(3rd POV, Close Narrator; MC)

 

「 Irasshaimase! 」Greets the old man tending the little shop.

A new face. It’s very rare to see a new customer coming to this shop. The little restaurant is not situated at the best of places. To go here, people must traverse through the heart of Japan’s downtown maze, full of long and narrow passageways. Numerous bright neon light signs litter the place that would steal passerby’s attention, dismissing more potential customers.

Added with fierce saturated competition and with similar businesses left and right, every new customer is worth their weight in gold. Its best he leaves a great first impression of his meager business.

The new customer scans throughout the shop, and in just a second, he finds the man he’s been looking for. The sole reason why he came to this little shop so deep in Shinjuku. And before he’s able to greet him, the very man himself already notices him and greets him first.

「 Welcome Ossan! I didn’t expect to see you coming here right on time, considering this is quite the unusual place. 」

「 Hello Yoshinobu-san. It’s great to see you. 」He greets him back. A bit shocked with how energetic he greets him.

Quite unusual of him.

But then again, it’s been almost forever since they last met.

The old man can’t help but to let out a small but warm smile.

「 Come on, sit down. You are making things a bit awkward. 」The young man pats the stool next to him.

「 I recommend the complete set. 」He immediately adds as the old man sits.「 A mix of beef and grilled eel rice bowl coupled with its homemade miso is to die for. Much better than those other Donburi family franchises. 」

The old man swiftly orders it, seemingly unbothered. Food is the last thing to why he’s here. The chef doesn’t take much consideration of it and is just glad that he ordered one of the expensive specialty dishes the restaurant has.

「 Two special complete sets coming right up! 」Shouts the chef.

「 How did you get across this nice place? 」He asks as soon as the chef becomes busy preparing their meals, with what he hopes to be a light topic.「 It might be near the office but to come here you have to get yourself deep into this maze-like district. If it weren’t for me coming earlier, I might’ve been late trying to navigate around this district 」

「 With years of exploring niche donburi restaurants.」The young man proudly boasts. 「 Out of all ten or even hundreds of donburi restaurants this one has the most variety and the best taste within an affordable price. I usually order a cheap 180 yen small gyudon when I’m here. But since it’s a special occasion with ossan, splurging for the complete set is fine. 」

「 Nevermind this complete don set. Even the most expensive sushi restaurant in Ginza would be well within your means. Why are you being so frugal? 」

「 Do you mean the place where it is not open to the general public and you have to make reservations through their five star hotel? I’ve been there with my wife. Countless times might I add. But this simple yet cheap gyudon tastes better than even the finest sushi.

「 Perhaps because back when I was still a kid, the donburi restaurant next to my small apartment feels so unreachable and expansive when my stomach is empty. 」

「 I see… 」The old man says, quite lost on how to respond back, maybe he should divert the topic,「 How is she? Have the both of you getting along much better now? 」

「 She’s doing great. 」He replies in a very factly matter,「 Last weekend we were able to have a nice dinner after I accompanied her to buy the newly released fashion bag. 」

The young man smiles  — too professionally however.

A smile full of rejection.

And within it, sadness seeps through that does not go unnoticed.

That is an enough answer for now. The old man has suspicion, but just maybe… Just maybe it’s just his senses going dull as his body does as he grows older.

Even after all these years, there’s no progress… Will he be alright?

Should he have a deep conversation with her?

「 How’s the company? 」The old man asks. It’s better not to mull on the topic for far too long.

「 Well… Same old as always… 」He starts off a bit reluctantly. The old man notices he’s holding something back.

And with great silence and stare, the young man’s will deteriorates and until finally he givens in as he sighs. It’s the old man’s victory for now.

「 The director, Kimura-san, hired some consultants from the Basten Consulting Group. To work on a project to expand our business coverage in the Southeast Asia branches. 」

「 Kimura-san… 」He calls his name, trying to jog his memories.

His judge of character is sharp as always, proven by how his suspicion was correct. But now, to not even remember the name of a prominent company he used to work with?

「 Is he new? I’ve never heard of him.  」

「 Of course you wouldn’t know. He’s the new hire brought by one of the board of commissioners. Really knows how to create elegant and inspiring speeches which I’m sure is how he was able to coax those hard headed commissioners. And as predictable as ever with that type of person, he brings in a lot of useless consultants. Which although comes from a reputable company, must’ve been his loyal henchman from his previous work or maybe fellow classmates from his graduate studies in the United States. 」

「 Is he competent? Him bringing in consultants when he’s new is a dangerous sign. 」

「 Others say he is well deserved and competent enough to be in the director position. Sure, in my time working with him here and there, he is a very detailed person and could spot a hidden small mistake that can cost the company billions of yen. But come on… I’m sure ossan agrees that is the baseline competency to work in a leadership position.

The young man sighs again.

「 Doesn’t bring in business deals, doesn’t bring new processes or work flow that could improve our work efficiency and output. All he does is just push people to work harder.

「 He’s not just delegating work, he’s delegating responsibility. He tackles projects that have political weight in the eyes of the board of commissioners. He’s too dependent on consultants to do the strategic thinking for him and worst of all, the consultants he chose clearly have no clue on the subject matter and just bullshit their way through.

「 I’ve seen their presentation deck, old man. Those figures they’ve listed don’t make sense in Southeast Asia. 」

「 How were you able to see their documents? Those business strategy documents are surely classified. 」The old man asks, astonished.

For the first since ever, the young man lets out a smirk as he gives a knowing look back to the old man.

「 I’m not the only one with favors within the company. I can pull some strings here and there. 」

「 As expected of you. I’m guessing the project in Southeast Asia is not successful then, does the board of commissioners know about this? 」

「 Of course they don’t know. Because the director is busy covering his ass instead of focusing on making sure the project goes successful. From the outside the project looks like it’s well within its expected performance when in reality it’s in shambles and is crumbling from the inside due to his decision-making. 」

With a moment of silence, the old man replies back.

「 It seems that this Kimura-san guy is too focused on short term profit instead of longevity. Back in my age, we hire people based on their potential and loyalty. We provide them training and not expect them to be useful in the first year. With time and growing and nurturing them then they will contribute back to the company up to ten fold. Not this senseless short term based outsourcings with those consultants.  」

「 Loyalty is dead. 」The young man spouts out of nowhere.

For a second, the man thought there’s a deeper meaning within those words of his. For he senses such a deep melancholy.

The old man remembers that he is the type that doesn’t let his emotions or personal life bleed into work. Which made it all even more serious.

…Is this related to his wife?

「 Time has changed, Ossan. This is not the eighties anymore. With our population dying and the expansive growth of our close neighboring countries, Japan’s economic miracle is over. Forever stagnating with no end in sight… 」

He murmurs something in the end that the old man can’t quite hear. Due to the loud sizzling noise of fresh meat in contact with a hot oiled pan.

「 Just as time has changed, so does the common business practice. Sure outsourcing lacks trust and you are reliant on external parties, but sometimes or even oftenly, it is the most efficient way. Most importantly, it doesn’t have an initial heavy investment needed. Quite convenient.  」

He has a point no, matter what the old man feels. It’s hard to take the bitter pill. Especially one’s where he puts heart at most.

The young man notices this. He has known him for so long that he can discern when an old man would be in a bad mood. He would tilt his head slightly down and just stare blankly.

「 On another note, I received a promotion offer. 」He decides to share something that he is usually reluctant to share.

The old man lit up. His eyes widens and cheeks  For his age to already receive a managerial position? His future is bright indeed.

