Shut Up, Malevolent Dragon! I Don’t Want to Have Any More Children With You

It was nearing noon the next day when they finally checked out.
Unlike their “maintaining distance” stance from the night before, by the time they were checking out, Leon and Rosvisser were close enough to be inseparable. Leon had his arm around her slender waist, and Rosvisser leaned against him like a delicate bird nestling beside her mate.
Who could tell that, just last night, they’d both insisted on separate rooms? To a stranger, it might’ve looked like they were there for a divorce!

The receptionist from last night was still on duty, her eyes widening slightly as she observed the refreshed couple. With her years of experience, she could tell they’d had quite a… passionate night. The fact that it was already almost noon suggested either they’d indulged until late, or they’d had another round in the morning—
The receptionist quickly shook her head, stopping herself from speculating on their private life.
Normally, she wasn’t like this. Having worked at the hotel front desk for so long, she’d seen all kinds of couples.

But something about this particular pair was strange, unique even.
And yet, beneath that strangeness, there was an unmistakable sense of deep love and affection between them.
“Your check-out process is complete. We look forward to your next stay,” she said politely.

Rosvisser nodded and followed Leon out of the hotel lobby.
Once on the bustling street, they dropped their intimate pose and held hands more casually.
After an intense night together, they often dropped their usual guard, acting more like a true married couple, sharing gentle moments like hugging, holding hands, and small talk.

Indeed—
“Regular bonding helps keep post-marital passion alive.”
Turns out, this saying wasn’t wrong at all.

“So, are we heading home, or…?”
“Let’s grab something to eat first.”
Truth be told, Rosvisser’s legs were still feeling a bit weak.

Leon had gone all out last night—well, actually, he always did—which had left her in need of some extra energy.
*Ah,* she thought, a bit nostalgic for the days when she’d been the one to drain the life out of a certain top dragon slayer.
Now, here she was, turned into his “cream puff.”
Shaking her head, Rosvisser dismissed these wandering thoughts.

After turning a few corners, they arrived at the food street.
Both suffered from a bit of decision paralysis.
With so many enticing options on display, they didn’t know which one to choose.

“Ah, I don’t know where to go,” Rosvisser murmured.
Leon scratched his head. “How about I pick at random?”
“I don’t like chicken,” she said, misinterpreting him.

“No, no, I meant ‘pick at random’ like…” He raised his hand and pointed at various restaurants while muttering, “Eenie, meenie, miny, moe—okay, this one.”
Rosvisser raised an eyebrow. *So childish!* 
But… cute.

Hehe. :)
*What?*
*You think I was charmed? Don’t be absurd. ‘Cute’ is practically an insult among dragons.*

“Alright, let’s go with this one.”
However, just as they were about to step inside, someone blocked their path.
Looking up, they saw a somewhat familiar face.

Leon sized him up, then recognized him.
“Aren’t you the one from yesterday’s meeting at the Twilight Tower?”
The man wore a perfectly tailored suit, his hair neatly styled, hands gloved in white, shoes polished to a mirror shine—either a doorman or a high-ranking attendant.

The man bowed slightly and introduced himself as “a servant of the Twilight Tower’s master.”
“Yes, that’s right. It’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
Leon and Rosvisser exchanged a glance before shaking their heads slightly.

Neither of them understood why the Twilight Tower’s servant would seek them out after the Dragon Kings’ meeting.
“What’s this about?” Rosvisser asked coolly.
“My master requests the honor of your company for lunch, if you have the time.”

Lunch with the Twilight Tower’s master?
Could this be a trap?
After all, during the meeting, several Dragon Kings, led by Alres, had suggested eliminating Konstantin under the guise of “maintaining stability within the dragon clans,” hoping to seize his Primordial Power for themselves.

As Thunder Dragon King Odin had hinted, those Dragon Kings were no strangers to such schemes.
Since the Twilight Tower’s master had organized the meeting, it was likely he was involved as well.
Leon looked at Rosvisser.

