Chapter 151

"I'm in a very bad mood."

Hasan was taken aback by the first words uttered by the dragon who had come without warning.

In the early morning, closer to dawn, the dragon who appeared in front of his bedroom without notice didn't seem to think his behavior was rude at all. He even showed displeasure as if he had been subjected to something more discourteous, causing even Hasan to momentarily fail to maintain his composure.

According to the kingdom's law, disrespect toward royalty was punishable by death. But the other party was a dragon—a supreme being who couldn't be bound by human laws. At that moment, Hasan felt more clearly than ever that even a king of a country was no different from an ordinary human before a dragon. At the same time, he couldn't help but desire that overwhelming authority.

Quickly composing himself, Hasan waved away the wary knights and guided the dragon to the reception room.

"Please tell me. What has upset Lord Asad's mood?"

Seeing the face emanating coldness, something seemed to have gone terribly wrong.

Hasan's mind raced.

Was he dissatisfied with the separate palace where he was staying? Or had a servant committed some disrespectful act? ...Surely his plan to use the dragon hadn't been discovered.

Hasan looked at the dragon while hiding his tension. Finally, the dragon opened his mouth.

"Why haven't you held a banquet?"

"...Pardon?"

"The precious me has set foot on this wretched land, yet you haven't held a banquet to welcome me. I believe the concept of banquets exists in the human realm as well."

For some reason, the dragon was wearing an eye patch over his left eye. Even with only one eye visible, the gleaming gaze was chilling.

"Could it be that you don't welcome me?"

"H-how could that be?"

Hasan felt cold sweat running down the back of his neck. Despite the content being like a child's whining about why they weren't given a birthday party, the eyes staring at him seemed to emanate killing intent.

Hasan bowed his head and apologized respectfully.

"I truly apologize. It was my mistake for not thinking that Lord Asad would enjoy a banquet. If you give me a chance to make amends, I will do my best to prepare one."

The tense atmosphere loosened, perhaps because Hasan's attitude was satisfactory. Soon, a somewhat softened voice was heard from above his head.

"I'll forgive you this time."

"Thank you."

Only then could Hasan raise his head. As if the previous murderous intent had never existed, the dragon, wearing a satisfied expression, sank deep into the chair.

"Though it may be inadequate, if there's anything you desire, I will prepare it to the best of my ability."

It was startling to have someone suddenly complain about not holding a welcoming banquet, but upon reflection, it was a good opportunity.

With the world in turmoil due to magical beasts, the king's authority had also diminished significantly. Widely announcing that a dragon had visited the royal palace of Hairak would calm the anxious people. Additionally, if he could gain the dragon's trust, that would be even better.

'I've thought of one more method for that part.'

Hasan glanced down at his still empty hand and then raised his head again.

"I don't expect humans to prepare anything to my satisfaction. Just looking at this place, I can't have expectations."

The dragon, after briefly scanning the surroundings, shrugged. The reception room of the royal palace was decorated more luxuriously than any other place as it was a space for receiving guests. However, the dragon spoke as if Hasan had brought him to a dirty warehouse.

"Well, something like a duel might make it a bit better."

To enjoy watching fights with a sacred face that could appear in a holy painting—there was a sense of dissonance, but such a hobby was rather easy to satisfy.

"If I gather people and hold a dueling tournament, would that provide enjoyment for Lord Asad?"

"...Not bad. The sooner the banquet, the better. I lack patience."

"I will proceed as quickly as possible."

"It would be more fun if it gets fierce, right? I'll grant the person who ranks first in the tournament a chance to wish upon me. Of course, within possible limits."

Hasan swallowed dryly. A wish granted by a dragon...

"All participants will surely do their best. If only I could participate and compete with them. It's truly regrettable."

"Then why don't you participate too? If you win, I'll grant your wish."

"A-are you serious?"

"Yes. Of course, you'd have to win."

Hasan tried not to get too excited. But he couldn't hide the slight trembling in his voice.

