TEB Ch 84

In the end, Lindgren was unable to heal Dahlia’s body. 

The healing magic used by dragons could only accelerate metabolism and aid in recovery. It was not a universal remedy that could do anything, like reattach severed limbs or bring the dead back to life. Unfortunately, there was no way to remove the giant tumor that was pressing on Dahlia’s brain. 

Even if they attempted a surgical procedure, in a fantasy world dominated by magic and swords, modern surgery was not possible. 

Although Liev had medical knowledge, there was no environment with surgical tools, and most importantly, mentioning incisions or craniotomies could easily lead to suspicion and accusations of being a false shaman. 

The only glimmer of hope came from Margret’s extraordinary talent as a magician, even in the eyes of a dragon. Although a realm of healing magic was beyond the reach of a dragon’s healing magic, Margret, as a dragon’s disciple, could learn and research ways to reverse the growth of the tumor or remove it completely. 

During her training as a dragon’s apprentice, Margret had also taken responsibility for managing the dragon’s lair, so she left the castle where she was born and raised. Margret continued to sniffle, trying to hold back tears. 

“I’m sure you can do it and if you can’t, I’m glad you became a magician.”

Dahlia appeared particularly mature.

“Now then, shall we start heading out?” 

Sigrid smiled and organized the situation as Margret’s tears were beginning to subside. The ghostly commotion had come to an end, and now it was time for the group to return to get back on track. 

*** 

[Well, I promised myself that I would no longer interfere in human affairs.] 

Just before leaving the castle, Renard’s head jerked at the growling sound of a dragon. The other humans seemed to think that the dragon was just making a sound like a beast taking a low breath, so their expressions didn’t show any signs of movement. Are you telling me you listen to you? Renard had a sour expression. 

[So, if you were going to get involved anyway, why didn’t you take care of it properly from the beginning? Why didn’t you tie her soul to her bloodline in the first place?] 

Lindgren chuckled at the young dragon’s blunt words. 

[Because she didn’t want that.] 

Renard couldn’t understand even more. Why would someone not want that? In the end, when they were reborn as humans, their souls would be tied to their bloodline, and they would become a part of nature’s cycle without realizing that the soul is bound. So, the only reason could be that she didn’t want to be with the dragon. Renard immediately asked.

[Why?] 

In response to the young dragon’s ambitious question, the ancient dragon smiled bitterly and recalled the past. The reddish-brown hair that flowed softly and the bright, shining eyes—even if more time had passed, he would never forget it. Because dragons had such a good memory, it was sometimes unnecessary. 

[She said she didn’t want me to be tied down, always protecting her descendants.] 

Renard still titled his head as his mouth felt bitter. 

[Do you regret it?] 

[What?] 

Renard asked in a more hoarse tone, and the dragon immediately replied as if he didn’t understand the meaning. 

[Not tying her up even after persuasion.] 

The old dragon replied bluntly, shaking his head. 

[Well, if anything, I might have regretted it even more, I had made a contract that went against her will. Repeating the same thing for hundreds or thousands of years without any guarantee that it will ever end is torture for those of us who have lived for a long time and must continue living. It’s even more ridiculous that you, who haven’t even lived long enough to blink, dare to suggest tying a soul.]

Much to Renard, there was nothing wrong with what Lindgren said. He has only lived for twenty years, and the time he can spend with Liev is at most fifty years, so he is willing to wait for that those moments, which could be hundreds of times longer.

From the perspective of an adult who had lived for a longer time than that, it sounded like a childish joke. Renard wanted to retort but was speechless at the moment and didn’t know what to say. In the meantime, Lindgren added with a dignified tone. 

[You don’t understand the meaning of waiting alone for such a long time. Do you realize how lonely it is to hope for a very slim chance that your precious one’s descendants will continue to be born? Not this time, not next time, and even though hundreds of people are born in the future, the one I am waiting for does not understand the loneliness of not coming. Have you ever thought about the feeling of having them leave with only you waiting for such a long time?]

With an angry voice that seemed to completely crush the immature and ignorant young dragon, Renard finally exploded. 

[Do I understand? You’ve never even tried! I don’t understand this feeling, and I don’t need to think about it! Liev is mine! It doesn’t matter how much time passes or how long I have to wait!]

Renard, who was so angry and seemed to be about to attack at any moment, spouting flames from his nose, was stopped by his colleagues. They were surprised and tried to stop him, as he seemed to be ready to charge at any moment. 

“What’s going on? Why are you two suddenly arguing? 

“Didn’t Renard say something rude again?” 

Ordinary humans, who couldn’t understand the conversation between the two dragons, were confused about why there was tension between them all of a sudden. Regardless of what they said, Renard refused to apologize and stubbornly held onto the attitude that he was right and Lindgren was wrong. It seemed that the arrogant dragon wouldn’t listen, no matter what was said. Finally, Lindgren gave up scolding Renard and turned his head, snorting. 

Let’s see how far those arrogant thoughts can go. In the end, it will only lead to ridicule, but he couldn’t help feeling a bit envious of that confidence deep down. 

It doesn’t mean that I, who is wise and experienced, unlike that young dragon, regret it now. However, if he were not an old dragon and instead a fearless young dragon like him, who had no idea of the world, he would have no hesitation in making a contract with Marianne. Even if she didn’t want to, he would have forced her by using her descendants as hostages. 

But Lindgren had seen and experienced too much to resort to such reckless acts. He was a mature dragon who could endure loneliness for a long time.

Humans age too quickly. Didn’t Marianne also become a grandmother in the blink of an eye? Being bound for such a long time for the sake of a brief moment with someone was a suffocating restriction for a dragon. In fact, it was like putting shackles on one’s own ankles and tearing off the wings that allowed them to soar in the vast sky. 

That’s why Lindgren secretly felt relieved when Marianne refused to make a contract. He did love her, but he was too cautious to endure all that sacrifice. Instead, I will never leave you until the moment you take your last breath. Although Marianne had left the estate, unable to watch countless people sacrifice in the war, Lindgren believed that he was silently protecting her by guarding the castle. 

To this day, he has never regretted his choice until now. But now, watching Renard’s bold and confident claim that he belongs to him and that he will be happiest when he’s with him, Lindgren couldn’t help but envy him. Perhaps his youthful energy and passion allowed him to make such claims. 

Either way, he was still a dragon who had not learned the etiquette of a dragon. 

Well, whatever happens from now on, he will have to take responsibility for it. Lindgren looked down at Margret, who was trembling at his feet, with a long sigh.