It was clear how deeply Shirea must have struggled with her feelings.
She liked me as a friend, yet also harbored hatred toward humans. I couldn’t even imagine how confusing that must have been.
The fact that she had kept all of that inside, without ever showing it, felt incredibly mature.
Maybe a little foolish, too.
“Just… don’t take it too seriously. I really just wanted to protect you. I hoped you would always have good people around you.”
It really was amazing. From Hale to Shirea, this life seemed filled with people who truly cared about me.
Even having one person would have been more than enough, but I had more than that. It honestly felt like a reward for all the suffering I endured in my past life.
“I started to think… maybe our family, because of you, could let go of at least some of our hatred toward humans.”
I threw my arms around Shirea. She rested her head on my shoulder, and I gently patted her back.
I no longer felt hurt or resentful toward her. Not after she had been so honest with me.
The discomfort I’d felt before vanished, and for the first time, it really felt like we were true friends.
“…Shia, I’m sorry for not realizing sooner.”
“I’m okay.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m really okay.”
“Okay…”
Even if I couldn’t give back as much as she gave me, I promised myself I wouldn’t make her feel unappreciated.
* * *
Last night, an unexpected invitation arrived from the Imperial Palace.
The letter stated that a party would be held to celebrate the final announcement of heirs from all four dragon clans, and that we were expected to attend.
Rita said that calling it an “invitation” was generous—it was practically a threat.
How long has it even been since our own family’s banquet? And now there’s another one?
I stood beside Rita, who was packing my things, and stuck out my lower lip.
“…Rita, do we really have to go?”
“I’m sure the Lord feels the same way.”
Which meant that Hale couldn’t refuse either. So yes—we had to go.
Eve had explained before how important maintaining good relations with the Imperial Family was in this world where humans and dragons had to coexist… but still. I really didn’t want to go.
I had a feeling I’d be the center of attention there, being half-dragon and half-human. Like I was some kind of freak on display.
I didn’t even know anyone there…
Wait—what do I mean I don’t know anyone?
Wasn’t there that prince I met a few days ago?
Roel Hartfilia. The boy who handed me a bombshell and walked away.
He said we’d meet again when the time was right so this was the moment he meant, huh?
“Young Lady, are you feeling unwell?”
“Nope! Not at all! I really wanna go now!”
My sudden change of attitude left a bunch of question marks floating over Rita’s head.
I patted her shoulder and flopped onto the couch, firmly resolved.
This time, I was going to get every last bit of information Roel had out of him!
Since all four dragon clans were invited to the party, the twins and Shirea decided to travel with our family.
Sharing one carriage meant the long journey—nearly a full day—wasn’t too boring.
Though things got a little tense thanks to Rizley avoiding eye contact, which earned us some suspicious glances from Shirea.
“Wow!”
By the time we arrived at the Imperial Palace, the sun had set, and the grand, glowing palace had me gasping in awe.
The exterior alone showed how rich they must be. Usually, decorations are what you do after everything else, if there’s budget left.
Still, I found myself looking forward to the party.
I thought the banquet we held was pretty fancy, but this one? It was bound to be on another level.
“Thank you for coming all this way.”
As we stepped out of the carriage, a man came to greet us. Judging by the fact that he came on behalf of the Emperor and Empress, he must’ve held a pretty high position.
“I am Eugene Benikia, the Empress’s chief secretary. It’s an honor to welcome you today.”
Dressed sharply, Eugene led us inside the palace.
Hmph. Honestly, I was kind of disappointed. Shouldn’t at least a prince be here to greet us?
Glancing at the others’ expressions, it seemed I was the only one who felt that way. So I guess it didn’t matter who greeted us?
“This will be your room, Baekryong family.”
We were given a room on the third floor, on the left side with a white door matching our family’s color welcomed us.
Since Shirea and the twins needed to return to their respective families to greet their own guests, we said our goodbyes and parted ways.
By the way, Hale hadn’t said a single word since arriving at the palace. He just radiated displeasure.
If he hated it this much, why didn’t he just refuse? It must’ve been more than just human-dragon relations…
“Daddy.”
“Hmm?”
