Leon didn't want to linger with Constantine and risk unnecessary speculation, so he kept their rooftop conversation brief. After retorting, "My child will undoubtedly surpass yours," he took his leave. Shortly after, Headmaster Olette appeared in the academy square, providing Constantine the perfect opportunity to discuss his clan's matters with her and Vice Principal Wilson.
After descending separately with a two-minute gap, Leon navigated through the thinning crowd and found Rossweise and Claudia still deep in conversation.
"Here to see Helena off, Senior?" Leon greeted Claudia warmly as he approached.
Claudia nodded, a thoughtful smile on her face. "I considered letting her come alone, but I'm experimenting with a new approach to parenting. I must admit, I'm learning from you and Rossweise. You'll have to share your secrets someday."
Leon laughed, waving off the compliment. "We don't have any special methods; we just take each day as it comes and follow our instincts."
Rossweise smoothly redirected the conversation, her silver eyes shifting to Leon. "So, Constantine sought you out?"
"He did," Leon confirmed with a nod.
"What did the two of you discuss?" she asked, her curiosity evident.
"Primarily about the re-enrollment of the young dragons from his clan. He's taking a very hands-on approach, personally speaking with Headmaster Olette to ensure a smooth process."
Rossweise gave a slight shrug. "That is... surprisingly dedicated of him."
Claudia, who had been listening quietly, interjected, "You borrowed the Ghost Lotus from my archives to aid Constantine's daughter. Did he mention her condition?"
Leon nodded again, a familiar gesture of slight awkwardness as he scratched his temple. "Yes, Hefei. She's showing marked improvement. With the Ghost Lotus and the efforts of the Crimson Flame alchemists, her recovery is progressing steadily."
He paused, seeming to hesitate before continuing.
Rossweise noticed the subtle shift immediately, tilting her head. "You're holding something back. I can see it on your face," she stated, her tone leaving no room for denial.
Before Leon could formulate a response, Claudia raised an elegant eyebrow, intrigued. "You can read him that easily?"
"As the Silver Dragon Queen, I've been trained to observe the smallest details."
While Leon's expression had been fleeting, Rossweise had caught it perfectly.
"We have been married for nearly six years," she added, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "I know exactly what he's thinking when he makes that face."
"All I'm ever thinking about is you, My Queen."
"Oh, quiet, you."
Claudia watched their familiar banter with an amused smile. "Very well, Leon. Out with it. What else did Constantine say?"
Leon coughed lightly and averted his gaze, suddenly finding the cobblestones of the square immensely interesting. "He, uh... he suggested that we should consider having another child."
A profound silence descended upon their little group. A gentle breeze swept through, seeming to emphasize the awkwardness. Somewhere in the distance, a solitary crow cawed, as if to punctuate the moment.
"It seems that blow to his head affected him more than we thought," Claudia observed dryly. "But this... this is a new level of eccentricity."
Rossweise let out a short, exasperated breath, crossing her arms. Her silver tail gave a definitive, irritated tap against the ground. "Why is Constantine concerning himself with our family planning? I can understand such hints from my sister or grandmother, but him?"
Claudia couldn't help a soft chuckle. "So the desire for a large family is a trait of the entire Melkvey line, is it?"
Leon, still looking sheepish, elaborated, "His reasoning was... uniquely his. He's determined to defeat me one day, and therefore, his child must one day defeat mine. To 'balance the scales,' as it were, he suggested we add another player to our team."
Rossweise scoffed, though a trace of amusement softened the sound. "Preposterous... but then, it is Constantine. That kind of single-minded, competitive logic does suit him."
Despite knowing the depth of the Crimson Flame Dragon King's rivalry with Leon, she hadn't anticipated it extending to a generational strategy.
Claudia, her curiosity piqued, pressed further. "So, is it a suggestion you are actually considering?"
