As evening deepened, the secret gathering of Dragon Kings finally drew to a close.
One by one, the Dragon Kings who had viewed Constantine's newfound power as an opportunity to seize the Primordial Force for themselves began to take their leave.
In the now nearly empty council hall, only a few figures remained: Leon and Rossweise, their sister Isha, the Sea Dragon Princess Claudia, and the Thunder Dragon King Odin accompanied by the Golden Sand Dragon King, Morgan.
Odin and Morgan were engaged in a low, private conversation, paying little attention to Leon's presence. Leon glanced at them briefly but made no move to initiate a conversation.
After all, even though the other Dragon Kings had ultimately supported his proposal in the final vote, it had been out of deference to Odin's influence. That didn't mean Leon felt any personal obligation to express gratitude. In the intricate world of dragon politics, he had learned one lesson well: trust no one completely.
However, political maneuvering seemed far from the mind of the graceful woman now approaching them.
As the hall cleared, Claudia walked over to the Melkvey family trio with a gentle smile.
"Well spoken and thoughtfully reasoned, Leon," she complimented, her voice softening as if to bridge the distance that had grown during their time apart. She even attempted a rare, light-hearted joke, "But then, no surprise there, coming from 'the Empress's son.'"
'The Empress's son'—a reference to Where Love Sinks, the old play where Leon had, ironically, portrayed Claudia's character's son.
Leon cracked a wide grin. "Always the quick wit, aren't you, Claudia?"
After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Claudia moved to the true purpose of her approach.
"Helena recently told me everything about your intervention in the Far North. I am deeply grateful for your swift action and bravery. Please extend my thanks to Noah as well; she is a remarkably clever and courageous girl."
"We will be sure to tell her," Rossweise replied smoothly.
Claudia made no mention of the Primordial Force, and both Leon and Rossweise tactfully avoided the subject. Their relationship with Claudia wasn't one of deep friendship, but it was built on a foundation of cautious, mutual respect.
Having offered her gratitude, Claudia bid them farewell, giving a polite nod to Isha before turning and departing.
Watching the elegant Sea Dragon Princess leave, Isha chuckled softly. "It seems Poseidon's lineage is in capable hands."
Turning back to her sister and brother-in-law, Isha's gaze held a knowing glint. Finally, she addressed Leon with a playful smirk.
"So… a 'specialized intelligence network,' hmm?"
Leon shifted slightly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Oh… well, yes, that's right, sis."
"Fascinating. How exactly does one acquire such a thing? I wouldn't mind having one for myself."
The simple, unspoken truth was: Marry a former human 'captive,' and you too can gain access to a top-tier intelligence network! But Leon simply chuckled and deftly sidestepped the question.
"Ah… I'm afraid that's classified information."
In the past, Isha might have pressed harder, searching for any crack in his story. But now, she felt no such need.
"Well, classified or not, I won't pry further."
Satisfied with having teased her brother-in-law sufficiently, she turned her attention to her sister.
"So, little Rossweise, how have you been lately?"
"I've been quite well, actually—"
"Yes, I can see that. Married life seems to be… treating you sweetly, doesn't it?" Isha casually examined her immaculately painted red nails, her tone light but layered with meaning. "If it hadn't been to ask about our grandmother's whereabouts the other day, I doubt you would have found the time to write to me at all, hmm?"
Rossweise let out a soft, resigned sigh. "Sis, we're family. I just got a little caught up recently and forgot to send a letter, that's all."
"Caught up, hmm?"
"Caught up with—"
"Caught up with the sweetness of married life, right?"
Rossweise pressed her lips together, rendered speechless by her sister's teasing. Even after two hundred years, she had never managed to win a single verbal sparring match against Isha.
And now, her so-called 'fake marriage' to Leon had become Isha's favorite new tool for provocation.
This was, in every conceivable way, Leon's fault!
Feeling a flare of irritation, the Silver Dragon Queen shot a sharp glare at the man standing beside her.
Leon: …?
What did I do to deserve that look? Have you evolved to the point of holding instant, silent trials against me? Truly, the fearsome power of a species that can reproduce on its own.
"All right, all right. I'll stop teasing you two."
Isha sighed melodramatically, changing the subject. "Still no news about Grandma."
Rossweise's brow furrowed with concern. "Still nothing? Has no one found even a trace of her?"
Isha shrugged, her expression turning helpless. "You know how she is, wandering off wherever her whims take her. For all we know, she's off in some corner of the world, enjoying herself with her old friends."
It wasn't the most likely scenario, but the fact remained that Isha was just as in the dark about their grandmother Veronica's current location as anyone else.
During her last visit, Veronica had investigated Leon's background together with the sisters. They had uncovered some leads, but their grandmother had advised Isha to let the matter drop. Isha had complied, albeit with some reluctance.
