IMTDIK 03

Chapter 3, “What I Want.”

“Nothing is beyond the Empire’s power.”

This was the slogan of the Arken Empire, which held sway over the central region of the Serdes continent, the heart of the land. While it inspired pride within the Empire, for those in the outer territories, it was nothing short of absurd.

In fact, back when Ferda was still in the Rosnova household, one of the first lessons he was taught was how baseless and ridiculous this slogan was. The truth was, there were countless places in Serdes that the Empire had failed to conquer, with the Eastern Region being the prime example.

“The Land of the Cursed.”

The East was once overrun by magic after the emergence of the Demon King, becoming a place riddled with malevolence. Although the Demon King was eventually defeated, the aftermath left the land twisted. Plants grew abnormally fast, and animals became several times more ferocious.

And so, the Land of the Cursed was born.

The ruler of this cursed land, at the very forefront of it, was none other than Valdrova.

“That’s why they call her the Cursed Dragon, isn’t it?”

Her public image was that of a fearsome and brutal dragon. Rumors painted her as someone who absorbed the Demon King’s powers to grow stronger, or as someone secretly assembling an army of monsters.

“So many ridiculous accusations for someone who hasn’t even done anything.”

Despite the slew of conspiracies branding her as a monster, no one had ever dared to openly reprimand her or raise an official complaint. Even the dumbest fool knew that provoking a dragon was tantamount to suicide.

—Rustle, rustle.

As Ferda walked along the path, he heard something moving nearby. When his attention shifted in that direction—

“There’s nothing to worry about,” the maid walking ahead of him quickly assured him. “As long as I’m here, those creatures won’t dare to attack.”

So, it must’ve been a monster. Still, did this woman have eyes in the back of her head?

“Well, she’s a servant of a dragon. Of course, she’s on a different level.”

Ferda trailed behind her, quietly observing her. Her appearance was like that of a doll. Her perfectly fitted maid uniform accentuated her petite, adolescent frame. Her silver hair, tied up in a side ponytail, with soft, curling strands, gave off the impression of a young lady. If they’d met anywhere other than Valdrova’s domain, he might have mistaken her for a charming maid working for some noble family.

“What’s your name?”

“Ruri.”

Her response was curt and emotionless.

“Nice to meet you, Ruri. How much longer do we have to walk?”

“About two more hours.”

“That’s a long way. But you didn’t seem to take that long getting here yourself.”

“Of course not. By myself, I can get here in ten seconds.”

Two hours versus ten seconds. The difference in efficiency was staggering.

“In that case, how about we take that quicker method to get to the lair?”

“That would mean I’d have to carry you.”

“No need to worry about me. I can handle flying just fine.”

“No, it’s not that. I just don’t want to.”

“…”

What an unbelievably arrogant thing to say. If any ordinary maid had said such a thing while wearing a maid’s uniform, they’d have earned themselves a slap across the face right then and there.

“If you don’t want to, then I suppose there’s no helping it.”

But Ferda didn’t do that. Plenty of nobles had gotten themselves killed in unfamiliar lands trying to maintain their pride. And besides, the key issue was her identity.

“A dragonspawn.” (Offspring of a dragon)

Dragonspawns were chosen by dragons and granted their blood through a ritual known as the Ascension Ceremony. Just receiving that blood was enough to awaken their magical instincts and grant them tremendous power. Even with her small frame, she could easily overpower a couple of knights on her own.

“And the fact that she can hide her tail and horns…”

It meant she was on a completely different level of strength from most other dragonspawns.

Thus, Ferda simply followed her in silence. Even so, keeping up with her was no easy task for someone as physically weak as Ferda. His pace gradually slowed, and the distance between him and Ruri grew wider and wider.

When they were a fair distance apart, Ruri turned her head back toward him.

“Are you tired?”

Ferda nodded.

“Yes, I am. Can we take a break?”

“There’s no time for that. Let’s keep moving. The master is waiting for you.”

Her silver hair and silver eyes shone coldly as she urged him onward. Despite her youthful face, the sharp gleam in her gaze pushed him forward.

“Sigh… Fine.”

Ferda took a deep breath and forced himself to keep going.

Getting married wasn’t an easy task.

The Red Dragon’s hideout, known as its lair, was located a bit further away from what was considered the Empire’s front line. After crossing through an untamed, overgrown forest, one would find a solitary mountain standing alone. About halfway up its slope stood a massive castle.

It was so large that it was visible even from a distance on clear days.

“People used to mistake that castle for Valdrova’s lair.”

But Valdrova didn’t live in the castle. The entire mountain itself was her lair.

When they reached the entrance, Ruri turned and rattled off a quick warning.

“It’s a bit dark inside, but there’s nothing underfoot, so don’t make a fuss over nothing.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and stalactites sometimes fall from above… so avoid them. If you can, that is.”

Ruri’s explanation was casual and dismissive. Ferda didn’t react to her provocation and simply nodded.

“Got it.”

“Then let’s go.”

Ruri led the way inside.

