A-Donkey, it turned out, had a bit of a tsundere streak.
After some more playful bickering with Leon, he finally, reluctantly, settled down beside his original master, allowing himself to be petted and fussed over.
Seizing the moment, Rebecca hopped onto A-Donkey's back. Leon took the reins, and the trio began a leisurely stroll across the vast, artificial grassland.
The energetic girl waved her arms exuberantly, proclaiming herself a "fearless dragon knight" as they meandered through the Sea Dragon Clan's territory. This was a familiar routine; whenever she visited the Captain's home, she often dragged him into these imaginative role-playing games.
Not far off, Rossweise and Claudia stood side-by-side, quietly observing the cheerful scene.
After a long, comfortable silence, a gentle smile touched Rossweise's lips. "It has been a long time since I have seen Leon this genuinely carefree and happy."
"With Master safe, reunited with Mistress Charlotte and A-Donkey... even if the reunions were a little rough, everything turned out well. Of course he is happy," Claudia observed.
She paused, then feigned a look of mock horror. "Wait a minute... don't tell me your married life with Leon is actually so stifling that this is what brings him true joy?"
"Of course not, Senior," Rossweise replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Our married life—ahem, I mean, our 'mutual agreement' includes getting along harmoniously and being good co-parents. There is no room for feeling stifled."
She was used to casually using the term "married life" in private with Leon, but hearing it from someone else's lips felt strangely exposing. After a moment's thought, she settled on the more formal "agreement," which aligned with the original promise they had made to each other: to provide a complete and loving childhood for their daughters.
Claudia watched the young dragon queen beside her. Despite her youth and the immense weight of her crown, Rossweise was usually the picture of regal composure. Yet, whenever the conversation turned to her feelings for Leon, she transformed into a flustered girl. She would never outright admit her affection, but she wouldn't deny it either—if pressed too hard, her face would flush and she would deftly change the subject. This was Rossweise's unique brand of social awkwardness.
It wasn't surprising. She had no experience with romance before Leon crashed into her life, so she had no script for how to handle these situations.
Even after five years of marriage, the two of them were a perfect study in "opposites attract":
In public, it was always, "I do not know my husband/wife very well," but in the privacy of their chambers, it became, "Honey, I want to see you in that bunny costume again."
Claudia leaned lazily against a fence post, her gaze drifting across the grassy plain as she spoke idly, "You know, that 'agreement' between you and Leon? Charlotte told me about it a long time ago—Tiger must have mentioned it to her."
Rossweise raised an eyebrow but wasn't particularly shocked.
A realization then dawned on her. "So... little Helena's script for 'Where Love Sinks'... it wasn't entirely her own original work, was it?"
Helena had a natural talent for writing and could craft stories on her own. But the intricate, adult-themed plot of Where Love Sinks, which had been performed in their school play, was clearly beyond her years.
Back then, Helena had claimed her mother, Claudia, helped her, so neither Rossweise nor Leon had thought much of it. But now, with Claudia's casual remark, Rossweise could easily connect the dots.
Claudia didn't bother denying it, a faint, knowing smile on her lips. "That's right. When Charlotte first told me about the two of you, I was... well, to put it mildly, utterly fascinated. I thought to myself, 'How could such a fantastical, dramatic love story possibly exist in the real world?'"
Rossweise could only shake her head and offer a helpless, wry smile.
"But..." Claudia continued.
"But?" Rossweise prompted.
Claudia's smile softened, and her tone became more thoughtful as she glanced at Rossweise's profile. "But when you really think about it, every great and unforgettable romance begins with a completely unexpected encounter, does it not?"
A blush spread across Rossweise's cheeks, and she quickly averted her eyes. "Unforgettable...? Please, Senior, do not tease me."
She would never admit it was "unforgettable," but even she could not deny it had been entirely "unexpected." Leon, the Empire's strongest dragon slayer, had certainly lived up to his title in more ways than one.
