DD 63

Chapter 63

“Dragons are magnificent creatures that appear in ancient legends. It is said that they possess magic, which can change most of the world.”

The bright sky gradually began to tint red. The man continued speaking in a soft voice, not in a way that suggested he was ignoring others.

“And according to historical records, the Alter Mountains of the Padivan Empire were the dragons’ nests.”

The bones I discovered didn’t come from the Alter Mountains, but his calm explanation drew attention to what he was saying, regardless of his true nature. After the initial smiling glance, he had shown no other expressions of friendliness, which made his words even more compelling.

“It is said that even the bones left after their death contain magic.”

Isilia tore her gaze away from Rodan Node, who ended his words with a note of regret, saying that research in the Alter Mountains had not been permitted. She recalled the rudeness of this person, who had boldly claimed to have offered dragon relics in the past. Among those listening carefully, like Isilia, Arthur spoke.

“What a waste, giving that to the Academy.”

“…It wasn’t a donation. It was exchanged as part of a transaction. Donations require that I expect nothing in return.”

“Still, it’s a pity, thinking about it.”

“It’s already left my hands, so there’s no use in lamenting.”

The man’s smile toward Arthur was gentler than anyone else’s, yet it was different from the way he looked at Isilia. No one else present commented on this, and even Arthur fell silent, nodding. Perhaps it was only Isilia who perceived it sensitively. Still, caution never hurt.

“I hear this place is famous for its beauty.”

“Yes, well… it’s a shame we can’t explore more, but it can’t be helped.”

“It looks fine from the surface.”

Arthur asked what it mattered, in response to the man’s comment. Even so, the delegation listened seriously. Isilia watched them with a fresh sense of surprise. Carter, Jeremiah, and Ryan seemed unfazed, as if used to it. The so-called scholars of Divain rarely listened to others but paid close attention to their own countrymen. If so, Jordan would have found them delightfully self-willed.

“It’s a flower that disappears once taken out of water, so romantics would treasure it. Isn’t fragility something that draws the eye?”

“…You, that’s the kind of thing you can say in private. For example… over wine tonight would be fine.”

“I don’t speak out of personal feeling. I enjoy our conversation, but I’d rather not risk staying up all night.”

He smiled lightly, saying he was simply organizing his thoughts for the report. Arthur frowned at this, letting out a sound of displeasure. His gaze toward Rodan Node seemed genuinely regretful. Seeing golden eyes—similar to his own—narrow in such a way made Isilia feel strange. Unlike most nobles of the Padivan Empire, who hide their true feelings, Arthur’s expressions were varied, making his thoughts somewhat readable. It seemed he regretted Rodan Node’s firm refusal. With his eyebrows gathered together, matching his hair color, he earnestly added:

“Could you reconsider, even briefly?”

“No matter how many times you ask, my answer remains the same.”

Arthur chewed on his frustration, and Isilia blinked. There was no particular remark that prompted it. Not just Arthur—everyone but Isilia wore a similar expression.

“You are always resolute. Suddenly commenting on flowers made me think you wanted to make a plan with me.”

Arthur muttered bitterly, but the man’s gaze remained on the flowers blooming beneath the lake.

“Upon reflection, it’s such a romantic notion that I couldn’t help but smile.”

“…We focus only on principles rather than the beauty of this flower. Ordinary people, however, think differently.”

“That’s not what I meant. Of course, this place is beautiful, but calling something that will crumble beautiful… you treasure it because you cannot take it out and can only behold it with your eyes. The Padivan Empire has many romantics.”

The man smiled lightly, curling the corners of his eyes. It looked so natural that it sounded effortless. Isilia didn’t notice Jeremiah frowning at his words.

“…You’re criticizing the Padivan Empire in a roundabout way, aren’t you?”

“Not at all. I’ve never considered such things precious, so it’s interesting. The Padivans are fascinating. Divains distrust everything from the root, but apparently, that isn’t the case here.”

“…I see. That makes sense.”

After the monotone remark, the man closed his mouth, expressionless as if he had never smiled. Isilia, still noticing the delegation’s unchanged expressions, saw the approaching knights across the lake. Carter, who had been suspiciously watching Rodan Node, also spotted them.

“It seems our time is up. Let’s end here and return today.”

“…We were just getting to the interesting part. Sir Carter lacks tact.”

“You’re the one lacking it. Don’t break the promise.”

The sunset, pushing away the blue sky, fell over their hair. The golden strands glowed crimson, as if wet in water. Isilia looked at Carter, signaling the conclusion. His subtle expression had vanished.

“The next location will be decided in a few days. The others will gather at the castle and depart together, but as for you, my lady… His Majesty will send a letter personally.”

Isilia, standing blankly while watching the boat near the dock, nodded at the quiet words. It was an honor for the Emperor to send a personal letter, yet neither she nor Carter seemed pleased. The delegation, including Rodan Node, would stay in the Padivan Empire for six months. There was still a long time ahead. She didn’t know why Carter was unhappy, but as his gaze remained fixed on the delegation, she nodded obediently.

“Today’s meeting was enjoyable.”

“The pleasure is mine. If I was rude in any way, I apologize.”

“It’s all right. You have no need to apologize. It’s an honor to be together.”

As soon as the boat reached the dock, Isilia expressed her gratitude. She had forgotten in her vigilance against Rodan Node. In any case, she was essentially an uninvited guest. Brangio had dragged her along unexpectedly, yet neither the delegation nor Carter’s party seemed bothered.

“The Divain scholars are fine. We should have been more careful. We showed something inappropriate. I apologize.”

Was the “inappropriate” thing Arthur attempting to remove his robe? Isilia responded with a smile, unsure how to reply otherwise. She exhaled in relief, worrying her ignorance might have disrupted the research. She recalled Jordan’s words about enjoying the scenery, yet she had heard more people talking than she had admired anything beautiful. Still, unlike the Padivan Empire, the perspectives of foreign visitors were fascinating. She occasionally overheard Arthur and Frankie’s conversations, as the close proximity of the boat meant that, unless spoken carefully, everything could be heard.

“……”

A knight waiting extended his hand. Isilia, now used to the boat’s rocking but aware of many eyes, accepted his help and stepped onto land. The ground, covered in grass and soil, felt soft as if cushioned. Since her boat had arrived first, they waited for the delegation and Ryan’s boat to approach. Even from a distance, it seemed the delegation delayed for various reasons. Hearing Sir Carter sigh as he watched them, Isilia looked around. When she had come with Luyan, it had been daytime, so she had never stayed at the lake until this late. Carter, watching Arthur and Ryan bicker while disembarking, walked over to them.

“A place like this should be seen both day and night.”

“Do not demand what has not been permitted.”

Arthur’s blunt remark was fair, and Isilia agreed inwardly. The sky, gradually dyed, was now fully red. Twilight would fall when they reached the mansion. It had taken longer than expected. Returning to Agnes Mansion, she would meet Sophia, who had gone to the frontier with her elder brother. Isilia greeted Carter’s party and glanced at the delegation. She seemed to meet Rodan Node’s eyes but ignored him. He also seemed unwilling to approach further. Truly a relief.