Chapter 21

If it’s as I suspect, it must be a really difficult magic.

It felt like he had been asked to serve sashimi when he had only ever eaten grilled fish.

There must be very few dragons who can properly use this magic.

‘Then… did Perdikion cast the verbal magic on me?’

If it’s true, it’s an insane talent. Considering he didn’t even know he had it, it’s absurd.

When he thought about it, Imugi was flabbergasted.

‘With such talent, he hasn’t even tried singing.’

He was called a rare genius among the Red Dragons, and he had a talent on a different level.

But it was absurd that he didn’t even know about his talent.

If he had known he could use verbal magic even as a hatchling, he wouldn’t have said, ‘I can’t sing!’

‘There’s no such thing as a pearl buried in the mud. Given the circumstances, is it because he was in an environment where he couldn’t sing?’

Perdikion, who was only allowed to live as an elder.

The attitude of ‘elders’ he often heard about in classes with him.

A life where other hobbies or activities were not recognized except for training to gain power.

All these pieces pointed to one conclusion.

‘Even if it’s a talent that’s hard to discover, the dragons, the most skilled race in handling magic, couldn’t have been completely unaware. So, it means there was no situation where his innate ability could be revealed.’

From their conversation earlier, Christina must have noticed something too.

Now that things are like this, he needed to find a way to improve his character and use his abilities with her cooperation.

‘If I can help him develop his abilities, it will be beneficial for me too.’

Moreover, if he could learn verbal magic himself, it would be a win-win.

Imugi rubbed his chin with his hand.

‘The problem is, it’s difficult given Perdikion’s current state.’

If he decided to cultivate it, he wouldn’t let it go to waste.

But the timing was the issue.

If he made Perdikion master verbal magic right away, it would only benefit him and, by extension, his father, the Red Dragon elder, Phasias.

‘I can’t do such a wasteful thing.’

Even though he’s improving, if he goes down the wrong path after gaining power, he might start causing real trouble.

‘It would be best to develop his abilities after his twisted mindset changes and he trusts me.’

There were several good signs, but more time was needed for a complete transformation.

He sighed deeply.

“Phew. How did it come to this?”

He had only planned to chat and get along, but it turned out to be so troublesome.

Still, thinking it would be good for both Perdikion and himself, he felt it was worth it.

‘Right. I can learn verbal magic too, so it’s a good thing. Killing two birds with one stone, as they say.’

Imugi nodded, concluding his thoughts.

What was needed to straighten out the twisted mindset of the kid? He came up with a good idea.

‘I need to conduct a special class tomorrow. I’ll need Christina’s help.’

He organized his plan in his mind and placed his hand on the magic circle to return to his room.

When he returned to his room, Rye flew over excitedly, floating near Baekya.

Imugi raised a finger and gave a shushing signal.

[Osy?]

He whispered to the momentarily paused Rye.

“Go to Christina and just relay the message.”

Blink, blink!

Rye, understanding, nodded and Imugi told him his thoughts.

***

The next morning.

Imugi, who woke up earlier than usual, put on the polymorph bracelet and went to find Christina.

Thanks to the teleportation magic circle Christina set up to ensure safe travel, Imugi easily visited the kitchen laboratory.

‘It seems she’s doing baking research today.’

Recently, Christina’s hobby was researching magical cooking.

The kitchen, set up like a laboratory, was filled with the scent of honey, sugar, and freshly baked bread.

Christina, who had sensed his presence earlier, was delighted to see the small, black hatchling and the white dandelion seed-like Baekya floating on its head.

“Welcome! You both woke up early?”

“Kyu.”

“Pee!”

She smiled softly at Imugi, who nodded in response, and Baekya, who flapped its wings vigorously in response.

“Perfect timing. I just finished this, so why don’t you try it?”

Christina handed Imugi a slice of bread with daffodil-yellow sprinkles.

Imugi, holding it with both hands, sniffed it as if entranced.

Sniff, sniff.

The fresh, warm bread scent filled his nostrils.