His heart raced with excitement. Hasan was confident he could defeat anyone. He had never lost a duel since taking over this body.

A dominant alpha's body was incomparably superior to that of an ordinary person. With such a body, anyone would inevitably live a winner's life.

"You said you would grant wishes within possible limits... may I ask to what extent that is?"

The dragon frowned as if annoyed but answered readily.

"To the extent that I can fulfill with magic as I am now. Things that deviate from the rules of the world, like reviving the dead or turning back time, are not possible."

Hasan didn't need such wishes. There was only one thing he wanted.

"Then if I... if I were to wish for Lord Dragon to stay with me until the day I die, how would that be?"

"That's not difficult. Humans only live for about 100 years anyway."

Unlike the tense Hasan, the answer was nonchalant.

"Then I'll be going now. Prepare diligently. I might get angry if it's not entertaining."

"I will do my best. Ah, by the way, are there any inconveniences in your stay?"

"There are always inconveniences. The building I'm staying in is too narrow and shabby. But it seems all humans like to live in cramped spaces, and your circumstances seem poor, so I'll understand."

"...Thank you for your understanding."

"But why do you keep looking at this?"

The dragon tilted his head, realizing that Hasan had been looking at his chest area. It was a rewarding response for deliberately giving occasional glances. Hasan immediately fabricated a melancholic expression.

"It's an object I recognize. I was wondering if perhaps you remembered..."

"I remember what happened when I was in the human realm. I also know that we were acquaintances."

"Acquaintances, you say..."

Hasan briefly showed a hurt expression, then quickly smiled as if nothing was wrong. The dragon's gaze lingered on this smile, which was extremely 'Kinaine-like.' Sensing this, Hasan inwardly smiled. Despite the change in appearance and personality, the monster and the dragon were ultimately the same being. His preferences wouldn't have changed much.

Though it was unfortunate that Kinaine had rejected his proposal, he had expected him to react that way. After all, hadn't his brother always made him resort to the worst measures?

Hasan showed a hesitant demeanor before softly uttering.

"Lord Asad, in the past, we were lovers."

"...What?"

The dragon, who had not hidden his dismissive attitude toward humans all along, sent a disbelieving look at the statement that he had been in a relationship with this very human.

"I understand if you can't believe it. I know that much time has passed, and that we can never return to those days. Lord Asad is no longer my guard knight, and I have also married and have children."

"......"

"The reason I'm telling you this is because I'm worried that Hasan might be plotting using the past you don't remember."

Hasan pretended to hesitate, paused for a moment, and then spoke.

"After all, it was Hasan's plot that separated Lord Asad and me in the first place."

"...That guy? It must be a misunderstanding."

"So Lord Asad trusts Hasan."

Hasan smiled bitterly.

"Hasan is eloquent and skilled at lying. It's difficult not to be deceived when he tries to deceive. From the moment he called himself Nine, using the characters of my name, it was probably his intention to deceive Lord Asad. Knowing that Lord Asad doesn't remember the past."

The dragon said nothing. Hasan continued speaking as if it didn't matter whether the dragon believed him or not, with a tone suggesting he was merely concerned.

"I don't know what words Hasan used to deceive Lord Asad... but he will lie as much as needed for his own benefit. I sincerely hope that Lord Asad hasn't been deceived by his lies."

This much was enough for now. Hasan wrapped up his words appropriately.

"If Lord Asad recalls his memories, you will also know that my words are true."

The golden eye watched Hasan as if gauging the falsehood, but most of what Hasan had said was true. 'Kinaine' had been the dragon's lover in the past, and they had parted due to 'Hasan's' plot.

And soon, Hasan heard news that his attempt to drive a wedge between them had worked properly. The doctor from Jinaks who was monitoring Kinaine reported that "the dragon no longer seeks the black mage."

* * *

Two days later. It was announced that a dueling tournament would be held at the royal palace to welcome the dragon.

People who heard the news were as enthusiastic about the tournament as they were about the dragon's existence. It was clear that this was due to the prize offered in the tournament.