Leon looked at Odin with a mixture of resignation and disbelief. "You really want me to go negotiate with the Empire? Is this another setup?"
Odin, standing with a composed expression, replied, "Thatâs why we selected you, Leon. This mission holds significant symbolic value. The Empire needs to understand the strength of the Dragon Clan."
Rosvisser smirked, standing next to Leon, and remarked, "So, youâre truly letting him go?" There was a playful, yet slightly mocking tone in her voice.
Isha, Rosvisserâs elder sister, joined in with a smirk of her own. "Donât worry, Leon. Youâll be fine. Itâs not as if theyâll actually allow any harm to come to you."
Leon sighed, but before he could respond, a message arrived from the Twilight Tower Master. Claudia, a respected figure in the Sea Dragon Clan, shared the news. "Even so, itâs still a rare occurrence for the Silver Dragon Queen herself to endorse a decision like this," she said with a tone of awe.
Noa and Moon, Leon and Rosvisserâs daughters, had been listening in quietly, their expressions filled with curiosity. Noa, mature for her age, commented, "The council kept the details of the meeting brief, but the atmosphere was intense."
Moon, always full of energy, chimed in, "Entrusting dad with this big responsibility really shows how much they believe in him. Heâs like a hero for the Dragon Clan!"
Helena, the young Sea Dragon Clan princess, added with excitement, "Yes! The great North Star of the Dragon Clanâthe Silver Dragon King!"
Leon rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the expectations placed on him. "I get that you all have high hopes for me, but do you really think this is the right decision?" He looked around, trying to gauge the seriousness of the situation.
Just then, Aurora, the youngest, tugged at her mother Rosvisserâs sleeve. "Mom, why does dad look like he wants to cry but is holding it back?"
Rosvisser chuckled and explained to her youngest daughter, "This expression has a special term, Aurora. Itâs called the âcrying but holding back tearsâ look."
Leon, overhearing, muttered, "Ah, I see how it is..."
Aurora, always one to understand the mood, responded cheerfully, "Okay, Mom! Letâs go find Sister and play! Dad and Mom have serious things to talk about."
Aurora ran up with her tiny steps, climbing onto Leonâs knee, wagging her little tail as she leaned back, watching her two older sisters practicing in the training arena.
Helena looked on with admiration as Noa and Moon gracefully leaped and spun, each movement filled with energy. "Those two are really putting in their all, arenât they?" she remarked, smiling gently.
Leonâs eyes drifted to the scene with a faint smile, taking in the way his daughters were growing strong and capable. **Rosvisser**, standing beside him, looked proud as well. Her hand gently pressed against his back, as though grounding him in the moment.
Rosvisser turned to Leon, her expression calm yet serious. "I believe Odinâs support in having you act as the Dragon Clanâs negotiation representative is no small endorsement. So, are you prepared to go?" she asked, arching a brow.
Leon let out a frustrated sigh, crossing his arms. "Since when did I ever have a choice? Odin practically dumped this assignment on me without asking," he muttered, visibly irritated.
Isha chuckled at Leonâs reluctance. "If Odin thought anyone else could handle it, he wouldnât have chosen you," she teased, her tone light.
Leon, feeling slightly helpless, scratched his head, saying, "The moment I received this news, I was already resigned to my fate."
Rosvisser nodded in agreement, showing her understanding with a gentle nod. "This role is important, Leon, and you are the one best suited to represent the Dragon Clanâs interests in the negotiations," she reassured him.
Leon, sighing deeply, accepted her words. "Fine, Iâll go. But I donât have to like it," he replied, resignation clear in his voice.
Rosvisserâs expression softened slightly, and she whispered to him, "Remember, Leon, this isn't just about our clan. The outcome of these negotiations could ensure peace for both sides after centuries of conflict and mistrust."
Leon knew she was right. The Dragon Clan had suffered through centuries of brutal wars, and now, they finally had a chance at peace. Letting doubt undermine this process would not serve anyone well.
