My Slain Dragon Bride

Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Chapter 72 - It’s a Misunderstanding

An uncomfortable silence lingered between them.

Ferda pressed his index finger against his forehead, rubbing it slowly.

’I understand.’

People talk behind others’ backs. That’s just how it is.

When people gather to gossip about someone, it creates a sense of belonging within the group.

Doing it is one thing.

Getting caught is another.

Especially when the target of that gossip is someone’s beloved fiancé.

Yet Ferda did not become angry.

Instead, he grew calmer.

Was it because the incident involving Erdes had already exhausted all of his anger?

Or because it was simply something from the past that he had no intention of holding against her?

For now, he decided to ask what he wanted to know.

"I have a question."

"...Please, go ahead."

"Do the other dragons think of my fiancé this way as well?"

"...Please just think of it as dragons generally not getting along with one another."

"No. I only need the objective truth. If you’re going to help me, then tell me everything without holding anything back."

Ferda spoke seriously.

Erika could not tell whether the seriousness in his eyes came from anger or curiosity.

Still, she gave him the answer he wanted.

"Yes. Looking at Lady Valdrova’s past actions, it’s difficult to describe her any other way."

"..."

"Even now, she’s saying she wants to take a human as her mate and marry him. It’s such an absurd idea that it isn’t even worth joking about."

The Aspect of Strength that could not use strength.

Just hearing about the contradiction was enough to leave anyone speechless.

Grand Duchess Valdrova was a being filled with contradictions.

"Let’s put emotions aside."

Dwelling on the past served no purpose.

It was better to discuss the present.

"What advantages would an alliance with House Iorga bring?"

"We can support Regent Ferda in your campaign to conquer the Far East."

"You mean your people?"

"We’ve been researching the Far East for a very long time."

There was unmistakable pride in Erika’s voice.

And also the characteristic arrogance unique to Dragon Spawn.

"The reason no one has been able to conquer the Far East is because it’s saturated with demonic energy."

Ferda already knew that.

The Junk Mana rising from the Land of Demons destroyed both mind and body.

"To even set foot in the Far East, every divine blessing and every protective spell was required. That’s why only a tiny group of elite heroes could enter those lands."

The Twelve Heroes.

The High Priests who served each god, along with every dragon, continuously chanted blessings to protect them.

Among those twelve expedition members were the Dragon Spawn Erika Iorga and Erdes Roton.

"Only recently, through our research on Project Hestia, have we finally achieved a meaningful breakthrough."

A meaningful breakthrough.

Those words stirred a small excitement within Ferda.

"What is it?"

"It’s something we call Anti-Demonic Resistance."

Anti-Demonic Resistance.

Not a bad name.

Since the term didn’t exist in Ferda’s knowledge, he guessed it must be one of House Iorga’s closely guarded strategic secrets.

"Can it cure the corruption?"

"No. It isn’t a fundamental solution to demonic corruption."

"But you called it a meaningful result while researching a cure."

"That’s how research works. Sometimes discoveries made in completely unexpected directions are achievements too."

Are you joking with me?

Ferda shot her an annoyed look.

Erika awkwardly coughed.

"Ahem... Anyway."

"To put it simply, it’s the difference between prevention and treatment."

Prevention prepared for something before it happened.

Treatment dealt with something after it had already occurred.

"Then what about the cure?"

"...There still hasn’t been any progress. Since we’re researching from absolutely nothing, there’s no telling where the results will eventually lead."

Erika let out a long sigh through her nose.

"So the point is this: if you’re truly willing to approach the Land of Demons, we’d rather continue researching anti-demonic medicine than focus on a cure."

"And what would you do with such medicine? Ask Grand Duchess Valdrova’s territory to shoulder the risks?"

"No. We plan to make greater use of the Guild."

"The Guild?"

"We’ve already been working with them, but until now we’ve only given them trivial errands. We’ve been relying on temporary measures. It’s finally time to put them to proper use."

Adventurers handled all sorts of work.

Mail delivery.

Minor errands.

Even eliminating monsters and regional guardians.

The commission fees varied greatly depending on the danger and difficulty.

"Would they really volunteer to enter the Land of Demons?"

"If this works, why wouldn’t they?"

Erika formed a circle with her thumb and index finger.

"What if, instead of merely investigating, they could return with mysterious artifacts from the East before being corrupted by demonic energy? Even worthless scraps would ignite bidding wars at auctions."

The mysterious knowledge of the East fascinated not only mages but knights as well.

Even Ferda had once thought that if he could learn Eastern magic, his own abilities might improve dramatically.

If only the demonic energy weren’t there.

Because no one could overcome that enormous obstacle, Eastern civilization had become little more than legend.

For enough money, adventurers would jump into a pit of fire.

