Dragonlord

Ep 193.5 (Extra). Midnight Tales

Ep 193.5 (Extra). Midnight Tales

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 parchments had become a staple pastime.

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

After all, he was writing to someone he’d thought to have passed away.

Some were accomplishments he’d wanted to boast to his mother; some were regretful acknowledgements of things he’d done wrong; some were simple confessions of how difficult had been, protecting 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 large part of her dreaded the fact that she hadn’t been present to share the moments with her child.

But as the night deepened, an unexpected 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 knocking on the glass surface, the other holding a large paper bag filled with food.

Of course, the food didn’t exactly seem to be anything healthy; as far as Serenis was concerned, that entire bag was filled from top to bottom with donuts.

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

“…Light. I wasn’t expecting 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 seconds, the half quickly realized what the confusion 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 come 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. Can I come in?”

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

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

Though, the last bit mostly concerned Karas exclusively; Light was usually just tagging along with her professor to share a dinner table 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 glanced out the door before closing it, turning her attention back to Light. With only a small ember by the fireplace lighting an entire household, Light’s figure was barely visible.

“Is it too dark for you? You’re welcome to turn the ceiling lights back on.”

“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 working 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 something related to it.”

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

Light beamed back a coy smile at Serenis’ answer. The half then wiggled one finger left and right, clicking her tongue at her friend.

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

“Not…particularly?”

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

“…No.”

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

“…”

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

Frankly for Light, 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 gone, the half had little option in terms of company. 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 widened at the request.

Momentarily lost for words, the dragonlord looked away instead of answering the enthusiastic half before her; despite her minute of contemplation, 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 particularly 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 placed between her lips, swinging side to side with the mouth holding it.

A muffled answer soon followed afterwards.

“That’s what I’m counting 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 often fled to sleep in peace, the beach she’d found her missing daughter at with Kelador.

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

“…Serenis.”

The hearth’s fire was always crackling – mostly because she’d never awoke before it was alit. She’d often awake underneath second and third layers of blankets that had been pulled over her overnight, 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 another time.

“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 village – Adam let out his usual morning sigh, accompanied by a small laughter.

‘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 accompany Adam to his village, she’d remained this way ever since. It’d allowed the villagers to accept her presence more easily, and for Adam’s bed to support the dragonlord’s weight.

As Serenis lazily squirmed within her blankets, 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 morning ritual…or lack thereof.

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

“…”

Before, it would’ve been unthinkable for a human to disturb the lord of dragons 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 aching as it had before – which, according to Adam, was partially from spending too much time curled up asleep – Serenis was finding it harder and harder to argue 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 come?”

“? How come what?”

“How come you can’t wake me up every morning? I don’t see a problem with our current arrangement.”

“…A…uh…?”

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

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

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

…Though, neither of them had seriously complained about how things had become.

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 reaction was pursing her lips in disappointment.

She knew her partner had to leave; after spending years in a village, 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 village; 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 needed treatment.

To achieve this, the dragonlord had made every effort to keep villagers 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 reluctant answer, Serenis forced herself to let go of her partner’s warmth.

After slipping out of bed, Adam beamed back an 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 can.”

“…”

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

Adam briskly turned to leave for his work with a sheepish smile on his face. Another few minutes of watching 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 continued to hum a soft tune to himself.

A sight that someone wasn’t exactly 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 disappointment several times.

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

?   ?   ?

Despite still squirming in bed, Serenis wasn’t exactly 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 forget 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 place. His questioning gaze turned left and right as he studied the place he’d come to, and his own frown deepened further when he noticed his eldest daughter squirming in bed, wrapped within a human’s sheets and blankets.

“What is this place? 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 newcomer 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 village?”

“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 glare 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 continent.

“…Kelador hasn’t sired children either. Go bother him instead.”

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

“I don’t keep count of useless things.”

“…To this day, he climbs onto land 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 of regret for the sake of a fleeting toy.”

“…He’s not a toy. You asked me to find someone to 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 contempt, not love.”

“…”

“Learn your place.”

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

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

Hearing the First’s sudden, unexpected announcement, 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 accomplished is finding a new toy. You’ve wasted more than enough time.”

“…Even if what you say is true, what difference does a thousand years make? Neither of us are bound by time. You never even cared to rush things before.”

“It may not concern 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 complaints about how they’d prefer having an heir to succeed your position.”