After a brief moment, Leon nodded, understanding the gravity of his mission. "Alright, Rosvisser. Iâll go and do whatâs needed," he finally conceded, accepting the role placed upon him.
Rosvisser, hearing his reluctant acceptance, leaned closer, her voice lowering to a softer, more private tone, "I know youâll do well, Leon. Just... keep in mind that everyone here trusts in your abilities."
A slight warmth flickered in Leonâs eyes as he looked at Rosvisser, appreciating her encouragement. "With you beside me, how could I ever fail?" he murmured, a faint smirk appearing on his face.
Rosvisser smiled, touching his shoulder gently, reminding him of the strength they shared. "Then make sure the outcome of these talks brings benefit to both sides. After all, you possess certain... charms that may be essential to securing a favorable agreement."
Leon chuckled softly at her words, but he took her advice seriously. "Alright, if itâs a matter of charm, then I suppose thereâs no one better suited than me," he replied confidently, his usual playful spirit returning.
Leon took a deep breath, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. "To think that things have developed to this point... me, representing the entire Dragon Clan? I never imagined it would come to this."
Rosvisser smiled softly at him, her eyes filled with affection. "Yet, here we are. Youâll be our representative to the humans. And after that, youâll come back and tell me all about it."
Leon shook his head, sighing. "You really think sending me, a dragon, to negotiate with humans wonât be seen as symbolic? It feels more like a gamble."
Rosvisser laughed, a light, teasing smile on her lips. "If weâd left it to someone else, do you think it wouldâve turned out any better? Besides, I know you. You can handle this." She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her fingers lingering warmly.
Leon reached up, covering her hand with his, savoring the closeness between them. "Well, if you believe in me that much, I suppose I have no choice but to succeed." He leaned in, brushing his lips lightly against her neck, and then straightened, his expression resolute.
As they watched, Aurora skipped over to where her older sisters, Noa and Moon, were playing in the training arena. She giggled, joining them, as they ran about, pretending to ride dragons.
Rosvisserâs eyes softened at the sight. She turned to Leon, murmuring, "Sometimes, I wonder if peace really does come at a price. If the fighting stops, it might mean theyâll have to stop playing knights and dragons. Wouldnât that be a shame?"
Leon looked at her, an amused grin on his face. "Youâre right. It wouldnât suit them at all if they had to give up their favorite game."
As the children continued their game, Rosvisser slowly stood up, brushing herself off. She glanced down at Leon, a gentle look in her eyes. "If things go well, Leon, your name will be remembered in the history of the Dragon Clan."
Leon gave her a knowing look, his voice lowering. "And Iâll make sure that when that history is written, it remembers that the Silver Dragon Queen was by my side every step of the way."
Rosvisserâs smile deepened, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder. "Then letâs hope the path weâve chosen leads us to a future where dragons and humans can stand side by side without fear."
Leon nodded, his determination renewed. "With you here, I believe we can make that future a reality."
Rosvisser leaned into Leon slightly, her voice soft yet firm. "Your life might undergo some monumental changes after this," she whispered, her fingers lightly trailing across his arm as though seeking reassurance.
Leon exhaled, gazing at the horizon with a calm expression. "As long as youâre here with me, whatever happens, Iâll take it on," he murmured, his voice deep and steady.
Rosvisser smiled faintly, her tone lightening as she teased, "History will be written about this, you know. But what I enjoy more than the glory of history is simply living in this moment with you, Leon."
Their shared warmth enveloped them in a quiet, intimate bubble, one that was interrupted only by the sounds of nature around them.
...
Six months later, representatives from the Dragon Clan and the Empire gathered at a high cliff meeting point, overlooking the lush valleys below. On one side stood Leon, the pride of the Dragon Clan, alongside his loyal members of the Lionheart Society. Across from them, the former Emperorâs envoys waited, their faces cautious but hopeful.