It truly was an excellent idea.

People had only observed the current state of the Land of Demons from afar.

Who had ever actually ventured inside?

If they could map the terrain and discover what lay within, it would greatly aid any future conquest.

As he listened to her proposal, Ferda continuously imagined the future.

Everything he had lacked began falling into place.

Possibilities he had never considered grew richer and richer.

Yet one doubt never left his mind.

Can I really trust this woman?

The feelings he had experienced during the Grand Ducal Council still remained vivid.

"You’re wondering whether you can trust me, aren’t you?"

"Yes."

"You’re certainly straightforward."

Erika lifted her teacup, pretending to savor the tea as she gently closed her eyes.

Then, as though making a firm decision, she opened them again.

"The words you spoke keep echoing in my mind. You asked me what I intended to do in the end."

It had merely been something Ferda had said in the heat of the moment.

"My conclusion... is that I won’t think about the end at all."

For a moment, Ferda was dumbfounded.

Wasn’t that simply running away from the future?

Could a leader really say something like that?

But he soon realized he was mistaken.

The emotion in her eyes was not escapism.

It was responsibility.

"I simply want to do my absolute best with what I can accomplish right now."

Looking into those eyes, Ferda became certain.

This woman... I can trust her.

"Very well. Let’s form an alliance."

Joy spread across her face.

Yet, as the capable leader she was, she answered calmly.

"I hope we can build a fruitful relationship together."

"Now that we’ve formed an alliance... may I ask for your help immediately?"

Just as she had been about to conclude the meeting, Erika looked slightly surprised by Ferda’s request.

"I didn’t expect you to need our help so soon."

"The timing is rather unfortunate."

Ferda had Luri bring over the items they had seized and placed before the former research director, Linne.

"What are these?"

"Items recovered from one of the Demon Race’s research facilities. A research journal and several samples."

"The Demon Race!"

Erika’s eyes widened in shock.

Ferda briefly explained what had happened inside the laboratory.

The further his explanation went, the more shaken Erika became.

"My goodness... Are you saying the Demon Race developed a drug capable of instantly creating Knight-class warriors?"

"It’s still only a prototype, but one Bouncer-class subject fought two of our knights."

"Of course, individual skill differences matter, but if it were a genuine Bouncer, your knights shouldn’t have struggled that much. Since it’s a prototype, either the effects are incomplete or there are severe side effects..."

Erika lifted one of the bottles and examined the liquid inside.

Layers of Mana and Magic Circles appeared within her eyes as she analyzed its composition.

Yet all that returned was a frustrated expression.

"More importantly... this is something that imitates the power of that Godwin. Good heavens... To think I’m only discovering this now. Erika, you idiot... What have you been doing all this time?"

Her eyes widened.

Her body trembled uncontrollably.

She could barely contain her excitement.

Then she suddenly made eye contact with Ferda.

"Ah!"

She hurriedly swallowed her words.

"My apologies. That was rather disgraceful of me. Before I’m a leader, I’m still a researcher. Whenever I see something like this, I get far too excited..."

"I’m used to it."

After all, he already knew one lunatic who had run outside completely naked while screaming.

And another woman who sniffed people’s hair because she claimed she could absorb information about substances that way.

Compared to them, Erika’s reaction was downright adorable.

She then turned her attention to the journal.

The moment she saw the writing, she frowned.

"This is... the language of the High Elves."

Unlike Ferda, she recognized it instantly.

Perhaps she could translate it.

"Can you read it?"

"Unfortunately, I can only recognize that it’s High Elf script. The language of the guardians of the World Tree exists precisely to preserve their secrets."

"So it’s impossible?"

"Not completely. No matter how secretive they are, the spirit of the elves must always be passed down. Those closest to the original roots are entrusted with everything."

Ferda immediately understood what she meant.

"The High Chieftain."

"Yes. If it’s the High Chieftain, they should be able to decipher it. We’d have to travel deep into the western forests, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem..."

They had found a way forward.

But it wasn’t nearly as convenient as he had hoped.

The High Elves were the highest-ranking and most isolated among all elves.

Their High Chieftain certainly wouldn’t be easy to persuade.

"If we can convince the High Chieftain somehow..."

"There’s no need to persuade them. We can simply threaten them."

"...What?"

"If we announce to the entire world that a High Elf has become a Dark Elf, they’ll come running barefoot."

"That’s... quite..."

It was difficult to judge.

Was it a brilliant idea?

Or the ravings of a madman?

"For now, let’s postpone that discussion. The High Elves are currently celebrating their Autumn Festival, and afterward they’ll begin preparing for the Winter Festival."

Their prayers honoring autumn’s abundance and winter’s desolation continued until the first buds of spring appeared.

At the very least, they’d have to wait well over an entire quarter of a year.