‘This is… chestnut?’

It had a sweet aroma. It seemed to be baked with chestnut grains mixed into the fluffy bread.

It already tasted delicious before he even took a bite.

Staring at it, he swallowed and slowly tore off a piece to put in his mouth.

“…!”

“How is it?”

The chestnut grains burst in his mouth like honey-filled fruits, sweet and soft.

The roasted almond slices added a rich, nutty flavor with each bite, and the fluffy bread brought a sense of happiness.

The warm, soft texture of the well-baked bread.

Feeling a bit disappointed that it disappeared so quickly, he took another bite, and the rich flavor left a satisfying aftertaste.

[It’s really delicious.]

Nom.

Imugi took another big bite and tore off a small piece to place on his palm.

Purr.

Baekya stood on his hand, pecked at it, and its eyes sparkled.

“Pee!”

Peck, peck, peck!

Seeing it peck at it aggressively, Christina’s eyes twinkled.

“I tried hard to make it to your taste. I’m glad you like it.”

On one of the tables, a picnic basket contained a milk bottle, chestnut bread, and a cookie jar.

“Oh. It seems Perdikion has arrived.”

“Kyu?”

‘He’s already here?’

Seeing his puzzled look, Christina said as she packed the chestnut bread.

“Maybe he was worried about what happened yesterday.”

‘He must have been subtly concerned.’

Christina packed a few more things into the picnic basket and took Imugi and Baekya with her.

Perdikion, waiting in the reception room for Christina, stared at them when he saw Baekya and Imugi.

“Welcome, Pel. You’re here earlier than usual today.”

“Yes. Is everything alright?”

“Yes. The children are all fine. As I said yesterday, they just slept deeply.”

Christina, who came to greet him, reassured Perdikion again.

“I’m relieved. I was so busy yesterday that I ended up being rude.”

“It’s fine. You might have been startled.”

Perdikion, who had been worried about failing the task his father entrusted him with, let out a sigh of relief.

He had spent the night awake, worried about what would happen if something went wrong with the Black Dragon hatchling.

Chapter 23: Picnic

If something happened to the Black Dragon hatchling, there would be no way to stop his father’s anger.

Thinking about it, he had even shouted at Christina, but she hadn’t told Imugi.

Imugi put on the artifact bracelet.

“Brother, I’m sorry for startling you. Thanks to you, I slept well. I even heard the song.”

“That’s good. I’m glad nothing happened.”

Although Perdikion arrived two hours earlier than usual, Imugi didn’t show any signs of fatigue or displeasure.

Instead, his red eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Why? I just want to hear your song.”

Perdikion’s expression showed confusion.

He had been furious with himself for singing the song his father forbade him from singing when he left yesterday.

“I won’t sing it again. That kind of song.”

Imugi shrugged.

“I liked it. I slept well and felt good. I wanted to thank you, so I asked Christina for a favor.”

“A favor?”

Perdikion, surprised by the unexpected words, asked. Imugi smiled and replied naturally.

“Let’s go on a picnic today. Or… is it called an outdoor class?”

Only then did Perdikion notice the picnic basket Christina was holding.

“Really?”

“Yes. I was planning to show you a place in my lair where the sun shines well.”

Perdikion hesitated.

“But, there’s no such thing in the elder successor’s curriculum I planned.”

Imugi interjected to ease the situation.

“Brother, I heard that Christina’s lair is influenced by the Gold Dragon’s magic, affecting the entire basin. I was curious about how that’s possible, and I heard you could explain it.”

“Lady Christina?”

Christina nodded with a smile.

“I thought it would be a good study for this child. Theoretical classes are important, but practical field trips are also beneficial.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Perdikion finally agreed.

“…If you say so, I understand.”

“Thank you. Oh, and here’s a gem with a return spell for the way back.”

Christina took out a yellow magic stone she had prepared and gave it to both of them.

“It’s in the basin, so there’s no major worry, but I thought it would be best to take some precautions since I’m sending you alone. It can also be used to contact me and will show your location,