Book 15: Chapter 72


    Mom and I followed the silver dragon back to the cave when it was nearly night time. While lots of dragons fervently invited us, we couldnt help but feel that their eyes were on us. Consequently, we turned down everybody who appeared to be harbouring ulterior motives and returned to the cave. Though it was also dangerous around Irina, I thought she wouldnt force herself on me judging by the way she weed us back with her head lowered.


    Camille and Irina weed us with a smile and provided us with a passionate reception. I subconsciously handed my cloak to Irina. Normally, Id pass it to Luna. Irina took it, and then her gaze shifted around but soon returned to normal. Camille, smiling, said, It has been a rough day for you. We have prepared dinner and invited our nearby neighbours. Your arrival yesterday was a surprise, so we did not have time to give you a proper weing ceremony; therefore, we should make up for it today.


    Dragon Mom shook her head: Never mind it. I dont intend to stay here forever. I n to return with my son.


    Do you not n to return home?


    This is not my home.


    Home is where my family is.


    Camille looked at Dragon Mom with a serious looked. Camille smiled before she touched my head I had no idea why she touched my head She then switched the topic: Let us put these things aside for now. I know you see us as traitors to the race. After all, we left the race back then. However, we are members of the dragon race when ites down to it. We are the same as you; I believe you will be able to understand us once you spend some time living here with us, and you will eventually be able to live with us. That is the future, though. For tonight, let us enjoy a meal together.


    Honestly, I had no faith in dragons cooking. If I was to make an inference from Moms cooking, I surmised that all of the dragons culinary skills ended at grilling meat. Moreover, their original forms werent that of humans. It would be very weird for them to eat with human etiquette.


    Dragon Mom stated, My son cannot transform into a dragon.


    Irina was surprised I couldnt transform. Camille was somewhat doubtful. She remarked, But Troy has the smell of a dragon on him.


    He does have my blood flowing through him, indeed. Having said that, he doesnt count as a pure-blooded dragon. His dragon blood wasnt bestowed upon him in the way ours was. Nevertheless, he possesses the blood of a dragon, and he is still a descendant of our dragon race even without a dragon form.


    Dragon Mom seemed to be worried that the dragons would discriminate against me once they found out I couldnt transform into a dragon. But nevertheless, Camille didnt seem to particrly mind. She nodded: You are right. While he cannot transform into a dragon, I am sure he is still an outstanding descendant of our dragon race. I can smell his scent. It is the same as yours  a pure bloodline.


    Not entirely.


    Dragon Mom wasnt wrong there. She seemed to still be upied with the pure bloodline. Hence, she wouldnt makepromises when it came to it, which was why she seriously rejected the im that I was a pure-blooded dragon in spite of her love for me.


    If we are talking about the pure bloodline you speak of, then the pure-blooded dragons were no more long ago. Only we remain. From our perspective, pure or not is no longer crucial. What we now care most about is whether or not we can survive, responded Camille.


    Despite Moms stance, Camille didnt back down on her stance, either. Dragon Moms expression showed she was somewhat agonised. She wanted to give a counterargument, but didnt have one. The bloodline she was proud of from back then had be meaningless. It was a sad realisation for her.


    The topic ended there. We didnt continue discussing it. Irina bowed: I shall have our guests dine in their human forms topromise for King Troy, then. It does not matter what form we use. However, I do not wish for King Troy to feel lonely.


    Truthfully, I didnt feel lonely. What I was concerned about was Dragon Mom feeling lonely or not. I was grateful for the kind gesture, nheless<em>. </em>I gave Irina a smile: Thank you very much, Irina.


    Oh I-It is nothing


    Irina shyly lowered her head and quivered as she muttered something under her breath, rendering me feeling slightly awkward. Dragon Moms gaze sharply focused onto Irina. Meanwhile, Camille looked at me with an amorous smile. She then looked at Dragon Mom. Moms expression was slightly strange. There seemed to be a hint of sorrow and reluctance in her gaze, yet she nodded. I had no idea what they were signalling to each other with the string of odd expressions. I quietly asked Mom what it was about, but she didnt provide me with a direct answer.


    We continued further into the cave. To my surprise, we soon left the cave. Behind the cave was a small vacant block ofnd. On the ground were several animals that were being grilled and smelt considerably good. As for what they were, I didnt have the foggiest idea.