「 I rejected it of course. 」

Well that brightness is as short lived as a thunder that strikes down his head.

「 You… you can comprehend and are aware of office politics. I’m not surprised that you received a promotion. So, why not take his offer? 」The old man asks.

「 And why should I be an engineering manager? I’m rarely at home and barely have enough time to spend with my wife. I have no use for the extra money. She’s barely at home either with the pretense that I always work late.  」

If only that daughter of his can actually support him…

「 Besides… I’m sure the only reason why he came up with the offer was not purely due to my competencies alone. Out of all of my colleagues, I’m the only one who looks naïve and somewhat blindly follows his direction. Easy to control or even as far as to manipulate. Empire building as the Americans would call it. 」

Indeed it’s true, the old man thinks. His slight baby face can make the appearance of a naive man. But at heart, he got all the requirements, character and principles fit for managerial and even high level executives. All he really needs is experience and the right connections. With the latter being very easy with his mindset. All he needs is time.

And perhaps… A bit more persuasion.

Nothing excites him more than seeing a man grow to his highest potential. And this man besides him now has the most potential out of every man he has ever met.

A diamond in the rough…. Nevermind, a diamond in the dirt fits him more.

He hoped that daughter could spark something within him.

Steer and guide a man to his purpose and he will shine brightly and cause an impact greater than the greatest earthquake itself. He knew him for a long time, and he knew that he had the makings for becoming an important and influential figure in the near future.

It’s a shame a man of such caliber is stepping down in becoming far greater than himself.

But perhaps, it is only because the sense of having greater responsibilities is still quite new to the youngsters. He is sure, with time, the desire for a higher position will come soon enough. This is what the old man dearly hopes.

「 We… No, I’m not in the company anymore. 」The old man sighs,「 the world would’ve been a slightly better place if people like you were in a leadership position. You have the correct mindset, and as far as I personally know… a heart of gold as well. 」

「 What are you talking about… I’m just an ordinary man who can’t even make things straight with his wife… 」

Things become much quieter when their food has been prepared and served.

As the old man eats, he can’t help but slightly regrets pairing up her daughter with this exceptional young man. He feels that he is partly to blame for stunting his growth.

He just hopes that perhaps with time, things will smooth things out as they usually would.

And nothing drastic to ever happen.

 

Previous Chapter – Next Chapter

It was supposed to be an easy mission; Accompanying their young master in stealing or provoking a girl has been done countless times to the point it feels like just another mundane day. Such are the days in becoming a prominent young master henchman, the pay is nice but there’s no real adventure nor danger that lies within their duty.

It makes them complacent. Gone were the days they tirelessly train themselves and doing dangerous moves that could’ve gotten themselves in great danger.

This time, however, it’s different.

The instincts within them are alarming like a siren to not mess with this bizzare girl their master laid his eyes upon.

They may not be the best. But they sure aren’t dumb, there’s something wrong with this girl. It’s faint, but it’s definitely there.

The way she acts as if she anticipated them; the Chaun sacred shadow stealth art that can be traced all the way back from their once prosperous ancestors in the ancient Verum Shihi Era is nothing to scoff at.

Even some of the conventional highest level of detection spells won’t be able to detect them. But this random princess-like girl is able to pinpoint their exact location.

The way she wields her blades as if they were merely flimsy wooden sticks when they could tell the blades are crafted with dense magical almost-ancient-like steels.

And those eyes of hers. Foolish people would discern nothing but luminescent beauty, but to those with years of fighting experience, it shows something far more menacing— The eyes of a veteran of countless battles that never lost.

How could this be?

No calluses form in her hands and the smooth skin of hers greatly contrast to her fierce veteran eyes. And yet here she is, showing confidence that is hard to be mistaken with brash cockiness.

This is not the look of a soft young dragonkin princess that their young master told them; It’s something much more viscous than they’ve ever encountered.

Learning your enemy is half the battle. The Chaun kind take this deep to their heart. Before they even harbor a single thought of learning any combat magic or swordsmanship, the first thing they must learn is information gathering. Whether that’s a magic spell similar to that of the human《School of Wits Magic》that specializes in reading the enemy’s mana constitution, or a unique instinct or intuition that was passed from generation to generation.

And their instinct alarms them that this is no ordinary soft girl.

With clear reading of the uncanny girl’s prowess, they all internally scream to their young master that the young girl is dangerous. That she can’t be taken lightly. That her soft divine goddess appearance is a venomous trap – waiting for a fly to be drawn to the sweet nectar inside of its wide gaping mouth trap.

However their young master’s silent words are absolute. Unless their master says otherwise, they have no other choice but to gamble their very own lives.

Taking their chance, they surround her in the midst of her solemn prayers.

Three underlings dashes towards her sides for a pincer attack as she says her last gospel, hoping to end this and cripple her.

She opens her eyes. Grabs her swords. Then, lets out a flurry of sword strikes.

Leaving a splash of blood in their neck, blood scatters throughout the room. The vanguards all squirm in the ground covering their neck. A second later their gargled throat lets out their last sound.

「 W-what. 」「 W-what. 」「 W-what. 」

The rest of the survivors are unable to fathom her swift and precise moves.

For a second, they can only stand still to process what the hell happened. Their years of experience coordinating with one another even in the most dire state becomes halted.

「 I remember your kind, 」a sweet, almost seductive voice wakes them up from their stupified state,「 your ancestors, all your petty tricks are the same. Even after all these years nothing has changed — The Chaun is as weak as ever.  」

Blood runs through her blades. Her eyebrows pulled down with her dainty nose wrinkled.

「 Tch. To think these swords first blood would be the inferior Chaun kind. 」

She swings her swords to the ground, causing blood to splatter to the ground.

「 What are you all chickening out for! 」Their young master shouts, awakening them off their fears. 「 After her! 」

Fast, small needles whistles towards her right from the young master’s hands. Hard to discern under normal eyes.

She easily counters and parries the coming needles. All it takes are simple twirls with her blades.

Yet, the young master does not relent. Needles springs out between the fingers of his gripped hands. He leers to his underlings out of her sights. And from the simple eye exchanges, a plan was formed.

Swarm of needles comes their way to Shen, as two underlings side by side push forward, swords and daggers raised.

The needles that come at her are many and from all sorts of angles. Yet

Next, a sword swiftly thrusts to her stomach.

Another takes the chance to sneak attack from behind her while she’s occupied.

The strong momentum of her parry moves the underling, shaking his balance. A moment later, undefended, she easily thrust her other sword towards his abdomen.

Sweat starts to run down the young master’s face in the supposed chilly night.

「 Shit. Change of plan! Cut off all of her limbs! Anyone who’s able to cripple her will be rewarded a year’s worth of pay! 」

They don’t bother with the young master command since that’s what they’ve been planning since the beginning. But the additional handsome reward makes them become more eager, more brave to take riskier attacks.

Or maybe a cowardly move.

In the heat of the battle where the seamlessly endless enemies attack her, a  gush of wind flows behind Shen. Not near her enough to be something threatening to her.

However, something is off about it.

She looks back, and she is shockingly right.

An underling is just in front and facing towards her master’s bed. The underling’s face unknowingly becomes cocky even though knowing Shen caught his surprise.

He has the upperhand. Shen is tens of meters away from his position. There’s no way she can prevent what he is about to do.

With a sadistic smile on his face, his sword thrust it way towards Shen’s master.

