from Adam.

  …And, truth be told, it was one of the few things she was scared of finding out.

  ? ? ?

  Adam really didn’t expect much to have ged when he’d arrived at Mirha’s house: he expected the son to still be resting or asleep, and Mirha to be watg over her child, just like they had been the day before.

  Instead, Adam arrived to see her son running arouhier than ever. Mirha herself seemed delighted by the apparent miracle.

  And stly, a white-robed stranger was standing amongst them, turning to face Adam in silence.

  Uo uand what he was seeing, Adam quickly turo address his friend.

  “…Mirha? What’s going on?”

  “Oh, Adam! You won’t believe it – this gentleman wove his hand once, and my boy was better in moments!”

  “…?? That’s…great?”

  In the fusing, awkward celebration, Adam finally turo meet the stranger’s gaze.

  And with a resolute nod, the man briefly turo Mirha to excuse himself out.

  “I’ll be on my way, then. I’ve matters to discuss with…’Adam.’”

  “Oh, yes, of course! Thank you so much again!”

  “My pleasure.”

  As the robed figure approached him, Adam could now see just how strahe man before him seemed to be – they were dressed in white from head to toe, and their gleaming white hair didly help make things seem any more natural. In fact, up so close, he could now see that even their eyes were white.

  But seemingly ung for their own unusual appearahe figure looked to Adam, gesturing towards outside.

  “Adam, yes? If you’ll e with me for a moment.”

  “…I’m sorry, have…have we met before?”

  “No.”

  “…?”

  Adam’s fusion only piled on as he followed the strange figure outside. It doubled when they wove their hand to erect a dome-like barrier around them, preventing any sound from leaking out.

  And finally, the figure turo address their reason for ing.

  “…I believe a formal apology is due. My daughter’s been quite the burden on your shoulders.”

  “Your…daughter?”

  “Serenis. She’s been with you these past few years, yes?”

  “…?”

  Adam’s jaw slowly dropped as he began to realize who he eaking to.

  The individual made no effort to firm the apparent realization that was dawning on the healer – but even so, Adam had no doubt that they were who he thought to be.

  After all, Serenis had mentioned her father in passing then and there; and in all fairness, the figure’s name was quite – QUITE well-known.

  If “The First” could be sidered a name, anyways.

  But seeing the healer struggling for words, the First dismissively wove his hand.

  “I do not care for formalities. Do not yourself with it.”

  “…Ah…r, right! Then…um...s, surely you aren’t here just to deliver an unwarranted apology. May I ask what this is about?”

  “…”

  The First crossed his arms at the question. Even though their expression remained retively indifferent, Adam couldn’t help but feel pressured before a literal divinity standing right in front of him.

  And soon, the question was thrown rather abruptly at his face.

  “Do you love the dragonlord?”

  “…Uh?”

  If Adam had a mirror, he could see that his eyes were having a small earthquake of their own.

  Turning away in embarrassment, the healer gave a small chuckle, unsure of how to the suddeion.

  “…Haha, I…I’d have to say I do! But, I’m…not too sure if I deserve to…”

  “Good. You do not.”

  “…?”

  Humility goes a long way. Or so Adam had learhroughout his life.

  This time, it might’ve gooo far.

  But before the healer could retract his statement, the First let out what sounded like a sigh of relief.

  “You and Serenis are far too different. Your status, race, even lifespan…none are suitable to serve as a demonlord’s spouse. You are but a mere human.”

  “….That…I am…”

  “You are nothing but a fleeting memory in our eyes – a short-lived toy, if that. She may be blinded in the moment, but her own foolishness will soon bee apparent after your passing. Surely, even a mortal like yourself would uand.”

  “…”

  Adam remained quiet, only nodding his head then and there as the First tio speak.

  It wasn’t that he felt pressured to agree due to the First’s status as divinity – ironically, the healer was genuinely in agreement with what was being said.

  The First’s s were the exact same ones he’d had in his own mind. Ones he’d never spoken out loud, fearing that Serenis would firm his worries.

  Unfortunately, the First gave Adam little time to even process what was being said before tinuing.

  “In one week, Serenis will be boo a fellow demonlord – as is proper.”

  “Bonded? As in…she’s being wed?”

  “That’s correct. To a far suitable mate, might I add. The two share the same background, the same responsibilities – aher are bound by time.”

  “…”

  “If you truly wish for Serenis’ well-being, then I expect you to behave accly.”

  Despite what his mind was saying, Adam’s head slowly nodded back to the divinity before him.

  What he thought didn’t really matter; teically, he was still a nobody to Serenis. Even though he wao refuse, he couldn’t provide a good reason to. Especially not to the star’s only divinity.

  Seeing Adam nodding in pliahe First returned a satisfactrin.

  “Of course, I will personally see to it that your efforts thus far are rewarded. Once Serenis finds her pce, you’ll be grahe most fulfilling life a human could live – everything you wish for shall bee yours.”

  “…Right.”

  Following suit, the First snapped his fio do away with the dome that surrouhem, signaling the end of their short meeting.

