Slacker Second Gen C41

Chapter 41: Dragon Dad (11)

[T/N: From now Airigen->Aeregon]

Aeregon had been waiting early on the side and now stepped forward.

“Your Highness, you have had a long journey. The tower is ready—would you like to rest first?”

Aeregon’s family estate was situated on a mountain ridge, surrounded by vast, lush forests, clear streams, and endless greenery.

To welcome the arrival of a dragon, he had specially renovated the estate’s ancient magic tower, modifying it to suit a dragon’s preferences.

As Lacia led the young dragon toward the estate, she caught sight of the dazzling tower adorned with colorful stained glass. The magic gemstones atop the tower continued to shine brilliantly under the daylight sun.

To better accommodate the dragon, Aeregon had consulted Headmaster Ude extensively about dragon preferences.

Thus, instead of holding a grand banquet, he arranged a small family dinner. Aside from the dragon father and daughter, only he and his granddaughter would be present.

His young granddaughter, Fanny, had been thoroughly briefed about the dragon’s visit. From the moment she woke up that morning, she had been standing atop the tower, eagerly watching the sky for a dragon.

Seeing the dragon soar from the distant horizon with her own eyes had left her so excited that her chubby face flushed red.

Now, faced with a dragon that looked no different from a human, she hid behind her grandfather, sneaking glances.

As a five-year-old, the one she paid the most attention to was, of course, the young dragon, who was also a child.

Fanny had grown up in the estate, rarely having playmates, and had never seen a child as adorable as this one. Though she was a little shy, when it was time to eat, she took the initiative to sit beside Qian.

The two little ones sat side by side—one slightly taller, one shorter. The shorter one clutched a spoon in her little claws, focusing intently on eating the sweet, chilled milk in front of her.

The taller one, however, was distracted while eating, constantly sneaking glances at her companion.

When Qian finished her chilled milk and reached for a small cake, she struggled with the wax paper wrapping. Seeing this, Fanny immediately put down her spoon, turned slightly, and helped peel off the wax paper before handing the cake back.

Qian finally noticed this little friend and, upon meeting her bright, shiny eyes, instinctively started rummaging through her pockets.

First, she pulled out a few sparkling candies, then a gleaming gemstone, pushing them all toward Fanny.

“Is this for me? It’s so pretty, I love it!”

Fanny had been repeatedly told by her grandfather how powerful and precious dragons were, but as a young child, she couldn’t fully grasp such reverence.

Right now, all she wanted was to play with this slightly special-looking new friend.

Perhaps making friends was a natural talent for children. After just this simple interaction, Fanny immediately felt like she had a new friend.

Ignoring her grandfather’s pointed coughing and meaningful glances, she dragged her chair closer to Qian, determined to sit next to her while eating.

Aeregon sighed helplessly as he watched his granddaughter excitedly chatting with the young dragon. He could only let her be.

After all, the Ice Dragon across from him did not object. In fact, not only did he not stop them, but he also watched the two children interact with a smiling gaze, as if he found it quite amusing.

Soon, after finishing their food, Fanny happily took Qian by the hand to show her collection of treasures.

Once the two little ones ran off hand in hand, Lacia finally set down his fork.

He had long since stopped needing food. He had stayed at the table only to accompany the child and to give the host face.

Now that the meal was over and the children had gone to play, Lacia smiled at Aeregon.

“Go ahead, tell me—why did you invite me here?”

Aeregon hadn’t expected the dragon to bring it up first.

The dragon’s eyes held a depth of wisdom, making Aeregon feel as if he had been seen through instantly.

The Ice Dragon, who had witnessed the rise and fall of countless races, was the oldest sage on the continent. Even a human who had lived for over two hundred years was merely a child in his eyes—any hidden thoughts could be seen at a glance.

If he hadn’t already had some suspicions, he wouldn’t have come all this way.

Clenching his fists tightly, Aeregon replied in a grave tone, “Your Highness, magical beasts have been sighted in the Yada Sacred Mountain, which borders the Dusk Forest.”

Magical beasts were animals tainted by the corrupting underground demonic aura. This foul magic altered their bodies, making them stronger, more violent, and bloodthirsty.

They would leave the forests in massive swarms, gathering near human cities, forming beast tides, and launching attacks on humans.

Even worse, these creatures carried the corrupting demonic aura with them, spreading an incurable plague among humans.

Over time, the underground demonic magic accumulated until it overflowed, inevitably affecting life on the surface.

Such beast tides had occurred in the past.

The last time it happened, the dragons had helped humans eliminate the magical beasts and restore order. Because of this, dragons became revered as the protectors of humanity.

Now, thousands of years had passed. The dragon race was on the path to extinction, yet the corrupting demonic aura had once again stirred the magical beasts into action.

This time, who would save the world that had enjoyed peace for a millennium?

Aeregon’s family, the Waterseys, had produced great astrologers who could divine prophecies from the stars.

The prophecy foretold that the extinction of the last dragons would herald the return of chaos. When that time came, countless lives would be lost, and magic itself would decline after the great calamity.

Aeregon firmly believed that, as the last dragon on the continent, His Highness Lacia must already be aware of this.

Sure enough, the humanoid dragon sitting across from him showed no hint of surprise at his words.

He merely nodded calmly and said, “I understand.”

Fanny took Qian to her room to show off her treasures.

There were jewelry pieces made of various gemstones, beautiful ribbons, and little dresses. She also had a collection of cherished dolls.

Fanny opened each cabinet, introducing her doll friends to her new friend and even led her onto the bed to admire the starry lights her grandfather had made for her.

