Ultimately, the decision to set up camp for the night was made. After the attack, no one was in the mood to continue without rest even if it were only for a few hours.

The twins were able to start a fire in the middle of the cliffside, allowing the group to rest in some warmth. The mules had been unhooked from the carriage and were tied to a nearby tree to rest. I leaned against a tree, watching the group from a distance.

Gunnar’s side torso had been slashed deeply by the ogre, which meant that he wasn’t in the best condition. However, Gunnar insisted that none of the healing potions should be used on him. The normally jolly guard insisted that he would be fine till we were able to attend proper care in Leton.

I can’t say that I agree with his decision. It was fine to be wrong, enriching too. After all, injured humans were liabilities in battle and there was still a two-day journey ahead of us. He would get in the way.

Not to mention that the blood would bring unwanted attention. It was nothing that I couldn’t manage, seeing as I didn’t need to be as careful with my abilities. Serlon and Edwin had stayed silent about my identity, even after being questioned on my wrapped injury. For all they knew, I most likely injured it while hanging from the side of the carriage.

I couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or not. Even from a distance away from the fire, I felt like their stares would burn holes in my side. When everyone had returned to the carriage, I wasted no time slip away from the commotion. Serlon had been distracted in making the decision to delay our travel.

Edwin was too busy checking in on Gunnar, who was resting in the carriage right now. My condition was stable with the occasional burning from my hand. Hurt like a bitch though.

Overall, the remnants of the magic were fading because of the small amount. Still, it burned away a decent part of the skin that had been exposed. Can’t say that it was the most favorable outcome. Nothing could be as painful as half of my wing being completely burned away. And I hoped it stayed that way.

“If I had to, I would have faced that ogre on foot!” Lars swung at the air, “I would have protected you with my life, Your Highness!”

Snickers erupted from around the fireplace.

“That’s very noble of you, Guard Lars,” Edwin thanked, his eyes still glancing over in my direction, “I’m glad we were able to manage an attack of a demon of that size.”

“With all due respect, Your Highness,” Daniel raised his brow, “We all know that my brother would have been killed in one hit if he tried.”

Lars elbowed Daniel’s side, “Says the person that clung to the roof with white knuckles!”

“Please! You looked like you wanted to piss yourself,” Daniel scoffed.

“Scouts had been monitoring the demonic activity within the forests. But we were unaware of such a threat lurking within our territory,” Serlon shed some light on the situation, “Thanks to everyone’s swift reactions, we were able to retreat.”

“It’s all credited to your efficient training, Sir Serlon,” Trent added, rubbing his sword with a rag, “For once I was thankful for all the ambush drills that you put us through.”

“Suck up,” Lars mumbled under his breath.

Serlon chuckled, getting to his feet, “Well then. I’ll make sure to train everyone harder. Now, use this time to actually rest. We’ll be traveling nonstop after this to make it to the negotiations on time.”

“Great! Now look at what you’ve done. You’ve doomed us!” Lars whined, throwing a stick at Trent.

“Where are you going?” Edwin asked, already standing up. He knew where Serlon was heading. Unfortunately, so did I. After all, the entire ordeal had been prolonged.

All Serlon did in response was wave the prince over to his side. I debated on running, but at the same time, I’d be running from humans. Like hell I’d do that. Instead, I stood motionless as the pair marched over in my direction. The relaxed expressions that they had worn at the fireplace melted off, exuding more serious faces.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

All business now.

“Took you long enough,” I scoffed, crossing my arms, “I was starting to wonder if you were just stupid enough to brush it over.”

“You know we can’t do that,” Edwin loudly whispered, glancing back at the small chattering around the fireplace.

“Speak normally. They won’t hear you from here,” I sighed, “If I’m to be killed once we get to Leton, I’ll just leave now. You won’t see me again nor will I be aiding in the war from the demonic side.”

“We don’t plan on killing you, dragon,” Serlon confessed, “But that doesn’t mean that your presence is exactly welcomed here.”

I faked a gasp, wiping an imaginary tear from my eye, “Wow. I’m hurt… really. I mean it!”

Serlon narrowed his eyes, “I have half the mind to kill you now.”

“Sorry to break it to you, Serlon, “I scoffed, smirking, “But I’m in a stable condition right now. I could kill this whole group in seconds if I wanted to.”

“And I think you forgot that Prince Edwin knows light magic,” Serlon warned, stepping closer as if that would intimidate me.

“I’d never forget that” I held my bandaged hand in front of his face, “I think you overestimate Edwin’s killing intent though,” I levelled, turning back towards Edwin, who had remained silent.

“Isn’t that right, Your Highness?” I leaned down to face him.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t kill you, “Edwin looked up with conviction, “And I don’t think we have to be on opposing sides. Look, I understand who you are and what that foretells regarding safety concerns.”

No. I don’t think he does. If Edwin really knew, he would have killed me when the effects of the light magic were still overwhelming. The window of opportunity was gone. Serlon understood that now.