Leon moved instinctively closer to Rossweise, his hand finding hers in a natural, comfortable gesture. "We haven't made any decisions. It's something I've thought about, of course, but it isn't a simple matter. Raising Noah, Muen, and Aurora is a joy, but it's also a significant responsibility. Adding another... I'm not sure if we're ready."
Claudia folded her arms, her gaze thoughtful as she observed the couple. "Are you concerned that Noah and her sisters might feel jealous or displaced by a new sibling?"
Rossweise shook her head immediately. "Not at all. They are wonderfully understanding. In fact, they've asked for a younger brother or sister on several occasions. Noah, in particular, has expressed a desire for one."
Leon chuckled softly, adding, "Though, to be fair, Muen once asked for an older sibling."
A genuine laugh escaped Rossweise, and she squeezed Leon's hand. "She's still young. The nuances of time are lost on her."
Leon grinned, content to let her lead the conversation.
Rossweise's smile faded, her expression turning serious and her voice softening. "It isn't that we are opposed to the idea... It is that the timing feels wrong. The Empire may appear peaceful on the surface, but the clues we have gathered point to underlying turmoil and future conflict. Bringing a child into the world now, with Leon's duties to the peace and the looming threat... it feels like it could be a distraction, or worse, make us vulnerable."
Claudia's eyes gleamed with understanding. "You are referring to his mission to track down the Imperial remnants and uncover the identity of this 'Shadow'?"
Leon nodded, his own expression sober. "Exactly."
Claudia considered this for a long moment before speaking again. "That is a vital mission, without a doubt. But—" she paused, making them both lean in slightly, "—that does not mean that building your family is any less important."
Rossweise and Leon exchanged a silent glance, waiting for her to elaborate.
"Let us be frank—the Melkvey name has become synonymous with a fondness for children. This is not limited to Isha or your grandmother," Claudia remarked, a knowing look in her eyes. "Look at the two of you! You clearly adore children and have raised three remarkable daughters. The love and care you pour into your family is evident to all."
Her words struck a chord. The happiness and strength of their children were a testament to their dedication.
"Furthermore," Claudia continued, "everyone knows Leon is a devoted father. Tales of the doting Silver Dragon Prince have even reached the depths of the Sea Dragon Clan. And his influence on you, Rossweise, is clear. Living with him has softened your edges and opened your heart in ways I never expected."
She glanced meaningfully at Leon, who had undoubtedly helped thaw the once more isolated and stern Silver Dragon Queen over their six years together.
"I understand that," Rossweise said, her voice soft but laced with conflict. "It is precisely because we do not take it lightly that the decision feels so difficult now."
Claudia's smile was gentle but insistent. "If you both love children and are not opposed to expanding your family, then what is truly holding you back?"
It was clear their hesitation stemmed not from a lack of desire, but from waiting for a sign, for a reason compelling enough to quiet their practical fears.
"Pursuing the Imperial remnants is a crucial task," Claudia affirmed, "but so is ensuring the strength and future of our Dragon Clans."
"Our numbers are not what they once were. You two have already blessed us with three wonderful children, but our kind needs more of that strength and spirit."
"Wait... Senior," Rossweise interjected, a hint of protest in her tone. "I understand the Dragon Clans' numbers are low, but placing the burden of repopulation solely on Leon and me seems a bit—"
"You two possess unique advantages!" Claudia interrupted, her smile turning triumphant.
"What advantages?"
"Firstly, your bond is unshakable—there is no risk of separation derailing the upbringing. Secondly, the hybrid children of dragons and humans have consistently demonstrated potential that surpasses that of pure-blooded dragons."
"And most importantly," she leaned forward slightly, "while egg-laying can be perilous and draining for a dragon mother, live births—like yours, Rossweise—carry far less risk. A mother can recover her strength within weeks."
Claudia clapped her hands together softly, her expression final. "So, with all that being said, my advice to you is this: stop overthinking. Go home, and start planning for your fourth child!"