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

“And that’s exactly why they’re coming to me. It certainly doesn’t help that you never tell your kin where you’re going.”

“…”

In all fairness, Serenis had done that 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 Kelador 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 blankly 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 one thing in particular 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 courage 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 changed when he’d arrived at Mirha’s house: he expected the son to still be resting or asleep, and Mirha to be watching over her child, just like they had been the day before.

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

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

Unable to understand what he was seeing, Adam quickly turned to 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 confusing, awkward celebration, Adam finally turned to meet the stranger’s gaze.

And with a resolute nod, the man briefly turned to 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 strange the man before him seemed to be – they were dressed in white from head to toe, and their gleaming white hair didn’t exactly help make things seem any more natural. In fact, up so close, he could now see that even their eyes were white.

But seemingly uncaring for their own unusual appearance, the figure looked to Adam, gesturing towards outside.

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

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

“No.”

“…?”

Adam’s confusion 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 turned to address their reason for coming.

“…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 was speaking to.

The individual made no effort to confirm 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 considered a name, anyways.

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

“I do not care for formalities. Do not concern 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 relatively indifferent, Adam couldn’t help but feel pressured before a literal divinity standing right in front of him.

And soon, the next 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 sudden question.

“…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 learned throughout his life.

This time, it might’ve gone too 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 become apparent after your passing. Surely, even a mortal like yourself would understand.”

“…”

Adam remained quiet, only nodding his head then and there as the First continued to 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 concerns were the exact same ones he’d had in his own mind. Ones he’d never spoken out loud, fearing that Serenis would confirm his worries.

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

“In one week, Serenis will be bonded to 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 – and neither are bound by time.”

“…”

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

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

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

Seeing Adam nodding in compliance, the First returned a satisfactory grin.

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

“…Right.”

Following suit, the First snapped his fingers to do away with the dome that surrounded them, signaling the end of their short meeting.

But even as the divinity took his leave, Adam stood frozen in place 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 blankly raised his gaze, staring into the sky far above.

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

According to their olden tales, dragons were said to dwell in the very heavens above them – which, in Adam’s perspective, was where Serenis belonged. Compared 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 village, planted to the ground beneath 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.

Contrary to her expectations, the mood didn’t become 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 an entire minute, struggling to string her words together.

A demon can only be bonded once.

In one week, she’d be bonded to 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 bonded to another soul in that week, then her father’s arrangement would naturally fall apart.

And so, despite her welling fear and embarrassment, Serenis mustered the courage 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 placed 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 later recall, those were the longest few seconds of her life.

When she couldn’t bear to meet Adam’s gaze any longer, the 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 understand.”

“…”

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 late-“

“I…I’m just stepping out for some air. I’ll be where I’m usually at, so…you needn’t worry.”

“…”

It only took a handful of seconds for Serenis to take into the air, her figure shrinking to a speck in 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 conscience aching in guilt, he couldn’t bear to bring 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, disappointment 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 even the patches of sky visible through the tree branches. It was still the same peaceful place it had been when the dragonlord had been on her own, sleeping her years away at this very spot.

But unlike the unchanging environment around her, Serenis herself had changed.

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

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

And, lastly…

“…”

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

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

So, when she found Kelador 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 Kelador was scared of in this world; in fact, he could probably count them all with five fingers.

Sadly, a depressed dragonlord was one of them.

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

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

It wasn’t like Adam was obligated to come see her, of course; in fact, after what had gone down between them, it might even be natural that he wasn’t coming to wake her anymore.

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

“…Kelador.”

“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 crying if he didn’t.

Then again, Kelador was perfectly aware that Serenis didn’t see him as a future partner – if she did, then they would’ve been bonded centuries ago. With the First practically forcing the arrangement to 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 replaced the anger as she looked towards the direction of the village.

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 Kelador was not to blame. Despite the velklord being affectionate towards her, he’d never persuade the First to force their bonding like this.

But again, knowing that didn’t really help her feel any better about the arrangement…or about the lack of Adam’s presence.

“…What’s keeping him so busy?”

“…”

Kelador quietly peeked from the corners of his eyes.

It was an odd experience, to 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 intention of receiving an answer.

But when the velklord so kindly offered her one, the dragonlord’s glare immediately fell upon Kelador once more – as if she’d forgotten how she’d told him to shut up mere moments ago.