Even so, simply having a possibility was meaningful enough.

"I’ll return the journal to you, but I’ll keep these samples. Perhaps they may contain clues toward developing the cure."

The excitement on her face made it seem as though she truly believed she could accomplish it.

Perhaps that was why...

"There’s one more thing."

"What is it this time?"

Erika’s eyes sparkled like a child expecting another birthday present.

"My Mana."

"...What?"

Her expression instantly fell.

Like a child who had received a birthday gift suited for a grandmother instead.

"Your Mana? What do you mean?"

"I can disperse Lady Valdrova’s Bloodlust with my Mana."

Her eyes opened wide.

The vertical pupils in her dragon eyes narrowed into thin slits like a cat beneath the midday sun.

"Do you mean... you’ve healed her?"

"No. I can only disperse the Bloodlust that emerges in those moments."

Rather than showing interest, Erika looked thoroughly bewildered.

It was simply too unbelievable.

The blue-eyed mages were the elite among elites.

Every one of them had devoted themselves to researching the problem.

Yet none had succeeded in even suppressing or dispersing it.

And now a mere human claimed to possess such extraordinary Mana?

Mana capable of affecting a dragon?

"I already knew that the Mana of the Red Circle possessed unusual properties because it was formed from emotions. But to think it could suppress or disperse Godwin’s chaos..."

She thought.

And thought.

And thought again.

Yet no matter how much she considered it, she could not understand.

House Iorga governed the Aspect of Magic and the Aspect of Water.

For Erika, the leader beneath that banner, to admit she couldn’t comprehend something like this wounded her pride deeply.

In the end...

She abandoned that pride.

"Very well."

She spoke firmly.

"Let’s test it."

"What do you mean?"

"Your Mana. I need to determine exactly what kind of Mana you possess, so I’ll have to experience it myself."

Erika removed her glove and extended her hand toward Ferda.

"It probably won’t have much effect. It only works on Lady Valdrova."

"Are you certain? One hundred percent?"

It had worked on Valdrova.

But it had no effect on Luri, who was Silverwind’s Spawn.

So it would probably have little or no effect on Erika, another Dragon Spawn.

"I’m fairly certain."

" ’Fairly certain’ and ’certain’ cannot exist in the same sentence. Let’s experience it firsthand. It shouldn’t be anything particularly significant anyway."

She had a point.

What was so special about simply sharing a little Mana?

Thinking that, Ferda took Erika’s hand.

"My guess is that your Mana itself isn’t unusual. Perhaps, like witches who inherit their magic through bloodlines, you’ve been unconsciously using magic all this ti—Kyaaahhh!?"

The instant his Mana flowed into her, a piercing scream burst from Erika’s lips.

It sounded like a noble lady shrieking in surprise after a sudden cool breeze slipped beneath her skirt.

Her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto the floor.

Still seated on the ground, Erika looked up at Ferda.

Caught completely off guard, Ferda panicked and immediately let go of her hand.

The normally composed leader’s face was now burning crimson with embarrassment, and her pupils trembled uncontrollably.

"...?"

"...?"

Ferda and Erika simply stared at each other.

"...?????"

"...?????"

No matter how long they stared, neither of them had the answer.

***

"Cheater."

Luri condemned him with an icy glare.

She hadn’t spoken during the meeting, but she had silently witnessed everything.

Ferda was thoroughly flustered.

"What nonsense are you talking about now?"

"Weren’t you flirting with that arrogant woman?"

"We only held hands, and your leader screamed."

"Screamed? Anyone who heard it would think those were moans."

Even Ferda had to admit...

It certainly had sounded that way.

"I only transferred some Mana. She was the one who requested it."

"You’ve memorized the standard excuses of every unfaithful man."

This is driving me insane.

"You’ve experienced my Mana yourself."

"So did I scream like that arrogant woman?"

"No."

"Nothing special happened. It was just Mana. But something different happened when you gave it to the leader of House Iorga. Could it be..."

Luri narrowed her eyes.

"...Do you like her?"

"Have you lost your mind?"

The insult escaped him before he could stop himself.

"It was just Mana."

"Then why was I perfectly fine?"

"Does that really matter?"

"It does."

Luri irritably removed her glove.

"Then do it again. If I feel even the slightest thing, I’ll scream just like that woman with every ounce of strength I have."

With Luri acting like this, Ferda had absolutely no desire to take her hand regardless of what the truth might be.

He decided to stand his ground instead.

"Why are you being so sensitive?"

"Don’t change the subject."

"I didn’t mind your questioning before. But today... you’ve been unusually persistent."

"...Isn’t it because you’re an engaged man?"