  But even as the divinity took his leave, Adam stood frozen in pce for a while longer.

  Or, to be precise, the healer was far too lost in thought to move his legs.

  A long sigh escaped Adam’s lips as he bnkly raised his gaze, staring into the sky far above.

  ‘…He’s right. That’s where you belong.’

  Acc to their olden tales, dragons were said to dwell in the very heavens above them – which, in Adam’s perspective, was where Serenis belonged. pared to the mere human that he was, the dragonlord was far too different.

  Soon, Adam sunk to the ground, letting out a hollow chuckle.

  This was where he belonged. Within this small vilge, po the grouh his feet.

  He didn’t need a divinity telling him to know that.

  ? ? ?

  A dreary atmosphere loomed over as Serenis remained sitting on the bed, hugging her knees as she leaned onto the wall behind her.

  trary to her expectations, the mood didn’t bee any lighter when Adam stepped through the door.

  “…Adam!”

  “…”

  Instead of his usual enthusiastic greeting, the healer slowly raised his gaze, returning only a meek, forced smile back towards the dragonlord.

  “…Serenis. You’re awake?”

  When Serenis noticed the healer’s the exhaustion-ridden face, she hurriedly rose to her feet; she rushed to his side, her hands frantically brushing over his cheeks to examine him.

  “What happened? You seem much more tired than usual…are you unwell?”

  “No…it’s nothing like that.”

  “…”

  Even as Adam brushed away the dragonlord’s hands, it did little to alleviate the worry in her eyes.

  And before Adam could even put down his belongings, Serenis rushed to reach out her hand, grasping at the healer’s wrist.

  “Adam, wait. There’s…something I’ve been meaning to ask…”

  “…Yes?”

  “…”

  Despite her half-open mouth, the dragonlord remained silent for almost aire miruggling t her words together.

  A demon only be bonded once.

  In one week, she’d be boo a demonlord – but in turn, that also meant that she had a week’s time to prevent it from happening. That is, if she were to be boo another soul in that week, then her father’s arra would naturally fall apart.

  And so, despite her welling fear and embarrassment, Serenis mustered the ce to meet Adam’s eyes as she finally let the words escape her lips.

  “Adam, I…never…I never formally bonded with a partner, you see.”

  “…Right.”

  “…I realize we’re different, but…we’ve known each other long enough, haven’t we? You were…you were kind enough to accept me here. You taught me how to live with others. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d still be sleeping my days away in that forest…alone.”

  “…”

  “So…if you’d be willing, then…I’d like for you…to…”

  As the dragonlord’s voice faltered on the final bit, Adam gently pced his own hand above hers.

  But even as Serenis raised her eyes brimming with hope, her heart quickly sank when she realized Adam was looking back at her with dreading eyes, shaking his head before she’d even finished.

  “…I’m sorry, Serenis.”

  “…”

  As Serenis would ter recall, those were the lo few seds of her life.

  When she couldn’t bear to meet Adam’s gaze any lohe dragonlord abruptly let go of him, turning away to hide her face.

  “Of…of course. We’re very different, you and I. So, I…I uand.”

  “…”

  Still with her back turned against Adam, Serenis briskly walked past him to the door to swing the door open. Her wings soon showed themselves, spreading out wide behind her back.

  “Wait, where’re you going? It’s getting te-“

  “I…I’m just stepping out for some air. I’ll be where I’m usually at, so…you worry.”

  “…”

  It only took a handful of seds for Serenis to take into the air, her figure shrinking to a spe the distance.

  In mere moments, the dragonlord disappeared into the distant skies – towards the forest they’d first met.

  Adam watched in silence as Serenis disappeared from sight. Despite his sce ag in guilt, he couldn’t bear t himself to stop her from leaving.

  …Eventually, the door quietly would close behind him.

  And it would remain closed for a long while after.

  ? ? ?

  “…”

  Sunlight seeped into her vision unabated as Serenis unfurled the wings that had served as her cover.

  And once again, disappoi welled within her as the familiar forest clearing filled her vision – as it had the past week she’d remained here.

  It was still as she remembered: the surrounding trees of pink and violet leaves, the forest floor that was littered with their foliage, and eveches of sky visible through the tree branches. It was still the same peaceful pce it had beehe dragonlord had been on her own, sleeping her years away at this very spot.

  But uhe unging enviro around her, Serenis herself had ged.

  The clearing was so much bigger in her morphed form. She couldn’t even remember the st time she’d taken her inal form anymore.

  The feeling of having fabric over her skin no longer felt alien. Unfortable perhaps, but she’d grown more than aced to wearing at least something over the past few years.

  And, stly…

  “…”

  “Up already? I expected you to sleep until I woke you.”

  The sight of her fellow demonki more alien than seeing a human person.

  So, when she found Kedor in his own morphed form sitting cross-legged at her side, the dragonlord had nothing but disdain to show the velklord.

  “Long time no see, Serenis. How’ve you been?”

  “…”

  “…Serenis?”

  “…”

  “……Serenis?? Did I do something?”