"You and Leon have been through so much together, from your first violent meeting, to understanding one another, to finally falling for each other—"
"Must you use such saccharine phrasing, Senior?" Rossweise interjected, her embarrassment growing.
"My profession involves translating and compiling ancient texts. Choosing the most precise and evocative words is part of my expertise."
"...Very well. Please, continue."
Rossweise mentally braced herself, preparing for Claudia to dissect her entire relationship, from the agony to the ecstasy, leaving her utterly mortified. After enduring numerous "socially fatal" moments in Vice Principal Wilson's office at St. Heath Academy, she had built up a decent level of resilience.
But to her surprise, Claudia did not take that path.
Instead, her soft voice lowered slightly, and she turned to look directly at Rossweise. "After everything the two of you have endured together, have you ever thought about your ending with Leon?"
"Our... ending?"
"Yes."
Claudia elaborated, "Tiger and Charlotte's ending has already been written. They will remain here by the sea, watching the tides together for the rest of their days."
"But you two are different, Rossweise. You and Leon have a seemingly unlimited future ahead of you."
"Countless dangers are stirring among both dragons and humans. Just because you do not seek conflict does not mean it will not find you."
"Everything you have faced since marrying Leon—one crisis after another—has proven my point."
"So... I ask again. Have you thought of an ending?"
"An ending worthy of all the trials you have overcome together."
Claudia's words were measured and sincere, and the question of an "ending" settled deeply into Rossweise's heart.
Rossweise fell silent, lowering her gaze as she truly pondered the question.
Claudia did not rush her, waiting patiently.
After a long while, the sounds of Leon, Rebecca, and A-Donkey playing happily on the grass drifted toward them on the artificial breeze.
Rossweise slowly lifted her head and turned toward the noise, her silver eyes finding and resting on Leon's silhouette.
A soft, certain smile graced her lips. "I have not, Senior."
"You have not thought about your ending? Why is that?"
"Because we will simply keep moving forward. So, there will never be an end."
Claudia stared at Rossweise's profile, her own eyes widening slightly. In those steadfast silver eyes, she could see only one person's reflection—Leon's.
"Whether the path is smooth or filled with storms, through everything, Leon and I will never truly part. Is that not enough of an answer, Senior?"
Her reply was not long or elaborate. It was simple.
Yet, in its simplicity lay a conviction that was unshakably deep and true.
Rossweise had never been comfortable discussing her relationship with Leon in front of others, but Claudia's question about an "ending" had compelled her to look inward.
Rather than some abstract concept of "eternity," Rossweise preferred the tangible beauty of the present moment.
And rather than focusing on an "ending," she cherished the ongoing journey itself.
So, if asked if she had ever considered an ending with Leon, this was her honest answer.
It was not a promise; it felt more like a fundamental truth, already set in stone.
Claudia slowly turned away, savoring Rossweise's response, and let out a soft, appreciative laugh.
"If Leon heard what you just said, I think he would be even happier than he is right now, playing with that donkey."
Rossweise's eyes widened in mild panic. "Senior, you absolutely must not tell him what I just said!"
She had gotten so caught up in her response that she had spoken far more sentimentally than she ever intended.
She wasn't sure if it would make Leon happy, but she could already vividly imagine him standing before her, hands on his hips, boasting triumphantly, "Oh? So you do adore me that much, my lovely dragon queen! I never would have guessed!"
Claudia raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And why not? You have been married for years; what is wrong with a little romantic confession?"
"Please, just... do not tell him," Rossweise pleaded, her composure cracking.
Claudia chuckled warmly. "Alright, alright. Your secret is safe with me. Consider it... our little understanding."
"Thank you," Rossweise murmured, relieved.
For now, their secret about "the ending that will never come" was safe.
Claudia squinted, watching A-Donkey nuzzle Leon's hand, and then commented casually, "A-Donkey has always been stubborn and deeply wary of strangers. Yet, you managed to calm him with a single touch."
She turned fully to face Rossweise once more, her gaze now sharp and appraising.
"It seems you have mastered the Soul Judgement technique down to its most subtle principles, have you not?"