"To me, this feels like something beyond simple sensitivity. Did I whisper words of love to her? Did I drag her into my bedroom? It was merely an unexpected reaction caused by something neither of us understood. So why are you making me out to be some scoundrel?"

Though calm, Ferda’s anger was unmistakable.

Hearing those words, Luri’s usually expressionless face wavered.

She reflected on what he had said before lowering her head.

"...I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m merely Lady Valdrova’s Attendant..."

She mumbled like a puppy with its tail tucked between its legs.

Seeing her like that reminded Ferda of everything that had happened today.

Luri had endured a difficult day no less than he had.

The pressure of the coming war.

The oppressive gaze of Goz Silverwind.

She had borne all of it.

Right... Today was hard on her.

That was why she was being so unusually sensitive.

She had simply been trying her best in her own way.

This wasn’t something that deserved scolding.

It deserved praise.

Looking down at Luri, whose head remained lowered, Ferda quietly said,

"You worked hard today."

Then he gently placed his hand on top of her head and softly stroked it.

"..."

Luri neither raised her head nor reacted.

The moment his hand touched her head...

She froze completely.

Only after placing his hand there did Ferda finally realize what he had done.

...What in the world am I doing?

I just acted on instinct... but why?

Then he remembered.

There was a reason the gesture felt familiar.

Hadn’t someone once said that patting a child’s head was an effective way for an adult to praise them?

That was why Mori had once asked him to praise her that way.

That’s right.

He had just treated Luri like a child.

She was someone who became irritated whenever people treated her that way.

She was definitely going to get angry.

"...Mm..."

But...

She didn’t.

Instead of saying,

"Don’t treat me like a child. I’m a Dragon Spawn, and you’re just a human."

Luri remained silent.

With her head still lowered, she simply accepted the warmth of his hand.

...Why?

He had no idea.

People said that animals felt comfort when someone held the scruff of their necks.

Perhaps because it reminded them of their mother’s affection.

Or perhaps because of instinct.

Or perhaps...

She was so furious that the moment he removed his hand, she’d kill him.

As countless ridiculous thoughts filled his mind...

She finally spoke.

"Y-You should leave now. I have to clean."

"...Very well."

Only then did Ferda withdraw his hand.

Luri finally moved.

She immediately turned her back toward him and began sweeping the floor.

For just a brief moment, before her hair covered it again...

He caught sight of her face.

It was bright red.

***

Luri thought to herself.

Humans always change.

No heart can resist the passage of time forever.

Consistency was praised as a virtue precisely because it was so rare.

People’s hearts swayed like reeds in the wind.

Ferda was no different.

She no longer understood what that man was thinking.

To change so much in less than a year...

Lady Valdrova was right there...

Yet he kept holding other women’s hands like some shameless flirt.

He just kept doing things she hated.

"..."

No.

Luri knew the truth.

He hadn’t changed at all.

When he took someone’s hand...

He never had any ulterior motives.

Nor had he ever intended to betray Lady Valdrova.

She only accused him of flirting because it gave her an excuse to tease him.

But now...

The emotions rising inside her were different.

Yes.

The one who had changed...

Was herself.

Deep down, Luri had already begun to realize it.

Whenever she became anxious...

Instead of thinking I can handle this...

Ferda’s name naturally came to mind first.

When Goz had arrived at the castle...

She had unconsciously reached out and grabbed the edge of his clothes.

That change had begun after Ferda killed Abel...

After the day she had broken down crying in his arms.

Lord Silverwind...

For a brief moment...

Ferda had reminded her of Silverwind.

Why...

She couldn’t understand why she had fallen into such an absurd misunderstanding.

Silverwind and Ferda were completely different.

Unlike the rough men of the North...

Ferda was gentle and intelligent.

The strict discipline he possessed had only been shaped by life in the harsh North and by Goz, Silverwind’s second-in-command.

They don’t resemble each other at all.

When Silverwind used Polymorph, he appeared as a middle-aged man with a long beard.

Ferda was merely a young man.

If they shared anything at all...

It was perhaps the color of their hair.

And even that was stretching things.

She quietly retraced her memories.

Then she realized one thing.

His scent.

The scent she had smelled while crying against Ferda’s chest.

A cool fragrance where peppermint and chamomile blended together—strong, yet gentle.

Mixed with the smell of ashes that evoked desolation.

Why...

Why had she smelled that scent on Ferda?

It’s just a misunderstanding.

A ridiculous misunderstanding.

Her emotions had overwhelmed her, confusing her memories.

That had to be the answer.

She had to believe it.

Mistaking him for her father, Silverwind...

Would be an act of disrespect.

I really need to scrub him clean next time.

She’d prepare a bath filled with lavender and soak him thoroughly until every trace of that scent disappeared.

After all...

Whatever the problem was...

It was obviously Ferda’s fault.