As the tip of his blade comes centimeters close to the peacefully sleeping master’s face, a foreign blade unknowingly blocks its way.

Caught by the surprise of the momentum of the parry, the underling failed to see the strike coming from Shen’s other blades.

Without missing a moment, she dashes towards him and swings her sword – his hand cut off. And before he’s able to scream from losing his hand, a soft finger points near the top of his forehead.

From Shen’s fingertip, a thunderous bolt springs out and joltz to him. His whole body convulses from the shock, electrocuting him fried to the darkest possible matter.

The remaining underlings and the young master now truly realize just how deep of a trouble they just have got themselves into. Not only is she an undeniable expert in some sort of arcane dual swordsmanship, she can even do chantless magic spells.

With seemingly monstrous opponents with no weakness, doubt soon grows and mutates itself to something far worse.

Mutiny.

Just as they ready themselves to use their last trump card, it is at this moment they realize their voices aren’t coming out.

A foreign mana unknowingly stirs inside their bodies, leaving their internal mana clogged within their bodies, unable to circulate from within themselves to cast even the most basic spell.

Their sole trump card of the Chaun’s secret art, shadow teleportation is gone. They can’t teleport away and they can’t even run away.

Another man thumps to the ground amidst each individual internal chaos, its body covered in the same hundreds of slashes from her.

With their escape route gone, only despair awaits.

Looking at all of the confused henchmen with them trying to scream their lungs out with no avail, it was the right decision to cast that silencing spell beforehand, lest it would awaken her master.

She takes a quick peek at her still peacefully sleeping master. Nothing much has changed. Her master is still sleeping with his back and arms by his side.

She can’t prolong this fight anymore.

In just mere seconds, the last underling is down, his eyes still wide awake, as the holes in his body seeps out blood on the pristine ceramic floor.

The young dragonkin master looks to his surroundings, all of his underlings dead on the floor.

The odds are stacked against him.

He didn’t expect the situation to become this dire at all.

Shivers run through his spine like never before.

He knows his life expectancy has become mere seconds now.

「 P-p-please forgive me! You will never see me ever again! I-I promise in the name of my ancestors! 」

「 Even the way you beg for mercy are all the same. 」

With surprisingly dainty steps and blood dripping off her blades, she approaches him.

「 And I treat those who dare to oppose me, all the same! 」

The young master brazenly looks up to her.

To be greeted with a hideous smile and a sword ready to be swung at him.

「 W-wait! I’ll give y— 」

With a flash of the sword, his head comes out flying. Leaving a stream of blood wherever it trails off. Thankfully that ugly bastard’s face flies outside of the house, to the far corner of the courtyard.

She wish she doesn’t have to give a bastard like him a swift death. A slow torturous and antagonizing death fits him more. She’s rather curious whether the same slowly digging ice spikes and electrocuting that she always uses to torment dragons would leave the same impact inside human bodies.  But alas, there’s simply no other choice. Who knows what other little tricks he has on his sleeves. And with her master so close to her, she can’t take the risk.

She still has much to learn of the way of the sword. A second slower, a second late, and her master would’ve died.

This little, brittle human body she transformed to is far weaker than her supreme dragon body, so she can’t use brute strength. Worst of all, the mana lurking in the atmosphere is abysmal, rendering most of her magic spells useless. She can only resort to the human way of fighting, using sharp tools such as swords.

After experiencing her first real fight using swords, one thought comes to mind. One where she never thought she would come up with when she’s the all supreme dragon – She needs to become stronger.

With everything clear, she finally goes ahead to check up on her master’s condition.

Still in his peaceful sleep thankfully. It would’ve pained her greatly if there’s even the slightest scratch on him or if the fight would disturb his sleep even the slightest bit. To cause discomfort to her master even the slightest is the greatest sin she could imagine.

Although now that she pays more attention towards him, his position changed. Before he sleeps on his back, now he sleeps sideways while clutching to the pillow with both his arms and legs dearly.

She feels… great animosity towards the pillow he’s embracing.

It should’ve been her in place of that pillow. How dare it steals her rightful place to be beside him. She starts fantasizing what it would feel like laying so close to her master. To be hugged with his entire being. To be in his embrace and warmth. To feel the fire of his life.

She slowly grabs and clutches the pillow away from his embrace. It’s quite hard with how tightly he clutches to it with his whole body including his legs, but with careful pulling and tweaking she’s finally able to pry it away from him.

With the hideous pillow out of the way, her mind starts to come up with numerous ways to tear this sly piece of abomination that dares to steal her position.

She points her sword to the pillow, and when she’s about to shred it to pieces, she spot something. At the bottom corner of the pillow.

A stain.

It could only mean one thing.

Her curiosity takes over her ferociousness.

She succumbs to the pillow, fully immersing in whatever scent and left over of his presence imbued on the pillow.

His saliva.

His essence.

His smell.

The more she breathes and the more she licks, the more it tingles down there. It excites her to a tremoundes degree.

「 Aaaahhhh master~  」She giggles sultrily.

It’s fine to have an upfront little reward for doing a good job right?

 

Previous Chapter – Next Chapter

(3rd POV, Close Narrator; Shen)

 

Hours had passed by and Shen was rather surprised that it had passed by that quickly. Even the most intense battle with hundreds of combatants with all sorts of dragon kinds feels much slower than this.

The feeling of conquering the whole dragon society pales from hearing master’s worries.

It’s interesting to see her master being so open about himself. To see another side of him being so fragile. It rather worries her as to how master willingly exposes himself.

It leaves him with so many weaknesses and exploits left to the open. But that’s what makes it so special. The fact that he is so willing to share those vulnerabilities to her.

Nobody ever does that. Even the most weakest dragon who daringly and stupidly challenges her would keep barking and unshamingly blame others for their own failures. Unwillingly admitting themselves that they are weak.

She can now understand him, even if just a bit more. There’s so much more to him than she initially thought.

It made her feel special. It made her feel things she never experienced before. Like a girl experiencing her first romantic crush, fireworks lit up inside her heart as she can think of nothing else but only him. Warmth surges inside her. For the first time, she truly understands what it means to love and be loved.

A desire to protect. A desire to cherish.

Everything leads and points to one single fact.

Only she can fix him.

A small part of her is glad that master’s problem doesn’t come from her. Only those ungrateful female humans that were present in master’s life. If she ever comes to meet them she swears she will grant them something that will make them wish for death at the very least.

But still… A big part of her still worries about how come she’s not able to make his heart just a little bit at ease.

She, who was reincarnated and molded by master desires, should’ve been able to erase and soothe master’s worries easily. But no progress whatsoever in that regard.

She’s a failure…

…But there’s no time to wail in regrets. And no such thing as giving up. This is just a challenge that she can tackle and ultimately conquer just like those countless fights to the death in her previous life.

She has all the time in the world. As long as she can slowly learn the human ways. Everything should go smoothly with one end in mind.

Where she owns master’s heart.

It would’ve been the perfect night if only there weren’t a few vermin stalking them. She has to admit, whoever tries to interfere them is no ordinary being, obscuring their body, heat, and even smell with mana spell. This way of obscuring any traces of theirs quietly reminds her of the weakling Chaun dragons likes to use.

Every physical element of them might be obscured but the slight difference of mana in the air is all it takes to detect them.

Master needs to take a rest. She can feel how uncomfortable and anxious master was throughout the ordeal. And with those pests stalking them it’s best to not notify master and add to his worries.