“Why didn’t you refuse?”
“It’s part of the pact.”
“The pact?”
What pact? I never heard anything about that.
If I didn’t know, it was probably something Eve hadn’t explained to me yet.
“For a world to stay balanced, the creatures within it must interact with one another. That’s the only way to ensure a healthy coexistence.”
“But… there was a war.”
“Nothing stays peaceful forever. Hierarchies, territories—all of it exists to maintain order and peace.”
I understood what Hale was trying to say.
If the two dominant races in this world continued holding resentment for each other, it would eventually lead to both sides’ destruction.
So the pact was a way to make peace. I finally understood why Hale couldn’t just say no.
“I like it when you smile, Daddy.”
“Huh? Out of nowhere?”
“Well, since we’re already here, let’s enjoy it!”
I flashed him a bright smile. He soon returned one of his own.
“You’re right. I should do what my daughter says.”
“Yay!”
I clung to his side and chattered endlessly.
It must’ve been exhausting to listen to, but Hale kept smiling and nodding along, humoring me with the occasional comment. I still had so much to say, but sleep was starting to take over.
Rubbing my eyes, I whined softly.
“Daddy, I’m tired. I wanna sleep.”
“Getting sleepy now?”
“I wanted to talk more…”
“We’ll have plenty of time for that. Not just today.”
That’s true. We have plenty of time.
I nodded and reached my arms toward him. He gently picked me up and carried me to bed.
“You’ll stay until I fall asleep, right?”
“I’ll stay until you wake up, so don’t worry.”
It was the most comforting thing I’d ever heard.
Before long, wrapped in his warmth, I drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
* * *
Morning arrived, and the palace was bustling with preparations for the party. From what I overheard, it would start around noon. A party in broad daylight—what kind of party is that?
I didn’t really get it, but since it was a celebration held in our honor, I couldn’t exactly complain.
The palace attendants led us to a large, dome-shaped outdoor venue.
“Whoa! It looks like a swordsmanship arena!”
“It usually is,” Hale replied, completely uninterested. I was just saying how it looked and didn’t expect a real answer.
Anyway, we headed for our assigned seats. I had been worried about the strong sunlight, but thankfully, every seat had its own sunshade.
Not long after we sat down, the performance began. Dancers appeared, swirling to music played by a full ensemble of musicians.
They clearly put a lot of effort into it. But so what? It was still boring.
“Yaaaawn.”
Getting up early caught up with me. It was all flashy, sure, but not actually fun.
Resting my chin in my hand, I glanced toward the diagonal row of seats—where the royal family was sitting but Roel, whom I had expected to see, wasn’t there.
Was he just running late? That thought quickly disappeared. The seats were full—the Emperor, Empress, and the first prince were all there.
But no Roel.
Some part of me felt bitter.
“Daddy, I’m gonna run to the bathroom real quick.”
“Don’t wander off.”
“Of course not!”
I left with one of the palace maids.
Honestly, I flinched a little. How did he know I wasn’t actually going to the bathroom?
“I can go alone, so you don’t need to wait.”
Once I’d convinced the maid not to wait outside the restroom, I began moving quietly.
Roel’s seat hadn’t been at the royal table, but he had to be somewhere at the party, right?
I started moving in the opposite direction from our assigned seats. Luckily, even though I’d grown a bit, I was still small enough to slip past without drawing much attention.
Why isn’t he here? Did he really not show up?
No matter how much I looked around, I couldn’t even spot a strand of Roel’s hair.
With no other choice, I started toward the royal seats I’d tried to avoid. That’s when I locked eyes with Shirea—of course, the Cheongryong Clan’s seats were right next to the royal family.
I pressed a finger to my lips and shook my head. Shirea frowned slightly but nodded.
If she sees me later, she’ll definitely ask what I was doing. She probably won’t stop asking until I answer… What excuse can I come up with?
But that was a problem for later. Right now, I have to focus.
I crept closer to the royal seats, making my footsteps as silent as possible.
Just a few more steps—
“I told you not to wander off.”
A stern, all-too-familiar voice suddenly rang in my ear. I froze on the spot. I couldn’t move a muscle. It was him.