Imagination quickly turned to suspicion. And suspicion quickly turned to 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 seconds that Kelador took to answer her, Serenis brandished her claws, holding them inches away from the velklord’s throat.

…And despite knowing that the claws were of little threat to him, the burning resentment 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 outcomes that could result from a meeting between a man and divinity.

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

Kelador’s hair violently fluttered amidst the sudden gust. He blankly stood in place, watching his bride-to-be whizzing into the distance.

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

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

?   ?   ?

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

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

But when the door unexpectantly bashed open, both of them turned to 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 trinkets – 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 turned to address the dragonlord’s arrival.

“Serenis. I see you’ve come 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 compensated for his hard work.”

“Burden?...Work?”

With her eyes filled with disbelief, Serenis slowly turned to 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-stricken expression, almost as if he’d stop her from leaving this very moment.

But immediately after, the First’s pressuring glare would stop the healer in place.

“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 place, Serenis clawed 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 turned to 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 single step forward – that was the condition 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 covering every corner of the world around it. And even the temple itself was just a bleak structure in her memories.

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

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

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

And lastly, between the spires was a carpeted open aisle laced 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 been selected 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 comments and excited 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 adorning 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 continued absence.

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

“…”

Things weren’t very different in the neighbouring spire.

The atmosphere was about the same among the velks: although Kelador usually remained within their domain in the waters, his tribe had been concerned 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 come, 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 absences. The two lords would return to where they should be, in the company 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 since snuck into the dragonkin’s spire to lean outside the chamber Serenis was in, eavesdropping on what was happening inside.

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

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

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

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

“…”

Kelador turned to 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 Kelador? Care to spend a little less time being eccentric 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.”

“…”

Placing a hand on her aching 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 arrangement so much, why didn’t you stop your father?”

“You think I can stop him?!”

“…No, I guess you can’t.”

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

Kelador’s gaze 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, Kelador was much too busy ruminating on the situation to notice her attitude.

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

Watching her lord lost in thought, Skana made a genuinely worried expression, lightly slapping at Kelador’s face to stir him awake.

“…Lord Kelador. 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 slaps, a keen glint flashed into Kelador’s eyes.

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

“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 know exactly where I’ve been to! You keep track of all that, don’t you?”

“? Against my will, yes. Why?”

“Great. You can go in my stead, then. Get him in here, will ya?”

“...Get who? From where?”

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

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

“Attend. Crash. Whatever.”

“…”

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

“…Lord Kelador, with all due respect…”

“Hm?”

“Are you out of your mind?”

Unfortunately, all Skana managed to get with that insult was an apologetic shrug from her lord.

“…Come 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 listened to her.

?   ?   ?

Before he realized, Kelador found himself standing at the end of the stretching 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 décor glittering on the black fabric like a night sky’s replica.

‘…I swear father makes up these customs 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, expectant 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 last to go, huh?”

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

Unbeknownst to the gathered crowd, neither of them were looking too happy.

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

“Rejoice. Today, the very heavens become one with the boundless ocean.”

“…”

“…”

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

The other continued to glance from the corners of his eyes, right towards one of the Summit’s gates in the distance behind him. His unease was growing by the second 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 next set of instructions to the both of them.

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

“Huh? Uh, sure. Uh…”

“…”

While Kelador was hesitating on purpose to buy time, a brief glance to his right soon made it apparent that he didn’t need to.

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 Kelador – 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 forgot how to undo her morph.”

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

“…”

Even as the gathered crowd began murmuring about the dragonlord’s unexpected 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 touch and hear his voice, shaking her awake from this nightmare.

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

‘…Please…come 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 village healer was trying to eat a literal piece of burnt gold, she quickly made her way over, using her cane to slap 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 lady you’re always with?”

“…”

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

In a parched voice, he croaked out his next answer to 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 continued to 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 village 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 wanted to leave you?”

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

When Serenis had wanted to ask him to take her hand, he hadn’t even let 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 in return was asking her to leave.

So, if someone were to ask him if Serenis herself had wanted to leave, his answer would be…

“…I…don’t think so…”

Again, the elder would click her tongue repeatedly.

“…Adam. A heartless marriage can never last.”

“…”

“No matter how right someone may seem for their partner…if there’s no heart in it, then that bond can never last.”

The elder soon took a seat beside Adam by the fire, pushing the burnt gold back into the fire with her cane.