Isn’t that what it means to love someone? To bear his entire burden and to do whatever it takes to make him happy. For his happiness is her sole source of happiness.

Although, she can’t help but admit that it is not done purely out of selflessness.

She’s been itching to test out her swordsmanship.

Full moon is up in the sky, shining down its serene white light in the midst of the dark night in this close but spacey courtyard, perfect for illuminating the blood shed that’s about to come.

They’ve tailed Shen and her master to their home, and now lingers out there in the house perimeter. She can sense it. There’s no turning back now.

She is now waiting for them. Blades in hand. These swords she’s holding, a dear bestowment from her master. With the very swords her master gave, she will put it to great use tonight.

Blood will flow endlessly in his blade.

The bedroom her master sleeps in connects directly to the courtyard. It provides a nice view when one wakes but can be a dangerously vulnerable route for invaders to attack from.

Leaving the door towards the courtyard open might work against Shen and her master. But cutting off the element of surprise to pesky lowly vermin who depended on them will definitely deter them.

With nothing left to do other than wait for the inevitable she does what she always does at night — observing her master sleeping.

Even in his sleeping state, she can’t help but admire him. It’s not the first time for her to see the master’s sleeping. Whether he sleeps inside his divine realm or outside, she’s always there to spectate him. It’s her best source of entertainment.

Just as her master tries to understand her, she also wants to understand him even just a bit more.

Then, there they’ve come. The ones who tailed Shen and master were two, but now there’s seven of them. They’ve brought reinforcement. Hugging the inner walls with their cowardly bodies, thinking they are not detected by her.

With the doors and gates open, the element of surprise is gone. Leaving them with no other options than to enter through normal means.

They clad in outfits nothing out of ordinary and look astonishingly very human as they hide their tail in their outfit. With only the distinctive yellow curving dragon horns that hints at their Chaun ancestry.

They might be in a humanoid form in this new human age but their way of life is the same as ever. Those Chaun kind sure like to sneak around with their innate shadow stealth art. Appearing friendly, face full of smiles, seeking for the right opportunity. For when their opponents lower their guard, they’ll bare their fangs and sink it deep into their enemies.

Hiding their faces like the weak kind that they are.

「 Greetings, young mistress. 」Says what seems to be their leader with flashy colors unlike the others behind him.

「 Hooooo… 」Now they display courtesy huh when seconds before they were brandishing their weapons,「 What’s your purpose here? 」She asks, already knowing what their answer would be.

「 Please put the sword down, young mistress. Don’t hurt yourself. We do not mean harm to you, young mistress. 」

They opt to divert the topic instead. She’s not surprised in all honesty. It’s so like those weak insects to try to lure their prey to false sense of security.

「 I can say the same to you. Those blades you have on your body. Discard them. 」She plays their own words against them.

His mouth twitches slightly. Shen caught it, when a normal person wouldn’t.

「 I don’t know what you’re talking about, young mistress. 」He says, feigning ignorance.

Amidst his silent smile, his eyes wander throughout the house and ends towards looking at the man sleeping just around the corner.

「 Who is he? 」He says, not hiding his contempt,「 I genuinely wonder why would a young mistress like you run away from your family for a human? 」

What kind of foolish question is that?

There’s so many reasons. So many that it would require the whole day to list the summarized version at the very least. But why bother telling all of it to a soon dead insect?

「 Ah forgive me I forgot my manners. My name is- 」

「 You dare spout manners when you have trespassed my master’s establishment?! 」

He sure is testing her tolerance.

「 M-master?! 」He shouts, completely out of his mind,「 How can a dragonkin such as you be under him, a human?! Dragonkin should be paired with another dragonkin. That’s how the world works. I mean look at him. Only a weak man-  」

That’s it.

She can no longer hold back.

『 From The Shackles of Death, I Am Reborn. From Thy Wish I have Cometh. 』

 Her solemn, devout-full-like prayers stops him from continuing his lecture. For the first time, he senses that something goes awfully wrong.

『 From The Forgotten And Forsaken Dragon, To A Servant To The One Who Gave Me The Light And Shows Me The Way. 』

Her swords glow and from within a blinding light surges. Searing light that screams honeness.

『 I Am His Sword. His Guardian. His Angel Who Dedicates Her Everything All To Him  』

She flicks her sword, untraced to their eyes. No after images, only a gush of wind that pierces through their thick fabrics. Alarming them that her words are not mere empty words.

『 I Am Shen. Renald’s Servant. 』

The vermin slightly step back. Fear and doubt clearly plastered in their face. Regrets fill them as the leader scrambles what he has just got himself into.

『 And I have Come Forth To Slay The Inferiors. 』

 

Previous Chapter – Next Chapter

When Shen for the first time heard of the word ‘date’, she first thought of time or a new way of magic that humans invented. That’s fair honestly, she’s been living her whole life in seclusion, so of course she doesn’t know what date means. When I explained it to her what date meant. She lit up in joy and was eager to spend time with me.

And now we are on our way to a restaurant.

Away from the typical white blocky buildings to more exotic buildings, full of flashy lanterns, and colorful buildings.

It should’ve been a nice change of scenery. Even more so for Shen who spends the majority of her time idling away in the Sky Palace. It’s when we enter the restaurant when the mood shiftly changes to the bitter. At least our moods are.

As soon as we open the door and come inside the restaurant, multiple eyes drag their way towards us. And we’ve become the center of attention.

Even the people on the second floor are staring at us — at her. They don’t even bother to hide it. Seeing how almost everyone is staring at her, their eyes lit with love spectacle, and some even out of lustful desires.

My heart aches when I see every single one of those eyes staring at her full of desire. It makes me feel like I want to gouge every single one of those eyes and cover her away from those prying eyes. This intense feeling is too much.

No, this is fine. This is a normal reaction. Of course people would stare at her. It isn’t just me who thought of her as absurdly beautiful. Anyone would desire her.

「 Master… Are you okay? 」

Multiple eyes are staring at her, and yet she doesn’t seem to be perturbed by it. Am I imagining those stares or is it just me taking it too seriously? I look at the crowd and indeed my eyes are not fooling at me. It is at this moment I quickly found salvation. Row of decorated doors on the side of the restaurant, clearly meant for a private dining room.

「 Waiter! We would like a private room. 」I shout as I see a waiter passing nearby.

「 Welcome esteemed guest, 」the waiter stops and bows towards us as if it is second nature to him,「 please follow me. 」

That should stop us from having those prying eyes interfere with us. People staring at us wouldn’t make it a comfortable experience.

The waiter then escort us to the upper floor and eventually lead us to a private room with a round table and six seats. I guess only two guests for a private dining room is a bit overkill, but it’s necessary nevertheless.

I take a random seat across the door. It’s all going good until Shen decides to take the seat just next to me.

「 Shen, you’re supposed to sit across the table, not next to me. 」

「 Master,  I can somewhat tell that you were slightly uncomfortable before… Is there something that matters? 」

「 Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s just that for a second, I’m a bit anxious… about what we’ll be eating. 」

「 If that is what you wish for master… 」

She finally relents and heads toward the seat across the table.

「 We can always go back to your home, master… 」She says when she finally sits down,「 or maybe your divine realm would put you more at ease. I honestly don’t know why master wants to go to this obviously lesser place. 」

「 It’s for a brief change of pace, Shen. 」I quickly come up with an excuse,「 Aren’t you bored of always sticking in that Sky Palace of mine? 」

「 That is very much like master to consider such an heavenly divine realm as a mere ‘Sky Palace’ 」She lightly giggles in the end.

