/
Dragons’ Melancholic Song (Part 9)
I looked at Irina, who was in front of me. I honestly didn’t know what to say, or rather, what she said left me speechless. Irina’s thinking was very simple. In spite of knowing that I had a wife and wouldn’t leave my children, she still wanted to remain by my side. I was slightly glad to hear that.
“Could it be that she wants to come back together with me…? No, no, no, that would be scarier.” I cut off my own scary thought.
I knew my wives wouldn’t allow me to bring a new woman back. What, was I going to have to resort to claiming that she was my mom’s friend’s daughter, so I needed to have a child with her, please look after her my dear wives? As if. The sun would come up the other side if my wives didn’t slaughter her. She was a dragon, yes, but I wouldn’t rule out Nier and Lucia asking for Ying’s help to kill her. Furthermore, all my girls were soon going to be able to call me “dad.” I, frankly, had no desire to take care of another child. More importantly, perhaps it was because Irina and I didn’t have any feelings for each other; hence, we might not spare any thoughts for the child who might be born. We had no anticipation for a blissful family. After all, she wasn’t my wife or my child. Therefore, I wasn’t interested.
“I want to be by you side. Please at least allow me to have a child! King Troy, this is my only request. I know you will not abandon your wife and children, and I greatly regret not being able to meet you sooner, but I beg you; please allow me to have a child with you. Just one child, not just for our race but more for myself.”
Irina’s face was thoroughly red. She was very, very shy. She mustered up all her courage to make her request. Maybe it was for her race, but I felt that it was more likely to be her own desire to have a child with me. After all, it was nice for both the entire race of dragons and her. I wasn’t okay with it, though.
I didn’t need to worry about anything, since I was certain that I didn’t need to concern myself with anything once Irina gave birth, because I’d probably be able to leave, given that it wasn’t me that the dragon race wanted, but a child with my blood. Irina would take care of our child, and it didn’t matter to me if the child didn’t want to come to the Imperial Palace.
The thing was that I didn’t think I could leave. As we had done it once, I was bound to have to go all the way. I said that I was in a dragon’s cave. Dragon Mom told me to remain vigilant whilst there, but I failed. I never thought the moment would come. I never thought I’d have my drink spiked and to be raped.
I didn’t want to have a child with Irina. I had no feelings for her. I didn’t dislike her. What she did was not her fault. It wasn’t her responsibility, after all. Having said that, I really didn’t want to develop feelings for a woman I didn’t know. Lucia, Nier, Ling Yue and I went through lots of tribulations together, which led to us falling in love; that was how we had what we had. I didn’t accept every single woman who came to me, and I wasn’t a man who planted seeds wherever he went.
I didn’t answer her question. Instead, I said, “I want to see your mother and my mom. I want to speak to them about this.”
I certainly needed to ask my mom and Camille about it. I needed to tell them what was on my mind. Since we couldn’t easily resolve it, I was going to have to confront them.
Dragon Mom didn’t help me right away, but I could fully understand her position, since the dragon race required a child to survive. It was an important situation that pertained to whether or not the dragons could reproduce. Hence, I didn’t resent Dragon Mom. With that said, I didn’t want to continue with it.
I was sure that Dragon Mom would respect my next decision. I was sure she’d let me return. I couldn’t stay. If I stayed, who knows when I’d be able to go home, because who knows when Irina will be able to conceive a child? Additionally, if I submitted to them, then what happens if the other dragons besides Irina wanted a piece of me? If that happened, I’d be stuck there, so I absolutely couldn’t stay. I had to leave. I had to leave right away. If I wanted to escape, I was going to need Mom’s help.
Irina understood that I couldn’t directly answer her. She looked somewhat disappointed, but nonetheless, went to the door and gently opened it. To be frank, I had a burning impulse to escape; however, when I thought about it carefully, I didn’t see any possible chance of success…
I was surprised to find Dragon Mom and Camille were already waiting outside. Camille wore a smile that showed she was pleased with herself. She had the type of demeanour that was implying she was content with her success. On the other hand, Dragon Mom looked bitter. As a matter of fact, she didn’t dare to look straight at me. I knew that, while she was aware that it was necessary for her to do that, guilt overwhelmed her.
With a proud smile, Camille queried, “Were you two a little excited last night? I think your moans could be heard throughout the entire cave last night. I see that you enjoyed a fabulous night. In saying that, I wonder if a new life has formed in Irina’s belly.”
Irina lowered her head. With a flush face, she muttered, “Umm… umm… I… I don’t know…”
I took in a deep breath: “I have something to say to you two about what happened last night. I want to discuss something with you two.”
Dragon Mom and Camille exchanged glances. The two of them maintained very calm expressions, so I presumed they guessed the moment would eventually come. Dragon Mom nodded: “Let’s discuss it, then.”
Being observant and keen, Camille called Irina over to her and led her away first, allowing me and Mom to have a moment. But nonetheless, I could tell Dragon Mom was feeling awkward. She didn’t dare to raise her head to look at me. I softly chuckled and asked, “Mom, what’s wrong with you?”
“Son… I… I… I feel that I’ve done something wrong…”
Somewhat afraid, Dragon Mom began to tremble. It was the first time I saw Mom, a member the strongest species on the continent, tremble so fearfully. Her line of sight was unsettled due to her fear. I, however, kept my eyes on Mom. I grabbed hold of her hand, and she responded with a jolt. She apologised in a shaky voice, “I’m sincerely sorry… Sorry… Sorry… Son… Mommy hesitated… Mommy truly hesitated… Mommy should’ve stopped them… Mommy truly should’ve stopped them… But Mommy… Mommy… When Mommy thought about the race being able to have a child… Mommy… Mommy hesitated… Mommy shouldn’t have hesitated… Mommy… Mommy… was too selfish… Mommy… isn’t worthy of being a mother…”
Mom’s tears landed in front of me. Her tears shattered as they hit her chest. Seeing her reaction, I pulled her into my embrace: “It’s all right, it’s all right, Mom. I can understand why you did what you did. I can understand how you feel. Our goal in coming here this time was to find dragons. You are a member of the dragon race; thus, it is only normal for you to desire to revive the dragon race. You’re the same as my Ling Yue. You’re both the same. I can understand where you’re coming from, but I don’t want to continue this. Mom, I’m content with what I have. I have my wives and my children. I don’t want to stay here forever. This should end here. Let what happened here, stay here. I want to go home. I’m sure that these dragons will force me to stay until Irina gives birth, but I don’t want to stay. I don’t know when Irina will give birth, while my wives and daughters are waiting for me. I can’t abandon them at home for this cause. Can you understand my stance?”
“Mommy understands,” replied Mom. She used the back of her hand to wipe her tears. She finally raised her head to look at me. Therein her golden eyes were regret and an apology. She tightly hugged me and quivered: “Sorry. Sorry, Son. It’s all Mommy’s fault. It’s all Mommy’s fault. Mommy is too selfish… Mommy didn’t consider your feelings. You told Mommy you weren’t willing, yet Mommy didn’t stop them… It’s all Mommy’s fault… Please don’t hate Mommy, all right? Please, don’t hate Mommy. Mommy understands now. Mommy understands now. Mommy promises to help you this time. Let’s go home, Son, let’s go home. Although they’re Mommy’s dragon kin, Mommy prefers to live together with you!”
I nodded and then hugged Mom. Voice soft, I responded, “I know, Mom, I know. I’m very touched, Mom. I’m very touched to know that you’re willing to live with me… Let’s go home. Perhaps life here is different to the dragon life you wished for. I promise to help you maintain the life here, so… Let’s go home!”