Leon found it difficult to process everything he had just learned.
The mere fact that Constantine had a daughter was surprising enough. But the revelation that this daughter, Hefei, had been critically wounded by Adam over thirty years ago, forcing Constantine to seal her in a life-preserving crystal, was utterly staggering. It cast Constantine's initial alliance with the Empire in a completely new light. That partnership hadn't been born solely from a thirst for power; it had been a calculated move to track down the very Dragon King who had harmed his child. It was a father's quest for vengeance.
Through all their encounters, whether as bitter enemies or temporary allies, Constantine had never once hinted at this deeply personal tragedy. Leon had always accepted the Dragon King's own explanation: that he was simply a battle fanatic, driven by a pure love for combat. Now, he saw the truth. Constantine's relentless pursuit of strength and battle was fueled by a far deeper, more painful purpose.
Who could have imagined that the infamous, war-scarred Crimson Flame Dragon King was, at his core, a grieving father?
Constantine's voice was heavy with sorrow as he relived the memory. "She was so small in his hands, so fragile... He could have crushed her with just a little more pressure. If I had hesitated for even a second in my decision to save her, I would have lost her completely." His gaze remained fixed on the crystal, as if he could still see the scene unfold. "Even so, Adam managed to inflict a grievous wound. In the end, this crystal was the only way to keep her alive, even temporarily."
But the crystal's power was not infinite; it had a lifespan of roughly thirty-five years.
Thirty-five years...
The number echoed in Leon's mind, reminding him painfully of the future timeline where Rossweise had been preserved in a similar stasis for twenty years, a desperate measure that bought their daughters time to discover the Reversal Magic needed to save her.
For beings as long-lived as dragons, thirty-five years was barely a blink of an eye.
Constantine placed a large, gentle hand on the crystal's surface, as if trying to feel the faint echo of his daughter's heartbeat and pulse through its unyielding form.
"I would give anything for these years to pass slowly... slowly enough for me to find a way to save Hefei," he murmured.
If Constantine's vendetta had been for any other reason, Leon might have remained detached. But it was for his daughter. That, Leon understood on a fundamental level. It struck a chord deep within his own heart.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, Leon asked, "Have you tried using primordial power?" Since it was a mystical force left by their dragon ancestors, perhaps it could heal a young dragon."
A faint, weary smile touched Constantine's lips. "I tried to awaken her with primordial power immediately after returning from the Far North. It had no effect." His expression grew grim again. "The best healer I could find insists that the only thing that can save Hefei now is a rare herb called 'Ghost Lotus Grass.'"
"Unfortunately," he continued, his voice dropping, "it is nearly extinct on the Samuel Continent. I have scoured every possible corner over the last thirty years and have not found a single specimen."
Ghost Lotus Grass...
The name sparked a vague sense of familiarity in Leon's mind. It wasn't a strong memory, but he was certain he had heard it mentioned before. He just couldn't place where or by whom.
"There are less than five years left before the crystal's power fades," Constantine stated, his voice hardening with resolve. "I swear, I will find a way to save Hefei in that time. And when you find that bastard Adam, I am going to cut off his head and preserve it as a trophy."
Leon didn't doubt the sincerity of that threat for a single moment.
In a strange twist, their goals were perfectly aligned once again. First, they had both wanted to bring down the Empire. Now, they both wanted to find Adam. In both cases, Leon was driven by the need for answers and justice, while Constantine was consumed by a personal vengeance. They were like the dragon and human versions of a stubborn, dissatisfied duo.
Constantine took a deep, steadying breath, the mask of the resolute and solemn Crimson Flame Dragon King settling back into place.
"Let's head back," he said, his tone returning to its usual authority.
"Alright," Leon agreed.
The two left the underground chamber and returned to the main throne room.
"If you do find a lead on Adam, inform me immediately," Constantine instructed.
"Of course. But before you turn him into a keepsake, I need to get some information from him first."
Constantine gave a curt nod of agreement.
Leon felt a sense of relief. While he hadn't uncovered any new clues about Adam's whereabouts, he had gained a crucial understanding of Constantine's past. It was an unexpected but significant gain. This revelation also solidified his perception of Constantine—beneath the crazed exterior was a dragon with principles, someone who could be reasoned with and even trusted. After all, how far astray could a devoted father truly go?
As Constantine settled back onto his throne and Leon prepared to take his leave, the Dragon King spoke up again.
"Oh, there is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"When are you planning to deliver that roomful of primordial power tomes you owe me?"
.
.
.