Her comments perplexes me for a quick second, for her words mean there’s strong implications in that unreal place.

Soon afterwards, the door opens along with distinct sharp spices which invade my nostrils with a sweet aftertaste. The waiter has come with a variety of dishes in hand, or should I say in his arms, for mountainous stacks of plates are all put across his entire arm without spilling no less. It’s honestly quite the miracle.

The waiter swiftly and confidently lays out the dishes onto the table, slowly revealing the wide variety of foods available. From fried fish to vegetable soups. Everything is available. Thankfully, at least there’s no strange exotic animal’s innards or squirmy bugs.

All of this food looks delicious and all, but I don’t remember ordering anything…

「 Excuse me, I don’t recall ordering anything yet. 」

「 Is this your first time coming here, esteemed guest? 」The waiter curiously asks, not delaying an answer,「 That’s expected I suppose, it’s rare for Concordis people such as the esteemed guests to visit our humble shop. You pay for what you eat based on the dish plate you took of our vast assortment of cuisine. We’ll hope what we have suits your taste. 」

As soon as he finishes placing down he bows again and closes the door. Leaving us alone for the needed privacy. What a true professional.

「 Well what are you waiting for Shen? Let’s eat! 」

She seems a bit shy so I take the initiative and scoop up some food to my plate first. For a second, Shen pays extra attention to the way I eat too hard to the point I grow a bit uncomfortable with her intense staring.

Then, Shen starts to grab the utensils and pick up food, in a very clumsy and amateurish manner. Was she trying to learn the proper way of eating?

「 Shen… Do you ever need to eat or drink? 」

「 No, master. I don’t need to. Dragons do not require sustenance to live. Half-immortal. Because as you know, we can still lose one’s life from external factors such as injuries. 」

She can’t even experience the pleasure of eating delicious food huh…

For a moment there’s not much conversation. A quiet time of enjoying the food, yet it is not exactly what I want.

I want to talk about what’s been festering in my mind for days now. The anxiety I have towards the unorthodoxy in our relationship.

Even though the time is right, I simply don’t have the courage to say it to her. Because deep down, I’m afraid what I say will change Shen’s view of me. If I told her about what worries me and open up to her about my past, I’m afraid Shen will grow to despise me as a man — thinking that I’m weak.

When she’s in her dragon form, I find her a nuisance and wish she’d not interfere in my life. But now that she can transform into a beautiful goddess, I want her to stay by my side at all cost.

I really am a fucking hypocrite.

This constant anxiety and withholding, delves into silently eating. Trying out tens of different cuisines with different spices and flavors does wonders in causing my mind away from the pressing matters if only for a brief moment. Then, amidst this silent eating, I start to see a pattern emerge from her. Shen will only try the same dishes that I have eaten. Everytime I choose something, no matter if it’s spicy fish or very sour chicken soup, she always tries whatever I try.

She can’t stand spicy food, it’s quite obvious from her steaming expression every time the spice overwhelms her. I test out how far she will go through to eating the doof I try as I try every spicy food on offer, from the spicy eggs littered with chilis to the red beef soup with chili flakes. All of them are impossible to mistake with its bright red spices.

Yet even knowing that, Shen still eagerly tries out the spicy food I eat while helplessly trying to hold back her steaming expression, as she continuously gulps down water.

Even now, when I’m idling and not picking up any new food, Shen follows suit. Resorting to just staring at me, lovingly.

What compels her to do that? Does she have no curiosity about the other foods on the table? Why does she only ever try the food that I first eat? Is it out of love, or something else?

It makes me more certain and gathers up my courage to confront my worries.

「 Shen…  」I put down the utensils and focus on Shen, where she happens to follow the same, 「 What is it that you like or love about me? 」

「 Hmm… 」She begins to ponder. Hard. 「 I don’t know where to begin, master. There’s so many things to list. I love your cute and cool face. Your kindness~ 」

Kindness huh… What an absurd reason to foolishly fall in love with me.

「 It’s absurd that you love me and even go as far as entering a completely one-sided relationship just because I was simply nice to you. What you’re feeling right now isn’t love, Shen. It’s dependency. 」

「 I’m not sure what you are talking about, my master… 」She says, looking genuinely confused.

「 Shen… you don’t have much experience with the world. Your only experience of the world is through me. 」

「 Master, I’m not sure I understand what you are trying to say. I lived for thousands of years, far longer than any human lives. I’ve explored and met numerous other beings that the world could offer. And yet, master thought I don’t have much experience with the world? 」

Oh, you sweet summer child.

「 That’s your experience when you are still Naga, back in the ancient era — Verum Shihi Era. The world now as you know it has changed, Shen.

「 Your experience back then is not the same as it is now. Back then, everyone was hostile and were wary of one another from your explanations, but now although the hostilities are still there, the world overall is much more peaceful and more understanding of one and another. I’m sure if you go out into the world by yourself and show them your prowess, you’ll make a name for yourself and you’ll be accepted by the world.

「 You falling in love with me just because I was nice to you proves this notion. It’s easy to act nice with anybody, especially if the recipient is a beautiful woman. 」

Shen looks at me cluelessly. I need to further push the notion onto her.

「 Shen, you’re perfect. You’re a beautiful and gorgeous goddess. Anyone will be kind and nice to you. 」

「 I’m… Am I perfect? 」She asks in disbelief.

「 Of course. 」

She’s too perfect to be mine.

「 Hehehehe… Master thinks I’m perfect… 」She stupidly smiles.

 「 Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect. Master says I’m perfect…. 」

…I can completely hear you, you know? Her attempt to hide her blush by looking down and with covering hands makes it all even more obvious.

「 Ehem. 」

「 Y-yes master? 」She scrambles to put up a stoic face. A faint tint of pink hue in her cheeks is still there.

「 Why do you want to be in a one-sided relationship anyhow? 」

「 Because I sense a profound connection with you, my master — my creator. There’s a sense of belonging and being a part of something greater than myself. 」

「 But how come you are so subservient? The dragon that I knew of was arrogant and belittles everyone! Not a servant who’s willing to be taken advantage of! 」

「 Is that why you doubt my love towards you…? Is that why master has been keeping distance from me…? 」

She says hesitant at first. But her words are at its mark. Seemingly sensing this, she pushes further.

「 Is… Is there something wrong with the way I serve you master? Please tell me how to prove my love towards you. 」

「 No, Shen. 」I say forcefully,「 That is the one thing I will never disclose. You don’t have to go that far to earn my love, you know. 」

「 There it is again. 」Shen says, looking slightly dejected,「 why do you always like to keep your distance away from me? 」

I knew this question would come up sooner or later. It’s just now that I truly felt the time has come. I thought I was ready to lay out everything about my life, but I’m still hesitant.

I take a deep breath. Preparing myself on what’s to come. It’s about time she knows about my past. She deserves to know. No matter what happens later.

「 Because no matter what you do… or what I do… everything doesn’t work. I used to have a wife, Shen. There was a time where I would do anything for her. 」

I take a deep breath.

「 I still remember the words of marriage oath we say to one another on that once fateful day. 」

The faithful day back when I was so naive and innocent towards love. That moment in the chapel where everything felt so magical. She looks so beautiful in that white wedding gown.

Even after all these years in another world, I still remember it. These nostalgic memories which cause my heart to ache.

「 To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health… To love and cherish till death do us part… 」

Those words that meant so much to me, ended up becoming worthless in the end.