It was clear she was considering this possibility too.
With a quick exchange of glances, they began a silent, internal conversation.
Leon: *What do you think? Should we go?*

Rosvisser: *If this is indeed about Konstantin, I think it’s worth going. Primordial Power isn’t something to take lightly. If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be dire.*
After the meeting, Leon had shared his thoughts on Konstantin with Rosvisser.
Cruel, talkative, vengeful, and violent.

But principled—he didn’t harm children or involve innocent parties.
Even Noah, to Konstantin, had no role in his revenge against Leon.
So, if Konstantin held the Primordial Power, he’d likely only turn it against Leon and the empire.

But if someone else took it, who knew where it might end up.
The former was something Leon could manage; the latter… he had no such confidence.
So, if the Twilight Tower’s master wanted to discuss this matter, it was worth their time.

“Alright, lead the way.”
“This way, please,” the attendant gestured, then led them away from the bustling food street.
After about half an hour, they arrived at a charming, standalone villa.

“This is as far as I go; my master awaits inside.”
“Understood.”
The couple entered the villa.

They had expected an extravagant and luxurious interior, but to their surprise, the spacious room held only a single dining table.
Amidst the large, empty space, the lone table placed dead center gave the room an odd, almost unsettling feel.
It was as if the entire villa had been built solely for this meal.

At the far end of the table sat a middle-aged man.
He carried himself with a calm and dignified air.
Seeing Leon and Rosvisser, he stood up and greeted them,

“Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.”
Two chairs were placed on the opposite side, clearly set out for them.
Leon and Rosvisser took their seats, and Leon leaned over, asking softly,

“You’re the Twilight Tower’s master?”
“Yes, I am, Mr. Cosmod.”
The master merely confirmed his identity without further introduction, which made Leon and Rosvisser feel slightly at a disadvantage.

Not that it was unexpected; after all, the Twilight Tower’s master—the founder of Sky City—was famously mysterious.
“Let’s enjoy the meal first,” he offered with a friendly smile.
However, neither Leon nor Rosvisser so much as glanced at the sumptuous dishes on the table.

“If there’s something you want to discuss, let’s be straightforward about it,” Leon said bluntly, wanting to seize control of the conversation.
The master looked slightly surprised, then chuckled, shaking his head. “Direct, just as people describe you, Prince of Silver Dragons.”
“People?” Leon scoffed, leaning back slightly. “So many people keep tabs on me?”

“Let’s not sour the mood, Mr. Cosmod.”
The master loosened the scarf around his neck, setting it on the table, entering a more serious tone.
“I asked you both here to discuss the events of yesterday’s Dragon Kings’ meeting.”

Just as they’d suspected, he was here to talk about the meeting.
With that confirmation, Leon and Rosvisser now had a better sense of how to respond.
“What does the master wish to discuss?” Rosvisser asked.

“I understand that, Mr. Cosmod, your proposal concerning Konstantin was supported by Odin and most others, leading to a consensus for action, correct?”
“That’s right.”
The master’s choice to separate “Odin” from “most others” indicated his understanding of Odin’s unique status among the Dragon Kings.

Leon noted this but decided to let the master proceed.
“Normally, Mr. Cosmod, the final decision on actions has always been made by the Mountain Sea Dragon King, Alres,” the master said.
Alres—the very Dragon King advocating for seizing the Primordial Power.

“Is the master suggesting we negotiate privately to support Alres’ plan?” Leon asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
He saw the fox’s tail poking out, and he didn’t intend to play coy any longer.
But the master shook his head, surprising Leon with his reply,

“I don’t care if Alres’ plan is carried out or not. He’s exploited the Dragon Kings’ meetings for personal gain before, and I’ve never interfered.”
“The Twilight Tower remains strictly neutral, merely providing a forum for the Dragon Kings to discuss matters.”
“Whatever actions follow and whatever results they bring—those are for the Dragon Kings to bear.”

“As a result… the fractured dragon clans have only grown more unstable over the centuries.”
“Though, who really cares?” The master’s tone turned slightly sardonic as he continued.
“Everyone has always lived for themselves.”