Her maid, watching them fondly from the doorway, said, “Miss Fanny, they found a litter of newborn puppies in the garden. Would you like to go see them?”

Fanny squealed with delight and immediately grabbed Qian’s paw, dragging her downstairs to see.

In the living room, the old father and grandfather could clearly hear the sound of two children running upstairs and downstairs, dashing back and forth from the front to the back of the estate.

Before long, their little footsteps came bounding back again.

Both of them were holding a chubby little puppy in their arms. With short limbs and shiny black eyes, even when being lifted into the air and hugged tightly by their young owners, their tiny tails kept wagging nonstop.

“Grandfather, look!” Fanny beamed as she held up the little dog.

Aeregon glanced at the dragon, coughed lightly, and said to his granddaughter, “We are discussing important matters. How could you just barge in like this? This is inappropriate!”

Fanny was not afraid of him. Though her grandfather was strict, he had always doted on her.

“There are several more puppies. Can I keep them?”

Qian was also holding a puppy. She walked over to Lacia and placed the small white pup on Lacia’s lap.

Earlier, in the hands of the young dragon brimming with vitality and magic, the puppy had been comfortable. But now, upon reaching the Ice Dragon, the poor little pup was so intimidated by the aura of the adult dragon that it dared not move. Its tiny pink tongue stuck out pitifully.

Lacia casually stroked the puppy a couple of times before taking Qian’s hand.

She was wearing white gloves adorned with lace ribbons and pearl flowers, covering the small bluish claws that had not yet fully transformed.

“Fanny,” Qian flexed her claws slightly and spoke.

Hearing her name, Fanny, who had been entangled with her grandfather, immediately looked over and cheerfully said, “I made those for Qian!”

She stretched out her hand, revealing the same lace gloves.

“Now we’re the same!”

After chatting with the adults, the two children ran off again, still carrying their puppies.

Aeregon awkwardly gripped his cane. “Fanny is a bit too noisy.”

Lacia replied, “It’s good for children to be noisy. Qian is still too quiet. I hope she can have more fun.”

The youngest students at school were already twelve-year-old boys and girls—just old enough to be annoying. Younger children, even when annoying, were still cute.

Qian was destined to have no peers of her own kind. Lacia was happy to see her playing joyfully with children her age.

Lacia returned to the main topic. “I will visit Mount Yada. Qian will stay here.”

Aeregon’s face became serious. “Your Highness, please rest assured, I will protect the young dragon!”

Lacia: “… Just make sure she has fun.”

Though the young dragon had not yet matured, she was, after all, of the dragon race—born with immense physical strength and outstanding magical talent. There were probably very few on the continent who could harm her now.

Moreover, ever since the young dragon was accidentally teleported to the Land of Death, Lacia had placed a magical formation on her to ensure her safety.

Fanny, having found a new friend, wanted to do everything with her—sleep together at night, play together in the morning.

So, when Lacia announced he was leaving, the young dragon showed no strong reaction.

The two children were picking flowers in the garden when Lacia specifically approached the young dragon to say goodbye.

“Qian, Father is leaving.”

The young dragon acknowledged with a hum but continued picking flowers.

Lacia: “…”

“Qian, Father might not return until tomorrow.”

“Mm.”

“Qian? Don’t you want to go with Father?”

“Mm.”

The old father felt completely brushed off.

“Qian…”

His robe was tugged.

The young dragon handed him a bundle of flowers she had picked.

Lacia was finally satisfied. Without saying anything more, he took the flowers and left.

At noon, only three people were at the dining table—one adult and two children. Fanny, feeling bolder, eagerly asked her grandfather,

“Can we go to Langa City this afternoon to see the magic show? I heard there will be fireworks and talking animals performed by magicians!”

After speaking to her grandfather, she turned to her little friend and enthusiastically described all the exciting things they could see.

Stars falling from the sky and exploding into tiny gifts, dozens of colorful feathered birds singing together, a magician making the audience disappear and reappear on the spot…

To her, it all sounded like the most wonderful thing ever.

Aeregon was reluctant. “Isn’t it better to just play with the puppies in the estate?”

Fanny loudly insisted, “Qian has never seen anything like this before! I want to take her to see it!”

Langa City was of moderate size but had a bustling flow of people. It served as a hub connecting several major cities, attracting traveling merchants, tourist groups, and wandering magicians who frequently performed there.

Fanny wanted to watch a large-scale magic show.

Aeregon, along with maids and guards from the estate, took the two children to the city center of Langa.

By this time, the sun was setting. The gas lamps on the streets had not yet been lit, and groups of children with excited smiles ran past, all rushing to see the magic show.

The performance was held in a semi-open venue. Those who bought tickets could get good seats, while those without tickets could only stand outside and watch from afar.

Even before the show began, the venue was packed with people.

Aeregon led them to the best seats in the central area.

The opening act was exactly as Fanny had described—the star explosion.

Several glowing lights, resembling stars, flickered above the stage. Under the magician’s guidance, they slowly descended. As they fell, they transformed into tiny fireworks, bursting into sparks.

At the center of each spark, a small winged pouch floated down, each containing a tiny gift, randomly dropping into the audience.

Though the gifts were inexpensive, everyone who caught one was thrilled.

The opening performer was a very young magician. Listening to the lively cheers from the audience, he smiled broadly, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth.

But then, his gaze inadvertently landed on a familiar elderly face in the crowd, and his smile suddenly froze.

In the middle of this joyful audience, a stern expression and a pair of sharp eyes stood out unmistakably—wasn’t that Principal Aeregon?

How had he ended up working a side gig during vacation, only to run into the headmaster?!

And why was the principal even watching such a childish magic show?!