「 After four years of our marriage, I discovered she slept with another man for who knows how long… So I broke up with her. 」

Fuck. Images of her fucking that other man comes up. Even her sweet moans sounds so real and so fucking hurtful.

「 I’ve bought an elven sex slave, foolishly thinking that she will be loyal and willingly loves me. Turns out she already has a lover, and when I release her collar that binds her to me, she runs away without even saying goodbye.

「 I wonder what would happen if I were to release our master-servant soulbond? 」

Her face turns to the worst.

「 You will stop loving me. 」I answer it for her.「 Thankfully for you, I don’t know how to release our master-servant soulbond. 」

「 M-master! 」

「 Don’t cut me off, Shen. 」I say that, but it’s a bit too late.

The room mood sours heavily. I should get out what I have to say quickly.

「 I will just be direct with you. I’m a weak and broken man. There’s nothing special about me. Your love towards me is caused artificially by my careless use of my innate ability. It all won’t make you happy in the long-run. 」

And now, for the final piece. Guide her to what’s the norm and my expectations of her.

「 You should go out there. Leave the cage that is my Sky Palace and experience the new world. Find and come up with your own meaning of existence. Meet all sorts of new people. G-get to know them… 」

It’s getting harder to let out these weighty words. My heart is full of angst.

「 Bond with them over the small things…. Fall in love with a man that is worthy of you…. And most important of all, be genuinely happy…. 」

Shen will definitely not be happy with me. Especially since I harbor such dark desires upon her.

「 It will be hard. It will be uncomfortable. But in the end, I can assure you, it will all be worth it. 」

I say letting out a smile. The biggest one. Trying so hard in the hope to make sure it doesn’t come up as a bitter smile.

And now, I dreadfully anticipate what perhaps amounts to Shen despising me for being the weak master that I am…

「 I… I don’t know what to say… 」

Shen must be feeling completely confused now. That’s normal. Anything new and different is hard to take into.

「 I feel… privileged. Master is willing to be vulnerable and share such things with me. I’ve always wanted to know master more at a deeper level. Thank you for sharing with me. 」

W-what…?

「 In return, would you hear what I say? 」

「 O-of course… 」

She pulls a chair and drags it touching next to my seat. She slowly sits down so close to me, our elbow touches one another. In this moment of being so close together, she doesn’t hesitate to hold my hand.

「 I know far too well that our relationship is established due to your power, my creator. With your power, I’ve been given a second chance in life as your devoted servant. And I’m grateful for that. Honestly it might be the only way for me to feel and understand what love is.

「 I’m… tired of living alone by myself… I’m tired of living a meaningless, shallow life. For once I want to matter to someone. For once… I want my existence to truly make an impact on someone. And I truly do mean it when I love you. Due to the nature of our relationship it might sound forced, but it’s not. To me loving you is as natural as breathing. 」

She holds my hand harder now, without her gaze towards me flinching.

Somehow it causes me to realize… This whole time, from the moment we walked finding a restaurant, to the present now after we finished our meal, she’s been wholeheartedly and exclusively paying attention only towards me…

「 I want to be your loved one and show my devotion to you, like the vows you have said to the one before me, your wife, I have my own I wish to say to you.

「 I wish to have you, to hold you in my arms, whether you have wealth or not matters nothing to me. When you are sick I wish to be the one to restore you to health, to love you and cherish you as I already do, until the end of time. Not out of some cruel forced necessity but because of a genuine connection, whether divinely inspired or not.

「 Even if my love and devotion towards you solely stems from your divine powers, I’m glad that it was you and not anyone else. For you are the only one who gave me a second chance and showed me the way. 」

…Shen…

I… I… truly don’t know what to say…

Is she really okay with the likes of me?

….Is it truly okay to be loved?

…Do I truly deserve her?

「 It’s getting quite late isn’t it, master? I can feel my beloved master is already sated and tired. 」She stands up.

「 Y-yes… you’re right, Shen. 」Her words ground me into reality.

「 Let’s go home then. 」She reaches her hand, while letting out that bright smile of hers,「 we can always talk more back at home where you’re much more at ease. 」

I grab her hand, and this time with her lead, we walk out of the dining room. I don’t know whether something has changed between us, now that I’ve confessed my past relationships. But somehow there’s one thing for sure, my heart feels a little lighter now.

 

…

(3rd POV; Narrator)

 

「 My… My… My… Just look at her. Eyes as clear as a pond. Skin as white as milk. Her long swan-like legs that shine like a blooming lotus. Soft cherry full lips. Those two beautiful mountainous peaks. And most of all, her dreamy heavenly lilac hair is as smooth as silk. 」

The young dragonkin praises her as his eyes trails around the most beautiful dragon girl he’s ever seen. Her graceful presence that sweeps everyone in the restaurant with her divine charm.

As soon as she went to a private room, he immediately changed his table to the one closer to her private dining room.

He waits in eager anticipation of her coming out of that damned private dining room so he can catch another glimpse of her beauty. And when the time comes for her to get out, he can only see her for barely a few seconds. Time flies so damn quickly in that beautiful moment. Now that she’s gone, he can only let out a big sigh.

「 Wowww…. 」Even when she’s gone, he’s still swept by her wondrous beauty, 「 I can’t believe there’s such a divine jade beauty outside of the Lungkin Dynasty. If only she didn’t wear those awful clothes that must’ve originated from k-kankardis… komkardos…? What was it again? 」

「 It’s Concordis, young master. 」Replies a man wearing humble yet pristine clothes standing beside him. His right-hand servant.

「 I’ve seen those eyes before. It’s the eyes of a woman who’s deeply fallen in love. How the fuck does a feeble human like him have such a beautiful dragon girl. Such a great beauty isn’t fit for an ordinary man like that weak human. A dragonkin should be paired with a dragonkin. Such is the way of nature. 」

「 Should I bring her to you then, young master? 」 The servant suggests nonchalantly.

「 Heh, 」he lets out a big grin,「 and why should I allow you to do just that? 」

「 She reminds me of the missing young mistress from the Cao clan. The striking lavender of the Cao clan. This servant assumes her hair color is much lighter in an effort to disguise herself. If the young master can get her, not only do you win huge favor with the Cao clan, you’ll have ample opportunity to charm her. 」

「 Hmph, excellent. Send out some of the shadows to tail them and find their location. We’ll go after them later. Remember, my initial plan here was to meet my uncle. 」

「 Of course, young master. This servant will relay your order to the shadows. In the meantime, I hope the young master have a fine night with Senior Wingtien. 」

Women love novelty. Just shower them with expansive, novelty gifts, sweep her with adventurous experience and most important of all be confident, charming and sweet in doing so.

The young human escorting her is just a plain boring human. He looks quite handsome he must admit, but compared to his qualities of deep ebony hair with his tall and broad figure? Ha! That feeble human already lost by fate alone.

Those eyes of hers, however, are the problem. The way she looks towards the man accompanying her is full of attention and affection. The way they both hold hands towards one another. The more he thinks about it, the more he becomes jealous of that sorry excuse of a human. It will be hard to charm his way out of the beauty’s heart.

If push comes to shove… Well, it’s not like it will be the first time he does things forcefully and roughly.

His clan might not be as great as the nine pillar clans of the Lungkin Dynasty, but it’s definitely much bigger than the Cao clan. That clan is waning in power anyway, he can afford offending them.

He can’t wait to taste her. He just hopes eventually the girl’s ego breaks as easily as any other girl.

