"I want this dragon." Ignoring the branch president, the petite girl sat directly on Zephyr's head, her hand gently stroking it as if she enjoyed the sensation of touching him. Her tone wasn't one of negotiation but rather a statement of fact, which was undoubtedly perceived as a provocation by the branch president and his associates. The subordinates, specially selected for their loyalty, didn't dare to voice any opinions without their leader's permission—or even have the chance to.
The branch president and his group failed to notice the subtle trembling and helpless fear in their comrades' eyes. They appeared normal at first glance, but closer inspection revealed their unease.
"This is impossible!" One man sternly stared at the girl. They had put everything on the line for this dragon, leveraging all their resources. Despite being rooted in a remote town, the potential rewards made it worthwhile. After so much effort, relinquishing the gains would be unacceptable to most present.
Though the branch president also felt reluctant, he recognized the necessity of compromise. His position indicated some level of competence, especially in discernment. He knew the world held powerful forces and understood the correct course of action. However, when another man spoke out before him, the branch president inwardly panicked.
"Oh? Impossible? That's not for you to decide," the girl tilted her head. "Even though you don't look like the one in charge, it doesn't matter."
"I was just asking..."
As the girl lightly swung her legs, the branch president's face paled, unable to maintain his composure. "Please wait! You can take the dragon anytime!"
"Who gave you the courage to interrupt me?" The girl's sweet smile vanished, replaced by an ominous aura that filled the air with a thick, bloody scent.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"I... I'm very sorry... Please spare us..." Stepping back in terror, the branch president tried to speak but was silenced by the shadow that loomed over them, leaving only fear and despair.
---
Regaining consciousness, Zephyr felt an itch on his nose and instinctively reached to scratch it. Instead, he received a sharp tap on his face, small yet forceful enough to wake him completely from his drowsiness.
Rubbing his dragon face, he sat up abruptly, surveying his surroundings. The crossbow bolts embedded in his limbs and wings had been removed, somehow without leaving any tearing wounds despite their barbs. He realized he was in the same town he had secretly observed several times before—the advantage of having dragon eyes was their long range.
"￥…" A soft, sweet voice came from below. Distracted and puzzled about his situation, Zephyr looked down to see a little girl standing on tiptoes, waving her hand as if trying to communicate.
This girl... was the one from last night!
Though he couldn't understand her words, the variations in her tone suggested she was switching between several languages. One sounded familiar—strangely familiar, not through personal knowledge but through a bodily recognition. Yet, this familiarity remained alien to him.
Curious, the town had been full of people earlier, but now it seemed deserted. Looking back at the girl still trying to communicate, her cheeks puffed up slightly in frustration, making her look endearing. He wanted to reach out and touch her head but reconsidered upon seeing his claws. Though he could control his strength well enough to carve fine lines in stone, stones were lifeless objects.
What if he accidentally hurt or frightened her?
"Not understanding Dragon Tongue, are you really a dragon?" With hands on her hips, the girl lightly kicked the ground, squinting up at Zephyr.
Zephyr looked down at the persistent girl with a helpless expression. No matter how many languages she mastered, if he couldn't understand, he couldn't respond. His knowledge of foreign languages was limited to basic phrases and terms from certain movies.
"Hmm~ There shouldn't be a dragon who doesn't understand Dragon Tongue," the girl leaned against Zephyr, resting her chin on her hand. Dragon Tongue was a unique language innate to dragons, not something learned or acquired through exposure. Dragons inherited racial memories at birth, including the ability to speak Dragon Tongue fluently, assuming they had passed the infant stage where they could only cry.
During the chase, Zephyr had spoken various languages unknown to this world. For a wild dragon raised without a mother and lacking inherited memories, merely surviving as more than a beast was commendable. This dragon not only showed intelligence but also possessed knowledge beyond what she understood.
Another unusual trait: this dragon lacked a dragon's aura. Dragon aura wasn't just a form of intimidation; it exerted significant mental pressure on weaker beings and could influence even peers. Without it, Zephyr's plight during the pursuit was understandable. At least within a certain range, ordinary horses wouldn't dare move.
Most intriguingly, this dragon seemed immune to the dangerous characteristics of her presence, further compelling her to keep him.