Leon looked at Odin with a mixture of resignation and sheer disbelief. "You really want me, of all people, to go negotiate with the Empire? Is this another one of your setups?"
Odin stood with unshakable composure. "That is precisely why we have selected you, Leon. This mission holds significant symbolic weight. The Empire must understand the resolve and strength of the Dragon Clan, and you embody both."
Rossweise, standing beside her husband, smirked. "So, you're truly letting yourself be volunteered?" Her voice was playful, yet held a faint, mocking edge.
Isha joined in, her own smirk mirroring her sister's. "Don't worry so much, Leon. You'll be perfectly fine. It's not as if the council would actually allow their chosen envoy to come to harm."
Noah, Aurora, Helena, and Muen had been listening quietly, their young faces filled with curiosity. Noah, ever the mature one, commented, "The council kept the official details brief, but the atmosphere in there was incredibly intense."
Muen, bursting with her usual energy, chimed in, "Entrusting Dad with such a big responsibility really shows how much they believe in him! He's like a hero for the entire Dragon Clan!"
Helena, the young Sea Dragon princess, added with excitement, "Yes! The great North Star of the Dragon Clan—the Silver Dragon Prince!"
Leon rubbed his temples, feeling the heavy weight of their expectations. "I understand you all have high hopes, but does anyone truly think this is the right decision?" He scanned their faces, trying to gauge the seriousness behind their support.
Just then, Aurora, the youngest, tugged gently on her mother's sleeve. "Mom, why does Dad look like he wants to cry but is holding it back?"
Rossweise chuckled softly and leaned down to explain. "This expression has a special term, Aurora. It's called the 'trying not to grimace under immense pressure' look."
Leon, overhearing, could only mutter, "Ah, I see how it is..."
Aurora, perceptive for her age, cheerfully announced, "Okay, Mom! I'm going to find my sisters and play! Dad and Mom have serious grown-up things to talk about."
Helena watched with admiration as Noah and Muen gracefully leaped and spun in a mock battle, their movements fluid and full of life. "Those two are really putting their all into it, aren't they?" she remarked with a gentle smile.
Leon's eyes drifted to the scene, a faint, proud smile touching his lips as he watched his daughters growing so strong and capable. Rossweise, standing beside him, also looked on with pride. Her hand came to rest gently on his back, a solid, grounding presence.
She turned to him, her expression calm yet serious. "I believe Odin's support in having you act as the Dragon Clan's chief negotiator is a profound endorsement. So, I ask you again, are you prepared to go?"
Leon let out a frustrated sigh, crossing his arms. "Since when did I ever have a choice? Odin practically dumped this assignment on me without a single 'would you please'," he muttered, his irritation plain.
Isha chuckled at his obvious reluctance. "If Odin thought for a second that anyone else could handle it, he wouldn't have chosen you," she teased, though her tone was not unkind.
Leon, feeling thoroughly cornered, scratched his head. "The moment I heard the news, I was already resigned to my fate."
Rossweise nodded, her understanding clear. "This role is vital, Leon. You are the one best suited to represent the Dragon Clan's interests in these negotiations. Your unique perspective is our greatest asset."
Leon sighed deeply, finally accepting the inevitable. "Fine, I'll go. But I don't have to like it," he replied, the resignation clear in his voice.
Rossweise's expression softened. She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate, reassuring whisper. "Remember, Leon, this isn't just about our clan. The outcome of these talks could ensure peace for both our kinds after centuries of bloodshed and mistrust."
Leon knew she was right. The Dragon Clan had endured generations of brutal war. This was a chance, however fragile, for a true peace. Letting his personal doubts sabotage the process would help no one.
After a brief, heavy silence, he nodded, fully acknowledging the gravity of his mission. "Alright, Rossweise. I'll go and do what's needed," he finally conceded.
Hearing his acceptance, Rossweise leaned even closer, her voice softening further. "I know you will succeed, Leon. Just... remember that everyone here trusts in your abilities completely."
A slight warmth flickered in Leon's eyes as he looked at her, deeply appreciating her steadfast faith. "With you beside me, how could I ever fail?" he murmured, a faint, familiar smirk finally reappearing.
Rossweise smiled, her touch on his shoulder firm and encouraging. "Then make sure the outcome of these talks brings benefit to both sides. After all, you possess certain... unique charms that may be essential to securing a favorable agreement."
Leon couldn't help but chuckle softly at her words, but he took the advice to heart. "Alright, if it's a matter of charm, then I suppose there's no one better suited than me," he replied, his confidence cautiously returning.
He took a deep breath, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. "To think things have developed to this point... me, representing the entire Dragon Clan? I never imagined my path would lead here."
Rossweise offered him a soft, affectionate smile. "Yet, here we are. You will be our voice in front of humanity. And after it is done, you will come back to me and tell me everything."
Leon shook his head slightly. "You really think sending me, a former Dragon Slayer, to negotiate with the Empire won't be seen as the ultimate irony?"