「 Haha! If it weren’t for the young master. You look devilishly handsome as ever! 」

Speaking of the devil, the man he’s waiting for this whole time has arrived.

「 Senior Wingtien! It’s good to see you. Forgive me for greeting you in such an underwhelming establishment, but don’t worry, the food here is excellent. 」

「 Hahaha. Don’t worry, young master. Even if it’s a piss poor inn, as long as the young master personally chose himself, I gladly take your choice to heart. 」

The senior takes no time to sit down. Just in time for the waiter to come in and place a jug of beer.

「 So, is there any news of the Lungkin Dynasty? Life in this Canids shithole as you know it is extremely boring. 」Seeing his senior fully relaxed, he asks the question that’s been holding up in his mind.

「 Ohhh.. There’s a big one, alright. 」

Before the big announcement he takes the beer and gulps it down all the way empty, further adding suspense as the young master waits for what seems to be a huge news.

「 Sho’s clan prominent heir is killed. 」He merely states.

「 W-what? 」The young master doesn’t believe him, but after seeing the old man’s unchanged expression, he’s forced to believe his words.「 How come?! Who the hell dares to face the wrath of the Sho clan?! 」

「 If they already know who’s the killer then it wouldn’t be such an interesting case isn’t it? 」

「 But surely there’s clues and suspicions right? 」

「 The Sho clan young master was killed in an open field at night. The surroundings were completely devastated. As if it was the work of a dragonkin grandmaster.  」

「 Bless the ancestors…. Is this the work of the other nine pillars clans?! 」

Dragonkin grandmaster occurrences in a battle is extremely rare. Only ever happens when the stakes are high and involve other dragonkin grandmasters. And dragon grandmaster almost certainly under the most top prominent clans, the nine pillar clans.

「 To add even more mystery to the incident, they found his body buried under the ground. A rather human convention. It begs the question whether human hands were involved in the murdering of the Sho clan young master? 」

「 Those humans may be cunning scoundrels. But there’s no reason for them to get their hands dirty in killing the Sho clan’s young master. I’d say this is just a diversion tactic to add more confusion. Knowing the rivalries between the nine pillars clans. It must be the work of the Lan clan. 」

「 Even if it is true, it’s none of our business. Us lesser clans are like rats. Never, ever, get involved over a lion’s fight. Besides, your suspicion aligns with those clans. The death of the Sho’s clan young master, further deepened their animosity towards one another. Perchance… It will cause a domino effect that causes another war between clans. That’s why medical and qi herbs prices have been on the rise. 」

「 Well that’s the news that is being talked around amongst the clans. 」The old man tries to lighten the mood,「 How about you, young master? What have you been up to recently? 」

There’s many things he’s been up to of course. Being a young master is not a care-free life without responsibilities and duties. Overseeing the clan’s mercantile fleet operation in Kasanra, ensuring the procurement of magical herbs in Kasanra is going smoothly, and all transactions to be fully accounted for with minimal corruption. All are just some of the few jobs he must do for his clan.

It’s a busy but ultimately boring life. He remembers the only time he felt excitement was a year ago when those lowlife Sujan Canids tried to sabotage his warehouse. The perfect opportunity for letting off his steam and spilling blood with his flowing dragon jian sword, lest his fighting skill be dull.

Now, there’s that divine jade beauty with her mere presence exciting him like no other woman has done before. Truly one of a kind. He has charmed and slept with multiple girls before but nothing is close like her. Just thinking of that dull human beside her infuriates him to no end. First thing he would do is to make sure to kill him before making her his.

「 Hmmm… Recently, I’ve been thinking of doing trophy hunting… 」

The young dragonkin says, as he imagines the lilac jade beauty from just before…

 

Previous Chapter – Next Chapter

「 Heee.. so you’re the new hire? 」

The man in front of me says, all the while assessing for whatever my worth is. The place is rather normal, a lounge full of low comfortable seats reminiscing so close to the Veinardian classic architecture back at home that makes me wonder whether I’m actually in a foreign place, Kasanra.

The man however, is quite the oddity. He wears an outfit that could very well be fit for an upper-class circus performance with its exorbitant myriad of flashy colors. To top it off, a tall hat with feathers that screams nobility status.

I can at least understand his skepticism but not his fashion sense. For even the most extravagant nobleman in Veinard wouldn’t be wearing that kind of style.

「 My name is Werner Duvine. No need to be so formal. I might be more senior to you in experience, but we are relatively of the same age. 」He says as he offers his hand.

He have a last name, but didn’t delve into his nobility lineage as the usual noble custom. Quite odd, but not unusual. Aston Marcht rarely mentions his noble lineage either. Who knows, perhaps there’s an unwritten trend of not mentioning it outside of the nobility circle.

「 As you might know from the letter, I’m Renald Alderhide. 」I return the gesture and shake his hand,「 I look forward to working alongside you. 」

An attendant comes to our table, tray in hand with two porcelain cups. On a closer look as he places the pair of cups on the low table between us, the porcelain is indeed quite the elaborate luxurious kind. The kind you found in typical noble houses. While I’m admiring the tea, Werner takes no hesitation and immediately drinks it, in which I follow his lead.

Gosh… Even the tea here is exactly similar to the ones I have back at Veinard. With its familiar bitter and spicy feel, and as I enjoy it, the taste highlights the silentness between the two of us. And the way he drinks the tea.

Crooking his pinky very high up in the air. I might not be an expert in noble etiquettes but I’m very confident that is not the way to drink tea. Sure, the pinky shouldn’t be involved in holding the cup but pointing it up high in such an obvious way, is to put it light, quite condescending.

「 I was wondering how long my onboarding training would be. I presume two months? 」I ask, diverting my mind from his obnoxious eloquence.

「 Months of training? 」He says casually without much thought,「 No need, a week or two is enough. The Woso and Sujan Canids, although might be different, are in the end all the same simple Canids. 」

I might be of a noble background, but that’s not a great excuse to skip training, even more so when I rarely — if ever — have been taught more than the basic noble etiquette. Unless there’s something in play such as timing or speed.

「 Are we in a rush or something?  」I curiously ask.

「 Obviously the faster, the better. 」He simply shrugs it off, rolling his eyes,「 besides, speed is of the importance. That’s why the diplomatic missions we were assigned are handled by just the two of us. 」

「 Are you being serious?! 」I can’t help but raise my voice,「 for such a crucial mission to be dealt with merely the two of us? 」

Wait, maybe I’m too quick to judge, as I don’t have much experience in the diplomatic field either. Perhaps two personnel is indeed enough.

「 That is right. Not a lot of people would like to venture into the unknown, that applies even to some of our seasoned envoys. One could argue that some of our members got into contact with the Woso Canids merchants, however, this will be the first official contact to the very kingdom itself. 」

Apparently having only two people is quite normal, however, he hints there could be more personnel to join this mission.

「 If what you mentioned is right then, why are you volunteering to join the diplomatic mission to Mojowoso kingdom? 」

「 Before that — tell me. 」He puts down the tea, crossing his legs. A knowing and innocent smile makes its way on his face.「 How’s Veinard? I’ve been dying to get fresh news from the people that actually have been there very recently. 」

From the guild master, now to my peer. Is avoiding the question a common culture around these guild officials?

