Leon raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"
"The Dragon God, Tiamat. According to the oldest records, it was one of the primordial ancestors who created this magic."
"The Dragon God… Tiamat…"
It was a name Leon had never heard before. And this time, the title wasn't 'Dragon King,' but something that sounded even higher—'Dragon God.' If Tiamat was an ancestor of primordial magic, it existed long before all of human history, so it made sense he wouldn't know it.
"In the dragon race's historical records, it is written that all dragons are descendants of the Dragon God, Tiamat. Millions of years ago, Tiamat created powerful primordial magic and used it to resist the world's chaos. In the end, Tiamat, along with the ancestors of several other mysterious races, achieved the great feat of 'Splitting the Heavens,' but was left on the brink of death from exhaustion. Before dying, Tiamat divided its remaining power into several seeds. These seeds grew over the long ages, eventually evolving into the various dragon races we have today. And during this evolution, primordial magic faded into the river of history, replaced by the elemental magics we use now."
Hearing her explanation, Leon's thoughts raced. He connected it to her earlier desire to get stronger.
"You're not thinking of practicing primordial magic, are you?"
Rossweise turned her head on the pillow to look at Leon, a smile on her lips.
"Yes. With the dragon marks storing more magic, I should be able to use it. Primordial magic is pure energy release. Although my element is fire, as long as I don't release the accumulated energy, it will remain in its purest 'form' within my body. However, even so, casting it requires a vast amount of power. To solve that, I'm using the same method as you—the dragon marks as reservoirs."
"But you just said there's very little documentation on it. Practicing it must be quite difficult, right?"
"It will be difficult. But relying only on fire magic and the spells I know won't be enough anymore." Rossweise's voice was firm. "If I want to significantly improve my strength in a short time without resorting to extremes, primordial magic is the only path, Leon."
"…Alright. I understand."
"Hmm? So you're agreeing to let me practice it?"
Leon pursed his lips, raised his arms, and rested them behind his head, gazing at the ceiling.
"What else can I do? As my master used to say, 'When your wife tells you she wants to do something, she's not asking for your opinion; she's informing you.'"
Rossweise became interested, propping herself up on one elbow and poking Leon's arm.
"Got any classic examples?"
Leon thought for a moment.
"There was a time when my mistress got bored at home. She bought a bunch of needles and thread and said she wanted to take up embroidery to make extra money. At first, my master said it wasn't necessary; the ranch income was enough. Worst case, they could sell the donkey for a good price. But Mistress insisted—by the way, when you act coy, you're exactly like her."
The queen delivered a light kick to his thigh. "Just tell the story. Don't drag me into it."
Leon grinned and continued.
"So, my master gave in and let her learn. But she wasn't very good and often pricked her fingers. After a month and countless bandages, she finally finished a piece called 'Donkey Eating Grass.' Then she never touched the needles again. She said her fingers were more important than killing time." Leon sighed melodramatically. "So you see? When your wife wants to do something, don't stop her. She'll find her own limits."
Rossweise listened, and the more she heard, the more she felt he was making a point. She tapped his chest.
"Are you trying to hint at something?"
"Heavens, no! I was just sharing a funny story from my family. How is that a hint?" Leon feigned innocence.
"You are! You're absolutely hinting!"
As she spoke, Rossweise kicked his thigh again. This time, Leon caught her ankle.
"I told you, when you act coy, you're just like her."
"This isn't coy! This is me trying to kick you!"
"With your foot?"
"Of course! How else would I kick you?"
"Hmm~~ Why does it feel like you're rewarding me?"
Hearing that, the queen quickly retracted her foot and hid it under the covers. "You slimy, narcissistic, thick-skinned married man! Go sleep on the couch!"
Since she'd already called him thick-skinned, Leon decided to embody it fully. Sleep on the couch? He couldn't hear that. He was staying right where he was.
After the playful banter died down, they both grew tired and settled back to rest. Under the covers, Leon tentatively reached for Rossweise's side. Finding no resistance, he gently took her soft hand in his.
They lay in comfortable silence for a while before Leon spoke again.
"Are you sure about this, Rossweise?"
"Yes. It might not be the only method, but it's the most effective one for a short-term breakthrough."
Leon blinked. "Rossweise, aside from protecting your people and our daughters, it feels like you have another reason. What is it? Can you tell me?"
Hearing his question, Rossweise pursed her lips slightly and turned to look at him.
"Do you really want to know?"
Leon met her gaze steadily. "Yes."
Rustle.
The beautiful dragon queen sat up, her soft skin brushing against the sheets. She leaned close to Leon, cupping his chin as her fingers gently traced the scars on his face. Her silver eyes gazed deeply into his.
"Long ago, you were always haunted by what that Pyre said, terrified of losing me and our daughters. That night, I told you many things, and you seemed to let go of those fears. But words alone aren't enough, Leon. So, I need to show you with my actions. I need to show you that I care about this family just as much as you do. That I care about our daughters, and I care about…"
Her warm breath brushed his lips, followed by a soft, tender pressure. She kissed the corner of his mouth.
"The one I love."