An awkward silence descended, so thick Leon felt he could almost hear the mocking caw of a crow overhead.
Damn it! In his hurry to investigate Adam, he had completely forgotten about his promise of the ancient tomes!
Leon wiped his brow nervously and stammered, "Oh, uh... you have to understand, gathering that many ancient texts takes time. I still need to verify their authenticity and catalog them properly."
Constantine raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Verify and catalog? These are primordial archives, not a library sale..."
"Well, you know... even ancient scholars made mistakes," Leon countered, digging himself deeper. "My wife and I are just cross-referencing for errors. Once we're done, I'll bring them right over."
The excuse was so flimsy he didn't even believe it himself. He silently prayed Constantine would let it go.
This time, however, the Dragon King was not so easily fooled. He leaned back against his throne, propping his head on his left hand, his crimson dragon eyes studying Leon with a piercing, skeptical gleam.
After a long, uncomfortable pause, Constantine spoke with cold certainty. "You do not have any tomes, do you?"
"Of course, I do—"
"No. You do not." Constantine's tone was final.
Caught red-handed, Leon could only come clean. "Fine. I don't."
"Hmph."
Constantine scoffed, a sound that conveyed he had expected nothing less. He seemed more genuinely annoyed than truly angry.
Leon felt a twinge of guilt. He had asked for Constantine's cooperation with nothing but empty promises. While it was true Constantine had his own reasons for opposing the Empire, his help had been instrumental. Leon liked to banter, but he didn't want to be seen as entirely untrustworthy. A little demonstrated goodwill could be vital for their future collaborations.
"I may have exaggerated a bit about the 'roomful' part," Leon admitted. "But I can definitely get you something worthwhile."
"You are not just making another empty promise, are you?"
"...I will do my best. And if I cannot, I will find another way to repay you for your help."
Leon silently hoped that Claudia, the Sea Dragon Princess, still had some reserves in her clan's archives that he could borrow.
"Fine. I will wait for your news, Cosmodeous," Constantine said, his tone making it clear his patience was not infinite.
Seizing the chance to change the subject, Leon quickly said, "Speaking of news, I noticed the guards keeping watch on your sanctuary have scaled back. Did you know?"
Constantine nodded. "After the war ended, the external garrisons gradually withdrew. Now, only a couple of small squads remain."
"It looks like Alres finally accepted that he isn't getting any primordial power from you," Leon reasoned. "He decided not to waste more resources. And once Alres pulled back, the other Dragon King elders saw no reason to maintain their watch either."
"The relationships between dragon clans can be as simple or as complex as you can imagine," Constantine mused. "In the end, it always comes down to self-interest."
"Alres wanted my primordial power from the very beginning," he continued. "Thankfully, you were sharp enough to challenge him at the Dragon King Council and secure the protection for my territories."
"Though the war between humans and dragons has ended, the internal conflicts among the dragon clans have not ceased. I suspect Alres will simply shift his attention toward manipulating other clans now."
"So, the primordial power remains with me."
Leon chuckled. "Are you truly confident you can handle that much primordial power?"
"When the day comes that we face each other in battle, you will find out," Constantine replied cryptically.
After a pause, he added, "Speaking of battle, when will you have time for our duel?"
"Not in the near future. And I actually have a duel scheduled before yours."
"You keep a full calendar, don't you, human?" Constantine said, sounding exasperated. "Who is the challenger?"
"Thunder Dragon King Odin."
Leon shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure why he insists on a sparring match, but he backed me strongly at the Dragon King Council. I felt obliged to accept."
Constantine nodded thoughtfully. "That old man has always been a bit eccentric. Nothing he does should surprise you."
Leon shoved his hands into his pockets. "If that's all, I'll be on my way."
"No need for formal goodbyes. You treat my Crimson Flame Sanctuary as if it were your own home," Constantine remarked, his sarcasm evident.
Leon grinned at the jab. "Hey, I have manners! Maybe next time I'll knock?"
By "knock," he very much meant having the Crimson Dragon guards crash open the gates in a dramatic announcement of his arrival.
Constantine simply closed his eyes, choosing to ignore him entirely.
Taking the hint, Leon finally took his leave and exited the sanctuary.
After navigating his way back through the dense forest, he arrived at the Silver Dragon outpost.
He found Shirley waiting patiently.
"Shirley."
"Yes, Your Highness?" she replied promptly.
"Arrange for someone to take me to the Sea Dragon Clan. And send a message to Her Majesty; let her know I'll be a day late returning home."