  There weren’t too many things Kedor was scared of in this world; in fact, he could probably t them all with five fingers.

  Sadly, a depressed dragonlord was one of them.

  As Kedor stared at her in unease, an exasperated sigh escaped the dragonlord’s lips.

  The entire week had slipped by ufully: every m she’d hoped to find Adam waking her, and every m she’d found the clearing devoid of anyone else. And just when she finally thought that the healer had e to find her again, she only found some old turtle at her side.

  It wasn’t like Adam was obligated to e see her, of course; in fact, after what had gone dowween them, it might eveural that he wasn’t ing to wake her anymore.

  But knowing that didn’t help Serenis feel aer about the situation at hand.

  “…Kedor.”

  “Huh? Yeah? What’s up? Say something. Anything!”

  “Shut your mouth. You smell like salt.”

  “…”

  ‘…What did I do?...’

  The velklord quietly sealed his lips…and eyes. Lips because he was told to, eyes because he felt like he’d start g if he didn’t.

  Then again, Kedor erfectly aware that Serenis didn’t see him as a future partner – if she did, then they would’ve been bonded turies ago. With the First practically f the arrao happen, the velklord was well-aware of how annoyed Serenis may be.

  But soon enough, the anger in Serenis’ eyes soon died out. A longing gaze quickly repced the anger as she looked towards the dire of the vilge.

  If the First was truly set on marrying the two lords, there wasn’t really a realistic way to stop it from happening – and she knew full well that Kedor was not to bme. Despite the velklord being affeate towards her, he’d never persuade the First to force their bonding like this.

  But again, knowing that didn’t really help her feel aer about the arra…or about the ck of Adam’s presence.

  “…What’s keeping him so busy?”

  “…”

  Kedor quietly peeked from the ers of his eyes.

  It was an odd experieo say the least: his bride-to-be staring into the distance, refusing to give even an ounce of attention on him. Instead, she was muttering under her breath about someone else entirely.

  After a careful study of the air, the velklord cautiously opened his mouth again.

  “…If you’re talking about that Adam guy…I actually do have the answer for you.”

  “…?”

  Serenis had spoken her question out loud with no iion of receiving an answer.

  But when the velklord so kindly offered her ohe dragonlord’s gre immediately fell upon Kedor once more – as if she’d fotten how she’d told him to shut up mere moments ago.

  Imagination quickly turo suspi. And suspi quickly turo accusation.

  “…What did you do to Adam?”

  “Huh? Nothing! I mean, I didn’t do anything, but…”

  “But what?! You ordered your underlings instead?!”

  “What? No! You see, he’s…”

  In the few seds that Kedor took to answer her, Serenis brandished her cws, holding them inches away from the velklord’s throat.

  …Ae knowing that the cws were of little threat to him, the burniment in Serenis’ eyes was more than enough to make him talk. A lot quicker than usual at that.

  “Uh, father went to see him.”

  “…Father did? What for?”

  “No idea. All he told me was that he had business with the guy.”

  “…”

  Thousands of disturbing images suffocated the dragonlord’s mind. It didn’t take long for her to imagine some of the worst possible outes that could result from a meetiween a man and divinity.

  And in her creeping gloom, Serenis soundlessly summoned her wings, bolting across the air in moments.

  Kedor’s hair violently fluttered amidst the sudden gust. He bnkly stood in pce, watg his bride-to-be whizzing into the distance.

  Soon enough, the velklord found himself likewise muttering under his breath.

  “…Atta boy, Kedor. Couldn’t just listen to your bride and shut up, could you. Had to send her as far away as you …”

  ? ? ?

  When Serenis rushed into the house, a familiar figure immediately filled her vision.

  The First stood before the entrah his back turned against her, as if he’d just e in himself. And Adam was standing in front of the divinity, holding both his hands out towards the First.

  But when the door uantly bashed open, both of them turo face the dragonlord that had invited herself in.

  “…Serenis.”

  “Adam? What are you…holding…”

  Much to the dragonlord’s dismay, within Adam’s hands was a basket brimming with golden tris – treasures that Adam couldn’t afford, even if he were to work his entire lifetime.

  And before his daughter could say anything further, the First turo address the dragonlord’s arrival.

  “Serenis. I see you’ve e to me of your own accord. Perhaps you’ve finally made up your mind?”

  “…Don’t be ridiculous. What were you doing to Adam?”

  “Why, you’ve been a burden on this young man for years. It’s only right that he be pensated for his hard work.”

  “Burden?...Work?”

  With her eyes filled with disbelief, Serenis slowly turo face the healer.

  Even now, she trusted him to deny her father’s words – that the years she’d spent at his side couldn’t possibly have been just ‘work.’

  But instead, Adam met the dragonlord’s eyes with only an agonized gaze – and even that, he soon avoided.

  “…I’m sorry, Serenis. But I’m sure you’d be happier with another demon than a human like myself.”

  “What?...You know that’s not true! I…truly…“

  “Enough.”

  The First swiftly cut off his daughter’s protest as he held a firm grip around her arm.

