I knew this day would come eventually but I avoided thinking about it, more like I was hoping I’d never have to worry about it. The Duke came home today with another man, well dressed and had an air about him. The man had pretty long blond hair and a beard and was wearing a mantle for some reason when we met. At the time I was resting in the Courtyard with Lila leaning against me as she was making a tiara out of flowers.

(Duke) “And this is my daughter whom may be too young to marry, but she will grow into a fine wife in a couple years.”

… I thought the Duke loved his daughter? Why is he trying to marry her off to this middle aged guy!?!

(Man) “She does seem to be about the same age as my son Edward… but won’t the dragon be a problem? It seems to care greatly for your daughter, what if my son is attacked?”

Ah… it’s his son they’re trying to marry Lila off to… NOT LIKE THAT’S ANY BETTER!!! I turn my head and stare the man in the eyes to try to scare him off to no avail. At that moment I see an unnatural crease in his mantle. After getting a better look it looks like a hand grasping it…?

(Duke) “There’s no need to worry about that, Kuro won’t hurt anyone as long as they don’t try to harm Lila. Though the last time that happened he made sure they couldn’t even hold a fork again!”

The Duke starts to laugh but the man on the other hand seemed to frown slightly.

(Man) “Come now Edward, introduce yourself already!”

The man pulls his mantle forward revealing a young boy slightly older than Lila in simple clothes. His blonde hair was curly and had clear blue eyes filled with uncertainty.

(Edward) “Ahh… yes father…”

The boy Edward takes a few wary steps forwards and introduces himself to Lila and me.

(Edward) “Umm… My name is Edward, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Lila and Kuro?”

Lila looks him straight into the eyes and puts on that angelic smile of hers and replies to the boy.

(Lila) “Good afternoon Edward, the pleasure is mine!”

She then beckons him closer and whispers into his ear.

(Lila) “His name is Kurogane, he’s a good boy so he won’t hurt you… just don’t tug on his tail he only lets me do that.”

Ah… I guess that is appreciated… but I would really like it if she stopped doing that also! It just feels weird! I’ve gotten used to the whole having a tail thing but having it tugged on is a different matter! As I finish my thought I notice that the Duke and Man have left and Edward is being pulled away by Lila to play, I guess I’m babysitting and let out a sigh.

(Lila) “Did you want to play Hide and Seek Eddy?”

Lila asks Edward as she turns around smiling. Ah that brat is blushing don’t tell me he fell for our Lila already! I won’t allow it!

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

(Edward) “If that’s what you want to do, but won’t it be boring with just us two?”

(Lila) “Two? Kuro’s playing also he can turn into a person like us!”

Now’s she’s done it… we keep telling her it’s a secret but she forgets at the worst time. Edward looks confused right now so I guess I have no choice but to do it and approach Edward. I put my hand on his shoulder and turn him towards me who’s slightly taller and glare at him straight in the eyes.

“This is what she means Edward and keep this a secret between us three understand?”

Clearly flabbergasted Edward just nods repeatedly until he calms down and we spend the afternoon playing Hide and Seek.

After meeting Edward the time I have with just me and Lila shrink significantly between Eddy’s visits and her tutorage. Lately the maid has come out and kept me company as I would watch over the two making sure Edward doesn’t have any funny ideas.

(Melia) “It’s a beautiful day today isn’t it Kuro?”

She’s talking to me again… ever since she found out I can turn into a boy and understand their language she’s been trying to talk to me. Normally I’m in my dragon form so I can’t talk back but for once she caught me when I can talk.

“Ah it is sunny and clear skies… the weather is terrible.”

Not that I want to be mean, but I really don’t like sunlight, I’m more of a gloom and doom type. Ahh… I should explain to her she looks like someone killed her dog.

“I’m sorry I should explain… I don’t really like sunlight. I prefer overcast and more of a breeze, not the norm.”

After explaining her face brightened up a little, she’s actually pretty plain looking now that I get a good look at her. Her brown hair as usual is braided and wearing a typical maid outfit, no not a french maid that would just be wrong on a 14 year old girl. Just a plain old Maid outfit from the Victorian times.  

(Melia) “Is that so… I'm sorry for assuming  a shadow dragon such as yourself  would like enjoy a sunny day.”

Shadow dragon? Is that what I am? It didn't  feel like a jeer… I guess  there's only one way to find out.  

“So umm… Melia you mentioned  that I was a shadow dragon? What do you know about them?”

Huh? Did I say something funny? That dumb maid has an equally stupid smile is on her face now, which she is holding and squirming about for some reason.

(Melia) “Ehehe… he called me by name for the first time.~”

Was it the first time I called her by her name… ah yea… it was. Why is she so happy that I called her by her name anyways? Something must be wrong with this girl. At that moment I heard those words… the words I never wanted to hear uttered and my heart sank.