Leon sat on the broad dragon's back, flipping through the book his master had given him, The Gates of the Nine Hells.
The name was intimidating, but the content was substantial.
Just as his master had said, it was a book about physical training techniques.
The first chapters taught how to train the body to reach strength beyond human limits.
The later chapters were the core of the "Nine Hells Gate" method.
Leon skimmed it, planning to practice slowly once he got back.
Rossweise asked, "What are your plans next?"
"Well… My master and I will investigate the link between the former king's feigned death, the human-dragon war, and the empire's pursuit of me. We will use that as our starting point."
"Oh, it sounds like your mission is getting heavier," Rossweise remarked.
Leon smiled. "Not necessarily."
"What do you mean?"
"When I was in school, the scariest math problems were the short ones. Fewer clues made it hard to find the solution."
He continued, "But long problems gave more information, making the answer easier to find. So, combining more clues might help us find the truth faster."
The queen was silent for a moment before chuckling. "You're getting smarter and smarter, Leon."
"People grow, after all."
"No, I don't think it's about growth."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "Then what is it?"
"Proximity to cinnabar makes you red, proximity to ink makes you black. You've been living with me for so long, it's only natural you've become smarter," Rossweise said.
Leon smiled wryly. When it came to self-praise, they were equally matched.
"By the way, are you planning to practice the techniques in that book?" Rossweise asked.
"Of course I am."
"Oh…" The queen trailed off, as if plotting something.
Leon noticed her thoughtful tone. He didn't know her plan, but he knew she wouldn't mention the book for no reason. He thought for a moment and shoved the book deeper into his pocket.
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.
.
The couple talked sporadically on the journey. A few hours later, they returned to the Silver Dragon Sanctuary. Leaving in the morning and arriving by evening—one could always trust the speed of the Silver Dragon clan!
As they entered the front courtyard, the maid Milan approached and bowed. "Your Majesty, Princess Isabella has arrived."
Rossweise paused. "My sister? When did she arrive?"
"Not long ago. She is in the back garden, playing with Princess Muen."
"Alright. Prepare the banquet and guest rooms," Rossweise instructed.
Milan nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty." She left to make the arrangements.
Rossweise pursed her lips. "My sister always shows up at the most unexpected times."
"Got it. Silver Dragons excel in speed, Red Dragons in surprise attacks," Leon quipped.
The queen shot him a glance. "When you see my sister, just say we were out inspecting the border."
"Yeah, inspecting the border is a perfect excuse for slacking off, Your Majesty," Leon teased.
Rossweise playfully punched his chest. "Stop joking around, you silly fool."
.
.
.
The couple headed to the back garden.
Isha was there, sitting on a bench under the old locust tree, holding Muen and doting on her.
"Muen, my dear, do you want to come play at the Red Dragon Sanctuary with your aunt?"
"I do~"
"Do you really? Then give your aunt a kiss, and I'll take you tomorrow."
"Auntie, kiss kiss~"
Muen held the red-haired beauty's face and gave her a big smooch.
"Hmm… Your aunt suddenly changed her mind. One kiss isn't enough, I need two."
The little dragon girl knew how to charm. She gave her aunt several more kisses on the cheek.
The delighted aunt was overjoyed. If she had the chance, she would encourage her sister and brother-in-law to have more kids.
Then she could say, "You have too many kids, let me take care of one for you," and legitimately take an adorable little dragon girl to her Red Dragon Sanctuary.
"Sis, you're here," Rossweise's voice came from the side.
Isha looked up. "Oh, you two lovebirds! Where did you go off to, leaving the child behind?"
Rossweise blushed. "What do you mean, lovebirds? Leon and I were inspecting the border."
"Ha, inspecting the border is a great excuse for slacking off and sneaking away for some romance."
"Pfft—" Leon almost laughed, but Rossweise elbowed him to stop.
"Little Rose, next time you lie, try not to blush."
Rossweise's heart skipped a beat. She was worried Isha would sense something. If her sister found out she had gone with her human husband to meet a human master and a human girl, discussing human conspiracies, their household would become very lively.
For now, Rossweise had no idea how to handle that situation, which is why she kept it secret.
Luckily, Isha didn't press further, assuming her sister was just making excuses to go out with her husband. Rossweise breathed a sigh of relief.
Isha continued to play with Muen. "Hey, Little Rose, you mentioned in your letter that your youngest daughter's name is Aurora, right?"
"Yeah, her full name is Aurora, but we call her Little Light."
Isha nodded. "A beautiful name."
She stood up, holding Muen. "Take me to see our little darling. It's been three months. I bet she's already calling me Auntie, right?"
Hearing this, the couple exchanged a strange look.
"Nothing, let's go see her," they said, leading Isha to the bedroom.
Upon seeing Aurora, Isha's auntly heart overflowed, and she showered the little pink dragon with affection.
Muen pouted. "So love fades away, right, Auntie?"
Aurora still had that pleasant baby scent, her chubby cheeks smooth and soft.
"She's such a darling. Why did you both have such strange expressions earlier?" Isha asked.
Before the couple could answer, Isha turned back to the baby. "Aurora, come on, say Auntie, Isha~ Auntie~"
Rossweise interjected softly, "Sis, actually, Aurora… she can't talk yet."
Isha blinked in surprise. "How is that possible? It's been three months already, why can't she talk?"
"It's true, sis. Leon and I have been trying to teach her for a month, but Aurora still can't even say simple words like 'mommy' or 'daddy'…"
Muen jumped in, raising her hand. "She can't say 'sister' either!"
"Yeah, she's never called Muen or Noah sister. We think there might be something wrong. We're planning to take her to Sky City tomorrow."
"Nonsense, what's wrong with her health? My little niece is perfectly healthy," Isha cooed to Aurora. "Sweetheart, your mommy and daddy say you're three months old and still can't talk. Auntie doesn't believe it. Come on, say Auntie for them to see."
Leon sighed. "Sis, just give up. I've been talking non-stop for a month, and Aurora—"
"Auntie~"
A clear, sweet little voice cut through the air.
Leon: ???
Rossweise: ???