「 Well… 」I start, as I ponder what kind of news that he wants, perhaps the general kind,「 the second princess Vivienne Veinard reaches Master level in the Aegis magic. The elven people are becoming more aggressive within the Veinard border. There’s also- 」

「 No, no… Not that. 」He cuts me off, shaking his head out of pure disbelief.「 The Hasten city scenes, the latest Veinard nobility fashion trends, the new cafes that revolutionized Veinard culinary! Those kinds! Not the boring news that everyone would’ve known by now. 」

Really? But the news that I’ve mentioned happened before I departed.

「 If that’s the case, I remember fashion shops and cafes are popping up everywhere around the Northern Hasten district. But other than that I don’t really know much. 」

「 How come you do not know? Aren’t you a noble son? 」

He looks quite perturbed to the point one of his eyebrows raises. Well I’m sorry for being a bastard son.

「 Unlike most nobles who love to have tea parties, I prefer adventuring and practicing my magic prowess. 」I say trying to hide my annoyance at him,「 and I am not the only one who shares the same inclination. 」

「 Ohhhh… And may I know just who this person might be which I’m pretty sure is a nobleman? 」From the words alone it doesn’t mean much but the way he asks it with him leaning closer and stops crossing his legs. He’s displaying a look of disapproval and challenge.

「 The Honorable, Elras Reinhardt. 」

「 Woah.. 」A quick stop full of doubt from him,「 you’re Reinhardt only son, confidant?!  」His eyes wide with surprise. His once shortly-lived arrogant nature completely disappeared.

「 Yeah, you could say that. He needs company in his occasional adventure quest-taking. 」

「 No way… I heard the Reinhardt son is quite the reclusive type… 」

「 Even the most solitary adventurer knows they need company in dealing hard quests. I even remember saving his life on a quest in dealing with《Kualitatem》a terrorist-like organization. 」

My plain reply is all it takes for him to go back to leaning on his chair. Aftermath of bewilderment clearly plastered all across his features. Was it really that shocking?

「 Just between you and me, 」He says in a low voice, his hand covering one side of his mouth,「 I heard some gossip from the merchants that the Reinhardt heir will be wedded with a daughter from a Viscount family. Alena Mainnez is her name, if I remember correctly. It’s causing quite the stir recently amongst merchants. As the only Reinhardt house can gain from this marriage is the Viscount considerable, but still small timber and iron industry. Do you think this marriage will hold true? 」

And why has this conversation suddenly reduced to mere gossip talking? Besides, the Elras that I know of always love to talk about exterminating those ‘damn elves’. Only once does he talk about girls, and that was his once lived crush.

How the fuck does this rumor even get all the way across the ocean to Kasanra anyway? Am I still in Veinard?

「 Ehem, 」he forces a pausing cough,「 anyway. That was a bit out of topic. It would be best for you to take a rest since you have just arrived after a long voyage. There’s some great houses available for rent near the guild. I can arrange and escort you to some of the landlords. 」

「 Sounds fine to me. I’ve been wanting to sleep on a real bed any second now. 」I say as I take my last sip. Finished with the tea, I immediately stand up.

「 Ha! I like your hastiness. Now onwards! 」

He laughs wholeheartedly as if he’s drunk. He immediately leads the way and walks pompously, large hand swings and feet held up high with each step. Looking all like an all mighty person.

Feet held up high is quite the noble etiquette, but it’d only done on important occasions… Should I correct his manners?

To think this is the senior I have to work alongside with….

 

…

 

The house for better or worse is actually not that bad. For once I actually experienced something new. Its wooden walls are decorated with elaborate carvings portraying lush leaves with flowing vines and blooming flowers on its corner. Further amplified with golden paint on its carving. Adding beauty to what would’ve been a boring plain wall.

Fully furnished too with equally elaborate carving on almost each of the furniture. The all around apparent wooden carving on almost everything must have meant a great deal of artistic culture amongst the Canids here.

The landlord is even generous enough to stockpile the home with some basic necessities, and even tea. For all it’s generosity I can’t help but notice the landlord’s attitude towards us is far too friendly on the borderline of being meek. Constantly responding towards my question with rapid head nods, and weak replies full of “yes… yes…” makes me wonder whether we are the actual landlords instead of him. It’s not a problem of language either as when I asked him whether the neighbors are Canids or not he fluently responded “there are a few but they are quiet and invisible as a ghost”.

Seeing the house ready for residential use, I didn’t hesitate and we closed the deal shortly afterwards and got our paperwork done. The only thing left is to submit some part of the paperwork to the guild treasury. The landlord insisted on letting him do it. He mentioned that “such a task is not fit for a Veinardian lord”. Werner just lifted his shoulder and said it’s how it is done here. And now the landlord is on his way, leaving the key of the house to me.

「 Are you sure this is enough for you? There’s a much fancier house or even mansion up north to this one. 」He immediately asks as soon as the landlord is away.

A house with a courtyard of any size is already deemed an affluent place, yet this man thinks this is too modest. Besides, it’s filled with never before seen lush greeneries and colorful flowers that I’m sure is native and unique to Kasanra. Trees blooming only yellow and white flowers with no leaves are basically nonexistent in Veinard.

「 Of course. It’s only a couple minutes walk to the guild. 」

「 If you are worried about walking, you could just rent a carriage boy daily. It’s very cheap here. 」He argues.

「 Didn’t you also say there’s fantastic restaurants around the corner? I won’t bother hiring a cook if I’m only staying here for two weeks. Speaking of which, do you have any recommendations on the best native Canids restaurants? 」

「 Uhhhhh.. 」He unexpectedly stumbles, losing the once confidence that he had before,「 honestly I never tried them nor do I recommend Canids restaurants but if you still insist then there’s several good restaurants in the Surna street, just south of this. 」

「 I see.. Thanks for the recommendation. 」

Without further delay, he walks out to the door. Seemingly a bit hastily.

「 No problem. Take a rest, new kid. Ah, 」He stops for a second at the door,「 and welcome to Kasanra. 」

He leaves as soon as he says those words. Words that seem to be ill-temper to whoever it is other than me. What sort of hidden meaning is there in his tone…

At the very least, the evening has come with it’s comforting honeyed dew across the sky. And for once a soothing gusting of the wind silencing and emptying my hectic mind. It’s almost… Quite euphoric.

Now left alone with ample amount of time, it’s the perfect moment to address the matter in hand.

The dragon princess stuck in the sky palace.

Shen….

With a single mere thought of her, a flash but dim purple light flickers right in front of me. From the split second the black portal appears, she comes out; dashingly.

「 Yes…? My beloved master~ 」

The suddenness of her alluring greeting caught me off guard. Then again, she’s always been very into me like an innocent girl intoxicated by a love potion. Bowing down in submission towards me, while maintaining a distinct refined elegance and stunning aura with her slow yet graceful movement.

「 It almost felt like forever since you last called for me. Ohh… How long I’ve yearn to receive your affection. 」

She walks slowly towards me, swaying her hips. Her hand running through her flowing lilac hair with a knowing seductive smile.

It’s almost impossible to stop myself from engulfing in her heavenly beauty.

「 I must say… Why did you choose this humble place? 」Her eyes wander around the place,「 Your divine realm is the only worthy place for you to live in. Just the two of us with no pest interfering with our moment~ 」

Her words might be audacious but what’s more audacious is the fact that she invades further and further onto my personal space. Only by stopping her with my hands on her shoulder. Which she responds with a disagreeable but cute pouting.

It is important to be open and direct with her. Sort out my worries, the destructive nature of our master-servant bond… and the future of our relationship. To do so, there needs to be a comfortable place for a very… very lengthy talk.

「 Shen… Would you like to go on a date? 」

 

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