  And soon, another rift tore open beside him – and beyond it, the Sumit that would bond the two lords to each other.

  For a moment, Adam himself seemed to panic; he reflexively took a step forward towards the dragonlord with his pain-stri expression, almost as if he’d stop her from leaving this very moment.

  But immediately after, the First’s pressuring gre would stop the healer in pce.

  “Adam. Despite all I’ve said – if you still truly believe yourself to be the dragonlord’s ideal mate – then you need but step forward to stop me. And I shall leave you two be.”

  “…”

  As Adam remained silent in pce, Serenis cwed at her father’s grip to break free of his hold – and quite violently at that.

  But when her efforts failed to do any good, she turo Adam in desperation. She reached towards her lover with her only free hand, pulling at his sleeve with teary eyes.

  “Adam…why are you standing still? Why…”

  “…”

  A siep forward – that was the dition the First had proposed. And Serenis genuinely believed that Adam would make the step stop her from leaving his side.

  So, when Serenis finally noticed her loved one’s cold gaze, it barely took any time for her heart to sink in despair.

  “Let go, Serenis.”

  “…Adam, I-”

  “Please.”

  “…”

  Her fingers soon lost their strength. Her gaze fell to the floor in resignation.

  As the two reached their closure, the First silently turned forward, dragging his daughter alongside him to the Summit.

  ? ? ?

  Serenis arrived to realize that the First had already taken care of preparations.

  The world summit she remembered was devoid of anything but a single marble temple, with empty white surfaces c every er of the world around it. And eveemple itself was just a bleak structure in her memories.

  But this time, the dragonlord arrived to see something pletely different.

  The ground she stood on had bee transparent; beh her feet was a brilliant blue sky that befit the name “World Summit.” Above them stretched an endless expanse of o into the distant horizons, with glimmering stars decorating its every wave.

  Even the First’s bleak temple had vanished. Instead, two enormous spires were id out before her: one fashioned with a sky-like texture, the other with an o-like texture. Occupying each structure were dragons and velks, respectively.

  And stly, between the spires was a carpeted open aisle ced with gold and silver. Flowers bloomed in the air without their roots, and a number of demonkind’s guests were already present for the ceremony.

  It wasn’t long until the dragonlord was dragged away to the sky-like spire. The First led her into a chamber specifically made for her before leaving, which was essentially a grandiose dressing room; a handful of her kin had beeed to be present, each of them eager to help their lord dress for the occasion.

  “Lord Serenis! We haven’t seen you in forever!”

  “…I’m sorry.”

  “Haha, it’s alright! The kin thought you were just off somewhere asleep again…but I guess you were actually keeping busy with the velklord, huh? Good for you!”

  “…”

  Despite the numerous ents aed remarks from her kin, Serenis mostly stayed quiet throughout the ordeal. She had little to say, and no mind to answer.

  But regardless, the chatter refused to cease as the dragons busily went about ad their lord in a ceremonial attire.

  Truthfully, they’d been overjoyed to receive the First’s invitation to the summit to celebrate their lord’s bonding – to another demonlord at that.

  Almost the entire dragonkin had gathered to celebrate the occasion. For them, it was a new beginning that would mark the end of their lord’s tinued absence.

  Things would be different from hereon, they thought. With their lord finally having a suitable parto settle down with, she wouldn’t be the free-spirited soul who was disappearing all the time.

  “…”

  Things weren’t very different in the neighb spire.

  The atmosphere was about the same among the velks: although Kedor usually remained within their domain iers, his tribe had been ed for quite some time about their stubborn king who simply refused to find a mate other than the dragonlord. And, truth be told, many thought that his efforts would never bear fruit.

  But now that the day had finally e, a wave of relief had washed over the velks.

  No more would their king waste time chasing after Serenis; no more would they have to take care of everything in his frequent absehe two lords would return to where they should be, in the pany of their own kind and kin.

  …But even so, a handful of the ceremony’s attendants weren’t very keen on celebrating the occasion – including Serenis herself.

  It also included the velklord who’d snuck out – again – from the spire he should’ve been at.

  In his defense, he was worried about his bride-to-be.

  The velklord had sinuto the dragonkin’s spire to lean outside the chamber Serenis was in, eavesdropping on what was happening inside.

  Kedor’s eyes emptily stared into the ceiling. From here, it wasn’t difficult to dis how dejected Serenis was.

  Sighing, the velklord crossed his arms, clig his tongue in annoyance.

  “…Goddamn it. I ’t believe father’s f this thing. I didn’t want it to happen like this….”

  “Be careful what you say, my lord. You’re damning your own father.”

  “…”

  Kedor turo see another velk walking towards him, rolling her eyes as disrespectfully as she possibly could at her king.

  “So…how’s your eavesdropping going, Lord Kedor? Care to spend a little less time being etric yet?”

  “Oh, gimme a break, Skana. I’ve heard enough of what a bad king I am all life…I don’t need you guys nagging at me on my bonding day.”

  “…Do you realize I came here to fetch you because you keep sneaking out on your own bonding day?”

  “And I’ll do it again. Try me.”

