HTNSA 81

Chapter 81

“Me?”

“Yes. For swift transport, we’ll be escorting you via teleportation circle.”

With those words, the knight commander took Eila and left the scene.

Unable to contain his curiosity, the headmaster stopped one of the knights and asked urgently.

“What on earth is going on? What kind of trouble has Eila caused this time?!”

“His Majesty has summoned Lady Eila to the imperial palace to confirm whether she is the master of the dragon.”

The headmaster’s face contorted in shock.

Eila might be the dragon’s master?

“Then I’d better start staying on her good side from now on?”

Eila had already proven her talent by taking first place in the recent academy exam.

On top of that, she was being openly favored by Princess Peony, the second imperial princess.

Now, if she were to become the dragon’s master as well, it was certain that other royals would begin vying for her allegiance.

The only problem was… he had recently tried to throw that very same Eila into prison.

“What should I do now? If she ends up holding a grudge against me…”

But how was he supposed to know that the egg Eila had been raising wasn’t a monster’s egg, but that of a divine beast—a black dragon, no less?

The headmaster could only stare gloomily at Eila’s retreating figure.

It didn’t take long for Eila to arrive at the imperial palace.

There was a teleportation circle installed between the palace and the academy.

For security reasons, it was only used in exceptional circumstances, but the urgency of the situation had clearly prompted the emperor to give special permission.

The emperor’s knights led Eila to the palace quarters where the dragon was staying.

There stood the emperor himself, along with Eliza, the first prince, and Peony.

Adolphe and Christina had refused to attend, scoffing at the idea of making a fuss over a lowly commoner.

Eila looked at the gathered royals, feeling tense inside.

“I had a feeling this was what it was about when the knights came to get me…”

There could only be one reason they were looking for her with such urgency—

The dragon still hadn’t chosen its master.

Eila bowed gracefully toward the emperor seated atop the dais.

“I offer my greetings to the esteemed members of the imperial family.”

The emperor was silent for a moment, impressed by her impeccable manners.

It saddened him to think that someone so capable and composed had been relegated to the status of a mere commoner.

But the matter of the dragon took precedence, and he pushed those thoughts aside to speak.

“Raise your head. Do you know why you’ve been summoned here?”

“I have a guess.”

“A guess, you say?”

“Yes. There’s only one reason the imperial family would seek me out—because of the black dragon.”

Eila kept her gaze respectfully lowered as she continued.

“I figured perhaps the divine beast still hasn’t chosen its master.”

A flicker of intrigue passed through the emperor’s eyes.

She had taken top place at the academy recently. Clearly, she was sharp-witted.

It made sense now why his difficult daughter had chosen her as a friend.

“As you said, the dragon has refused to eat or drink, having yet to choose a master.”

Hearing this, worry clouded Eila’s expression.

Though she hadn’t seen the dragon since it hatched, she had once given it her affection. Knowing it was in pain was heartbreaking.

“But it only seems to react when your name is mentioned.”

“……”

“That’s why we had no choice but to summon you. We can’t let a newly born divine beast waste away and die.”

“Is there something I can do?”

“All you need to do is feed and look after it. Will you be able to do that?”

Without hesitation, Eila nodded.

“Yes, I’ll give it a try.”

The emperor gestured to the knights standing nearby.

“There’s no need to drag this out. Escort Lady Eila immediately. The Empress, Darian, and Peony shall go with her.”

Following the knights’ lead, they all headed toward the dragon’s chamber.

The moment they entered the dragon’s room, it became clear that Peony’s hunch had been correct.

As soon as the dragon saw Eila, it began to cry out excitedly.

“Piyo! Piyo!”

It was a stark contrast from the sullen behavior it had shown the other royals.

It even seemed unnaturally energetic for a creature that had refused to eat until now.

Darian murmured in awe.

“Just as Peony said, the dragon is thrilled to see Eila.”

Beside him, Eliza echoed the sentiment in fascination.

“Yes, it’s remarkable.”

Eila carefully stepped forward, holding a bowl of the dragon’s food.

The dragon promptly waddled off the bed and rushed to her side.

When she scooped it into her arms, its tail wagged like an excited puppy.

“Piyong!”

Its eyes sparkled with joy as Eila gently fed it piece by piece.

The dragon devoured everything she offered, and shortly after, it closed its eyes contentedly.

“Piyoooong.”

Letting out a soft coo, the dragon clung to Eila’s arm and refused to let go.

When she gently patted its back, it gave a purring sound and quickly fell asleep.

Eliza whispered in awe.

“The princess was right. Eila is the master of the divine beast.”

Her gaze remained fixed on Eila, unblinking.

“Unbelievable. Not only is she a brilliant mage despite being a commoner, she’s also chosen by a divine beast.”

Eliza’s eyes gleamed, though Darian, caught up in excitement, didn’t notice.

He spoke proudly.

“She’s someone I’ve been keeping an eye on, Mother. I’d like to recruit her after graduation.”

Eliza smirked slightly.

“That’s a wise decision. She could be of great help to you.”

Peony, listening quietly nearby, felt something twist inside her.

“Eila is my friend…”

Of course, working under Darian was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Most academy students—not born into high nobility—hoped to work in the palace after graduating.

“I don’t have the right to stop her…”

But despite knowing that, she couldn’t help the sinking feeling in her heart.

It was childish, but it felt like Darian was taking her precious friend away.

Just then, Eliza stepped forward toward Eila.

“Truly extraordinary. A commoner chosen by a divine beast.”

“……”

“When you graduate, how about working under Darian? I’ll make sure you’re handsomely rewarded.”

It was an exceptionally unusual offer.

For the Empress herself to say she’d ensure someone was well-treated—it was practically a guaranteed path to success.

Naturally, Eliza assumed Eila would accept without hesitation.

But Eila calmly declined.

“No, I don’t believe my abilities are sufficient yet to work at the palace.”

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is your potential.”

“Even so, I would not wish to burden His Highness the First Prince.”

“With your skills, that won’t be an issue. There’s no need to be so modest.”

“……I’m still not ready for such a role.”

Eliza, still smiling, gave a resigned nod.

“If that’s how you feel, then so be it. But if you change your mind, feel free to reach out to me anytime.”

It was a gracious, motherly answer. Darian nodded enthusiastically.

“She’s right, Eila. No need to be so humble. Anyone chosen by a divine beast will be welcomed wherever they go.”

Eila responded with a faint smile and a polite nod.

Eliza patted her shoulder in approval.

At her touch, the corner of Eila’s lips trembled.

She was struggling to contain the emotions rising within her.

“The Empress… hasn’t changed at all from the original story.”

Others might not see it—but Eila did.

That glint in her eye, the look of someone who’d found something useful.

A face brimming with ambition to use her.