Leon’s thoughts shifted—*So, he’s not aligned with Alres?*
Still, he decided to probe further.
“Self-preservation is an age-old truth. That’s hardly new, master.”

“Indeed, self-preservation is one thing, but when it begins to affect others or when others bear the consequences—that is a different story, wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Cosmod?”
Leon’s brows relaxed slightly. *Not
 bad, he’s someone we can work with.*

“Master, since you’ve opposed Alres’ methods, as the powerful founder of Sky City, why tolerate or even condone him?” Rosvisser asked.
“We dragons need a neutral force like Sky City, a middle ground where we can talk without resorting to violence. Or perhaps… we need order.”
The master explained, “If I take sides, the balance is broken. At that point, more Dragon Kings might incite conflict, creating an even worse situation.”

It made sense.
If those in power couldn’t be satisfied, those below would receive even less.
For Sky City, neutrality was non-negotiable; it was a steadfast equilibrium, tilting toward no side.

After all that talk, the master had voiced his frustration with Alres’ conduct. So, was he hoping for Leon’s help?
That didn’t quite align with his strict neutrality, though.
“So, master, I doubt you asked us here just to say this?”

“No, Mr. Cosmod, I invited you here with a request.”
“A request?”
“Odin rarely attends the meetings, and this was your first time, yet despite that, you managed to prevent an internal dragon war by standing up to Alres.”

“Odin’s influence is well-known; many vote in line with him.”
“And you, Mr. Cosmod, are the opposite of Alres.”
“The meetings need someone like you to counterbalance Alres. Only then can the dragon clans sustain themselves over time.”

“So, my request is that you attend future meetings whenever possible.”
Ah, so it was to counterbalance Alres.
It didn’t violate the master’s neutrality, after all.

“Why don’t you just ask Odin? You yourself said he has sway over the others.”
The master shook his head. “I spoke with Odin last night, but he said he only attended to express his gratitude to you.”
“Odin’s exact words were, ‘I find that kid interesting. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t attend such boring meetings.’”

“So… Mr. Cosmod, I must turn to you. Without you, Odin won’t attend.”
Leon: “….”
So now he was a prized asset for the dragons?

Once upon a time, slaying a big shot like Odin would’ve granted him a lifetime of riches.
*But times have changed,* Leon thought. Now he had to sit alongside this big-shot, balancing the scales against Alres, who hoarded every coin.
“So, Mr. Cosmod, what’s your answer?”

Leon stood up. “I’ll need to discuss it with my wife. You’ll have your answer at the next meeting, master.”
The master’s gaze flickered, and he nodded. “Very well, Mr. Cosmod.”
“Then we’ll be on our way. Thank you for the lunch.”

Even though neither of them had touched a bite, they still expressed their gratitude.
As he watched the Silver Dragon couple leave, the master’s polite smile faded, replaced by a cold, contemplative expression.
Just then, his servant entered, bowing respectfully.

“Master, how did it go?”
The master narrowed his eyes, looking toward where Leon had disappeared.
“As Odin said, he’s an interesting fellow.”

“But ‘interesting’ won’t be enough, will it?”
“Considering he held his ground against Konstantin in the northern ruins, even after Konstantin gained Primordial Power, his strength must be formidable.”
The master recalled, “And… for the past few years, every time the Silver Dragon Clan faced incursions from their kin, Leon Cosmod single-handedly resolved it. That alone shows he’s at least preliminarily qualified.”

The servant pondered for a moment, then asked,
“But, master, Leon Cosmod’s background is unclear. My investigation shows he practically appeared out of thin air among the Silver Dragons, eventually marrying the Silver Dragon Queen. Could someone like him… really be the one foretold?”
“Who knows?”

The master lowered his gaze to the floor, feeling the steady pulse of Sky City beneath him, and closed his eyes.
“Balance, neutrality, order… these ideals are too abstract for most dragons.”
“If not for the prophecy and the ‘ultimate fear,’ I wouldn’t have kept Sky City and the Twilight Tower standing all these years.”

“Let’s hope. Let’s hope that hot-blooded soul, Leon Cosmod…”
“Is the one foretold in the prophecy…”