Before long, they were met by a massive iron door blocking their path. There were no ornate carvings or decorations—just a thick, solid slab of metal. It felt less like a door and more like a seal, designed to keep something on the other side contained at all costs.

Ruri knocked lightly on the door.

“Master, your fiancé has arrived.”

There was no response.

Instead, a massive movement on the other side made the ground tremble. The hair on Ferda’s body stood on end. Even with the heavy iron door between them, he could feel it clearly. Something terrifying was on the other side.

Thunk.

A sound like something hard tapping against the iron door.

Ruri turned her head toward Ferda.

“I’ll go deliver your message.”

With that, she opened a smaller door next to the massive one and stepped inside.

Beyond the door, there was only silence.

Ferda waited patiently, keeping his composure.

Three minutes later, Ruri returned and spoke.

“I have a message from Valdrova, the Void King.”

She cleared her throat before reciting the words.

“I am aware that the reason you have come here is to marry me under the orders of the Arken Empire. I commend your courage for stepping foot in this place despite being well aware of my crimes.”

Ferda didn’t feel particularly pleased. Judging from the context, the next part would undoubtedly be negative.

And sure enough, his prediction was spot on.

“However, I have no intention of forcing you into this engagement. Return to where you came from.”

For most people, this would’ve been a joyous moment. To be freed from what was essentially a death sentence. If it had been the Ferda of his younger days, he would’ve cheered, bowed, and left immediately.

But the Ferda of today was different.

“Is that so? Then go back and deliver this message.”

Ruri’s eyebrows twitched.

“While it’s true that this engagement was arranged by the Emperor, it is entirely my own will that brought me here. Therefore, I will not leave and will proceed with the engagement.”

“…”

Ruri stared at Ferda, her expression unreadable. Her cold, emotionless face might have been intimidating to others, but not to Ferda.

“Well? Aren’t you going to deliver the message?”

“…Understood.”

Ruri turned and stepped through the door again.

Ten minutes later, she returned carrying several items in her arms.

“I have another message.”

She cleared her throat and began.

“I commend your courage for coming here of your own accord. In recognition of your spirit, I will grant you a portion of my treasures to help you establish a foundation elsewhere. Take this gold and build a new life in a new land.”

Clink—

She set down a bag filled with gold and jewels. In addition, she handed over a single piece of paper, likely a certificate bearing the Void King’s seal.

Ferda glanced down at the items. But his gaze toward the treasure was one of indifference, as if he were looking at mere rocks.

“Go back and tell her this: I have no interest in wealth or power. I came here for one reason and one reason only—my engagement to Valdrova, the Void King.”

“…”

“You’re hesitating again. A servant of the Void King shouldn’t act so sluggishly, don’t you think?”

Without responding, Ruri stepped through the door once more.

“…Sigh.”

Just as if she was about to take a step back, Ruri sighed, then slammed the door shut with a loud bang. Her usually emotionless, businesslike face remained unchanged.

But Ferda, who had harbored hatred and a thirst for revenge for so long, could tell. He could read the emotion buried in her eyes: Disgust.

“I’ll keep it brief. Turn around and leave right now.”

It was a command filled with emotion. But Ferda wasn’t scared.

“For a message from the Void King, that’s awfully short.”

“No, this isn’t a message from my master. This is my own will as her servant.”

Ruri began walking slowly toward him. With each step she took, her appearance changed. A pair of horns sharp enough to pierce the heavens sprouted from her head, and her skirt, which fell gracefully to her ankles, flared outward in an imposing manner. She revealed her dragonspawn form, clearly trying to intimidate him.

“Dragon Fear?”

He had expected her to be exceptional, but this was beyond even his expectations. The fact that a dragonspawn servant could wield Dragon Fear was remarkable.

Ferda felt his throat tighten, cold sweat running down his back. But mentally, he was calm. For someone who had seen far worse, this was nothing but a little performance.

“I know all about people like you.”

“Oh? And what kind of person am I?”

“Foolish mortals, blinded by greed, who believe they can bend the heavens to their will with their own hands.” Her words carried a deep-seated disgust grounded in experience.

“Trash that cares nothing for my master, seeking only the power and ambition they can gain.”

Ferda felt a strange sense of familiarity at her words. Where had he heard something like this before?

It clicked—her words mirrored what he himself had said during his conversation with Huren just a few hours earlier.

“So that’s why the Third Prince was killed?”

Ruri nodded.

“Yes. That man intended to marry my master and treat her like a mere servant. He was utterly revolting. I don’t know how he thought he wouldn’t be caught.”

Ferda murmured under his breath.

“Was that really the reason?”

He recalled what he had learned after consuming Valdrova’s heart and understanding her emotions. He knew at least this much: she wasn’t the kind of tyrant who would kill the Third Prince simply because he was “unworthy.”

The Third Prince had overreached, attempting to seize power far beyond his grasp. Even stepping down from his claim to the throne had been part of his larger scheme to gain greater power and eventually usurp it.

“In the end, he was just too arrogant.”

“So now, while my master is giving you money to leave, take it and go. If you want, I’ll even carry your weak body back to the Empire myself.”