  “…”

  Pg a hand on her ag head, Skana once again rolled her eyes at her lord. Times like these, she quite literally wished she could whip him into behaving.

  “If you hate the arra so much, why didn’t you stop your father?”

  “You think I stop him?!”

  “…No, I guess you ’t.”

  “…Exactly. And besides, I don’t hate the arra. I just…”

  Kedaze fell to the ground, his voice trailing off into silence.

  And unfortunately, Skana was rather quick to pick up on why.

  “Are you sad because your bride doesn’t love you and she’d never bond with you unless it’s forced?”

  “…I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “…”

  Skana rolled her eyes once more. Sometimes, it was almost unbelievable how stupid her king was.

  Thankfully, Kedor was much too busy ruminating ouation to notice her attitude.

  ‘Ugh. This whole thing wouldn’t even be happening if that Adam guy just stopped father earlier…I ’t bring him here now, I? If I take a siep outside, father’s going to e alive…’

  Watg her lord lost in thought, Skana made a genuinely worried expression, lightly spping at Kedor’s face to stir him awake.

  “…Lord Kedor. As your advisor, I advise you to stop thinking. It usually doesn’t go well.”

  “…”

  “…Hello? Turtle king?”

  Before Skana could put more force behind her sps, a keen glint fshed into Kedor’s eyes.

  He then darted his gaze towards his advisor, his smile widening by the sed.

  “Wait, that’s it! Skana, you’re my advisor!”

  “And it only took you four hundred years to realize it. Good job, my lord.”

  “No, I mean, you kly where I’ve been to! You keep track of all that, don’t you?”

  “? Against my will, yes. Why?”

  “Great. You go in my stead, the him in here, will ya?”

  “...Get who? From where?”

  “That Adam-guy! From that little human vilge by the forest? I was just there before ing here.”

  “…You wao go fetch a human to attend your ceremony? Now?”

  “Attend. Crash. Whatever.”

  “…”

  “And make it quick, yeah? Before it’s too te.”

  “…Lord Kedor, with all due respect…”

  “Hm?”

  “Are you out of your mind?”

  Unfortunately, all Skana mao get with that insult ologetic shrug from her lord.

  “…e on, please? We really don’t have that much time.”

  “…”

  As his advisor, it was Skana’s duty to let her king know how stupid most of his orders were and to talk him out of his antics.

  Unfortunately, her lord scarce listeo her.

  ? ? ?

  Before he realized, Kedor found himself standing at the end of the stretg aisle, donned in some grandiose (and practically useless) armor that his kin had forced on him.

  Serenis stood just to his right, also donned in an attire that he’d describe as practically useless: a velvet dress stretched behind her like an enormous shadow, its gold déclittering on the bck fabric like a night sky’s replica.

  ‘…I swear father makes up these s just to torture us.’

  The First stood before the two lords, overseeing the ceremony procedures as well as officiating their bonding.

  And while Serenis was seemingly out of it, the velklord could practically feel the excited, expet stares on his back.

  Hundreds of demons gathered into the summit to celebrate the occasion – mostly velks and dragons, but a handful of other tribe members as well, standing together with their own lords.

  In fact, it was the first time the demonlords had gathered for a celebratory occasion.

  “Looks like our eldest is the st to go, huh?”

  “…And she’s taking Kedor while she’s at it. I guess it’s about time for those two.”

  Unbeknownst to the gathered crowd, her of them were looking too happy.

  Though, that certainly didn’t stop the First from tinuing with the proceedings.

  “Rejoice. Today, the very heavens bee oh the boundless o.”

  “…”

  “…”

  One of them literally could not care less. And it was quite pin on her face.

  The other tio gnce from the ers of his eyes, right towards one of the Summit’s gates in the distance behind him. His unease was growing by the sed as he waited for his advisor to arrive, hopefully with the only person that could wipe the gloom off his bride’s face.

  The First briefly looked to the two lords before him, giving his set of instrus to the both of them.

  “Kedor. Serenis. In preparation of the ceremony, you are both to undo your morphs and assume your proper forms.”

  “Huh? Uh, sure. Uh…”

  “…”

  While Kedor was hesitating on purpose to buy time, a brief go his right soon made it apparent that he didn’t o.

  Following the First’s order, Serenis’ drowned eyes raised themselves in defiance as she answered her father.

  “…I refuse. This is my proper form.”

  Even the First widened his eyes in surprise at the dragonlord’s reply.

  Of course, it didn’t take very long for Kedor – and the rest of the crowd – to follow suit.

  “…Did she just say what I think she said?”

  “That that’s her proper form? That’s what I heard.”

  “Pfah! She sleeps so much, I wouldn’t be surprised if she fot how to undo her morph.”

  “I heard she’s been living with humans. Perhaps she actually fot who she is…”

  “…”

  Even as the gathered crowd began murmuring about the dragonlord’s ued attitude, Serenis soon lowered her gaze once more.

  ‘…Adam.’

  Even now, she could scarce think of anyone else.

  Even now, she felt as if she’d feel his toud hear his voice, shaking her awake from this nightmare.

