Vol. 5 Ch. 23

That evening, the family didn’t get to dine at the restaurant they had in mind. Instead, they were warmly invited by the Tower Master to a banquet at the Twilight Tower.

Leon and Rosvisser wanted to decline at first, as it wasn’t often that their master and his wife visited, and they’d hoped to spend time with them as a family.

However, the Tower Master was insistent, saying they could bring the whole family along to make it more lively. Out of consideration for his hospitality, the couple reluctantly agreed.

At the banquet, the seats surrounding the head table were occupied by various Dragon Kings and emissaries from different clans, including Sheyu and other prominent figures.

Leon sat alongside his master at one of the tables. The old man gazed around the banquet hall, where dragons of all kinds and tail types were gathered, and sighed in amazement.

"Even back in Claudia’s Sea Dragon Sanctuary, I saw dragons every day. But being in a room filled with so many different Dragon Kings is an entirely different experience."

Leon, hands in his pockets, seemed far less impressed. Unlike his master, he had grown used to such scenes.

"You’ll get used to it, Master. If any of these Dragon Kings annoy you, just let me know—I’ll take them all down for you."

The old man chuckled, rubbing his graying hair. "Ah, the energy of youth. I envy it."

"What do you mean?"

"Having drive, ambition. Unlike me, an old man who can only sit around and wait to be served. I’m just one step away from full-blown senility."

"Master, you’ve got quite the sense of humor."

The old man laughed again, but this time, his smile carried a hint of melancholy and helplessness.

Leon picked up on the undertone in his master’s words.

Seated next to him, Leon silently observed the old man—this diminutive figure who had long since passed fifty.

Leon knew all too well that the Heartshield Dragon Scale his master and wife possessed had significantly enhanced their physical condition and extended their lifespans. Yet, as his master had just said, the human heart and spirit remained fundamentally unchanged.

Years ago, the old man had been brimming with passion, shaking the empire to its core alongside Rebecca. But after being gravely injured by a band of saboteurs, narrowly escaping death, and subsequently recovering, he had gradually started behaving like a true retiree, uninterested in most things.

Whether it was the Sword of Time, sacred artifacts, the Covent Market, or Dragon Valley, the inherent differences between humans and dragons became glaringly obvious.

Even though Noa had inherited the Heartshield Dragon Scale, his master’s understanding of time was still rooted in a human perspective.

Leon couldn’t blame him. Even someone who had personally experienced these phenomena would find it hard to reconcile the differences.

He wondered if, ten years or a hundred years from now, he himself would still face the world with the same passion and enthusiasm.

"Papa! Grandpa! We found the most delicious cake over there—you have to come and try it!"

Noa’s cheerful voice cut through the silence, breaking the reflective mood between master and disciple.

Looking in the direction of her voice, Leon saw Noa pulling Isha along, carrying a tray piled high with desserts.

Noa held the tray up proudly, bending slightly to offer it to her father and grandfather. Leon took it from her with a small laugh, patting her head.

"Thanks, Noa."

"No problem, Papa! You and Grandpa have to try it—it’s really tasty."

"Alright."

Leon stood upright, handing a piece to his master. The old man took a bite and nodded slightly. "It really is good."

In that moment, an idea sparked in Leon’s mind. Raising an eyebrow, he thought briefly before understanding the old man’s underlying feelings.

"Grandpa, there’s plenty more good food over there. Let me take you to see."

"Ah, alright then. Let’s go."

The old man still appeared somewhat reserved, but he was noticeably more relaxed than when he had first met Noa earlier in the day.

To Leon, the subtle change was clear. Despite his master’s awkward words, he could sense the joy in the old man’s heart.

In Leon’s mind, there were only two things that could make his master truly happy:

First, when his wife was happy.

Second, when Leon finally brought home a pretty girl instead of constantly obsessing over his donkey.

Now, there was a third: spending time with his granddaughter.

Perhaps for every old soul who felt abandoned by time, a little angel like Noa could restore a part of their weary spirit.

"I used to think you were just an excellent husband and father."

Isha, holding Muse in her arms, approached slowly. Her tone carried a hint of admiration as she said, "But now, seeing you like this, I think you’re also a pretty good son."

