Chapter 62: Chapter 62 - A Glimpse in the Future.
<Dragon POV>
The boy took me to his home, and there, I noticed a ring similar to the one Adriannel wore. Arriving at his place, I contemplated that before regaining my full power, I should engage in some human interaction. The humans began injecting mana into an eggshell, piquing my appetite once more.
'Did this puny human think I will treat him as my guardian or something? How dare he,' I thought with a hint of annoyance as the mana began to reach my body. It tasted different, almost otherworldly, akin to sweet honey.
I couldn't resist indulging myself, losing track of time and falling asleep. But before drifting off, I contemplated the idea of having him as my guardian. 'Wouldn't be that bad,' I conceded.
During the night, I woke up, sensing the peaceful surroundings and realizing it was time to leave this space. Breaking free from the eggshell, I noticed the boy sleeping peacefully.
'Be glad, human, I choose you as my new master,' I intended to say but couldn't help recalling a dreadful memory of a woman who had treated me as a slave. Shivers ran down my spine just thinking about her. To avoid invoking that memory, I decided to not use Master word and act cute instead and let out a playful "Kyu~."
Morning came, and the boy and I bickered. Thanks to my impeccable acting, he didn't seem to doubt me. His mana was something to behold – enormous like Adriannel's and dense like that woman's.
In my whole life, I had been humiliated by two women. However, it was fine now. I had no connection to Adriannel in this life, so I'd never meet that woman again. As for the other one, she should be in her estate.
Then the boy spoke about giving me lots of mana. It felt cringe-worthy to act like that, but whatever. After all, I was now "Little Pumpkin." I happily accepted him as my new "Mas...Guardian." The word 'master' brought back dreadful memories of that woman treating me like a slave. Whenever I heard that word, it filled me with discomfort.
We made our way to the classroom, and I spotted that Hedrian Queen again. I was content with the human, as if she became my new mama, that would be good, given her kind-hearted nature.
However, the human rejected the notion, but added 'yet.' This meant that she would eventually become my mama. I had made up my mind to help this human win her heart.
As he took his seat, I noticed a woman beside him. I inquired as a formality, not paying much attention, my gaze fixated on the Hedrian woman once more. But then I heard him say, "She is your mama, isn't she cute?"
The queen's voice held a chilling composure, making it clear that defiance would not be tolerated.
"It's not possible, your majesty," Count Roderick stammered, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "You are the only one to whom I am devoted."
A knowing smirk played on Queen Alora's lips. "Oh, is that so? But I've heard rumors that you've been showing favor to the Marchioness, Count."
The count squirmed in his seat, growing increasingly uncomfortable under the queen's piercing gaze.
"Whatever, sit, Count," the queen said nonchalantly, her attention now focused on her tea. She took a delicate sip, gesturing for him to do the same. Count Roderick, confident that his position protected him from poison, complied.
"Now, Count," Queen Alora spoke abruptly, her voice as cold as ice, "I will be straightforward with you. Become my slave."
The count was taken aback, his face a mask of disbelief and anger. He began to protest, "Your majesty, how da—"
Before he could finish his sentence, excruciating pain surged through his chest, and he let out a guttural scream.
"Aaarghhh!!"
He clutched his chest, struggling to endure the agony that felt like his very heart was being torn apart.
"I am waiting," the queen declared, her tone unwavering, as she calmly resumed reading her documents.
"AaaaAAagggGGGhhHhhHHh!!!"
The room was filled with Count Roderick's agonized screams, echoing off the opulent walls.
"You can take your time," she added, her indifference palpable.
Outside the room, the palace servants who overheard the tormented cries felt a mix of pity and relief. They knew all too well that to prove one's loyalty to the queen, they, too, had endured a similar excruciating ordeal.