  Her eyes quietly closed themselves, hiding the emotions welling within.

  ‘…Please…e find me again. Just this once more…’

  ? ? ?

  With a heavy heart, Adam slumped down by a small fire outside his home.

  It was one of his lifelong rituals: whenever he was weighed with heavy thoughts, he’d eat by a fire outside, hoping it would burn away his worries as well.

  After running the skewer through the dinner he’d brought along, Adam quietly stuck it into the fire, waiting for it to cook.

  …But when a passing elder noticed that their vilge healer was trying to eat a literal piece of burnt gold, she quickly made her way over, using her e to sp the metal out of Adam’s open mouth.

  “My goodness, Adam! What are you doing?!”

  “…Oh…Mrs. Barlow…”

  “Why are you eating a rock by yourself? Where’s the dragon dy you’re always with?”

  “…”

  At the mention of Serenis, Adam burst into tears without even realizing.

  In a parched voice, he croaked out his ao the elder.

  “At…her wedding ceremony…”

  “Wedding ceremony? Why aren’t you with her, then? And where was my invitation?”

  “…It’s not ours.”

  Sniffling, Adam wiped his eyes, his eyes staring into the fire as he tio answer.

  “Her father’s found her a perfect groom. Someone far better suited for her than me…”

  “…Her father did?”

  As the elder finally began to realize what was going on, she clicked her tongue several times at the news.

  Shaking her head, she looked down at Adam with a sympathetic gaze.

  “…But you two loved each other. Even with my olden eyes, I could see that much…the entire vilge could see that much.”

  “Haha…did we? I’m not so sure anymore…”

  “Well, did she love this groom? More than you?”

  “…”

  “How did she seem in your eyes, Adam? Did it seem like she wao leave you?”

  Despite wanting to answer ‘yes’ right away, Adam’s sce prevented him himself from answering.

  When Serenis had wao ask him to take her hand, he hadn’t eve her finish.

  When the First had made their verdict, Adam didn’t bother to stop him from taking the dragonlord away.

  In fact, Serenis had looked to him to stop her father. And the only thing he’d done iurn was askio leave.

  So, if someoo ask him if Serenis herself had wao leave, his answer would be…

  “…I…don’t think so…”

  Again, the elder would click her tongue repeatedly.

  “…Adam. A heartless marriage ever st.”

  “…”

  “No matter hht someone may seem for their partner…if there’s in it, then that bond ever st.”

  The elder soon took a seat beside Adam by the fire, pushing the burnt gold bato the fire with her e.

  “But, if your hearts are together…then, nothing tear those apart. Not eveh, Adam.”

  “…Not eveh?”

  “No. Not eveh.”

  A small grin formed over the elder as she let out a small chuckle, fixing her gaze onto the healer beside her.

  “I haven’t seen my dearest in years, Adam. But that doesn’t mean I’m alone. I still love him dearly, just as he does from the beyond.”

  “…”

  “It’s something I’m looking forward to hearing again once I join him.”

  With a faint smile, Adam finally raised his head to meet the elder’s gaze.

  “…Please. That’s not for awenty years, at least. Mirha still needs your help raising her son.”

  Seeing the gloom lifting from Adam’s face, the elder returned a satisfied nod.

  But even then, Adam couldn’t do away with the heaviness inside him.

  “But…I suppose it’s too te now. Even if wa her back, I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking…”

  It wasn’t like he could go ba time and prevent Serenis from leaving. And he certainly had no idea where the First had takeo.

  But before the elder could offer another word of fort, the nearby river literally exploded upwards – followed by a drizzle of water that washed over them.

  With his fire whittling away, Adam turned his head to see a gigantic, shelled monstrosity looming over them, staring down at his tiny figure with a pair of enormous eyes.

  “…Ha…haha.”

  Faced with what he could only perceive as immi death, Adam let out ay ughter.

  If Serenis had been here still, then she would doubtlessly have stepped forth to protect him and the elder.

  She would’ve beamed at him, reassuring that there was nothing to worry about – that he’d always be safe at her side.

  But before the healer could finish ruminating on how he’d drove away the most dependable individual he’d ever met, the looming monstrosity’s rumbling voice echoed into his ears.

  “Too te? It better not be.”

  “…Huh?”

  “Velklord’s orders.”

  Following suit, the velk’s jaw dropped open. Her giant tongue rolled out from within her maw, dropping to the ground beside Adam.

  “If you haven’t given up yet, the on. I’ll take you to your precious dragonlht now.”

  ? ? ?

  As Kedor held out his trembling right hand, the First hovered their own above.

  Soon, a red string formed to being, tying itself around the velklord’s index finger.

  Then, the First repeated the process once more – this time on Serenis’ left hand.

  “…And now, the tying of fates will mark the end of the ceremony.”

  The loose ends of each red string then began to float towards each other. As the two touched midair, they began to around one ao mark the pletion of their bonding.

  ‘SKANA…WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!’

  Kedor’s panicked expression was now beginning to be noticed by the onlookers; the velklord’s hand was visibly shaking, almost as if he was suffering from a severe cold.

