The Dragon Lord's Aide Wants to Quit [BL] Chapter 395: Small Comforts

A rampaging crimson dragon, coupled with a colossal sphere of molten hydra flesh, materialized directly outside the MBE’s main entrance—a scenario decidedly unforeseen by anyone present.

Naturally.

Yet, this abrupt catastrophe, which concluded with surprising swiftness, became the sensational news that would reverberate throughout Eryndra for no less than a month post-event.

Indeed, that long, on its own.

This timeframe didn't even account for the subsequent cascade of related narratives that would inevitably emerge once the public began their inevitable investigations. And they would. Inevitably.

So much for a tranquil, measured return for the reinstated aide, only to be greeted by one of the most significant scandals since Kael assumed his leadership of the MBE.

Actually, no.

This was, quite possibly, one of the most bewildering and intricate series of public controversies dating back even before Lord Karion's tenure.

And of all the individuals who could have stumbled upon such a singular, once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, fate decreed it must be Riley and his family.

Talk about an unfortunate turn of events.

While others might contend that the situation couldn't possibly be dire for someone still recognized as the most cherished human mate, Riley harbored absolute certainty that their pronouncements stemmed from an ignorance of even half the critical details.

Moreover, how could it not be deemed outrageously taxing when the black dragon's most relaxed moments over an indeterminate period occurred only when he checked on the children immediately after whisking them into the MBE for a comprehensive medical evaluation?

"..."

Uh-huh, ponder how long ago that was, considering it transpired literally moments after Riley ensured every last fragment of Malrik had been reduced to mere ash.

And regarding that hydra—

As a creature defined by regeneration, he had no intention of risking even a minuscule portion of that scoundrel surviving. If it necessitated meticulous microscopic examination to detect the faintest possibility of residual life, so be it.

Fortunately, however, they possessed an ample supply of azure flame, guaranteeing multiple applications of vengeful incineration.

Now, that particular aspect was indeed quite enjoyable and served as a significant release.

Furthermore, it appeared that embracing a more unhinged approach had provided not only him but also Liam and Orien a measure of relief, however slight.

Admittedly, Riley experienced a fleeting concern regarding the slightly unsettling nature of their gleeful reactions, considering his role in raising upstanding children. Yet, he recognized his own hypocrisy, unable to chastise when he himself could erupt in song with delight.

Then again, a primary reason why the somewhat guilt-ridden black dragon did not make a spectacle of the children's virtually uninhibited exclamations, albeit youthful, was the necessity of placing them in the infirmary to uphold appearances.

Stated that way, it might imply Riley was harboring nefarious intentions—a vain adult leveraging the children as pawns to enhance his social standing. In reality, however, his intention was literal.

You see, due to the sheer number of individuals involved, coupled with the existing buzz generated by the Treants and their gossiping 'loudleaves,' concealing Liam's and Orien's existence was no longer feasible.

Eryndra, the veritable land of busybodies.

The populace displayed an insatiable desire to learn every detail about the courageous children who had valiantly confronted the dragon.

Orien's identity was relatively apparent, given his distinct physical traits and his literal pyrotechnic capabilities. The challenge, however, lay with his younger sibling, Liam.

He was presumed to be human. Yet, he had demonstrated an astonishing array of capabilities.

While an attempt could have been made to obscure his true nature, such a strategy would have proven futile, especially since his existence had long been known following his investigation as the dragon lord's paramour.

"This will only be for a brief duration," Riley stated, his gaze tenderly fixed upon the two young ones.

"While Orien might not require more than a day's stay, Liam, you may need to rest a little longer."

"...!">

The pronouncement startled the otherwise placid golden dragon.

Like a startled beast, he instantly adopted a defensive and indignant posture, practically screeching his objection to the news.

"Why?! What afflicts the little sprite?! Why must he remain confined!"

Then again, who wouldn't react with panic upon hearing such words?

"Do not fret. There is nothing significantly amiss with him beyond fatigue and stress, which is precisely why your cooperation is needed for a small charade," Riley explained with practiced calm.

"Huh?"

"Recall the performance you staged at the Dolphin Pavilion; we require a similar..."

"Ehh???"

Riley sensed Orien conjuring an amusing mental image and felt compelled to clarify before the child envisioned a circus within the infirmary.

"Very well, permit me to pose a question as one dragon to another. If someone were to inform you that a human had successfully confronted multiple dragons and magical entities, emerging unscathed after a prolonged period of evasive maneuvers, would you deem that plausible?"

"!"