"That’s a compliment, right? So why does it sound like an insult?" Leon teased.

Isha snorted, shooting him a glance. "I spent some time with your master and his wife earlier today. They’re wonderful people. No wonder they raised you to be so... presentable."

"Sis, ‘presentable’ isn’t nearly grand enough to describe someone as outstanding as me."

"Oh? In that case, dear brother-in-law, do you want to play another round of ‘I Have What You Don’t’?"

"No, thank you."

Isha chuckled softly, her gaze shifting around the room. "Where’s Rosvisser?"

Leon tilted his head toward the upper floor. "Upstairs, chatting with my master’s wife."

After a brief pause, Leon sighed deeply.

Isha raised an eyebrow. "Why are you sighing when Rosvisser is chatting with your master’s wife?"

"You wouldn’t understand, Sis. In human society, the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has been a notorious challenge since ancient times."

Leon squinted slightly, his eyes drifting to the railing above, where Rosvisser and the old man’s wife stood together.

"I wonder if that dragon can handle it."

"She can! She can do it!"

Leon and Isha both turned to Muse.

The little one waved her tiny fists in the air, as if cheering for her mother upstairs.

"Although your master’s wife lived among humans for over thirty years, she’s still a Sea Dragon Princess. Surely she won’t have any trouble with the whole mother-in-law dynamic," Isha said.

"If she does, well... it might be a little interesting to see."

"And now, the two strongest people in the world must be having the most intense conversation ever—"

"Rosvisser, can I call you ‘Loti’? Would that be rude?"

"Not at all."

Rosvisser waved her hands lightly, a faint smile on her lips. "My family calls me that all the time."

"Oh, wonderful, wonderful."

The Queen and her mother-in-law had initially been a bit tense and formal in their exchange.

In truth, this wasn’t Rosvisser’s first time meeting Leon’s family.

She had met his master many times before and had always maintained the regal composure expected of a queen.

Years ago, she had even spoken to his master alone while investigating his and his wife’s whereabouts on Leon’s behalf.

Back then, Rosvisser had also been calm and collected, engaging in an in-depth negotiation with the old man.

This time, the situation felt entirely different from before.

Back then, Rosvisser and Leon hadn’t been as close as they were now. Facing his master or Charlotte felt far less complicated—she could discuss anything without overthinking or hesitation.

But now, with Leon as her husband and the father of her second child, their deep bond was undeniable. If she were to claim, “We’re just friends,” not even she could believe it, let alone anyone else.

In this new context, being alone with Leon’s family added a layer of pressure.

Rosvisser found herself overthinking, wondering how to leave a good impression on Charlotte or how to approach topics about Leon naturally.

Even as a Dragon Queen, she wasn’t immune to the awkwardness and scrutiny of in-laws.

“Actually… Loti, I’ve wanted to chat with you for a long time, but the opportunity never came up.”

Charlotte’s words broke the silence.

Rosvisser looked up, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Really?”

“Yes, really. Ever since you and Leon first visited the Sea Dragons, I wanted to speak with you.”

Charlotte smiled warmly. “But at the time, Taggar was injured, and I had just removed the Heartshield Dragon Scale. I was too weak and didn’t get the chance.”

“I’m sorry about that, ma’am. We left in a hurry back then, and afterward, we didn’t find the time to visit you both. I truly apologize for that.”

“Oh, it’s fine! As the Silver Dragon Queen, you’re bound to have countless responsibilities. I understand completely. Just don’t think of me as a demanding mother-in-law, alright?”

“Demanding mother-in-law?”

Rosvisser was startled by the phrase. Her elegant face showed clear confusion.

Charlotte noticed immediately and clarified with a smile.

“Oh, ‘mother-in-law’ is a term from human culture—it means the mother of one’s husband. Since Taggar and I have lived among humans for so long, some of their expressions have become second nature to us. I hope you don’t mind.”

Rosvisser nodded. “I see. Thank you for explaining, ma’am.”

In truth, even if Charlotte hadn’t explained, Rosvisser wouldn’t have worried.

After all, Charlotte wasn’t some ordinary woman—she was the second princess of the Sea Dragons. There was no chance she would behave like a stereotypical unreasonable mother-in-law.