    I believe the scene bore a semnce to King Arthurs round dinner table, round conference table, sorry, except that they were a group of dragons eating together. Well, should I say group of elves, since they were in their elven forms? The group looked at me all smiles and raised the things in their hands.


    Irina walked up to me in a somewhat shy fashion. She behaved. The first day I met her, she was very open with her mannerisms. I wasnt quite used to her shy attitude. She ced the cup in her hand down in front of me. Voice soft, she said, This for you This is our alcohol here Please have a drink


    The dragon races alcohol I didnt know what they used to brew it, but I had a drink. I think it was brewed with fruit, but there was too much alcohol. One drink and I was spinning. I think it was a tad stronger than the strong wine in the desert.


    I went and sat down. Technically speaking, it wasnt a seat. We were just sitting together. Dragon Mom sat next to me and maintained her vignce. She scanned all of the cups of alcohol in front of her. She whispered, Be careful, Son. The dragons might do something after drinking.


    I recalled what Dragon Mom did after getting drunk and felt that her warning was perfect. I just couldnt wrap my head around why Irina asked me to have a drink.


    What, is there a problem if I dont drink it? Its a little too strong, but it tastes quite good, I thought.


    Dragon Mom picked up her cup. I nced at it and for some reason it appeared to be different to mine


    Everyone, thank you foring to our humble dwelling. You should all be aware as to why we called you here today. It is because we have a new friend, or rather, we have newpany joining us. She is a highly-esteemed friend and that is our Queen Sylvanas. She is a highly-esteemed, pure-blooded dragon, in addition to be the most mature among us. I believe we can get along. Our races power has dwindled; but nevertheless, we are thest hope of our race. We cannot let ourselves be thest dragons. Dragons should forever live on, not just for our former glory but to ensure our bloodline continues to be passed down. This continent still needs us. Come, everyone, let us have a toast. Our first toast goes to our Queen Sylvanas!


    A toast to Queen Sylvanas!


    The dragons raised their cups. I joined them. I looked at Mom and whispered, It seems you are very wee, Mom. Theyre all your friends.


    Just normal friends, not the friends I want. The friends I want are different to them. They just want to live. The dragons I want are the honourable and confident dragons.


    It was just as Mom said. The dragons there were merely biologically the same, being that they were all dragons. Nheless, the dragon race that had gone with the flow of life for so long lost their determination. They were no longer eager to progress and fight for their pride. That was what agonised Dragon Mom the most. It was most painful for her to see her kinsmen socent, more thanpared to not having apanion. After all, Mom wasnt after a few dragons. She wanted dragons who could work alongside her to revive the race.


    Mom wanted to return to the past. She wanted to see the dragon race in its former glory. She wanted to see the dragon race soaring in the skies to their hearts content; not to see themcent. However, she didnt want to let the dragon race go extinct. She strongly disliked the dragon races current attitude. At the same time, she wanted to see them to avoid loneliness again. The emotions she felt wereplex. I didnt know if Mom wanted to have the dragons obey her and revive the dragon races pride or if she wanted to let them continue as they were living.


    Additionally, we have another esteemed guest. Honestly, I never imagined we would have such a proud descendant among us. This is Queen Sylvanas son and the reigning King of our current residence. He is also the Prince of elves as well as our only male dragon at present, King Troy. Please wee our King Troy, who is also our descendant we are proud of!!


    A toast to King Troy!


    The toast was a slightly bigger deal than the toast to Dragon Mom. Perhaps I should say they practically set off small bombs. They shoved each others faces away with their own to get a look at me. The dragons tried to approach me, but Dragon Mom pulled me straight into her embrace, looking as if she was saying, Nobody is toe close to him, causing all of the dragons to back off and not dare to approach, albeit remaining antsy.


    Camille nced at us and smiled. She then eximed, You need not do this everyone. Third toast. I have something somewhat selfish to say. On behalf of my daughter, Irina, I would like to propose a marriage to you, King Troy!!


    <strong>Glossary</strong>


    *I know King Arthurs table is called the Round Table, but in Chinese, theres an extra character to indicate that its a table for meetings; consequently, in trying to keep Troys mistake in there, I deliberately added the term used for distinction.