  But soon, another distra would quickly divert the crowd’s attention.

  One of the Summit’s gates was flung open. A torrent of water briefly washed into the halls, and trudging inside from the o depths was the velklord’s advisor, panting for breath as she walked in.

  She then lifted the load off her shoulder, muttering into his ear as she readied to throw him across the distance.

  “Hah…there, we made it. The rest is up to you, human.”

  “Wait wait wait, what do you mean-“

  Before Adam could finish his sentence, Skana threw the healer across the aisle, sending him straight down towards the other end – fortunately (?) right towards where he should be.

  “…Adam!”

  For the first time throughout the entire ceremony, a spark of light returo Serenis’ eyes.

  She immediately turned around to catch her thrown lover – and in doing so, the half-formed knot of her string had snapped midway.

  She couldn’t care less. She effortlessly caught Adam, breaking his fall with a soft embrace.

  “S. Serenis…!”

  Even in his daze, Adam struggled to keep his mind straight. He spoke to the dragonlord in a slurred, hurried voice, as if he’d never had the ce to speak tain.

  “Serenis…I, I’m sorry I’m te. I’m really sorry I interrupted your ceremony. But, I had to…I, I never wanted you to leave, I never-”

  “It’s alright.”

  Without waiting for another word, Serenis held her loved oighter in her arms.

  And this time, she had no iion of letting go.

  “…It’s alright. You say more.”

  “…”

  An unfortable silence soon filled the Summit.

  Most were fused; a few were ughing quietly, w what else would happen to make this event more iing. The First was seemingly infuriated by the sudden interruption, while Kedor was beaming the widest smile towards his panting advisor, holding up a thumb i.

  And, after the long silence, Serenis finally took note of the sring that was now hanging loose beh her finger.

  “…”

  Smiling, she loosened her hold on Adam, allowing her lover to stand proper.

  After making a little room between them, she theured towards his right hand.

  “…Adam. Hold out your hand.”

  “Huh?...Like this?”

  “Mhm.”

  As Adam held out his hand towards her, Serenis gently held the loose end of her red string, tying the loose end around Adam’s finger.

  O was done, she closed her eyes, g her hands above Adam’s.

  Her lips then began to recite a vow – ohat she’d refused to recite to anyone else.

  “…From this moment on…I, Serenis, promise my soul to my bonded partner.”

  “…”

  “Until the day this soul withers to dust, and until the very end of time…I swear to forever remain at his side.”

  When Serenis opened her eyes this time, she saw her lover’s brimming with joy.

  However, there was also a hint of panic that betrayed Adam’s expression. Having rushed here with hardly any preparation, he had the least idea what he was supposed to do.

  And so, with a soft smile, the dragonlord closed her eyes and tinued – this time a little louder than before, so that everyone else present would hear her voice.

  “…As the first lord of the dragonkin, I decre…that from this moment on, you too, as my bonded half, are noart of the dragonkin. Until the day your life is no more…you, too, are to forever remain at my side.”

  Looking up to meet Adam’s gaze again, Serenis gave a reassuring smile towards him.

  And that was all that he o know what to say.

  “Do you swear?”

  “…Yes. Yes, I do!”

  Surprised gasps surged throughout the gathered demonkind – some were even beginning to step away, fearing that Kedor would burst in anger from having the ceremony interrupted and quite literally, stolen.

  But to their surprise, the velklord didn’t seem bothered o.

  If anything, he seemed to be the happiest individual arouo Serenis and Adam.

  “…What the absolute fug hell?”

  Having seen enough of the ridiculous dispy, another demonlord began to step forward, ready to tear Adam out of Serenis’ embrace.

  But before they could, Kedor stepped before them, barring the way with his own arm.

  “Woah now, Lucid. That’s as far as you go.”

  “What? Why are YOU of all people stopping me?!”

  “Because I .”

  “Do you not realize what just happened, you blockhead?! And what the hell are you smiling about?!”

  “Well, you know…I’m just not as selfish the rest of you. If bonding with someone else makes her happier than bonding with me, then I’m all for it.”

  “…Are fug insane?”

  “My advisor does ask me that a lot.”

  While Lucid and Kedor tio bicker in the background, Serenis turo face her father once more.

  And, with a brimming smile, she lowered her head apologetically.

  “I’m sorry, father.”

  “…”

  “…This is the partner I’ve chosen. And I refuse to have it any other way.”

  The First drew a deep breath, sighing it out thereafter to maintain his posure.

  He then offered his hand outward, as if to invite Serenis to return to him once more.

  “It isn’t too te, Serenis. Just this once…I shall allow you to reverse what you’ve done.”

  However, the dragonlord only shook her head at her father’s offer.

  “There’s here never will.”

  “…You’re inviting your own tragedy. You know just as well as I that this bond ot st.”

  “…”

  “Heed my words, Serenis. Through this decision, you’ll be alone again ere long.”

  Even as Serenis tightened her grip around Adam’s hand, she failed to refute the First’s final remark – for she knew all too well how short her lover’s life was pared to her own.