It was hatred with a reason behind it. But it was also hatred that Ferda had no reason to accept.

Still, Ferda didn’t get angry. He had long since learned enough to remain unfazed by petty hostility.

“I, Ferda Rosnova, will speak truthfully and without a single lie here and now.” Ferda spoke with a serious gaze as he looked down at her. “I, Ferda Rosnova, did not come here under anyone’s pressure.”

He recalled the emotions he had learned through Valdrova’s heart. She had dreamed countless dreams, only to have every one of them crushed. She had endured endless malice and scorn from others while battling her own murderous instincts within. Even she wasn’t her own ally. And yet, she had continued to fight, endlessly. That was something Ferda himself could never have done.

“I, Ferda Rosnova, seek neither power nor treasures.”

Valdrova might not remember, but Ferda did. He remembered the moment she sacrificed herself and her own life in the hope that someone else could find happiness. He remembered how she had given even her heart to selfish Ferda.

And so, even if she didn’t remember him now—

“I, Ferda Rosnova, have come here solely as Valdrova’s fiancé.”

As long as I remember, I will stand by your side.

“Tell her this: Since we are to be husband and wife, let us resolve any misunderstandings not through the words of a servant but through our own mouths and ears.”

Ruri’s patience finally snapped.

“You insolent fool! Do you even know who my master is, to speak such nonsense—!”

Her small, delicate hand shot toward Ferda’s neck. If she grabbed him, his neck would snap like a reed in autumn.

Thunk.

The sound of the iron door being struck echoed.

Ruri instantly regained her composure. At the same time, the oppressive Dragon Fear she had been emitting dissipated. The girl, who just moments ago had been ready to kill him, lowered her head to Ferda.

“Excuse me.”

“Go ahead.”

Ferda remained calm to the end.

Ruri, having heard Valdrova’s response, returned once more. Her doll-like face held a faintly dissatisfied expression.

Ferda immediately sensed that it was good news.

“She said she understands your words and has agreed to proceed with the engagement.”

As expected. No matter how brazen a servant might be, they couldn’t go against their master’s will.

“Is that so? Understood.”

“This way…”

The murderous tension from earlier vanished without a trace, replaced by her usual detached, businesslike tone. Ferda followed her as she led the way again.

Late at night, beneath Valdrova’s mountain fortress, Ruri, the servant of Valdrova, returned to the dragon’s lair. Crossing through the tightly shut iron doors, she stepped inside.

There, a massive dragon with crimson scales lay coiled gracefully.

“You’re back.”

Golden eyes pierced through the darkness, glowing faintly.

Ruri bowed with poise and precision.

“To behold the presence of one of the Twelve Sovereigns, the pinnacle of absolute power… truly, it is a sight worthy of your title as the ruler of this world.”

“Is that so? All I’m doing is lying here.”

“True elegance, master, is something that looks crude when imitated. Only what is so natural that one isn’t even aware of it can be considered true elegance.”

“Is that so…?”

Ruri’s eyes gleamed with sincerity, though Valdrova seemed puzzled.

“Are you really planning to marry a mortal?”

“Wasn’t this what I desired? You, too, respected my wishes.”

“That was only because you insisted back then. It’s not too late to change your mind. A ruler’s virtue includes having the courage to take back their word.”

Ruri stubbornly pushed for her to reconsider, but Valdrova shook her head.

“I will not take it back. My thoughts remain unchanged.”

“Tch…”

Clicking her tongue in frustration, Ruri’s face showed nothing but dissatisfaction.

Valdrova, unbothered by her disrespect, asked calmly.

“Tell me, what kind of man is the one who will become my mate?”

Ruri shook her head.

“Don’t even get me started. He’s just a weak human.”

“How weak?”

“I thought he’d be strong since he’s from a knightly family, but he was practically dying just from the walk here. A frail, pathetic body.”

“And?”

“He’s also hideous. I thought he was eighteen, but his face looks so old and unkempt.”

“Ruri.”

“…Apologies. He’s rather good-looking. Like the type who’s probably made a lot of women cry.”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

Ruri knew exactly what Valdrova wanted to hear. Reluctantly, she spoke.

“He’s… unusual.”

“Unusual?”

“I am a dragonspawn, one who carries the blood of dragons. Instilling fear in mortals is child’s play for me. But…”

She recalled her memories of Ferda.

“He didn’t fear me. Not even once. So… I believe he will be able to face you directly.”

“Is that so?”

Ruri frowned. For a human to face a dragon head-on was unthinkable.

“That’s good.”

On the other hand, Valdrova smiled.

“To think he’s someone who can meet me on equal terms.”

“Equal… terms?”

“Yes. Equal terms.”

It was a far cry from Ruri’s understanding of the word “equal.” For humans to meet other humans as equals, sure—that was normal. But for a human to face a dragon as an equal? That was unheard of. Dragons were meant to rule, and humans were meant to submit. That was the natural order.

Ruri had plenty she wanted to say, but she held her tongue. In the end, if her master was satisfied, that was all that mattered.