“I’ve heard bits and pieces about you and Leon from my sister, and I’m truly comforted. The fact that you’ve walked this far together is admirable. Thank you for taking care of Leon all these years, Loti.”

Rosvisser reflected briefly on the “care” she had provided:

Forcing him to redo assignments so they looked neater.

Waking him in the middle of the night to peel apples for her.

Using her dragon markings to intimidate him when annoyed.

And during their “role-playing” moments in cramped spaces, she always insisted on playing the dominant role. She called it “contrasting sensuality,” but in truth, it was just a chance to get back at him.

Looking back… yes, Leon had been “well cared for.”

Rosvisser maintained a composed demeanor and responded sincerely, “It’s what a wife should do.”

If Leon had been present to hear that, he would have exploded, shouting:

“This is just ‘should’? Are you kidding me? She’s gone way beyond any wife’s duties! Damn it!”

After a brief pause, Rosvisser added, “But honestly, Leon takes care of me most of the time. He’s a wonderful husband.”

“That’s absolutely true.”

Despite her occasional stubbornness, Rosvisser never spoke ill of Leon.

After all, she knew better than anyone that Leon was an exceptional husband—so perfect that there was no fault to be found.

Of course, she would never say that to his face. Otherwise, he’d become unbearably smug.

“Both of you being so outstanding is why you can understand each other and go so far together.”

“You’re absolutely right, ma’am.”

“Oh, Loti, there’s something I want to give you.”

With that, Charlotte reached into her pocket and pulled out a small but elegant jewelry box, slightly aged but well-maintained.

She slid it toward Rosvisser and opened the lid. Inside was a beautifully crafted jade bracelet.

“Ma’am, this is—”

“It’s the bracelet Taggar gave me when he proposed.”

“No, no, I can’t accept this. It’s far too precious!”

Rosvisser immediately tried to return it, but Charlotte gently pressed her hand to stop her.

“Ma’am…”

“The size of this bracelet was custom-made for me, but it happens to suit you perfectly as well. I’ve always wanted to give it to you.”

Charlotte’s voice carried a deep sincerity that touched Rosvisser profoundly.

At that moment, Rosvisser felt a kind of familial warmth she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Having grown up without parents, she and her sister Isha had relied on their grandmother’s care.

For someone like Rosvisser, who had never known a father’s or mother’s love, the gesture felt both foreign and deeply comforting.

She clasped the jade bracelet around her wrist but wasn’t looking at the piece itself. Instead, her gaze lingered on her own hand.

“Loti, the moment you decided to spend your life with Leon, we became family.”

“For years, Taggar and I wondered if a human and dragon could truly remain together forever.”

“Even though our union proved it was possible, we were still uncertain about what the future held for Leon and you.”

“But eventually, we realized that it’s not about focusing on the longevity or outcome of a relationship.”

“What matters is cherishing the moments of mutual understanding and love. Whether it lasts forever or not is simply fate—why fret over its conclusion?”

“So, I want you to have this bracelet. No matter what lies ahead, it carries Taggar’s and my blessings for your marriage.”

“Take it, Loti. Having someone as wonderful as you in our family is our greatest joy and pride.”

No matter how time moved on or how the years changed them, Rosvisser Melkvey would never forget that day.

It was a day when her and Leon’s marriage received an earnest blessing.

A blessing, and more importantly, recognition from family.

Charlotte herself clasped the bracelet onto Rosvisser’s wrist.

Feeling the cool touch of the jade, Rosvisser’s silver eyes shimmered. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Are you still calling me ‘ma’am’?”

“Ah? Then… then… what should I…”

Charlotte gave her a knowing look.

Rosvisser quickly realized but hesitated, her cheeks turning faintly pink. After a moment of internal struggle, she steeled herself—it was inevitable anyway.

“Mo-mother-in-law.”

“What? Sorry, I’m old, my hearing isn’t great.”

“…Mother-in-law.”

“Oh dear, I still didn’t catch that~”

Why did Rosvisser suddenly see Leon’s dumb, teasing personality reflected in Charlotte?

Truly, it must be said: like mother, like son. Damn it!