The night before she left, Veronica had given Isha a ring set with a Primordial Crystal, encouraging her to learn to harness its power. And she had insisted this be kept a secret from Rossweise.
While Isha was no longer eager to probe her brother-in-law's past, she maintained a healthy sense of caution. It was simply prudent to have certain safeguards in place.
"If I receive any news, you'll be the first to know," Isha promised.
"Thank you." Rossweise was eager for answers. Both she and Leon had numerous questions for their grandmother—particularly concerning the Far North and the Primordial ruins.
They weren't historians, and the absolute truth of the ancient past wasn't their primary concern. But if it held implications for the Empire's conspiracies or the internal schemes within the Dragon Clan, they needed to understand it.
Who knew what else the Empire might be planning?
"Well, it's getting late. I should be heading back," Isha said, rising from her chair. She glanced between the couple, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Unless the two of you are planning a little overnight rendezvous here and heading home tomorrow?"
"Oh, we don't need to do that, really—"
"Why not? The atmosphere of a hotel is a world apart from the comfort of home, you know~"
Rossweise's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She stole a quick glance toward Odin and Morgan, who were still present but thankfully too engrossed in their own conversation to have overheard Isha's suggestive comment.
"Stop it, sis! There's nothing like that going on."
Isha just laughed, waving a dismissive hand. "Fine, fine. Don't forget to write to me, little sister."
"Yes, yes, I will."
The red-haired beauty then turned and strode confidently toward the exit, the sharp click of her heels echoing in the vast hall as she departed.
Leon stood up, stretching his limbs with a soft groan. "Let's head home."
"Okay."
But as the couple turned to leave, a voice called out from behind them.
"Wait a moment, you two."
Turning back, they saw Odin and Morgan approaching.
Leon's gaze briefly swept over Morgan before settling firmly on Odin. During the council, he had shared a moment of intense eye contact with the Thunder Dragon King—a look unlike any he had ever exchanged with another dragon.
Most dragons, no matter how they tried to conceal it, inevitably carried a trace of inherent bloodlust and violence in their eyes.
Odin's eyes held none of that.
Instead, his dark blue dragon eyes were weary, profoundly calm, and disciplined, yet they radiated an undeniable, natural authority.
As Odin stopped before Leon, the two stood close, their eyes locked once more.
Leon never lost his composure in the presence of a dragon, not even one as formidable and revered as Odin.
Finally, Odin broke the silence.
"Do you know why I supported your proposal during the council?"
Leon remained silent, allowing the ancient dragon to continue.
"Because this meeting was little more than a farce. That old fox, Arles, was simply using this gathering as a pretext to legitimize seizing the Primordial Force from Constantine."
"This is not the first time he and his allies have orchestrated such maneuvers."
Leon wasn't surprised. He glanced at Rossweise, who looked equally unsurprised. They had speculated as much on their journey to Sky City.
As Rossweise had often said, "Power always serves politics."
"But I understand the true nature of the Primordial Force," Odin continued, his gaze shifting to Rossweise. "I was part of the original expedition to the Far North, all those years ago."
He paused, his ancient eyes holding Rossweise's. "I am a friend of your grandmother, Veronica."
Rossweise gave a slight, acknowledging nod, offering no verbal response.
"There was another reason—while it wasn't the deciding factor, it certainly influenced my decision."
"And what reason was that?" Leon asked.
"Like Claudia, I owe you a debt." Odin's voice was low and solemn. "You saved my daughter, Yuna, in the depths of those ruins. For that, you have my sincere and profound thanks."
With a formal, respectful dip of his head, the mighty Thunder Dragon King offered a deep bow of gratitude.
"I owe you a favor, Mr. Cosmodeous. Until we meet again."
Having spoken his piece, Odin turned and walked calmly toward the exit.
Morgan offered a lazy, casual wave. "Odin already thanked you on my behalf, so I'll skip the formalities. Take care, you two!"
As the two legendary Dragon Kings departed, Leon rubbed the bridge of his nose thoughtfully. "The Thunder Dragon King owes me a favor…"
"That's not all. It's more significant than a simple favor," Rossweise clarified, a small, proud smile touching her lips. "In the future, if you have a request that falls within his power to grant, he will likely do everything in his ability to fulfill it."
"But it's a one-time deal?"
"Of course. What did you expect? That you could leech off an old Dragon King for the rest of your life? How naïve— hey! What are you doing?"
Before she could finish her sentence, Leon pulled her firmly into his arms.
"Living off an old Dragon King is one thing," he murmured, his voice a low rumble near her ear, "but living off you for a lifetime, my dear wife… now that is a true achievement."
"Ugh, you're utterly disgusting. Let go of me." She feigned a weak struggle, wriggling in his embrace, though her protests lacked any real force.
"I will," Leon said, his tone shifting to a playful negotiation. "But on one condition."
"What condition?" Rossweise asked, her voice a mix of suspicion and reluctant curiosity.
"Come on a date with me."