  But iead, Adam finally mustered the ce to speak, raising his gaze to meet the divine’s.

  “…That’s not true.”

  “Hm?”

  “That’s not true. She’ll never be alone. I will…”

  Adam couldn’t tell what it was that was bolstering his ce – perhaps the dragonlord’s hand that held him, or perhaps the words of his vilge elder.

  But whatever it was, it was allowing him to retainst the most divine being that existed.

  “…I will always be with her.”

  “…”

  For not eveh will do us apart.

  If a human crashing the wedding of two demonlords wasn’t shog enough, then a human talking back to the First certainly was.

  But to everyone’s surprise, the First snorted in amusement – as if he was somehow pleased by the healer’s answer.

  “Adam. This is your final decision?”

  “It is.”

  Nodding his head, the First turo face his daughter – for the final time in this overdue ceremony.

  “And Serenis…this is your final decision as well?”

  “…It is.”

  With a resolute nod, the First finally rexed his posure.

  It wasly an ideal oute, by any means. But heless…

  It was an oute he could accept.

  ? ? ?

  As the Summit was gradually emptied of its crowd, Kedor finally found the time to address his advisor properly.

  With a half-torn armor and a snapped red string still hanging on his fihe velklord casually made his way to Skana with a foolish grin on his face.

  “Haha, good job out there, Skana! Perfect timing!”

  “…”

  The velk advisor only returned a scowl at her king.

  And, soon enough, she turned away with a tired groan, making her way towards the o gate that would bring her home.

  “…Ugh. Why do I bother.”

  “Huh?! Wait, what’s wrong?!”

  “I don’t know! Just shut up!”

  “Aw e on, I’m sorry! Here, I’ll catch you a kraken when we’re back! You have it all to yourself!”

  “You think a kraken is going to make up for all the crap you put me through?!”

  “Um…two krakens?”

  “…”

  After a heavy pause, the velk gnced back at her king. She muttered her phrase just barely loud enough for Kedor to hear.

  “…A hundred.”

  “Wait, hundred?”

  “…”

  “Even if I search the entire o, there’s not gonhat many!...Skana? Hey!”

  As the two velks disappeared into the gate, the First lightly shook his head, closing the door shut with a single snap afterwards.

  But ohe Summit was pletely emptied of everyone else, Lucid finally floated over from behind the First’s back, studying their father’s indifferent expression.

  “…Father, you khat Kedor was bringing that human here, didn’t you?”

  “I did.”

  “So you let it happen.”

  “…”

  “You khis would happen, didn’t you? You weren’t even pnning to bond Kedor and Serenis at all.”

  “…An oute is an oute. And this is an acceptable one.”

  Spinning idly in the air, Lucid shrugged back at the First’s irresponsible answer.

  “You couldn’t just tell Serenis to get on with it, could you? Had to make a whole fuss over it?”

  “A human barely sts a tury. They couldn’t afford to tinue wasting time.”

  “So you decided that you’d make them crash Kedor’s wedding? My, how thoughtful of you.”

  Sn, the First eyed Lucid with a curious gaze. Despite being his owion, he could never quite uand what was going through the dreamlord’s head anymore.

  “…I don’t recall you being this sarcastic when you were born.”

  “And I don’t recall my Serenis being head over heels for a lesser creature. Yet, here we are.”

  “…Hmph.”

  Despite being the first of his creations, the demonlords never quite behaved acc to the First’s wishes; no matter how careful he was in nurturing their growth, something ued would always influeheir being, jeopardizing the oute of everything he’d strived to build.

  But at the end of the day, it was impossible to trol every possible oute.

  So, really…more often than not…

  ‘…I’ll have to accept this oute as well.’

  ? ? ?

  “…Auro the vilge shortly after.”

  “…”

  “Light?”

  “…”

  Despite the dragonlord’s repeated calling, Light was still struggling to find her way back to reality – her mind was still swimming somewhere between a crashed wedding and an upset god.

  Though, eventually, the half did sp herself back awake.

  “…Hold on. When I asked you about it before, you said you didn’t have anything iing to tell about your past life.”

  “…Yes?”

  “And then you e and tell me THIS?!”

  “…Again, it’s…not particurly an endearing tale…”

  “Uh huh. Sure.”

  With her eyes sparkling in anticipation, Light cupped her with both hands, eyes fixed on the dragonlord before her.

  “Tell me another one.”

  “Another one?...About what?”

  “I don’t know, anything!”

  “…It’s getting te, Light. And I’m sure Patrick will be home soon. Perhaps you should head home now…”

  “Oh, please. Your brother’s not ing bae tonight. I’m staying here until m.”

  “…? How would you know that?”

  “It’s a…it’s a . Once you go out, you…uh, don’t e home on Lover’s Day.”

  “That’s an actual ?”

  “…Sure it is. You ask your brother when he’s back.”

  Admittedly, Light was right about the first part – Patrick really didn’t e home until te m.

  Though, it took a few days for Serenis to learn what this ‘’ actually was.

  Praybird