Rossweise laughed, a light, teasing sound. "If we had left it to anyone else, do you think it would have turned out better? Besides, I know you. You can handle this." She placed her hand on his shoulder once more, her fingers radiating a warm, steadying comfort.
Leon reached up and covered her hand with his, savoring the simple closeness. "Well, if you believe in me that much, I suppose I have no choice but to succeed." He leaned in, brushing his lips lightly against her neck in a fleeting, tender gesture, then straightened, his expression settling into one of resolute determination.
.
.
.
Six months later, representatives from the Dragon Clan and the fledgling new government of the former Empire gathered at a high cliff meeting point, overlooking the lush, peaceful valleys below. On one side stood Leon, the newly appointed pride of the Dragon Clan, flanked by his loyal allies from the Lionheart Society. Across from them, the human envoys waited, their faces cautious but undeniably hopeful.
As the two groups converged, Leon extended a scroll containing the Dragon Clan's terms for the truce. "Half a year ago, we received your offer for peace," he announced, his voice clear and carrying across the open space. "Today, we are here to finalize its terms."
Some of the human envoys shifted nervously, their eyes flicking warily between the powerful dragons and the former Dragon Slayer who now represented them. "Is this a trap?" one of them muttered under his breath, unable to shake generations of suspicion.
But Leon remained composed, his gaze steady and sincere. "This is not a trap or a scheme. This is a genuine attempt at peace," he declared, holding the scroll high for all to see. The gathered crowd fell into a contemplative silence, weighing his earnest words.
As Leon unrolled the truce scroll, he spoke with profound conviction. "Let this document be a beacon of hope for a future where dragons and humans coexist without fear. Together, we will forge a new path built on cooperation and understanding."
From across the clearing, the lead human negotiator, General Kassmor, gave a firm, respectful nod. "Then let us begin the work toward a future where both our peoples can truly stand side by side."
Leon met the General's gaze, and without another word, the two leaders exchanged a final, decisive nod. It was a simple gesture, but it sealed the agreement with a quiet, mutual respect that echoed louder than any shouted oath.
Later, as the formalities concluded, Rossweise addressed their gathered family and allies, her tone casual yet laced with amusement. "Of course, now the real work begins. Our team leaders might find themselves extremely busy."
Leon smirked, leaning back against a rocky outcrop as if he hadn't a care in the world. "So, now that the ceremony is over, do we just sit back and let the administrators handle it? I don't see why we should stick our noses in where it's not needed."
Isha laughed, nudging her brother-in-law with her elbow. "Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you? Letting the 'elders' handle all the serious business while you sit back and relax."
Aurora, who had been listening intently, piped up with innocent curiosity. "But, Dad, haven't you always been the one everyone looks up to? Don't you want to help?"
Leon laughed softly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "That's right, I am. And I've still got plenty of fire left. Besides, if I'm not there, who's going to handle all the truly hard stuff?"
Rossweise chuckled, thoroughly amused by his bravado. "Oh, yes, the great and mighty Leon. Just don't get too comfortable on that rock, or you'll miss the real action."
Helena joined the conversation, her voice light and teasing. "It's true! Don't get lazy now, or the youngsters will outshine you."
Leon scoffed, crossing his arms in mock indignation. "Well, as long as there's still some serious work to be done, I'm not going anywhere."
Isha turned to Helena, explaining with a wide grin, "Leon's not the type to pass on anything remotely challenging. But that's what makes him... well, Leon."
Helena nodded in agreement, a teasing smile on her face. "Then, Leon, maybe you'll have to show the younger ones how a true Dragon Clan representative handles things, right?"
Leon responded with a characteristic smirk. "Of course. Let them see how it's done, especially those who think they can slack off and still claim the glory."
Nearby, a different scene unfolded. Martin clutched Rebecca's arm tightly, his knuckles white as he stared at the dizzying drop beyond the cliff's edge. "Don't, don't go so close! It's not safe!"
Rebecca laughed softly, patting his hand. "Relax, Martin. You're holding on too tightly. Besides, I can handle a little height."
Martin let out a shy, nervous laugh, his eyes wide as he accidentally glanced down at their close proximity. "You sure are playful, aren't you?" he mumbled, his face flushing slightly.
Nacho, observing the pair from a respectful distance, watched with an amused expression as other members of the Dragon Clan mingled cautiously with the human soldiers. Slowly, he let out a quiet breath, his mind already turning to the future. With the treaty signed, the question of permanent representation loomed. In the absence of a single prominent human leader, they all wondered who would eventually be sent as the long-term liaison...
The ceremony was over, but the first, fragile steps of a new era had just begun. Leon watched his daughters—Noah, Muen, and Aurora—standing with Helena, their faces bright with the hope of a future they had once never dared to imagine. He felt Rossweise's hand slip into his, her presence a solid anchor.
"It's really done," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
Leon squeezed her hand, his gaze sweeping over the joined assembly of dragons and humans. "It's a beginning," he corrected gently, his own heart full. "The first page of a new history."
And for the first time in a very long time, the weight upon his shoulders did not feel like a burden, but like the promise of a dawn he had fought his entire life to see.