As the two groups approached, Leon extended a scroll containing the Dragon Clanâs truce agreement. "Half a year ago, we received a truce letter from the Empire, and today we are here to finalize the terms," he announced, his voice carrying across the gathering.
Some of the envoys shifted nervously, eyeing the Dragon Clan with suspicion. "Is this a trap?" one of them muttered under their breath, uncertain of the true purpose of the meeting.
But Leon remained composed, his gaze steady. "This isnât a trap or a scheme. This is a genuine attempt at peace," he declared, holding the scroll high for all to see. The gathered crowd fell silent, weighing his words.
As Leon opened the truce scroll, he spoke with sincerity. "Let this be a beacon of hope for a future where dragons and humans coexist without fear. Together, weâll forge a path for cooperation and understanding."
From across the clearing, the former Emperorâs lead negotiator, General Kassmor
,
nodded in agreement. "Letâs work toward a future where both our people can stand side by side."
Leon met Kassmorâs gaze, and without another word, the two leaders exchanged a nod, sealing the agreement with a quiet, mutual respect.
Rosvisser addressed the group gathered around, her tone casual yet with a hint of amusement. "Of course, your team leaders might also end up being extremely busy."
Leon smirked, leaning back comfortably. "So, when the ceremony is over, do we just sit back and let the others handle it? I don't see why we should stick our noses in where it's not needed."
Isha laughed, nudging Leon with her elbow. "Oh, youâd love that, wouldnât you? Just letting the âeldersâ handle all the serious business while you sit back and relax."
Aurora, who had been listening in, piped up, her tone innocent yet curious. "But, Dad, havenât you always been the one everyone looks up to?"
Leon laughed softly, a slight glint of pride in his eyes. "Thatâs right. I might be the âelderâ here, but Iâve still got plenty of fire left. And besides, if Iâm there, whoâs going to handle all the hard stuff?"
Rosvisser chuckled, amused by Leonâs bravado. "Oh, yes, the great and mighty Leon. Just donât get too comfortable, or youâll miss the real action."
Helena joined the conversation, her voice light. "Itâs true! Donât get lazy now, or the youngsters will outshine you."
Leon scoffed, crossing his arms. "Well, as long as thereâs still some serious work to be done, Iâm not going anywhere."
Isha turned to Helena, explaining with a grin, "Leonâs not the type to pass on anything remotely challenging. But thatâs what makes him⊠well, Leon."
Helena nodded in agreement, a teasing smile on her face. "Then, Leon, maybe youâll show the younger ones how a true Dragon handles things, right?"
Leon, with a smirk, responded, "Of course. Let them see how itâs done, especially those who think they can slack off and still shine."
---
Mara clutched Rinka's arm tightly, holding on as though for dear life. "Donât, donât! Itâs not safe!"
Rinka laughed softly, patting Maraâs arm. "Relax, Mara. Youâre holding on too tightly. Besides, I can handle this."
Mara let out a shy laugh, but her eyes were wide as she glanced up at Rinka's chest, noticing the closeness. "You sure are playful, arenât you?"
Naia, observing from a distance, watched with an amused expression as the Dragon Clanâs soldiers drew closer. Slowly, she let out a quiet breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
In the absence of a prominent leader, they all wondered who would eventually be sent as the representative...
...
"Why you? Why does it have to be you?!" Aresâs voice was filled with frustration as he looked at Lyra.
Lyra took a deep breath, her face remaining calm. "Because, in the absence of a strong leader, I am the one chosen to bear this responsibility," she replied, her tone steady.
Ares couldnât hide his exasperation. "But seriously, what are they thinking? Using a random human as a representative for the Dragon Clan is absurd!"
Lyra smiled slightly, addressing his concerns. "Listen to me, Ares. Donât worry. I know exactly what Iâm doing."
_____________________
TL NOTE
: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - I'd really like to see how far Leon goes and how far we can increase the number of chapters. Thanks~!