Orien and Liam simultaneously straightened their postures, as if galvanized by words that resonated with undeniable logic.

The ex-mortal observed as the two individuals arrived at their conclusions and felt relief that their comprehension seemed to be developing rapidly.

What truly clever children they were.

"Although we cannot conceal Orien's status as a golden dragonling any longer, it would be a far different matter to declare that a half-drake could endure dragon fear."

"And that isn't even considering the fact that Liam is a half-drake to begin with."

"Concealing Liam would only fuel greater curiosity when we can leverage the existing life contract between the Hale family and the Dravaryn clan."

"Certainly, it wouldn't provide a complete explanation, but it would offer some insight into why Liam might be more adept at handling the most formidable dragons."

Orien's eyes expanded in surprise upon hearing this explanation.

That's right.

Revealing the little sprite as a magical being at this juncture truly did not seem like a prudent course of action. More critically, if he appeared unfazed and comfortable while other mature beings were still trembling in terror even after the rescue, it would undoubtedly raise too many suspicions.

What if individuals sought to conduct experiments on him?

And those dragons who pride themselves on their superiority, wouldn't they be driven to comprehend how Liam managed to withstand them?

They themselves were already engrossed in conjectures that his sudden prowess stemmed from the bead he had absorbed, and now they also had to account for everyone who might develop an interest in the little sprite?!

Very well.

Orien adopted a pout, his brows knitting together in thought, but he ultimately conceded that remaining in that dilapidated location was the only viable option.

He held no particular fondness for the odor of the place, nor for the sounds of people enduring agony and weeping, yet he could grasp the rationale behind its existence.

However, the pensive dragonling was startled when his hair was suddenly tousled by his aunt.

"You needn't trouble yourself so much."

"You will still have opportunities to enjoy your handheld devices. We can arrange for you to be in the same room, should you desire it."

"Perhaps not in the same room as your father, as he genuinely needs to rest as a patient, but the two of you together should be acceptable."

They had succeeded in stabilizing the conditions of his mother and father, but given the assaults they endured, Riley was adamant that they require complete rest.

They were genuine victims of the attack, and there was no possibility they would be permitted to feign recovery.

Knowing his father, he would likely insist he was well merely to contend with the immediate influx of responsibilities.

And that was an absolute non-starter for someone already possessing a fragile constitution.

Thus, the four of them, with Lady Cirila acting as their temporary custodian, would be residing in the infirmary for the time being.

"Nevertheless, you must pledge to conduct yourself properly when visitors arrive. If you can provide that assurance, then we can indeed keep you in a single room."

"Visitors? Brother, there will be visitors?" It was Liam who inquired, his curiosity suddenly piqued.

"Likely so. Your instructors and classmates had already initiated contact the moment the news began to spread, and it appears they have no intention of ceasing their efforts until they have personally seen you."

"!!!"

"What? My teachers and friends?" Liam's countenance brightened instantaneously, while Orien appeared alarmed as his companion began speaking of other friends.

"What friends? Am I not your friend?!" The golden dragonling placed a hand over his chest, posing this question with indignant flair.

One might have assumed he felt utterly betrayed, given his expression, as if he had just heard something profoundly mortifying.

"Of course! You are my most cherished friend! But there are also friends from school! They are all so wonderful, and they share a fondness for dragons too! I am certain they will find you incredibly impressive!"

"Ack!" The golden dragonling instinctively tensed, yet found himself flustered by the compliment of being called impressive.

Liam leaned forward, his gaze earnest and imploring, practically alight with fervor. "Brother! Would it be possible for me to introduce Orien to my friends if they come to visit?"

Orien's visage contorted into a mask of worried displeasure at the mere suggestion, yet he simply regarded Liam with an expression of utter helplessness.

"Well, only if he is agreeable to it. And provided we ensure no conflicts arise. Those children are actual human youngsters, so if they do visit, we must exercise extreme caution."

Riley observed as Liam positively beamed at the golden dragonling. It was evident that Orien harbored considerable reservations about sharing his treasured sprite with others, but faced with such hopeful eyes, he ultimately relented.

As one might surmise, he spent the remainder of the evening in a state of disgruntlement, much to the black dragon's amusement.

However, this outcome was preferable to them exhibiting distress and agitation.

He had harbored concerns that they would be profoundly affected, but the pair demonstrated a resilience far exceeding those expectations.

Then again, unbeknownst to Riley, this was largely attributable to their enhanced sense of security after witnessing his capabilities.

With an individual of his caliber on their side, how could Liam and Orien possibly not feel considerably better?