"Actually, my husband and I originally planned to go to the Azure Sea first, but we heard there have been occasional conflicts among the dragon clans along that route recently. To avoid trouble, we decided at the last minute to come to Flowing Cloud Valley instead," Yuna explained.
"Conflicts among the dragon clans?" Rossweise asked, her interest piqued.
"Yes, it seems to be Constantine's tribe. I heard a while back that he wanted to expand his territory and was planning to absorb some smaller dragon clans," Yuna elaborated.
Rossweise recalled Isha mentioning this matter before. She hadn't expected Constantine to act so quickly. Absorbing smaller, weaker branches was one of the main ways for dragon clans to expand their territories.
The "background story" she had fabricated for Leon followed similar lines—claiming he came from a disbanded tribe and was taken in by her Silver Dragon clan.
Yuna waved her hand dismissively. "Let's talk about your two little ones instead. My husband and I also want a cute child like yours. But we've always been quite confused about the idea of having children. Miss Rossweise, how did you and your husband decide to have children?"
The dragon race was a rather pure-blooded species. Generally speaking, refusing premarital activities was considered pure enough, but dragons took it a step further by refraining from sexual activities altogether before marriage.
This was due to their physiological characteristics: once they engaged in intercourse for the first time, pregnancy was inevitable, and no measures taken afterwards could prevent it.
Most dragons chose to lay eggs because they didn't want to be unexpectedly burdened with parenthood right after mating, so they opted for self-reproduction instead.
This was also why Leon had been so certain after using Blood's Enchantment on Rossweise that "My child is already taking root in your womb."
For newlywed couples like Yuna and Zay, who were together and planning children, feeling confused about the process was quite normal.
Now that they'd found Leon and Rossweise, they naturally wanted to learn more.
Unfortunately… The newlyweds had the right idea but picked the wrong targets. The two 'elders' sitting here might have children—two, in fact—but was it possible they had only shared their first kiss last night?
"How did you decide to have children…" Rossweise felt uncomfortable, not wanting to dwell on the past. She pursed her lips, struggling for words. "Actually… um, it was my husband who mentioned wanting to be a father at the time, and I… I didn't think much about it, I just… I just agreed."
High emotional intelligence: "I didn't think much about it at the time."
Low emotional intelligence: "I was under the influence of Blood's Enchantment and didn't have a chance to think."
Leon silently covered his face. Though it sounded strange, it was essentially the truth, and he didn't have the confidence to refute it.
"In matters like these, it's natural. There's no need to force yourself or your partner, or feel afraid. Just let things happen naturally," Leon interjected, coming to Rossweise's rescue.
Rossweise immediately felt relieved, and Yuna and Zay nodded thoughtfully.
It was clear Yuna genuinely loved children. Otherwise, she wouldn't have called Muen 'sweetie' earlier. All they could do was wish the couple success in having children soon.
After chatting for a while longer, Zay brought up his own concern.
"Actually, Yuna and I have been together for many years, and we got to know each other well before deciding to marry. But sometimes she can be a bit too dominant, and she knows this herself. We used to argue about it before we got married."
Zay looked at Leon. "Mr. Leon, I'd like to ask if you have any advice for dealing with this kind of situation?"
Leon sat upright, looking serious. "Mr. Zay, I'm sorry, but my wife Rossweise is the delicate and charming type. Despite her tall stature and cool appearance, she actually enjoys acting cute and spoiled from time to time. So, I might not be able to answer your question."
This time, it was Rossweise's turn to cover her face.
Oh yes, I'm delicate and charming, I act cute and spoiled, and I never argue with you.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Zay's eyes. "Oh, I see…"
"But," Leon continued earnestly, "no matter how strong-willed a woman is, she will still show her vulnerable side. Whenever that happens, regardless of what kind of person you usually are, you should stand up firmly to protect your wife. I think… that's what makes a responsible and good man."
Rossweise silently looked at Leon. His words reminded her of the day Noah was called to the principal's office. When that man was about to criticize her and Noah, Leon had stepped forward and, just as he said, firmly defended his wife and daughter.
Perhaps in Leon's mind, family and marital relationships weren't that complicated. They were built on a foundation called "responsibility," and everything else was constructed upon it, piece by piece.
Leon was simply that pure and highly responsible person.
"Okay, thank you for your guidance, Mr. Leon," Zay said with an appreciative nod.
Leon waved his hand. "No problem at all."
They continued chatting for a while longer until Muen and Noah came running back, returning the camera to Yuna and Zay.
"Well then, until we meet again," Yuna said.
"Until we meet again."
"Goodbye, Aunt Yuna, goodbye, Uncle Zay!" Muen waved.
"Goodbye, Aunt and Uncle," Noah added politely.
"Goodbye, little ones!"
Yuna waved back, linking her arm with Zay's as they walked away.
The newlyweds laughed and joked, teasing each other and occasionally bumping shoulders lightly. Leon and Rossweise watched the scene, feeling as if they were seeing a reflection of themselves.
With that thought, they glanced at each other, then quickly looked away again.
The uncertainty of how to face each other still lingered.
.
.
.
After the seven-day hot spring trip, life returned to normal. However, since their return, the couple seemed to be deliberately avoiding each other.
They even skipped Rossweise's usual "three days of rest" routine.
The night they lost their first kiss in the haze of emotions and confusion had subtly influenced their mindset.
That evening, Rossweise stood on the balcony, sipping wine and enjoying the breeze. Suddenly, she heard a sound behind her.
"Your Majesty, there's news," Shirley said.
Rossweise turned around. "Have you found the Lawrence couple?"
"They've been found," Shirley replied.
Rossweise's eyes lit up, and she quickly asked, "What exactly is the situation?"
"They have left the empire. I stumbled upon their hiding place while circling the outskirts. It would have been difficult to find the location without flight capability."
"No flight capability… and it's difficult to find? Then how did he and his wife get there?"
Shirley shook her head, swallowing nervously, her expression slightly odd.
Rossweise approached, setting down her wine glass and gently placing her hand on Shirley's shoulder. "Take your time, tell me slowly."
Shirley composed herself and continued, "Your Majesty, I can sense… that man named Tiger… is very powerful, so powerful that he's on a completely different level from other dragon slayers. When he found me, he could have easily killed me."
Hearing this, Rossweise couldn't help but sigh. Leon's master was indeed not just an ordinary farmer, as he had claimed.
"But after he realized I was a Silver Dragon, he didn't attack. Instead, he said…"
"What did he say?"
"He wants to see you."