“But…” Edwin continued, “I’ve heard all about your accomplishments in the past. Even if you were feared widely among humans, the records show that you were an amazing commander and fighter. If there’s any way that we can utilize that then I’m more than willing for both sides to use each other.”

“Your Highness!” Serlon cried.

Use each other? The comment seemed almost alien coming from Edwin. I chuckled, “Are you saying that you want to make a deal?”

He nodded, “Even if it was to different degrees, we both grew up in politics. I’m not as clueless as I act. Nor am I blind to the fact that you would have killed us if you wanted to. So, what are you after by being here? Why are you in Trane?”

Edwin kept having moments where I could actually see why he was Crown Prince. He was picked over his so-called brother for a reason. It was because of rare spectacles like this.

“I have no power in Hellion anymore,” I kept it simple, “Because of my nature, I’m not the type to sit in a mountain for thousands of years either. My reason for being in Trane is purely because of my own convenience.”

Of course, I didn’t mention that originally, but I followed through with my position at Trane to gain information for my father. As it stood, it seemed like my father’s tantrum wouldn’t be ending this time around. It had been my own fault, so I couldn’t get upset about it.

If I had been more competent in battle, I would have earned those victories. I would still have my territory and my troops wouldn’t have gotten wiped out.

“Why should we trust you? Heaven knows that you’ll betray us when we least expect it.” Serlon maintained his stance.

“Trust me? Why should I trust you to keep my secret?” I remarked, “My glory days are over, Serlon. But I’ll let you in on some advice from Arsylm. Not ‘Asta.’ The best type of trust is the nonexistent kind. The answer is to not trust me. As I’ll do for you.”

“Okay. Arsylm,” Edwin interrupted us, “I’ll allow you to continue to serve under my command. Of course, this means that I’ll keep your identity while doing so. In return, I would like to interject my own side of this bargain.”

“Your Highness… you can’t mean to say that?” Serlon gaped.

Edwin nodded, peering back to the group, “Are you able to cast some sort of noise cancellation magic around us without them noticing?”

I raised my eyebrow, “Me?”

“Dragons are skilled in magic. Are they not?” Edwin reaffirmed his request.

“Of course, it’s possible. In return, I’ll throw in the condition that I’ll receive a new mana potion when we arrive at Leton.” I proposed.

“Those are expensive! We absolutely can’t.” Serlon tried to advise Edwin, who only took a second to consider the deal.

He raised his hand to dismiss the Guard’s worrying, “Consider it done. Trane is not a poor kingdom. It’s well within our monthly budget.”

“Works for me then,” I peered over to the rest of the troop, making sure that none were looking in our direction. With a slight glow in my eyes, I waved my hand to encompass us in a transparent space.

It wasn’t too much mana. I had a little extra from the strength of the mana potion anyway. This much wouldn’t hurt, but I’ll be damned if I miss out on replacing the other one.

“There. They can’t see or hear us right now, Edwin,” I assured him, waiting for him to continue with his part of the bargain.

Serlon and him peered around at the light glimmer of the space that I created. Their faces were mixed with admiration and shock.

“Isn’t this a four-layered spell? You did it without breaking a sweat,” Edwin cheered.

“I’ll admit that this is impressive,” Serlon mumbled under his breath. So. I would refrain from explicitly saying that my senses were above a human’s. It made me happy inside.

“Don’t class dragons in the same league as your mages.” I reminded him, earning a scowl from Serlon.

Edwin chuckled, before his face fell, “Anyway. As I said, I’ll keep your identity while letting you continue your duties. However,” He paused, “I would like to ask for your aid, myself. Let me borrow your power for my own personal gain.”

“If you're asking me to parade around in my normal form, I’ll decline that now. My father doesn’t care about me now, but the second I announce my presence in battle, he’ll show himself. For both our sakes, that’s the worst outcome imaginable.” I cautioned.

“No. I don’t need you to do that,” He assured, “You’ve kept hidden for your own reasons.”

“Then what are you proposing if not that?” I pressed further.

“Arsylm,” He looked me dead in the eyes, “Lend me your strength to take the throne from my father should the time come. That’s all I ask.”

“…That’s it? Just support?” I questioned, “You’re waiting for the chance to overthrow your father?”

Gutsy. I couldn’t imagine holding a dime to my father. The thought itself was certain death.

“Yes.” Edwin confirmed, “Should the day come… I’d like you on my side.”

It would be reasonable to go with the winning side. But since there were conditions to it…

“I’ll agree to that, Edwin.” I acknowledged his request.

“Thank you, Arslym. Let’s hold up both of our sides. For now, we can discuss this more after the Leton trip.” He reached out his hand for a shake.

I looked down at his sweaty palms. You know? For someone who seemed so confident while making a deal, he exposed himself through his gross bodily habits.

“...Yeah, no. Put that away. There’s no way that I’m shaking your hand.”