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

“…Not even…death?”

“No. Not even death.”

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 another twenty 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 late now. Even if wanted to bring her back, I wouldn’t even know where to begin looking…”

It wasn’t like he could go back in time and prevent Serenis from leaving. And he certainly had no idea where the First had taken her to.

But before the elder could offer another word of comfort, 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 imminent death, Adam let out an empty laughter.

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 late? 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, then get on. I’ll take you to your precious dragonlord right now.”

?   ?   ?

As Kelador 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 wrap around one another to mark the completion of their bonding.

‘SKANA…WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!’

Kelador’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 distraction 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 ocean 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 returned to 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 chance to speak to her again.

“Serenis…I, I’m sorry I’m late. 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 one tighter in her arms.

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

“…It’s alright. You needn’t say more.”

“…”

An uncomfortable silence soon filled the Summit.

Most were confused; a few were laughing quietly, wondering what else would happen to make this event more interesting. The First was seemingly infuriated by the sudden interruption, while Kelador was beaming the widest smile towards his panting advisor, holding up a thumb in secret.

And, after the long silence, Serenis finally took note of the snapped string that was now hanging loose beneath her finger.

“…”

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

After making a little room between them, she then gestured 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.

Once it was done, she closed her eyes, clasping her hands above Adam’s.

Her lips then began to recite a vow – one that 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 continued – this time a little louder than before, so that everyone else present would hear her voice.

“…As the first lord of the dragonkin, I declare…that from this moment on, you too, as my bonded half, are now a part 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 needed to 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 Kelador would burst in anger from having the ceremony interrupted and quite literally, stolen.

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

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

“…What the absolute fucking hell?”

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

But before they could, Kelador 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 can.”

“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 fucking insane?”

“My advisor does ask me that a lot.”

While Lucid and Kelador continued to bicker in the background, Serenis turned to 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 composure.

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

“It isn’t too late, 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 no need…there never will.”

“…You’re inviting your own tragedy. You know just as well as I that this bond cannot last.”

“…”

“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 compared to her own.

But in her stead, Adam finally mustered the courage 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 courage – perhaps the dragonlord’s hand that held him, or perhaps the words of his village elder.

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

“…I will always be with her.”

“…”

For not even death will do us apart.

If a human crashing the wedding of two demonlords wasn’t shocking 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 turned to 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 relaxed his composure.

It wasn’t exactly an ideal outcome, by any means. But nevertheless…

It was an outcome he could accept.

?   ?   ?

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

With a half-torn armor and a snapped red string still hanging on his finger, the 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 ocean gate that would bring her home.

“…Ugh. Why do I bother.”

“Huh?! Wait, what’s wrong?!”

“I don’t know! Just shut up!”

“Aw come on, I’m sorry! Here, I’ll catch you a kraken when we’re back! You can 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 glanced back at her king. She muttered her next phrase just barely loud enough for Kelador to hear.

“…A hundred.”

“Wait, hundred?”

“…”

“Even if I search the entire ocean, there’s not gonna be that 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 once the Summit was completely emptied of everyone else, Lucid finally floated over from behind the First’s back, studying their father’s indifferent expression.

“…Father, you knew that Kelador was bringing that human here, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“So you let it happen.”

“…”

“You knew this would happen, didn’t you? You weren’t even planning to bond Kelador and Serenis at all.”

“…An outcome is an outcome. 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 lasts a century. They couldn’t afford to continue wasting time.”

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

Snorting, the First eyed Lucid with a curious gaze. Despite being his own creation, he could never quite understand 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 according to the First’s wishes; no matter how careful he was in nurturing their growth, something unexpected would always influence their being, jeopardizing the outcome of everything he’d strived to build.

But at the end of the day, it was impossible to control every possible outcome.

So, really…more often than not…

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

?   ?   ?

“…And we returned to the village 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 slap herself back awake.

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

“…Yes?”

“And then you come and tell me THIS?!”

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

“Uh huh. Sure.”

With her eyes sparkling in anticipation, Light cupped her chin 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 late, Light. And I’m sure Patrick will be home soon. Perhaps you should head home now…”

“Oh, please. Your brother’s not coming back home tonight. I’m staying here until morning.”

“…? How would you know that?”

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

“That’s an actual custom?”

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

Admittedly, Light was right about the first part – Patrick really didn’t come home until late next morning.

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